Feeling like your SEO agency isn’t quite hitting the mark? Maybe you’ve been patiently waiting for results that just aren’t showing up. It might be time to consider a change. But how do you know for sure? Switching agencies is a big decision, and it’s important to make it with confidence.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through some telltale signs that it might be time to look for a new SEO partner. From communication issues to lack of transparency, we'll cover a range of factors that can indicate when it's time to make that switch.
Unclear Communication
One of the first red flags that might pop up when dealing with an SEO agency is unclear communication. If you find yourself frequently confused about the strategies being implemented or why certain decisions are made, it’s a sign that the communication lines aren’t open enough.
Think about your last few meetings or reports you received. Were you left scratching your head, trying to decipher SEO jargon? A good agency should explain their strategies in plain language, making it easy for you to understand what’s happening and why. They should also be proactive in keeping you updated, rather than leaving you in the dark until you ask for information.
Clear communication is crucial because it helps you understand the value you’re getting from your investment. If you’re constantly left with more questions than answers, it might be time to start looking elsewhere.
Lack of Transparency
Transparency goes hand in hand with communication, but it deserves a spotlight of its own. An agency that isn’t transparent about their methods, pricing, or progress can be a ticking time bomb for your business.
For instance, have you ever received a report filled with metrics and charts but no explanation of what they mean for your business? Or worse, have you ever felt like your agency is hiding something, whether it’s their strategies, sources, or even the results?
Transparency means your agency should be upfront about everything from their pricing structure to the tactics they’re using to boost your SEO. If they’re reluctant to share this information, it might be time to question what they’re hiding.
Promises of Overnight Success
SEO is not a magic wand that delivers instant results. If your agency promises you the moon and stars overnight, it’s time to be wary. SEO is a long-term game, and while some quick wins are possible, substantial progress takes time.
Think of SEO like planting a garden. You don’t plant seeds today and expect a full bloom tomorrow. It requires nurturing, time, and patience. An agency that promises fast results might be cutting corners or using black-hat techniques that can ultimately harm your site’s reputation and ranking.
If the promises sound too good to be true, they probably are. Instead, seek an agency that offers realistic timelines and sets achievable goals.
Stagnant or Declining Results
Results are, of course, the main reason you hired an SEO agency in the first place. If you’re not seeing any positive changes in your traffic or search rankings, or if things are moving in the wrong direction, it's a clear sign to reassess the partnership.
While it’s true that SEO takes time, you should still see gradual improvements. If months have passed without any noticeable progress, or worse, if your metrics are declining, it’s time to have a serious conversation with your agency.
Ask them to explain the situation, and if their answers don’t satisfy you or if you feel they’re making excuses, it might be time to explore other options.
One-Size-Fits-All Strategies
Your business is unique, and your SEO strategy should reflect that. If your agency is using the same cookie-cutter approach for your business as they do for all their clients, it’s a sign that they’re not tailoring their efforts to your specific needs.
Effective SEO requires a customized strategy that considers your industry, competitive landscape, and business goals. If your agency isn’t taking the time to understand these elements and tailor their strategies accordingly, you might not be getting the attention you deserve.
Ask your agency about the specifics of their strategy for your business. If they struggle to provide a clear, customized plan, it might be time to search for an agency that truly understands your needs.
Unresponsive or Poor Customer Service
Customer service is another major aspect to consider. If your agency is slow to respond to your queries or concerns, it shows a lack of respect for your time and business. You deserve to work with a team that values your partnership and is eager to help you succeed.
Consider how quickly your agency responds to emails or calls. Are they available when you need them, or do you often find yourself waiting days for a response? This can be frustrating and can hinder your ability to make timely decisions.
Good customer service involves being responsive, helpful, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure you’re satisfied. If your current agency doesn’t meet these criteria, it might be time to find a team that does.
Lack of Innovation or Adaptability
The digital world is always changing, and SEO is no exception. Strategies that worked a year ago might not be as effective today. If your agency isn’t staying up-to-date with the latest trends and adapting their strategies accordingly, it could be holding you back.
Ask your agency about the latest SEO trends and how they’re incorporating them into your strategy. If they can’t provide concrete examples or seem stuck in the past, it’s a sign they might not be the best fit for your business.
An innovative agency will always be looking for new ways to improve your SEO and stay ahead of the competition. If your current agency lacks this drive, it might be time to seek out one that does.
Misalignment in Values or Goals
A successful partnership requires alignment in values and goals. If your agency doesn’t share your vision or doesn’t seem invested in helping you achieve your objectives, it can create friction and hinder progress.
Consider whether your agency shares your commitment to ethics, quality, and customer satisfaction. Do they understand your brand and what sets you apart from the competition? If not, it could be a sign that they’re not the right fit for your business.
Working with an agency that shares your values and goals can make all the difference. If you feel there’s a disconnect between your business and your current agency, it might be time to part ways and find a partner that aligns with your vision.
Overemphasis on Rankings Instead of Results
While rankings are important, they’re not the be-all and end-all of SEO. An agency that focuses solely on getting you to the top of search results might not be considering the bigger picture.
Ultimately, the goal of SEO is to drive relevant traffic to your site and convert that traffic into customers. If your agency is fixated on rankings but not on how those rankings translate into sales or leads, it might be time to reconsider your partnership.
Ask your agency how they measure success. If their answer revolves solely around rankings, it might be time to find an agency that takes a more holistic view of SEO and is focused on delivering real results for your business.
Final Thoughts
Switching SEO agencies can seem like a daunting task, but sometimes it’s necessary to get your business on the right track. From communication issues to stagnant results, there are several signs that can indicate when it’s time to make a change. Remember, your agency should be a partner in your journey to grow your business, not a hindrance.
If you’re considering a change, Pattern might be the solution you’re looking for. We help ecommerce brands and SaaS startups grow by focusing on what really matters—turning traffic into paying customers. Our approach goes beyond just rankings. We create programmatic landing pages that target a wide range of search terms and craft content that converts visitors into customers. We understand that SEO is part of a bigger growth strategy and look at it through a performance marketing lens to ensure your investment delivers real ROI. If you're ready to make SEO a growth channel that drives sales, let’s talk.