Question : Search Engine Optimization (HOW TO)

Hello,
Can anyone give me the ins and outs of search engine optimization. I am quite familiar with email marketing (have been doing it for about 5 years now). But SEO is something new to me. Basically I have several websites that I have been marketing strictly by email for awhile, and I think that I should move them into the search engine arena.... I dont know the first thing about this so can anyone tell me what to do, and what not to do?

I am offering 500 points for this information. If I get valuable information from multiple parties I will split the points.

Cheers,
Rick

Answer : Search Engine Optimization (HOW TO)

Rick -

>gets good results, and works on a CPA

There isn't an equivalent in SEO but there are lots of companies and so called SEO experts who will claim to guarantee a top 5 (insert any low number) placing in the organic search engine results.  If you see it or hear it then run a mile because it is impossible to give such guarantees.

I would suggest that you start by looking here http://www.seoconsultants.com/ and draw up a list of (say 10 - 15) companies whose web presence and spectrum of services meet with your approval.

Then make a simple initial approach to these companies and reduce to a short list based on the quality of their response (as you see it) and their understanding of your requirements.

Interview the companies on your shortlist and include the following questions in your interrogation:

1. Ask for 5+ references and current clients and do follow them all up.  

2. What type of reporting will they provide?

3. Do they offer Return On Investment (ROI) analysis? (You want a YES here!)

4. Can they assure you that the optimization strategies and methods used will be ethical and hence guarantee no penalties for your website?

5. Do they place a link on their clients sites to their site? (You want a NO here!)

6. Ask to see a sample contract. Check that it says 'what is' and 'what isn't' required on the clients part and details what they say they will do.

7. How many hours will they put into working on your site?

8. Make sure you will not be 'ransomed' if you decide not to use them any more at some stage.

9. Do they outsource any of the work?

10. What results can you expect and over what time scales?

- duz