Are SEO retainers profitable after the actual delivery hours are included?
Examine monthly retainers, contract length, churn, gross margin, delivery hours and client concentration. Test whether rankings and reported results depend on short-lived tactics or unpaid founder work.
Do clients control their analytics, content and search-platform accounts?
Audit client mandates, analytics and search-console access, content and link rights, reporting history, subcontractors and any practices that could expose customers to penalties.
Could historic SEO methods expose clients or the buyer to penalties?
Clients can leave with the strategist, platform access may be client-owned and undisclosed risky tactics can create reputational and contractual liabilities.
How will reporting cycles, credentials and strategies pass to the new team?
Map every property, credential, content plan, reporting date and client contact, with transparent disclosure of methods and open commitments.