In today’s digital world, showing up on Google isn’t optional. If your business can’t be found online, you’re missing out on customers. That’s where an SEO service comes in. But with so many companies offering it, how do you pick the right one?
Let’s break it down in simple steps.
What Is an SEO Service?
Before you choose one, you need to understand what an SEO service actually does.
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s about making your website show up when people search for things on Google. A good SEO service helps improve your ranking, drive traffic to your site, and attract more customers.
These services often include keyword research, writing content, fixing your website, and building links to your site.
Why SEO Matters
People trust search engines. If your business shows up on the first page of Google, it builds trust. If you’re not there, you lose visibility. Whether you sell products, offer services, or rent out spaces, you want to be where your audience is — online.
That’s why finding the right SEO service matters. It's not just about ranking high. It’s about getting the right visitors — people who are ready to become customers.
Know Your Goals First
Before hiring anyone, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve?
Do you want more traffic?
Do you want better local visibility?
Do you want to rank for certain keywords?
Knowing your goals will help you talk clearly with an SEO expert. It also helps them create a plan that fits your business.
If your business is like mine — offering residential, commercial, and parking rentals in Kingston, Ontario — you might want to show up when someone searches “rental services in Kingston” or similar terms.
Check Their Experience
Not all SEO providers are the same. Some are great, and others overpromise and underdeliver.
Look at their past work. Ask for case studies or examples. See if they’ve helped businesses like yours.
Experience matters, especially in local SEO. If they’ve helped businesses in your area or in your industry, that’s a plus.
Look for Clear Communication
SEO can be confusing. A good SEO service will explain things in a simple way. They won’t drown you in jargon. They’ll tell you what they’re doing and why.
When you ask questions, they should give clear answers. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Ask them how they’ll update you. Will they send reports? Will they meet monthly? Will they walk you through the data?
You’re paying for results, so they should keep you in the loop.
Ask About Their Tools and Tactics
It’s okay if you don’t know all the technical terms. But do ask what tools they use and how they do SEO.
Some key tools include:
Google Analytics (to track visitors)
Google Search Console (to see how your site performs)
Keyword tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs
Local listing tools for maps and directories
Also, ask how they build backlinks. This is very important. A good SEO service uses ethical methods. If they mention things like “buying links” or “black-hat SEO,” walk away.
Make Sure They Focus on Content
SEO and content go hand in hand. Without useful content, your site won’t rank well.
A great SEO service will help you create blogs, landing pages, or service pages that answer your customer’s questions. They’ll also make sure your content includes the right keywords — naturally.
Ask if they have writers or if they’ll guide you in writing content. The content should sound like a real person wrote it — not a robot.
Check Their Reviews and References
Just like any service, you should check their reviews. Look them up on Google, Yelp, or LinkedIn.
Even better, ask for references. Talk to their past clients. Ask if they got results, if the team was easy to work with, and if they’d hire them again.
This step can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
Don’t Just Go for the Cheapest Option
We all want to save money. But in SEO, you often get what you pay for.
If a company promises #1 rankings for $99, be careful. Real SEO takes time, skill, and strategy. Cheap services often use shortcuts that can hurt your website in the long run.
Invest in a team that does things the right way.
Focus on Long-Term Results
SEO is not instant. It takes time to see results. A good SEO service will tell you this upfront. They’ll set realistic expectations and show steady progress.
Stay away from anyone who promises overnight success. SEO is a long game. But when done right, it delivers long-term benefits — more traffic, more leads, more sales.
Choose a Local SEO Expert if Possible
If your business depends on local customers (like mine does in Kingston), then local SEO is key.
Working with someone who understands your local area gives you an edge. They’ll know which directories to list in, how to target your region, and what your audience is searching for.
A local SEO service can help you reach people right in your backyard.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right SEO service can transform your business. It’s not just about being on Google — it’s about getting found by the people who need what you offer.
Take your time. Do your research. And partner with someone who truly cares about your success.
At Website Surge, we know how powerful SEO can be because we rely on it too. The right strategy can help any business grow — one click at a time.