A good SEO partner doesn’t just chase rankings they align with your business goals.
When you’re looking to improve your website’s search engine rankings, hiring an SEO consultant can be a game-changer.
But how do you know you’re picking the right one?
There are so many SEO experts out there, and it can be hard to know which one is truly capable of bringing results.
So, what to ask SEO consultants?
The right questions will help you find a consultant who fits your needs and has the experience to deliver results.
Let’s break down the key questions you need to ask before making a decision!
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Why "What to Ask SEO Consultants" is So Important?
SEO is no longer about following best practices. A consultant’s approach can vary wildly, from outdated tactics like keyword stuffing to modern strategies focused on user experience and EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness).
Asking pointed questions helps you:
- Avoid scams or black-hat SEO (which can tank your rankings).
- Know about their expertise in your industry.
- Set realistic expectations for timelines and budgets.
Key Questions to Ask SEO Consultants
10 critical questions to ask SEO consultants, with clear explanations, red flags, and pro tips to help you evaluate their expertise:
1. What’s your experience in my industry?
Why This Matters:
SEO strategies vary by industry (e.g., local businesses need different tactics than e-commerce or healthcare). Consultants familiar with your niche understand competitors, regulations, and audience intent faster.
What to Listen For:
- Examples of past clients in your industry.
- Case studies showing measurable results (e.g., We boosted a dentist’s organic traffic by 150% in 6 months).
🚩 Red Flag: SEO works the same for everyone.
Pro Tip: If they lack industry experience, ask: “How will you research my market?”
2. Can you walk me through your SEO strategy?
Why This Matters:
These answers signal a lack of expertise. A clear strategy should cover technical, on-page, and off-page SEO.
What to Listen For:
- Technical SEO: Site speed fixes, mobile optimization, crawl errors.
- Content Strategy: Keyword research, EEAT-focused content.
- Link-Building: Natural outreach vs. paid links.
🚩 Red Flag: “We’ll just optimize your site.”
3. How do you measure success?
Why This Matters:
Rankings alone don’t drive revenue. Metrics should tie to business goals.
What to Listen For:
- Organic traffic growth.
- Conversion rate improvements.
- Revenue from SEO-generated leads.
🚩 Red Flag: “We focus solely on ranking #1 for keywords.”
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Analytics to track their progress.
4. What tools do you use?
Why This Matters:
Legit consultants use industry-standard tools for audits, keyword research, and tracking.
What to Listen For:
- Ahrefs, SEMrush, or Moz for keyword analysis.
- Screaming Frog for technical audits.
- Google Search Console for performance data.
🚩 Red Flag: Reliance on free tools only (e.g., “We use Google Keyword Planner”).
5. How long until we see results?
Why This Matters:
SEO takes time. Unrealistic timelines often mean Not proper strategy.
What to Listen For:
- “3–6 months for steady growth.”
- Early wins like fixing technical issues or improving click-through rates.
🚩 Red Flag: “We’ll get you to #1 in 30 days!”
Pro Tip: Ask for a phased roadmap (e.g., “Month 1: Technical fixes, Month 2: Content creation”).
6. What’s your approach to link-building?
Why This Matters:
Bad links can penalize your site. Ethical consultants earn links via quality content.
What to Listen For:
- Guest posting on reputable sites.
- Creating shareable content (e.g., infographics, guides).
🚩 Red Flag: “We buy links for faster results.”
Pro Tip: Check their backlink portfolio for spammy sites.
7. How do you handle Google algorithm updates?
Why This Matters:
Google updates constantly (e.g., Core Updates, Helpful Content). Your consultant must adapt.
What to Listen For:
- Monitoring tools like Google Alerts.
- Proactive strategy adjustments (e.g., shifting from keyword-stuffed content to EEAT).
Pro Tip: Ask how they recovered a client’s site after a past update.
8. What’s included in your monthly reports?
Why This Matters:
Transparency is key. Reports should show progress toward your goals.
What to Listen For:
- Traffic sources, keyword rankings, conversions.
- Actionable recommendations (e.g., “Fix these 5 broken links”).
🚩 Red Flag: “We only share rankings.”
9. How do you handle content creation?
Why This Matters:
Quality content drives SEO. Avoid agencies using AI-only content.
What to Listen For:
- Use of subject-matter experts (SMEs) for YMYL niches (health, finance).
- Editorial calendars aligned with keyword research.
🚩 Red Flag: “We use AI to write all content.”
10. What happens if my rankings drop?
Why This Matters:
A good consultant diagnoses issues and adjusts quickly.
What to Listen For:
- Root-cause analysis (e.g., “Your site speed dropped 50% after a plugin update”).
- A recovery plan with timelines.
Red Flags vs. Green Lights: What to Watch For
Question | Red Flag Answer | Green Light Answer |
Can you guarantee rankings? | Yes, top rankings in 4 weeks! | We focus on sustainable growth, not guarantees. |
What’s your link-building strategy? | We buy links for quick results. | We earn links through quality content and outreach. |
How much access do you need? | Full control of your site. | We’ll collaborate with your team on changes. |
SEO takes time. If you expect instant results, you’re probably setting yourself up for disappointment.
Mike Harris
SEO Consultant
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Promises of Quick Results: As mentioned earlier, SEO is a long-term game. If they guarantee results in a matter of weeks, that’s a bad sign.
- Lack of Transparency: If they’re not clear about their methods or refuse to provide reports, it could be a sign they’re not using the best practices.
- Keyword Stuffing: If they suggest overloading your content with keywords, this could harm your rankings in the long run.
How to Make the Right Choice?
Choosing the right SEO consultant can have a huge impact on the success of your online presence. By asking the right questions and understanding what to look for, you can make an informed decision that sets your business up for growth.
Before you finalize your decision, make sure to:
- Align their expertise with your goals.
- Ensure they use ethical, long-term strategies.
- Look for clear communication and reporting.
Conclusion
So, what to ask SEO consultants? The right questions can make all the difference when it comes to finding a consultant who will help you achieve your digital marketing goals.
Be sure to ask about their approach, track record, and success metrics, and never forget to check their commitment to ethical SEO practices. With the right consultant by your side, you can watch your website climb the ranks and succeed in the online world.
Do still have a doubt or want to Hire a Good Consultant? Book your free SEO Consultation Call With me.
