SEO Consultant & Digital Marketing Strategy
Calgary & Area Web Marketing Consultations & Services
What is a SEO Consultant & Digital Marketing Strategist?
A digital marketing consultant can be a specialist in a very narrow field of web marketing. Or, they can be considered a “full stack” consultant, who has a more generalised and inclusive understanding of digital marketing.
When you choose BlindDrop Design Inc. as your SEO Consultant and Web strategist, you will be leveraging over 20 years of knowledge and experience. We can provide insights, recommendations and proven strategies to help your online presence improve rankings, visibility, authority and user experience.
What does an Web Marketing Consultant Do?
A digital marketing consultant is a powerful asset to have on-hand at specific points in your web marketing cycles, such as:
- Brand creation or revitalization (including logo design)
- New web design planning & strategy
- Website revitalization
- Website additions
- Improving website UX (User Experience)
- Educating admin staff to manage and promote their web presence
- Exploring new channels for expanding your customer base
- Reputation Management, such as third party review channel set up and management
- Improving website rankings quickly and efficiently
- Leveraging their network of web experts to complete specific tasks
For this article, we will focus on a general web consultant who can be expected to have experience in:
- Branding Fundamentals
- SEO &SEM Research & Implementation
- Web Marketing
- Web Development
- Site Structure
- Navigation
- Web Hosting
- Auditing
- Analytics
- Email marketing fundamentals
- Marketing automation
Web Design Consultation Process
While all of our solutions are customized to your brand’s unique needs, our consultation services and web development process is streamlined to be as efficient and effective as possible. Our design team will guide you step by step through this process:
- Branding, Visual Identity & Business Review
In our first meeting we review your current needs across all media channels and plan a proven path for your business’s design and marketing. - Search Engine Marketing Research and Strategy
We research your brand’s competition using third party marketing analytics software to create a baseline for your competitive niche. - Customized Web Development
We design your web site and social media channels uniquely on your brand, so it is clean, professional and consistent. - Intuitive UX (User Experience) Design
We create a natural and intuitive navigation – including universal menus, contextual navigation, supporting links and Calls to Action. - Copywriting for People & Search Engines
We work together to produce web-friendly text that is effective for all visitors, whether they are human or Search Engine bots and spiders. - WordPress Admin Training & Support
We strive to empower our clients by providing them with a flexible middle ground as a web partner. We meet you in the middle, providing support and services as needed. - Essential Post-Launch Tasks
We complete the initial SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and manual submissions to the top Search Engines and directories - Forward Thinking Strategies
We can help develop an ongoing marketing strategy for you to consider once the site is live. Getting the web site live is the first step towards your online success.
As you can see, this marketing expert will embody the skills and knowledge required to review those marketing concerns that we have outlined in steps 1 to 5, and then some.
Meet Lucas, SEO Consultant & Web Strategist
Lucas Arnatt is Creative Director & Web Strategist at BlindDrop.com. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, local businesses and large corporations build and manage their brands online since 1997.
Contact Lucas today to learn more about how he can help you to build and market your brand online.
Call (403) 667-0765
The Best SEO Consultant is More than a Data Analyst
We recommend that you also consider choosing a SEO & web consultant who is a team player. An individual who is personable, accessible, diligent, professional, friendly, concise and dependable.
Someone who provides a general strategic overview, but also understands the fine details. This shows they can relate detailed data to the larger picture of your marketing plan’s short-term and long-term scope.
In addition, they can help define a budget and prioritize tasks and development phases and cycles. Their guidance can help achieve improvements most cost effectively and efficiently.
What is a Digital Marketing Consultation?
Website Auditing, SEO Research & Market Evaluation
A digital marketing consultation entails a thorough review and analysis of a unique web presence. This marketing analysis includes aspects like site audits, SEO factors, Google apps review, industry websites and competitor research.
The results of the consultation include a report, a recommended strategy and follow up meeting. These outline and confirm the next steps for the brand to move toward their web marketing goals.
A digital marketing consultation offers an opportunity for you to see a deeper and wider picture of your web presence in a holistic manner. Any details they share will reflect, in some way, their connection to the larger goals of the brand.
A Web audit is useful for new and existing websites. Yes, even for new websites, before they are built. A website audit of your established competitors helps guide your new site to excel within the first year of launch.
A full web audit looks beyond the website to the brand’s reputation and position online. This includes a number of channels, including customer review sites and social media.
The best digital marketing consultant looks at how the web presence reflects the brand’s messaging, visual identity and customer service overall. A professional marketing consultant will also share a step-by-step process to improve the weak areas and may include a SWOT Analysis.
