Important! Before you start any form of SEO with a new provider, you need to vet their business and capabilities to make sure not only their skillset is up to standards, but you also can feel as if you can work together as a team.

Effective search engine optimization (SEO) is vital for B2B businesses that need to boost their online visibility and attract more qualified leads. Therefore,it's also essential to choose an experienced and reliable provider who has industry experience, a deep understanding of the latest SEO best practices, can provide regular results and communicates to a high standard. Here are the top five questions you should ask your SEO provider before starting a new project:

1. What is your experience in the field of search engine optimization (SEO)?

You may have realised by now that everyone online claims to work in SEO and be really good at. Yes, we mean everyone! It's essential to work with an SEO provider who has a proven track record and a thorough understanding of the latest SEO trends and techniques. This means you should ask about their experience including the types of projects they have worked on and the results they have achieved. This will help you gauge their expertise and determine if they are the right fit for your business.

2. Can you provide case studies or examples of past successful SEO projects you have worked on?

Looking at past projects the provider has worked on is an excellent way to evaluate their skills and expertise. Ask for case studies or examples of successful SEO projects they have worked on in the past, which will help you understand the provider's capabilities and what they can do for your business. Ideally you want to see a mixture of campaigns and industry types, as they present different challenges and SEO opportunities.

3. How do you measure the success of your SEO campaigns?

Success comes in different ways in SEO and there are widely different view points on this. For example, at HRS Ignite we never promise instant results or guarateed first spot palcements. Whilst we'd like to think we can get all our clients to the first page for a micture of desiered keywords, the reality is that every client, website, industry and niche reacts differenly to search engine optimisatiom. For B2B businesses, it's crucial to understand how your provider will track and measure the success of your SEO campaign, so you can see a clear return on investment. A good provider should use tools like Google Analytics, SEM Rush or Moz to measure key metrics like traffic, conversions, and rankings.

4. What tactics do you use to improve search engine rankings?

It's important to understand the specific tactics your provider will use to improve your search engine rankings. Avoid providers who use spammy tactics like keyword stuffing and link schemes, which could result in penalties from search engines. A reliable B2B SEO provider will use ethical, white-hat SEO strategies to help you achieve long-term success. A discussuion on a dedicated SEO process should be provided, ideally with a rough idea on time frames and realistix expecations.

5. How will you keep me informed about the progress of the campaign?

Effective communication is crucial in any business relationship. Ask your provider how they will keep you informed about the progress of your SEO campaign and any changes they are making. This will help you stay informed and ensure that you are always up-to-date on your project's status.

Choosing an SEO provider who is transparent, experienced, and has a proven track record of success is crucial for the success of your SEO project. Results are important, but constant communication, a client first approach and team work may sound cliche, but are also just as important for a long term beneficial working relationship. By asking these essential questions, you can ensure that you are working with a provider who is the right fit for your business and your SEO goals.