How to Fire Your SEO Company

If you’re unhappy with your SEO agency’s results, you can fire them by following a few clear steps. In short, start by reviewing your contract (look for required notice periods or fees). Then document your concerns and arrange a respectful meeting or email to explain that you’re ending the agreement. After notifying them, make sure you regain access to all your website tools (like Google Analytics and Search Console) so you stay in control of your data. In this guide, we’ll break down each part of this process in simple, step-by-step language.

When to Consider Firing Your SEO Team

Sometimes SEO agencies just aren’t a good fit. You might notice red flags like these signs that it’s time to move on:

• Lack of transparency: They rarely share clear reports or strategies with you. You should understand what they’re doing to your website.
• No real results: Your traffic, keyword rankings, or sales haven’t improved despite their work. SEO takes time, but you should still see steady progress toward your goals.
• Unethical or outdated practices: If they use shady tactics (spammy backlinks, duplicate content, etc.) or stick with old SEO tricks, your site could get penalized.
• Misaligned goals: They ignore your business needs or budget, or push you in the wrong direction. If their objectives don’t match yours, it’s okay to end the partnership.

If any of these sound familiar, know that it’s professional and normal to fire an SEO company that isn’t meeting your needs. The key is to handle it calmly and legally.

Steps to Fire Your SEO Company

Once you decide to end the relationship, follow these steps carefully:

1. Review Your Contract: Check your agreement for notice periods, termination clauses, or early-exit fees. For example, many SEO contracts require about 30 days’ notice before cancelling. Make sure you know any costs or deadlines so you can plan ahead without surprises.
2. Document Your Reasons: Write down the issues you’ve had – like missed goals or poor communication. Collect any reports or examples that show the problems. Having clear notes helps you explain why you’re firing them and keeps the conversation professional.
3. Notify Your Agency: Schedule a meeting or send a formal email to your SEO company. Be respectful but firm. State your decision and give your reasons (backed by the examples you documented). Mention the contract’s notice requirement (for instance, “as per our contract, I’m giving 30 days’ notice”). This keeps everything transparent and avoids conflict.
4. Secure Your Assets: Make sure you have full access to your accounts – website admin, Google Analytics, Google Search Console, social media logins, etc. Change passwords if needed so the old agency can’t lock you out. Download and save any data or reports they’ve created. Keeping control of your assets ensures you can continue SEO work without losing important history or data.
5. Plan the Transition: Decide how you’ll handle SEO right after firing. You might do some tasks in-house, hire a freelance consultant, or bring in a new agency right away. Communicate with any new provider early so they can hit the ground running. This way, you keep your SEO momentum going and avoid gaps that could hurt your rankings.

Hiring a New SEO Partner

After firing an agency, you’ll want a better SEO team on your side. A good new agency should listen to your goals, provide clear reports, and use ethical methods. For example, experts advise asking detailed questions about an agency’s strategy and checking their track record before hiring. Look for case studies or testimonials from businesses like yours, and make sure they promise regular updates and honest communication. In the image above, a fresh team is collaborating over data – your next SEO team should look and work just as collaboratively.

As you search for a new SEO company, focus on transparency and results. We at SEO Services Brisbane are local experts who prioritize clear communication and measurable outcomes. We’ll sit down with you, review your site’s data, and explain our plan step by step. In short, don’t be afraid to fire an ineffective SEO provider. With the right approach, you can smoothly end the old contract and bring in a new partner who truly understands and grows your business.