{"id":613775,"date":"2024-03-21T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/"},"modified":"2024-03-21T16:00:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-21T13:00:00","slug":"how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/","title":{"rendered":"#How to onboard an SEO agency the right way"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3be72f4c50b\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3be72f4c50b\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Setting_up_a_successful_partnership_with_a_new_agency_requires_effort_Lay_the_groundwork_for_outstanding_SEO_results_with_these_tips\" >Setting up a successful partnership with a new agency requires effort. Lay the groundwork for outstanding SEO results with these tips.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Educate_your_new_SEO_agency_about_your_business\" >Educate your new SEO agency about your business<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Company_overview\" >Company overview<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Your_team\" >Your team<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Value_proposition\" >Value proposition\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Competition_and_positioning\" >Competition and positioning<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Your_current_level_of_SEO_knowledge\" >Your current level of SEO knowledge<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Goals_and_KPIs_for_your_digital_marketing\" >Goals and KPIs for your digital marketing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Analytics_setup_and_KPI_tracking\" >Analytics setup and KPI tracking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Website_hosting_and_CMS\" >Website hosting and CMS<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#History_of_marketing_campaignsservice_providers\" >History of marketing campaigns\/service providers<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Audience\" >Audience<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Brand_and_messaging\" >Brand and messaging<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Writing_style_and_tone\" >Writing style and tone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Content_aspirations\" >Content aspirations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Any_other_context\" >Any other context<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Understand_the_SEO_agencys_process_workflow_and_strategy\" >Understand the SEO agency\u2019s process, workflow and strategy<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Contract\" >Contract\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Timelines\" >Timelines<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Project_plan_updates\" >Project plan updates\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Communication\" >Communication<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Process_for_website_changes\" >Process for website changes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Guidance\" >Guidance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Service_commitments\" >Service commitments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#SEO_analyst_experience\" >SEO analyst experience\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Build_a_good_working_relationship_with_your_new_SEO_agency\" >Build a good working relationship with your new SEO agency<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-27\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Understanding_SEO\" >Understanding SEO\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-28\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#Trusting_the_agency\" >Trusting the agency\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-29\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/how-to-onboard-an-seo-agency-the-right-way\/#The_keys_to_a_good_client-agency_partnership\" >The keys to a good client-agency partnership<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"subhead\" itemprop=\"alternativeHeadline\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Setting_up_a_successful_partnership_with_a_new_agency_requires_effort_Lay_the_groundwork_for_outstanding_SEO_results_with_these_tips\"><\/span>Setting up a successful partnership with a new agency requires effort. Lay the groundwork for outstanding SEO results with these tips.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"bialty-container\">\nThe decision to hire a new SEO agency brings high hopes for what might be achieved together.\u00a0In these early stages, optimism runs high.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>However, successful partnerships require more than just hopeful thinking; you have to put in the work from the start.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s your first time or tenth, streamlining the ramp-up period when onboarding a new SEO agency will save you effort in the long run and lay the path to a productive partnership.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/1038259\/SEL_Post-text --><\/p>\n<div id=\"div-gpt-ad-1693000027709-0\"><\/div>\n<div id=\"post-break\"><\/div>\n<p>This article covers the three things you want to get right when onboarding a new SEO agency:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Education:<\/strong> Educating your agency about your business.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Process:<\/strong> Understanding <strong>their<\/strong><em> <\/em>process, workflow and digital strategy.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Relationships:<\/strong> Forging a good working relationship with your new agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" alt=\"Onboarding a new SEO agency - 3 considerations\" class=\"wp-image-438565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations.png.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-600x338.png.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-800x450.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-200x113.png.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-768x432.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-1536x864.png 1536w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations.png.webp\"><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations.png.webp\" alt=\"Onboarding a new SEO agency - 3 considerations\" class=\"wp-image-438565\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations.png.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-600x338.png.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-800x450.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-200x113.png.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-768x432.png.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Onboarding-a-new-SEO-agency-3-considerations-1536x864.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-educate-your-new-seo-agency-about-your-business\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Educate_your_new_SEO_agency_about_your_business\"><\/span>Educate your new SEO agency about your business<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Letting the SEO agency into the inner workings of your business paves the way for a successful partnership.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, too many agencies are not integrated in the way they had hoped.<\/p>\n<p>In the research report, \u201c<a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/hallandpartners.ams3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/downloads\/Mad-Men-to-Sad-Men-2019.pdf\">Mad Men to Sad Men<\/a>,\u201d Hall &amp; Partners looked at the client-agency relationship and found that in many cases, \u201cclients are holding back, not opening up, or sharing the wider agenda.