● The short answer
Choose an agency that explains its plan in plain language, shows relevant past work, follows Google's guidelines, measures leads and revenue rather than vanity rankings, and leaves you owning every account and asset. Walk away from anyone who guarantees a number one ranking; Google itself says no one can. Ask for a written scope listing the actual work.
Key takeaways
- Define what success means for your business before talking to agencies.
- Google says no one can guarantee a number one ranking; treat guarantees as a reason to walk away.
- Ask who does the work, how links are earned, how results are reported and who owns the accounts.
Start with what you need
Before talking to agencies, write down what success looks like for your business: more calls from a specific service area, more quote requests for a product line, better visibility in AI answers for your category, a site migration that does not lose traffic. An agency that is excellent at national ecommerce content may be wrong for a three-location dental practice, and the reverse. Knowing your goal lets you judge fit instead of sales polish.
The how is where we come in.
What we walk through with you, for your business:
- Questions to ask
- Red flags and green flags
- Comparing proposals
- Our take
Every business is different, so the plan is too. Tell us where you want to show up and we will show you what it takes.
Talk to usMore questions
Should I hire a local SEO agency or a national one?
Fit matters more than geography. A local agency often knows your market, press and community, which helps local SEO and link building. A national specialist may be stronger for ecommerce or a niche industry. Ask about experience with businesses like yours and in your region, as Google's own question list suggests.
How long should an SEO contract be?
A defined initial term of three to six months is reasonable, since SEO takes time to show results, followed by month-to-month or a short notice period. Be wary of long lock-ins from day one, and make sure the contract states that you keep all content, accounts and data if you leave.
Sources
- Google Search Central: Do you need an SEO?
- Google Search Central: Spam policies for Google web search
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