Outsourcing SEO services to India has become a strategic move for many US companies looking to scale visibility, reduce costs, and access technical expertise. However, the difference between success and failure often lies not in the outsourcing itself—but in asking the right questions before you sign the contract.
India is home to some of the most competitive digital talent globally, and choosing the right search engine optimization company in India can mean getting access to a full-stack SEO machine. But how can US brands ensure they're engaging the right partner?
Here’s a list of key questions every US company should ask before initiating SEO outsourcing to India, along with why each question matters.
1. What specific SEO services do you offer—and who handles them?
Not all SEO agencies offer full-spectrum services. Ask for clarity on:
On-page optimization
Technical audits
Content creation
Link building
Analytics and CRO services
➡️ Why it matters: You want a provider who can integrate all components, not just rank keywords.
2. How do you measure and report on success?
Ask for sample reports and dashboards. A mature enterprise SEO agency should offer:
KPIs mapped to business goals
Monthly progress tracking
Conversion metrics (not just rankings)
Recommendations, not just data dumps
➡️ Why it matters: Visibility is only half the goal—revenue and conversions matter more.
3. Who will be my point of contact, and what is their experience with US clients?
It’s vital to ensure that your account manager:
Understands your industry
Can communicate clearly across time zones
Has worked with US-based teams before
➡️ Why it matters: Strategic alignment is difficult without clear, proactive communication.
4. Can you demonstrate success in my industry or niche?
Ask for:
Case studies
Industry-specific examples
Tech stacks used (SEMrush, GA4, Ahrefs, etc.)
➡️ Why it matters: Experience in your vertical often means faster ramp-up and fewer mistakes.
5. What is your process for keyword research, clustering, and content planning?
Modern SEO is about topical authority, not keyword stuffing. Look for:
A documented process
Use of clustering and content gaps
Editorial workflows
➡️ Why it matters: You need strategic thinking, not just page-by-page optimization.
6. How do you handle link building—ethically and sustainably?
Ensure they follow Google guidelines and avoid spammy tactics. Ask:
What are your link sources?
Do you offer earned media or PR outreach?
How do you ensure quality over quantity?
➡️ Why it matters: Poor link strategies can tank your domain in the long run.
7. How do you approach CRO services alongside SEO?
High-ranking pages without conversions are wasted opportunities. Your partner should:
Analyze UX and user journeys
Test CTAs and layouts
Provide landing page recommendations
➡️ Why it matters: SEO without conversion rate optimization is half the puzzle.
8. What tools and technologies do you use for tracking and execution?
Expect names like:
Screaming Frog
Google Search Console
Surfer SEO
Looker Studio
AI-driven content generation tools
➡️ Why it matters: A modern agency should use enterprise-grade tools to deliver results at scale.
9. What is your SLA on deliverables and communication?
Make sure expectations are set around:
Response time
Report delivery schedules
Availability during critical campaign phases
➡️ Why it matters: Without SLAs, accountability becomes subjective.
10. Are you open to a pilot project or short-term retainer?
This allows you to:
Evaluate working chemistry
Test delivery quality
Gauge turnaround speed
➡️ Why it matters: A trial project helps mitigate long-term risk.
A final note: Choosing with care
India is home to some of the best SEO agencies in the world, but due diligence is crucial. Whether you're a DTC brand or an enterprise-level B2B company, the right partner will not only deliver visibility but align deeply with your business outcomes.
Agencies like Briskon are examples of Indian firms that focus on strategic execution with US-based clients. While not a direct endorsement, Briskon reflects how Indian SEO providers can now operate as true digital partners—not just offshore vendors.
