If there was ever a doubt in your mind about why your business needs SEO, it’s clear when you look at Google Search’s average click-through rates. One 2020 study found that the first position gets almost 30% of all clicks, while the tenth gets a miserable 2.5%. That’s without mentioning how few people click through to the second page!

In other words, finding the best SEO company in your local area isn’t a stretch goal; it’s an absolute must. After all, smart marketing tactics mean the difference between high rankings and a position a few pages back.

But how do you know when you’re partnering with the best digital marketing company? Here are the steps you should take.

Know Your Goals

Before you even begin searching for a local SEO company, it’s important to have a clear sense of what you want to achieve.

Do you want to rank for specific keywords, or are you trying to lower your bounce rate? Do you want to increase conversions, or are you looking for help creating killer content?

Whatever you’re looking for, knowing your goals in advance can help you narrow down your options and find the local firm with the most experience in the areas you need.

Ask for References

Do you have peers, business partners, or other connections in your network who use local digital marketing services? Your hunt for the best SEO firm in your area might be short if someone you trust refers you to a great company! Ask questions about the firm’s experience and your contact’s satisfaction to make sure the firm excels.

Search for Local Standouts

If no one in your network can refer you to a local firm, or if you simply want to cast a wider net, it’s time to search for local SEO firms in your area. Do a quick online search for services in your city or state—such as “SEO services Jacksonville”—and see what comes up.

Check Reviews and Testimonials

Once you’ve put together a shortlist of companies you might want to partner with, you’ll need to do further research. Check for reviews and testimonials online, both on the firm’s website and on third-party review sites. Checking the latter with care is especially important, as these sites can give you a more rounded understanding of the company’s reputation.

Are the firm’s clients satisfied with the services provided? Are there complaints about poor results or the use of black hat SEO tactics? Get a feel for each firm’s approach to SEO and to their clients to help you rule out any less-than-stellar options.

Ask How They Can Help You Reach Your Goals

With your goals in mind, get in touch with each SEO company and ask them what they can do to help.

Keep in mind that SEO is a tricky business: it’s impossible to guarantee a certain position in the Google search results, for example, or to boost your rankings overnight. Any company making weighty promises is one you should be wary of.

Instead, look for a company that’s transparent about its process and how its strategies work. You’ll also want to find one that’s willing to analyze your results and report back on a frequent basis, allowing you to understand the progress you’re making.

Find the Best SEO Company for Your Brand

There’s no getting around the fact that finding the best SEO company for your needs will take time. Searching for a firm with experience getting the results you want and a stellar reputation can be tough.

Fortunately, the steps above can help you narrow down your options to partner with a company that has your best interests in mind. With the right help, you’ll have no trouble rising toward the top of the search results!

Want more insightful guides like this one? Be sure to check out our other posts to learn more.