Top Questions to Ask an SEO Agency Before Hiring Them

Business owner discussing SEO strategy with a digital marketing agency

Choosing the wrong SEO agency can be costly—not just financially, but in terms of lost time, damaged rankings, and missed opportunities. With countless agencies promising overnight success and guaranteed first-page rankings, how do you separate the legitimate professionals from the snake oil salespeople?

The truth is, great SEO takes time, expertise, and a strategic approach tailored to your business. The right agency will become a valuable partner in your growth, while the wrong one might set you back months or even years. That’s why asking the right questions upfront is crucial.

Here are the essential questions every business owner should ask before signing an SEO contract, along with what to listen for in their responses.

🗺️ 1. “Can you walk me through your SEO strategy and process?”

Why this matters: A legitimate agency should have a clear, systematic approach—not just throw tactics at the wall and hope something sticks.

Good answer: They’ll outline specific steps like website audits, keyword research, competitor analysis, content planning, and technical optimization. They should mention both on-page and off-page strategies.

Red flag: Vague answers like “we’ll optimize your website” or promises to “submit your site to 1,000 directories.”

📊 2. “Can you show me case studies with actual results?”

Why this matters: Past performance indicates their ability to deliver real results, not just theoretical knowledge.

Good answer: Specific examples showing traffic increases, ranking improvements, or lead generation growth. They should explain the challenges and strategies used.

Red flag: Refusing to share examples, showing only rankings for easy keywords, or case studies that seem too good to be true.

🔧 3. “What tools do you use for SEO analysis and tracking?”

Why this matters: Professional SEO requires professional tools. This question reveals their investment in proper resources.

Good answer: Mention of industry-standard tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Google Analytics, Search Console, and specialized technical SEO tools.

Red flag: Relying solely on free tools or tools you’ve never heard of, or being evasive about their toolkit.

⏰ 4. “How long before we see results, and what will those results look like?”

Why this matters: Sets realistic expectations and helps you understand their approach to measuring success.

Good answer: Honest timeline (typically 3-6 months for meaningful results), explanation of early wins versus long-term gains, and specific metrics they’ll track.

Red flag: Promises of immediate results, vague timelines, or guarantees of specific rankings.

🏆 5. “Do you guarantee first-page rankings?”

Why this matters: This is actually a trick question—no legitimate agency can guarantee specific rankings.

Good answer: “No, we can’t guarantee rankings because Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, but we can guarantee our best effort using proven strategies.”

Red flag: Any guarantee of specific rankings or “we’ll get you to #1” promises.

📋 6. “What’s included in your monthly SEO services?”

Why this matters: Prevents scope creep and ensures you understand exactly what you’re paying for.

Good answer: Detailed breakdown including technical audits, content creation, link building, reporting, and ongoing optimization activities.

Red flag: Vague packages or services that sound like basic website maintenance rather than strategic SEO.

🔄 7. “How do you handle Google algorithm updates?”

Why this matters: Algorithm updates can significantly impact rankings, so agencies need proactive strategies.

Good answer: They monitor updates closely, focus on white-hat techniques that align with Google’s guidelines, and have recovery strategies when needed.

Red flag: Dismissing algorithm updates as unimportant or admitting they don’t stay current with changes.

👥 8. “Can you provide references from current or past clients?”

Why this matters: Direct feedback from other businesses gives you insight into their communication, results, and reliability.

Good answer: Willingness to connect you with 2-3 clients, preferably in similar industries or business sizes.

Red flag: Refusing to provide references or only offering testimonials they control.

💯 9. “What happens if we’re not satisfied with the results?”

Why this matters: Understanding their policies protects your investment and reveals their confidence in their work.

Good answer: Clear explanation of their review process, potential strategy adjustments, and reasonable contract terms.

Red flag: Long-term contracts with no escape clauses or refusing to discuss dissatisfaction scenarios.

📞 10. “How will you communicate progress and results to us?”

Why this matters: Regular, clear communication is essential for a successful partnership.

Good answer: Monthly reports with key metrics, regular check-ins, and accessibility for questions between formal reports.

Red flag: Minimal reporting, reports filled with vanity metrics, or poor communication during the sales process.

🚩 Additional Red Flags to Watch For

During your conversations, be wary of agencies that:

  • Use high-pressure sales tactics or limited-time offers
  • Focus primarily on rankings rather than business growth
  • Can’t explain their strategies in simple terms
  • Have no physical address or local presence
  • Offer extremely low prices compared to competitors
  • Promise to “submit your site to thousands of search engines”

🤝 Making Your Decision

Remember, the cheapest option is rarely the best value in SEO. Look for agencies that ask thoughtful questions about your business, demonstrate expertise through their answers, and focus on long-term partnership rather than quick wins.

A great SEO agency will be transparent about their methods, realistic about timelines, and genuinely interested in understanding your business goals. They should feel like a trusted advisor, not just a service provider.

Take your time with this decision. The right SEO partner can transform your online presence and drive significant business growth, while the wrong choice can waste months of time and marketing budget.

📞 Ready to Work with an SEO Agency You Can Trust?

At NearMee, we don’t believe in cookie-cutter SEO. We offer transparent strategies, measurable results, and a partnership built on trust. If you’re serious about growing your business with ethical and effective SEO—let’s talk.

👉 Explore https://nearmee.co/ and find out how we can help your business grow locally and beyond.