Looking to hire a local SEO expert but not sure what questions to ask? You’re not alone. With local SEO costs ranging from $100 to $3,000 per month, choosing the wrong provider can be an expensive mistake that sets your business back months or even years.
This comprehensive guide covers the most important questions business owners ask before hiring local SEO experts, based on real search data and industry insights. Whether you’re a small business owner, marketing manager, or agency looking to vet potential partners, these questions will help you make an informed decision.
Before diving into the questions, understand this: a reputable agency will take the time to ask detailed questions about your business, industry, target audience, goals, and KPIs. If they’re not asking you questions, that’s already a red flag.
The local SEO industry is filled with both experts and charlatans. The right questions help you distinguish between providers who will transform your online presence and those who might actually harm your rankings with outdated or risky tactics.
Before scheduling any consultation, check if the SEO expert’s own website ranks well for terms like “local SEO expert [your city]” or “local SEO services [your area].” If they can’t rank their own site, how can they rank yours?
Look for specific case studies with measurable results, not just generic testimonials. Check if testimonials include real business names and contact information you can verify.
Make sure you do your research before you ever sit down to meet with someone. Look for established track records rather than brand-new agencies promising overnight results.
Legitimate SEO professionals will have a number of tools they use to conduct audits and complete tasks, and they will have tested multiple tools to find the best. They should mention tools like:
This is crucial for local SEO success. They should discuss:
Look for detailed answers about:
They should explain:
You’ll definitely need professional local SEO services if you’re targeting customers in specific regions. They should explain how they:
Effective local SEO requires location-specific content. They should discuss:
Quality local link building is complex. Look for strategies involving:
With increasing mobile and voice searches, they should address:
Basic SEO plans can range from $250-$3,000 a month, but understand exactly what you’re getting. Ask about:
Transparent providers will explain costs for:
Understand:
Don’t forget that there are many factors that may affect the delivery of the first measurable results. Realistic providers will explain:
They should monitor and report:
Establish expectations for:
They should be comfortable with:
Technical knowledge should include:
They should have processes for:
You can ask about their background in your sector. Industry experience matters for:
They should explain:
Listen for specific differentiators like:
Understand:
Their strategy adjustment depending on performance should be clear. Ask about:
“We guarantee #1 rankings” – Legitimate SEO experts never guarantee specific rankings because they can’t control Google’s algorithms.
“We have special relationships with Google” – This is impossible and suggests black-hat practices.
“We can’t reveal our methods” – Transparency is essential for legitimate SEO.
“Results happen overnight” – Sustainable local SEO takes time and consistent effort.
Look for answers about:
Professional providers should offer:
They should explain:
Rate each potential provider on:
Technical Expertise (25%): Tool knowledge, process understanding, industry certifications
Communication Skills (20%): Response time, clarity, proactive updates
Proven Results (25%): Case studies, client testimonials, verifiable outcomes
Industry Knowledge (15%): Sector experience, competitive understanding, local market insight
Cultural Fit (15%): Working style, availability, shared values, long-term partnership potential
Consider these crucial elements:
Budget Alignment: Local SEO programs typically run between $300 and $2,000 a month, so ensure their pricing fits your budget and expected ROI.
Contract Flexibility: Look for reasonable terms that protect both parties while allowing for strategy adjustments.
Growth Scalability: Choose providers who can grow with your business and adapt strategies as you expand.
Week 1-2: Complete onboarding, provide necessary access, establish communication protocols
Month 1: Review initial audit results, approve strategy recommendations, set baseline metrics
Month 2-3: Monitor early optimizations, provide feedback, adjust strategies based on initial data
Month 4-6: Evaluate significant results, refine approaches, plan for long-term growth
Maintain successful relationships by:
The questions in this guide will help you identify truly qualified local SEO experts who can transform your online presence. Remember that the cheapest option rarely provides the best value, while the most expensive doesn’t guarantee superior results.
Take time to ask these questions, evaluate responses carefully, and check references thoroughly. The right local SEO expert becomes a strategic partner in your business growth, not just a service provider.
Your investment in professional local SEO expertise will pay dividends through increased visibility, more qualified leads, and sustained business growth. Use these questions to find the perfect partner for your local SEO success and beyond.
Ready to start your search? Use this question list as your interview guide, and don’t settle for vague answers or unrealistic promises. The right local SEO expert is out there—these questions will help you find them.