A quick Google search is probably your first step if you’re in the market for an SEO agency.
But that’s like searching for a needle in a haystack.
You’re on the right page to solve that problem. This article shows you:
Common mistakes you can make
How to judge these SEO agencies’ offers through the lens of your needs
Insider tips for choosing the best SaaS SEO agency
Keep reading below.
1. Make Sure They’re Legit
The first step when hiring a new company is ensuring they’re legit. That’s even more important with SaaS SEO agencies who should only use white-hat SEO techniques.
Unfortunately, some SEO marketing agencies use black or grey-hat SEO techniques, such as:
A PBN (Private Blogging Network) of websites that cite each other instead of getting legitimate links from authoritative sources
Content automation and keyword stuffing
Sneaky redirects
And more
Here’s an example of keyword stuffing in the footer link to improve the website’s SEO score:
You can avoid SEO firms that employ these tactics if you:
Check their credentials: Research if they have certifications or any recognition in the industry.
Assess their team: Ensure the agency you choose employs a professional team with all necessary hard skills.
Assess their portfolio*: Look at previous clients and read up on their case studies, focusing on the type of SEO practices they use.
Check their website and social media: You can usually tell if these agencies use above-the-board SEO techniques if they have high-quality websites. If they also stuff their websites with hidden links and overused anchors, they’ll probably do the same for you.
* We’ll also discuss this point below when narrowing your list of SEO agencies even more. Now, your goal is to make a list of legit agencies.
Insider tip: Some specialist SEO agencies outsource part of their projects to other companies. Ensure their partners are legit as well. It's a good idea to outsource link building or part of it since link-building has a lot of small duties in its process, and you need help at some point.
2. Check What They Can Do (And If They Fit Your SEO Needs)
There are three steps you must take to check what your SaaS SEO agency can do:
Assess the company’s size.
Evaluate their transparency policy.
Look at their offer.
Side note: Yes, checking their services is the last step in this list. We’ll explain below.
2.1. Check the Agency’s Size
A small agency is more budget-friendly and will likely have more time for you. They will provide customized services and direct, tight communication.
On the other hand, they might not offer all services you’re interested in. That means they can either outsource part of the work or send you to someone else.
A larger SEO agency has more experience creating and managing SEO campaigns for various SaaS companies.
But although you can trust their experience, you might miss the personal interaction.
Insider tip: Pick a smaller agency if you have a specific need or don't have a big advertising budget. Choose a larger company if you have extensive SEO management needs and a higher budget.
"Pick a smaller agency if you have a specific need or don't have a big advertising budget. Choose a larger company if you have extensive SEO management needs and a higher budget."
2.2. Check the Transparency
Now that you’re here, you have a narrower list of agencies that are:
Legit
The right size
Let’s try to narrow this down even more according to your needs.
The transparency policy is crucial because you want to understand:
The people that work on your website at each stage of the project
How you can communicate with those people
For example, a more extensive SaaS SEO campaign implies fixing technical and on-site SEO issues, writing relevant content, and creating a solid backlink structure.
Each part of this campaign will have a different team, from outreach to web developers and content writers.
Ensure you:
Know who manages these teams.
Can communicate with your account manager whenever you need.
Get in-depth reports frequently.
2.3. Check Their Offer
Now it’s time to start assessing your needs more specifically and see if the SEO agency you pick can handle them.
For example:
Pick a generalist SEO agency: If you have a wide array of SEO issues, you must refine them with a generalist agency.
It’s like when you first learn to swim; your initial goal is to learn the basics and not die. On the other hand, a specialist SEO agency can help you fine-tune your technique and become a pro.
So:
Pick a specialist SEO agency: If you have issues with just one part of your search engine optimization, such as authoritative backlinks, you can choose an agency specializing in that matter. Alternatively, you may already have a solid backlink profile, but a specialist agency can help you take this to the next level.
Insider tip: Whether you choose a generalist or specialist agency, you want them to think outside their limitations and get you the best possible assistance.
For example:
A generalist agency should still produce high-quality SEO campaigns (not just basic ones).
A specialist agency should understand how all SEO aspects work together. Also check whether agencies use SPF record checker to keep your valuable data safe from email security attacks.
3. Check References and Results
The previous two steps helped you get a solid list of potential SEO agencies you can hire.
Now, you want to zero in on the best one.
Remember: Ensure the agency has experience in your industry and with your particular software.
Although the basic principles of SEO are the same, each industry will need very specific SEO insights to help you dominate SERPs.
Consider ZenMaid, a tool that automates maid service companies. This service needs a website structure and content that’s benefit-oriented.
Notice the array of keywords underlining benefits and fitting the customer search intent. Besides, the entire website is created with this principle in mind:
Conversely, medical software Veeva has another SEO strategy based on social proof:
Notice that Veeva uses colors, numbers, and keywords that reflect its results and reputation.
You want your future SEO agency to have the same understanding of what works for you, so:
Analyze the agency’s past clients to ensure it has experience in your field.
Read their case studies to evaluate their results.
Read client reviews.
Get references to discuss with the agency’s former customers.
4. Agree about the Payment
We left this point last because you shouldn’t choose a cheap SEO agency. In this field, you typically get your money’s worth.
However, you should ensure the payment system fits your budget:
Fixed fee: This pricing type is the simplest because you’ll negotiate and pay a fixed price for your project based on the required work.
Performance pay: Paying for results is advantageous because you can optimize your budget. For example, if you want to invest in HARO link building, you can simply pay for each relevant link that goes live. SEO agencies that practice this model are also some of the most trustworthy on the market.
Hourly price: This payment system is more commonly used for consulting and not organizing entire SEO campaigns.
Commision: Your agency can charge a commission from sales for SEO services that directly affect these sales.
Fixed monthly pay: If you have ongoing SEO needs, you can negotiate a monthly retainer for website SEO management.
How to Pick the Right SaaS SEO Agency
After reviewing these four tips, you’re better equipped to pick the right SEO agency for your SaaS website.
Remember:
Don’t use Google as your sole filter.
Do research to ensure your future partners can meet your needs, from the software you’re retailing to the communication you want to have.
Focus on sustainable SEO instead of black or grey-hat practices.
Follow this advice, and you’ll be sure to partner with the right SaaS SEO agency.
Author bio:
David is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Breeeze.co, an SEO services company that helps 20+ agencies and businesses succeed by providing SEO services that drive growth for their clients’ sites on Google and beyond.
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