Back in the days when the internet was wild, you could rank your website by copying and pasting some words on the page. Long before Google was a thing, there were no rules for digital marketing. There certainly was not a scientific way to gauge the effectiveness of a website or web page. And you definitely didn’t wonder how to find the best SEO company for small business. There was no such thing as the best SEO companies because SEO companies didn’t technically exist.

Over time and led by Google, search engines got better. Now they use complex algorithms to rank pages and sites. These big-brained creations are excellent at rewarding the just and punishing the cheaters.

You no longer can copy the same words over and over again and expect your site to do well. In the modern era, optimizing a web page’s searchability requires a whole lot of expertise to do well. So, along came the SEO specialists.

Search engine optimization matters and the current online landscape has loads of SEO firms wanting your business. As a small business owner, it isn’t a simple task to pick the best SEO company for small business. You want someone who can navigate the ever-changing SEO terrain to boost your results in the Google world.

If you’re already tired of thinking about this, reach out to the team at ALYKY for the expert help you deserve. They can take this weight off your shoulders.

And if you feel ready to learn more, then here are some handy tips as you try to figure out how to pick the best SEO company for your small business.

How to Pick the Best SEO Company for Small Business

These Aren’t the SEO Company Droids You Are Looking For

Star Wars fans are in the loop about this reference. But for those who are more into Star Trek, that statement refers to a time when a character applies a ‘Jedi mind trick’ to fool a couple of enemy soldiers. It’s meant to mislead and confuse them.

When it comes to looking for the best SEO marketing companies, watch out for Jedi mind tricks. Many businesses that offer SEO services will promise you the moon without being able to deliver. This problem is particularly pervasive in giant SEO firms.

The most common complaint is that they charge small businesses a ton of money, make grand boasts about what they can do, and then the results you get are unimpressive. They are not the droids you’re looking for at all. They have fooled you with their big name and doublespeak.

Instead, look for a concierge-style digital marketing firm. They will take the time to understand your specific brand and the goals for your company. With this information, they can craft an SEO strategy that makes sense for your small business. Don’t hand over your hard-earned dollars to someone who will play tricks without producing results.

Seek Referrals from Your Community for the Best SEO Marketing Companies

In addition to looking online for the best SEO company for small business, it is also an excellent idea to crowdsource your search. Work the old fashioned way by asking the people you know and trust.

Others in your line of work or niche can be significant assets in your search for the best SEO company for small business. If you attend networking events, ask around for suggestions and referrals. The goal is to find someone who understands the nuances of running a small business but also has the expertise to help you grow.

Ask About Their Best Practices

When a small business makes any decision to invest in something, the risks are significantly higher than they are for a Fortune 500 company. A wrong choice can capsize any small business. Making wise, thoughtful, and well-researched decisions is vital to the success of a small business. That’s why it’s important to know how to pick the best SEO company for small business.

The SEO industry is no different than any other. There are scrupulous companies who ply their trade with high ethical standards, and then there are the other companies who don’t.

Gone are the days of being able to post anything at all, regardless of quality, and see good results. Google is one of the most sophisticated companies in the world, with some of the greatest minds on staff. They have high standards for what they choose to rank.

As the leading search engine and with their algorithms that change almost daily, Google calls the shots here. If they aren’t happy with your site, then no one is happy with your site. Because no one will see it.

When seeking the best SEO company for a small business, you need to ask them some questions. To protect your investment, you need to know several things about an SEO firm before you consider hiring them.

• How do they stay atop Google updates and changes?
• If they offer content, how do they ensure originality and accuracy in their work?
• How often will they update you with your site’s analytics?
• How much experience do they have working with customers in your industry?

Don’t get pulled into a get-ranked-quick scheme. There are a lot of bogus SEO companies who can’t do anything more than you can do for yourself. In fact, if they give you plagiarized content, they will hurt you. That is one of the surest ways to end up in Google jail.

If something seems too good to be true, ask around. Talk to the company’s former clients and read reviews. You can also check out the usual sources such as the Better Business Bureau or Ripoff Report to give yourself some peace of mind.

Understand How Much SEO You Receive for Your Fees

Different firms have various fee structures for their SEO services. Some charge a flat rate while others quote a per-job fee. Several companies offer subscription packages for ongoing SEO. You will need to determine how much you need or want before moving forward. Do you want a one-time SEO consultation? Or do you want new updates every month or quarter?

Talk to the SEO companies you meet with about how they charge, so you can decide what is best for you. Many small businesses prefer a subscription option so that they can maintain a sustainable, long-term digital marketing plan.

Find the Best SEO Marketing Companies for Growth and Profit

At ALYKY, digital marketing strategy for small businesses is what we do. From SEO services, to analytics, to content creation, we handle all your SEO needs. Reach out today to get started with a company you can trust to serve you with integrity and professionalism.