When it comes to e-commerce, there’s much debate about whether outsourcing SEO services offers actual return on investment. Is an SEO agency really worth it?
Search Engine Optimisation is one of the most complex aspects of the online world. It’s an ever-changing landscape. Just when you think you’ve mastered it, there’s a Panda update, or a slight algorithm tweak derails all your hard work. At the same time however, SEO can be one of the most rewarding avenues when it comes to conversions. SEO isn’t just about getting a page one ranking. Implemented correctly, SEO is about genuine customer acquisition leading to increased conversions.
SEO agencies are just that – SEO agencies. They live and breathe SEO. A third party can look objectively at a website or strategy and see where changes need to be made. Agencies have the upper hand compared to in-house when it comes to organisational blindness and being able to look at a company with fresh eyes.
SEO is something that needs to be kept on top of. Utilising an employee who may have other responsibilities means that somewhere along the way, something is going to get missed. Content may not be as fresh and up-to-date as it should be. More urgent tasks may get prioritised. It happens to every business and is a common reason why those in e-commerce may not see results when they try and implement SEO techniques themselves.
As the saying goes, a Jack-of-all-trades, master of none. Successful companies are successful because they focus on their core business. For SEO businesses, this means focusing on SEO! Companies who try to do it all inevitably let things fall through the cracks. Keeping up with the changes, variations, SERPS tools, tweaks, Pandas, Penguins and various Google related zoo animals is a full time job.
Another benefit of outsourcing SEO services is the outsourcing of experience. Agencies work across a broad range of areas, learning tips and tricks that can be implemented to your specific field.
When is comes to speed, flexibility and efficiency, an SEO agency has the man-power to get things done in an instant.
That isn’t to say that a company should outsource SEO services and forget about it. The best results will be achieved when those in e-commerce are educated and informed. It helps keeps agencies accountable and ensures the best return on investment. A good SEO agency will work with an e-commerce company so that both sides understand what goals can be achieved and how specific tactics can be implemented.