There are many search engine optimization (SEO) companies out there. But which company is right for you?
In this Search Engine Optimization Frequently Asked Questions (SEO FAQs) video blog, I address the question, What questions should I ask an SEO before hiring them?
(The article below is a summary of the video, but you’ll get more details and examples if you watch the video.)
8 Questions to Ask an SEO Company Before Hiring
Let’s delve into the eight essential questions you should ask any SEO company to help you determine if they are the right fit for your organization.
1. What’s your mission?
The very first thing you should know is whether the SEO company’s mission and values align with yours. At OurChurch.com, our mission is to help Christian organizations live out their mission online. If you’re a part of a Christian church, school, ministry, or Christian-owned business, this alignment can be crucial.
2. How long have you been doing SEO professionally?
Experience matters. In the SEO world, there are professionals, volunteers, and hobiests. You want to ensure you hire someone with professional experience – someone who has worked with clients and has a proven track record.
3. How many employees do you have?
Consider the size of the company you’re hiring. If it’s a solo operation, there can be risks involved. What if they go on vacation, get sick or go out of business? It’s wise to have an SEO company with a team, ensuring there are backup plans in place if something happens to their employees.
4. Tell me about your work in my particular industry. Got references?
Especially relevant for churches, it’s essential to have an SEO company that understands Christian terminology and the specifics of your denomination. Experience in your field ensures they can do the right keyword research and optimize your content effectively.
5. What specific SEO tasks will you do?
SEO is a multifaceted discipline, comprising various tasks like technical SEO, keyword research, on-page optimization, link building, local SEO, content marketing, and ongoing reporting. You need to understand which of these tasks the SEO company will include in their service.
6. What’s your SEO timeline?
Your SEO should have well-defined processes which they can share with you. Knowing how long each phase of the SEO service will take is vital. It helps you set expectations and have a clear picture of what to anticipate as you work with them.
7. Do you offer a guarantee?
Not all SEO companies offer guarantees. Many are resistant to them. At OurChurch.com, we guarantee our services, promising a certain number of Top 10 rankings with each service. Make sure you ask about this before hiring an SEO company.
8. What reporting, monitoring, and adjustments are included?
You want to measure results, keep an eye on your website’s performance, and adjust your SEO strategy when necessary. Ask about the reporting, monitoring, and adjustments included in your SEO service.
Asking these 8 questions to any SEO company you’re considering hiring help give you the discernment you need to hire the best SEO company for your organization!
Make sure the SEO company you hire has experience working with your specific type of organization. -Kurt Steinbrueck

If you’d like to discuss church SEO or Christian SEO for your business, school or ministry, with one of our SEO experts, fill out the consultation request form below.
We encourage you to ask us these challenging questions and see how we respond. 🙂
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- What questions would you ask an SEO company before hiring them?
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Co-founder & CEO, OurChurch.Com
Paul has been the CEO of OurChurch.Com since its founding in 1996, combining his passion for faith and technology to lead the organization.
An accomplished writer, Paul has authored over 2,000 articles on faith and technology, featured on platforms like ChurchLeaders.com, The JoyFM, and his personal blog, LiveIntentionally.org.
Beyond his professional achievements, Paul serves as an elder at Journey Community Church and is deeply engaged in his community through his involvement with the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch and the Safety Harbor Chamber of Commerce. He is a contributing author of the book Outspoken! Conversations on Church Communication.