Competition in the digital world is at an all-time high. More companies are digitizing their services in a bid to target the online customer. Remember, many consumers today are found online, especially on social media platforms.
This trend has fueled the growth of search engine optimization (SEO), including popular aspects like YouTube and voice search. The SEO industry is wider and trickier than a few decades ago, which is why you need expert assistance to compete with the rest.
But even with the best SEO partner at your service, there are a few things you need to do to get the best out of the relationship. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of things you should avoid before and after hiring an SEO agency in Toronto.
- Failing To Set Clear Goals
One of the most significant mistakes you can make when working with an SEO professional is not establishing clear and specific goals. Without these, it’ll be challenging to measure the success of your SEO efforts.
Before you engage with an SEO agency, determine what you want to achieve—whether it’s improving search engine rankings, increasing organic traffic, or boosting online sales. Doing this will guide the agency’s strategy and help you track progress effectively.
- Ignoring SEO Education
Of course, working with an SEO agency helps you rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs) while also focusing on other projects. However, that’s not to say you should ignore SEO completely and leave everything to the experts.
Relying solely on SEO companies without learning the industry’s basic concepts can be a costly mistake. You won’t understand the recommendations and strategies proposed by the agency, which can lead to missed opportunities and even disagreements.
Also, when you don’t have a clue about what the experts are doing, you’ll have limited oversight over their work. As such, it’ll be challenging to assess the quality of their efforts and if they’re following best practices.
So, to avoid falling into this trouble, invest some time in learning the fundamentals of SEO. Basic online training and resources can help you in getting started. Also, stay informed with major SEO trends since this is an ever-evolving industry.
- Not Prioritizing Communication
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership with an SEO agency. Many businesses make the mistake of outsourcing their SEO efforts and then taking a hands-off approach.
To maximize the impact of your SEO investment, maintain open and regular communication with the agency. Discuss your goals, ask questions, and provide feedback. A transparent and collaborative relationship will lead to better results.
Remember, for you to succeed in this aspect, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of this digital marketing component. Therefore, include SEO training in your to-do list.
- Expecting Immediate Results
It’s okay to be ambitious, but you also need to be realistic in your expectations. SEO is a long-term strategy, which means it requires patience and ongoing efforts. Don’t become frustrated when you don’t see improvements within weeks.
It can take several months for your business to start experiencing positive changes. Note that the time it takes for results to materialize will also depend on your industry. Some niches enjoy the fruits almost immediately, while others won’t be able to reap them until after a year.
- Not Monitoring Progress
While your SEO partner is experienced in this field, don’t assume that they’re handling everything correctly. Actively monitor the progress and performance of your company to see if the strategies are working. Since the changes could take time, it’d be wise to start this assessment a few months into the partnership.
But why does monitoring matter? First, it breeds accountability as it holds both you and your agency accountable for achieving the agreed-upon goals. It also allows you to adapt your strategies to algorithm updates and shifts in the target market. Finally, in case of any issues, you can only pinpoint them if you actively assess performance progress.
- Black Hat SEO Tactics
Black hat tactics are practices that violate search engine guidelines and aim to manipulate rankings artificially. They prioritize short-term gains over long-term success and aren’t sustainable. In addition, they can put you on Google’s radar and lead to serious search engine penalties.
While working with an SEO agency, emphasize quality, valuable, and relevant content over quantity. Focus on building natural backlinks instead of buying them or relying on private blog networks (PBNs). Also, stay informed with search engine algorithm changes and best practices to ensure your strategies remain compliant with guidelines.
Conclusion
Partnering with an SEO agency in Toronto can be a game-changer for your online presence and business success. However, to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial collaboration, avoiding common mistakes like failing to set clear goals, not monitoring progress, and not prioritizing communication is vital.
Start by learning the fundamentals of SEO to assess the agency’s work and your business performance objectively. While at it, be careful not to set unrealistic expectations, as this can easily break your relationship with the SEO company.
