Choosing the right partner for local SEO matters more than choosing the cheapest quote. The wrong choice usually costs twice: once for the first attempt and again to fix or rebuild it. These are the questions, warning signs and contract points that separate a reliable company from a risky one.
Questions to ask every company
- How will you track map rankings across our area? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Which directories will you use? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- How will reviews be collected? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- Will you create pages for each location? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
- What will the monthly report show? A good answer is specific and written down, not a promise on a call.
Red flags
- Keyword-stuffed business names
- Virtual office addresses
- Bought or incentivised reviews
- Pressure to sign quickly with a large upfront payment
- No named person responsible for your project
Freelancer, agency or in-house team?
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | Small, well-defined tasks and tight budgets | Availability, continuity and limited skills outside one area |
| Software house or agency | Projects needing several skills, deadlines and accountability | Make sure senior people actually work on your project |
| In-house team | Long-term core products with constant work | Hiring time, salaries and management overhead |
What to compare in proposals and contracts
Compare the written scope, milestones and payment schedule, warranty and support, and ownership of code, designs and accounts. The contract should include an NDA, IP assignment on payment, a change-request process and an exit plan with full handover.
Typical price levels to expect
| Level | Price (PKR) | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Single location | 35,000 – 60,000 per month | Profile, citations, local page and reviews, per month |
| Multi-location | 60,000 – 180,000 per month | Several branches with pages and grid tracking, per month |
| Franchise or chain | 180,000 – 400,000 per month | Many locations with central management, per month |
At RankGhar we put these answers in writing before you commit. See how we deliver local SEO, read our process, or ask for a proposal.