One of the first questions we usually get asked is ‘how long will it take to get to #1′ to which the answer is always..’well, it depends…’. The problem with SEO is that its not an exact science. There are literally thousands of variables to consider when planning an SEO campaign and sometimes seemingly strange and random factors make it almost impossible to give an accurate estimate of the time and costs involved. However, we believe that just because SEO is a complicated process doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow a structured approach and work to milestones.
We currently operate a 6 stage process as outlined below:
Step 1 – Consultation
The first step is the most important – its where we get to know each other and where we get a chance to understand your goals and requirements. If you are located in or around Aberdeen then we always prefer to carry this out face to face (preferably over a nice coffee) , but if that’s not possible then we can set up conference calling or even screen sharing sessions. During this stage we aim to:
- Gain a thorough understanding of your business and the goal(s) you hope to achieve
- Make you fully aware of all the stages involved and what to expect during each one
- Address any queries or concerns that you might have
Step 2 – Keyword Research
Once we have outlined the aims and objectives we need to check out the best way to achieve them and, most of the time, this boils down to good, solid keyword research. This stage aims to :
1. Take your initial keyword ideas and check out how viable they are based on search volumes, competition levels and commercial interest. We also expand your initial keyword ideas to find related keywords that receive a decent number of searches every month so that you can get as much relevant exposure as possible for your site.
2. We analyse each keyword on several performance indicators
3. We refine the master list down to a set of tightly focused keyword phrases that we will focus our efforts on
Step 3 – Website Appraisal
Once we have selected the keywords for your campaign we need to appraise the suitability of your website – this is termed on-site or on-page SEO:
1. We carry out a comprehensive “hands on” review
2.We produce a detailed document outlining the changes that we recommend for the website
3. We advise on, or carry out these changes if appropriate
Step 4 – Develop A Plan Of Attack
Next up, its time to analyse the competition and devise a plan top take them off the top spot!
1. We analyse the top 10 websites for each keyword. We look at their link structure and mix, keyword focus and even the on-site optimisation techniques in use. We look at how long they have held the top spot, whether they are an ‘authority’ site and many more factors to basically determine how easy (or hard) it will be to out-rank them. If we don’t think they can be beaten then will will tell you so – this leaves you free to spend your time and money chasing rankings that are achievable – and that means a better outcome for both of us!
2. We discuss various SEO strategies based on the strength of the competition and the keyword that you hope to rank for
3. We agree on a strategy that suits your needs and adheres to our code of conduct
Step 5 – Organic White Hat Link Building
The next step is to embark on a sustained program of organic, white hat link building. White hat techniques are those that will not get you penalised by the search engines (not the best description but good enough) and they are the only kind we will do!
The aims of this stage are:
1. Creation of high quality content to promote linking to the main site
2. Devise a link building schedule with measurable milestones
3. We get down to the business of building various types of links including, but not limited to: blogs, forums, directories, articles directories, web 2.0 properties, social networking sites and social bookmarking sites. This is often referred to as off-site or off-page SEO.
Step 6 – Monitor and Review
We like to keep track of how well we are doing – and we know you like to as well. That’s why, every month we:
1. Track the rankings of the website on the major search engines for the chosen keyword phrases
2. We e-mail you a detailed report showing rank progress and any recommendations we might have to help you improve the performance
3. We maintain contact with you, face to face if necessary to review progress and discuss what happens next.
Effective SEO is a mix of art and science. Each case is different which is why so many SEO companies find it difficult to be public about their pricing structure. However, by following a regular framework, we have proven time and time again that it is possible to achieve amazing results for a fixed monthly cost. We track and report at every stage in the process and make sure that you are always happy with what we are doing. Our record speaks for itself and is the reason why we retain many of our customers on an on-going basis.
