Search Engine Optimisation and Web Development

If you are having your website built then you will probably find the web development company working on your site will mention website optimisation. However how do you know the company building your website are capable of doing the SEO? This article will look at the things to avoid when deciding whether to let your web development company do your SEO.

1. What is included in the build?

In order to get your business many web development companies will claim search engine optimisation is included. If they say this you need to question them about this. Usually you will find this means that the website will be created to be search engine friendly, which should be standard. This does not mean they will get your website to the top of the search engines; it will just be in a good state to begin your campaign. If it was that easy to get to the top we would all be there.

2. What do they know about SEO?

It is important to quiz them about what they know. Ask them about link building, how do they get your links, what is their strategy. It is really important that they use ethical means to get links to your website. Also do they do it in house, if they outsource their SEO then they may be using cheap companies that use unethical means that could get you a ban.

3. Where are they on the Search Engines?

This is probably the most important question that you need an answer to. Any reputable internet marketing company will begin with their own website as a way of proving they know what they are doing. Ask them where they come in the search engines for specific terms. It is absolutely vital that they are on the first page for at least some terms that are relevant to their business. If they are not then the alarm bells should start ringing immediately. After all if they cannot do it for their own business then what chance have they got to do it for yours? You will be amazed at the number of companies that claim they know all about search engine optimisation but appear nowhere themselves. Stay away from companies like these.

4. Beware of guarantees

Many companies will guarantee you top slot in Google within 3 months and usually for a very low fee. However this will usually be unqualified, so they will not tell you the terms you will rank for. Often they will show you being top for your domain name and say that is proof.  This is the least you should expect and will happen without any work at all. Remember there are millions of sites competing to be at the top of Google. If we could all get there for a low fixed fee then we would all be there. Clearly this is not possible.

It is important to remember that search engine optimisation is a complicated process of marketing and it needs to be done properly. This also means that you will need to invest, whether that be time or money it will need investment. If you think you can get a quick fix with SEO you will quickly fail and become disheartened. If you are prepared to invest and take your time to get the top rankings then you will have a successful business for years to come.