7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an SEO Agency (Even If They Don’t Share Rankings)
Hiring a search engine marketing employer can feel like a big gamble. There are flashy pitches, tons of promises, and jargon. But what occurs when they don’t display your scores? Is that a crimson flag—or is there more to search engine optimization than just being #1 on Google?
Before signing any contracts or surrendering your virtual keys, ask these 7 critical questions. They’ll help you uncover the actual story at the back of the corporation’s method and sincerity.
1. What’s Your Strategy Beyond Google Rankings?
Look, rankings are cool and all, but if nobody’s clicking or buying, what’s the point? Chasing that #1 spot just for bragging rights is honestly kind of pointless. A solid SEO agency? They’ll care way more about real people actually finding you, sticking around, and, you know, doing something useful—like buying your stuff or signing up.
Seriously, ask them, “Hey, what’s your plan after we hit the front page? Are you just going to high-five me and bounce, or will you help keep people engaged and lower that bounce rate from the moon back to Earth?” You want folks who obsess over the whole experience, not just stuffing keywords like it’s 2010.
Oh, and here’s a little cheat code—if an agency won’t shut up about rankings and nothing else, they’re probably dinosaurs. These days, SEO primarily focuses on establishing trust, being visible where it matters, and genuinely creating an impact. Otherwise, you’re just playing the world’s most boring numbers game.
2. Can You Explain Your Process in Simple Terms?
If someone starts pitching SEO and it sounds like they’re reading you a riddle wrapped in jargon, say no.
Look, SEO isn’t some Harry Potter nonsense. It’s just a series of solid steps: fixing your site under the hood, cranking out good content, getting legit links, and keeping an eye on the numbers. Any agency worth your money should be able to lay it out like they’re explaining it to their grandma, not spouting off a TED Talk in code.
Don’t let them hit you with “DA,” “SERP volatility,” or “algorithmic latency” and expect you to nod. If you’re lost now, imagine figuring out if you’re getting your money’s worth later.
Hit them with questions like
- So, how do you even pick which keywords matter?
- What do you use to check if stuff’s working?
- What’s your move when Google switches things up?
- If their answers sound like plain English and you get it, you’re in good hands. If not? Time to ghost.
3. How Do You Measure Success Without Rankings?
Not all wins are visible on the first page of Google.
Smart agencies use multiple performance indicators, including:
- Organic traffic growth
- Click-through rates (CTR)
- Leads or conversions generated
- Backlink quality
- Time on site & bounce rate
The excellent SEO specialist’s appearance is beyond rank. Their awareness is turning into a regular, scalable increase.
At Digileap Services, for instance, fulfillment is measured through tangible business effects, no longer simply keyword positions. They align search engine optimization with your larger dreams. leads, income, and brand awareness.One of the smartest moves you can make is knowing what questions to ask before hiring an SEO agency.
4. Can I See Real Case Studies or Testimonials?
Don’t simply take their word for it. Ask for evidence.
Real fulfillment memories say more than any pitch ever should. Whether it is an eCommerce website online that tripled its income or a local brand that exploded on search results, search for clear before-and-after examples.
And testimonials? Look for specifics—now not just “Great activity!”
- Instead:
“We saw a 120% increase in organic leads in 3 months.”
“Our bounce rate dropped by half after a content overhaul.”
If they can’t provide results or client feedback, proceed with caution.
5. What Happens If My Rankings Drop or Traffic Dips?
Search engine marketing is a long-term process; however, it’s no longer always an easy journey.
Sometimes algorithms shift, competition surges, or search rationale modifications occur. Ask the organization how it responds to setbacks. Do they
- Review and revise their strategy?
- Run SEO audits?
- Analyze user behavior for deeper insights?
A drop in traffic doesn’t mean failure. But silence and inaction? That’s a problem.
You want an agency that’s proactive, adaptable, and ready to troubleshoot fast.
6. Do You Follow Google’s Guidelines (or Try to Game the System)?
Shortcuts might seem tempting, but they come with consequences.
Some agencies use “black hat” tactics like:
⚠️ Keyword stuffing,
⚠️ Hidden text,
⚠️ Low-quality backlinks
⚠️ Content spinning
These might work in the short run, but Google’s always watching—and penalties can destroy your site’s reputation.
Ask the agency:
- How do you earn backlinks?
- Do you write original content?
- How do you ensure long-term SEO health?
The right agency will use ethical, white-hat strategies that promote sustainable growth, not tricks that risk your entire business.
7. What Do You Need From Me to Succeed?
SEO isn’t a one-way street.
To build a strong online presence, the agency will likely need your:
📂 Website access
📝 Existing content or blogs
🔍 Insight into your customer personas
📊 Conversion data
📧 Approval for changes
If they say “we deal with the entirety,” without soliciting for your input, that’s a crimson flag. Collaboration ends in a higher approach, better content material, and higher consequences.
Your search engine marketing associate should appreciate your voice, logo, and enterprise values.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy the Hype. Buy the truth.
Picking an SEO agency? Forget the flashy pitches and “guaranteed #1 rankings”—that’s just smoke and mirrors. What matters? Can they roll up their sleeves and tackle your real problems? You want to see an actual game plan, not just empty hype. Progress you can measure, not just some mystery chart.If you’re not sure where to begin, use this list of questions to ask before hiring an SEO agency as your guide.
Honestly, trust comes from them being straight with you, not tossing around big traffic numbers like confetti.
And hey, if you want an agency that doesn’t just talk a big game, Digileap Services is worth a look. They’re all about real growth, not fluff or fudged numbers. Well-knit strategy, a clear roadmap, and actual support so your brand doesn’t just blend into the digital crowd.
TL;DR
Before hiring an SEO agency, ask these 7 questions:
- What’s your SEO strategy beyond rankings?
- Can you explain your process simply?
- How do you measure success if not by rankings?
- Do you have case studies or reviews?
- What happens if traffic drops?
- Do you follow Google’s guidelines?
- What do you need from me?
