Hiring a good SEO writer can make a big difference in how people find and trust your business online.
But hiring the wrong one?
That can lead to wasted money, weak rankings, and content that doesn’t do your brand justice. If you’re looking to work with a writer who gets SEO and actually writes well, here are five warning signs to watch out for.
1. They promise fast rankings with no real plan
If a writer says they can get your website on page one of Google in a week, it’s a red flag. Real SEO takes time, research, and consistent work. It’s not just about stuffing keywords or following one secret trick. Be wary of writers who focus too much on results they can’t control and don’t mention things like content structure, search intent, or on-page strategy.
2. They won’t show you samples
Any experienced SEO writer should be able to show you writing samples. These should be real, published work, not just a Word doc or something they made up on the spot. Look for clear structure, proper formatting, and keywords that feel natural. If a writer won’t share samples or avoids the question, that’s a good reason to walk away.
3. Their content sounds robotic or stuffed with keywords
You’ve probably read SEO content before that just didn’t sound right. Maybe the same keyword was repeated ten times in one paragraph. Maybe it read like it was written by a bot.
That’s what happens when someone writes just for search engines and forgets that real people are the ones reading. Good SEO writing sounds clear and human, and still works for Google.
4. They’re hard to reach or always late
You shouldn’t have to chase someone down just to get your content on time. If a writer misses deadlines or takes days to reply to one message, it’s going to be a headache. A good writer respects your time and has a simple system for communication and delivery.
5. They don’t ask about your brand, audience, or goals
Your content shouldn’t feel like it could belong to just any business. If a writer doesn’t take the time to understand your voice, your industry, or who you’re trying to reach, you’ll end up with copy that falls flat. The best writers ask smart questions and adapt their tone and format to match what your business actually needs.
What to look for instead
You want an SEO writer who’s thoughtful, reliable, and strategic. Someone who knows how to write for both people and search engines. Someone who’s curious enough to learn your brand, but confident enough to recommend smart changes.
That’s the kind of team we run at writelyso, and it’s why our clients stick with us.
Let’s make your content better
If you’ve dealt with flaky freelancers or spammy SEO writing before, we get it.
That’s not how we work. Fill out the form on our contact page and let us know what kind of content you’re looking for.
No pressure, no buzzwords, just a small team that actually cares about getting it right!
