RankTruthTry Free
Updated Monthly | Based on 906 Agency Scans

The SEO Agency
Transparency Index

We scan agency websites for trust signals, proof of results, and red flags. Here's what we found.

71%
Show case studies
93%
Display phone number
17%
Mention Google Search Console
5%
Use guarantee language
64%
Have testimonials

What We Measure

Every agency in our index is scanned using RankTruth's automated crawler. We analyze up to 17 pages per agency across multiple signal categories. No agency pays to be included, and no agency can modify their results. This is independent, automated analysis.

Proof Signals

Does the agency show evidence of results? We check for case studies, client metrics, date-stamped results, Google Search Console mentions, and client testimonials.

Trust Signals

Can you verify this is a real business? We check for US phone numbers, physical addresses, SSL certificates, domain age, and hosting location.

Transparency Signals

Is the agency open about how they work? We check for team pages, pricing information, contract terms, and social media presence.

Red Flags

Does the agency make questionable claims? We detect guarantee language, unrealistic timelines, and vague promises that conflict with Google's own guidelines.

Key Findings from 906 Agency Scans

Proof of Results

Publish case studies71%
Case studies include metrics62%
Case studies include dates68%
Mention Google Search Console17%
Display testimonials64%

Trust & Verification

Display US phone number93%
Show physical address54%
Domain over 5 years old81%
SSL secured98%
US-based hosting57%

Transparency

Have team page with names86%
Show pricing publicly25%
Mention contract terms78%
Link to 2+ social profiles78%

Red Flags Detected

Use guarantee language5%
Make unrealistic timeline promises8%

Google explicitly states: "No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google." Agencies using guarantee language may be employing tactics that violate search engine guidelines.

What This Means If You're Hiring an SEO Agency

Ask for proof, not promises

With only 62% of agencies providing case studies with specific metrics, you should request concrete examples of past results before signing. Ask for client names you can verify, specific percentage improvements, and the timeframe in which results were achieved.

50 Questions to Ask

Demand Google Search Console access

Only 17% of agencies even mention Google Search Console on their websites. This is the only tool that shows your actual Google traffic. Insist on Owner-level access from day one so you can independently verify any claimed results.

GSC Access Guide

Run a free check before you sign

Before committing to any agency, run a quick due diligence check. Our free tool scans agency websites for the same signals in this index, giving you an instant snapshot of their transparency and proof of results.

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Individual Reports

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Check Any Agency

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Methodology

The RankTruth Transparency Index is based on automated scans of agency websites. Our crawler visits up to 17 pages per agency, analyzing HTML, structured data, and visible content for specific signal patterns. Scans are refreshed monthly. No agency pays to be included or excluded. Data is aggregated and anonymized for this index. For individual agency reports, visit our Agency Check tool.

This index is not a rating, ranking, or endorsement of any agency. It is a snapshot of publicly visible information on agency websites at the time of scanning.

Verify Before You Sign

Don't just take an agency's word for it. Check their website for proof, or verify their monthly reports against your real Google Search Console data.

Check an AgencyVerify SEO Reports