Over 90% of online interactions begin with a search engine. Whether searching for a local eatery or the latest tech gadget, people rely on search engines to guide them to the right place.
This highlights a crucial fact: if your business isn’t ranking well in search results, you’re missing out on significant opportunities. Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for improving visibility and reaching potential customers.
Finding the right SEO expert is vital for any business striving for online success. As a remote hiring platform, we help connect you with skilled SEO professionals who can drive results. The following questions will help you identify the right expert and avoid ineffective strategies.
- What SEO Strategy Would You Implement for My Business?
Every business has unique needs, so a one-size-fits-all SEO approach won’t be effective. If an SEO expert presents a generic plan without understanding your goals, audience, or competition, that’s a red flag.
An effective SEO professional will take the time to assess your business, analyze industry trends, and develop a tailored strategy that aligns with your objectives.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Be cautious of anyone who guarantees top rankings in a matter of days. SEO is a long-term process, and unrealistic promises are a sign of shortcuts that could harm your website in the long run. Instead, seek an expert who focuses on sustainable growth.
- Can You Share Examples of Your Previous Success?
When hiring an SEO expert, proof of past performance is crucial. Ask for case studies or examples of clients they’ve worked with and the improvements they’ve achieved.
How to Assess Their Work
SEO success is measurable. A reliable expert should provide data showing increased website traffic, improved keyword rankings, and contributions to business growth. If they can offer specific before-and-after results, that’s a strong indication of their expertise.
- What Is Your Approach to Link Building?
Backlinks act as endorsements for your website, but not all links are valuable. Poor-quality backlinks can lead to penalties, so it’s essential to know how an SEO expert plans to acquire them.
What a Strong Link-Building Strategy Looks Like
Ask whether their focus is on earning links from reputable websites or purchasing them from questionable sources. Ethical SEO professionals prioritize high-quality content and building relationships with authoritative websites to gain organic backlinks.
Also, be wary of any mention of “black hat” techniques. In the SEO world, those shortcuts can have serious consequences.
- How Do You Track and Report SEO Performance?
Transparency is key when evaluating SEO progress. Before hiring an expert, ask how they measure success.
Key Metrics to Monitor
- Organic traffic growth – how many visitors your site is attracting.
- Keyword rankings – whether you appear in relevant search results.
- Conversion rates – the percentage of visitors who become customers.
Make sure they focus on meaningful results rather than just vanity metrics like traffic volume. Also, clarify how often they will provide reports—monthly updates are standard, but more frequent insights can be valuable.
If an SEO expert hesitates to share data, that’s a warning sign.
- How Would You Respond to a Drop in Rankings?
SEO is unpredictable, and rankings can fluctuate due to algorithm changes, competition, or technical issues. The real test of an SEO expert is how they handle these challenges.
A skilled professional won’t panic but will analyze the situation, identify the cause, and adjust the strategy accordingly. Ask potential hires how they respond to ranking drops to ensure they have a solid recovery plan.
DIGITALIXON – Your Partner in Finding Top Remote Talent
At DIGITALIXON, we specialize in remote staffing solutions, connecting businesses with SEO experts, digital marketers, and virtual assistants. Our professionals are committed to delivering tailored strategies and measurable success.
Get in touch with us today to find the right expert for your business needs!
