Ask what the first month includes
A proposal should name the work, not just a target such as “more visibility.” Ask which pages will be reviewed, what will be delivered and which changes the provider will implement. A technical report and a completed technical fix are different deliverables.
Check who owns the accounts
Your business should retain ownership of its domain, website, Search Console, analytics and Business Profile. Invite providers through individual user accounts. Before signing, ask how access and working files will be handed back if the engagement ends.
Separate service fees from other costs
Confirm the currency, billing period and what is included. Ask whether development, content production, paid tools or third-party placements cost extra. Compare proposals by their actual scope rather than the number of tasks in a package.
Review evidence carefully
A dated ranking example can show a search observation. It does not prove revenue growth or describe the complete project. Ask what work was performed, which market the data covers and whether the example is comparable to your website.
Agree how progress will be discussed
Reports should show completed work, performance data and open decisions. Ask which data sources will be used and whether enquiries or purchases are measured. If tracking is missing, discuss how it will be established before treating a traffic chart as evidence of business growth.
Read the exit terms
Confirm the notice period, cancellation terms, outstanding fees and ownership of content before work begins. Keep the proposal and service agreement together so there is a clear record of what both parties accepted.
Read the Google Search Central SEO Starter Guide for further guidance.