How To Choose an SEO Company for Your Business in 2025

In this article, we will guide you through the process of finding an SEO company. We also cover questions you can ask SEO companies to ensure you pick the right one.

Choosing the right SEO company can be the boost you need for your business’s online growth. The right partner can improve the rankings and visibility of your website. Find out how to choose an SEO company to partner with in the long term below!

 

How to choose an SEO company in 6 steps

Finding an SEO company to work with is a long-term investment, so you will want to ensure they align with your business’s vision and values. Take the time to research and compare several SEO agencies before making your final decision.

Here are six steps to help you narrow your search down to the perfect option for you.

1. Set your SEO goals

Before you start your search for an SEO company, it’s important to define your SEO goals clearly. Here are questions to ask yourself and your team:

Questions to ask yourself

• What do you want to achieve through SEO?
• Are you looking to increase organic traffic?
• Do you want to improve rankings for specific keywords?
• Or do you want to target a local audience?

Each one of these goals will give you an idea of the services you will need and what areas you will want to prioritize with your SEO partner. When finding an SEO company, knowing your objectives will help you communicate and create an understanding before the work starts. 

2. Start your research

Look for companies online through search engines, as a company’s online presence can be a good indicator of its SEO capabilities. Note how the company ranks for relevant search terms and how active they are on social media. An SEO company that doesn’t follow its own advice might not be the best partner for your business!

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does the SEO company rank high?
• Do they showcase studies?
• What is their content like?
• How are they reviewed on other websites?

3. Check reviews and case studies of SEO companies

One of the most reliable indicators of an SEO company’s capabilities is its track record. You will want to focus on a company with a proven history of delivering results for similar businesses. Look on their website for case studies and testimonials, which are a starting point. Another place to look is on their social media and on Google My Business. Check out the reviews section and see what kind of rating they have.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Can you provide case studies or examples of past work?
• What are some measurable results you’ve achieved for clients in our industry?
• Do you have any long-term clients who can provide references?

4. Review packages and pricing for SEO companies

SEO pricing can vary from one company to another. Some charge a fixed monthly rate, while others may offer performance-based pricing or individual services per hour. Ask questions to understand what’s included in an agency’s pricing and how they structure their fees. 

Most businesses spend an average of $2500 to $7500 per month, but this is only a ballpark figure. If your needs are low, then this can be reduced or if you are only interested in one or two services. Alternatively, if your site is extensive, and you want the full package, then the price might be higher. 

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are they transparent about pricing?
• Are there any hidden costs or add-ons?
• What’s included in the SEO package?

5. Ask for SEO proposals and audits

Every business is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach to SEO will not deliver the best results. 

If you really want to know how to choose an SEO company, then reach out and ask for SEO proposals and sample website audits. This step will give you insight into the services you need and whether they understand your industry. 

Ensure the SEO company creates a customized strategy tailored to your specific goals, industry, and audience. You will immediately know if they have the experience and flexibility to adapt their services to your needs.

What to expect in a customized strategy:

• An SEO audit should assess your current performance and identify areas for improvement. 
• They should provide content recommendations that align with your brand’s voice and objectives.
• Check if they have given you a long-term plan for building authority and improving your rankings.

6. Careful of the black-hat SEO companies

Black-hat SEO is when an SEO company uses techniques and tools to trick search engines into giving it better results. These methods are usually unethical and not approved by search engine standards. 

Some black-hat examples are if the SEO company promises to get your website to the top of Google or Bing, you will know something is up. SEO is a practice that takes time. Most search engine bots only crawl now and then, which means your content could take three to six months before it finds you. 

Even if it does find it in the early days, one of the criteria of search engine rankings is reliability and credibility. They want to see what links revert to your site, what reviews are being done, and if your website will still be consistent with sound, quality content. All of these will take time. 

For most websites, a rough ballpark figure is about 2.5 years. If you are lucky, it could happen quicker. If your site isn’t clear and follows SEO tactics, it could be longer.

An SEO company also has no control over how Google ranks your website. They can make suggestions and give guides with schema, keywords and sitemaps, but ultimately the bots will crawl, categorize and rank as they will.

So, if an SEO company promises you top rankings within two months, you know they are using black-hat tactics. Smile, thank you, and take them off your list. 

If a website is found to be using black-hat techniques, it will receive search engine penalties, which will lower its ranking. 

Often, the client takes the biggest hit, as they lose visibility and traffic to their site. The good news is that black-hat SEO companies usually give themselves away. 

Choose the best for SEO today!

You know your business best, and we know SEO. Partner with us and let us help you boost your visibility and work on increasing your website traffic together. Contact us online to learn how our team of SEO experts can boost your business’s performance in search engines!