Best Local SEO Companies & Services
-
$5,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Lisboa, Portugal
Services provided
Focus Areas
Link37 is a Digital Strategy company. The company is based in Lisboa, Portugal. Their services include Digital Strategy and Conversion Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Palma, Spain
Services provided
Focus Areas
Agencia Creativa Exel, a small SEO company, is located in Palma, Spain. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Littleton, CO
Services provided
Focus Areas
PPC agency Mass Division LLC was established in 2018. Located in Littleton, Colorado, the team provides Pay Per Click and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Neptune Beach, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
Create Studios Agency is a small Content Marketing company located in Neptune Beach, Florida. Their services include Content Marketing and Web Design.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Chadstone, Australia
Services provided
Focus Areas
Sharp Instincts is a Mobile & App Marketing company founded in 2016. Headquartered in Chadstone, Australia, the team provides Mobile & App Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249
Services provided
Focus Areas
Diginex Marketing is a SEO company. The team is based in Noida, India, and their services include Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerColorado Springs, CO
Services provided
Focus Areas
SEO company Logan Mosby - SEO Expert offers Search Engine Optimization. They were founded in 2024.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Nashville, TN
Services provided
Focus Areas
ROI DESIGN GROUP is a branding agency. They are in Nashville, Tennessee and have small team of experts. Their services include Branding and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
Undisclosed< $25 / hrFreelancer
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectsPakistan-based SEO agency
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Services provided
Focus Areas
Moftak Solutions is a software development company. Launched in 2003, their team specializes in Custom Software Development and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hr10 - 49Ghaziabad, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 8 projectsSCI Digital is a web development company that excels in creating professional websites, as evidenced by their successful project with AFK Trailer Lease, LLC. The overall feedback highlights their punctuality, budget-friendly pricing, and flexibility, with 100% of reviewers noting their professional engagement and timely delivery.
-
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249Karachi, Pakistan
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 2 projectsArtX Pro specializes in developing complete corporate identities, marketing strategies, and creating animated videos. Reviews highlight their professionalism, effective communication, and their ability to deliver on both short and long-term goals. Clients particularly appreciate the solutions ArtX Pro provides, indicating high satisfaction with their comprehensive services and collaborative approach.
-
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Services provided
Focus Areas
Established in 2022, Chinedu Digital is a web design agency. The company focuses on Web Design and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Pune, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
Hexanovate is a small SEO agency. Established in 2019, the team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
Read more -
Undisclosed$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249North Adelaide, Australia
Services provided
Focus Areas
Best SEO Company Adelaide is a SEO agency. Based in North Adelaide, Australia, the agency specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Weston, FL
Services provided
Focus Areas
CV Digital Marketing is a pay per click agency. They are based in Weston, Florida, and their services include Pay Per Click and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Blackburn, England
Services provided
Focus Areas
Infused Media is a SEO agency. They are headquartered in Blackburn, England, and their services include Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Los Angeles, CA
Services provided
Focus Areas
Web design company Magma Rank is located in Los Angeles, California. They focus on Web Design and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Navi Mumbai, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
Social media marketing firm Semtitans Digital Pvt Ltd is located in Navi Mumbai, India. The team offers Social Media Marketing and Email Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Montréal, Canada
Services provided
Focus Areas
Monkeys at Work is an e-commerce development company. The team is based in Montréal, Canada, and their services include E-Commerce Development and Web Development.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
H. F. Partlow Web Development is a small Charleston, South Carolina-based web design company. The team offers Web Design and Web Development.
Read more -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Round Rock, TX
Services provided
Focus Areas
Hubsprint is a SEO company established in 2016. The team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Advertising.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9Inwood, WV
Services provided
Focus Areas
Alta Effect Productions is a social media marketing company. They were launched in 2018 and offer Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tucson, AZ
Services provided
Focus Areas
SOMO SEO is a small Tucson, Arizona-based SEO company and web design agency. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Tulsa, OK
Services provided
Focus Areas
GB Digital llc is a SEO company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They focus on Search Engine Optimization and Digital Strategy.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hrFreelancerIslamabad, Pakistan
Services provided
Focus Areas
Founded in 2019, SEO Services Islamabad FBS is a SEO company. In Islamabad, Pakistan, the team provides Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
Undisclosed< $25 / hr50 - 249
Services provided
Focus Areas
Based in Melbourne, Australia, Nifty Consultants - SEO and Content Writing Services in Australia is a web design company. Their services include Web Design and IT strategy consulting.
