Most home service owners have been burned once already — a 12-month contract, a login you never got, a "top 3 ranking" promise that never showed up. The industry has earned its bad reputation.
You don't need to become an SEO expert to protect yourself. You need to ask the right questions before you sign anything. Here's a quick FAQ checklist of the six that matter most, and exactly how we'd answer each one — including us.
Who owns the accounts?
You. Your Google Search Console, your analytics, your Google Business Profile, your domain — all in your name, from day one. An agency that works inside them should never hold them hostage.
How long is the contract?
Month-to-month is the healthy standard. No 12- or 24-month lock-ins. If an agency isn't earning your business every month, you should be able to leave.
What do they report?
Calls and booked jobs, the work that was actually published, and what AI engines say about you when someone asks who to call — not vanity numbers like impressions or keyword counts.
Do they guarantee rankings?
No agency honestly can — and you should walk away from anyone who does. Google itself calls a ranking guarantee a red flag. Nobody controls the algorithm; anyone promising a number is either guessing or lying.
How long until you see results?
Look for real milestones, not a made-up date: first signals in 2–3 months, movement in your local map results in 3–6 months, and — if it's working — typically worth more than you're paying by 7–9 months. See the honest timeline for the full shape of it.
Who actually does the work?
Ideally, an always-on system that ships improvements every day, plus a human who answers when you call — not an account manager juggling 30 other clients.
Ask any agency you're considering these six questions before you sign anything. If the answers get vague, that's the answer.