If your phone isn’t ringing and your website isn’t bringing in new leads, it’s time to face a harsh reality: your SEO company might not be doing its job. Many businesses trust SEO agencies to deliver results, but not all providers are equal. A bad SEO company can waste your time, money, and potential customers. Let’s break down why your SEO efforts might be falling flat and how to spot the signs of an underperforming SEO agency.
They’re Chasing Vanity Metrics, Not Results
Your SEO company might be bragging about increased website traffic or higher keyword rankings, but if that traffic isn’t converting into calls or leads, it’s meaningless. Vanity metrics don’t pay the bills—leads and sales do.
Many agencies focus on metrics that look good on paper but fail to align with your business goals. If your SEO company isn’t asking questions like, “What type of calls or customers do you want to attract?” they’re not focused on results that matter to you.
Their Outdated SEO Practices are Killing Your Reach
SEO is constantly evolving. Techniques that worked five years ago, like keyword stuffing or low-quality backlinks, can now harm your rankings and reputation. If your SEO company hasn’t updated its strategies to match Google’s latest algorithms, you’re losing out to competitors who have.
Signs of outdated practices include:
- Low-quality, irrelevant backlinks.
- Thin, duplicate, or poorly written content.
- Ignoring mobile optimization or page speed.
These mistakes don’t just fail to generate calls—they can cause your rankings to drop, leaving you invisible to potential customers.
They’re Not Targeting Local SEO
For service-based businesses, local SEO is crucial to generating calls and foot traffic. If your SEO company hasn’t optimized your Google Business Profile or helped you rank for local keywords, they’re ignoring a huge opportunity.
Here’s what good local SEO should include:
- Ensuring your Name, Address, and Phone Number (NAP) is consistent across directories.
- Optimizing for “near me” searches and locally relevant keywords.
- Gathering positive reviews to build trust and improve rankings in the Local Pack (the top three local listings).
Without strong local SEO, you’re unlikely to show up in searches from nearby customers, meaning fewer calls for your business.
They Don’t Understand Your Business
A great SEO strategy is tailored to your industry, audience, and goals. If your SEO company delivers generic solutions, they’re not taking the time to understand what makes your business unique.
For example, a plumber in Dallas needs different keywords, content, and calls-to-action than an e-commerce store or law firm. Cookie-cutter approaches lead to irrelevant traffic, which won’t convert into leads or calls.
They’re Not Transparent About Their Work
If you don’t know what your SEO company is doing, that’s a major red flag. Lack of transparency often means they’re cutting corners, using black-hat tactics, or simply not doing much at all.
You should receive regular reports detailing:
- Keyword performance and rankings.
- Website traffic sources and behavior.
- Specific tasks completed, like content updates or link-building efforts.
If your SEO company can’t explain their strategy or justify their results, it’s time to find a team that can.
They’re Ignoring Conversion Optimization
Even with strong rankings and traffic, a poorly designed website can prevent customers from reaching out. If your SEO company hasn’t helped you optimize your site for conversions, you’re missing calls because:
- Your website is slow or difficult to navigate.
- Key information, like your phone number or contact form, is hard to find.
- Calls-to-action (CTAs) are weak, unclear, or nonexistent.
Good SEO isn’t just about getting people to your site—it’s about turning those visitors into paying customers.
They’re Not Focused on Your ROI
The ultimate goal of SEO is to grow your business, not just your web presence. If you’re investing in SEO but not seeing a return, it’s time to reevaluate. An effective SEO company will track metrics that directly impact your return on investment (ROI), like:
- Calls, emails, or form submissions from your website.
- Revenue generated from organic leads.
- Customer acquisition costs.
If your current agency isn’t delivering measurable results tied to your bottom line, they’re not doing their job.
What You Should Expect From a Great SEO Company
If your SEO company sucks, it’s time to demand better. A strong SEO partner will:
- Take the time to understand your business, audience, and goals.
- Use up-to-date strategies that comply with Google’s best practices.
- Prioritize local SEO for location-based businesses.
- Deliver transparent reports and measurable results.
- Optimize your website for conversions, ensuring visitors turn into calls.
At Nickel SEO, we specialize in helping businesses generate real results—more calls, leads, and revenue. We don’t chase vanity metrics or offer one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we craft custom strategies designed to meet your specific goals.
Stop Wasting Time on Ineffective SEO
If your phone isn’t ringing, it’s time to ask tough questions about your current SEO company. At Nickel SEO, we’re committed to helping your business succeed with ethical, results-driven strategies. Contact us today to see how we can turn your SEO into a lead-generating powerhouse.
