How to Find the Right Local SEO Agency for Your Business

The unfortunate truth is that some people will lie to you. 

Some SEO agencies will promise overnight success, guaranteed virality, or a quick shot to the top of the search results in an attempt to get you to sign the dotted line. 

As a small business owner, you know that driving local traffic to your store or website can make a huge difference in your success. And one of the best ways to attract more local customers is through local search engine optimization (SEO), which is the process of optimizing your online presence to make your business more visible in local search results. 

But if you don’t have the resources to do that work yourself, you’re probably considering hiring an agency to help you out. In this article, we’ll help you decide whether or not hiring an agency is the right choice for your business and share some tips that will help you find the right fit. 

Hiring an Agency vs. Doing the Work In-House

We get it—you’ve got a lot on your plate. Local SEO takes time and effort, and you may not have the bandwidth to tackle it on your own. Here are some things to consider as you decide whether to do your SEO in-house or outsource it. 

Do you have the time and resources to handle SEO in-house? SEO requires a significant time commitment. If you or your team don’t have the time or expertise to handle these tasks, it may be more efficient to hire an agency.

Do you have specific goals and in-house expertise? If you’ve already set goals and you have some well-versed SEO experts on your team, it may be more efficient to handle SEO in-house. This will give you more control over the process and allow you to tailor your strategies to your specific needs. On the other hand, if you’re not sure what your goals should be—or how to achieve them—an agency can provide the guidance you need. 

What is your budget? Depending on the size of your business and the amount of work you want done, hiring an SEO agency can be a significant investment. If you have a limited budget, it may be wise to handle SEO in-house or consider more cost-effective options, like working with a part-time freelancer. 

5 Tips for Hiring a Local SEO Agency

If you’re considering hiring a local SEO agency to help with your online marketing efforts, it’s important to choose the right fit for your business. But in a digital age where we have endless options right at our fingertips, how do you decide which agency is the best fit for your business? Here are some tips to help you make the right decision. 

1. Look for an Agency with Relevant Experience

Not all SEO agencies are created equal—some might specialize in national or even international campaigns, while others might have more experience with local SEO. An agency that has experience working for businesses in your specific industry and/or location will be better able to tailor their strategies to your specific business and target audience. They will also be familiar with local directories, review sites, and other online platforms that can help improve your local visibility.

2. Consider the Agency’s Case Studies and Past Results

When evaluating potential local SEO agencies, be sure to ask for case studies or examples of their past work. This will give you a sense of their skills and the types of results they have been able to achieve for other businesses. If possible, try to get in touch with some of their past clients to ask about their experiences working with the agency. While many agencies promise stellar results, you want to choose one that will actually deliver. Be leery of anyone who promises you overnight success—as with most marketing tactics, SEO takes time. 

3. Pay Attention to Their Communication Style

Have you ever tried to communicate with someone who just had a completely different communication style than you? It can cause some serious setbacks. Effective communication is crucial when it comes to working with an SEO agency. You want to choose an agency that is responsive, transparent, and willing to explain their strategies and tactics in a way that you can understand. Additionally, you want to find an agency that is open to hearing your input—while they’re the SEO experts, no one knows more about your business than you. 

4. Make Sure They Offer a Comprehensive Approach

Local SEO involves more than just optimizing your website for local search terms. It also includes building local citations (mentions of your business on other websites), managing online reviews, and creating content that is relevant to your local audience. Look for an agency that offers a comprehensive approach to Local SEO and can help you with all aspects of your online presence. 

5. Consider Pricing and Contract Terms

Of course, cost is always a consideration when hiring an agency. Before you sign any contracts, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the agency’s pricing structure and contract terms. Be sure to ask about any additional fees or charges that may not be included in the initial quote. You should also get proposals from multiple agencies to compare prices and see what fits best with your budget. 

No One Knows Your Business Better Than You

Ultimately, choosing the right Local SEO agency for your small business is about finding a company that you feel comfortable working with and trust to deliver results. You know your business and you know your goals—don’t be afraid to follow your instincts. Do your research and go with the agency that you feel is the best fit for your business, even if they may not have seemed like the obvious choice at first glance. 

With the right Local SEO agency on your side, you can take your online marketing efforts to the next level and grow your local business.