Key takeaways
- Avoid anyone who guarantees rankings.
- Ask exactly what work will be done each month.
- Insist on access to your own Search Console and analytics.
- Reports should show work and results, not just charts.
The ten questions
- 01 Can you guarantee first place on Google?The right answer is no. Guarantees are a warning sign.
- 02 What will you do in the first month?Expect an audit, keyword research and a written plan.
- 03 Which searches will you target?They should be specific and match what you sell.
- 04 How do you build links?Avoid paid link packages and private blog networks.
- 05 Will I own all accounts and data?Search Console, GA4 and Google Business Profile should be yours.
- 06 What does a monthly report include?Work done, rankings, traffic and enquiries.
- 07 How long before results?Honest answers talk in months, not days.
- 08 Can I see results for a past client?With a real starting baseline, not just a graph.
- 09 Do you rank for your own services?Search their service and city. It’s a fair test.
- 10 Is there a long contract?Month-to-month shows confidence in the work.
Common SEO scams
- “Guaranteed page one in 30 days.”
- Thousands of backlinks for a small monthly fee.
- Reports full of vanity metrics but no enquiries.
- Keeping your accounts in their name so you can’t leave.
If an SEO provider won’t give you access to your own Search Console, don’t hire them.
Frequently asked questions
Ask what they will do each month, which searches they will target, how they build links, what the report includes and whether you will own every account.
No. Search engines control rankings. Anyone guaranteeing specific positions is a red flag.
Look for growth in rankings for target searches, organic traffic and, most importantly, enquiries from organic search.
For many small and mid-sized businesses, yes: you work directly with the person doing the work.
Written by
Bharathan.P
Chennai-based freelance WordPress developer and SEO & AEO specialist, building for the web since 2014, with teams in London and Kuwait and clients across India and the Gulf.