Start with the commercial job the provider has to solve
An SEO audit is worth buying when it produces a prioritised implementation plan, not simply a long export of tool warnings.
Write that objective into the brief before requesting proposals. It gives every shortlisted provider the same starting point and makes vague feature lists easier to challenge.
Compare the proposal line by line
| Compare | Ask before signing |
|---|---|
| Technical crawl | Which indexation, canonical, redirect, performance and internal-link issues are checked? |
| Content | Does the audit review search intent and commercial page gaps? |
| Local SEO | Is GBP/local architecture reviewed where relevant? |
| Prioritisation | Are issues ranked by impact and effort? |
| Implementation | Who can actually fix the problems afterwards? |
| Evidence | Will findings show examples and affected URLs? |
The sector-specific issue your shortlist should understand
Kydos' broader SEO service is custom quoted. If you are buying an audit separately, decide whether you want diagnosis only or a provider that can also execute the recommended changes.
Ask the provider to explain how this changes its recommended scope. A useful answer should affect the actual pages, campaigns, content, tracking or workflow being proposed.
Ask for proof that matches the work you are buying
Ask for a redacted sample audit or example issue format showing evidence, priority and recommended action.
Proof should help you evaluate capability, not pressure you into a decision. Where client data cannot be shared, a provider can still demonstrate its process, live owned properties, sample deliverables or anonymised implementation detail without inventing results.
Agree ownership and access before work begins
Clarify which accounts, domains, platforms, analytics properties, creative files and source data belong to your business. You should also know what remains accessible if you change supplier later. Ownership is easiest to agree before the first invoice is paid.
Make reporting answer a buying question
Ask what the provider will report and which decisions those numbers will change. A useful report should connect activity to the objective in the brief, whether that is qualified enquiries, bookings, quote requests, purchases, visibility for priority commercial pages or another defined outcome.
Watch for this red flag
Choose the provider that can explain what is not needed yet
A strong proposal does not have to be the biggest one. The provider should be able to separate essential first-stage work from items that can wait until there is evidence to justify them. That is often a better sign of commercial judgement than a long feature list.
Put Kydos into your shortlist
Compare the published Kydos scope against the providers you are already speaking to, then request a focused quote if the fit looks right.
See Kydos SEO OptionsFrequently asked questions
What should I compare between SEO audits providers?
Compare the exact deliverables, responsibility split, approval process, ownership, reporting, support and the commercial outcome the provider is expected to improve.
Should I choose a specialist agency for businesses preparing an SEO investment?
Specialist experience can help, but it is not enough on its own. Check whether the provider understands your buying journey, can implement the required work and communicates the scope clearly.
Should I ask for a proposal before hiring?
Yes. Give shortlisted providers the same brief so you can compare assumptions, exclusions, deliverables and commercial terms on a like-for-like basis.
What is a warning sign when comparing agencies?
A fixed-price audit promises hundreds of checks but cannot explain how findings will be prioritised for your business.
What proof should I ask to see?
Ask for a redacted sample audit or example issue format showing evidence, priority and recommended action.
How can I compare Kydos with another provider?
Use Kydos' published service and pricing pages as one benchmark, then compare the other proposal against the same questions on scope, implementation, ownership and support.