How to Choose an SEO Firm

Step 1:
Avoid search engine optimization companies that send you emails promising quick results or offer to put you at the top of major search engines.

Step 2:
Perform a background check. Get references and find out if other search engine companies would recommend them.

Step 3:
Avoid search engine optimization companies that say they'll submit your page to thousands of search engines or offer pay-per-click advertising for your page. This falls into the realm of search engine marketing and not search engine optimization.

Step 4:
Avoid search engine optimization companies that won't reveal what methods they're using to optimize your site. Some of their practices could be deceptive and may result in your page being banned by the major search engines.

Step 5:
Shun search engine optimization firms that require the installation of extra software, such as one that allows you to type keywords into your web browser.

Step 6:
Find a good search engine optimization company that will perform an analysis of your website and pick up keywords and phrases to improve the site's position in search engines. It may also provide a linking service, but many do not, because it's a slow process and can be unreliable.

Step 7:
Make sure the company you choose will continue to maintain and monitor your website for changes, at least on a monthly basis. Search engine criteria can change fairly often. And, if you constantly update your site, there will be more pages to be optimized.