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The report went on to say:<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>\u201cThere are obviously a few exceptions, where people feel they have established strong, working partnerships. However, even in these instances there is a <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/general\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"3\" title=\"General\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">general<\/a> acknowledgement that agencies are more inclined to be put in a box, away from the heart of the business.\u201d\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Every agency is different, but at my SEO agency, we spend a significant amount of time getting to know the client upfront.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The end product is clear answers on the client\u2019s audience, marketplace, competitors, marketing strategy and history, unique differentiators and success metrics.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some of the points you\u2019ll want to cover when educating your new agency about your business:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" alt=\"Educate your new SEO agency about your business\" class=\"wp-image-438566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business.jpg.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-600x338.jpg.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-800x450.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-200x113.jpg.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-768x432.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business.jpg.webp\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Educate your new SEO agency about your business\" class=\"wp-image-438566\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business.jpg.webp 1600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-600x338.jpg.webp 600w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-800x450.jpg.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-200x113.jpg.webp 200w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-768x432.jpg.webp 768w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Educate-your-new-SEO-agency-about-your-business-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-company-overview\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Company_overview\"><\/span>Company overview<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Give the 30-second elevator pitch of your business to the people at your new agency. Then go deeper. This introduction is a great way to begin the communication process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-team\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_team\"><\/span>Your team<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Make sure the key people who will be involved in the project have time to meet your SEO agency team.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>Clarify the roles of your team members, and who will implement technical fixes, make design changes or write content, for example.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-value-proposition-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Value_proposition\"><\/span>Value proposition\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What sets you apart from others in your industry selling a similar product or service? What are the value props of individual offerings?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-competition-and-positioning\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Competition_and_positioning\"><\/span>Competition and positioning<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Who are your main market competitors that court the same audience as you do? How do you position yourself as distinct within your industry?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-your-current-level-of-seo-knowledge\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Your_current_level_of_SEO_knowledge\"><\/span>Your current level of SEO knowledge<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Give a brief overview of your current level of SEO knowledge. This will help the agency better understand how to tailor its conversations with you.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>For instance, the SEO agency might decide to take a more informative <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roach, educating along the way, rather than diving right into technicalities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-goals-and-kpis-for-your-digital-marketing\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Goals_and_KPIs_for_your_digital_marketing\"><\/span>Goals and KPIs for your digital marketing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What goals would you like accomplished through your SEO and digital marketing activities? <\/li>\n<li>What do you define as project success?\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-analytics-setup-and-kpi-tracking\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Analytics_setup_and_KPI_tracking\"><\/span>Analytics setup and KPI tracking<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What analytics software is in place to track the accomplishment of your goals and KPIs? What KPIs are you currently tracking?<\/li>\n<li>I always recommend adding a new metric as a KPI: progress. To help make SEO a priority for your team, implementing an SEO change should be considered a KPI.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-website-hosting-and-cms\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Website_hosting_and_CMS\"><\/span>Website hosting and CMS<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>How and where is your website hosted and content managed? Will your SEO agency have access to the system?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-history-of-marketing-campaigns-service-providers\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History_of_marketing_campaignsservice_providers\"><\/span>History of marketing campaigns\/service providers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What digital marketing vendors have you used before?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t have to name names, but it can be helpful to summarize the projects, and what worked and didn\u2019t work; be sure to explain if you\u2019ve ever suffered a traffic loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-audience\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Audience\"><\/span>Audience<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Describe everything you know about your customers \u2014 demographics, what they value, what they need and want.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>If you have developed personas in the past, now is a good time to share that with your agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-brand-and-messaging\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Brand_and_messaging\"><\/span>Brand and messaging<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What does your brand stand for, and what messaging do you use to convey it? Internal marketing materials are handy for your new SEO agency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-writing-style-and-tone\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Writing_style_and_tone\"><\/span>Writing style and tone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What guidelines can you convey to your SEO agency that communicate the tone of the brand? If you have an internal style guide, make sure the agency gets a copy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-content-aspirations\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content_aspirations\"><\/span>Content aspirations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What do you want your agency to know about the content you\u2019ve created in the past? What do you want them to understand about competitors\u2019 content you\u2019d like to either emulate or avoid?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-any-other-context\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Any_other_context\"><\/span>Any other context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>If there\u2019s anything else of note to convey to your agency, the first few meetings with the agency are the time to do it and don\u2019t hold back.