You can have the best product or service in the market, but if no one can find you online, does it even matter? Traditional marketing can only take you so far, but SEO is what establishes your brand’s long-term online presence and keeps you competitive.
Sure, SEO helps you rank higher, but that’s not all. It also helps attract the right audience, increase conversions, and build long-term authority. The problem? Not all SEO companies can deliver on these promises. Some rely on outdated tactics, while others focus on vanity metrics that don’t drive real growth.
So how do you choose an SEO company that delivers results? As an SEO professional who has worked in the industry for over 10 years, I’ve seen businesses waste time and money on the wrong agencies.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to evaluate and choose an SEO agency that moves the needle.
TL;DR – How to Choose an SEO Agency
Here’s a quick guide to choosing an SEO agency that fits your needs.
- Define your SEO goals
- Research & Compare Agencies
- Ask the Right Questions
- Beware of Unrealistic Promises
- Request a Proposal & Strategy Outline
If you’re serious about boosting your online presence and seeing measurable results, it’s time to implement a proven, data-driven approach. Hire me and my team for a personalized SEO audit, and let’s craft a strategy that aligns with your business goals.
What Does an SEO Company Do for Businesses?
If you have a product or service that isn’t selling, it may lack visibility. SEO company’s core objective is to boost the visibility of your business to reach more customers.
They improve your site’s visibility by optimizing your website and its content according to search engine guidelines. They carefully draft a strategy with high-quality content and backlinks to build your credibility.
An SEO company focuses on driving real and organic traffic— audiences who are actually interested in your business and want to spend their money.
Types of SEO Company Services
Depending on your goals, industry, and competition, an SEO agency can provide different types of optimization strategies. Here are the main SEO services businesses can take advantage of:
On-Page SEO Services
This service mainly focuses on optimizing elements within your website to improve search rankings and user experience. This includes:
- Keyword research & optimization
- Meta tags (title, description, headers)
- URL structure improvements
- Internal linking strategy
Here’s my on-page SEO checklist to help you understand what you need.
Off-Page SEO Services
This type of service refers to strategies that the company plans outside your website to boost your credibility and authority. Key elements include:
- Guest blogging
- Link building & backlink outreach
- Competitor analysis and research
- Online reputation management
Local SEO Services
If you are targeting the local market, then companies provide a specific service called local SEO that helps you rank higher in area-specific searches. It includes:
- Google Business Profile optimization
- Local citations & directory submissions
- Location-based keyword targeting
- Optimizing for Google Maps results
E-commerce SEO Services
For online stores wanting to grow their business, e-commerce SEO helps improve product visibility and conversions by optimizing:
- Product descriptions and titles
- Category pages and navigation
- Image optimization for search
- Structured data for product listings
Technical SEO Services
This is another important part of SEO that needs special attention. Technical SEO ensures that search engines can crawl and index your website efficiently. This includes:
- Website speed optimization
- Fixing broken links & duplicate content issues
- Implementing structured data (schema markup)
- XML sitemap and robots.txt optimization
- HTTPS and security enhancements
Enterprise SEO Services
Large enterprises have extensive websites and need enterprise-level SEO to manage rankings and performance across multiple pages and locations. This involves:
- Advanced keyword strategy and automation
- Multi-location & multi-language SEO
- AI-driven content strategy
- Large-scale link-building campaigns
- Technical audits for high-traffic websites
SEO Consulting & Strategy Development
Some businesses prefer to handle their SEO in-house; however, they need some expert guidance from time to time. SEO consulting service provides:
- Customized SEO strategy creation
- Website audits and competitive analysis
- Training for in-house teams
- Ongoing SEO monitoring and adjustments
Key Criteria for Choosing an SEO Company
You might have come across countless agencies promising top rankings, but you need to know what separates the real experts from the rest.
Here are some key factors to consider when making your decision:
Proven Track Record
An SEO company that has done actual work will proudly showcase its case studies, client successes, and past campaigns—not just as proof of expertise but as a commitment to transparency.
Reviewing an agency’s portfolio helps you determine if they have experience in your specific industry or niche. For example, if you run an e-commerce store, look for case studies of other online retailers they’ve helped. A proven history of delivering real, measurable results is a strong sign that you’re dealing with experts.
To show you a better example, you can read how my team and I grew our business TrioSEO’s traffic by 400% in 6 months.
Team with Diverse Specialties
SEO takes a team effort to show better results. An agency with a well-rounded team of professionals will work better for your business. A team should comprise:
- SEO strategists who help develop data-driven plans
- Content specialists and editors who can craft engaging and optimized content
- Link-building professionals who can improve your domain authority
- Analysts who can help you track progress and fine-tune strategies
Avoid companies that are vague about their staffing or outsource all their work without clear oversight. You want to know exactly who is shaping your SEO success.
