8 Expert Tips to Choose the Best Local SEO Service Provider

• By Margaret K. Ronald
• 25-01-2024
• SEO

One of the biggest challenges for local businesses is to attract new customers.

This could be a hard nut to crack since competitors already working in the area could give you a tough time. People find what they need on the internet.

For instance, if they are looking for the best real estate company in a specific area, they will search on the web.

Those appearing in top search results are likely to turn those prospects into customers.

That’s where local SEO comes to the rescue. Choosing the right local SEO provider can help you achieve your business and visibility goals.
The problem is the internet is full of so-called experts and they all claim to be the best when it comes to ranking a business locally.

But how would you select the best local SEO service provider?

In this article, you will learn about eight expert suggestions that will help you find the best local SEO services without sinking your investment.

Expert Tips to Choose the Best Local SEO Services

You don’t need an expert to look for a credible local SEO service provider since you can do it on your own by following these suggestions.

1. Deeply Analyze Local SEO Companies

The first thing you are supposed to do is analyze the local SEO companies. Just like any new venture, doing extensive due diligence is key when choosing a local SEO partner. You'll want to leave no stone unturned in the screening process.

Begin by asking local SEO service provider tough questions about their qualifications - how long have they been in business? What is their specific experience with local SEO campaigns?

Do they have relevant certifications that prove their expertise, like being a Google Partner?

Another useful thing you can do in this regard is to inquire about case studies of past successful projects they've worked on.
Ask for details on strategies, metrics, and measurable results. Be cautious of companies that can't provide concrete proof of their abilities or are all talk, no action.

It's also important to keep an eagle eye out for any red flags during your research.

Things like a lack of transparency about processes, poor or no customer reviews online, and an unwillingness to provide references are signs to watch out for.

You'll also want to avoid partners that don't offer a solid money-back guarantee if goals aren't achieved.

Protect yourself by thoroughly checking review sites, verifying certifications and licenses, and calling references for honest feedback.

Taking these steps upfront can help you avoid being misled or wasting time with a local SEO Service Company that is all talk and no walk down the road.

2. Get Proposals from Multiple Providers

Don’t just compromise on a single proposal to make the best selection.

To properly compare local SEO options, it's highly recommended to get detailed written proposals from at least three potential partners.
This allows you to evaluate "apples to apples" and spot differences in approach.

Be sure each proposal spells out the scope of services, timelines, deliverables, pricing models, and payment schedules.

Look for transparency on tactics like link building, local listing optimization, content marketing strategy, and more. Pay close attention to how success and results will be tracked via metrics.

You'll also want to take note of variances between proposals.

Some aspects that could differ include optimizations per month, on-page enhancements, technical SEO audits, and length of contracts.
Pricing models may use monthly retainer fees, project-based costs, or performance-based payments.

Terms of the engagement like guarantees, non-compete clauses, and contract lengths will need consideration as well.

Don't just focus on the bottom line cost - evaluate the full value you expect to receive relative to your business goals.

With proposals in hand, you'll be well-equipped to separate the wheat from the chaff and identify the best fit.

3. Check Portfolios and Case Studies

There is nothing more helpful than checking the previous work samples, case studies, and portfolios.

Reviewing past work examples and successes is crucial for assessing a local SEO provider's true abilities.

Don't judge a book by its cover - ask to examine specific case studies from prior campaigns they've managed.

Reputable companies should have no problem showing their cards - sharing detailed examples, strategies, and measurable results.

Look for case studies that lay it all out there - outlining the client's situation and goals, tactics implemented (like content calendars, link-building outreach, technical optimizations), and quantifiable metrics achieved over time.

This should help you see the true face of the local SEO service provider.

Key metrics may include increased website traffic, new leads and inquiries generated, growth of local citations and directory listings, or rankings and visibility for targeted keyword phrases.

Pay close attention to case studies showing tracking of these metrics monthly. They should demonstrate clear progression that the strategies employed drove real business value.

If you observe something not clear, it’s not a good sign.

You may also want to ask a local SEO service company to connect you with past clients as references to get first-hand accounts.
Speaking to references is a great way to separate fact from fiction and validate if the results outlined match real-world experiences.
If you suspect that the company is not willing to provide you with the relevant work portfolios and receipts, it’s a sign that they are not confident.

4. Understand the Strategy and Approach

Aside from proposals and portfolios, any local SEO company you work with must lay all their cards on the table - with a crystal clear strategy tailored specifically for your business. Don't settle for vague responses or one-size-fits-all tactics.

Ask questions to ensure you get the full picture and fully comprehend their battle plan.

For example, ask them to show their hand - how will they build quality backlinks - through local business citations, blog comments, social signals, or other methods?

Which directories and citations will be targeted for optimization? What types of content like blogs, videos, or social posts will be created, and how often?

