Essential Questions You Need to Ask When Hiring an SEO Agency

Did you know that 46% of all Google searches are local? With mobile internet becoming faster and more accessible, local searches have skyrocketed, which makes a well-crafted local SEO strategy more important than ever for businesses of all sizes.  

Whether you’re running a small business or a large corporation, getting found by nearby customers can make or break your success. But with so many SEO agencies promising results, how do you choose the right one? In this blog post, we’ll break down the essential questions you should ask when hiring an SEO agency to make sure you’re getting the best fit for your business. 

26 Questions To ask Before Hiring a SEO Agency 

Hiring the right SEO agency is a lot like conducting a job interview – you need to ask the right questions to ensure a good fit. To help you find the best partner for your business, here are 26 key questions to guide your decision-making process. 

1. Can you explain your process in simple terms? 

A trustworthy SEO agency should clearly explain their techniques for improving local rankings; if they hesitate or seem unclear, that’s a red flag. You must also inquire about client involvement in the process—while this may vary, the agency should be open to collaboration and maintain transparency throughout the campaign, as this fosters trust and supports long-term success. 

2. How long have you been in the SEO industry, and how experienced is your team? 

Assessing an SEO agency’s expertise starts with their industry experience, as those with a longer history are likely to have navigated various challenges and understand effective strategies. However, the number of successful projects completed is often a more crucial indicator of their capabilities.  

An agency with fewer years in the field but a higher project count may offer more practical experience than one with many years but fewer successful outcomes. 

3. How do you measure success in SEO? 

This is a crucial question when choosing an SEO agency. Different companies define SEO success in various ways—some focus on higher rankings and traffic, while others prioritize leads and revenue. By asking this, you’ll get a better idea of how the agency tracks and measures results. 

4. Do you specialize in SEO for specific industries or markets? 

If they do specialize in your sector, follow up with questions like:

• How many clients have you served in my industry?  
• Will my account be handled by an industry-specific expert?
• Can you provide case studies or references from similar businesses?  

This will help you gauge their expertise and how well they can meet your needs. 

5. Do You Work with Any of My Competitors? 

A reputable agency usually avoids partnering with businesses in the same market, even if they don’t specialize in your industry. This commitment ensures they are dedicated to your success without divided loyalties. If they do work with competitors, they should be transparent about it and may refer you to other trusted agencies. 

6. Will you collaborate with my other agencies? 

If this is true for your organization, you must ask potential SEO providers about their willingness to collaborate with your other partners. When your agencies work together, you can enjoy several benefits, such as: 

• Streamlined project management 
• Timely project completion 
• Coordinated marketing efforts 

On the other hand, if an SEO agency prefers not to collaborate, you might find yourself considering a full-service agency that can handle all your marketing needs under one roof. 

7. Do you require access to my website? 

While some agencies can operate without direct site access, others may need it to implement their strategies effectively. If you’re unable to grant access—common in enterprise-level organizations—be sure to ask this question.  

8. Do You Require an SEO Contract? 

Most SEO agencies will require a contract typically lasting from six to twelve months. Knowing the duration and terms of the contract will help you set expectations and understand the level of commitment needed to achieve effective SEO results. 

9. How Do You Communicate with Clients, and What Level of Involvement Do You Expect from Us? 

Inquire about how the agency communicates with clients and what level of involvement they expect from you. This will give you insight into their collaboration style and help you assess whether it aligns with your preferences. Clear communication and a willingness to involve you in the process can lead to better results and a more transparent working relationship. 

10. What SEO Tools and Strategies Do You Use to Improve Organic Search Rankings and Website Traffic? 

Ask about the specific SEO tools they use and the strategies they implement to enhance your website’s organic search rankings and traffic. This will help you evaluate whether their approach aligns with your goals and if they stay updated with the latest SEO trends. 

11. What Do You Need from My Business to Be Effective? 

It’s important to know what the agency requires from you to achieve optimal results. This could include access to your website, insights into your target audience, or collaboration with your marketing team. By understanding their needs, you can ensure that you’re both on the same page and prepared to support their efforts effectively. 

12. Can You Guarantee My Business a #1 Ranking on Major Search Engines?

If you come across an agency making such bold claims, it’s a strong indication that they may not be trustworthy. A reliable agency will focus on setting realistic and achievable goals using ethical practices. If you want an agency that can deliver results, it’s important they don’t under-promise either.  

13. What are your SEO deliverables and other services your agency offers? 

Ask about the services included in their SEO package, such as keyword research, on-page optimization, content creation, and technical SEO. This will give you insight into whether their offerings match your business needs and if they provide a comprehensive approach to your SEO strategy. 

14. What is your approach to link-building? 

Inquire about the agency’s strategies for acquiring quality backlinks. Are they using ethical methods, such as creating valuable content, or do they rely on dubious practices that could harm your site’s reputation? Understanding their approach will help you gauge their commitment to sustainable, long-term results.

15. Can you provide examples of successful SEO campaigns you’ve worked on in the past? 

Look for specific metrics that demonstrate success, such as increased traffic, improved rankings, or higher conversion rates. This will help you assess whether they have the experience and knowledge to achieve your business goals. 

16. How much of my time will you need? 

Collaboration is key in any successful SEO partnership. Ask the agency how much time and involvement they will require from you. Understanding this upfront can help you gauge the level of commitment needed on your part. 

17. Will you provide regular reports on the progress of our SEO efforts and how often? 

Ask the agency how often they will provide updates and what metrics they will include in their reports. This will help you stay informed about progress, understand what’s working, and identify areas that may need adjustment.  

18. What’s a realistic timeframe before I see results? 

SEO is a long-term strategy, and results typically don’t happen overnight. By asking this question, you can gauge whether the agency has a clear and realistic plan for improving your rankings. A reputable agency will provide a timeline that outlines short-term and long-term goals. 

19. How will you handle mobile SEO and ensure our site is optimized for mobile search? 

With the increasing use of mobile devices for internet searches, your site must be optimized for mobile users. Asking this question helps you determine how the agency plans to enhance your mobile SEO. A solid agency will have strategies in place for improving mobile user experience, page speed, and mobile-friendly design, 

20. Do you follow search engine guidelines, and how do you stay up-to-date with the latest algorithm changes? 

This question allows you to assess the agency’s commitment to ethical SEO practices and their proactive approach to staying current with industry trends and algorithm updates. A knowledgeable agency will have processes in place for adapting strategies as search engines evolve. 

21. What metrics do you use to measure the success of an SEO campaign? 

By asking this question, you can uncover the metrics the agency uses to evaluate progress, such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and conversion rates. A transparent agency will provide clear reporting methods and explain how they’ll keep you informed about your campaign’s performance. 

22. How would you handle technical SEO issues on our website, such as site speed and crawlability? 

Technical SEO plays a significant role in how search engines crawl and index your website. You must ask how the agency plans to address issues like site speed, mobile optimization, and crawlability. Their ability to fix these can significantly impact your site’s ranking and user experience, so you need a partner who is equipped to handle these challenges effectively.

23. How do you handle seasonal changes or fluctuations in search trends? 

A good SEO agency should have a strategy for adapting to these fluctuations to ensure that your business stays competitive year-round. This question will help you understand how proactive the agency is in monitoring search trends and adjusting strategies to maximize your visibility during peak and off-peak times. 

24. How would you handle negative SEO or competitors attempting to sabotage our rankings? 

Asking how the agency handles these situations ensures they have the experience and tools to protect your website from malicious attacks. Look for an agency that is well-versed in monitoring backlinks, removing harmful links, and safeguarding your online reputation. 

25. What is your pricing structure, and what services are included in your packages? 

Understanding the agency’s pricing structure and what’s included in their services is crucial for budgeting and knowing what to expect. Some agencies may offer tiered packages, while others may charge based on specific services. Make sure to clarify any hidden fees or additional costs and ensure the services align with your goals. 

