Choosing an automotive SEO consultant is like finding the right mechanic—they need years of industry experience to deliver fast, effective, and lasting results.
You need someone who understands the complexities of your business, can identify opportunities to boost performance, and knows how to keep you ahead of the competition.
So, how do you choose the right partner? It all starts with asking the right questions.
Here are 10 key questions to ask to ensure your SEO consultant delivers results.
1. Do You Specialize in Automotive SEO?
Not all SEO consultants are created equal.
The automotive industry has unique challenges: managing constantly changing inventories, optimizing for local searches, and targeting highly specific keywords like “certified pre-owned cars in Las Vegas”
Ask them:
- “Have you worked with automotive businesses before?”
- “What specific strategies have you used to improve SEO for car dealerships?”
You’re looking for someone who knows the ins and outs of the automotive space—not just generic SEO tactics.
2. Can You Share Case Studies or Success Stories?
Numbers don’t lie.
A solid consultant will have real-world results to back up their claims.
Ask for examples:
- Have they helped a dealership increase organic traffic?
- Did they improve rankings for competitive keywords?
- Can they show measurable improvements in leads or conversions?
Seeing tangible success stories will give you confidence in their ability to deliver.
3. How Do You Approach Keyword Research?
Keyword research is the foundation of any good SEO strategy.
For automotive businesses, this means targeting terms that match what your customers are searching for, like “used SUVs near me” or “best auto repair shop in Annapolis.”
Ask:
- “How do you identify high-value keywords for my dealership?”
- “Will you focus on local SEO to drive nearby traffic?”
Their approach should be data-driven and tailored to your audience.
4. What’s Your Strategy for Local SEO?
Local SEO is a game-changer for dealerships.
Most customers are looking for options in their area, so ranking well in local searches is critical.
Ask:
- “How will you optimize my Google Business Profile?”
- “What’s your plan for improving my local pack rankings?”
- “Will you create location-specific landing pages?”
Their answers should show a clear understanding of how to attract nearby customers.
5. How Will You Improve My Website’s Technical SEO?
A visually appealing website means nothing if it’s slow, clunky, or hard to navigate. Technical SEO ensures your site performs well and provides a seamless user experience.
Ask:
- “How will you improve my site speed and mobile responsiveness?”
- “Can you fix technical errors like broken links or duplicate content?”
- “Will you implement structured data to enhance search visibility?”
A strong technical foundation is key to ranking well and keeping visitors engaged.
6. What’s Your Content Strategy for Automotive SEO?
Content isn’t just about filling pages—it’s about providing value.
For automotive businesses, this might mean writing blog posts about car maintenance tips, creating landing pages for specific models, or optimizing vehicle descriptions.
Ask:
- “How will you develop content that resonates with my audience?”
- “What’s your plan for creating local or seasonal content?”
- “Will you help optimize my existing pages?”
Quality content drives traffic, builds authority, and keeps potential customers coming back.
7. How Will You Track and Report Progress?
Transparency is non-negotiable.
You need to know what’s working, what’s not, and how your investment is paying off.
Ask:
- “What metrics will you track to measure success?”
- “How often will I receive progress reports?”
- “Will you provide insights and recommendations based on the data?”
Expect updates on organic traffic, keyword rankings, lead generation, and other key performance indicators (KPIs).
8. How Do You Stay Current with SEO Trends?
SEO is constantly evolving.
Google’s algorithm updates, new tools, and changes in user behavior mean that yesterday’s strategies might not work tomorrow.
Ask:
- “How do you stay updated on the latest SEO trends?”
- “Do you attend industry conferences or follow reputable SEO blogs?”
- “How do you adapt to algorithm changes?”
A great consultant will prioritize staying ahead of the curve to keep your site competitive.
9. What Sets Your Approach Apart?
Every SEO consultant has their unique style. Some focus on hyper-local SEO, while others emphasize content creation or technical optimization.
Ask:
- “What makes your strategy different from other consultants?”
- “How do you customize your approach for each client?”
This will help you understand their strengths and whether they align with your goals.
10. What ROI Can I Expect?
At the end of the day, you’re looking for results.
While no one can guarantee exact numbers, a good consultant should set realistic expectations and outline how they’ll deliver value.
Ask:
- “What benchmarks will we use to measure success?”
- “How long will it take to see noticeable improvements?”
- “How will your work impact my bottom line?”
A consultant who’s confident in their abilities will provide clear answers and a roadmap for success.
Why These Questions Matter
Choosing the right automotive SEO consultant isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business, your customers, and your industry.
By asking these questions, you’ll not only filter out the less experienced but also gain confidence in your decision.
The right consultant will offer a tailored strategy, transparent communication, and measurable results that help your dealership thrive.
Need Help Navigating SEO for Your Dealership? Let’s Talk.
If you’re unsure about how to drive more traffic and lead to your dealership, reach out. We’d love to help you navigate this journey and ensure your business gets the attention it deserves.
Let’s connect and move your success forward.
