jdMorgan - 10:14 pm on Jul 3, 2004 (gmt 0)

> Ask to see other sites they have done.

Absolutely, and take these sites apart line-by-line to see what techniques have been used. Compare these to the guidelines that Google publishes in their Webmaster Help section.

Even if an SEO firm uses "aggressive tactics," one of the first questions they should ask you is the same that a good stockbroker will ask: What is your risk tolerance? Like investing, SEO techniques range along a curve from low-risk, with a probability of long-term growth, to high-risk, with a possibility of great profit or a total loss.

A major red flag would be if you are never asked this question, and if a range of options are not presented.

Jim