You need a local SEO company, like SEO Locale. Your business depends on customers finding you online when they search for services in your area. Without a strong presence, you lose revenue to competitors.
But how do you know which company will actually deliver results? Nearly 46% of all searches have local intent, so getting this right matters immensely.
The difference between a great SEO partner and a bad one can make or break your online presence. Choosing the wrong agency wastes your marketing budget and costs you valuable time.
You need to vet potential partners carefully. Let’s talk about what questions to ask a local SEO company before you sign anything.
Table of Contents:
- What Experience Do You Have With Businesses Like Mine
- How Do You Approach Local SEO Strategy
- What Tools and Software Do You Use
- Can You Show Me Examples of Your Reporting
- What’s Your Approach to Google Business Profile Optimization
- Do You Follow White Hat or Black Hat Techniques
- How Do You Stay Updated With SEO Changes
- What Results Can I Realistically Expect
- How Do You Handle Communication and Reporting
- What Questions to Ask a Local SEO Company About Pricing
- Do You Work With Businesses in My Geographic Area
- What Happens If We Need to Part Ways
- Can You Provide References or Case Studies
- How Do You Build Links for Local Businesses
- What’s Your Content Strategy
- How Do You Measure Success
What Experience Do You Have With Businesses Like Mine?
This question cuts straight to what matters most. You want an agency that knows your industry inside and out.
A company that’s worked with businesses similar to yours will understand your challenges. They will know your customers and what makes them click on a search result.
If you run a medical practice, you need an SEO expert who understands YMYL (Your Money Your Life) requirements. Financial and legal sites have the same strict standards for content quality and trust.
Ask them about specific clients they have helped in your space. Request to see the exact strategies used for those specific markets.
A good agency will share case studies without hesitation. They will explain how they helped similar businesses rank higher and get more customers.
Experience with small businesses is different from handling enterprise SEO. The tactics used for a national brand often fail when applied to a local plumber or dentist.
Just like you would ask questions before hiring a roofing company, you need to vet your SEO partner thoroughly. Your business deserves a partner who has proven they can deliver within your niche.
Ask if they have handled multi-location SEO if you have branches in different cities. Managing one location is vastly different from managing twenty profiles across a state.
How Do You Approach Local SEO Strategy?
Every business is different. Cookie cutter strategies rarely work in competitive markets.
A solid local SEO company will explain their process clearly and simply. They should start with a complete audit of your current online presence to find weaknesses.
They will look at your website, your Google Business Profile, and how you compare to competitors. This audit gives them a baseline to work from and helps identify critical SEO issues immediately.
Next comes keyword research. They need to find what your local customers are actually searching for, not just what you think they search for.
Your strategy should include on-page optimization, local citations, and review management. A comprehensive local SEO checklist covers all these bases and protects your site health.
The company should explain how they will optimize your site for mobile users. Most local searches happen on phones, so this is critical for capturing immediate traffic.
They should also talk about creating high-quality content that speaks to your local audience. This involves more than just generic blog posts; it means creating pages that answer real local queries.
Google wants sites that are optimized for users first, not just search engines. Your SEO partner should understand this balance perfectly.
Ask how their strategy involves technical SEO improvements. Factors like site architecture and schema markup help search engines understand your local relevance.
What Tools and Software Do You Use?
Professional SEO companies use professional tools. This question reveals how serious they are about their work and their investment in data.
They should mention tools like ScreamingFrog for technical audits. This helps them find issues like broken links or redirect chains that hurt your rankings.
Keyword research tools like Ahrefs or Semrush are standard in the industry. These platforms provide data on search volume and difficulty that you cannot get anywhere else.
Google Search Console is free and essential for monitoring site health. Any company not using it is cutting corners and missing vital performance data.
They should also use Google Analytics to track your traffic and conversions. Without accurate data collection, you are flying blind with your marketing initiatives.
PageSpeed Insights helps them make your site faster. Speed matters for both user experience and local search ranking.
You can even verify some of their claims yourself with free tools. Check keyword difficulty or website traffic to see if their numbers make sense before signing a contract.
Ask if they use proprietary software or third-party dashboards. Transparency about their tech stack builds trust in their capabilities.
Can You Show Me Examples of Your Reporting?
Reports tell you what is working and what is not. A good SEO company will show you clear, honest reporting examples before you hire them.
You should get keyword research reports that show which terms they are targeting. It is crucial to see that they are targeting terms with actual commercial intent.
Competition analysis reports reveal how you stack up against rivals in your local area. This context helps you understand why you rank where you do.
Website audit reports identify technical problems holding you back. These might include broken links, slow load times, or mobile usability issues.
Monthly performance reports should track your rankings, traffic, and leads. You need to see the connection between their work and your actual business results.
