ClauseRadar

Guides › Agency & sub-contracts

Should an agency guarantee SEO or ad results?

Contract guarantees rankings, leads or ROAS or refunds you? Replace guarantees with effort-based KPIs, reporting and a bonus structure.

The risky clause

Subcontractor guarantees first-page rankings and a 5x return on ad spend within 90 days, failing which all fees are refunded.

Why it is dangerous

Search engines, ad platforms and markets are outside your control. Guarantees tie your fee to results you cannot ensure. Offer deliverables, effort-based KPIs and a bonus for hitting targets. This is general information, not legal advice.

Safer clause to propose

Subcontractor will deliver the agreed activities and monthly reports. Targets are goals, not guarantees. A performance bonus of [AMOUNT] applies if [KPI] is achieved.

Message to send

Hi [Agency],

Could we replace the result guarantee with agreed activities, monthly reporting and a performance bonus for hitting targets? Thanks, [Your Name]

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone guarantee rankings?

No one controls search engine rankings. Offer activities and goals instead.

What are effort-based KPIs?

Measures of work delivered, such as pages published or campaigns launched.

Related guides

• Am I liable for IP infringement in client-supplied assets?
• What law and currency should an offshore subcontractor accept?
• Can an agency make me hide that I am a subcontractor?
• Can an agency transfer my contract to another company?
• What audit rights can an agency demand from me?

Have a contract or offer letter like this? Scan your full document free in 30s

HomeScannerScope GuardPayment ChaserSample reportPricingEarn 30%GuidesRisk calculatorClause libraryPrivacyTerms

Not legal advice. ClauseRadar is an automated AI review tool, not a law firm. © 2026 ClauseRadar.