What SEO services include, who does the work and how to manage access and commitments.
Reputation management and SEO can overlap when information about your business is wrong or unclear. But correcting a company listing, responding to a complaint, reporting a policy violation and handling a legal dispute are different jobs. Identify the problem before choosing a provider.
Buy an SEO audit when you need to understand a problem and decide what to fix. A useful audit explains what was checked, separates facts from assumptions and gives your team clear priorities. A long list of tool warnings is not enough.
Plan web design and SEO together, but be clear about who does what. Launching a website does not finish ongoing content work. SEO recommendations may also depend on a developer or product expert. Agree on those responsibilities before they cause delays.
Before signing an SEO agreement, understand the work, fees, account control and exit terms. This checklist helps you review the business arrangement; it is not a legal contract template. Get qualified advice on legal questions where needed.
SEO consulting mainly helps you decide what to do; managed SEO usually includes some execution. Check who plans, produces, implements and approves each task rather than relying on the service label. This comparison does not introduce a standalone Stormy Increment consulting service.
An SEO provider may need different permissions to review data, edit content or make technical changes. Start with the agreed task, grant only the access required and keep control of your accounts. Do not share your main password just because someone asks for SEO access.
An SEO retainer pays for agreed recurring work, which may include advice, content or implementation. It does not automatically include unlimited tasks, guaranteed rankings or monthly cancellation. Read the scope, billing schedule and commitment separately.
An SEO provider can commit to work it controls, but cannot control how search engines or customers respond. Check exactly what a guarantee promises, how it is measured, which conditions apply and what happens if the commitment is not met.
SEO services may include research, page planning, content, website changes, link-related work and reporting. Before buying, check what you will receive, who makes the changes, what your team contributes and how completion is agreed.