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: How to hire an SEO agency: The definitive guide<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understand-the-seo-agency-s-process-workflow-and-strategy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understand_the_SEO_agencys_process_workflow_and_strategy\"><\/span>Understand the SEO agency\u2019s process, workflow and strategy<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Soon after the selection of your agency, you want to become familiar with the inner workings and processes of the company and its SEO team.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This helps set expectations. A well-organized SEO agency will convey these types of details to you initially, but if they don\u2019t, go ahead and ask.<\/p>\n<p>Here are some things to ponder:\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What are the details of the contract?<\/li>\n<li>What is the timeline for deliverables?<\/li>\n<li>How often is the project plan updated?<\/li>\n<li>How often will they be in communication?<\/li>\n<li>What processes do they have for editing your website?<\/li>\n<li>How do they offer guidance throughout the process?<\/li>\n<li>What commitment to service do they make?<\/li>\n<li>Is your SEO an expert or a junior analyst?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" alt=\"Learn about your agency's processes\" class=\"wp-image-438567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes.png.webp 1024w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-451x338.png.webp 451w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-800x600.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-151x113.png.webp 151w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-768x576.png.webp 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes.png.webp\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes.png.webp\" alt=\"Learn about your agency's processes\" class=\"wp-image-438567\" srcset=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes.png.webp 1024w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-451x338.png.webp 451w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-800x600.png.webp 800w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-151x113.png.webp 151w,https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/Learn-about-your-agencys-processes-768x576.png.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/noscript><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-contract-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Contract\"><\/span>Contract\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>It\u2019s always a good idea to go over the details of the contract verbally (even if someone signed it and read it ahead of time). This makes sure there isn\u2019t any confusion about what to expect.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-timelines\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Timelines\"><\/span>Timelines<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>When can you expect to see the project plan, have scheduled calls, and receive audits and reports? Do they run in sprints, or some other project management approach?\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>For example, they might outline a phase one project plan that includes a kickoff call, research, SEO audit, findings call, implementation phase, etc.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-project-plan-updates-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Project_plan_updates\"><\/span>Project plan updates\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>As a living and evolving document, project plans will likely get updated.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li>But you want to know the circumstances surrounding the updates, how often it might happen and when.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-communication\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Communication\"><\/span>Communication<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>As you think about how you will communicate with your new agency, here are some things to get answers to:\n<ul>\n<li>What is the communication cadence of your agency team members?<\/li>\n<li>Is there a dedicated point of contact for your project?<\/li>\n<li>How often can you expect to hear from them?<\/li>\n<li>How quickly can you expect to get responses from them when needed?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-process-for-website-changes\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Process_for_website_changes\"><\/span>Process for website changes<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>How will recommended updates be implemented? Does the agency work through your staff to do so?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-guidance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Guidance\"><\/span>Guidance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Throughout the process of implementing changes, you will have questions.<\/li>\n<li>Find out if the SEO agency is available to provide labor and resources regarding education, mentoring, spot-checking work, and so on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-service-commitments\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Service_commitments\"><\/span>Service commitments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>What assurances do they give about meeting your KPIs?<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s important to understand that you may not see big results in the first months because SEO takes time to start producing. Have a realistic conversation about this.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-seo-analyst-experience-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"SEO_analyst_experience\"><\/span>SEO analyst experience\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Unfortunately, some agencies hire junior analysts with less experience than the people your business has on its marketing staff.<\/li>\n<li>It\u2019s worth a conversation to ask who will be assigned to your account. Do not underestimate the frustration level of having a junior person on your team.<\/li>\n<li>The Hall &amp; Partners research report linked earlier discusses this issue, saying that agency clients are becoming disappointed in the agency talent pool.<\/li>\n<li>As the report points out, \u201cThe value agencies offer has always been in the talent and skills of their people. However, many clients feel agency people no longer have a disproportionate share of the talent.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- START INLINE FORM --><br \/>\n<!-- END INLINE FORM --><\/p>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-cyan-bluish-gray-color has-css-opacity has-cyan-bluish-gray-background-color has-background\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-a-good-working-relationship-with-your-new-seo-agency\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Build_a_good_working_relationship_with_your_new_SEO_agency\"><\/span>Build a good working relationship with your new SEO agency<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>As your engagement with the new SEO agency continues, you will likely find out that to keep things running smoothly, it\u2019s both give and take.<\/p>\n<p>Strong business relationships are built through communication, a shared understanding and trust.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s first look closer at having a shared understanding of what SEO is.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-seo-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Understanding_SEO\"><\/span>Understanding SEO\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most enterprise businesses already have a well-stacked marketing team with at least one SEO expert.