Intrigue DigitalGood SEO Companies: How to Spot One (and Avoid the Rest)
Quick answer
Good SEO companies get you ranked on Google and recommended by AI, and they report on it in plain English. The best ones understand AI search, set honest timelines, and can prove results. The worst promise an instant number one ranking and hide behind jargon.
Green flags of a good SEO company
A good SEO company is transparent, outcome-focused and easy to talk to. It reports monthly in language you understand, sets realistic expectations, and can show real examples of work.
| Green flag | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Clear reporting | Monthly updates you actually understand |
| Honest timelines | Talks in months, not overnight |
| Covers AI search | Does AEO and GEO, not just Google |
| Dedicated contact | A real person you can reach |
Red flags to walk away from
The clearest red flag is a guaranteed number one ranking. No one can promise that, and anyone who does is either inexperienced or using risky tactics that can get your site penalised.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Guaranteed rankings | Impossible to promise honestly |
| Vague reporting | Hides a lack of real work |
| Locked-in long contracts with no proof | Little accountability |
| Only chases Google | Ignores AI search entirely |
Questions to ask before you sign
Ask how they measure success, how they will get you visible in AI answers, what you receive each month, and who your contact is. Good companies answer clearly; weak ones get vague.
If the answers are all about rankings and none about leads or AI visibility, keep looking.
Why good SEO companies now do AI search
The best SEO companies now optimise for AI answer engines, not just Google, because customers increasingly ask ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity for recommendations. A company ignoring this is leaving you invisible where buyers now look.
What good SEO costs
Good SEO is a monthly retainer, because it is ongoing work. Serious programs generally start in the low thousands per month. See our pricing for transparent plans.
How we work
At Intrigue Digital we tick every green flag: clear monthly reporting, honest timelines, coverage of SEO, AEO and GEO, and a dedicated contact. We work with one business per industry per area, so you never compete with our other clients.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a good SEO company?
A good SEO company reports clearly, sets honest timelines, covers AI search as well as Google, and gives you a dedicated contact. Avoid anyone guaranteeing instant number one rankings.
How do I know if an SEO company is legit?
Look for transparent monthly reporting, real examples of work, realistic timelines, and clear answers about how they approach AI search. Vague jargon and guaranteed rankings are red flags.
Should an SEO company guarantee rankings?
No. No honest SEO company can guarantee a specific ranking, because search results depend on factors outside anyone's control. A guarantee is a red flag.
Do good SEO companies do AI search?
Yes. The best SEO companies now optimise for AI answer engines like ChatGPT, Gemini and Perplexity, not just Google, because that is where more customers now look.
How much do good SEO companies charge?
Good SEO is usually a monthly retainer starting in the low thousands per month, scaling with competition and scope. Be wary of prices that seem too cheap to be real work.
How long before an SEO company shows results?
Most businesses see meaningful movement in 3 to 6 months. A good company sets that expectation up front rather than promising overnight results.
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