Know-How Exchange : SEO/SEM

One trick I use is I do a search of all my keywords on google and note what companys are optimized for page rank 1-3 for the most terms and then go on their site and find out who did their SEO work. Its the best reference I can think of.

There's a great webinar here on the MarketingProfs site called Search Engine Optimizing Your Website, Soup to Nuts

I'd highly recommend it - it gives a great overview and some detailed information about everything from the HTML issues to the content. And it also provides references to tools you can use for optimization. I found it incredibly informative.

There really isn't a single resource that will make you competent at SEO and some resources are more voluminous than others. The question is how knowledgeable do you wish to be?

In regards to vendor selection, I'm generalizing but if they rely heavily on outbound marketing they may not be the best choice. A referral or a known individual or firm is always a good choice. All of my clients come inbound from referrals and the web.

Most SEOs can claim success so the key will be to find an ethical practitioner. Trust is a key factor in the decision making process. Are you able to communicate with them? How transparent are they about their process? If the firm can't clearly explain their tactics they are to be avoided. Do they understand your objectives and your business?

A good SEO will help you to become a better online marketer.

Hobo have just published a free guide to SEO Basics for beginners which has links to some of the most popular seo blogs and hubs.

https://www.hobo-web.co.uk/seo/

Carillegr,

Buy a copy of "Call to Action" by Bryan and Jeffrey Eisenberg.
Read itfrom cover to cover. Then read it again. Take notes both times. Apply what you learn.

Hope this helps.

Gary Bloomer,
Wilmington, DE, USA