Level2wo

Search Engine Optimizers

SEO is everywhere, but as it’s still a growing industry (yes, it’s still growing–plenty of people outside of the tech industry have no idea what SEO or Search Engine Optimization is), I wanted to touch on SEO and the Search Engine Optimizers who are behind the search engine optimization work being done. Search engine optimizers perform a great many tasks for website owners, all geared around improving a website’s ranking in natural search results pages, or SERPs. I’m going to use Google as the example throughout this article, simply because it’s the largest and best known Search Engine. Some of the typical tactical elements employed by SEOs include:

• Researching keywords and suggesting keywords you could/should rank for in the SERPs
• Writing the search engine-friendly copy
• Improving your site architecture
• Getting you listed into the major (and perhaps niche) directories
• Adding tags to source code

When thinking about employing an SEO company to improve your website’s natural search engine rankings, there’s a few questions you should ask yourself before writing that check.

1. Do your homework. If you’re receiving an email from an SEO company offering their services, there’ s probably something odd about it–because SEOs, if they’re doing their work, should already be getting plenty of business through their own website. Why would they need to send you an email if everyone is already finding them?

2. Understand the fact that there is not guarantee for getting a #1 ranking on Google SERPs. There is no such thing as a ‘priority submit,’ and no way to get a high ranking except by doing the work. Anyone that guarantees a quick jump is probably doing Black Hat SEO, and you don’t want any part of that.

3. Know what you’re signing up for. Ask the SEO company you’re considering hiring a few questions, including what, exactly, they’re going to be doing. You don’t want to have Google remove your website from its index because of Black Hat techniques. SEO is a long-term thing, not a short-term shot to the top.

4. Don’t link to SEOs. And don’t link to anyone and everyone–because it’s not going to help with your SEO strategy, and could actually hurt your rankings. Linking is fine, but links should be relevant to your content, and ideally be of a higher rank than your site. Check out Alexa.

5. Get references. Don’t be afraid to ask your SEO for references, or contact the companies that are listed on the SEO’s site. You want to make sure you’re going to be working with the right company, especially when you’re throwing down your hard-earned money AND risking the credibility of your site. A little work up front will save you a big headache later on.

Some SEO Warning Signs

If you’re already working with an SEO, you still may want to do your due diligence to make sure that you’re not working with a Black Hat SEO company or freelancer. Some things that may tip you off to the fact that you’re dealing with a less than kosher SEO:

• The SEO company is not listed in Google
• They use doorway pages, and have links to other clients
• They guarantee that your website will be ranked highly based on their work, or ranked for long, drawn out phrases
• They own shadow domains

Some great blogs to check out
Below are some great blogs on SEO that you may want to read through if you’re deciding you need some SEO work done. Always do your homework, and never be afraid to ask questions. Happy SEO’ing!

1. http://www.seomoz.org/blog
2. http://www.beanstalk-inc.com/blog/
3. http://blog.seoptimise.com/
4. http://www.phoenixrealm.com/
5. http://www.seobook.com/

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