8 Reasons Not to Trust Most SEO Agencies

Uncover 8 reasons to distrust most SEO agencies: outdated tactics, no proof of success, generic strategies, cheap results, overblown promises, poor communication, vanity metrics, and short-term focus. Avoid these pitfalls for better SEO.

8 Reasons Not to Trust Most SEO Agencies

And how to find one that actually delivers

Hiring an SEO agency should be an investment that helps your business grow. NOT a gamble that drains your budget with little to no return. Yet, too often, businesses sign up with an agency that promises too much and doesn't deliver.

Here's the thing: most SEO agencies don’t really know what they’re doing. They'll offer cheap services that produce little value, or worse, get your site penalized by Google.

Before you sign any contracts with an SEO agency, let’s break down the common problems. You need to know what makes or breaks an SEO agency and really makes it worth your time and money.

1. A lot of SEO agencies just don’t know what they’re doing.

Most lack real-world experience.

SEO is just one avenue of marketing, yet it's constantly evolving. Google updates its algorithms all the time and changes its ranking factors. And what ends up happening is agencies relying on outdated tactics.

If your agency is keyword stuffing or producing low-quality backlinks, run! Those tactics DO NOT work. If an agency can't show real experience adapting to industry changes, that’s a major red flag.

No proof. No results.

Would you trust a financial advisor who couldn’t show you any proof of success? The same applies to SEO agencies. I've seen too many agencies talk a big game but have zero real world experience. No case studies or reviews to back up their claims.

And, if they can’t provide results, how can you trust them to get results for you?

Generic strategies do not work.

Some agencies apply the same strategy to every client. While the process can be similar, the same strategy isn't always the right move. A law firm, a restaurant, or a SaaS startup all have different needs and completely different process. SEO should be custom to your industry, competition, and business goals.

B2B SEO agencies should understand how B2B search behavior works. A local SEO agency should focus on Google Business Profile optimization and local citations. Two different goals for two different industries.

2. Cheap SEO == Cheap Results

Stop outsourcing to low-cost freelancers.

If your current SEO agency is charging low rates...you're probably getting the bait and switch. Most likely they are outsourcing work to cheap freelancers who don’t fully understand your business.

Here's what you get with cheap freelancers:

  • Low quality content
  • Bad backlinks (spam)
  • AI generated content
  • No strategy
  • Cookie-cutter templates
  • Duplicate content

If the above list is true, there's a good chance your SEO is being outsourced to the lowest bidder.

Automated, spammy backlink building.

Some agencies promise hundreds of backlinks for a low cost. There's always a catch! These backlinks are spammy and will do nothing good for your website.

The links are low-quality and from sites with no traffic. These links will not help your SEO and will almost always get your site penalized by Google.

You get what you pay for...

SEO is an investment. Cheap cost means cheap results. Most likely cheap SEO will be ineffective. A well-run SEO campaign requires deep research, strategy, and ongoing optimization.

If an agency is offering SEO for $99/month, you should be asking what exactly they’re doing for that price (spoiler: not much).

3. Over-promised and under-delivered

Guaranteed rankings are a lie.

No agency can guarantee specific rankings. I won't ever guarantee a page 1 spot. There are so many factors that go into rankings. Things you can't quantitize.

Search engines factor in:

  • competition
  • site authority
  • age of website
  • algorithm updates

And so much more! Any agency claiming spot 1 is either lying or using shady tactics that will hurt you in the end. Just don't do it.

Slow communication might as well be no communication.

Many businesses sign up with an SEO agency, only to hear nothing for months. If you’re paying for SEO, you should expect regular updates. You should be involved in strategy and website optimization ideas from the start.

Lack of communication is a big no-no and a sign that an agency isn’t really doing much behind the scenes.

No transparency in the work being done.

Some SEO agencies refuse to explain their strategies. They don't want you to know because they are usually doing very little.

If an agency isn’t willing to share the details about their methods, there’s a high chance they’re cutting corners. Or, even worse, engaging in black-hat SEO tactics.

4. Ignoring the business side of SEO

Traffic without conversions.

Ranking #1 on Google is great, but if that traffic doesn’t convert into customers, what’s the point? SEO is great only if it moves the needle for your business. That means revenue.

A lot of SEO agencies focus on rankings and don't think about conversion rates. SEO should be focused on results that impact the business.

No understanding of your industry.

