Search Engine Optimization Consultants

Don’t trust the future of your web site and your online business to just anyone. Make certain that you choose ethical Search Engine Optimizers who are willing and able to protect and enhance your online investment.

Criteria for Choosing an SEO Consultant

Experience

As in most professions, experience counts. However, the internet is a fairly new marketing space and it is unrealistic to demand decades of experience from an SEO.

Look for someone who has specialized in this facet of Search Engine Marketing for at least 2-5 years. Ask how many web sites they have been responsible for optimizing and ask them to show you where some of their clients rank in Google.

Certification

There is no universally accepted certification for SEO’s. However, any one who has taken the time and effort to become certified by a reputable organization demonstrates a commitment to the profession and to proving and improving their knowledge and skills.

Education

There may be a few colleges teaching SEO, but don’t expect to find someone with a degree in Search Engine Optimization or online marketing. While a business or traditional marketing degree is useful for Search Engine Marketing, it provides little benefit in understanding how Search Engines work.

Most SEOs learn by doing under the guidance of more experienced consultants, but some of the very best are self-taught. They have a passion for the craft and a natural talent for understanding how all the intricacies of the algorithms mesh together.

Search Engine Optimization changes at the speed of the web, so the SEO you choose should be committed to attending industry conferences and continually reading, studying, analyzing and testing new ideas and techniques.

Industry Recognition

Top SEO’s are recognized and accepted by others in the profession as thought leaders. They write articles, blog and are invited to teach and speak at workshops and conferences. They have also developed a network of colleagues they can confer with on SEO issues, which can be very valuable to their clients.