Here are the top 4 signs the SEO agency you hired, or are talking with, will unlikely deliver on their promises.
- Their list of deliverables is vague or non-existent.
- They are not writing articles for you. Content writing is time consuming but an essential factor in SE0 performance. Fake SEO agencies won’t do this and it’s the easiest way to spot a fake.
- They don’t do link building, only purchasing links. These purchased links are often of questionable quality coming from link networks they setup themselves. These dodgy networks, when Google discovers them, can get your site blacklisted.
- Their site metrics reports are not transparent and possibly made up. We provide a live login where you can see for yourself your sites performance history and progress.
Spotting a shady SEO agency that’s just milking your retainer without delivering real results can save you time, money, and frustration. Here are some more red flags to watch out for:
Vague or Overpromising Strategies
- They promise #1 rankings in weeks or “guaranteed results” (real SEO takes time and depends on competition).
- Their strategy consists of generic buzzwords (“optimising algorithms,” “leveraging AI,” “proprietary methods”) but no clear, actionable steps.
- They refuse to share their exact tactics (“it’s a secret”), transparency is key in SEO.
No Clear Reporting or Accountability
- They send vanity metrics (e.g., “we increased your domain authority!”) but no real business impact (traffic, leads, sales).
- Reports are automated & unreadable (just raw Google Analytics screenshots with no analysis).
Minimal or Suspicious Work Done
- You see no changes to your site (no new content, backlinks, or technical improvements).
- Their “link-building” consists of spammy directories, PBNs (Private Blog Networks), or irrelevant guest posts.
- They only do on-page tweaks (meta tags, alt text) but ignore content, UX, and technical SEO.
No Customization (One-Size-Fits-All Approach)
- Their strategy is identical for every client (same templates, same link sources).
- They don’t research your industry, competitors, or audience.
- They push pre-packaged “SEO plans” (e.g., “10 backlinks/month”) without tailoring to your needs.
Vague or Overpromising Strategies
- Long lock-in contracts (e.g., 12+ months with hefty cancellation fees). At Colourberry we don’t do contracts, doing good work is the best way to keep a client and the ONLY way they will return after the contract ends.
Fake or Manipulated Results are a Clear Way to Spot Bad SEO Agencies
- They inflate traffic numbers with bot traffic or irrelevant clicks.
How to Protect Yourself
- Demand transparency (access to Google Search Console, Analytics, backlink reports).
- Get a second opinion (have an independent SEO audit done).
If an agency exhibits multiple red flags, run. A good SEO agency will be transparent, communicative, and focused on your business growth, not just collecting retainers.