26. What Happens if I Terminate My Contract? 

You need to understand what happens if you decide to part ways with the agency. Will you retain ownership of all the work done, such as content or backlinks? This question will help you avoid any unpleasant surprises and ensure a smooth transition if you need to switch agencies. 

What Does an SEO Expert Help You With? 

If you choose to work with an SEO expert, they can assist you in several key areas to boost your online presence. Here are some of the main ways an SEO professional can help: 

1. Optimized Content Creation 

Content is at the heart of effective SEO. To rank well on search engines and connect with your audience, your content must be optimized. An SEO expert can help you create engaging, keyword-rich content that meets both search engine requirements and your audience’s needs. 

2. Link Building 

Building high-quality backlinks is essential for establishing your website as an authority in your industry. However, managing link-building campaigns can be time-consuming. An SEO specialist can take this task off your hands, helping you acquire valuable links more efficiently. 

3. Keyword Research 

While you may know some important keywords for your business, an SEO expert can dig deeper to find the most relevant phrases. This ensures you’re using the right keywords without falling into the trap of keyword stuffing, which can hurt your rankings. 

4. Website Audits 

To keep your website in good standing with search engines, regular audits are essential. An SEO professional can evaluate your site’s on-page and technical SEO, ensuring everything functions properly. A well-maintained website with no broken links can improve your chances of ranking higher. 

5 Benefits of Hiring an SEO Agency 

When considering whether to hire an SEO agency, it’s essential to understand the advantages they can bring to your business. Here are five key benefits of partnering with an SEO company: 

1. Improved Website Performance 

SEO is vital for enhancing your website’s visibility. In a competitive market, an effective SEO strategy helps you reach potential customers before your competitors do, increasing your chances of success. 

2. Expertise and Experience 

While you might grasp the basics of SEO, an agency brings specialized knowledge and experience. They know what works and can optimize your site efficiently, saving you the trial and error of learning on the go. 

3. Better Results 

SEO success isn’t left to chance. Experienced agencies assess your website, set clear goals, and analyze your competitors to create a tailored plan that boosts your search visibility. They also monitor progress and adjust strategies as needed. 

4. More Time for Your Business 

Outsourcing your SEO allows you to focus on what you do best—running your business. With an agency handling the SEO tasks, you can spend your time on core activities that drive growth. 

5. Comprehensive Marketing Support 

If you choose a full-service internet marketing agency, you’ll benefit from a wide range of services beyond SEO. They can assist with website content, advertising, social media, and web design, providing you with a one-stop shop for all your online marketing needs. 

Why Hire an SEO Agency? 

Deciding when to hire an SEO agency can be challenging. Here are some clear reasons to consider partnering with an SEO expert: 

• You Want Better Results: If you’re looking to improve your SEO strategy and achieve better rankings, an agency can provide the expertise needed to enhance your approach. 
• Limited Resources: If your team is stretched thin or lacks an in-house SEO specialist, hiring an agency can fill that gap and ensure your SEO needs are met. 
• Low Website Traffic: If your website isn’t driving enough traffic, an SEO agency can analyze your site and implement effective strategies to attract visitors. 
• Poor Search Rankings: If your site isn’t ranking well in search results, an agency has the knowledge and tools to improve your visibility and competitiveness. 
• Budget for SEO: If you have the budget to invest in SEO, hiring an agency can provide a solid return on investment by boosting traffic and revenue. 
• Lack of Expertise: If you or your team aren’t well-versed in SEO ranking factors and search engine algorithms, an agency can offer the specialized knowledge necessary for success. 

By hiring an SEO agency, you can leverage their expertise and resources to develop a winning strategy that drives traffic and increases revenue for your business. 

Ready to Hire a Top-Ranked SEO Agency for your Business? 

Choosing the right SEO agency is crucial for your business’s online success. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that the agency you partner with aligns with your goals, has the necessary expertise, and will provide the support you need to thrive. 

At BrandLume, we pride ourselves on being a top-rated SEO agency, we can help businesses like yours grow and succeed online. But don’t just take our word for it! We’ve earned glowing testimonials from satisfied clients and consistently high ratings on Google. Contact us today and discover how we can transform your online presence!