It seems strange now but before I started blogging I had never heard of an SEO Company, let alone SEO for Bloggers or even the term SEO. In case you’re in the same position, SEO simply means Search Engine Optimisation and SEO Agencies or Companies are experts who help bloggers, businesses and website owners improve their web ranking ( a website’s position in the search engine results page). When I was eventually introduced to this term I admit I assumed it was something complicated and did my best to bury my head in the sand, although I have developed more of an understanding over time. If you’re the same and want to leave the SEO to those in the know, you’re in the right place. Take a look at my tips to find the best SEO Company, London:
My SEO Journey (and why it’s a good idea to hire an SEO Expert)
Before we get to the tips let me tell you about my own (slow) learning journey and experience with Search Engine Optimisation. I’ve mentioned previously that I started this blog for myself and my family so when other people started reading my blog, it came as a bit of a shock to me. As it says on the tin, or in this case the title, this blog was literally a daily diary and I named each blog post simply with the day, which I realise now was not very useful to my readers at all. Many people assume that website owners want to improve their SEO just to drive traffic to their website. Although that is obviously a huge benefit, especially to for-profit blogs and businesses, the most important reason to improve your SEO is to benefit your readers and customers. You want to help them to find you.
One day, a reader emailed me and asked if I could write better blog titles as they’d like to know what each blog post was going to be about rather than what day of the week it was! So of course, immediately I began to write more informative blog titles, which helped my readers, myself and my SEO. I’m so glad they mentioned this to me, as this blog is full of our family memories but they’re only useful to us if they’re filed correctly and able to retrieve.
Doing Your Own SEO
So naturally, without realising it, I was beginning to improve my site’s SEO. It was a very slow journey and if you start a new business, I’d definitely recommend contacting an SEO Agency who can get you ranking higher sooner. This personal blog eventually became a for-profit blog. It was now my full-time “work from home” job, giving me the chance to stay home with my fourth baby, Isabelle, in a way I couldn’t with my three older children (while I was teaching). I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
When I moved across to WordPress, I upped my SEO game once more, creating better SEO titles and URLs and finding my site increasingly ranking on the first page for a number of relevant search terms. This means when businesses are looking for a Pembrokeshire Family Blogger, they will find “Diary of the Evans-Crittens” on the first page. if I needed to find more work, I could hire an SEO agency and discuss them helping me rank higher for other desirable search terms. Good SEO also increases my traffic. Every day at tea time, all over the world, hundreds of people search for “How much pasta per person?” and end up on my family lifestyle blog quickly finding the answer to their query. To me, that’s crazy. But imagine how well your site would perform with the help of a Search Engine Optimisation professional…
How to find an SEO company for bloggers based in London
If I’ve convinced you that hiring an SEO company is for you, then read on for advice on how to find an SEO Agency.
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Search
Many people like to find a company that is local to them, that way you are also able to meet in person if that’s your preference. Try searching “(your town) SEO Company” and seeing what companies come up. For example, if you’re based in London, search: “London SEO Company”.
Make a list of the top ten search results. This is your seed list. For more advice on finding a reputable SEO agency in London, read this great article by fellow blogger, Fashion Mommy.
2. Brand Name Search
Now you need to check out each SEO Company on your top ten list. Begin by searching for each company name and making sure they rank first for their name search. If they don’t, cross them off your list as you want to reach out to SEO agencies strong enough to rank themselves and also your website on the front page.
3. Check Out Their Websites
Work your way through each list checking their websites. Look at their home page, about page, blog and testimonials. This will help you check they are a professional SEO company and help you decide if you want to work with them.
4. Choose a Whitehat SEO Agency
It may seem obvious, but in case you’re not aware, always opt for a Whitehat SEO Agency. These are the good guys in the world of SEO. Don’t be tempted to go over to the dark side- black hat SEO techniques are short-cuts that are considered illegal by the search engines. Never opt for black hat SEO, it will be bad news for your website and ruin your reputation.
5. Get in Contact with Your Top SEO Agencies
By now, you may have chosen the best SEO agency for your needs. If not, whittle your list to the top three and get in contact with them. Tell them your needs and ask them relevant questions. This is a good time to find out if you are both on the same page about SEO (preferably the front page!).
I hope these tips help you find the best London SEO company for your needs. Remember, find a company that you can afford but remember the cheapest is not necessarily the best. Choose quality over quantity and it will be worth it as it will make your website more valuable in the long run.
