7 Mistakes U.S. Companies Must Avoid Before Hiring an SEO Agency

According to a recent survey of over 200 U.S.-based business owners and marketing professionals, nearly 68% reported dissatisfaction with their first SEO agency.

When looking for an SEO agency in the U.S., it’s easy to make mistakes that slow down your growth and cost you money. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you find the right partner who truly understands your goals and can boost your online presence effectively.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the 7 biggest mistakes U.S. companies often make when hiring an SEO agency — and how you can avoid them to set your business up for success.

Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing an SEO Partner

Mistake 1: Hiring Based on Price Alone

Going for the cheapest SEO deal might sound smart, but it can backfire. Low-cost agencies may use old strategies or take shortcuts that hurt your site. Quality SEO is an investment, and paying a bit more often gives better, lasting results.

1. Why it’s a problem: Cheap services often come with limited effort, generic content, and risky practices that can get your site penalised by Google.

2. What to do instead: Evaluate the agency based on value, not just cost. Consider their experience, case studies, tools, and ability to tailor a strategy to your specific business needs. If you’re investing in professional SEO services, you should expect a team that can back up their price with proven results.

Mistake 2: Not Defining Clear Goals

Some US based companies hire an SEO agency and expect them to “just make it work.” That’s a mistake. SEO is a customised service that needs to be in line with your unique business objectives.

1. Why it’s a problem: Without clear objectives, your agency might focus on vanity metrics like traffic instead of what matters most—conversions, qualified leads, and ROI.

2. What to do instead: Define what success looks like for you. Whether it’s more local visibility, better eCommerce rankings, or increased B2B leads, be clear. This helps your SEO agency craft a targeted plan that delivers actual business results. Want to learn how to get high-quality leads that actually convert? Book a demo call with Leading Edge experts today.

Mistake 3: Overlooking Technical SEO Skills

SEO isn’t only about keywords; your website’s technical health is just as important. If your site is slow, hard to use on mobile, or has errors, it won’t rank well.

1. Why it’s a problem: Ignoring things like page speed, mobile compatibility, and broken links can lower your search rankings and drive visitors away.

2. What to do instead: Choose an SEO agency that checks and fixes these technical issues regularly. They should ensure your site loads fast, works well on phones, and has no errors.

Mistake 4: Falling for the “Guaranteed Results” Pitch

“Rank #1 on Google in 30 days!”

It might be a scam if it sounds that way.

1. Why it’s a problem: The reason for the issue is that SEO requires a sustained investment.  Agencies that promise guaranteed rankings often use shortcuts or manipulate metrics, which might offer short-term gains but come with long-term damage.

2. What to do instead: Look for transparency. A reliable SEO agency will explain what’s realistic, how long it will take, and what steps they’ll take to achieve steady growth. SEO is about consistent improvement, not overnight miracles.

Mistake 5: Failing to Understand the Strategy

Many US companies sign with an agency, then step back entirely, never really understanding what’s being done on their site.

1. Why it’s a problem: Blind trust can lead to missed red flags. You may end up with duplicate content, poor backlinks, or outdated on-page practices that harm your rankings.

2. What to do instead: Stay involved. Request a plain-language explanation of your agency’s SEO strategy. A professional SEO agency won’t just work for you—they’ll work with you. You should be aware of the changes being made and their rationale.

Mistake 6: Overlooking Reporting and Communication

If your SEO agency sends a monthly report full of jargon, or worse—no report at all—you’re left in the dark.

1. Why it’s a problem: Without regular updates, you won’t know what’s working and what needs adjustment. SEO is dynamic. Things change fast, and silence is not a good sign.

2. What to do instead: Demand clear, consistent communication. A professional SEO services provider should give you digestible reports with actual insights—what was done, what changed, and what the next steps are. Regular check-ins are key.

Mistake 7: Not Looking Beyond Google Rankings

Being number one on Google is what many businesses believe SEO is all about. That’s only part of the picture.

1. Why it’s a problem: Rankings are important, but they don’t guarantee leads or sales. You can rank high for irrelevant terms and still not see growth in your business.

2. What to do instead: Focus on overall performance. Does your traffic convert? Is your bounce rate improving? Are people spending more time on your site? The right SEO agency will help you look beyond rankings and toward real business outcomes.

Conclusion

Hiring the right SEO agency is important for your business success. Avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and frustration. Always choose a SEO company that understands your needs, offers clear communication, and uses honest, proven strategies. Taking the time to research and pick the right partner will help your website rank better and bring in more customers.

The best SEO partner is one who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and uses strategies designed for your business—not one-size-fits-all solutions. Take the time to do your research, ask questions, and choose a team you can trust.

At Leading Edge Info Solutions, we focus on delivering tailored seo strategies that bring real results. With the right agency by your side, you’ll see better rankings, more traffic, and steady growth for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions