How to Know if Your SEO Agency is Actually Doing SEO
Many South African businesses hire SEO agencies with the hope of increasing visibility, gaining more website traffic, and ultimately generating more sales. But how can you tell if your agency is actually doing the SEO — and not just sending reports with little impact?
Why It’s Important to Check
SEO is a long-term investment, but that doesn’t mean you should be left in the dark. Without clear proof of progress, you may be paying for services that aren’t moving the needle. Monitoring results ensures your money is spent wisely and your business is growing online.
Signs Your Agency Is Really Doing SEO
- Regular Reports: You should receive monthly reports that show changes in traffic, keyword rankings, and conversions.
- Clear On-Page Work: Updated title tags, meta descriptions, and optimised content should be visible on your website.
- Technical Improvements: Site speed, mobile usability, and index coverage should show measurable improvements.
- Quality Backlinks: Look for new, relevant backlinks from credible websites — not spammy sources.
- Transparent Communication: Your agency should explain what has been done and what the plan is for the coming months.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Vague or no reporting.
- Promises of “instant” results.
- Over-reliance on vanity metrics like impressions without real leads or sales impact.
- Dodgy backlinks that could hurt your site in the long run.
How to Hold Your Agency Accountable
Set clear goals from the start — whether it’s more traffic, leads, or sales. Ask for reports tied to these goals, not just rankings. Remember, SEO should directly support your business objectives.
At Fetch Tenders, we know the value of accountability. Just like tender applications need proof of compliance, SEO efforts should come with proof of progress. If your agency isn’t showing you measurable results, it may be time to reconsider your options.
Final Thoughts
Don’t just take an agency’s word for it — demand clarity, reports, and evidence that your SEO is working. With the right partner, SEO can transform your online presence and bring consistent business growth.