How to Search for a Search Partner

Even if you know exactly what you want, choosing a vendor can be challenging. The decision becomes more complicated when you don’t entirely understand the product or service. Take search engine optimization (SEO). Most small businesses accept SEO is an important element of their online strategy, but few know how it works or the results they can reasonably expect.

Todd Malicoat—a business search marketing consultant with Stuntdubl.com—says you should look for an SEO provider who has an extensive knowledge of the Internet and is well-versed in business, marketing and technology. To determine if your SEO candidates fit the bill, ask these questions:

What can they do for you? What techniques do they use to achieve rankings? What are the risks associated with their methods? How much increased traffic can you expect? How long will it take to achieve results? Do they offer supplemental Internet marketing services?

What have they done for others? Look at their past work, and ask about the ROI they’ve delivered for clients. What are some of their top search ranking achievements?

The Po!nt: Consider ROI more than price. “The biggest companies aren’t always best for the buck,” writes Malicoat, “but there is much less risk associated with your investment."

For more questions to help you screen SEO providers, read this posting at Todd Malicoat’s blog.

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