If you’ve already determined you should work with a white label SEO company, you’ve taken the first important step to ensure that you’re getting the best possible results and delivering the best customer experience. But that being said, not all SEO firms are created equal. Some have been in business for many years and have the reputations to prove it, while others might be more inclined to make outlandish claims and hope that you’ll be swayed by their swagger.
That’s why it’s so important to carefully evaluate potential SEO providers before bringing on any campaigns with them. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to zero in on the best in the biz and avoid getting burned. Here’s what you should always do when choosing a white label SEO agency for fulfillment.
- Conduct Internet Searches: Any company that offers SEO services should be able to prove their prowess through their own digital marketing. You’ll want to do some thorough online research to determine which companies seem to be adept at promoting themselves through SEO. But that’s not the only thing to consider here. You should also look for unbiased comparisons of white label SEO companies, as this can provide a more complete picture of what it’s like to work with a given provider. While searching online, take a look at customer reviews and make sure that agencies on your shortlist are U.S.-based, have contact information listed, and provide information about their team. This can provide you with peace of mind in terms of their legitimacy before you do anything else.
- Read Case Studies: Although white label SEO agencies can’t reveal the names of end clients, they’ll often compile case studies to showcase the results they’ve achieved for various campaigns. This data can be incredibly useful when evaluating agency partners, particularly if you’re working with clients in a challenging niche. Take the time to read through any available case studies or inquire with an agency as to whether they can provide some. While not having case studies isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker, this can give you a sense of what you can expect when you work with a given agency. This data won’t guarantee they’ll be able to replicate those exact same results with your clients, but it can make you feel more confident in the team’s abilities before signing on.
- Talk to the Team: The next step is to talk to the team at a given agency and get a feel for the way they do business. Evaluating customer service is essential here, as you’ll want a partner that’s invested in consistent communication. Although you shouldn’t expect your agency to drop everything every time you have a small question, you should ensure that they’ll take immediate action when warranted. At the very least, you should never have to struggle to get them on the phone or to get a reply to an email. You’ll be able to discern how attentive and how adaptable they are during this stage -- and don’t forget to assess whether their communication style is compatible with your own. You should feel reassured, rather than frustrated, upon talking to them.
- Learn About Techniques and Tools: You’ll also want to take this time to learn a lot more about the methods an agency uses to achieve and track results. You should find out more about their technical abilities, about the software they use and develop, and assess whether the monitoring tools they utilize are ones you feel comfortable with. You should also make sure that your agency uses only white hat SEO techniques. Black or even gray hat techniques can jeopardize your clients’ businesses, so make sure your agency is committed to white hat SEO and that all of the fulfillment strategies they use are within those guidelines.
- Consider the Cost: Finally, you’ll need to consider cost as part of the equation. Outsourcing will already save you money, though this isn’t the only factor to keep in mind. One good thing about white label SEO services is that there’s no set price markup for you to pass onto your clients. However, the base cost of SEO services will impact how much of a profit you can make. It’s also important to determine whether you’re getting a lot for your money. If you’re working with a full-service SEO agency, you’ll get more than just content and web copy. You’ll also gain access to reporting tools and a number of other ongoing perks. When you’re down to just a few options, determine exactly how much working with a given company can save you and allow you to profit. But of course, obtaining high-quality content and industry expertise will necessitate a slightly higher financial investment. Find a good middle ground that allows your business to grow while exceeding client expectations.