Reputation & Client Testimonials
A top-tier SEO agency will have blooming client testimonials, positive reviews, and high retention rates—all signs that businesses should trust their work.
Check reviews, testimonials, and ratings on platforms like Google, Clutch, and Trustpilot. A company with high client satisfaction and industry awards is a sure indication of credibility. Also, a company with long-term client relationships is usually the one you can trust.
Transparency & Communication
SEO takes time to show measurable results and you need to make a long-term investment. If you are signing with a company for the long term, then you deserve a partner who keeps you informed every step of the way.
An agency should share detailed reports on your rankings, traffic, and conversions. They should use industry-standard tools such as Google Analytics, SEMrush, and Ahrefs to measure these metrics.
Your agency should be responsive, accessible, and proactive in addressing your questions. If an agency is vague about its processes or dodges your questions, it’s a red flag.
How to Choose the Best SEO Company for You
Now that you know what to look for in an SEO company, how do you find the right one for your business? Let me lay the groundwork for you:
- Define Your SEO Goals: Understand what you need from the SEO company. Is it higher rankings, more traffic, better conversions, or local SEO improvement? Having a clear goal helps you find an agency specializing in what you need.
- Research & Compare Agencies: Do your research based on your needs and shortlist a few companies. Compare their services, pricing, and reviews. Look for companies that have experience in your niche and a solid reputation for delivering results.
- Ask the Right Questions: Before you make a commitment, ask questions like, “What SEO strategies do they use?”, “How do they measure and report progress?”, “Can they share case studies or past success stories?”.
- Beware of Unrealistic Promises: If you find a company that guarantees getting you number 1 ranking in a few weeks or offers cheap SEO packages with instant results, that’s the biggest red flag. SEO is a long haul, and real results take time.
- Request a Proposal & Strategy Outline: A reputable SEO company will provide a customized proposal with a clear strategy tailored to your business. Look for an agency that aligns with your vision, budget, and growth expectations.
Questions to Ask an SEO Agency
Hiring an SEO agency is a big investment, so you want to be sure you’re partnering with the right team. Asking the right questions can reveal a lot about their expertise, transparency, and ability to deliver real results. Here are some key questions to ask before signing a contract:
What’s Your Approach to SEO?
A good agency should explain its SEO philosophy in a way that makes sense. They should cover:
- Technical SEO (site speed, structure, and crawlability)
- User Experience (UX) (content, navigation, and keyword optimization)
- Off-Page SEO (link-building and brand authority)
Be wary of agencies focusing only on one aspect—SEO is a holistic strategy, not a one-trick game.
How Will You Tailor Your Strategy to Our Business?
Different businesses need different SEO strategies to grow their business. For instance, a local bakery needs a different approach than a global e-commerce store. Your agency should ask about your industry, target audience, and business goals before suggesting a strategy. If they don’t, it’s a sign they might use generic, cookie-cutter tactics.
How Do You Define Success?
The right answer? It depends on your goals. A trustworthy SEO company won’t just throw out vanity metrics like “more traffic”—they’ll focus on what actually matters to your business, whether that’s conversions, lead generation, or local foot traffic.
When Can We Expect to See Results?
SEO isn’t instant—expect real, sustainable growth within 4-6 months. If your site has technical issues, some early wins might come faster. A good agency will give you a realistic timeline based on your website’s current state.
How Will SEO Fit into Our Overall Marketing Strategy?
SEO isn’t a solo approach; it should align with your content marketing, social media, and paid advertising efforts. A strong agency will collaborate with your marketing team to ensure a cohesive digital strategy.
How Do You Conduct Keyword Research?
Keyword research isn’t just about finding high-volume search terms—it’s about understanding user intent. A great agency will:
- Research what your customers are actually searching for
- Analyze competitors
- Optimize for informational, navigational, and transactional keywords
How Will You Report Progress?
Regular reporting keeps you in the loop. A reliable SEO agency should provide:
- Monthly reports with clear, actionable insights
- Data on rankings, traffic, conversions, and backlinks
- Scheduled calls to review progress and adjust strategy
Red Flags to Watch Out For in SEO Companies
Not all SEO agencies have your best interests at heart. Some make bold promises or use outdated, risky tactics that can damage your website’s reputation. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for when choosing an SEO company.
- Unrealistic Ranking Guarantees: If an agency promises permanent or guaranteed #1 rankings, walk away. SEO depends on many factors, and results fluctuate. Ethical agencies provide realistic projections, not false promises.
- Forcing a Website Platform Change: If an SEO agency insists that you have to migrate your website to a new platform—especially if your current site is functional and performing well—that’s a bad sign. Some agencies suggest platform migrations to make their job easier rather than to benefit your business.
- Overemphasis on Metadata: If an agency places too much emphasis on metadata instead of comprehensive SEO strategies like content quality, site performance, and user experience, it may be using outdated tactics that won’t move the needle.