Read more -
$1,000+Undisclosed2 - 9Loncon, England
Services provided
Focus Areas
Spark Digital Ltd is a SEO services firm and pay per click company. Founded in 2022, the team offers Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click. The company is in Loncon, England.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249Jaipur, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
Established in 2022, Seo Company, a midsize SEO agency, is based in Jaipur, India. Their team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2021, Adrij SEO Expert and Digital Marketing Freelancer in Kolkata is a SEO company. The team specializes in Search Engine Optimization and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$200 - $300 / hr50 - 249Navi Mumbai, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
In Navi Mumbai, India, Rank My Business is a branding company. The team provides Branding and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hrFreelancerL'viv, Ukraine
Services provided
Focus Areas
SEO services firm SEOpurposes provides Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing. They were established in 2024.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosedFreelancer
Services provided
Focus Areas
Webex System is a small SEO agency established in 2020. Their services include Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hrFreelancer
Services provided
Focus Areas
SEO services firm MP: SEO Specialist Ph is in Barugo, Philippines. Founded in 2025, the team specializes in Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Zürich, Switzerland
Services provided
Focus Areas
Meili & Hess GmbH is a small SEO services firm headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
Read more -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9Alicante (Alacant), Spain
Services provided
Focus Areas
InGravitylabs is a SEO agency headquartered in Alicante (Alacant), Spain. Founded in 2025, the team focuses on Search Engine Optimization and Pay Per Click.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Nagpur, India
Services provided
Focus Areas
Custom software development company Primine Software Private Limited is headquartered in Nagpur, India. The team provides Custom Software Development and Web Development.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectsdigitalP specializes in SEO, providing services such as local SEO ranking, content marketing, and technical optimizations to improve online visibility and website ranking. Reviews highlight their data-driven approach and commitment to delivering measurable results, including increased organic traffic and improved keyword rankings. Clients commend their timely project management and adaptability, though they suggest clearer initial project roadmaps and more frequent progress updates.
-
Undisclosed$50 - $99 / hr2 - 9LONDON, England
Services provided
Focus Areas
Social media marketing agency HMDG is based in LONDON, England. Their services include Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
Undisclosed< $25 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
Founded in 2020, RN Digi Solution is a Digital Strategy company. In New Delhi, India, the team offers Digital Strategy and Social Media Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr2 - 9Chadstone, Australia
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2022, Sunday Best Digital Agency is a SEO agency. The team provides Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Upper Mount Gravatt, Australia
Services provided
Focus Areas
In Upper Mount Gravatt, Australia, Conveyz Web Design and Digital Marketing is a SEO company. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
WeSale is a SEO company. They are based in Islamabad, Pakistan and have small team. They provide Search Engine Optimization and Marketing Strategy.
Read more -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr2 - 9Lafayette, CO
Services provided
Focus Areas
Digital Dynamo LLC is a SEO company. Their small team is headquartered in Lafayette, Colorado. Their services include Search Engine Optimization and Content Marketing.
Read more -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 2 projectsDigital Agency Reseller offers services in SEO, PPC, and digital marketing. Reviews highlight the company's effective project management, timely delivery, and significant improvements in organic traffic, website ranking, and online visibility. Clients appreciate the affordable pricing and alignment with company values, noting substantial monthly increases in authority and trust domains.
-
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Ann Arbor, MI
Services provided
Focus Areas
ROI Digitally is a small SEO company. They focus on Search Engine Optimization and Digital Strategy and were established in 2022.
Read more -
$1,000+< $25 / hr2 - 9Ramon Magsaysay, Philippines
Services provided
Focus Areas
Established in 2019, Black & Blue Tech Labz is a small web design company. Their team focuses on Web Design and Web Development.
Read more -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hrFreelancer
Services provided
Focus Areas
Launched in 2014, Pigzilla is a SEO company. The small team offers Search Engine Optimization and Web Design.
Read more -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hrFreelancerWestleigh, Australia
Services provided
Focus Areas
Intellar is a small SEO agency headquartered in Westleigh, Australia. Their services include Search Engine Optimization.
Read more -
UndisclosedUndisclosed2 - 9
Services provided
Focus Areas
See all 1 projectsOptimizeKro is a top SEO agency in UAE & Gulf, offering expert SEO services to boost your online visibility, rankings, and drive organic traffic.
Read more
Share your project goals, and we’ll connect you with verified partners who fit your budget and timeline.
Get My Matches
Tell us what you need — we’ll match you with top agencies in minutes.
Get My MatchesWhy Trust Clutch
At Clutch, we believe trust is the foundation of every business relationship. Our mission is to help buyers make confident, data-backed decisions informed by real client experiences.
