Common Mistakes When Hiring
Mistake #1: Only Looking at Rankings
"They rank #1 for 'SEO agency' so they must be good." Rankings don't equal results. Focus on revenue impact, not vanity metrics.
Mistake #2: Believing Guarantees
"We guarantee first page rankings!" No legitimate agency guarantees rankings. Google's algorithm changes daily. Run.
Mistake #3: Choosing the Cheapest Option
$500/month agencies use outsourced writers and automated tools. You get keyword-stuffed garbage that hurts more than helps.
Mistake #4: Not Checking Their Own SEO
If they can't rank their own site or show up in ChatGPT, how will they help you? Always check their LLM visibility.
10 Red Flags to Avoid
🚩 Guaranteed Rankings
🚩 "500 Backlinks/Month" Packages
🚩 No Case Studies with Revenue Data
🚩 Only Talks Traffic, Not Conversions
🚩 Uses PBNs or Link Schemes
🚩 Doesn't Mention AI Search
🚩 Can't Explain Their Process
🚩 Multiple Negative Reviews
🚩 Website from 2019
🚩 No Strategy, Just Tactics
10 Questions to Ask
1. How do you measure SEO success?
Looking for: revenue/pipeline, not just traffic
2. Can you show case studies with business outcomes?
Not just traffic increases
3. How do you approach AI search and LLM visibility?
Should have a clear answer
4. What's your content creation process?
Avoid: outsourced writers, keyword stuffing
5. How do you build links?
Red flag: PBNs, link packages
6. What tools do you use?
Should mention Ahrefs, Semrush, etc.
7. How long until I see results?
3-6 months is honest, '30 days' is a lie
8. What's your reporting cadence?
Monthly minimum
9. Can I speak to 2-3 current clients?
If no, walk away
10. How do you handle Google algorithm updates?
Should have a process
Skip the Vetting - We Already Did It
Every agency in our directory passed our 40-point vetting process. No red flags, no 2015 tactics.