- Using “Black Hat” SEO Tactics: Avoid agencies that buy or trade backlinks, stuff keywords unnaturally, use AI-generated content without human oversight, and create fake location pages. These shortcuts can get your site penalized or even banned from search results.
- No Clear Communication Plan: As you know, SEO is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. If an agency doesn’t provide regular updates, reports, or a direct point of contact, it’s a major red flag.
- No Interest in Your Industry: If an agency doesn’t ask about your industry, competitors, or business goals, it won’t be able to create an effective strategy. A great SEO agency will take the time to understand these factors and tailor their approach accordingly.
- Poor Content on Their Own Website: If an agency’s own website has thin content, vague service descriptions, or lacks in-depth explanations of SEO concepts, it’s a sign they may not have the expertise they claim.
Tips for Evaluating Proposals From an SEO Company
Investing in SEO is a smart move, but hiring the wrong agency? That can lead to wasted money, shady tactics, and even penalties from Google. If you’re reviewing an SEO proposal and wondering whether it’s the real deal or just a glorified sales pitch, here’s what to look for—and what to avoid.
- Clear Goals & Strategy: A solid SEO proposal should outline specific, achievable goals—not just vague claims about “boosting rankings” or “increasing visibility.” The strategy should be tailored to your business, addressing key areas like technical SEO, content optimization, and link-building.
- Transparency in Services: An SEO company should clearly explain its process, whether it’s keyword research, technical audits, content creation, or backlink acquisition. If a proposal is vague or filled with jargon that doesn’t explain the services, then you should question whether they actually know what they’re doing.
- Realistic Timelines & Expectations: Ranking improvements take time—Google’s algorithms are complex, and results don’t happen instantly. A reputable SEO firm will set realistic expectations, explaining that significant improvements may take three to six months or longer, depending on your industry and competition.
- Reporting & Metrics: A strong SEO proposal should specify which metrics will be tracked and how often you’ll receive reports. The important KPIs are organic traffic growth, keyword rankings, conversion rates, bounce rates, and backlink profiles.
- Pricing: A cheap SEO package might sound tempting, but it often means cutting corners or using outdated tactics. On the flip side, an expensive agency doesn’t automatically mean better results. Instead of just looking at cost, focus on value. A good SEO agency will be straightforward about what you’re paying for—and why it’s worth it.
Partner with Me and My SEO Team
By now, you know what to look for in an SEO company and what your requirements are. If it’s still very overwhelming, you don’t have to navigate the complexities alone.
With years of experience and a proven track record of scaling businesses, my team and I will provide you with tailored SEO strategies that drive real, lasting results.
Whether you’re looking for a full-time SEO service or just a consultation, we’ll work closely with you to create a custom SEO plan that aligns with your unique business goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions that might interest you.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an SEO Company?
Hiring an SEO company provides you access to expertise, tools, and strategies that can improve your website’s visibility on search engines. A good agency will help you:
- Increase organic traffic by optimizing your site for relevant searches.
- Improve user experience with better site speed, structure, and content.
- Boost conversions by targeting the right audience with optimized landing pages.
- Stay ahead of competitors by keeping up with search engine updates and industry trends.
SEO requires consistent effort, and a professional agency ensures your strategy is data-driven and results-focused.
Can an SEO Company Guarantee Top Rankings?
No, and any company that claims it is supposedly a red flag. Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving, and rankings depend on multiple factors, including competition, content quality, and backlinks. A reputable SEO agency will provide realistic expectations and focus on long-term growth rather than empty, short-term promises.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From SEO Agency Services?
Most businesses start seeing noticeable improvements within 3 to 6 months, but highly competitive industries may take longer. Factors that impact the timeline include:
- The current state of your website’s SEO.
- The competitiveness of your target keywords.
- The consistency and quality of optimization efforts.
If an agency promises immediate results, they’re likely using shortcuts that could harm your website in the long run.
What Is the Average Cost of Hiring an SEO Company?
SEO pricing varies depending on the agency, services offered, and your business needs. On average:
- Small businesses spend $500 per month for ongoing SEO.
- Mid-sized companies typically spend $1,500 – $5,000 per month.
- Large enterprises and competitive industries often invest $5,000+ per month.
Some agencies also offer just SEO audits ranging from $50-$2,500 or hourly consulting rates of $100-$150. The key is to ensure you’re getting value for your investment.
Conclusion
Selecting the right SEO agency is an essential step that you need to take if you want to improve your website’s visibility, drive organic traffic, and ultimately grow your business.
By following the tips I’ve outlined in this guide, you’ll be equipped to evaluate agencies with a keen eye, ask the right questions, and set realistic expectations for your SEO journey.
With the right agency by your side, you can take your online presence to new heights and see meaningful results that fuel your business success.
If you want me to help you understand SEO more, then join my SEO course.
