Choosing the right SEO agency is key to your business success, but many small businesses end up paying thousands for little to no results.

We’ve heard several horror stories. One recent example was a tradesperson who reportedly spent $20,000 on SEO only to get four views a month and zero sales. Sadly, SEO scams, dodgy operators, and empty promises are everywhere.

You can, however, avoid getting ripped off by doing your homework: research agencies carefully, understand their services, stay involved, and watch out for red flags.

Continue reading as we guide you through these steps to protect your business and achieve real value.

Key Steps to Avoid SEO Scams

The quality of SEO agencies varies, and some can cause more harm than benefit. The good news? This section outlines the key steps to help you identify SEO agency red flags early and select a partner that genuinely supports your business objectives.

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Step 1: Research the Agency

Researching an SEO agency before hiring them is essential to avoid wasting money on empty promises. Some agencies may make bold claims but cannot deliver tangible results. Taking the time to do your homework will help you find true professionals who can effectively support the growth of your business.

You can check if an agency is reliable and trustworthy by:

  • Checking Their Online Presence: Visit their website, blog, and social media. Do they share helpful tips? Is their info trustworthy? A good agency should have high-quality content and showcase its expertise. If they’re transparent about their team and services, that’s a good sign.
  • Verifying Testimonials: Don’t just trust the reviews on their site. Look on Google, Yelp, or Trustpilot for honest feedback from actual clients. Then, check for consistent positive feedback and real case studies that show their results.
  • Asking About Experience: Do they have experience working with similar businesses? Ask about their past clients and industry experience. You can also request case studies or campaign results that match your business needs.
  • Checking Their Ranking: They should be in the search results if they are knowledgeable about SEO.
  • Asking Questions: Determine how they measure success, the SEO tools they use, and their approach to building backlinks. Evaluate if they implement ethical and up-to-date strategies. Also, verify that they have defined pricing, services, and objectives.
  • Reviewing Their Communication Style: A reputable SEO agency will be open, answer your questions clearly, and provide transparent reports.

Doing this research may take some effort. However, it can save you a lot of stress and money in the long run.

As a client, this extra step also gives you peace of mind that you’re hiring a partner who’s honest, skilled, and a good fit for your business.

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Step 2: Understand Their SEO Services

Understanding how an SEO agency operates helps you identify risky tactics and protect your business from scams. Your ideal agency should be transparent and willing to explain its process in simple terms.

The key step here is to ask questions, focusing on these aspects:

  • Backlink Building: Good agencies build quality links from trusted sites. Bad ones buy cheap or fake links, which can hurt your site.
  • Control and Ownership: You should have access to your website, domain, and all tools, like Google Analytics and Search Console. Don’t let an agency control your accounts.
  • Delivery of Results: Avoid anyone promising “#1 on Google” fast or overnight success. It’s usually a scam or black-hat tactic. Real SEO is about long-term growth, not just quick traffic spikes.
  • Reporting: You should have clear, detailed reports showing traffic, rankings, and conversions. Make sure you have access to your raw data and honest insights, not just a vague summary.
  • SEO Strategy: A reputable agency will clearly outline its SEO strategy in a way that aligns with your business goals, avoiding generic approaches. They also stay informed about Google’s algorithm updates and adapt strategies accordingly.

By understanding the services and approach of an SEO agency, you receive the help you need while maintaining control.

Step 3: Stay Informed and Involved

Even after hiring an SEO agency, always be involved. These recommendations can help you stay on top of things:

  • Learn SEO Basics: Take time to understand the fundamentals of SEO, like keyword research and content creation, so you can better judge the agency’s work. Understanding the basics can help you spot red flags and make excellent decisions.
  • Track Your Results: Discover how to use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to assess your site’s performance.
  • Engage in Regular Communication: Talk with your agency often. Ask questions and expect honest, easy-to-understand answers.
  • Monitor Their Work: Don’t just skim through the monthly reports. Ensure their actions align with your goals and the agreed-upon strategy. If you notice any issues or slow progress, speak up.
  • Understand the Value of Content: Your web content should be helpful and tailored to your audience.
  • Sharpen Your SEO Skills: Stay up-to-date on the latest search engine optimisation techniques by reading reputable blogs and resources. Forums or Facebook groups also provide support and advice from fellow business owners.

You don’t need to be an SEO expert, but knowing the basics and checking in regularly helps protect your business and your investment.

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Step 4: Know the Warning Signs

Not all SEO agencies are honest. Some use questionable tactics, over-promise results, or lack expertise. Protect your business by staying alert for these SEO red flags:

  • Unrealistic Promises: Be wary of agencies that promise top rankings or fast results. SEO takes time, and no one can guarantee first-place rankings.
  • Cheap Prices: Low prices can mean poor-quality work, spammy tactics, or zero results.
  • Unsolicited Emails: Be skeptical of random SEO offers. These are often spammy and unreliable.
  • All Talk, No Value: If they talk in circles, avoid questions, or can’t show results, walk away.
  • Google Partner Claims: While this is a positive badge, it does not guarantee outstanding SEO skills. Being a Google Partner may mean proficiency in ads but not SEO.
  • Low Collaboration: A good agency will treat you like a partner and keep you updated.
  • No Access to Tools: If they won’t give you access to Google Analytics or Search Console, that’s a red flag. You should always have control.
  • Spammy Backlinks or PBNs: Using fake or private blog network links can hurt your rankings.
  • Jumping In Without Strategy: Avoid agencies that start an SEO campaign without a clear, customised plan.
  • Too Focused on Rankings: A good SEO partner cares about your website’s visitors and your company’s long-term success, not just search rankings.
  • Long-Term Contracts: Avoid long-term deals without performance guarantees or easy exit options.
  • Hidden Fees: Always read the fine print. Some SEO agencies tack on surprise charges.

Collaborate with a Trustworthy SEO Partner

Avoiding SEO scams does not require you to be an expert. It involves staying informed and asking the right questions.

Take the time to research each agency, seek transparency, and remain actively involved throughout the process. Also, ask challenging questions before signing any agreements. A reputable SEO agency should feel like a true partner, focused on your long-term success rather than just quick wins.

If you found this article helpful, please share it to help others avoid SEO scams. Still unsure? Consult an SEO expert or request an audit.

For friendly and honest advice, contact Infinite Ace on 03 9043 4444 or visit our contact page.