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Do I need an SEO company?

Written by Alessandro Boscolo-Conway | 18-03-2025

Not sure if your business needs help with SEO? You’re not alone. Many small business owners in Ireland ask the same thing.

If your website isn’t bringing in much traffic or you’re not sure how to improve it, getting support from an SEO company might be the right move. This guide will walk you through what to think about before you decide.

Key takeaways

Think about hiring an SEO company if your site isn’t getting visitors or if you don’t have time to manage SEO yourself

Ask how they plan to improve your site and make sure they give regular updates

It does cost money, but it can help bring in more customers over time

Look for an agency that’s worked with businesses like yours

Check your budget—spending more now could lead to better results later

Wondering if it’s the right step for your business? Let’s take a closer look.

When to hire an SEO company

Not sure if it’s the right time to bring in outside help? Here are a few signs it might be worth it. If your traffic is low, your site isn’t showing up in search, or you’re not sure what to do next—an SEO company could make a big difference.

You need a solid SEO plan

If your site isn’t getting seen, it might be because there’s no proper strategy in place. A good SEO plan helps your site appear in search results, reach the right people, and stay competitive.

If you’re guessing your way through keywords, content, or link building, it might be time to get expert help.

Your traffic is too low

Low website traffic means fewer people are finding you. If your site isn’t pulling in visitors, an SEO company can help fix that.

They’ll look at what’s holding your site back, from poor rankings to slow load times, and help get more eyes on your content.

You don’t have in-house SEO skills

You might not have the time or knowledge to manage SEO properly. And that’s okay.

An SEO company brings the tools, know-how, and experience to do it for you—so you can focus on running your business. They can handle everything from technical checks to content strategy, saving you time and avoiding guesswork.

Your business is growing

If you’re scaling up or planning to, SEO becomes even more important. More traffic means more leads, more sales, and more chances to grow.

An agency can help you reach a wider audience, support your expansion, and make sure your site keeps up with your business goals.

You’re updating or redesigning your site

A site refresh is the perfect time to think about SEO. It’s a chance to fix issues, improve structure, and make sure search engines can read your content properly.

An SEO company can work with your web team to make sure your new site doesn’t just look good—but also performs well in search.

Things to consider before hiring an SEO agency

Thinking about working with an SEO company? Before you commit, there are a few things to check first. From your internal setup to how the agency operates, here’s what to look at before you say yes.

Do you have the right resources in-house?

Ask yourself: do you or your team have the time or skills to manage SEO properly?

If not, that’s where an agency can step in. They’ll fill the gaps and bring the knowledge your team might not have. This lets you stay focused on running the business while they handle the technical side and day-to-day SEO work.

Will they be open and honest with their data?

A good SEO company doesn’t just promise results—they show you how they’ll get there.

You should be able to see what they’re doing and why. Ask about how often they’ll update you, what kind of reports you’ll get, and how they measure success. Things like traffic growth, keyword rankings, and leads should never be a mystery.

Clear updates build trust and help you see where your money’s going.

Are they set up to help you grow over time?

SEO isn’t a quick fix. It’s a long game.

The right agency will focus on building steady, lasting growth. That means better rankings, more traffic, and stronger leads—month after month. They should also help you stay on top of changes in search trends and keep your strategy moving forward.

Can you afford to invest right now?

SEO takes budget as well as time. Make sure you’ve set aside enough to make it worthwhile.

Some agencies offer flexible packages, which can help you start small and grow as you go. Think of SEO as an investment. Done well, it can bring in more traffic, more leads, and more sales over time—making that upfront spend well worth it.

Benefits of hiring an SEO company

Wondering what you’ll actually get from working with an SEO company? It’s not just about rankings. It’s about getting your time back, reaching the right people, and seeing real results from your online efforts.

Boost your visibility

When your site shows up higher on Google, more people find you. It’s that simple.

An SEO company knows how to move your site up the search results. That means more traffic, more clicks, and more potential customers. Better visibility helps your business stand out from the crowd—and grow.

Get expert support

SEO isn’t something you can guess your way through. It takes experience.

An SEO company knows what works and what doesn’t. They stay on top of algorithm changes, keyword trends, and what makes search engines pay attention. You get their knowledge on your side, without needing to learn it all yourself.

See better results

When experts take over, you get results faster. They’ll spot issues on your site, improve your content, and focus on what drives traffic.

You’ll see the difference in rankings, site visits, and leads. And you’ll have clear reports showing progress, so you know what’s working.

Free up your time

Running a business is a full-time job. SEO can easily take up hours you don’t have.

When you hire a team to manage it, you can focus on everything else—like your customers, your products, and your growth. You handle the business, they handle the traffic.

Get a full service

A good SEO company doesn’t just do one thing. They take care of everything—from keyword research to content creation, technical fixes to link building.

That means you don’t have to juggle multiple tools or freelancers. You get one team, with one clear focus: helping your website perform better.

Essential questions to ask when hiring an SEO company

Before you hire an SEO agency, it’s important to ask the right questions. You want to make sure they understand your business, work in a way that suits you, and offer real value for what you spend.

Do they use other digital marketing strategies?

SEO works best when it’s part of a bigger plan. Ask if the agency also offers help with content, email marketing, or social media.

A strong digital strategy combines different tools to boost your visibility across the board—not just in search results.

What are their goals for long-term results?

SEO isn’t a quick win. Ask how they plan to grow your traffic and revenue over time.

Look for an agency focused on building steady growth, not just chasing short-term boosts. The right team will have a clear plan that supports your business for the long haul.

Can your team manage SEO in-house?

Think about whether your team has the time and knowledge to handle SEO on their own. If not, it’s better to bring in support than stretch your resources too thin.

Hiring experts means you get results without losing focus on the rest of your business.

Have they worked in your industry before?

Every industry has its own challenges. An agency that already knows your market can get results faster. They’ll understand your audience, your competition, and what tactics are likely to work best.

Ask for examples of businesses like yours that they’ve worked with.

How does their pricing work?

Know what you can spend—and what you’ll get in return.

Ask about pricing upfront. Find out what’s included and how they measure success. A good SEO agency will be clear about costs and will show how their work helps your business grow.

Final thoughts

Hiring the right SEO company can make a big difference. Ask smart questions, check their experience, and make sure their plan fits your goals and your budget. A good fit means better results—and less stress for you.

FAQs about hiring an SEO company

1. How do I know if my business needs an SEO company?

If your website isn’t getting traffic, or you don’t have time or skills for SEO, it might be time to get help. An SEO company can step in and handle it for you.

2. Can’t I just do SEO myself?

You can, but it takes time, tools, and know-how. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, it’s easy to miss important steps. A good SEO company brings experience and gets results faster.

3. What should I look for in an SEO agency?

Look for clear communication, real results, experience in your industry, and a solid plan for long-term growth. Make sure they explain what they’re doing and why.

4. How much does it cost to hire an SEO company?

Costs vary based on what you need. Some agencies offer flexible plans. The key is to focus on value—not just price. A well-run campaign should pay for itself over time.

5. How long does it take to see results from SEO?

SEO is not instant. It usually takes a few months to see real changes. But with the right team and plan, the results are long-lasting and worth the wait.

Thinking about hiring an SEO company?

If you’re unsure where to start or need help making the right call, I’m here to guide you. Whether you need a full strategy or just some advice, we’ll find the best approach for your business.

Get in touch today and let’s talk about what your website really needs to grow.