- Written by Hozio
- October 8, 2025
- 3 Minute Read
What Is SEO?
SEO means Search Engine Optimization. It helps your business appear first when someone does a Google search for a service in your industry, such as “emergency plumber near me” or “HVAC repair Smithtown NY.” Think about what you would do. Your basement is flooding at 2 AM. You’re likely looking up “plumber near me,” right? SEO is what gets your business to show up at the top of the list when someone searches for what you do, instead of showing your competition.
Your small business needs a specific type of SEO called local SEO. This focuses on potential customers in your service area, like Sayville or Bohemia, so that when they search, you are the company they find.
What To Look For In A Bad SEO Company
First, let’s make sure you know how to spot the red flags in bad SEO companies:
- They Promise #1 Ratings: Nobody can guarantee a specific ranking due to changes in Google’s algorithm. Legitimate companies will discuss improving visibility and traffic, not make impossible promises.
- No Clear Pricing: Not telling you the costs upfront is a big warning sign. You have a budget and should know exactly what you’re paying before committing.
- They Use Fancy Tech Language: A good SEO company should explain what they do in simple terms. If they use jargon without explaining what it means for you, they aren’t the right partner.
- No Local Expertise: If they don’t understand the NYC and Long Island market, they won’t know how to position your business against local competition.
- No Questions About Your Business: An SEO company that isn’t interested in learning about your services, customers, or goals won’t create a plan that actually benefits you.
These red flags are clear signs to walk away. In contrast, here at Hozio we will always provide clear, affordable pricing and discuss your goals in terms of improving visibility and traffic all while never guaranteeing specific rankings.
Looking for ways to improve your customer growth?
What To Look For In A Good SEO Company
1. Direct, Honest Conversation: You should get direct, easy-to-understand answers to your questions. At Hozio, we believe in telling you exactly what we will do, how long it will take to see results, and what success will look like for your business.
2. Full Cost In Advance: Look for companies that provide clear packages or prices before you sign anything.
3. Focus On The Endgame: Website traffic is nice, but a good SEO company cares about what you care about: Are you getting more phone calls, more quote requests, and more jobs?
4. They Understand Small Trade Business: The best SEO companies are familiar with contractors and trade professionals. They understand things like emergency services, seasonal business, and how to best showcase your work with project galleries. This is the kind of specialized knowledge that Hozio brings to the table, with proven experience helping trade professionals grow.
5. Technical Stuff Is Handled For You: A good SEO partner shouldn’t expect you to know anything about website hosting or mobile optimization. They will take care of all technical website issues and ongoing maintenance for you.
6. Local SEO Knowledge: For a trade business, local SEO is essential. A company’s ability to answer questions about Google Maps, local rankings, and review generation demonstrates their expertise. Hozio specializes in local SEO and can outline a clear strategy to get you ranking in your specific service area.
7. They Will Show You Real Results: A reputable company should be able to provide case studies, examples of websites they’ve worked on, and reviews from businesses like yours.
What You Should Ask Before Hiring An SEO Company
Think of it like a job interview. When you speak with an agency like Hozio, you want to make sure you’re hiring the right fit. Ask about their process, pricing, experience with your industry, and how they will communicate with you.
Decision Time
Ultimately, when choosing an SEO company, you should have a list of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers.
- Must-Haves: Clear pricing, knowledge of local business, good communication, and real examples of past results.
- Deal-Breakers: Guaranteed rankings, no discussion of pricing, and no proof of results are all reasons to walk away.
Finding a company that hits all the must-haves is the goal. Hozio is a local company that has worked extensively with trade businesses for over 15 years and includes website design and maintenance, checking multiple boxes for our clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SEO stand for?
SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It helps your business appear at the top of search engine results when someone searches for a service in your industry.
Why is local SEO important for my business?
Local SEO is essential for small businesses as it targets potential customers in your specific service area. It ensures that when people in your area search for a service, your business is the one they find.
How can I spot a bad SEO company?
Look out for companies that promise specific rankings, don’t provide clear pricing, use too much technical jargon without explanation, lack local expertise, or don’t ask about your business or goals.
What makes a good SEO company?
A good SEO company will have clear, upfront pricing, a focus on real results like phone calls and job bookings, a deep understanding of your business, and the ability to handle all the technical aspects of SEO for you.
In The End…
You are looking for a partner who understands your business, communicates clearly, offers honest pricing, and handles all the technical work for you. This is not a decision to rush. Your online presence is an investment in your business. Pick a partner who is as dedicated to it as you are. At Hozio, we are that partner, dedicated to helping your business grow.
