Search engine optimisation (SEO) helps customers find your business when they search on Google, Bing and increasingly AI assistants. Many businesses pay for SEO without knowing what is being done. This guide explains what proper SEO work includes and how to choose a partner.
What an SEO company should do
| Area | Typical work |
|---|---|
| Audit and strategy | Technical audit, keyword research, competitor analysis, priorities |
| Technical SEO | Indexing, speed, mobile, structured data, site structure – see our technical SEO checklist |
| On-page SEO | Titles, headings, service pages and internal links matched to searches |
| Content | Blog articles, guides and FAQs that answer real customer questions |
| Local SEO | Google Business Profile, reviews strategy, local listings and pages |
| Authority | Genuine mentions and links from relevant websites, PR and partnerships |
| Reporting | Rankings, traffic, calls and enquiries with clear next steps |
Questions to ask before you hire
- What will you do in the first 90 days, and why?
- Which searches will you target, and how do they connect to our services?
- How will you report results – including enquiries, not just rankings?
- Who writes the content, and will we approve it?
- How do you build links, and can we see examples?
- What do we own if we stop working together?
Realistic timelines
- Month 1: audit, fixes to technical problems, Google Business Profile and key pages.
- Months 2–3: new and improved content, local SEO and early ranking movement.
- Months 4–6 and beyond: growing rankings for competitive searches and more enquiries.
What does SEO cost?
Pricing depends on how competitive your market is, how many locations or services you target and how much content is needed. Local businesses usually need less than companies competing nationally or internationally. Ask for a scope that lists the actual work each month, so you can compare proposals fairly.
SEO in the age of AI search
AI assistants and AI-powered search summarise answers from websites they trust. The same fundamentals win: accurate, helpful content, clear structure, structured data, a strong brand and genuine reviews.
Tinos offers SEO services in Kerala as part of our digital marketing work, and builds SEO-ready websites. For local businesses, start with our local SEO guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do SEO myself?
Yes, especially local SEO and content basics. Many businesses handle content themselves and hire experts for audits, technical work and strategy.
Is SEO better than Google Ads?
They work together. Ads bring immediate traffic while you pay; SEO builds lasting visibility. Many businesses use ads while SEO grows.
How do I know if SEO is working?
Look for rising impressions and clicks in Search Console, better positions for target searches, and – most importantly – more calls and enquiries from organic search.
