15 Tips to Hire an SEO Agency: Red Flags and Pro Questions to Ask

The market is flooded with endless promises of "top rankings" and "guaranteed results," and it's easy to get swept up by smooth-talking salespeople or good-looking presentations.

I’ve been at the heart of the SEO world for years, both as a strategist and as someone who has built an agency from the ground up. Along the way, I’ve had my fair share of lessons, both from working with clients and from losing potential clients to competitors. Some of those losses were because of missteps on my end, and some because clients fell for promises that sounded good but led to disaster.

So, if you’re serious about hiring an SEO agency that delivers real results, let’s dive in; you’re about to save yourself a lot of time, money, and headaches.

15 Expert Tips to Vet SEO Agencies

So many promises, so much jargon, and you can’t help but wonder: are they just in it for the paycheck, or will they deliver results?

Don’t get me wrong. There are incredible SEO agencies out there; teams that really care about your success. But finding them takes more than just a quick Google search or a ChatGPT prompt.

That’s why I’ve put together this guide: 15 expert tips to help you vet SEO agencies like a pro. Grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about how to protect your business and find a partner truly invested in your success.

1. Verify Their SEO Experience

I know most of us don’t have time to dig deep to assess an SEO agency's reputation. Instead, many clients make the mistake of relying only on superficial indicators, such as the logos of well-known brands displayed on the agency's website. Of course, those logos can be impressive, but they don’t always provide the full picture. 

Now, I get it. Maybe you're thinking, "How do I even start verifying their experience? It’s not like I’m an SEO expert." And that’s okay. Let me walk you through a better way.

The simplest, no-nonsense step: Ask them for case studies. Don’t overthink it, just ask. This isn’t a strange or difficult request. Any reputable agency worth its salt will have case studies ready to share. 

Review them carefully. 

Here’s what to look for:

🚀 Proof of Success: Do they back up their claims with screenshots? Are there images from GSC or GA4 showing growth in clicks, impressions, or conversions?

Pro Tip: Beware of blurry statements like "We took them from 100 visitors to 1,000 in three months!" without proof. Numbers mean nothing unless they show you how they got there.

When you review these materials, think critically. Does it all seem too good to be true? Do they avoid specifics? The devil’s in the details, my friend.

Next, take it up a notch. Ask to hop on a video call and have them walk you through a specific project. Pick a case study they’ve shared and ask them to elaborate on it. What was the client’s problem? What steps did they take to fix it? How long did it take to see results?

While they’re talking, pay attention. Do their explanations match the case study they provided? Or do things suddenly sound... inconsistent? If they’re as good as they claim, their words and the proof they’ve shared will align seamlessly. If not? Well, that’s your red flag waving.

Remember, anyone can throw some numbers on a website or paste logos into a portfolio. It’s easy to say, "We worked with this big-name brand." But when you delve deeper, when you look at how they track, measure, and prove success, you’ll separate the real SEO experts from the pretenders.

2. Verify Their Online Reviews

The next reliable way to evaluate an SEO agency is to dive into their online reviews. Most agencies proudly display testimonials right on their homepage or a dedicated section. Often, these testimonials are clickable, leading you to platforms where the reviews were originally posted. 

For instance, if you see a testimonial linked to Clutch.co or Google My Business, you can visit those platforms to get a broader picture of client feedback. You can also perform a quick Google search by typing the agency’s domain name + reviews, which will show you the top review platforms where their clients have shared their experiences.

Sure, you’ll find reviews on Google Business Profile (GMB), which is great for local SEO agencies. But if you want more nuanced feedback, you need to look at directories like Clutch.co or DesignRush.com. 

Personally, I recommend Clutch.co because it has a strict process for verifying reviews. They don’t just accept anything you throw at them; they contact actual clients for interviews, confirm the legitimacy of the relationship, and ensure the feedback is real and honest. 

But what if the agency isn’t listed on Clutch or similar directories? Don’t worry; it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not legitimate. Many reputable SEO agencies find their clients through platforms like Upwork, and it’s completely normal for them to rely on their Upwork reviews to showcase their expertise, explains Ashot Nanayan, founder & CEO of B2BSEO.io, a modern B2B SEO agency. 

In fact, reviews on platforms like Upwork can sometimes be even more telling because they’re tied to actual project outcomes, timelines, and budgets.

3. Ask for References From Past Clients

If you’re ready to hear real stories, getting opinions from previous clients is one of the best ways to choose an SEO agency. When you ask an agency for references, pay attention to their reaction.

Do they eagerly share names, or do they fumble and say something unclear about “confidentiality”? Again, some industries do require discretion. But a confident agency will find a way to connect you with someone who can vouch for them.

It could be a written testimonial, a LinkedIn recommendation, or even better, a quick call with a past or current client.

