• Learn SEO

What to Expect from a Basic SEO Agency

  • Felix Rose-Collins
  • 2 min read

Intro

For small businesses and startups, partnering with a basic SEO agency can be a cost-effective way to get started with search engine optimization. These agencies focus on delivering essential services to improve visibility and drive organic traffic without straining your budget. Here’s what you can expect from a basic SEO agency.


1. Basic Keyword Research

  • What You Get:
    • Identification of primary keywords relevant to your industry.
    • Focus on low-competition, high-intent keywords to drive early wins.
  • How It Helps:
    • Builds a foundation for your website’s SEO strategy.
  • Pro Tip: Use Ranktracker’s Keyword Finder to supplement their research and uncover additional opportunities.

2. On-Page Optimization

  • What You Get:
    • Optimized title tags, meta descriptions, and headers for core pages.
    • Basic improvements to site structure and internal linking.
  • How It Helps:
    • Enhances user experience and ensures search engines can crawl your site effectively.
  • Pro Tip: Ensure your agency avoids keyword stuffing and focuses on user-friendly optimizations.

3. Local SEO Focus

  • What You Get:
    • Google My Business setup or optimization.
    • Basic citation building across local directories.
  • How It Helps:
    • Increases visibility in local search results, driving foot traffic and local inquiries.
  • Pro Tip: Consistency is critical—make sure your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) are uniform across all platforms.

4. Technical SEO Lite

  • What You Get:
    • Identification and resolution of basic technical issues, such as broken links and missing meta tags.
    • Simple speed optimizations to improve site load times.
  • How It Helps:
    • Fixes fundamental issues that could be harming your rankings.
  • Pro Tip: Use Ranktracker’s Website Audit Tool to verify their work and identify any missed opportunities.

5. Entry-Level Reporting

  • What You Get:
    • Monthly updates on keyword rankings and traffic growth.
    • Basic insights into what’s working and areas for improvement.
  • How It Helps:
    • Keeps you informed about your SEO progress without overwhelming you with data.
  • Pro Tip: Pair their reports with Ranktracker’s Rank Tracking Tool to ensure accuracy and transparency.

What to Watch Out For

  • Unrealistic Promises: If an agency guarantees top rankings in weeks, they’re likely using risky tactics.
  • Cookie-Cutter Strategies: Look for agencies that understand your business, not just generic SEO templates.
  • Lack of Communication: Ensure the agency is transparent about deliverables and timelines.

Who Should Choose a Basic SEO Agency?

  • Small businesses and startups with limited budgets.
  • Local businesses focused on improving search visibility in their area.
  • Companies seeking foundational SEO improvements without advanced strategies.

The Bottom Line

A basic SEO agency provides affordable, entry-level services to help small businesses and startups build a foundation for growth. While their offerings may be limited, they’re ideal for those just starting their SEO journey.

Want to complement your agency’s efforts with DIY tools? Try Ranktracker’s free plan to monitor your rankings and identify additional opportunities for improvement.

Felix Rose-Collins

Felix Rose-Collins

Ranktracker's CEO/CMO & Co-founder

Felix Rose-Collins is the Co-founder and CEO/CMO of Ranktracker. With over 15 years of SEO experience, he has single-handedly scaled the Ranktracker site to over 500,000 monthly visits, with 390,000 of these stemming from organic searches each month.

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