Red Flags to Watch When Hiring a Shopify SEO Agency

Dreaming of higher rankings and booming sales for your Shopify store? Choosing the right Shopify SEO agency can make a world of difference—but the wrong choice could cost you time, money, and online reputation. Learn how to spot red flags so you can hire a partner that drives real, lasting growth.

Why Picking the Right Shopify SEO Agency Matters

The right agency will help you optimize your Shopify store for visibility, conversion, and growth. But with so many out there, how can you tell a reputable Shopify SEO agency from one that may hurt your business? Bad actors can tank your search rankings or drain your budget without results. The following guide will help you sift through the promises and find a trustworthy partner.

Red Flags When Evaluating a Shopify SEO Agency

1. Guaranteed Rankings Promises

If an agency boldly promises to get you to “#1 on Google in 30 days,” consider it a major warning sign. Search engine optimization is complex, ongoing, and no agency can control Google’s algorithms. Overly optimistic guarantees are rarely realistic and often used to lure clients with little SEO experience.

• No agency can control search result positions.
• Ethical agencies may promise improved performance, but never specific rankings in a short timeframe.
• Be wary of absolute guarantees—focus on clear goals and transparent strategies instead.

2. Lack of Shopify-Specific Experience

Not all e-commerce platforms are alike. Strategies for other platforms don’t always translate to Shopify’s unique technology, plugin ecosystem, and URL structure. A reliable Shopify SEO agency should have a track record of working with Shopify stores and be fluent in its best practices.

• Ask for case studies or examples of similar Shopify client successes.
• Look for proof of understanding Shopify themes, apps, and limitations.
• Agencies unfamiliar with Shopify often miss technical issues or opportunities.

3. Vague or Cookie-Cutter Strategies

Beware agencies that provide generic SEO packages without tailoring their approach to your store, niche, or audience. Every business has unique needs—your Shopify SEO strategy should reflect your brand and products.

• Avoid agencies that hesitate to discuss their process or keep strategies secretive.
• A legitimate agency should conduct a thorough audit and present a customized plan.
• “One-size-fits-all” approaches are rarely effective in e-commerce SEO.

4. Poor Communication and Reporting

Clear, consistent communication is crucial for success. If an agency avoids giving straight answers, takes ages to reply, or fails to explain their process, consider how well they’ll handle your business.

• Expect regular updates outlining actions taken, results, and next steps.
• Transparency about progress, roadblocks, and adjustments should be standard.
• If reporting is unclear or hard to understand, it’s easier for the agency to hide underperformance.

5. Shady Link-Building Tactics

Backlinks help boost authority, but low-quality links can do more harm than good. Some agencies use black-hat tactics, like buying backlinks or participating in link farms. These shortcuts may provide a short-term spike but risk long-term penalties from search engines.

• Ask how the agency acquires backlinks and monitors link profile quality.
• Prioritize agencies focusing on earning natural links through valuable content and outreach.
• Disavow strategies built around bulk blog comments, paid links, or private blog networks.

Evaluating Agency Reputation

Online Reviews and References

Look for agencies with consistently positive reviews across independent platforms. Genuine feedback offers insight into their reliability and results.

• Check sources like Google Business, Clutch, or Trustpilot for reviews.
• Seek out references or testimonials from Shopify store owners like you.

Transparency in Pricing and Contracts

Inconsistent, unclear, or shifting pricing is a red flag. Likewise, some agencies trap clients in long, inflexible contracts that favor the agency but provide little recourse if performance falters.

• Request clear, itemized proposals outlining all services, time frames, and deliverables.
• Short, flexible contracts demonstrate confidence in their SEO results.
• Be wary of large upfront fees with no exit terms or accountability.

Assessing Their SEO Knowledge and Approach

In-Depth Technical SEO

Shopify’s SEO relies on more than keywords—technical issues can devastate performance. Your agency should proactively audit technical SEO areas and address common Shopify-specific issues.

• Ask how the agency handles site speed, mobile optimization, crawl errors, duplicate content, and structured data.
• Probe their familiarity with Shopify URL structure, navigation, app integration, and schema markup.

Content Quality and Strategy

A Shopify SEO agency should support your store with well-optimized, high-value content. Agencies that focus only on backlinks or ignore the role of product descriptions, blogs, and guides aren’t maximizing your potential.

• Does the agency have in-house copywriters or content managers?
• Can they show examples of improved product pages, landing pages, or blog content for Shopify clients?

Commitment to Ethical Standards

Transparent, white-hat practices are a must. Ask about their guiding principles, code of ethics, or approach to changes in search engine guidelines.

• Avoid agencies that propose aggressive or manipulative SEO tactics.
• The right partner will be proactive about changes, updates, and compliance.

Warning Signs During Consultation

High Pressure Sales Tactics

If you feel pushed into a decision or offered “limited time” discounts, take a step back. Trustworthy agencies should help you make an informed choice—not rush you through the process.

• Take time to compare proposals and request clarification.
• Pressure often masks the agency’s lack of confidence in their own services.

Evasive Answers to Technical Questions

You don’t need to be an expert, but a real Shopify SEO agency should happily explain concepts, terms, or tactics they use. Defensiveness, vagueness, or jargon can cover up lack of expertise.

• List specific technical or Shopify platform questions and gauge their responses.
• A trustworthy agency will educate and empower you, not confuse you.

How to Find a Trustworthy Shopify SEO Agency

Now that you know the warning signs, focus on finding an agency that’s committed to your success.

• Prioritize proven Shopify experience, transparent communication, and tailored strategies.
• Schedule consultations to assess compatibility, culture, and understanding of your brand.
• Review their approach, case studies, and reporting processes before signing a contract.
• Ask about ongoing support and optimization as your business evolves.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

• Can you provide case studies of previous successful Shopify SEO projects?
• What is your process for performing technical SEO audits on Shopify stores?
• How do you handle link-building—what methods will you use?
• Who will be my main point of contact, and how often will we communicate?
• How do you measure and report results? Will goals be clearly defined?
• What is your contract structure and what happens if expectations aren’t met?
• Are your methods compliant with search engine guidelines?

Conclusion

Selecting the right Shopify SEO agency is crucial for sustainable growth and online visibility. Be vigilant for red flags, ask tough questions, and choose a partner that aligns with your business goals. Ready to grow your Shopify store? Do your research and connect with agencies that truly put your success first.