How to Find a SEO Provider
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of creating Web content that ranks as high as possible for a particular keyword or set of keywords. Since most visitors to a Web site arrive by searching for content on Google, Yahoo or MSN, hiring a SEO provider is often the most practical way to ensure the success of an online business. However, because this industry is not formally regulated, business owners must choose their SEO providers very carefully in order to ensure the best possible return on their investment.
Instructions
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Ask about the provider's training and certifications. There are many people calling themselves SEO providers who have no formal training in the field. Ideally, you want to hire someone who can demonstrate a commitment to staying on top of the industry by being named a SEO Certified Professional or a Google Advertising Professional.
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Ask about the provider's approach to linking. Link building programs help build a site's PageRank in Google, which is crucial to the success of Search Engine Optimization over the long term. A good SEO provider will offer competitive link research, analysis, and a customized strategy for promoting your content.
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Look for someone who understands the importance of teamwork. Search Engine Optimization often requires the assistance of a copywriter, analyst, Web designer, marketing professional, or advertising expert. Since it's unlikely one person is equally skilled in all these areas, you want to hire someone who has the connections to recommend other professionals when needed.
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Check references. Search Engine Optimization can seem mysterious to people who aren't employed in high tech fields, but a legitimate SEO provider should be happy to give you a list of projects he has worked on and examples of traffic increases, improved PageRank, or sales generated.
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Tips & Warnings
If a SEO provider claims to guarantee a page-one ranking, this is a definite indication the service is not legitimate. Major search engine formulas can change with a moment's notice, so it's simply not possible to guarantee you'll be ranked number one for a particular keyword.
Don't make your decision for hiring a SEO consultant based on price alone. The services of a top-notch consultant are an investment in the success of your business. If you hire someone who is charging significantly less than his competitors, it may be due to his lack of experience in the field.