What to Expect When You Hire an SEO Agency: 5 Things to Look Out For

Hiring an SEO agency can be a game-changer for your business, but only if you know what to expect. With so many agencies offering similar services, it’s easy to get lost in the jargon or dazzled by promises that sound too good to be true. So, how do you know if you’re making the right choice?

This guide breaks down what you should really look out for when hiring an SEO agency, helping you spot value and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re just getting started with SEO or looking to switch agencies, this article is here to help.

5 things to look out for when you hire an SEO agency

A Clear, Customised Strategy

One-size-fits-all SEO doesn’t work anymore. Every business has its unique goals, audience, and competition, and a good agency should take the time to understand yours.

Expect a clear plan that outlines:

• Keyword research tailored to your niche
• On-page and off-page optimisation steps
• Technical SEO recommendations
• A timeline of activities and milestones

If the agency hands you a generic SEO package without asking about your goals or website, that’s a red flag.

Transparent Reporting and Communication

You shouldn’t be left in the dark once the contract is signed. A trustworthy SEO agency will offer regular updates and transparent reporting, showing you exactly what’s being done and how it’s impacting your performance.

Look out for:

• Monthly or bi-weekly performance reports
• Easy-to-understand metrics like traffic growth, rankings, and conversions
• Access to tools or dashboards that let you track progress

They should also be willing to explain their approach in plain English, not just SEO-speak.

Read more: SEO in 2025: Trends and Tips for Staying Ahead

Ethical, White-Hat SEO Practices

SEO isn’t about tricking search engines; it’s about building value and trust over time. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an agency that follows white-hat practices approved by search engines like Google.

Avoid agencies that:

• Guarantee “#1 rankings” overnight
• Buy backlinks in bulk
• Rely on keyword stuffing or duplicate content

These shortcuts might give you short-term wins but can lead to penalties or drops in traffic down the line. A reputable agency focuses on sustainable, long-term results.

A Team That Understands Content and User Experience

Great SEO isn’t just technical; it’s also about how well your content connects with your audience. The best agencies blend keyword optimisation with compelling content that keeps visitors engaged.

When hiring, check if the agency:

• Offers content creation or optimisation services
• Understands how user behaviour affects rankings
• Prioritises site speed, mobile responsiveness, and intuitive design

SEO should work hand in hand with your overall digital experience, and a good agency knows how to bring the two together.

Read more: SEO vs SEM: Which is Better for E-commerce Businesses and Why

Proven Results and Positive Client Feedback

Past performance is one of the best indicators of future success. A reliable SEO agency should be able to show you case studies, testimonials, or client references that demonstrate their impact.

Before you commit, ask for:

• Examples of past SEO campaigns
• Results achieved over time
• Reviews from clients in your industry

This helps you gauge their experience and whether they can deliver on their promises.

Ready to See Real Results from SEO?

Hiring the right SEO agency shouldn’t feel like guesswork. When you know what to expect, you can confidently choose a partner that brings genuine value to your business.

At Digitezz, we specialise in tailored SEO strategies that drive long-term growth. From in-depth audits and keyword research to content optimisation and transparent reporting, we offer everything you need to climb the search rankings and stay there. Let’s take the stress out of SEO and help your business thrive online.

Get in touch today to schedule a free consultation and discover what strategic SEO can do for you.