For many businesses online visibility is synonymous with success. That’s why search engine optimization (SEO) has become a necessity for companies across the globe. However, with its complexity and ever-changing nature, navigating this vital aspect of digital marketing can be a daunting task for many businesses.
Today, we’re excited to speak with Viktor Karpenko, the CEO and founder of SeoProfy, a leading SEO agency. With over 15 years in the SEO field, Viktor has dedicated the last decade to mastering the markets of English-speaking countries, leveraging his early experiences of ranking websites to establish a successful career.
His journey began with a simple project to sell domain names, which quickly evolved into a passion for SEO, leading to his first client and the foundation of SeoProfy. Viktor’s hands-on experience and innovative approach have positioned him as a respected expert in the global SEO community, driving SeoProfy to the forefront of the industry.
Join us as we explore the critical advantages of hiring an SEO agency and the insider tips on choosing an agency that truly understands and can fulfill your business’s specific objectives.
Reasons and Benefits of Hiring an SEO Agency
Viktor shares that one of the primary benefits of partnering with an SEO agency is access to specialized expertise and tools that most businesses don’t have in-house. SEO is a complex field that is constantly evolving, and agencies dedicate their resources to staying on top of the latest trends, algorithm updates, and running tests.
This level of expertise ensures that businesses can effectively navigate the SEO landscape without having to invest heavily in training or tools themselves. Speaking of tools, some agencies build custom solutions that help solve tasks that popular tools can’t tackle. Take SeoProfy. The company has built five tools:
- Pro (available to everyone);
- SearchAnalytics;
- Matrix;
- KeySemantics;
For the business as a customer, this means insight you can’t get anywhere else and opportunities that could easily get missed out.
Another significant advantage is the time and cost efficiency that an SEO agency brings to the table. Developing an effective SEO strategy and implementing it can be incredibly time-consuming, particularly for businesses without dedicated SEO professionals. By delegating this function to an agency, businesses can focus on their core operations while benefiting from professional SEO services that drive results more efficiently and often more cost-effectively than attempting to manage SEO internally.
Lastly, Viktor emphasizes the benefit of an outside perspective that an SEO agency provides. Sometimes, being too close to the business can lead to oversight of potential opportunities or challenges within a company’s SEO strategy. An external agency brings a fresh set of eyes and can often identify innovative strategies and areas for improvement that may not be apparent to those within the company.
Top 3 Myths about SEO that Business Owners Believe
Addressing common misconceptions about SEO, Viktor clarifies several myths that business owners often believe, shedding light on the realities of SEO strategies:
Firstly, Viktor counters the myth that SEO is a one-time task. He explains that the digital landscape is continually evolving, with search engine algorithms and online competition changing regularly. To stay ahead, SEO requires ongoing adjustments and updates. “SEO isn’t just a set-it-and-forget-it task; it demands continuous effort and optimization to maintain and improve rankings,” Viktor notes, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and long-term commitment in SEO strategies.
Another widespread misconception is that SEO doesn’t work or isn’t necessary. Viktor strongly disagrees, highlighting its critical role in highly competitive niches such as law, insurance, and finance.
“In fields where competition is fierce, SEO is not just beneficial; it’s essential. It allows businesses to stand out in crowded markets, reaching potential customers actively searching for their services,” Viktor shares. He stresses that dismissing SEO can leave significant opportunities on the table, especially in sectors where online visibility can dramatically influence business success.
Lastly, Viktor addresses the myth of instant results with SEO. He cautions that SEO is more of a marathon than a sprint. “Some believe that SEO will bring immediate traffic and leads, but the reality is that it takes time to build momentum,” he explains.
Effective SEO strategies build a foundation for long-term success, gradually improving a website’s visibility and ranking. Viktor advises patience and persistence, reminding business owners that while the results may not be instant, the long-term benefits of a well-executed SEO strategy are well worth the investment.
About Promises and Guaranteed Results
In addressing the question of whether an SEO agency can guarantee results, Viktor offers a straightforward perspective, underscoring the inherent unpredictability of SEO outcomes. “No one can guarantee specific results when it comes to rankings and traffic from Google,” he states clearly. However, Viktor is quick to add that this uncertainty doesn’t equate to a lack of control over the SEO process.
He elaborates on the strategic approach that forms the backbone of his agency’s success. “We place a significant emphasis on data over mere experience. Our methodology revolves around a meticulous process where we collect data, create dashboards, and analyze the feasibility of achieving a client’s goals before crafting a detailed plan,” Viktor explains. This rigorous analysis and planning phase is crucial for setting realistic expectations and strategizing effectively.
“Our data-driven approach is at the heart of everything we do at SeoProfy. It’s part of our DNA,” Viktor proudly states. He mentions that the development of proprietary tools [mentioned above] to expedite decision-making and enhance accuracy is a testament to their commitment to leveraging real data for SEO strategy.
How to Hire a Good SEO Agency
Viktor offers valuable advice for business owners on the lookout for a reputable SEO agency, focusing on key aspects that distinguish a reliable partner from the rest. Here are some of the crucial tips he shares:
Understanding Your Niche
“First and foremost, ensure the agency has a clear understanding of your niche,” Viktor advises. This initial step is crucial for assessing whether the agency can truly align with your business objectives and understand the unique challenges and opportunities within your industry.
Detailed Strategy
Ask prospective agencies how they plan to achieve your project goals. A good agency will provide a clear, detailed plan, demonstrating their approach and how they intend to meet your objectives.”
Team and Expertise
The team’s composition and expertise are vital factors to consider. “You’ll save both time and money if the agency has prior experience in your niche,” Viktor points out. This experience translates into a quicker understanding of your needs and a more efficient strategy implementation.
Testimonials and Case Studies
Viktor also advises checking the agency’s testimonials and case studies. “Look for success stories and case studies they’re proud of. While some projects may be under NDA, reputable agencies will have other examples to showcase their achievements.”
Rating the Success of SEO Efforts
Viktor highlights that the key metrics his agency uses for rating SEO success are rankings on search result pages and the traffic these rankings bring.
“Rankings and traffic are what we can realistically influence,” he mentions, underlining the direct impact of these metrics on a website’s visibility and visitor numbers. However, Viktor also points out that the ultimate measure of success is the return on investment (ROI).
“Our goal is to drive traffic that leads to conversions. The overall aim is enhancing the client’s ROI,” he adds, noting that this requires access to the client’s data to fully understand and optimize for conversions. In summary, Viktor’s approach to rating SEO success combines immediate measurable outcomes with the broader objective of improving business performance.
