Most bad SEO hires could have been avoided with a handful of direct questions. Here’s what to actually check.
Ask for Specific, Verifiable Results
Not just “we improved rankings” — ask for the actual keywords, traffic change, and timeframe, ideally with Search Console data you can verify.
Ask How They’ll Build Links
Vague answers (“outreach and partnerships”) are fine; refusal to explain the method at all, or any mention of guaranteed links, is a red flag.
Ask What Happens If You Leave
Do you keep the content, the reporting access, and any accounts set up during the engagement? A fair contract makes this clear upfront.
Check Reporting Cadence
Monthly reporting with clear, plain-language explanations — not just a dashboard screenshot — is the standard to expect.
Watch for Guarantees
No one can guarantee a #1 Google ranking; Google’s algorithm isn’t controlled by any agency. Treat this claim as disqualifying on its own.
See our SEO audit services if you want a second opinion on work already being done elsewhere.