SEO is not one-size-fits-all. If an agency doesn’t learn your industry, they won’t be able to create a strategy that works. B2B SEO will have a different approach than a local SEO strategy. If an agency doesn't change their strategy, it's a problem.

Note: There will be overlap in some avenues, but the full approach is different.

No focus on long-term strategy.

SEO is not a quick fix. SEO is a long play. There are some quick win tactics that can drive immediate results. But a great SEO agency builds for the long haul.

SEO will help your business continue to see growth over time.

5. Why The SEO Marketing Dad is different

Now, I wrote this article and it would be a shame if I didn't plug myself a little...

Here’s what makes The SEO Marketing Dad different:

A Data-Driven, Personalized Approach

Instead of applying generic SEO tactics, I develop custom strategies tailored to your business. Whether you’re looking for a local SEO agency to dominate your city or a B2B SEO agency to generate high-value leads, I take a data-driven approach to ensure you get results that matter.

Full Transparency in SEO Work

Unlike many agencies that keep their work a mystery, I believe in complete transparency. You’ll always know what’s being done, why it matters, and how it impacts your business. No hidden fees, no fluff—just real, measurable SEO results.

Results That Actually Drive Revenue

SEO should do more than increase rankings—it should increase your revenue. I focus on conversion-driven SEO, ensuring that your website not only attracts traffic but also turns visitors into paying customers.

The Right SEO for Your Business Type

Whether you need:

✔ A local SEO agency to improve your Google Maps rankings

✔ A B2B SEO agency to attract decision-makers

✔ An SEO consultant to fine-tune your strategy

I create SEO plans that match your business needs, not just generic strategies that don’t move the needle.

Choose an SEO Agency That Actually Works for You

Most SEO agencies are all talk, promising quick wins while delivering little to no real impact. If you’re tired of wasting money on SEO that doesn’t work, it’s time for a smarter approach.

At The SEO Marketing Dad, I cut through the nonsense and focus on SEO strategies that drive real growth. Whether you need a local SEO agency to dominate your city or a B2B SEO agency to generate more leads, I bring honest, results-driven SEO that actually moves the needle.

👉 Want an SEO strategy that actually works? Let’s talk.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Ready to turn traffic into revenue? Let’s take your SEO to the next level. Contact us today!
8 Reasons Not to Trust Most SEO Agencies

Uncover 8 reasons to distrust most SEO agencies: outdated tactics, no proof of success, generic strategies, cheap results, overblown promises, poor communication, vanity metrics, and short-term focus. Avoid these pitfalls for better SEO.

8 Reasons Not to Trust Most SEO Agencies

And how to find one that actually delivers

Hiring an SEO agency should be an investment that helps your business grow. NOT a gamble that drains your budget with little to no return. Yet, too often, businesses sign up with an agency that promises too much and doesn't deliver.

Here's the thing: most SEO agencies don’t really know what they’re doing. They'll offer cheap services that produce little value, or worse, get your site penalized by Google.

Before you sign any contracts with an SEO agency, let’s break down the common problems. You need to know what makes or breaks an SEO agency and really makes it worth your time and money.

1. A lot of SEO agencies just don’t know what they’re doing.

Most lack real-world experience.

SEO is just one avenue of marketing, yet it's constantly evolving. Google updates its algorithms all the time and changes its ranking factors. And what ends up happening is agencies relying on outdated tactics.

If your agency is keyword stuffing or producing low-quality backlinks, run! Those tactics DO NOT work. If an agency can't show real experience adapting to industry changes, that’s a major red flag.

No proof. No results.

Would you trust a financial advisor who couldn’t show you any proof of success? The same applies to SEO agencies. I've seen too many agencies talk a big game but have zero real world experience. No case studies or reviews to back up their claims.

And, if they can’t provide results, how can you trust them to get results for you?

Generic strategies do not work.

Some agencies apply the same strategy to every client. While the process can be similar, the same strategy isn't always the right move. A law firm, a restaurant, or a SaaS startup all have different needs and completely different process. SEO should be custom to your industry, competition, and business goals.

B2B SEO agencies should understand how B2B search behavior works. A local SEO agency should focus on Google Business Profile optimization and local citations. Two different goals for two different industries.

2. Cheap SEO == Cheap Results

Stop outsourcing to low-cost freelancers.

If your current SEO agency is charging low rates...you're probably getting the bait and switch. Most likely they are outsourcing work to cheap freelancers who don’t fully understand your business.

