Choosing the right SEO Consultant can be a right pain. What skills and experience should you be looking for, and how to tell a ‘bluffer' from an expert?
The fact is, anyone can call themselves an SEO consultant. There aren't any standardised qualifications or strict guidelines that have to be followed. This is what makes the SEO, and Digital Marketing industry as a whole, feel a bit like the lawless Wild West.
Table of Contents
What makes me different?
Fair question. I could say something like:
I've worked in SEO for over 15 years and have successfully optimised well over 250 websites in that time. Using innovative methods, I've helped clients reach top position in Google for some massively competitive keywords. I've achieved success not just on WordPress sites, but also Magento, Shopify, Drupal, Wix, Laravel and other bespoke content management systems.
But words are cheap. Any consultant will talk themselves up, that's just part of the ‘game'.
My point of difference is that I'll chat with you for 30 minutes (completely free of charge) about your website, and highlight where you should be focusing your resources to improve rankings. If you decide to hire me after that, then great. If you don't, no hard feelings, but hopefully you'll put my advice to good use.
You get what you pay for.
Since Google's recent algorithm updates, if you do decide to cut corners and hire an SEO consultant who uses dodgy tactics, any short-term boost in your rankings will be short-lived. Eventually your website will get “slapped” by Google, which will keep its rankings in the doldrums for a LONG time. And, trust me, if you do suffer a Google penalty, the cost of untangling the mess will cost you a fortune.
As the old adage goes, “you get what you pay for”. Still, it frustrates the hell out of me that company bosses seem happy to spend a fortune on crappy ads, yet fail to see why they should pay an expert SEO consultant to grow their online revenue.
Can we work together?
For any business relationship to work, it's important that people “get on”. So the first thing we need to do at the outset is decide if we're a good fit (this is as much for your benefit as mine).
If we agree we can work together, I'll agree a set of clear goals with you. This is crucial for providing transparency and to manage expectations from the outset.
What kind of businesses do I work with?
I enjoy working with people who don't treat SEO or Conversion Optimisation as just passing fads. Who have a long-term vision of success, and aren't tempted by quick fixes and “cheap” solutions.
So, if you're at the early stages of developing an online digital strategy for your business, or if you already have a website but it's not generating the enquiries or sales you had hoped for, I can help. I'll work with you to put things right so you don't waste time making the same mistakes most of your competitors are.
What to do next.
If you have any questions about my services, get in touch via my contact page.
If you want a quote for doing SEO work on your site, please answer a few questions on this page, and I'll get back to you within 24 hours.