Pro Tip: Of course, not every client is going to sing their praises. Some projects hit unexpected challenges: timelines stretched longer than planned, results didn’t meet initial expectations, or strategies had to adjust along the way. That’s not necessarily a red flag.

What is a red flag is when the agency doesn’t own up to these hiccups or when the client’s feedback suggests poor communication or inflexibility.

When you speak to a past client, ask open-ended questions:

• “What was it like working with them day-to-day?”

• “Did they adjust strategies when things didn’t go as planned?”

• “Would you hire them again?”

These questions get to the heart of their working relationship.

Remember, sometimes agencies have long-standing relationships with clients, but that doesn’t automatically mean they’re perfect.

A current client might be hesitant to speak honestly, especially if they’re still in the middle of the project. Past clients, on the other hand, might feel freer to share the highs and lows.

Pay attention to the constructive criticism, too. For example, if a past client says, “They took a while to understand our niche, but once they did, the results were great,” that’s valuable insight. It shows the agency’s willingness to learn and adapt, even if it takes time.

4. Assess Their Knowledge of Current SEO Trends

SEO isn’t what it was a year ago or even six months ago. It’s a constantly evolving field, where yesterday’s best practices might just be tomorrow’s mistakes.

And in 2026, with AI-powered search engines and tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini redefining content creation and search optimization, it’s clear that we’re witnessing a groundbreaking evolution in the industry.

Platforms like Google’s SGE (Search Generative Experience) or Bing’s AI-powered search are pushing traditional SEO limits. Search engines now interpret content in new ways, prioritizing contextual understanding over simple keyword matching.

It’s not enough for an agency to just name-drop tools or trends.

They need to walk the walk. Are they experimenting with AI tools to generate data-driven insights? Are they constantly testing and refining strategies to match Google’s evolving algorithm updates?

If they’re not living in this fast-paced world, they’re going to be left behind, and worse, they’ll drag you down with them.

5. Check Their Rankings for Their Website

If you’re hiring an SEO agency, wouldn’t you expect their website to be a prime example of their expertise? Naturally, you’d think their site would rank at the top of search results for key terms related to their services. And yes, that’s often a great indicator of their capability. But, here’s where things get interesting.

You might find that some agencies, even the highly reputable ones, don’t rank well for their industry keywords. Strange, right? It’s like the old saying: the shoemaker’s shoes are always worn out.

But rankings aren’t the whole story. Do they have SEO-optimized content? Are their blogs insightful and up-to-date? Is their site technically sound?

And don’t forget to ask questions!

If they don’t rank well, ask why. A great agency will have an honest, thoughtful answer, something that makes sense. Maybe they’ve been too busy with a flood of client work. Maybe their clients come through offline channels or referrals. Listen for sincerity and logic in their response.

6. Make Sure They Offer Transparent Reporting

Sometimes, when you ask how things are going, all you get are blurry updates like, “Your rankings are improving.” No data. No real insights. Just empty words. How does that feel? Frustrating, right?

Transparent reporting is your window into what’s actually happening with your SEO campaign. It shows you whether their strategies are delivering results or if something’s falling flat. 

A good SEO agency is like a trusted guide. They won’t just tell you, “We got you to page one.” They’ll show you how they did it, what keywords are driving traffic, and which pages are performing best. They’ll even break down what didn’t work and why.

If an agency can’t explain its reports or relies too heavily on SEO reporting tools without customizing the data to your objectives, it’s a red flag. 

Definitely, SEO isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your reports shouldn’t be, either. And beware of agencies that “gatekeep” data, refusing to give you direct access to tools like Google Analytics. 

So when you’re choosing an SEO agency, ask for sample reports, find out what SEO tools they use, and make sure they’re willing to walk you through the data every step of the way.

7. Confirm They Follow Google’s Best Practices

In some cases, if an agency spots that you’re not familiar with the basics of SEO, off-page SEO in particular, they might cut corners.

I’ve seen it happen before. Instead of putting in the work to build real, high-quality backlinks or create original and human-friendly content that earns its place in search rankings, they might turn to black-hat SEO techniques.

What are we talking about here?

• Private Blog Networks (PBNs): At first glance, PBNs seem like a quick way to get a ton of backlinks. But let me tell you, these links are often from spammy, low-quality websites that exist only to manipulate search rankings.

• Redirect Schemes: Deceptive redirects might fool search engines for a while, but they don’t fool users or Google for long. You’ll end up with confused visitors and a red flag from search engines.

• Keyword Stuffing: This is an outdated SEO practice where a webpage is overloaded with keywords or phrases in an attempt to manipulate search engine rankings.

These tricks might work in the short term. Maybe your rankings shoot up for a few weeks or even months.