The right consultant won’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. But more importantly, the best consultant will be a great listener. Someone who does not try to sell you something but listens to your needs. This guarantees their efforts will deliver the strategy needed to achieve your marketing goals.
Ready to Book Your Digital Marketing Consultation?
Contact us today to discuss your current branding, web design and SEO needs.
You can choose a free website audit or request a free quote for a new web presence by visiting our Web Design services page.
Find the Best SEO Consultant in Calgary
Are you a business owner in Calgary looking to improve your website’s visibility and attract more customers? If so, you’ve probably heard about the importance of search engine optimization (SEO). SEO can greatly impact your online presence and drive organic traffic to your website. However, SEO is a complex and ever-evolving field that requires expertise and experience. That’s where an SEO consultant can be your key to success.
Understanding the Role of an SEO Consultant
An SEO consultant is a professional who specializes in optimizing websites to rank higher in search engine results. Their goal is to improve your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic. However, their role goes beyond just keyword research and on-page optimization. Let’s delve into the key responsibilities of an SEO consultant.
When it comes to the role of an SEO consultant, there is much more than meets the eye. These experts wear many hats to ensure the success of your SEO strategy. One of their key responsibilities is conducting thorough keyword research. By analyzing search trends and user behavior, they identify the most relevant and profitable keywords for your business. These keywords are then strategically incorporated into your website’s content, meta tags, and headers, improving your site’s chances of ranking higher in search results.
But that’s not all. An SEO consultant also takes a deep dive into your website’s structure and user experience (UX). They carefully analyze your site’s navigation, ensuring that it is intuitive and user-friendly. They also focus on optimizing your website for mobile responsiveness, as more and more users are accessing the internet through their smartphones. Additionally, they pay attention to site speed, as slow-loading websites can lead to high bounce rates. By enhancing user engagement and reducing bounce rates, an SEO consultant helps improve your website’s overall performance, which search engines take into consideration when ranking websites.
Aside from on-page optimization, an SEO consultant also focuses on off-page optimization. This involves building high-quality backlinks to your website. Backlinks are links from other reputable websites that point back to your site. An SEO consultant helps you establish these backlinks through various strategies such as guest blogging, influencer outreach, and social media marketing. By building a strong network of backlinks, your website gains authority and credibility in the eyes of search engines, leading to higher rankings.
The Importance of SEO for Your Business
Now that we understand the role of an SEO consultant, let’s explore why SEO is crucial for your business’s success. According to statistics, 93% of online experiences start with a search engine, making it the primary source of website traffic. Furthermore, research shows that 75% of users don’t scroll past the first page of search results. This means that if your website doesn’t appear on the first page, you’re missing out on valuable organic traffic.
Moreover, studies have shown that organic search generates 20 times more clicks than paid ads. By investing in SEO, you’re not only increasing your website’s visibility but also attracting highly targeted and engaged users who are actively searching for the products or services you offer. These users are more likely to convert into customers, resulting in higher sales and revenue for your business.
Additionally, SEO has a long-term impact on your business. Unlike paid advertising, which stops generating traffic once you stop investing, SEO can continue to bring you organic traffic for months or even years. By consistently optimizing your website and staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, you can maintain a strong online presence and reap the benefits in the long run. This gives you a higher return on investment (ROI) compared to other marketing strategies.
In conclusion, an SEO consultant plays a vital role in improving your website’s visibility and driving organic traffic. From conducting keyword research and optimizing on-page elements to analyzing site structure and building backlinks, their responsibilities are diverse and essential for the success of your SEO strategy. By investing in SEO, you can increase your website’s chances of ranking higher in search results, attract highly targeted users, and achieve long-term growth for your business.
Essential Qualities to Look for in an SEO Consultant
Now that you’re convinced about the importance of SEO for your business, let’s discuss the qualities you should look for when searching for the best SEO consultant in Calgary.
When it comes to finding the right SEO consultant, it’s crucial to consider their expertise in SEO best practices. A truly exceptional consultant will have a deep understanding of the ever-changing search engine algorithms, as well as the latest trends and techniques in the industry. They will be able to adapt their strategy to meet the evolving needs of search engines, ensuring that your website remains visible and competitive.
One of the key aspects to evaluate when considering potential SEO consultants is their experience with on-page and off-page optimization techniques. On-page optimization involves optimizing individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic in search engines. Off-page optimization, on the other hand, focuses on improving the website’s authority and reputation through link building and other external factors. A knowledgeable consultant will have a solid grasp of both aspects and will be able to implement effective strategies to improve your website’s visibility.