Here's what you get with cheap freelancers:

  • Low quality content
  • Bad backlinks (spam)
  • AI generated content
  • No strategy
  • Cookie-cutter templates
  • Duplicate content

If the above list is true, there's a good chance your SEO is being outsourced to the lowest bidder.

Automated, spammy backlink building.

Some agencies promise hundreds of backlinks for a low cost. There's always a catch! These backlinks are spammy and will do nothing good for your website.

The links are low-quality and from sites with no traffic. These links will not help your SEO and will almost always get your site penalized by Google.

You get what you pay for...

SEO is an investment. Cheap cost means cheap results. Most likely cheap SEO will be ineffective. A well-run SEO campaign requires deep research, strategy, and ongoing optimization.

If an agency is offering SEO for $99/month, you should be asking what exactly they’re doing for that price (spoiler: not much).

3. Over-promised and under-delivered

Guaranteed rankings are a lie.

No agency can guarantee specific rankings. I won't ever guarantee a page 1 spot. There are so many factors that go into rankings. Things you can't quantitize.

Search engines factor in:

  • competition
  • site authority
  • age of website
  • algorithm updates

And so much more! Any agency claiming spot 1 is either lying or using shady tactics that will hurt you in the end. Just don't do it.

Slow communication might as well be no communication.

Many businesses sign up with an SEO agency, only to hear nothing for months. If you’re paying for SEO, you should expect regular updates. You should be involved in strategy and website optimization ideas from the start.

Lack of communication is a big no-no and a sign that an agency isn’t really doing much behind the scenes.

No transparency in the work being done.

Some SEO agencies refuse to explain their strategies. They don't want you to know because they are usually doing very little.

If an agency isn’t willing to share the details about their methods, there’s a high chance they’re cutting corners. Or, even worse, engaging in black-hat SEO tactics.

4. Ignoring the business side of SEO

Traffic without conversions.

Ranking #1 on Google is great, but if that traffic doesn’t convert into customers, what’s the point? SEO is great only if it moves the needle for your business. That means revenue.

A lot of SEO agencies focus on rankings and don't think about conversion rates. SEO should be focused on results that impact the business.

No understanding of your industry.

SEO is not one-size-fits-all. If an agency doesn’t learn your industry, they won’t be able to create a strategy that works. B2B SEO will have a different approach than a local SEO strategy. If an agency doesn't change their strategy, it's a problem.

Note: There will be overlap in some avenues, but the full approach is different.

No focus on long-term strategy.

SEO is not a quick fix. SEO is a long play. There are some quick win tactics that can drive immediate results. But a great SEO agency builds for the long haul.

SEO will help your business continue to see growth over time.

5. Why The SEO Marketing Dad is different

Now, I wrote this article and it would be a shame if I didn't plug myself a little...

Here’s what makes The SEO Marketing Dad different:

A Data-Driven, Personalized Approach

Instead of applying generic SEO tactics, I develop custom strategies tailored to your business. Whether you’re looking for a local SEO agency to dominate your city or a B2B SEO agency to generate high-value leads, I take a data-driven approach to ensure you get results that matter.

Full Transparency in SEO Work

Unlike many agencies that keep their work a mystery, I believe in complete transparency. You’ll always know what’s being done, why it matters, and how it impacts your business. No hidden fees, no fluff—just real, measurable SEO results.

Results That Actually Drive Revenue

SEO should do more than increase rankings—it should increase your revenue. I focus on conversion-driven SEO, ensuring that your website not only attracts traffic but also turns visitors into paying customers.

The Right SEO for Your Business Type

Whether you need:

✔ A local SEO agency to improve your Google Maps rankings

✔ A B2B SEO agency to attract decision-makers

✔ An SEO consultant to fine-tune your strategy

I create SEO plans that match your business needs, not just generic strategies that don’t move the needle.

Choose an SEO Agency That Actually Works for You

Most SEO agencies are all talk, promising quick wins while delivering little to no real impact. If you’re tired of wasting money on SEO that doesn’t work, it’s time for a smarter approach.

At The SEO Marketing Dad, I cut through the nonsense and focus on SEO strategies that drive real growth. Whether you need a local SEO agency to dominate your city or a B2B SEO agency to generate more leads, I bring honest, results-driven SEO that actually moves the needle.

👉 Want an SEO strategy that actually works? Let’s talk.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Ready to turn traffic into revenue? Let’s take your SEO to the next level. Contact us today!