Questions to ask before choosing an SEO provider.

Understand the proposed work

Ask how the provider diagnosed the problem and why each action is relevant. Request examples of deliverables rather than a promise to place your business first.

• Which pages and technical issues are included?
• Who writes, approves and owns new content?
• Which changes require access, and at what permission level?
• What is excluded from the scope and quoted cost?

Keep ownership and reporting clear

The business should understand who controls its domain, hosting, content, analytics and search properties. Agree a reporting cadence and a handover process. Reports should distinguish work completed from changes in performance.

• Use delegated access appropriate to the task.
• Keep the business’s assets in its own accounts where practical.
• Ask how changes and backups are recorded.
• Confirm cancellation and handover terms before committing.

Treat guarantees carefully

No provider controls every search ranking. Ask about risks, dependencies and expected observation periods. Avoid approaches built on manufactured links, copied doorway pages or misleading business information.