Every review on Clutch undergoes a rigorous, human-led verification process to make sure it’s valid. Our team of specialists confirms the identity of each reviewer, ensures the project is legitimate, and only publishes reviews that meet our strict criteria.
Verification doesn’t stop at the point of publication. Our Trust & Safety team routinely audits older reviews against our guidelines. When reviews fall short of our standards, we remove them.
We evaluate service providers using a structured methodology that combines:
- In-depth client interviews and ratings
- Comprehensive project details
- Market presence
- Portfolio examples and industry recognition
This data powers tools like the Leaders Matrix, which helps you compare agencies directly. Our research team curates rankings by weighing verified reviews most heavily, so the most trusted and experienced providers rise to the top.
Using this unique combination of verified client feedback and provider-supplied insights, Clutch distills the most important details into clear, digestible summaries so you have everything you need to make confident, informed decisions quickly.
We take fraud seriously. Providers who violate our guidelines may face lower rankings, restricted visibility, or removal from the platform altogether.
Clutch’s commitment to transparency is ongoing. We’re constantly refining our systems to protect the integrity of reviews and support you in finding the right agency.
List of the Top 15 Local Search Engine Optimization Companies
-
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Paramus, NJ
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization60% Local search50% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249San Antonio, TX
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.020/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization60% Local search30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Seattle, WA
Ability to deliver
37.9/40.018.6/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Search Engine Optimization55% Local search -
$10,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999San Diego, CA
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search60% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr50 - 249Sacramento, CA
Ability to deliver
39.5/40.020/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization30% Local search50% Other -
$1,000+Undisclosed250 - 999Harrisburg, PA
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization15% Local search30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Chicago, IL
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization30% Local search30% Other -
$5,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Marion, IL
Ability to deliver
39.8/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.8/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search30% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr50 - 249Lehi, UT
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.019/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization25% Local search25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Oklahoma City, OK
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search10% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr10 - 49Chernihiv, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
37.7/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
90% Search Engine Optimization40% Local search10% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Colorado Springs, CO
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization10% Local search40% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49London, England
Ability to deliver
39.1/40.019.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization25% Local search40% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49New York, NY
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.020/20 Reviews9.6/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search40% Other -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr50 - 249New York, NY
Ability to deliver
34.7/40.018/20 Reviews9.1/10 Clients & Experience7.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization70% Local search30% Other -
$1,000+$150 - $199 / hr50 - 249Toronto, Canada
Ability to deliver
40/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization10% Local search30% Other -
$5,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Toronto, Canada
Ability to deliver
39.6/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization15% Local search30% Other -
$50,000+$300+ / hr50 - 249San Francisco, CA
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
75% Search Engine Optimization10% Local search25% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Arlington, TX
Ability to deliver
38.5/40.019.8/20 Reviews9.2/10 Clients & Experience9.4/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization25% Local search30% Other -
$1,000+< $25 / hr2 - 9Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, India
Ability to deliver
39.3/40.020/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search -
$1,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999Las Vegas, NV
Ability to deliver
37.6/40.018/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
30% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search70% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr250 - 999Odesa, Ukraine
Ability to deliver
37.9/40.018.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
40% Search Engine Optimization15% Local search60% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Mooloolaba, Australia
Ability to deliver
38.7/40.019/20 Reviews9.7/10 Clients & Experience10/10 Market PresenceService focus
50% Search Engine Optimization30% Local search50% Other -
$1,000+< $25 / hr50 - 249Greenwood, IN
Ability to deliver
34.3/40.014.8/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Search Engine Optimization50% Local search20% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49South Jordan, UT
Ability to deliver
39.4/40.019.8/20 Reviews9.9/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
65% Search Engine Optimization10% Local search35% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Boca Raton, FL
Ability to deliver
38.9/40.019.4/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.5/10 Market PresenceService focus
80% Search Engine Optimization15% Local search20% Other -
$1,000+$50 - $99 / hr10 - 49Miami, FL
Ability to deliver
38.2/40.018.6/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.6/10 Market PresenceService focus
70% Search Engine Optimization20% Local search30% Other -
$5,000+$200 - $300 / hr10 - 49La Mirada, CA
Ability to deliver
35.9/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.7/10 Market PresenceService focus
60% Search Engine Optimization40% Local search40% Other -
$25,000+$25 - $49 / hr250 - 999Irving, TX
Ability to deliver
39.9/40.020/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience9.9/10 Market PresenceService focus
10% Search Engine Optimization25% Local search90% Other -
$1,000+$100 - $149 / hr10 - 49Carrollton, GA
Ability to deliver
33.5/40.016.2/20 Reviews10/10 Clients & Experience7.2/10 Market PresenceService focus
100% Search Engine Optimization100% Local search
Latest Local SEO Articles
See all articles
Answer Engine Optimization Is Reshaping How Businesses Get Chosen
Search behavior is changing quickly, and many business leaders are feeling the effects before they can clearly name the cause. Read here to find out how...
