The SEO Agency That Sold Convenience, Not Expertise

2 min readFeb 23, 2025

The Call:

A business owner reached out, frustrated after spending thousands on an SEO agency with little to show for it.

“They keep sending me these reports,” he said, “but my rankings haven’t moved, my leads haven’t increased, and now they’re telling me I need to ‘give it more time.’”

This is a common scenario. Many businesses invest in SEO expecting results but end up stuck in a cycle of waiting, wondering if they’re being taken for a ride.

The Problem:

The harsh truth? Most SEO agencies aren’t actually selling expertise. They’re selling convenience.

Here’s how it works:

  • They take publicly available SEO strategies.
  • Wrap them in a fancy dashboard.
  • Deliver reports full of jargon.
  • And charge a premium for “progress updates.”

But here’s the thing — SEO isn’t about running through a checklist. It’s about understanding why things rank, how Google is evolving, and what actually works for your specific business.

The Reality Check:

SEO is a moving target. Google updates its algorithm constantly, and what worked last year may not work today. If your agency is still relying on generic best practices from five years ago, they’re not moving your business forward.

If your SEO provider can’t answer:
✅ Why are these pages ranking?
✅ What specific strategies will work for my business?
✅ How can we adapt as Google changes?

…then you’re not paying for SEO. You’re paying for a waiting game.

The Fix:

SEO that actually works follows three key principles:

  1. Test and analyze constantly — SEO isn’t a one-time setup; it’s an ongoing process of trial, error, and adaptation.
  2. Prioritize intent over keywords — Google rewards relevance and authority, not just keyword stuffing.
  3. Own your expertise — Content that solves real problems, engages your audience, and builds authority wins every time.

Bottom line: If your marketing partner can’t tell you the why behind their recommendations, it’s time to question who you’re trusting with your growth.

🔎 Are you working with an agency that’s helping you grow — or just keeping you on the hook?

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Patrick McFadden
Patrick McFadden

Written by Patrick McFadden

Small Business Marketing Consultant // CEO of @indispmarketing // I install a marketing process to increase visibility, grow revenue & make your phone ring

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