The best agencies make SEO reporting easy to understand. No jargon, no fluff, just clear data about what is happening with your campaign.
Ask how often you will receive reports. Monthly is standard, but some companies offer weekly updates for new clients or during intensive project phases.
| Good SEO Reporting | Bad SEO Reporting |
|---|---|
| Connects data to revenue and leads. | Focuses only on vanity metrics like “impressions”. |
| Highlights completed tasks and next steps. | Lists vague activities without context. |
| Shows year-over-year growth. | Only shows isolated monthly snapshots. |
| Transparent about ranking drops. | Hides bad news or manipulates data scales. |
What Metrics Matter Most?
Rankings are nice, but they do not pay the bills. You need to know which metrics actually drive business growth and return on investment.
Organic traffic shows how many people find you through search. However, qualified traffic from people ready to buy is far more valuable than general traffic.
Conversion rate tells you how many visitors become customers. This is where effective SEO meets actual revenue generation.
Local pack rankings put you in the map results at the top of Google. These positions receive massive click-through rates from mobile users.
Your agency should track phone calls, form submissions, and store visits. These are the key areas that matter for local businesses relying on foot traffic.
They should also monitor your average review rating. Sentiment analysis helps you improve your service provider reputation.
What’s Your Approach to Google Business Profile Optimization?
Your Google Business Profile is the foundation of local SEO. It is often the first thing people see when they search for your brand or services.
A skilled company will optimize every section of your profile. That includes your business description, categories, and service attributes.
They should add photos regularly to the profile. Businesses with recent photos get significantly more engagement than those with empty galleries.
They will need experience with managing reviews and customer interactions. Getting and responding to reviews builds trust with potential customers.
Posts on your profile keep it fresh and give you more chances to rank. Your SEO partner should create these updates consistently to signal activity to Google.
Ask them how they will handle questions people ask on your profile. Quick, helpful answers show you care about customers and improve your conversion rates.
They must also fight against profile spam from competitors. A vigilant seo team will report fake listings that might be stealing your traffic.
Do You Follow White Hat or Black Hat Techniques
This question separates the pros from the scammers. You need to know their methods are legit and safe for your domain.
White hat SEO techniques play by the rules set by search engines. They focus on creating value for users while following search engine guidelines.
Black hat techniques try to game the system with tricks. They might work short term but will get you penalized eventually, destroying your traffic.
Avoid companies that promise overnight results or use spammy SEO tactics. SEO takes time, and anyone claiming they can trick Google is lying.
Don’t fall for common SEO myths about quick fixes. Real results come from consistent, ethical work that builds authority.
Google recommends asking SEO companies about their methods directly. If they are vague or defensive about their link building or content strategies, that is a red flag.
Your online presence is an asset you cannot risk losing. Stick to agencies that prioritize long-term safety over cheap tricks.
How Do You Stay Updated With SEO Changes
Google updates its algorithms constantly. Your SEO company needs to keep up or your rankings will fall behind.
They do not need to memorize every algorithm update ever released. However, they should know the major ones and current best practices.
Ask what SEO conferences they attend or speak at. Industry events are where professionals learn the latest strategies and network with peers.
They should follow respected SEO blogs and participate in professional communities. This shows they are engaged with their craft and eager to learn.
A good company will explain how recent updates might affect your SEO strategy. They will adjust their approach based on what is currently working in the SERPs.
This includes staying updated on changes to Google Analytics and other data privacy laws. Compliance is part of the job for modern SEO agencies.
What Results Can I Realistically Expect
Honest expectations prevent disappointment later. A trustworthy company will not promise you the moon just to sign a contract.
They should explain that SEO is a long game requiring patience. You might see some quick wins, but major results typically take several months.
They will set realistic timelines based on your competition and current rankings. Highly competitive markets take longer to crack than niche local services.
Your results depend partly on your budget too. Understanding your unit economics helps you invest the right amount for your goals.
Ask about their client retention rate. Companies with high retention keep clients happy long term because they deliver value.
SEO performance will vary based on how aggressive your competitors are. Your agency should be transparent about these external factors.
How Do You Handle Communication and Reporting
Communication makes or breaks agency relationships. You need to know exactly how they will keep you in the loop regarding your campaign.
Ask how often you will hear from them. Do they offer weekly check-ins, monthly calls, or just email updates?
Find out who your main point of contact will be. Will you talk to the same person every time or get passed around to different support staff?
Response time matters too when issues arise. If you have a question or concern, how quickly will they get back to you?
Some companies offer client portals where you can see real-time data. This transparency builds trust and allows you to check progress anytime.
Make sure they explain things in plain English. You should not need a dictionary to understand your own reports or the strategy being implemented.
An effective SEO partnership requires collaboration. You need a dedicated SEO consultant who feels like an extension of your team.
