Do I need an SEO agency?

Are you considering hiring an SEO agency to help boost your online marketing? Perhaps you’ve heard that SEO is a key part of the modern marketing mix and you want to become more visible and generate more revenue? Word of mouth, despite still being the ultimate converter is no longer the number one tool for increased leads. SEO now plays a huge part. But also, an SEO expert or agency isn't just limited to getting you to appear on someone's screen. The benefits of using an SEO Agency [well, from our experience] is that SEO factors in all aspects of digital marketing and conversions. Our specialist departments use visibility to increase testimonials and reviews, because we know how much that is valued by prospects and current clients. See, already you can see the benefits of using an SEO agency that sees the bigger picture. But there's [a lot] more where that came from...
If so, you might have questions such as ‘What is SEO?’, ‘How does SEO work?’ and ‘Do I need an SEO agency?’
Let’s answer some of these questions for you today.
What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimisation. As the name suggests, it’s the process of optimising your website’s visibility online so search engines like Google can find you more easily. When search engines can find you more easily, so can your clients and customers.
Unlike other forms of paid search engine marketing, SEO focuses on what we call ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ searches. When a person sits down with their laptop, tablet or smartphone and searches “restaurants near me”, they are performing an ‘organic’ search.
By optimising your website SEO, your business is more likely to stand out from your competitors, grab this traffic and turn it into paying customers. What could be better?
Although it is possible to learn the basics of SEO (provided you have the time and endless patience), to understand all the complexities can be a labour intensive and continually evolving discipline involving a wide range of tools, metrics, rules, and regulations. That’s why most business owners decide to outsource to a local SEO company like Ketchup Marketing.
As your digital marketing strategy experts, we offer a retained SEO package which allows you to grow your online visibility and to optimise your website.
Our goal is to ensure that your website will have the best possible optimisation to compete for page one rankings. Another benefit of SEO agencies is the variety they have on offer. The basic SEO packages offered by Ketchup include on-page optimisation, technical and off-page optimisation. There are many elements to take into consideration when assessing your website pages, but the most important element is keyword research. Based on keyword research, targeted audiences and monthly search volumes, the team will create the content, design, call to actions and other elements to ensure your web pages will please the search engines as well as visitors.
As you may know, SEO is constantly evolving, and as a digital marketing agency we need to be on top of all updates and new requirements. In order to gain organic positions and remain at the top of page one rankings, monthly SEO work is a must.
Why does SEO matter?
Put simply, your business will be missing out on potentially lucrative work without making SEO part of your business marketing mix.
According to research conducted in 2019 by Bright Edge Research, around 53% of traffic comes directly from organic traffic. This figure is likely to be even higher post-COVID and highlights the importance of getting it right.
When you have optimised your website for SEO, you also improve the overall experience of someone visiting your website. They’ll find it easier to navigate, find the information they’re looking for and make their purchase. As well as boosting engagement and conversions, it also boosts your brand image and builds trust.
By working closely with an SEO agency like Ketchup Marketing, you will find that the process is affordable, quantifiable and provides excellent ROI. It’s common for our clients to opt for this service as they soon realise the importance of ongoing SEO and its potential to turbo-boost their business.
What does an SEO agency do?
SEO agencies have lots of tricks up their collective sleeve that will help bring more traffic to your website and encourage website visitors to buy. They can also improve your customer’s experience on your website, keep them coming back and increase your ROI. In such a highly competitive digital age, the benefits are priceless.
SEO tasks include:
- Auditing your website performance and identifying where improvements can be made
- Carrying out keyword research so you know what terms to target
- Optimising your current content to attract those search engines
- Creating new website content
- Analysing your current link profile and building links
- Conducting technical SEO activities
- Analysing (and addressing) any penalties on your website
- Tracking your website metrics and providing detailed reports
Working with a local SEO agency
Every SEO professional is different. Some specialise in certain areas such as e-commerce SEO, local SEO or even SEO for certain niches. Some work alone and others work in teams.
For this reason, you should take your time when it comes to choosing the right SEO solution for your needs. Consider factors such as your business requirements, objectives, budget, timelines and current digital marketing and SEO efforts before you make your decision. Be sure you also check their reviews, past success stories and reputation.
Many businesses choose to work with an experienced SEO agency like Ketchup Marketing that can help foster optimal business growth. We can offer full bespoke SEO packages that target your specific business needs.
On the other hand, unethical or poor-quality optimisation can end up damaging your reputation, website and business success long-term which is why you should always choose a trusted SEO professional. Consider whether the benefits of using an expert SEO agency outweigh the negatives [they do] and then get in contact about our services.