Running a fence company isn’t easy. You’re busy quoting jobs, managing crews, and keeping customers happy. But when it comes to marketing, especially online, you might not know who to trust.
These days, lots of so called “SEO experts” are popping up. Many of them promise big results fast, but not all of them deliver. Some are just trying to take your money without helping your business grow.
In this blog, we’ll walk through how to tell the real ones from the fake ones. You don’t need to be a tech expert to understand this. We’re keeping it simple, clear, and straight to the point.
What Real SEO Looks Like
Before we talk about the fake ones, let’s go over what honest SEO work should include. If you’re hiring someone to boost your online presence, they should be doing things like:
- Improving your website’s speed and mobile use
- Writing useful content that helps your customers
- Getting your Google Business Profile set up right
- Making sure your name, address, and phone number are the same across the internet
- Helping your business show up for the right searches in your area
Good SEO takes time. It’s not magic, and it doesn’t happen overnight. A real agency will be honest about that.
Red Flags to Watch For
Fake SEO agencies often use fear or fake promises to get your money. Here are some warning signs:
1. Guaranteed Rankings
If someone says they can “guarantee” the #1 spot on Google, that’s a big red flag. No one can control Google like that. Real SEO focuses on steady growth, not empty promises.
2. Secret Sauce
Some agencies won’t explain what they’re doing. They’ll say it’s “too technical” or “proprietary.” Be careful with that. You deserve to know what you’re paying for.
3. Fast Results Claims
It takes time to build trust with Google. If they say you’ll rank overnight or within a week, that’s not realistic. Quick tricks can even hurt your site long term.
4. Too Cheap to Be True
Good work costs money. If someone is offering full SEO for $100 a month, they’re either cutting corners or not doing much at all.
5. Spammy Backlinks
Some fake agencies will buy cheap links from shady websites. Google can catch this, and your site could be penalized. Real link building is slow and careful.
6. Pushy Sales Calls
If someone calls you out of the blue and pushes hard for a sale, be careful. Ask questions. Take your time. Don’t let them rush you.
What Questions Should You Ask?
If you’re talking to an SEO agency, here are a few questions that can help you figure out if they’re the real deal:
- Can I see some of your past work with other fence companies?
- What does your SEO process look like month to month?
- How long before I start seeing results?
- Do you track phone calls and form leads?
- Will I own the website and content if I stop working with you?
A good agency will answer these clearly. If they dodge, it’s a sign to walk away.
Real vs Fake: A Quick Table
| Feature | Real SEO Agency | Fake SEO Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Clear communication | Yes | No |
| Shows past results | Yes | Rarely |
| Gives realistic timelines | Yes | No (says “fast results”) |
| Uses white hat methods | Yes | No (black hat shortcuts) |
| Transparent reporting | Yes | No or very vague |
| Low cost packages | No (fair pricing) | Yes (too good to be true) |
What Happens If You Hire the Wrong Agency?
A bad SEO agency doesn’t just waste your money. It can also hurt your business. Here’s what can go wrong:
- Your website might get flagged by Google
- You may stop showing up in search results
- Leads and phone calls could drop
- You’ll have to spend more later to fix the damage
It’s like letting someone install a fence who doesn’t use a level. It might look okay for a while, but it won’t last.
What Real Growth Looks Like
With honest SEO, you won’t wake up to a thousand leads overnight. But over time, you’ll notice:
- More people visiting your website
- More phone calls and quote requests
- Better reviews and stronger local rankings
That’s what you want. And that’s what a good agency works toward.
Why FenceWebs Focuses Only on Fence Contractors
We’ve been working with fence companies for five years. That’s all we do. We understand the business, the customers, and the kind of marketing that works.
This means we’re not guessing. We build sites and run ads based on what we already know works for companies like yours.
Final Thoughts
There are lots of companies out there offering SEO. Some mean well but don’t know what they’re doing. Others are just plain shady.
The good news is that once you know what to look for, it’s easier to avoid the scams. Ask the right questions. Trust your gut. And if something feels off, it probably is.
If you want to talk about your fence business, we’re happy to chat. No pressure. Just honest advice from people who’ve been doing this a while.
Need help with your website or online leads? FenceWebs is here for fence contractors only. Reach out anytime.
