Change SEO Company

How To Change To The Right SEO Agency?

Choosing the right SEO agency can be the difference between success and failure for your business’s online presence. With so many options available when looking to change SEO Company, it’s essential to make an informed decision. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you how to choose an SEO agency.

Understanding Your SEO Needs

First, identify what you want to achieve with SEO. Are you looking to increase organic traffic, improve search engine rankings, or enhance local search visibility? Clear goals will help you find an agency that aligns with your needs.

Switching SEO companies can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you need better results or a new approach, this guide will take you through the entire process. From choosing a new provider to gathering necessary information and ensuring a smooth transition, I’ve got you covered.

Part 1: Choosing Your New SEO Provider

When deciding to change your SEO provider, the first step is selecting a new agency that better meets your needs. Here’s how to make sure you choose the right partner:

Research Thoroughly

Begin by researching potential SEO providers. Look for agencies with a solid track record, verified through client testimonials and case studies. Check their history of working with businesses similar to yours. Read independent review sites and forums for unbiased opinions. It’s also wise to seek recommendations from colleagues or industry groups. Compile a list of reputable agencies with proven results in improving search rankings and online visibility. Thorough vetting will help you avoid future issues.

Checklist for Research

• Compile a list of potential providers.
• Read client testimonials and case studies.
• Verify their success with similar businesses.
• Check independent review sites.
• Seek recommendations from colleagues or industry groups.

Evaluate Their Expertise

Not all SEO companies are the same. Ensure the agency has experience in your industry and understands its unique challenges and opportunities. Ask for examples of past work and success stories in your field. Inquire about the team’s qualifications and how they stay updated with the latest SEO trends and algorithm changes. An agency that attends industry conferences, publishes research, or participates in SEO forums is likely more knowledgeable and effective. A deep understanding of your industry will help the agency develop strategies that resonate with your target audience and achieve better results.

Checklist for Evaluating Expertise

• Confirm industry experience.
• Request examples of past work.
• Ask about team qualifications.
• Inquire about their approach to staying updated with SEO trends.

Demand Transparency

Transparency is crucial in an SEO partnership. Choose a provider who is open about their methods and willing to explain their processes in detail. They should provide clear, comprehensive reports showing what work has been done, why it was done, and what results it has achieved. Avoid companies that use jargon to obscure their activities or promise overnight results with vague “secret” techniques. Honest communication builds trust and ensures you understand the value of the services you’re paying for. A transparent provider will be more accountable and responsive to your needs.

Checklist for Ensuring Transparency

• Look for clear, comprehensive reporting.
• Avoid companies using jargon or secretive techniques.
• Ensure open communication and willingness to explain processes.

Assess Communication Skills

Effective communication is key to a successful SEO partnership. Evaluate how responsive and proactive the potential provider is during your initial interactions. They should be willing to discuss your goals, answer your questions, and provide detailed explanations of their strategies. Regular updates and open channels for feedback are essential. An SEO company that communicates well from the start is likely to maintain that level of interaction throughout your partnership, helping to ensure that both parties remain aligned and any issues are promptly addressed.

Checklist for Assessing Communication

• Evaluate responsiveness during initial interactions.
• Ensure willingness to discuss goals and answer questions.
• Check for regular updates and open feedback channels.

Part 2: Information Gathering

After selecting your new SEO company, the next step is gathering all necessary information from your current provider. This ensures a smooth transition and gives your new agency the best possible start.

Judge the Mood of Your Current Provider

Your current SEO provider should ideally act professionally and provide the information you need. However, reactions can vary, and some might be less cooperative. If you’ve had a long-term relationship with your current provider, you probably have a sense of how they will react. If you anticipate resistance, it might be best to request the necessary information before informing them of your decision to leave. This approach helps ensure you have all the needed details without unnecessary friction.

Checklist for Judging the Mood

• Assess the likely reaction of your current provider.
• Decide whether to request information before or after informing them of your decision.

Gather Detailed Information

Keywords

Knowing which keywords your current SEO company has been targeting is important . Request a list of all targeted keywords, along with the research that supported their selection. Understanding the rationale behind these choices can provide valuable insights for your new provider. Additionally, compare these keywords to those targeted by your competitors. This comparison can highlight missed opportunities and areas where your strategy may need adjustment.

Checklist for Keywords

• Request a list of all targeted keywords.
• Ask for the research that supported keyword selection.
• Compare with competitors’ keywords.

Rankings

Current rankings for your targeted keywords are vital. Ask for detailed reports showing how your rankings have changed over time. This data helps your new provider understand what has been working and what hasn’t. If there have been significant drops in rankings, request explanations from your current provider. Understanding the causes of these changes can help prevent similar issues in the future.

Checklist for Rankings

• Request detailed ranking reports over time.
• Ask for explanations for significant drops in rankings.

Techniques

SEO involves a variety of techniques, from on-page optimisation to link building. Request a comprehensive list of all methods your current provider has used. This should include specific actions taken, such as keyword optimisation, content creation, and backlink strategies. Understanding these techniques will help your new SEO company build on successful strategies and avoid repeating ineffective ones.

Checklist for Techniques

• Request a comprehensive list of SEO techniques used.
• Include specific actions like keyword optimisation, content creation, and link building.

Site Optimisation

On-page optimisation is a core aspect of SEO. Ask for detailed reports on any changes made to your site, including meta tags, keyword placement, and site structure adjustments. Also, request information on recommended changes that were not implemented. This information will give your new provider a clear starting point and help them understand your site’s current optimisation level.

