Top 10 SEO Companies in Spokane and Spokane Valley

1. Evaluate Their Own Google Business Profile

Investigate the SEO company's own presence in local search results. If an agency cannot achieve prominent rankings for their own business, this raises questions about their ability to deliver results for clients. A reputable SEO company should demonstrate their expertise through their own search visibility.

Examine their client reviews carefully. Analyze review patterns and look for specific mentions of measurable outcomes such as increased phone call volume, improved search rankings, or enhanced Google Business Profile performance. Authentic reviews typically include concrete details about results achieved.

2. Inquire About Their Methodology

A reputable SEO company will have a well-defined, systematic approach to local SEO. They should be able to articulate their process clearly, including:

• Their specific strategy for Google Business Profile optimization and ongoing management
• The type of content they'll develop or assist you in creating, and how it targets local search intent
• Their approach to local citation building across relevant directories (Yelp, Yellow Pages, industry-specific platforms, etc.)
• Their methodology for tracking performance metrics and the frequency and format of reporting

If an agency cannot clearly articulate their process or appears to lack a structured methodology, consider this a significant warning sign.

3. Request Detailed Case Studies

Request comprehensive case studies demonstrating their work with other local businesses. High-quality case studies should include:

• Documented before-and-after rankings for relevant local keywords
• Measurable improvements in Google Business Profile visibility and engagement metrics
• Quantifiable growth in organic website traffic, phone call volume, or form submissions
• Realistic timelines showing when results began to materialize

Exercise caution with companies that promise immediate results. Effective local SEO requires time to establish authority and build trust signals—typically 3-6 months before significant improvements become apparent.

4. Understand Their Pricing Structure

SEO service pricing varies significantly across the industry, and understanding realistic pricing expectations is crucial. Be cautious of agencies offering services for $500-$1,000 per month, as these prices often indicate either insufficient work being performed or potential scamming practices. For meaningful, sustainable results from a reputable local SEO provider, businesses should generally expect to invest between $1,500 and $2,500 per month. Premium agencies with extensive resources may charge several thousand dollars monthly for comprehensive campaigns.

Clarify exactly what's included in their pricing structure:

• How many hours of dedicated work are allocated per month?
• What specific services and deliverables are included in the base package?
• Are there initial setup fees, additional costs for premium tools, or other hidden charges?
• What are the terms for contract cancellation or service modification?

Remember: pricing below $1,500 per month typically signals insufficient service delivery or questionable practices. While the highest price doesn't automatically guarantee superior performance, quality local SEO requires adequate investment. Focus on value—the relationship between the services delivered and the investment required. For lower to medium competition markets, expect $1,500-$2,500 monthly, but be prepared for significantly higher pricing in large metropolitan areas or highly competitive industries where comprehensive campaigns may require substantially more investment.

5. Assess Their Technical Expertise

While you don't need to be a technical SEO expert, a competent agency should demonstrate comprehensive understanding of:

• The fundamental mechanics of Google's local search algorithm and ranking factors
• Current Google Business Profile optimization best practices and recent platform updates
• Local citation management and the critical importance of NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency across all platforms
• On-page SEO elements specifically relevant to local businesses, including schema markup and location-specific content
• Key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics methods for measuring local SEO success

During consultations, they should be able to explain these technical concepts in accessible language. If an agency relies excessively on jargon without clarification, or cannot provide clear answers to your questions, continue your search elsewhere.