Top Questions to Ask When Hiring an SEO Company in 2025
Did you know that 75% of users never scroll past the first page of Google search results?
Many businesses rush to hire an SEO company, hoping to land on that first page—but end up choosing the wrong team simply because they didn’t know the right questions to ask.
At Phoenix Dial, we’ve worked with healthcare professionals and businesses that were previously misled by poor SEO strategies. Through our trusted partners, we ensure our clinic’s visibility is based on proven practices and transparent results—because we know what it takes to succeed in competitive search spaces.
In this post, we’ll share the most important questions to ask when hiring an SEO company—so you can avoid costly mistakes and choose the right team to help your business grow online. Keep reading to get the full guide.
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Before you hire anyone, ask the right questions can save you time, money, and headaches. This part will help you know what to ask and what to look for in an SEO agency—so you don’t end up guessing in the dark. Let’s get into the smart questions that really matter.
When you’re thinking about hiring an SEO agency, experience matters. You want a team that has been through Google updates, industry shifts, and real-world challenges—not someone just learning the ropes. Here’s what to ask and what to look for:
A seasoned agency has tested different strategies, learned from mistakes, and knows what actually works. Experience shows they’ve handled different types of websites and issues.
What to look for: Look for an agency with at least a few years in the SEO space. Ask if their team members are trained and certified—not just the owner. For example, if one person handles keyword research while another works on technical SEO, make sure both are skilled in their roles.
Results speak louder than promises. You want proof that they’ve improved search rankings and brought in more traffic for real clients.
What to look for: Ask for real numbers. Did they boost a client’s traffic by 70%? Did they help a local business rank #1 for its main keywords? Also, check if they’ve worked with businesses similar to yours—this gives you confidence that they understand your industry.
Hearing from other clients helps you see if the agency actually delivers what it promises.
What to look for: Look for long-term clients who speak about real outcomes, not just friendly service. If people stick with the agency for years, that’s a good sign. And if possible, reach out to one or two of these references to ask your own questions.
Every agency has a different way of doing things—but when you’re trying to hire SEO help, you need one with a clear, smart, and honest approach. These questions will help you understand how they plan and execute their SEO strategy.
A good agency focuses on long-term, steady growth—not quick tricks that could harm your site later.
What to look for: Listen for answers that include building quality content, improving user experience, and following search engine rules. Stay away from agencies that talk about guaranteed rankings or use shady methods. Those shortcuts can lead to penalties.
No two businesses are the same. Your SEO strategy should reflect your goals, audience, and competition.
What to expect: Look for a team that asks about your products, services, and audience before offering solutions. For example, if you run a local business, you should focus more on maps and local keywords, not global search terms. A strong agency creates custom plans, not one-size-fits-all strategies.
You need to know the tools and tactics they’ll use to boost your website’s performance.
What to look for: Their answer should include content updates, technical SEO (like fixing broken links and improving page speed), mobile optimization, and quality link building. These are all signs of a well-rounded, safe, and effective approach.
The right keywords attract the right people. If your site ranks for the wrong terms, you’ll get traffic that doesn’t convert.
What to expect: A reliable agency uses tools to study search volume, competition, and keyword relevance. They also check what your competitors are ranking for. The goal is to find keywords that people are actually searching for—and that match your business goals.
A smart SEO agency doesn’t work in a bubble. They keep an eye on your competition to help you stay ahead.
What to look for: Ask what tools they use—like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Google tools. More importantly, ask how they use that data. Do they check what keywords your competitors rank for? Do they study your competitors’ content, backlinks, and site structure? A good team will find gaps in your strategy and new ways to win traffic. For example, they might notice that your competitors get a lot of traffic from one blog topic—and suggest you write something better.
Good on-page SEO helps search engines understand your site. It also makes sure your content speaks clearly to visitors.
What to look for: Look for answers that include fixing title tags, meta descriptions, headers, and internal links. They should also talk about helping you create useful content—like blog posts, FAQs, or service pages. If the agency offers content writing, that’s a plus. Each page should have a clear goal and focus. A strong team will help you combine technical updates with helpful writing that ranks and converts.
Technical SEO might sound complicated, but it’s the backbone of a healthy website that ranks well. When you’re hiring an SEO agency, ask these questions to make sure they can handle the technical side smoothly.
Slow sites and broken links frustrate visitors and hurt your rankings. Fixing these issues is essential for good SEO.
What to look for: The agency should be willing to run a full audit of your website. They need to find problems like slow loading pages, broken links, or errors in your code—and fix them. A strong team won’t just tell you what’s wrong; they’ll make real improvements to keep your site running fast and smooth.
Most people use their phones to search online now. Google also ranks mobile-friendly sites higher.
What to expect: The agency should check that your site looks good and works well on all devices, especially smartphones. They should test page speed on mobile and make sure buttons, menus, and text are easy to use on small screens.
