SEO Questions to Ask Before Starting
Before diving into SEO, it’s important to understand what it involves and how it can benefit your business. Common questions like “What is SEO?” and “How long does it take?” lay the foundation, but going deeper can help clarify expectations and ensure you’re investing wisely.
Explore questions related to strategy, keyword selection, backlinks, and the role of content in ranking.
Proactive Digital Concepts SEO Services
What are the most important ranking factors today?
Key ranking factors include high-quality content, relevant backlinks, website speed, mobile-friendliness, secure websites (HTTPS), user engagement (click-through rates, bounce rates), and Core Web Vitals.
How do you choose the right keywords for my business?
The right keywords are chosen through keyword research tools, competitor analysis, understanding search intent, and identifying long-tail keywords to target more specific, high-converting traffic.
How do backlinks work, and why are they important?
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. They act as “votes of confidence” for your site’s credibility. Quality backlinks from authoritative sites can boost your rankings.
What are Local SEO and its benefits?
Local SEO focuses on optimizing your site for local searches (e.g., “near me” searches). It helps businesses appear in local packs, Google Maps, and local search results, driving more foot traffic and calls.
What is the role of content in SEO?
Content helps answer user queries, showcases expertise, and provides value. High-quality, relevant content also improves rankings by keeping visitors engaged and encouraging backlinks.
How often should I expect SEO updates and reports?
Most SEO agencies provide monthly reports, but updates can be shared more frequently depending on the project’s scope or client preferences.
How do you track SEO performance?
Performance is tracked through metrics like keyword rankings, organic traffic, bounce rates, domain authority, and conversions.
How can I track my rankings and website traffic?
You can use tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and third-party SEO platforms to monitor rankings, traffic, and performance.
What tools or platforms are used to monitor SEO progress?
Popular tools include Google Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, and Google Search Console to track rankings, backlinks, traffic, and site health.
How can I improve website speed and mobile-friendliness?
Compress images, enable browser caching, use a content delivery network (CDN), and ensure your site is mobile-responsive. Core Web Vitals should also be optimised.
What is an XML sitemap, and why do I need it?
An XML sitemap is a file that lists all the pages on your site. It helps search engines discover and index your content more efficiently.
What is schema markup, and how does it help SEO?
Schema markup is structured data that provides additional context to search engines about your content, helping you earn rich snippets (e.g., star ratings, FAQs).
How long before I start seeing improvements?
Results typically appear within 3-6 months, though noticeable improvements may occur sooner depending on competition and the starting point of the website.
Can SEO guarantee first-page rankings?
No. No legitimate SEO provider can guarantee first-page rankings due to constant algorithm changes and competition.
What should I expect in the first three months of an SEO campaign?
Expect website audits, keyword research, technical fixes, content creation, link-building strategies, and gradual improvements in visibility and rankings.
Do you analyse my competitors' SEO strategies?
Yes. Competitor analysis identifies keywords, backlinks, content gaps, and strategies they use to outperform you, giving insight into areas for improvement.
How do you stay up to date with changes in Google’s algorithm?
By following SEO news sources, Google’s Webmaster Central Blog, and staying connected to industry communities, we adapt strategies to algorithm updates.
Does content length matter for ranking?
Yes, to an extent. Longer content tends to rank better, but it must be valuable, relevant, and well-structured rather than just lengthy.
How can user experience (UX) impact SEO?
A positive UX (fast loading, easy navigation, mobile-friendly design) reduces bounce rates and increases engagement, both of which can improve rankings.
What role do images and videos play in SEO?
Images and videos improve engagement, dwell time, and user satisfaction. Properly optimized media (alt tags, descriptive file names) can also drive traffic from image and video searches.
What is the pricing structure for your SEO services?
Pricing can be based on hourly rates, project-based, or monthly retainers. Some agencies also offer tiered packages with different levels of service.
Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Possible extra costs include content creation, website design changes, paid tools, or PPC campaigns if needed to support SEO.
What is voice search optimisation, and is it important?
Voice search optimisation focuses on targeting conversational keywords and answering common questions in a clear, concise format to improve rankings for voice searches.
How can I optimise for featured snippets?
Use structured content (bullets, lists, tables) and answer common questions directly to increase the chances of being featured at the top of search results.
What is E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), and how does it affect rankings?
E-A-T is a quality guideline that helps Google assess the credibility of your site. Sites with high E-A-T are more likely to rank well in competitive industries like health, finance, and law.
