Welcome to another edition of SEO Tuesday!

Today, we’ll be talking in broad strokes about SEO–more specifically (or less, really), techies. Techies are those people who live and breathe the internet and computers and can include designers, developers, programmers, even search engine optimization gurus.

(We want to give a warning: this blog will be more based on hiring SEO versus DIY SEO. If you’re looking to hire a contractor, please read on! Now, on with the blog.)

Tech gurus tend to be partial–us included. We like what we like and we tend to steer our clients towards what we think is best for them. I think that goes for everyone in business.

However, this may not be best. In fact, no techie will know what’s best for your business. The only one who will know that is you.

So, before you hire that next tech guru, whoever he or she may be, here are five things to consider.

1) Look at their website. Now go back and really look at their website.

No matter what industry the company you’re thinking to hire is in–designing, developing, social media–you should always take a gander at what they’re already doing.

Why?

Because honestly, what you see on their website will probably be quite similar to what you will see in yours once things are finished.

As I said previously, though we seem like a different, innovative breed, we all tend to focus on what we like until we find something we believe is better (and worth the time and energy to learn).

If you’re wondering what the difference between a web designer and a web developer, perhaps this will help.

If you come to a developer’s website that seems a bit dated for your taste or who’s language is stuffy, perhaps that’s not where your branding is going.

And that’s okay.

There are enough designers, developers, and copywriters out there for you to find one that is better fit to your industry, branding, and voice.

Takeaway: a company’s website is their ultimate portfolio. You can learn a lot by a simple look.

2) Do they seem easy to work with?

Are they communicative to you? If not, are you okay with this? Do they have a limit on businesses they will work with at any given time?

Do they go ahead and send your their contract of expectations? Are they reasonable?

When it comes to virtual workers, we tend to fall on two sides of a spectrum–we’re super creative and with that feel hampered by restrictions such as invoicing or proposals, meetings and emails or we thrive in a structured environment in which we live to talk and get insight from you.

You, as a business, can learn which side your prospective freelancer or worker falls under with a little communication. Do you need to know your emails are going through and would like a quick response?

Or are you okay with responses taking a bit of time?

Again, there isn’t a “right” answer but more of a right answer for you.

Takeaway: what is your vibe–how do you work? You probably want to work with someone who works similarly to you.

3) Are they always seeming to rush you?

You’ve shown interest in what they’re offering, whether it’s a new website, a logo design, or a total overhaul of your internet presence. But now, it seems like they’re ready to close the deal while you’re still working out your budget.

No company should put you under a lot of pressure. In fact, your sole need for the service should be pressure enough.

When a company or technology guru wants you to sign on the dotted line immediately, this should throw a flag.

Why?

Developers, and most of technical workers, tend to be very busy. If they’re pushing you to sign a contract, this may mean they’re out of work. I mean, some don’t have time to shave even!

Because many technology-based workers tend to have an existing workload–whether it be in the form of current projects or even a wait list. To them, they should be focused on helping you the best way they know how rather than making as much money as possible as quickly as possible.

By allowing you to take your time in your decision, you’re also giving them time to finish up existing projects before yours takes precedence.

Takeaway: take your time before hiring someone. If they’re not willing to wait for you, they don’t have the patience to get your project they way you want it.

4) Do they explain what they’re going to do in detail and allow for your expertise or guidance?

Techies know that not everyone understands what they do. This is why many of us work really hard to simplify our jobs into easy to understand lay-man’s terms.

For example, when I tell people that I own a company that specializes in SEO, if I ever get the glazed eyes look, I always be sure to follow it up with:

“Basically, it’s a fancy way to say I help folks to rank higher in Google.”

Of course, there is a lot that goes into that but truthfully, unless they reach out and want to know more, that’s all they need to know to get the gist.

However, when someone like you does want more information about the service you’re looking to receive, the expert should be willing to really walk you through the process in as simple of terms as possible and not be willing to gloss over anything until you’re comfortable.

If they’re not willing to truly break their service down to the nitty-gritty details, perhaps you should wonder if they’re hiding something. And if they’re explaining something that doesn’t sound right, ask questions.

Takeaway: techies are always happy to explain what they do in depth for their clients. After all, you’ll be the one paying for it so you should know what they plan to do for you.

5) Are they willing to give their expertise to you for free?

The only time you should be cautious about sharing your information: if you’re Bush’s Baked Beans.
What makes them so delicious?

I mention this so much in seminars and it tends to blow people away.

Every business, every industry, should be giving their expertise away. For free.

(Unless, of course, you’re Bush’s Baked Beans.)

No, but seriously, before you hire anyone who is an expert, they should be willing to give you examples of their expert status by letting you in on industry know-how.

Perhaps they have a podcast in which they talk about various topics in their niche. Maybe they blog.

Either way, there shouldn’t be a point in which your expert would tell you that they can’t tell you that.

Why?

Because this will feel insincere, untrustworthy, even shady.

On the flip side, be sure that you’re available to talk about your expertise to anyone who needs it. By giving out information, your reputation as expert increases while building trust with clients and customers.

Takeaway: ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with your potential hire. If you’re not getting a direct answer or if they negate to give you an answer entirely, perhaps you should wonder why.

Questions and Comments?

What are some methods of precautions you use before hiring a freelancer or consultant? What are some mistakes that you’ve learned that you’re willing to share with others?

We’d love to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to add below!