Things to consider when looking for an SEO agency

Not sure if this is "dumb" or specific about SEO, but instead SEOs, but here goes... What are the group`s opinions on the use of "Search for SEO city name as proof!" as a self-marketing technique? I just saw a local-based SEO company use this in a blog post about "things to consider when looking for an SEO agency" and besides the obvious self-serving nature of including something like that in an article that is supposed to be non-biased, I just think it shows a real lack of understanding of modern SEO or the reasons why you bother at all (it`s not for ranking well). Thoughts?