The Key to SEO Success: Effortlessly Setting Expectations [Podcast]

Can’t you just call Google and tell them we want to be on the first page?

We just changed keyword strategies last week. Where’s our uptick in traffic?

I just read an article that says we should do x, y, z, and now I’m the expert. Sounds familiar?

Whether you are in an SEO agency or internally, it can feel challenging to set and keep SEO expectations in check with reality.

Non-SEO professionals helping you understand your long game is easier said than done – or is it?

Grant Simmons, Director of SEO at ClickFluent Consulting, recently joined me to discuss how you can position yourself as a thought leader for your department, clients and shareholders and stay positive.

There is this separation between what agencies think about internal people. -Grant Simmons, 10:49

Make sure expectations are met. That’s basically the job, and you sell it. You make sure people understand what was sold, and you make sure they know what they’re getting, and then you have to deliver it. And if you can not deliver it, as I said before, communication is the key, just let them know when. – Grant Simmons, 7:15 p.m.

There are many people I know who are independent SEOs or consultants who get a contract. They do the audit, and they’re done. There is no value in that. I think there is a value that can be in the audit itself. However, the ability to keep communication continuous is gone. -Loren Baker, 8:14

[00:00] – Grant’s background in search marketing.

[05:00] – What Grant learned on the agency side helped him internally and vice versa.

[18:29] – Tips for anyone looking for a consultant or agency to move into the house.

[21:41] – Why Grant Hired MORE Agencies & amp; Tips for handling them.

[26:02] – Opportunities in Media & amp; net-digital partnerships.

[28:32] – The example of haunted.com

[41:25] – How to assess an agency’s ROI.

[44:36] – Recommendations for agencies before signing up for projects.

[47:46] – How important is it to focus on local SEO?

[50:00] – Does Grant believe in pilot programs or requests for proposals (RFP)?

[59:29] – Grant’s favorite acronym.