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>But, if you\u2019re a smaller business or you don\u2019t have an in-house SEO already to be the liaison between your business and the agency, seek out SEO education.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is so you can have more informed conversations with your agency. Yes, it\u2019s time-consuming, but it\u2019s an investment.<\/p>\n<p>At my agency, we offer in-depth SEO training to all our clients regardless of their level of knowledge.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Our thinking is that even if you already have a solid baseline, learning more about our approach can at least be useful.<\/p>\n<p>And, for those clients who do not have a foundation in SEO knowledge, SEO training excites them and allows them to have more informed conversations with the agency.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the day, the more active and open that a client can be, the more likely they are to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Get better results in the end.<\/li>\n<li>Have a good working relationship with their consultant.<\/li>\n<li>Learn something they didn\u2019t know before.<\/li>\n<li>Have faith and confidence in their SEO investment.<\/li>\n<li>Accelerate their SEO results.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-trusting-the-agency-nbsp\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trusting_the_agency\"><\/span>Trusting the agency\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>At this point, you\u2019ve put a lot of research into finding the right agency. Once you are confident with your choice, it\u2019s time to put your trust in their recommendations.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>This is easier said than done.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m not talking about \u201cblind faith\u201d (which is another reason why having a basic understanding of SEO is key), but \u201ctrust\u201d in the sense of being open to the agency\u2019s recommendations and communicating with them about it.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>SEO agencies may not know your business inside and out like you do, but they do know search engines.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>For many clients, the process can be uncomfortable, but your agency\u2019s recommendations are no good if you don\u2019t understand them, or worse, don\u2019t \u201cbuy in\u201d to them.<\/p>\n<p>That said, SEO agencies are usually happy to present another plan of action if the agency\u2019s recommendations cannot work for any reason.<\/p>\n<p>Any good agency will listen to your recommendations and guidance, too, which is critical when you have SEO experts on staff.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, it\u2019s important to know that project plans can and sometimes have to change based on a variety of factors, such as current events, algorithm updates and competition.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Because of this, businesses are sometimes forced to completely switch their focus and im<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a>te SEO goals based on the advice of the agency.<\/p>\n<p>That said, flexibility is another factor in any good client-agency relationship.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-keys-to-a-good-client-agency-partnership\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_keys_to_a_good_client-agency_partnership\"><\/span>The keys to a good client-agency partnership<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Successfully onboarding a new SEO agency involves more than just signing a contract; it\u2019s about establishing a partnership that can lead to significant achievements.<\/p>\n<p>By focusing on the different areas outlined in this article, you\u2019ll have a smoother onboarding experience and the potential for unparalleled SEO success.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Dig deeper: 37 key questions to ask when evaluating digital marketing agencies<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"about-author\">\n    About the author<\/p>\n<div class=\"information\">\n<div class=\"author-module\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-3 text-center\">\n<div class=\"avatar\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" alt=\"Bruce Clay\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2022\/03\/Bruce.Clay_.jpg.webp\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle avatar-border\" src=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2022\/03\/Bruce.Clay_.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Bruce Clay\" width=\"140\" height=\"140\"><\/noscript>\n                                            <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-12 col-lg-9\">\n<div class=\"about\">\n<div class=\"name\">\n                            <strong>Bruce Clay<\/strong>\n                        <\/div>\n<div class=\"row g-2 pt-2\">\n<div class=\"col-auto twitter\">\n                                    <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/follow?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fsearchengineland.com%2F&amp;region=follow_link&amp;screen_name=BruceClayInc&amp;tw_p=followbutton&amp;variant=2.0\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-x-twitter\"><\/i><\/a>\n                            <\/div>\n<div class=\"col-auto\">\n                                    <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/bruce-clay-inc-\" aria-label=\"opens in a new tab\"><i class=\"fab fa-linkedin\"><\/i><\/a>\n                                <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>                        Bruce Clay is the founder and president of <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bruceclay.com\/\">Bruce Clay Inc.<\/a>, a global digital marketing optimization firm providing search engine optimization, PPC management, paid social media marketing, SEO-friendly site architecture, content development, and SEO tools and education.<br \/>\nClay authored the book &#8220;Search Engine Optimization All-In-One For Dummies,&#8221; now in its fourth edition, and &#8220;Content Marketing Strategies for Professionals.&#8221; He wrote the first webpage-analysis tool, created the Search Engine Relationship Chart\u00ae and is credited with being the first to use the term search engine optimization. Bruce Clay&#8217;s renowned SEO training course is available online at SEOtraining.com.                 <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMN63nwsw68G3Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology<\/a><\/span> category.<\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/onboard-seo-agency-right-way-438563\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Setting up a successful partnership with a new agency requires effort. Lay the groundwork for outstanding SEO results with these tips. The decision to hire a new SEO agency brings high hopes for what might be achieved together.\u00a0In these early stages, optimism runs high.\u00a0\u00a0 However, successful partnerships require more than just hopeful thinking; you have&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":613776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/wp-content\/seloads\/2024\/03\/How-to-onboard-an-SEO-agency-the-right-way-800x450.png","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[78070],"class_list":["post-613775","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology","tag-seo"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/613775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=613775"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/613775\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/613776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=613775"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=613775"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=613775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}