When, shopping for a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company/specialist you need to be aware of a few things. Ifsomeone offers you fast results they may be pulling your leg. If youaren't listed on search engines the average time to be index takesaround 4 weeks. Someone offering submissions in less then that isconing you. Websites that are already listed and are just being updatedwill have a faster result.
A guarantee isn't alwaysreinsurance. Just because a site states they can get you in the #1 spotdoesn't mean they can deliver. Or, they may have you listed under anobscure keyword or phrase. Most legitimate SEO's will tell you no onecan guarantee a top spot on all keywords and phrases. Search Engineoptimization is not an exact science. Trail and error along withconstant tweaking will help bring your site closer to your goal.
MostSEO's should give you some information on where your site standscurrently. You links, keywords, where you rank on major search enginesetc.. Or, do one yourself. My article "Google's Helping hand" show youfree tools that can help you evaluate where you are on search engines.Don't go into any SEO work blindly. Know where you stand before andafter.
Price is never an indication of how good a service is. More isn't always better.
Shoparound try to get the most for your money, but be realistic. If itseems too good to be true then it may just be. Be prepared to shell outsome cash. SEO is not cheap. You should think of SEO as advertising. Itshould be contestant as should all of your advertising efforts.
Askquestions! Do not be afraid to ask what will be done to increase yourranking. Most SEO's will have no problem telling you what they will do.They may not want to reveal their whole SEO operation. But, they willgive you some insight to what they will do. Talk to more then one SEOcompany. Compare what each has to say. Do some research on your own.Find out if these companies have been reported to the Better BusinessBureau. If the company or persons have had any articles or reviewswritten about them. Ask around. Try to have some idea of the company orpersons creditability.
A few additional things to keep in mind are:
IsSEO there main business or is it a sideline to other businesses. SEO isa full time job. Especially, keeping up with the constant changes. Dothey have a specialist? Do they outsource? How much do they reallyknow?
What are there view points on link farms and doorway pages?Will they do anything to get you links and traffic? Even though searchengines frown on those practices.
Can they explain to you clearlyhow their plan of action? Are they looking to take small steps withyou? Or, are they trying to sell you the biggest SEO package possible?
Follow this outline when you are searching for someone to optimize your site. In the end it will be worth it.
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