Google changes its ranking rules often. An agency that isn’t up-to-date can accidentally use outdated methods that harm your site.
What to look for: Look for agencies that follow trusted SEO news sources, attend industry conferences, or take part in SEO communities. This shows they care about keeping your SEO strategy current and effective.
Building links and online authority is crucial for SEO success. When you hire SEO help, it’s important to know how they plan to build your site’s reputation safely and effectively.
Links from other websites show Google that your site is trustworthy and valuable. But not all links are good—spammy or fake links can hurt your rankings.
What to look for: A good agency focuses on natural, high-quality links. They might reach out to relevant blogs, industry sites, or local businesses. Avoid agencies that promise lots of quick links or use link farms. Quality over quantity is the key.
Getting your brand mentioned on trusted sites or by influencers can boost your authority and traffic.
What to expect: The agency might work with bloggers, local directories, or online partners to create buzz about your business. This helps improve your online reputation and brings more visitors. It’s a smart way to build authority without risky shortcuts.
When hiring an SEO agency, understanding how they measure and share success is very important. Clear reporting helps you see if your investment is paying off.
Not all numbers tell the full story. Look for agencies that focus on meaningful metrics like increased website traffic, higher keyword rankings, and more leads or sales—not just visits or clicks.
SEO takes time. Most agencies will say it usually takes about 3 to 6 months to see real improvements. This depends on your current website status and competition.
Reports should be easy to understand. Look for monthly updates with clear graphs, key stats, and suggested next steps. This helps you stay informed without getting lost in technical details.
A good agency will help you set up tools like Google Analytics. This lets you track user behavior and measure which actions lead to sales or inquiries. Tracking conversions shows what’s really working.
Good communication is key when hiring an SEO agency. You want a team that keeps you updated and works well with your business.
What to look for: Expect regular updates, either weekly or monthly. The agency should have a clear point of contact who answers your questions and shares progress clearly.
What to expect: The agency will need access to your website, clear marketing goals, and sometimes your approval on new content or website changes. This teamwork helps SEO efforts stay on track.
What to look for: SEO works best when it fits with your overall marketing. A good agency will collaborate with your designers, ad teams, or content creators to keep everything consistent.
What to expect: Search traffic can change during holidays or special events. Your SEO team should plan ahead and adjust strategies to make the most of busy times and stay strong during slower periods.
Asking these questions ensures your SEO agency works closely with you and adapts to your business needs.
When hiring an SEO agency, understanding their promises, pricing, and contract terms is very important to avoid surprises.
Red flag: Be cautious if an agency promises a #1 spot on Google. No one can guarantee that because search engines change their rules often. A trustworthy agency focuses on steady, long-term growth instead.
What to look for: You should get clear information about costs and exactly what services you’ll receive. Good agencies explain what’s included, like keyword research, content creation, technical fixes, or link building.
What to expect: Especially if you’re new to SEO, it’s safer to choose agencies with month-to-month or short-term contracts. This gives you flexibility to stop if things don’t work out.
If you’re ready to improve your website’s visibility and grow your business, don’t hesitate to get expert SEO help. Phoenix Dial has years of experience helping businesses like yours succeed online. We focus on personalized SEO solutions that fit your unique goals and industry. Our friendly and professional team works closely with you to create strategies that bring real results. Contact Phoenix Dial today for a free consultation or SEO review. Let us help you take your SEO projects to the next level with proven, trustworthy support.
Hiring an SEO company is an important step for your business, and it’s essential to ask the right questions before making a decision. Doing this helps you avoid wasting time and money on a company that might not deliver the results you need. Use the questions we covered as a checklist when interviewing potential SEO partners. This will help you compare their experience, strategies, communication, and pricing clearly.
One key tip to remember is not to choose based on price alone. The cheapest option may not always be the best. Instead, look for a company that explains its approach in simple terms and shows genuine interest in your business goals. A good SEO agency will be transparent, responsive, and willing to customize its services to fit your needs.
If you’re thinking of hiring an SEO company soon, print this list and take it with you to your next meeting. It will guide you through important discussions and help you find the right partner to grow your online presence effectively. Taking these steps will make your SEO journey smoother and more successful.
If your website isn’t getting enough visitors or leads, and you want to improve your online visibility, hiring an SEO agency can help. They have the skills to boost your rankings and attract more customers.
SEO usually takes about 3 to 6 months to show significant improvements. It depends on your website’s current state and competition in your industry.
No trustworthy SEO company can guarantee a #1 spot on Google. Good agencies focus on long-term growth and follow search engine guidelines.
A good SEO agency provides regular reports showing website traffic, keyword rankings, and leads. They also explain these results in simple terms.
Yes, your input on goals, content approval, and access to your website is important for effective SEO work.
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