Working with an SEO agency should be a partnership, not a one-way street. Effective communication is essential to ensure you’re on the same page and can track the progress of your SEO efforts. But sometimes, agencies can be a bit opaque, and keeping up with all the details can be tricky. So, how can you ensure that your SEO agency keeps you in the loop? Here are some communication tips to help maintain a transparent and productive working relationship.
Request Regular Reporting and Updates
One of the best ways to stay informed about your SEO campaign is to request regular reporting. Good agencies will provide reports on performance, but you may want to ensure the reports include:
- Keyword rankings: Are the target keywords moving in the right direction?
- Website traffic: Is there an increase in organic search traffic?
- Conversion rates: Ultimately, SEO should drive business. Is there an increase in leads or sales?
- Backlink development: Are they securing quality backlinks to your site?
Don’t just rely on high-level summaries—ask for detailed reports that break down exactly what actions have been taken and the results of those actions. Be sure to ask questions about any data or metrics that aren’t clear so that you know they can boost your Liverpool organic ranking.
Set Up Regular Check-In Meetings
While written reports are helpful, regular meetings can go a long way in keeping you in the loop. A 30-minute call once a month (or more often if needed) can give you the opportunity to:
- Ask questions: If there’s anything in the reports you don’t understand, a call provides the perfect chance to ask for clarification.
- Discuss strategy: You can talk about what’s working, what’s not, and make any necessary adjustments to the strategy.
- Review progress: Go over the goals and milestones to see if you’re on track.
Having these check-ins on the calendar ensures that the communication stays two-way and that you remain an active participant in your SEO strategy.
Set Clear Goals and Expectations from the Start
Setting clear and measurable goals at the beginning of your partnership is crucial. When both you and your SEO agency know exactly what success looks like, it’s much easier to track progress and ensure you’re heading in the right direction.
Ensure the goals are:
- Specific: Define what success looks like (e.g., increasing organic traffic by 20% over six months).
- Measurable: Agree on the KPIs that will be used to track success (e.g., keyword ranking improvements, traffic, conversions).
- Achievable: Make sure the goals are realistic given the resources and time available.
- Time-bound: Set a timeline for achieving each goal so that both you and your agency know when to expect results.
When both parties are clear about what success looks like, it’s easier to have transparent and effective communication throughout the project.
Be Proactive and Ask Questions
Don’t wait for your SEO agency to reach out to you with updates—be proactive and ask for the information you need. If you haven’t received an update or report when expected, don’t be afraid to reach out. Similarly, if you have any concerns, it’s always better to ask sooner rather than later.
Some helpful questions to ask include:
- What actions are being taken to improve our SEO strategy?
- How do you plan to adapt the strategy if results aren’t as expected?
- Can you explain any changes in our keyword rankings or traffic patterns?
- What’s the timeline for seeing the next set of results?
Being engaged and curious shows that you care about the success of the campaign and encourages your agency to keep you well-informed.
Will Long-Term Contracts Ever Be Beneficial?
Many businesses say that you should choose short contracts when you’re starting services with a new agency. It can be a way to protect yourself if anything goes wrong. However, this doesn’t mean that long-term contracts are always off the table. It’s about knowing your options and understanding what’s best for your business. Let’s take a look at when a long-term contract can be beneficial.
To Save Money
There are many agencies that encourage you to sign long-term contracts, and they do this by offering different rates. In particular, these can be more affordable and save your business money. As long as you’re sure about the team you’re working with, this can be a cost-effective way to get the professional services you need. Sometimes, the deal is too good to turn down.
To Gain Consistent Results
Most marketing strategies require time in order to work. When you’re signing a long-term contract, you’re making sure that the team has the time they need to secure the results you’re looking for. For instance, SEO can take several months to really gain traction, and if you leave an agency behind too quickly, you’ll have to start from scratch.
To Feel Confident
Most business owners worry about working with new teams all the time. You don’t get enough time to adjust and make sure they’re the right fit for your business. The good thing about a long-term contract is that you have the opportunity to build rapport and make sure that you enjoy working with the team. You’re also going to gain confidence when they’re handling your projects.
Conclusion
Keeping in the loop with your SEO agency doesn’t have to be a challenge. By setting clear expectations, requesting regular updates, and fostering open communication, you can ensure your agency provides the transparency and results you need. Remember, SEO is a long-term investment, and staying actively involved in the process can help you make more informed decisions and achieve long-term success.