You might think, “Wow, this agency is amazing!” But then, one day, Google releases an update, or a manual review flags your site, and everything crashes. I’m talking about losing your rankings, your traffic, and even the trust of your audience. Worst case? You’re completely deindexed. 

So, how do you protect yourself?

You need to confirm, not demand, that the agency follows white-hat SEO practices.

Ask them outright: “Can you walk me through your process? How do you build links? What’s your strategy for on-page optimization?” A transparent agency won’t hesitate to show you its playbook.

They’ll take pride in explaining how they align with Google’s best practices.

8. Ask About Their Link-Building Techniques

Backlinks are one of the core pillars of SEO. Google loves them. So, when you’re vetting an SEO agency, don’t just ask if they “do” link-building; anyone can say yes to that. Dig deeper. Ask them about their specific link-building strategies.

Will they be reaching out to high-quality PR websites? Do they have experience securing links from media outlets and reputable niche blogs? Or are they relying on those old, tired tactics like directory links and comment spam? 

If they shy away from specifics or start rattling off numbers like “We’ll build 100 links a month,” pause. Quality over quantity is the mantra here. 

Google loves a natural-looking backlink profile, so your SEO agency should be targeting a mix: editorial links, guest posts, resource pages, and yes, even HARO (Help A Reporter Out) opportunities.

The idea is to create a balanced, organic-looking profile that doesn’t raise any algorithmic eyebrows.

9. Determine if They Have Experience in Your Industry

Would you hire a chef to cater your wedding if they’ve never cooked for a large crowd? Or a contractor to build your dream home if they’ve only worked on small repairs? The same logic applies to hiring an SEO agency.

Industry experience is an essential ingredient for success, explains Steve Morries, the founder of a marketing agency, NEWMEDIA.COM.

Every industry has its challenges, audience behaviors, and competitive nuances. If your SEO agency doesn’t “speak the language” of your industry, that’s not good.

For example, healthcare SEO is not a  typical e-Commerce game of ranking for “best running shoes” or “fast delivery services.” Healthcare SEO comes with a unique set of challenges and opportunities.

You’re dealing with strict regulations, like HIPAA compliance in the U.S., and sometimes, even legal restrictions on the language you can use. You’re targeting audiences who are often looking for immediate, accurate, and credible information. 

An SEO agency with healthcare experience knows the ins and outs of the industry like the back of their hand. So, before you shake hands with an SEO agency, ask the tough questions.

“Have you worked with clients from the same industry before? Can you show us results from similar clients?” The answers will tell you everything you need to know.

10. Look for Tailored Solutions, Not Generic Ones

Another important factor to consider is whether they provide customized strategies for your business or simply rely on generic, one-size-fits-all approaches. The tactics that work for one type of business may not be effective for another. 

For instance, small businesses might need quick wins or they may have limited budgets and resources to invest. On the other hand, established brands often need to consolidate their authority, making sure they maintain their dominance. 

Pro Tip: If the agency doesn't consider your brand’s story, your audience’s pain points, your current SEO health or the unique way your business fits into the market, it's a red flag.

Even within similar industries, no two businesses are the same. One company might target a younger, tech-savvy audience, while another appeals to a more traditional crowd.

11. Ensure They Prioritize User Experience

SEO is no longer about keyword stuffing, spammy backlinks, or gaming algorithms. Google’s mission is clear: to organize the world’s information and make it useful and accessible.

The search engine giant has evolved over the years to prioritize content that solves real problems, answers real questions, and makes people say, “Wow, this is exactly what I needed.”

If your content speaks to people: guides them, educates them, or entertains them, they stay. They click around. They trust you. And Google? Well, Google takes notice of those positive signals and rewards you.

Google’s algorithms are smarter than ever. 

So, when you’re interviewing an SEO agency, listen closely. Are they talking about understanding your audience? Do they mention crafting content that solves problems, designing websites that are intuitive to navigate, or building backlinks that actually matter? If not, walk away.

12. Verify Their Communication Styles

During your initial discussions with an agency, ask how they handle reporting. Do they send regular updates? Are they open to scheduled check-ins? Also, dig into the tools they use for SEO project management.

Don’t forget to test the waters early!

How responsive are they when you ask questions during the proposal stage? Are their answers clear and tailored to your needs, or do they feel like copy-pasted templates?

Let me give you an example. Say you’re in month three of your SEO campaign, and the agency realizes the original keyword strategy isn’t delivering the traffic boost you were striving for.

A great agency will pick up the phone (or jump on Zoom), explain the situation, and present a new plan, because that’s what pros do. 

Their communication should leave you feeling informed, confident, and part of the process. They should care about your goals as much as you do, asking questions and listening, really listening to your input.

If you’re constantly left in the dark, how can you know if they’re aligning with your vision? Or worse, how do you know they’re even doing the work they promised?

When vetting an agency, ask yourself:

Do they reply to your questions promptly during initial talks?