Another important quality to look for in an SEO consultant is their expertise in content strategy. Content plays a crucial role in SEO, as search engines prioritize websites that offer valuable, relevant, and engaging content to users. A skilled consultant will be able to develop a comprehensive content strategy that aligns with your business goals and target audience, ensuring that your website not only ranks well but also provides a valuable user experience.
Technical SEO is yet another aspect that a good consultant should excel in. Technical SEO involves optimizing the technical aspects of your website to improve its visibility in search engines. This includes factors such as website speed, mobile-friendliness, crawlability, and indexability. A knowledgeable consultant will be able to conduct a thorough technical audit of your website and implement necessary optimizations to enhance its performance.
When evaluating potential SEO consultants, it’s essential to ask for case studies and client success stories. A reputable consultant will be able to articulate their approach and demonstrate their expertise through real-world examples. Look for case studies that highlight the improvements they achieved for their clients’ websites, such as increased organic traffic, higher search rankings, and improved conversion rates. These success stories will give you confidence in their ability to deliver results.
In addition to client testimonials, it’s also worth checking online reviews and ratings. These external indicators can provide further insight into the consultant’s reputation and the quality of their services. Take the time to read through reviews from past clients to get a sense of their experiences and satisfaction levels.
By considering these essential qualities, you can ensure that you find the best SEO consultant in Calgary who will help you achieve your business goals and drive organic traffic to your website.
Steps to Finding the Right SEO Consultant in Calgary
When it comes to finding the right SEO consultant in Calgary, there are several important steps you need to take. By following these steps, you can ensure that you find a consultant who has the expertise and experience necessary to help your business succeed online.
Identifying Your SEO Needs
The first step in finding the right SEO consultant is to identify your specific SEO needs. Do you need help with keyword research and on-page optimization, or are you looking for an expert in link building and off-page SEO? Understanding your goals and priorities will help you find a consultant with the right expertise to meet your needs.
For example, if you have a local business in Calgary, you may want to focus on local SEO strategies that can help you rank higher in local search results. On the other hand, if you have an e-commerce website, you may need a consultant who specializes in optimizing product pages and improving conversion rates.
By clearly defining your SEO needs, you can narrow down your search and find a consultant who can provide the specific services you require.
Researching Potential SEO Consultants
Once you’ve identified your SEO needs, it’s time to start researching potential SEO consultants in Calgary. Look for consultants who have experience working with businesses similar to yours and who have a deep understanding of your industry.
One way to research potential consultants is by checking their websites, social media profiles, and online presence. Are they practicing what they preach? Do they have a strong online presence and a well-optimized website? This can give you valuable insights into their expertise and dedication to SEO.
Additionally, you can reach out to other businesses in your industry and ask for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can be a great way to find reliable and trustworthy SEO consultants.
By thoroughly researching potential consultants, you can gather the information you need to make an informed decision.
Evaluating SEO Consultants’ Proposals
After narrowing down your list of potential SEO consultants, request proposals from each of them. These proposals should outline their recommended SEO strategy, expected timeline, and pricing structure. Compare these proposals, taking into consideration the specific goals and needs you identified earlier.
Look for consultants who offer a comprehensive strategy tailored to your business, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Consider the experience, expertise, and proposed timeline to determine which consultant can deliver the best results within your desired timeframe.
It’s also important to consider the consultant’s communication style and responsiveness. Effective communication is key to a successful partnership, so make sure you choose a consultant who is easy to reach and who takes the time to understand your business and goals.
By carefully evaluating the proposals from potential SEO consultants, you can select the one who is the best fit for your business.
Remember, finding the right SEO consultant is a crucial step in improving your online visibility and driving more organic traffic to your website. By following these steps and conducting thorough research, you can find a consultant who can help you achieve your SEO goals and take your business to new heights.
Questions to Ask a Potential SEO Consultant
Inquiring About Their SEO Strategy
When you have a shortlist of potential SEO consultants, schedule consultations or interviews with each of them. During these discussions, ask about their SEO strategy for your business. A solid SEO strategy should cover on-page optimization, technical SEO, off-page SEO, and content marketing.
On-page optimization involves optimizing your website’s individual pages to improve their visibility and relevance to search engines. This includes optimizing meta tags, headings, and content to include relevant keywords and improve user experience.
Technical SEO focuses on optimizing the technical aspects of your website to improve its crawlability and indexability. This includes optimizing site speed, fixing broken links, and ensuring proper URL structure.
