Best Atlanta SEO Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing an SEO company?

Look for an SEO company with a proven track record of ranking improvements, transparent reporting, and clear communication. Check their case studies, client reviews, and whether they explain their strategies in terms you understand.

Key factors to evaluate:

• Portfolio and case studies with specific results and timeframes
• Client testimonials from businesses similar to yours
• Clear pricing structure without hidden fees
• Regular reporting with metrics that matter to your business
• White-hat techniques that follow Google's guidelines

Ask potential agencies about their link-building methods, content strategy, and how they measure success. A reputable company will gladly share its approach without using confusing jargon.

How much do SEO services typically cost?

SEO services generally range from $500 to $5,000+ per month, depending on your competition level, target market size, and service scope. Most small to medium businesses spend $1,000-$3,000 monthly for comprehensive SEO campaigns.

Common pricing models include:

• Monthly retainer: $750-$5,000 for ongoing optimization
• Project-based: $5,000-$30,000 for specific campaigns
• Hourly consulting: $100-$300 per hour

Be cautious of agencies promising guaranteed rankings for $99/month. Quality SEO requires significant time and expertise, and extremely low prices often indicate automated or black-hat tactics that can harm your site.

How long does it take to see SEO results?

Most businesses see initial improvements within 3-6 months, with significant results typically appearing after 6-12 months of consistent SEO work. The timeline depends on your starting point, competition, and target keywords.

Factors affecting your timeline:

• Website age and authority - established sites often see faster results
• Competition level - highly competitive industries take longer
• Current technical issues - fixing problems can bring quick wins
• Content quality and quantity - more quality content speeds progress

Any agency promising first-page rankings in 30 days is likely using risky tactics. Sustainable SEO is a marathon, not a sprint.

What's the difference between local SEO and regular SEO?

Local SEO focuses on ranking for location-based searches and appearing in Google's Map Pack, while regular SEO targets broader, non-geographic keywords. Local SEO is crucial for businesses serving specific geographic areas.

Local SEO priorities:

• Google Business Profile optimization
• Local citations and directories
• Location-specific content
• Customer reviews management
• NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency

Regular SEO priorities:

• Broader keyword targeting
• National or global audience reach
• Industry authority building
• Comprehensive content strategy

Many businesses need both strategies. A plumbing company needs local SEO for "plumber near me" searches, but might also target broader terms like "how to fix a leaky faucet."

What are red flags when evaluating SEO companies?

Watch out for agencies that guarantee specific rankings, require long-term contracts with no exit clause, or refuse to explain their methods. These practices often indicate outdated or risky strategies.

Major warning signs:

• Promises of "#1 rankings" or overnight results
• Extremely low prices (under $500/month for full service)
• Lack of transparency about the techniques used
• No case studies or verifiable client results
• Poor communication or an unresponsive team
• Focus on vanity metrics instead of business outcomes

Also, avoid companies that want full ownership of your website or content, use automated link-building tools, or can't provide regular reporting. A trustworthy SEO partner educates you throughout the process.

Should I hire a freelancer or an agency for SEO?

Freelancers typically cost less and provide more personalized service, while agencies offer broader expertise and more resources. Your choice depends on your budget, project complexity, and required skill sets.

Freelancer advantages:

• Lower costs ($50-$150/hour typically)
• Direct communication with the person doing the work
• Flexibility and personalized attention
• Great for smaller projects or specific tasks

Agency advantages:

• Team of specialists (technical, content, link building)
• More accountability and backup support
• Established processes and tools
• Better suited for comprehensive campaigns

Consider a freelancer for focused projects or tight budgets. Choose an agency when you need multiple skill sets, have complex requirements, or want the security of a larger team.

What questions should I ask an SEO company before hiring them?

Ask specific questions about their process, reporting, and experience with businesses like yours. Their answers will reveal whether they're a good fit for your needs and budget.

Essential questions to ask:

• What specific strategies will you use for my industry?
• How do you measure success beyond rankings?
• Can you share case studies from similar businesses?
• What happens if we need to end the contract early?
• Who will be working on my account?
• How often will we communicate and receive reports?

Technical questions:

• How do you approach link building?
• What tools do you use for keyword research?
• How will you improve my site's technical SEO?
• Do you provide content creation or just optimization?

Quality agencies welcome these questions and provide clear, detailed answers without excessive jargon.

How do I know if my SEO company is doing good work?

Monitor specific metrics like organic traffic growth, keyword ranking improvements, and most importantly, leads or sales from organic search. Good SEO companies provide regular reports showing these metrics.

Key performance indicators:

• Organic traffic trending upward over time
• Keyword rankings improving for target terms
• Conversion rate from organic visitors
• Technical health scores improving
• Backlink quality and quantity growing

Request access to your Google Analytics and Search Console accounts to verify reported data. If your SEO company resists transparency or only shows vanity metrics like "impressions," consider switching providers.

What's included in a typical SEO package?

Standard SEO packages usually include keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO fixes, and monthly reporting. Higher-tier packages add content creation, link building, and conversion optimization.

Basic package components:

• Keyword research and strategy
• Title tag and meta description optimization
• Technical SEO audit and fixes
• Monthly ranking reports

Comprehensive package additions:

• Content creation (2-4 articles monthly)
• Link building and outreach
• Competitor analysis
• Local SEO optimization
• Conversion rate optimization

Always clarify what's included versus what costs extra. Some companies charge separately for content creation or technical fixes, whereas others include these as standard.

Can I do SEO myself instead of hiring a company?

You can learn basic SEO and implement many strategies yourself, but it requires significant time investment and ongoing education. DIY SEO works best for small businesses with limited competition and someone dedicated to learning.

DIY SEO advantages:

• Complete control over strategy
• No monthly agency fees
• Deep understanding of your website

DIY SEO challenges:

• Steep learning curve (100+ ranking factors)
• Time-consuming (10-20 hours weekly minimum)
• Keeping up with algorithm changes
• Limited access to professional tools
• No expert guidance when issues arise

Consider starting with DIY basics while saving for professional help, or hire a consultant for training and strategic guidance rather than full-service management.