You'll also want to get them to spill the beans on their approach to technical SEO best practices like site speed, mobile friendliness, schema implementation, and security.

Inquire about the frequency of on-page optimizations, technical audits, and how recommendations will be prioritized and addressed.
It's also smart to ask them to give you the lowdown on ongoing reporting and tracking - what specific metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) will be monitored, and how often will progress be communicated?

Beware of providers who can't explain each step in a way that's crystal clear and makes logical sense.

A good local SEO partner should be able to break down their strategy for even non-technical clients in a way anyone can understand.
Transparency and customization are key.

5. Ask for Guarantees and Expectations

To ensure you're all on the same page and hold your local SEO service provider's feet to the fire, proper goal-setting and expectations management are a must from the jump.

Request that benchmarks, targets, and timelines are clearly defined for metrics that will give you a leg to stand on to indicate success.
For example, you may ask that a certain number of relevant backlinks, citations, or social shares be achieved within the first 3 months.
Or that 2-3 new keyword phrases reach the first page of local Google results within 6 months. Paying attention to quantifiable metrics like these allows you to keep them honest with an objective review of progress.

It's also wise to negotiate a money-back guarantee in writing if defined goals are not met within agreed-upon deadlines.
Reputable companies should stand confidently behind their work and have no problem offering such ironclad assurances.
You'll also want to discuss regular check-ins - ask that progress reports be provided at least monthly.

These updates keep you in the loop on strategy adjustments if tactics need refining.

They also allow flagging any service issues early. Setting the right expectations upfront prevents scope creep or surprises down the road.

With benchmarks and guarantees in place, you'll feel secure knowing the provider has real skin in the game.

6. Trust Your Gut and Do a Test Run

Once you've narrowed down your options, it's always a good idea to try before you fully buy.

Negotiate terms for an initial trial period, perhaps 30 days, where you can test drive the provider's services risk-free before jumping into the deep end with a long-term commitment.

This allows you to witness their process in action on a smaller scale.

Pay close attention to little details like responsiveness to questions, transparency in reporting, and ability to meet deadlines and hit targets.

Take note of how the working relationship feels from your perspective.

If anything rubs you the wrong way or raises red flags during the trial, don't hesitate to pull the plug before locking into a long contract.

For example, a lack of proactive communication, delays, or missed benchmarks could indicate future issues down the road. Trust your gut - it'll rarely steer you wrong, especially when it comes to trusting another company with the keys to your kingdom business.

A trial period is the perfect low-risk way to evaluate intangible factors like cultural fit and work ethic that proposals may not convey.
It's better to find potential problems now versus being stuck long-term with a poor partner.

Overall, a test run allows you to truly see behind the curtain before fully committing your hard-earned resources.

7. Check Review Sites and References

Don't just take a company's word for it - seek independent reviews online to get the straight dope. Search their business name combined with words like "review", "complaints" or "rating" to see what real customers have to say.

Then, ask to contact some references directly for an unfiltered perspective.

Be wary of providers who only offer handpicked references they've coached.

The truth often lies in getting multiple points of view.

Don't just rely on curated online presence either - ask the provider for direct contact info of 3-5 references you can speak with confidentially.

When calling references, inquire about their experience working with the company, if goals were achieved as promised, pain points in the process, and if they would hire them again in a heartbeat.

Be cautious of any unwillingness to provide unscreened references or only references that seem too polished and rehearsed.
Speaking to past clients yourself allows the most honest, unfiltered feedback straight from the horse's mouth.

Overall, reviews from various sources provide a well-rounded view of the best local SEO service you otherwise wouldn't get just from their slick marketing materials.

Seek both positive and negative opinions to get a balanced understanding of both sides of the story before making your final decision.
The truth often lies in aggregating multiple third-party perspectives from all angles.

8. Get Everything in Writing

Verbal agreements can lead to misunderstandings down the road. Protect yourself by having a detailed, legally binding contract that spells out expectations on both sides.

This legal document should specify deliverables, timelines, payment schedules, and terms of the engagement.

It must also outline guarantees, non-compete clauses, intellectual property ownership, and what happens in the event of early termination.

Don't sign on the dotted line until all terms are crystal clear to avoid any nasty surprises.

If you have any ambiguities or confusion, make it clear to them before moving on with the contract.

Conclusion

By following these true and tried eight expert tips, you'll be well-equipped to choose a local SEO partner with a proven track record of success.

Thorough vetting, clear communication and proper management of expectations are paramount.

So take the time to kick the tires, don't just buy into vague promises. With the right local SEO provider, a sound strategy and realistic goals, your local SEO efforts are sure to take off without a catch.

Wishing you the very best as you get started down this road.

Do let us know in the comment section if you know about any strategies that we missed above.