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What to Look for in SEO Companies
Last Update August 20, 2026
When it comes to SEO it can be difficult to choose a reliable company. Many promise great results but few deliver.
Let us do a short overview of how to choose the right SEO company.
1) Referrals and Reviews in Los Angeles
A poll done by clutch.co showed that the majority of people choose SEO companies in Los Angeles based on referrals and reviews. You should as well.
When it comes to SEO, the proof is in the pudding, as it will be apparent very quickly whether or not you have increased traffic, more leads, or more sales.
2) Realistic Promises
The basic instinct of “Too good to be true” applies here. If you feel that they are promising you something that sounds too good to be true, they likely are.
A good SEO company should be able to look at your current situation and analyze what they will be able to do for you.
If this is relevant to you, How to Find & Fix Orphan Pages on Your Website covers the related ground.
3) Field Related Experience
Does the company have experience doing what you are looking for them to do? You wouldn’t get a doctor who has never performed surgery to operate on you just because he is a doctor.
Same with SEO, you want someone who has demonstrably done before what it was that you want them to do.
4) SEO Certifications
There are no industry standard certifications in regards to SEO but many of the agencies, such as Google Analytics, Yahoo, Bing, and others have their certification programs which, if nothing else, demonstrate that the SEO company is serious about their SEO training classes and practices.
Certification also at least shows you that they are serious about learning the different platforms, instead of relying on black hat tricks to increase your web visibility. There are many SEO certifications that can be acquired in Los Angeles, California.
5) White Hat vs. Black Hat SEO Companies
Black hat and White hat SEO techniques are different approaches to achieving the same result; higher web visibility. The term white hat refers to practices that are considered more ethical and have more long term viability.
White Hat SEO follows Search engine guidelines, their rules on how to SEO.
It focuses on human interaction, instead of just gaming the way keywords and backlinks work. This human interaction involves creating quality, engaging content, increasing page load times, making the site layout more appealing from a UI perspective, and several other techniques aimed at improving user experience.
Black hat SEO is the opposite. It violates search engine guidelines by using manipulative techniques, effectively tricking the search engines into thinking that the site offers more value and use to real people than it does.
It does this by exploiting loopholes, or problems, in the search engine algorithms. In basic terms, it deceives the search engine to give the site a higher rank and more visibility, instead of increasing visibility by improving usability and quality.
Although you don’t need to know all the techniques involved in SEO, you should at least familiarize yourself with the basic terms and processes so you can identify the black hat and white hat providers of SEO services.
6) Transparent Reporting & Communication
A reliable SEO company keeps you informed. Look for clear, regular reporting on rankings, traffic, and the work being done, plus a real point of contact who answers your questions.
If a company is vague about its methods or won’t show you results, that’s a red flag.
7) A Custom Strategy, Not a One-Size-Fits-All Package
Your business is unique, and your SEO should be too. The best Los Angeles SEO companies take time to understand your industry, competitors, and goals before proposing a strategy.
Be wary of cookie-cutter packages that ignore what makes your business different.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring an SEO Company
Before signing a contract, ask:
- Can you share case studies or references from clients in my industry?
- What’s your approach, and which white-hat techniques do you use?
- How and how often will you report on progress?
- What does your pricing include, and is there a long-term contract?
- Who will actually be working on my account?
The answers will quickly reveal whether a company is a reliable partner or a risky bet.
Find a Reliable Los Angeles SEO Company
Finding the right SEO partner comes down to proof, honesty, experience, and ethical white-hat practices. If you’re looking for a trusted SEO company in Los Angeles, SEO Optimizers has helped businesses across LA grow their organic traffic and rankings with transparent, results-driven SEO.
SEO Company FAQs
How much does SEO cost in Los Angeles?
It varies widely by scope and competition, and many LA SEO companies charge a monthly retainer. Focus less on the lowest price and more on the value, transparency, and results a company can demonstrate.
How do I know if an SEO company is legitimate?
Look for verifiable reviews and case studies, realistic promises, relevant experience, transparent reporting, and white-hat methods. Anyone guaranteeing #1 rankings overnight should be avoided.
How long does it take for SEO to work?
Most businesses see meaningful results in 3 to 6 months, with competitive industries taking longer. A reliable SEO company sets realistic timelines rather than promising instant results.
What’s the difference between white hat and black hat SEO?
White hat SEO follows search engine guidelines and builds lasting results through quality content and good user experience. Black hat SEO uses manipulative tactics that can trigger penalties, so always choose a white-hat company.
