Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing an SEO company?
Look for companies with proven case studies showing actual client results and rankings improvements. Check their own website rankings and online presence - if they can't rank themselves, they likely can't help you either.
Key factors to evaluate include:
- Track record: 3+ years in business with verifiable client testimonials
- Transparency: Clear reporting methods and regular communication schedules
- Custom strategies: Tailored approaches rather than one-size-fits-all packages
- White-hat SEO practices: Compliance with Google's guidelines
- Team expertise: Dedicated specialists for technical SEO, content, and link building
Request references from current clients in similar industries. A reputable firm will gladly provide them without hesitation.
How much do SEO services typically cost?
SEO services range from $500 to $10,000+ per month depending on your needs and company size. Small local businesses typically spend $500-2,000 monthly, while enterprise companies invest $5,000-50,000 or more.
Common pricing models include:
| Service Type | Price Range | Best For |
|---|
| Monthly Retainer | $1,000-10,000/mo | Ongoing optimization |
| Project-Based | $5,000-30,000 | Website overhauls |
| Hourly Consulting | $100-300/hr | Specific guidance |
| Performance-Based | Variable | Results-driven campaigns |
Beware of agencies promising guaranteed rankings for $99/month. Quality SEO requires significant time and expertise that cheap providers simply can't deliver.
How long before I see results from SEO?
Most businesses see initial improvements within 3-6 months, with significant results appearing after 6-12 months. SEO builds momentum over time rather than delivering instant results.
Timeline factors include:
- Website age: New sites take longer to establish authority
- Competition level: Highly competitive keywords require more time
- Current state: Sites with technical issues need fixes first
- Content frequency: Regular publishing accelerates progress
- Budget: Higher investment typically means faster implementation
Local SEO often shows results faster (2-3 months) than national campaigns. Set realistic expectations and focus on steady progress rather than overnight success.
What are red flags to avoid when hiring an SEO company?
Run from any company guaranteeing #1 rankings or promising overnight results. Google's algorithm involves hundreds of ranking factors that no agency can completely control.
Major warning signs:
- Lack of transparency about their methods and strategies
- No contract or extremely long-term locks without trial periods
- Bulk link packages or "thousands of backlinks for $50"
- Keyword stuffing recommendations
- Hidden fees or unclear pricing structures
- No reporting or vague metrics like "increased visibility"
- Outsourcing all work without disclosure
Ask specific questions about their link-building methods. Legitimate agencies focus on earning quality links through content and outreach, not buying them.
What's the difference between local and national SEO services?
Local SEO targets customers in specific geographic areas through Google My Business optimization and location-based keywords. National SEO focuses on ranking for broader terms without geographic limitations.
Local SEO priorities:
- Google My Business setup and management
- Local citations and directory listings
- Location-specific landing pages
- Customer reviews management
- "Near me" search optimization
National SEO priorities:
- Comprehensive keyword research across topics
- Authority building through high-quality backlinks
- Content marketing at scale
- Technical optimization for large sites
- Brand awareness campaigns
Choose based on your customer base. Plumbers need local SEO, while e-commerce stores selling nationwide require national strategies.
What services should a full-service SEO company provide?
A comprehensive SEO company handles all aspects of search optimization from technical fixes to content creation. They should offer integrated strategies rather than isolated tactics.
Essential services include:
Technical SEO
- Site speed optimization
- Mobile responsiveness
- XML sitemaps
- Schema markup implementation
Content Services
- Keyword research and strategy
- Content creation and optimization
- Blog management
- Landing page development
Off-Page SEO
- Link building campaigns
- Brand mention monitoring
- Competitor analysis
- Digital PR outreach
Analytics & Reporting
- Monthly performance reports
- Conversion tracking setup
- Goal setting and KPI monitoring
Avoid agencies that only offer one piece of the puzzle. Effective SEO requires coordinated efforts across multiple channels.
How do I measure if my SEO company is delivering results?
Track specific metrics beyond just rankings to measure real business impact. Focus on metrics that directly affect your bottom line.
Key performance indicators:
- Organic traffic growth: Month-over-month increases in non-paid visitors
- Keyword rankings: Progress for target terms (not vanity keywords)
- Conversion rate: Percentage of visitors taking desired actions
- Revenue attribution: Sales directly from organic search
- Page load speed: Technical improvements over time
Request monthly reports showing:
| Metric | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Organic sessions | Shows traffic growth |
| Click-through rate | Indicates title/meta effectiveness |
| Bounce rate | Reveals content relevance |
| Page authority | Measures link building success |
| Local visibility | Tracks map pack rankings |
Compare metrics to your baseline before hiring them. Growth percentages matter more than raw numbers.
Should I hire a specialized or general digital marketing agency for SEO?
Specialized SEO agencies typically deliver better search results due to focused expertise and dedicated resources. General agencies spread attention across multiple channels, potentially diluting SEO efforts.
Benefits of SEO specialists:
- Deeper technical knowledge
- Dedicated SEO tools and software
- Industry-specific experience
- Faster adaptation to algorithm updates
Benefits of full-service agencies:
- Integrated marketing strategies
- Single point of contact
- Bundled service discounts
- Cross-channel data insights
Consider specialists if SEO is your primary growth channel. Choose full-service if you need coordinated campaigns across paid ads, social media, and email marketing.
What questions should I ask SEO companies before hiring?
Ask specific, technical questions to gauge expertise and fit. Vague answers or reluctance to explain strategies indicate potential problems.
Critical questions to ask:
- "Can you share three case studies with measurable results?" - Tests proven experience
- "How do you stay updated with algorithm changes?" - Reveals ongoing education
- "What's your link building process?" - Exposes potentially risky tactics
- "Who will work on my account?" - Ensures experienced team members
- "How do you handle algorithm penalties?" - Shows problem-solving ability
- "What happens if we cancel?" - Clarifies ownership and transitions
Request a sample audit or strategy outline. Professional companies provide detailed insights even before signing contracts.
How do I know if I even need an SEO company?
You need professional SEO help if organic search could significantly impact your business, but you lack the time or expertise to execute properly. Most companies benefit from at least consulting-level guidance.
Signs you need help:
- Your competitors outrank you for important keywords
- Website traffic has plateaued or declined
- You're invisible in local search results
- Technical issues prevent proper indexing
- Content creation feels overwhelming
- You don't understand Google Analytics
You might handle it yourself if:
- You have under 10 pages to optimize
- Competition is minimal in your niche
- You have significant marketing experience
- Time is available for learning and implementation
Start with an audit from multiple companies. Their findings will reveal whether professional help justifies the investment.
