A good local SEO company keeps your Google listing in your name, explains exactly what it will do, shows you clear results every month or week, and doesn't lock you into a long contract. Walk away from anyone who guarantees a number one ranking, wants to own your listing, or offers to add keywords to your business name or buy reviews.
Red flags to walk away from
- They guarantee a number one ranking. Nobody controls Google's results, and Google specifically warns business owners about companies that make this promise.
- They want to own your Google listing. Your listing should always be in your name. A company should be added as a manager only.
- They suggest adding keywords or cities to your business name. It can work briefly, but it breaks Google's rules and often leads to suspension.
- They offer reviews for sale, or fake reviews. This is against Google's policies, and the FTC's rule on fake reviews allows penalties for businesses that use them.
- They lock you into a long contract with no way out if results don't show up.
- They can't explain what they do in plain English, or their reports are pages of charts without a clear answer.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Who will own my Google listing and my website?
- What exactly will you do each month?
- How will you measure results, and how often will I see them?
- How do you check rankings across my whole service area, not just one spot?
- What's the contract length, and how do I cancel?
- Can you show me real results or reviews from businesses like mine?
- What will you need from me?
What good looks like
- A clear starting point: where you rank today, across your area
- A written list of what's wrong and what they'll fix first
- Regular reports that show rankings, calls, and what was done
- Honest answers, including "we can't promise that"
- Month-to-month terms, or a short commitment with a clear exit
What it usually costs
Pricing varies widely depending on what's included, how competitive your market is, and whether the work covers only your Google listing or your website too. Instead of comparing prices alone, compare what you get each month and how clearly results are reported.
Ask for the monthly task list in writing, then check your reports against it.
Should you do it yourself?
You can. The basics of a strong Google listing aren't secret: the right categories, complete info, real photos, steady reviews, and consistent business info across the web. Our guide on getting into the top 3 walks through them.
What most owners run short on is time. If you'd rather spend your hours on your business, that's where hiring help makes sense.