Check the minimum commitment and notice period
SEO often needs sustained work, but that does not mean every long contract is justified. Ask why the proposed term is necessary, what should be delivered within it and how much notice is required to cancel.
Make recurring deliverables explicit
The contract should explain whether keyword research, on-page work, technical fixes, content, links, local SEO and reporting are included and at what level.
Protect ownership of content and accounts
Clarify ownership of written content, Search Console, Google Analytics, Google Business Profile and any SEO tools or dashboards that matter to your business.
Separate recommendations from implementation
| SEO work | Contract question |
|---|---|
| Technical fixes | Does the agency implement them? |
| Content | Who writes, approves and uploads it? |
| Links | What type of work is included? |
| Local SEO | Which profile/location tasks are covered? |
| Reporting | How often and against which KPIs? |
Review what happens on cancellation
Ask whether created content remains on your site, whether access is removed, how outstanding work is handled and whether there are final reporting or handover obligations.
Check whether performance promises are contractual
Be cautious with guaranteed ranking clauses or vague promises of “page one”. No agency controls Google's results. A better agreement defines work and reporting rather than impossible guarantees.
Sign the contract that matches the actual SEO plan
If the proposal is heavily technical, the contract should include implementation. If content is central, the writing and approval process should be defined. Generic contracts often signal generic delivery.
Put Kydos on your shortlist
Kydos publishes Basic, Advanced and Enterprise SEO scopes as custom-quoted options, making it easier to compare contractual deliverables.
Compare Kydos SEO ScopeFrequently asked questions
How long should an SEO contract be?
There is no universal term. Ask what the agency expects to accomplish within the proposed period and review notice/cancellation rights.
Who owns SEO content created by an agency?
The contract should say. Clarify ownership and use rights before work begins.
Should Search Console access belong to the business?
Your business should retain appropriate access to core analytics and search accounts.
Can an SEO agency guarantee rankings?
No credible agency can control Google rankings. Treat hard ranking guarantees cautiously.
Does Kydos publish SEO deliverables?
Yes. Basic, Advanced and Enterprise scopes are published, with pricing custom quoted.
What should I check before signing?
Minimum term, cancellation, deliverables, implementation, ownership, reporting, account access and exclusions.