What Questions to Ask a Local SEO Company About Pricing
Money talks, so let’s talk about it. You need to understand exactly what you are paying for and where your money goes.
Ask for a detailed breakdown of their pricing structure. Is it a flat monthly fee, hourly billing, or based on specific deliverables?
Find out what is included in that price. Some companies charge extra for things like content creation or technical fixes that you might assume are standard.
Are there setup fees or long-term contracts? You want to know your total commitment upfront to avoid financial surprises.
Compare their pricing to the value they provide. The cheapest option usually isn’t the best, as low costs often mean low-quality labor.
Just like asking questions about an annuity, you need full transparency on costs. No surprises down the road ensures a healthy working relationship.
Understanding what you will pay helps you determine if hiring an SEO company is worth it for your specific situation. Quality SEO services require a fair investment.
Do You Work With Businesses in My Geographic Area?
Local knowledge gives companies a serious advantage. They understand your market nuances better than an outsider.
Ask if they have worked with businesses in your city or region before. Local experience means they know the competitive landscape and local players.
They should understand regional search patterns and local terminology. What people search for varies by location, even for the same service.
A local HVAC SEO company knows the specific challenges of that industry in particular areas. That specialized knowledge pays off in faster rankings.
Companies like SEO agencies focused on specific cities develop deep expertise in those markets. They know which tactics work where and which directories matter most.
Understanding how to optimize for local SEO requires knowing both the technical side and the local nuances. This is especially true for meeting project goals in dense urban areas.
What Happens If We Need to Part Ways?
Nobody likes thinking about breakups, but you need an exit strategy. What if things do not work out with your provider?
Ask about their cancellation policy. Are you locked into a long contract or can you leave with reasonable notice?
Find out what happens to your accounts and assets. Do you retain access to your Google Business Profile, analytics, and other tools?
Will they provide transition support if you switch to another agency? Professional companies make this process smooth and professional.
Some agencies hold your data hostage when you leave. That is unacceptable and a sign of a shady operation that you must avoid.
You should own everything related to your business. Your website, your profiles, your content, and your web design assets should belong to you.
Can You Provide References or Case Studies?
Proof beats promises every time. Ask to see real results from real clients that they have worked with recently.
References let you talk directly to other business owners they have helped. Ask those clients about their experience and satisfaction levels.
Case studies show the full journey from problem to solution. They should include specific metrics, timelines, and clear outcomes.
Look for examples from businesses similar to yours. If they have helped others in your industry, they can probably help you too.
Be cautious if they cannot provide any references. Either they are new, inexperienced, or their clients are not happy with their work.
Just like you would want references before enrolling your child in a summer program, you need them before trusting someone with your business. An SEO case study is their portfolio.
How Do You Build Links for Local Businesses?
Links are still a major ranking factor. However, not all links are created equal, and bad ones can hurt you.
Ask how they acquire links for your site. Ethical link building takes time, effort, and relationship building.
They should pursue links from local organizations, business associations, and relevant directories. These carry more weight for local SEO and prove local relevance.
Guest posting on industry blogs and local news sites can work too. But the content needs to be genuinely valuable to the reader.
Avoid companies that buy links or use link farms. Those tactics will hurt you more than help and can lead to manual penalties.
Focus on quality over quantity. One link from a respected local chamber of commerce is worth fifty low-quality directory links.
What’s Your Content Strategy?
Content drives modern SEO. Your company needs a solid plan for creating it consistently.
Ask how they research content topics. They should base ideas on real search data and customer questions rather than guessing.
Will they create the content or do you need to? Some companies include content creation, others expect you to handle it internally.
Find out their publishing frequency. Consistent content helps you build authority over time and signals activity to Google.
Content should target local keywords while providing real value to readers. No keyword stuffing or thin content that offers no insight.
They might also utilize video production or social media management to distribute that content. Ask if they handle different formats beyond text.
If you run an online store, ask about their experience with ecommerce content. Product descriptions require a specific approach compared to service pages.
How Do You Measure Success?
Success means different things to different businesses. Make sure you are on the same page from day one.
For some, success is more phone calls. For others, it is foot traffic, appointment bookings, or online sales.
Your SEO company should define success based on your business goals. Not just vanity metrics like rankings that do not result in revenue.
They should tie their work directly to revenue when possible. That is the ultimate measure of value for any marketing service.
Review these goals quarterly. Your definition of success might evolve as your business grows.
Asking the right interview questions ensures you find a partner aligned with your vision. Don’t settle for generic answers.
Hiring the right SEO companies requires diligence, but the payoff is worth it. A strong local presence changes the trajectory of your business. Feel free to give us a call if you are interested in finding the right SEO company for your business, we’d be more than happy to answer all your questions.
