Getting your contractor website to rank well on search engines takes work. You need a solid SEO plan to stand out online. A good SEO checklist helps you cover all the bases.
The key parts of an SEO checklist for contractors are keyword research, on-page optimization, and local SEO tactics. Pick keywords that match what potential customers search for. Use those keywords on your web pages, in titles, and in descriptions. Make sure your business shows up for local searches too.
Don’t forget about the technical side of SEO. Your site should load fast and work well on mobile devices. Building links from other sites can also boost your rankings. With the right SEO moves, you can get more eyes on your contractor business online.
Key Skills To Prioritize
As an SEO contractor, you need to focus on developing certain key skills to succeed. Start by honing your understanding of search engine algorithms and ranking factors. This knowledge forms the foundation of effective SEO work.
Next, sharpen your keyword research abilities. You should be able to find both broad and specific keywords that will help your clients reach their target audience. For example, “general contractor” and “kitchen remodeling contractor in Miami” are different types of keywords you might use.
Technical SEO skills are crucial too. Learn how to set up and use tools like Google Search Console and Bing Webmaster Tools. These help you track website performance and submit pages to search engines.
Content creation is another vital skill. You need to write clear, engaging content that appeals to both users and search engines. Practice writing in a simple style that’s easy for everyone to understand.
Don’t forget about on-page optimization. This includes tweaking elements like title tags, meta descriptions, and headers to improve a page’s chances of ranking well.
Lastly, work on your analytical skills. You’ll need to interpret data from various SEO tools to make smart decisions and show your clients the value of your work.
Essential Tools Knowledge
You need to know how to use some key SEO tools as a contractor. Google Analytics helps you track website traffic and user behavior. It shows you which pages get the most visits and how long people stay on your site.
Google Search Console is another must-have. It lets you see how your site appears in search results. You can check for errors and submit sitemaps here too.
Keyword research tools are vital. Google Keyword Planner is free and helps you find relevant search terms. Paid options like SEMrush or Ahrefs give more detailed data on keywords and competitors.
You should also learn about citation building tools. These help you create consistent business listings across the web. Moz Local and BrightLocal are popular choices for this.
Lastly, get familiar with on-page SEO checkers. They scan your site for issues like missing meta descriptions or slow loading times. Screaming Frog is a good free option to start with.
These tools will help you boost your online visibility. With practice, you’ll get better at using them to improve your SEO efforts.
Red Flags To Watch
When hiring an SEO contractor, you need to keep an eye out for some warning signs. Be wary of anyone promising super quick results. Good SEO takes time, so claims of instant success are fishy.
Watch out for folks who won’t customize their approach for you. Your business is unique, and your SEO strategy should be too. Cookie-cutter plans rarely work well.
Be careful with agencies that are vague about who’s actually doing the work. You want to know exactly who’s handling your account.
Avoid contractors obsessed with vanity metrics like raw traffic numbers. Focus on metrics that really matter for your goals.
Red flags to look for:
- Guaranteed rankings
- Lack of clear communication
- Vague or confusing reports
- Use of shady “black hat” tactics
Ask lots of questions about their methods. Good SEO pros will happily explain their approach. If they dodge your questions, that’s not a good sign.
Remember, SEO is a long-term game. Anyone promising overnight success is probably up to no good. Take your time to find a reputable contractor who aligns with your needs and values.
Pricing Models
SEO pricing can be tricky to navigate. You’ll find a few common models used by agencies and freelancers.
Monthly retainers are popular. You pay a set fee each month for ongoing SEO work. This usually ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 per month. The exact cost depends on your needs and the agency’s expertise.
Some SEO pros charge by the hour. Rates typically fall between $100 to $150 per hour. This can be good for small, one-off projects.
Project-based pricing is another option. You might pay $500 to $35,000 for a complete SEO overhaul. The price varies based on the scope of work.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Monthly retainer: $1,500 – $5,000
- Hourly rate: $100 – $150
- Project-based: $500 – $35,000
Remember, cheaper isn’t always better. Quality SEO takes time and expertise. Be wary of rock-bottom prices that seem too good to be true.
When choosing a pricing model, think about your long-term goals. A monthly retainer might make sense if you want ongoing support. For a one-time website audit, hourly or project-based pricing could be a better fit.
Important Metrics And Tracking
You need to keep an eye on key SEO metrics to see if your efforts are working. Organic traffic is a big one. This shows how many people find your site through search engines. Track it using Google Analytics.
Keyword rankings matter too. Check where your pages show up for important search terms. Tools like Semrush can help you monitor this.
Don’t forget about conversions. It’s great to get traffic, but you want visitors to take action. Set up goals in Google Analytics to track things like:
- Form submissions
- Email signups
- Product purchases
Page load speed is crucial. Slow sites frustrate users and hurt rankings. Use Google’s PageSpeed Insights to check how fast your pages load.
Backlinks are another vital metric. More quality sites linking to you can boost your authority. Track your backlink profile with tools like Ahrefs.
Bounce rate shows if people quickly leave your site. A high bounce rate might mean your content isn’t meeting visitor needs. Work on improving relevant pages.
Keep tabs on these key metrics. They’ll help you spot issues and opportunities to boost your SEO results.
