I've been optimizing websites and Blogs for some time now, in order to give them the much-needed boost that comes with higher rankings in the major Search Engines. It's only recently, though, that I've started to use Guru.com, one of the growing number of outsource match-making sites, to bring in new business and to showcase my talents. I've taken on a few projects via this channel, having bid on several projects listed by webmasters and business owners, and in bidding on such opportunities, it's raised a very perplexing yet important question ... how much does SEO cost?
When I think back to the time that I myself was a website owner, researching SEO and talking to consultants about the various services they offer, the same question was at the fore-front of my mind too. After all, many SEO seekers are starting up in business or are at a very early stage in their website development; it's at this time that SEO can often have most value for the least upheaval. It's also at this stage that budgets can be stretched, and everyone seems to be looking for a bargain. So how do we ensure that we are getting what we need from a potential SEO provider?
Any service provider is generally charging for their time. As there are many providers in the far-east and India, where the cost of living is less, the per-hour rates for very experienced consultants, from all kinds of sectors, can be very low in comparison to the UK (where I am) or the USA. Therefore, some SEO's I am bidding against in the Guru.com world will be able to work more hours for less money. The quality of work should be your first concern, though, and there are 2 factors which any site owner should be considering before engaging an SEO expert (aside of experience):
ROI
Make sure you are getting a Return on Investment. It's no use spending hundreds of dollars per month on an SEO expert, if he or she isn't adding at least as much in value to your site or sales. A good SE consultant will provide a monthly progress report, outlining where you were before, and where you are now. It takes time to see many improvements come to fruition, especially for newly-registered sites trapped in the dreaded "Google sandbox", but tangible results will come in time. Look at how you rankings are improving, your link popularity is growing, and how your incoming traffic is increasing. Without seeing improvements, you may as well be throwing your money down the drain.
Traffic vs. Conversions
What's your goal? Every business or website has a different target; whether it's increased advertising revenue, brought about by higher numbers of visitors, or maybe its product sales you're after. Regardless of your target, make sure you know it, and that your SEO consultant knows it too! Anyone, and I mean anyone, can bring traffic to your site within a very short space of time, but that's not to say they'll buy from you, or even click on your ad links. Targeted traffic is the key ... visitors who found your site because they were looking for the exact product or piece of information that you are providing. Getting conversions is your target, so demand this of your SEO expert.
In conclusion: be sure to define your objectives for engaging an SEO consultant. Make sure they ask you your targets and objectives, that they are the primary focus of your collective efforts, and that you're getting a return on your investment. Raise your expectations and you'll soon find out how much good SEO costs!
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