Checklist for Site Optimisation

• Request detailed reports on changes made to the site.
• Include meta tags, keyword placement, and site structure adjustments.
• Ask for recommended changes that were not implemented.

Links

Link building is a critical component of SEO. Request a detailed list of all links built by your current provider. This should include the types of links (e.g., guest posts, directory listings), their sources, and any impact they’ve had on your rankings. Knowing which links have been effective and which haven’t can inform your new provider’s link-building strategy.

Checklist for Links

• Request a detailed list of all links built.
• Include types of links, their sources, and their impact on rankings.

Competitor Analysis

Understanding your competitors’ strategies can provide valuable insights. Request any competitor analysis conducted by your current provider. This should include competitor rankings, keyword strategies, and backlink profiles. Knowing what your competitors are doing well can help your new provider develop more effective strategies to outperform them.

Checklist for Competitor Analysis

• Request competitor analysis reports.
• Include competitor rankings, keyword strategies, and backlink profiles.

Part 3: Housekeeping & Making It Work

With your new SEO provider in place, it’s time to handle some housekeeping tasks and set the stage for a successful partnership.

Secure Your Accounts

Website Logins

Security is paramount. Delete any user accounts created for your previous SEO company. If they had access to your main admin account, change the password. This step prevents any unauthorised access and ensures that only your new provider has control over your website.

Checklist for Website Logins & Hosting Provider

• Delete user accounts created for the previous SEO company.
• Change the main admin password if it was shared.

Google Analytics

Remove the old provider’s access from your Google Analytics account. If they used a shared Google account, change the password to prevent them from accessing your data. Ensure that your new provider has the necessary permissions to set up and manage your analytics properly.

Checklist for Google Analytics

• Remove the old provider’s access.
• Change the password if a shared Google account was used.
• Grant necessary permissions to the new provider.

Google Search Console

Similar to Google Analytics, remove any user access granted to your previous provider. Update the password if a shared account was used. This ensures that only your new SEO company can manage your site’s search console settings and data.

Checklist for Google Search Console

• Remove the old provider’s user access.
• Update the password if a shared account was used.

FTP Accounts

If your previous provider had an FTP account for uploading files, delete this account. Change the password for the main FTP account if it was shared. This step helps secure your website files and prevents any unauthorised changes.

Checklist for FTP Accounts

• Delete the FTP account used by the previous provider.
• Change the password for the main FTP account if shared.

Foster a Successful Partnership

Stay Involved

Engage regularly with your new SEO company. Share your business goals and provide timely feedback on their progress. Regular involvement helps ensure that the strategies being implemented align with your business objectives. Your insights and feedback can guide their efforts and improve results.

Checklist for Staying Involved

• Schedule regular meetings with your new SEO company.
• Share business goals and provide feedback.
• Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Maintain Clear Communication

Effective communication is key. Maintain clear and consistent communication with your new provider. Schedule regular updates and meetings to discuss progress, challenges, and next steps. Clear communication ensures that both parties are aligned and can address any issues promptly.

Checklist for Clear Communication

• Ensure regular updates and meetings are scheduled.
• Discuss progress, challenges, and next steps.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication.

Provide Necessary Resources

Ensure your new SEO team has access to all necessary resources and information. This includes access to your website, analytics accounts, and any historical data from previous SEO efforts. Promptly respond to their requests for data or approvals to avoid delays in their work.

Checklist for Providing Resources

• Grant access to your website and analytics accounts.
• Provide historical data from previous SEO efforts.
• Respond promptly to requests for data or approvals.

Set Realistic Goals

Work with your new provider to set achievable and measurable goals. Discuss what success looks like for your business and establish clear milestones. Regularly monitor progress towards these goals and be prepared to adjust strategies as needed. Realistic goals help maintain focus and drive effective results.

Checklist for Setting Goals

• Discuss and define what success looks like.
• Establish clear, measurable goals.
• Monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed.

Be Patient

Understand that SEO is a long-term strategy. Results may take time to materialise. Trust your new provider’s expertise and give them the time to implement changes effectively. Patience and persistence are key to achieving sustainable improvements in your search rankings.

Checklist for Patience

• Set expectations for long-term results.
• Trust the expertise of your new provider.
• Allow time for changes to take effect.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge: Resistance from Current Provider

Solution: Request necessary information before informing them of your decision to leave. If resistance occurs, explain the need for a smooth transition to ensure ongoing site performance.

Challenge: Lack of Historical Data

Solution: Ensure that all historical data, including rankings, keywords, and link-building efforts, are transferred before parting ways. If data is incomplete, work with your new provider to fill in the gaps.

Challenge: Misalignment with New Provider

Solution: Maintain regular communication to ensure strategies align with your business goals. Regularly review performance metrics and provide feedback to stay on the same page.

Budget Considerations

Understanding Costs

SEO services can vary widely in cost. Understand what you’re paying for and ensure it aligns with your business goals. Ask for a breakdown of services and associated costs from potential providers.

Value vs. Cost

Evaluate the potential ROI of SEO services rather than just the upfront cost. Higher-priced providers might offer more comprehensive services and better results. Consider the long-term benefits when budgeting for SEO.

Budget Allocation

Determine how much of your marketing budget should be allocated to SEO. This depends on your business size, industry, and competition. Ensure you have enough resources to support a sustained SEO effort.