The Problem With “SEO Agency” Searches in Vancouver
Google “SEO agency Vancouver” and you’ll get hundreds of results — from solo freelancers to slick global agencies. But how do you know who’s legit, who’s local, and who’s actually going to help your business grow?
Choosing the wrong agency can cost you time, money, and hard-earned rankings. So let’s break it down.
Still unsure what SEO even involves? Start with our Complete Vancouver SEO Checklist for 2025.
- Choose a Team With Local Market Experience
Vancouver isn’t Toronto, and it’s definitely not the U.S.
The agency you hire should understand:
- BC-specific search trends
- Your competitors in areas like Surrey, Langley, and Burnaby
- How to rank in both Google Maps and organic search locally
Explore our local SEO services for examples of Vancouver-area wins.
2. Ask About Their SEO Process — Not Just “Rankings”
Beware of vague promises like “We’ll get you to the top of Google.”
Ask them:
- How do you conduct keyword research?
- What’s your on-page and technical process?
- How do you build backlinks (and avoid spam)?
- Do you follow Google’s guidelines?
Compare what they say to our proven approach in this Langley SEO case study.
3. Make Sure They Provide Transparent Reporting
Monthly reports should include:
- Keyword movement
- Traffic stats (GA4 + GSC)
- Pages ranking / pages needing improvement
- Next action items
No vague reports with “everything looks good.”
Our case studies show exactly how we report and deliver.
4. Evaluate Their On-Site SEO Knowledge
Any agency can run ads — but can they structure a website that ranks?
Look for:
- Custom title tags and meta descriptions
- Optimized headers (H1/H2)
- Proper internal linking
- Schema and structured data
- Mobile-first performance
Learn why this matters in Why Website Speed Matters for SEO.5. Review Their Portfolio and Testimonials
Don’t just take their word for it — ask to see:
- Case studies
- Real clients in BC
- Before-and-after ranking reports
- Industry-specific results (e.g., clinics, contractors, ecommerce)
You can explore ours right here: SEO client case studies.
Avoid These Red Flags
❌ Agencies that outsource everything
❌ One-size-fits-all SEO packages
❌ “Guaranteed rankings” or unrealistic timelines
❌ No real content strategy
So, Who Should You Hire?
Hire a team that:
- Works locally and knows the Vancouver market
- Builds ethical, long-term SEO campaigns
- Has in-house writers, designers, and strategists
- Educates and empowers — not hides behind jargon
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, check out our SEO services.
Let’s Talk About Your Business
Whether you’re comparing providers or starting fresh, we’ll give you a no-pressure audit with clear, actionable insights.
