Your monthly SEO service?

Do you know what you’re actually getting

If you are paying for a monthly SEO service, it’s worth taking a moment to ask a simple question: do you actually know what you are actually getting?

SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is a service that helps businesses improve how their websites rank in Google’s organic search results. The goal is to increase visibility, attract new leads and enquiries, and communicate your products and/or services.

Depending on how competitive your industry is, effective SEO can move a website on to page one of Google, and possibly into the top five organic listings.

SEO as a one-off vs an ongoing monthly service

For some businesses, SEO is largely undertaken at the time their website is built. Core SEO practices are identified, page navigation and content is developed with search engines in mind, and the work is considered as a one-off task.

Other businesses choose to engage an SEO specialist on an ongoing basis. This is usually offered as a monthly SEO service. I have heard this is sometimes referred to as:

  • an SEO campaign
  • off-page SEO
  • an SEO retainer
  • a monthly SEO service

Pricing for these services varies significantly, with some businesses paying up to $1,000 per month (plus GST).

Where frustration & confusion occurs

The question is not whether monthly SEO is worthwhile, but whether business owners clearly understand what the provided paid service includes.

If you are paying for ongoing SEO, it’s reasonable to ask:

  • Do you have clarity around the service/s being provided?
  • Are you receiving a regular monthly report that outlines the work completed?
  • Is your report clear, or does it rely heavily on jargon and vague terminology?
  • Is the focus mainly on off-page SEO, making it harder to see tangible improvements or what work was actually done?
  • Are they directly improving your website with some on-page SEO?
  • Are you mainly being told that “SEO takes time,” without much explanation of what is happening in the meantime?

SEO should be clearly explained

Whether SEO is delivered as part of a website build or as an ongoing monthly service, the work should be clearly defined and explained.

As a business owner, you should feel comfortable asking your SEO provider to explain:

  • what work is being done
  • why it is being done
  • how it contributes to your website and business goals

Clear communication helps ensure expectations are aligned on both sides.

A note on our approach

At Aztera Marketing, SEO is offered as part of new website builds, as enhancements to existing websites, and as an ongoing monthly service. Where a monthly service is provided, it is tailored to the specific needs of your business, with clear reporting designed to explain the work undertaken. Learn more about our SEO Services. Wellington based, we specialise in supporting small and medium sized businesses.

Be informed…

SEO can be a valuable long-term investment. If you are unsure what your monthly SEO service includes, it’s reasonable to ask for more clarity. Being an informed customer helps ensure that SEO work is aligned with your business needs and expectations.