You've hired an SEO agency. Now what? Here's exactly what should happen in the first 90 days—and what to expect.
Days 1-14: Discovery and Audit
What Happens
- Kickoff call to understand your business and goals
- Access granted to analytics, Search Console, GBP
- Comprehensive technical audit
- Competitive analysis
- Keyword research
- Current rankings baseline documented
What You Should Receive
- Audit report with findings
- Priority issues identified
- Initial keyword targets
- Competitive landscape overview
What You Won't See Yet
No ranking changes. This is research and planning phase.
Days 15-30: Foundation Building
What Happens
- Technical fixes implemented
- Google Business Profile optimized
- On-page optimization begins
- Content strategy developed
- Citation audit started
What You Should Receive
- Technical fixes completed report
- GBP optimization summary
- Content calendar
- Month 1 progress report
Results to Expect
Still early. Some technical improvements visible. GBP looking better.
Days 31-60: Implementation Accelerates
What Happens
- Content production begins
- Link building outreach starts
- Citation building in progress
- Additional on-page optimization
- GBP posting schedule active
What You Should Receive
- First content pieces published
- Link building activity report
- Month 2 progress report
- Early ranking movement data
Results to Expect
First signs of movement. Some keywords shifting positions. Impressions may increase in Search Console.
Days 61-90: Momentum Building
What Happens
- Continued content publication
- Links acquired
- Review generation strategy implemented
- Refinements based on early data
- Expanded keyword targeting
What You Should Receive
- Quarter 1 comprehensive report
- Ranking improvements documented
- Traffic trend analysis
- Q2 strategy and priorities
Results to Expect
Clear movement on multiple keywords. Traffic starting to increase. Some early leads may appear. Foundation solidly in place.
Warning Signs in First 90 Days
Be concerned if:
- No audit or strategy document received
- No communication for weeks at a time
- No access to reports or data
- Can't explain what they're doing
- No technical fixes implemented
- Zero content created
Green Lights in First 90 Days
Good signs:
- Regular communication and updates
- Clear documentation of work
- Technical improvements visible
- Content being published
- GBP looking better and active
- Some keyword movement appearing
Ready to start your SEO journey? Get a free audit and we'll show you exactly what your first 90 days would look like.