The world of SEO can bring many advantages to your business if you find the right agency. However, too many fall victim to poor service providers who are only after revenue without delivering real results. How can you avoid these pitfalls?
Here’s a simple guide to help you avoid becoming a victim when searching for an SEO agency.
1. Get in Touch with Them by Phone!
You wouldn’t believe how many so-called SEO “gurus” avoid phone calls.
Why?
Because many of them are more interested in making money off you than in the success of your business. If an agency isn’t willing to take the time to get to know your company, it’s best to move on.
2. Do They Know What They’re Talking About, or Are They Just Trying to Sell?
It’s easy to distinguish a true SEO expert from a mere salesperson. A real SEO expert speaks confidently and always connects SEO with key business metrics, like revenue.
If they bombard you with unrealistic promises, such as guaranteeing a top position in X months, it’s better to avoid them. Genuine experts provide estimates of expected results but with caution, as there are no guarantees in SEO.
3. Do They Understand Business Processes?
Just because someone can rank a website doesn’t mean it’s enough. The real value lies in understanding how SEO fits into the entire sales cycle. If the agency only talks about rankings but never mentions ROI (Return on Investment), they’re missing the bigger picture.
A good SEO agency should always focus on ROI—it’s the only reason you’d hire them.
4. Do You Get a Personalized Proposal?
Avoid agencies that send a generic proposal, one they’ve already sent to hundreds of other companies. Every business is unique, and so should every SEO campaign. The proposal should reflect your needs and the specifics of your market.
5. Do They Use Template Pricing?
There is no “one-size-fits-all” SEO campaign. Your budget should always match your market’s competitive landscape and your customers’ value.
For example, if you’re competing in the “best lawyer” market, your budget will be higher than that of a local restaurant because the intensity of competition differs. A reliable agency offers personalized pricing based on your specific situation.
6. What Is Their Methodology?
You need to know how the agency plans to achieve the desired results. There are many paths in SEO, and it depends on your risk tolerance which one you choose. If an agency uses aggressive link-building tactics, it might deliver short-term results but with a higher risk of penalties.
It’s better to choose a long-term, sustainable strategy that focuses on:
- Creating new SEO content assets
- Optimizing existing content
- Improving the website’s user experience
- Acquiring relevant, quality backlinks
If you hear terms like “web 2.0s,” “PBNs,” or “tiered link-building,” it’s time to move on.
7. Are They Transparent?
A reliable SEO agency regularly sends reports that include key performance indicators (KPIs). These could include keyword rankings, organic traffic growth, and the number of leads or sales generated from search engines.
You should also receive continuous updates on what they’re doing to improve results.
BONUS: No Secrets!
Any company that hides its methods or claims something is a “trade secret” is probably hiding something. There are no secrets in SEO. If someone can’t share their tactics with you, they’re likely using gray or black hat methods, which will harm you in the long run.
In Summary
Choosing the right SEO agency isn’t an easy task, but by considering these factors, you can avoid the pitfalls. Choose a partner who is transparent, honest, and focused on long-term results.