Local SEO Firm FAQs
Looking for a local SEO firm but not sure where to start? We've put together answers to the most common questions businesses ask when searching for a trusted partner. This FAQ covers what you need to know before hiring a local SEO firm, from pricing and services to results and red flags.
Clutch evaluates firms that help businesses boost visibility in local search results twice a year based on a proprietary methodology. The highest-rated local SEO agencies for Fall 2025 include:
Freelancers can be cost-effective for single-location businesses needing basic citation work. Agencies provide multidisciplinary teams—strategists, content writers, link builders—ideal for competitive markets or multi-location chains. Agencies also offer redundant resources, so your campaign doesn’t stall if one person gets busy or sick.
Keeping a close eye on key performance indicators (KPIs) is crucial for gauging the effectiveness of a local SEO providers’ services. Here are some of the common metrics for your reference:
- Increase in map pack impressions and clicks
- Growth in tracked phone calls and form fills
- Year-over-year foot traffic or sales comparisons
- Direction requests and call-tracking numbers
Advanced agencies integrate CRM data to tie revenue directly to local SEO efforts. A good partner will guide you when evaluating these metrics, maximizing real-time data to continuously improve their work.
Choosing the ideal local SEO provider requires in-depth knowledge on your project and the right criteria to assess to ensure alignment. Start by narrowing options to agencies with proven wins in your city or industry, then follow these steps:
- Read third-party reviews that mention ranking improvements and ROI.
- Ask for case studies that mirror your goals (e.g., calls, visits, bookings).
- Verify reporting cadence and tool stack—weekly call? Google Looker Studio report?
- Confirm they follow Google’s spam-free, guideline-compliant tactics.
- Gauge cultural fit (i.e., communication style, responsiveness, and strategic approach).
Selecting a firm that fits your budget and business model is just as important as their track record so make sure you carefully evaluate their capabilities.
A local SEO company improves your visibility in location-based search results—think Google Maps, local packs, and “service + near me” queries. Their job is to position your website as a leader in your space so that search engines show your business to nearby customers searching relevant keywords. Their typical tasks include optimizing your Google Business Profile, building citations, managing reviews, and earning locally relevant backlinks. Essentially, they translate traditional SEO tactics into hyper-local strategies that drive calls, foot traffic, and bookings.
- Have you ranked businesses in my city or niche before?
- Which KPIs—calls, directions, conversions—will you track and report on?
- How do you acquire reviews ethically?
- What citation and link building processes do you follow?
- How will you communicate progress, and how often?
- Can I speak with a recent client for a reference?
Many firms offer full-service local SEO, while others specialize in one or two areas. Here are some of the core services clients can expect:
- Google Business Profile setup and optimization
- NAP (Name, Address, Phone) citation building & cleanup
- Local keyword research and on-page optimization
- Location-specific landing pages
- Review acquisition and reputation management
- Local link building and digital PR
- Technical SEO for mobile speed and crawlability
Some agencies bundle these into ongoing “local SEO services” packages, while others offer à-la-carte engagements.
Clutch data shows most local SEO projects fall between $1,000 and $5,000 per month, but budgets can range from $500 for a single-location citation audit to over $15,000 for multi-location enterprises. Multiple factors influence the cost of local SEO services including:
- Number of locations
- Competitiveness of your market
- Scope of deliverables (one-time vs. ongoing)
- Agency reputation and seniority
To avoid misunderstanding or overspending, always request a transparent breakdown of hours, milestones, and expected KPIs before signing any partnership with prospective partners.
Ignoring red flags when selecting and partnering with local SEO companies can do more harm to your search engine performance than good. Beware of these warning signs so ensure optimal results for your investment:
- “Guaranteed #1 rankings” promises
- Black-hat tactics like fake reviews or keyword stuffing
- Opaque pricing or refusal to share deliverables
- No evidence of past local wins (maps screenshots, traffic lifts, etc.)
- One-size-fits-all packages with no discovery phase
If an agency checks any of those signs or can’t explain how their strategy complies with Google’s guidelines, keep looking because they might not be the team for you.