Local SEO
How to Choose a Local SEO or Google My Business Agency in India — 15 Questions to Ask
A practical checklist to hire a local SEO agency or freelancer in India — questions to ask, red flags, contract terms, reporting you should demand, and how to keep ownership of your Google profile.
By Chamko Research Team Updated 2 min read
Quick answer
Choose an agency that (1) keeps you as primary owner of your Google profile, (2) lists monthly deliverables in writing, (3) shows real client results you can verify on Google Maps, (4) never sells fake reviews or "guaranteed rank 1", and (5) lets you leave with 30 days' notice. Ask the 15 questions below before you pay anything.
Quick answer: Choose an agency that (1) keeps you as primary owner of your Google profile, (2) lists monthly deliverables in writing, (3) shows real client results you can verify on Google Maps, (4) never sells fake reviews or "guaranteed rank 1", and (5) lets you leave with 30 days' notice. Ask the 15 questions below before you pay anything.
15 questions to ask before hiring
- Who will own my Google Business Profile? (Answer must be: you, as primary owner.)
- What exactly will you do every month? Ask for numbers: posts, photos, review replies, citations.
- Can I see 3 clients in my city I can check on Google Maps?
- How do you get reviews? (Right answer: asking real customers; no incentives.)
- Do you guarantee rankings? (Right answer: no.)
- What will the monthly report include? Calls, directions, website clicks, ranking checks, actions taken.
- Who writes the content, and in which languages?
- Will you change my business name? (It should match your signboard only.)
- Will you use my real photos? Stock photos are a red flag.
- Which directories will you list me on? Ask for the list and logins.
- What happens to my data and listings if I leave?
- What's the notice period? Prefer monthly contracts.
- Do you also handle my website? Who owns the domain and hosting?
- How do you handle negative reviews? Calm replies, not fights or removal promises.
- Who is my point of contact, and how fast do you respond?
Red flags
- Asking for your Gmail password or OTPs.
- Wanting primary ownership.
- "500 reviews package", "review removal guarantee".
- Keyword-stuffed business names.
- Payment to a personal UPI without invoice or GST.
Green flags
- Written scope and monthly invoices.
- Honest timelines (2–3 months for clear results).
- Educates you on what they're doing.
- Shares dashboards or reports you can understand.
Agency vs software vs DIY
If your budget is small and you mainly need consistent posts, photos and review replies, software like Chamko (₹1,000/month) may be enough. Agencies make sense for competitive markets, multiple branches, or when you also need a website and ads. Compare prices in our local SEO cost guide.
Frequently asked questions
Should I sign a 12-month contract?
Avoid long lock-ins. Monthly or quarterly terms keep the agency accountable.
How soon should I see results?
Profile fixes show in weeks; steady growth in calls usually takes 2–3 months.
Can I fire an agency and keep my reviews?
Yes, if you're the primary owner. Remove their access the same day.