Best way to measuring search ranking

[Silver007A]

Hi All,

I have been using an SEO company that are causing me problems. They have now stated that one of my search terms has reached the first page (top 10) position in google and they have met their contract.

However, when I search that keyword it is in the second page and in Google Webmaster in shows as an average of 14th position.

What is the industry standard for measuring this? I only have their word that it was fleetingly appearing in the first pages of Google. They say they judge their work on how it appears in a Google UK worldwide search.

Thanks

:-)

[aristotle]

I only have their word that it was fleetingly appearing in the first pages of Google.

You should be able to use Google Webmaster Tools to check their claim. It provides rankings for various countries over various time periods up to one month. Options will show not only the average ranking, but also how often it appeared on page 1.