Are they clear in explaining their methods without using jargon as a shield?

Do they make you feel heard, or are they just going through the motions?

A well-organized SEO agency has systems in place to keep everything on track. They should provide clear timelines, set realistic expectations, and hit deliverables without constant reminders.

13. Inquire About Their Pricing Structure

A complex pricing structure should raise a red flag because hidden costs and unclear deliverables often lead to frustration down the line. What if an agency promises the moon and stars but then hits you with surprise charges halfway through the campaign?

I’m sure it doesn't feel good. Maybe they charge extra for keyword research (wait, wasn’t that included?). Or suddenly, link-building costs appear as a “separate package.”

A clear pricing structure helps you avoid unnecessary stress, keeps the relationship transparent, and makes sure you’re never blindsided by unexpected costs.

Every agency works differently, but there are a few hallmarks of a good pricing structure:

1. Transparency: Everything should be laid out, no fine print, no hidden charges.

2. Customization: They should offer packages or plans customized to your specific goals and business size.

3. Value for Investment: It’s not just about being cheap; affordable SEO services should deliver results proportional to what you pay.

4. Clarity on Deliverables: You should know exactly what you’re getting: how many hours, what tasks, and what outcomes to expect.

When discussing pricing, don’t just nod along. Get specific. Ask:

• What’s included in your monthly fee?

• Are there additional charges for tools, reporting, or strategy development?

• How do you calculate ROI for your services?

• What happens if results aren’t achieved within the agreed timeline?

The goal is to understand not only the costs but the value you’re getting in return. A great agency will happily walk you through its structure because they know transparency builds trust.

14. Confirm There Are No Long-Term Contract Requirements

Haha, this is like signing up for a gym membership, only to realize a month later you hate the workouts, and the trainer won’t stop lecturing you about carbs. Painful, right?

What I think? Long-term contracts can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, they show the agency is confident in its ability to deliver results over time. On the other hand, they limit freedom. 

But should you avoid long-term contracts?  Not necessarily, but it depends on the terms and transparency of the contract. However, you should avoid long-term contracts that:

• Lack flexibility: If you’re locked into a lengthy agreement without options to adjust based on performance, it’s a red flag.

• Are unclear about deliverables: Contracts without specific milestones or goals can leave you paying for undefined work.

• Offer unrealistic guarantees: Be cautious of promises like “#1 rankings in three months,” as they often signal unethical practices.

Look for agencies that offer flexible contracts or trial periods. Ask them, straight-up, how they handle client dissatisfaction.

Do they provide an exit clause? Can you scale services up or down based on performance? Agencies that prioritize your needs and your comfort are the ones worth considering.

15. Ask How They Handle Google Penalties

I wouldn’t wish a Google penalty on anyone. It’s like waking up to find your house robbed, except in this case, the burglars didn’t leave a mess; they just made sure no one can find your house anymore.

But, anyway! Mistakes happen. That’s why you absolutely must ask any SEO agency how they handle Google penalties and, more importantly, how they make sure you don’t end up with one in the first place.

Keep in mind that Google penalties can crush years of hard work in a single day. Maybe you unknowingly bought some spammy backlinks a while back, or an outdated tactic the agency tried worked against you; either way, a penalty is a red flag telling Google to stop trusting your site.

If Google doesn’t trust you, neither will your audience.

The SEO agency must make sure your website stays compliant with Google’s ever-changing guidelines. More than that, they’ll have a game plan a roadmap to recovery in case the worst happens.

Trust me, you want an agency that’s been through the battlefield before. Someone who knows how to spot trouble, how to fix it, and how to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Also, inquire about their technical SEO expertise. Sometimes penalties aren’t about bad tactics but technical errors: duplicate content, slow site speeds, or accidentally blocking crawlers in your robots.txt file. 

DIY SEO vs. Hiring an Agency

Sometimes, taking matters into your own hands feels rewarding. Like assembling furniture without reading the instructions or cooking a new recipe from scratch you learn as you go, and there's pride in that. But when it comes to SEO,  It’s not always that simple.

Sure, doing it yourself might seem cost-effective, even fun at first. But as the rankings don’t budge or, worse, your site traffic drops, you start to wonder: "Am I missing something here?"

Hiring an agency, on the other hand, feels like calling in reinforcements. The pros who’ve seen it all. But let’s be honest, there’s that inner voice questioning if it’s worth the investment or if they’ll deliver what they promise.

Is Hiring an SEO Company Worth It?

Absolutely! Hiring an SEO agency can be one of the best investments for your business if you choose a reliable partner. They can handle everything from keyword research and content creation to technical audits and link-building campaigns.

An experienced SEO agency brings dedicated specialists who stay updated with the latest search engine algorithm changes, making sure your website remains optimized and competitive.