Off-page SEO involves building high-quality backlinks from other websites to improve your website’s authority and visibility in search engine rankings. A good SEO consultant should have a strategy for identifying and acquiring these backlinks.
Content marketing is another important aspect of SEO. Ask the consultant how they plan to create and promote high-quality content that will attract and engage your target audience. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, and other types of content.
Ask how they plan to conduct keyword research, optimize your website’s structure and content, and build high-quality backlinks. Ensure that their strategy aligns with your goals and meets the latest SEO best practices.
Understanding Their Reporting Process
Transparent communication and regular reporting are crucial when working with an SEO consultant. Ask potential consultants how often they will provide progress reports and what metrics they will track to measure the success of their SEO efforts.
They should be able to provide you with detailed reports on keyword rankings, organic traffic, backlinks, and other important SEO metrics. These reports will give you insights into the effectiveness of their strategies and help you make data-driven decisions.
Keyword rankings will show you how well your website is ranking for targeted keywords in search engine results. Organic traffic metrics will give you an understanding of how much traffic your website is receiving from search engines.
Backlink reports will show you the number and quality of backlinks pointing to your website. This is important for improving your website’s authority and visibility in search engine rankings.
Other important SEO metrics to track include bounce rate, conversion rate, and engagement metrics such as time on page and pages per session. These metrics will help you understand how well your website is performing and whether your SEO efforts are driving the desired results.
By asking about the consultant’s reporting process and the metrics they track, you can ensure that you will receive regular updates on the progress of your SEO campaign and have access to the data you need to make informed decisions.
Making the Final Decision: Choosing Your SEO Consultant
Choosing the right SEO consultant for your business is a crucial decision that can have a significant impact on your online presence and overall success. With so many options available, it’s important to carefully evaluate each consultant and consider various factors before making your final decision.
Considering the Cost of SEO Services
When comparing SEO consultants, it’s essential to consider the cost of their services. Remember that SEO is a long-term investment, and quality SEO services require expertise and ongoing effort. While cost is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor.
Don’t just focus on the price; consider the value and potential ROI that the consultant can deliver. A cheaper consultant may not have the expertise or resources to achieve significant results. Look for a consultant who offers transparent pricing and can demonstrate the value they bring to your business.
Additionally, consider the long-term implications of investing in SEO services. Improved search rankings and organic traffic can have a lasting impact on your business, leading to increased visibility, brand awareness, and revenue generation.
Assessing the Potential ROI with the Consultant
One of the key considerations when choosing an SEO consultant is the potential return on investment (ROI) they can deliver. While it’s challenging to predict exact results, an experienced consultant should be able to provide estimates based on their past successes and the competitiveness of your industry.
Consider the long-term impact of improved search rankings and organic traffic on your business. Calculate how much additional revenue these improvements can potentially generate, and compare this to the consultant’s proposed pricing to determine the ROI. A consultant who can demonstrate a strong potential ROI is likely to be a valuable partner for your business.
Furthermore, ask potential SEO consultants about their strategies for achieving results. A reputable consultant will have a well-defined approach that aligns with industry best practices and search engine guidelines. They should be able to explain their methodology and provide examples of successful campaigns they have executed in the past.
Finalizing the Contract and Getting Started
Once you’ve chosen the best SEO consultant for your business, it’s time to finalize the contract and get started. The contract is a crucial document that outlines the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and payment terms. Take the time to review the contract carefully and ensure that all the essential details are included.
Collaborate closely with your chosen consultant, providing them with all the necessary information and resources to kickstart your SEO campaign. This includes access to your website, analytics data, and any other relevant materials. Clear communication and a collaborative approach will help ensure that the consultant has everything they need to deliver optimal results.
Regularly communicate and monitor the progress of your SEO initiatives to ensure that they align with your goals and expectations. A good consultant will provide regular updates and reports, allowing you to track the performance of your SEO campaign and make informed decisions moving forward.
By following these steps and choosing the best SEO consultant in Calgary, you can elevate your online presence, attract more qualified traffic, and ultimately grow your business. Remember that while SEO is a long-term strategy, the right consultant can help you achieve sustainable results, giving you a competitive edge in the digital landscape.
Contact Lucas, SEO Consultant & Web Strategist
Lucas Arnatt is Creative Director & Web Strategist at BlindDrop.com, serving Calgary & Cochrane, Alberta. He has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs, local businesses and large corporations build and manage their brands online since 1997.
Contact Lucas today to learn more about how he can help you to build and market your brand online.
Call (403) 667-0765