How to Hire an SEO Firm

A search engine optimization firm, or SEO firm, is a company that works to boost their clients' websites on the search engines to get higher ranking and more visitors on particular key words. Once you know you want an SEO firm to work with you, you will then want to take the next step and select the appropriate one for your website, and then go through the process of hiring the firm

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use your Internet access to visit different search engines and look for SEO firms that appeal to you and what you need. As you use a search engine to look for SEO companies to work with, find companies will relate exactly how they will improve your website, and don't make promises or guarantees. No one can guarantee ranking. Write down 5 or more companies to contact.

2. Research each one using the website and the information available. Many might suggest how they help your website boost in ranking. Write down which ones closely match your own idea of what you want for your website. You will want a company that focuses on content, improvement of your website, and on direct links from key websites, and not mostly from directories and link exchanges. If you find additional practices are used, especially anything related to 1000's of submissions to search engines, instant traffic, or pay per click results, scratch these companies from your list.

3. Arrange to email each one with what questions you might have about search engine optimization companies and what they can do for you. Ask each one for references. Explain who you are and what you are looking for, and also include your website information to be quoted a price.

4. You might go through several rounds of emails, but ask as many questions as you need from each on until you are comfortable and understand your different options. Ask questions like if they follow major search engine guidelines, what their experience in the industry is, and what they might suggest for your site. Remember, these are services and you will have a right to know what they will be doing to your site if you hire them, so should be able to say openly.

5. Select the SEO firm you are most comfortable with, but keep the additional SEO company information on hand, in case you choose to try another one later on. It is OK to switch around until you find one that is to your liking and can work with you. Hire a SEO firm on a month-by-month basis, and don't commit to any long-term contract.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use price as a guide. Go ahead and set a budget before you talk to SEO companies, and don't be afraid of the higher end of your budget if it means better quality results.
• Use your email or call for answers to questions you have. A company that is willing to help and answer questions in a timely fashion is a good one.
• Ask exactly where the money goes, and how it is broken down month by month for services to get a better understanding of what you are paying for.
• Go with your instincts. If a company sounds like they keep up to date on SEO practices, and are willing to take time out to explain to you these things, it is probably a good company to work with.
• A good SEO company knows they can not guarantee ranking, and will probably not have an automatic purchase option. Skip any company that offers guarantees or doesn't get to know your website and your needs before quoting a price.
• Check out a SEO firm's practices before you email. Read reviews online, and watch out if it sounds like they use bad or out dated search engine optimization practices.
• Avoid SEO companies that use any of the following tactics: owns shadow domains, use doorway pages, confuse pay per click marketing with organic search engine ranking, generates fake traffic or anyone you can't contact by phone or email regularly.