Finding Top SEO Companies

Where do I start the search?

[crazed canuck]

I have been given the task of researching and compiling a list of reputable SEO companies for the company that I work for. I have searched the web using phrases such as 'search engine optimization' or 'search engine positioning' but I am not sure if this is the best way to tackle this.

Are there any SEO Industry Awards or industry publications that rate different SEO companies? Also, is there a standard way of comparing different companies service offerings so that I am comparing 'apples with apples, and oranges with oranges?'

Any point in the right direction would be much appreciated. :)

[CromeYellow]

My tip is take a look around here until you spot a few peoples' posts you like the look of, check our their profiles to see if they do SEO and then sticky them. That way you get to see what they're like first. If they've been here for any length of time they're probably also pretty handy.

Cy

[ashear]

Use caution in choosing an SEO, make sure they do not use hidden tactics to promote web sites. Almost all of the SEO's on the market are learning how to promote web sites on their own, with little to no affiliation with the search engines. It is possible to find people who usto work for the search engines that can really help you.

[yasunglass]

True, but not all SEO's do it on their own. There are companies who are certified in SEO,SEM. from respected schools. Like us! I had to say it

[glengara]

SEOconsultants.com tries to sort the wheat from the chaff, and WAIM.org is another SEO professional grouping.

[crazed canuck]

Great! Thanks for the posts and stickys to get me pointing in the right direction.

cheers.

[bigjohnt]

Some of the best fly "under the radar" and need no certification.
Sorry, had to say it. Many folks here are excellent SEO's. I've learned from many of them.

I'd go with searching these posts for great information, and approach via stickymail.

[IanTurner]

I have not yet seen and SEO school or course that offers any kind of value for money.

Most of them are scams taking money off gullible mugs who don't realise they would find out much more by reading here for a month than they ever will from a course.

In this industry the playing field can move so quick that what you learnt at the start of a 6 week course could be out of date at the end.

[JayC]

I have not yet seen and SEO school or course that offers any kind of value for money.

Yep. The problem is -- who "certifies" the certifiers?

Anyone can create a "school" for SEO, or web design, or anything similar and say that the people who they teach are "certified." But there's no authority behind it, beyond in some cases the good reputation of the organization. In other cases, though, not even that.

[anallawalla]

I agree with the "who certifies the certifiers" comment. I have been on the Net since the mid 1980s and on the Web since 1994, winning one major award in 1996.

I also agree that spending a month here will teach any competent web marketer what it takes to do SEO in today's changing SE climate. An SEO success story that is two years old says nothing about the practitioner's prowess today.

As is well illustrated in Brett's definitive article on the subject, true SEO is not a one-off visit by a consultant, and that is the hardest concept to sell to a client. I tend to quote an annual price, a workshop where I teach the staff how to stay at the top, and a one-off visit where I do my stuff. The businesses that need it most are the small ones who don't want to spend much. :(

[tbear]

>who "certifies" the certifiers?
I guess those here at WebmasterWorld perhaps could, but then.....
I guess, you need to know it to be able to make any kind of judgement.....

[Edouard_H]

It's such a fluid process that a certificate of training would be worthless in a month's time anyway. Staying current - via, say, WebmasterWorld - is vital.

[Mike_Mackin]

Mr. NOSA has given us the title of MOST reputable SEO.
My family & I thank him from the bottom of our hearts for the recognition we so deserve.
We wish to thank all the LITTLE PEOPLE who help us get to the TOP and hope that they will understand when we don't return their calls.

PS: don't bother to contact us. We are not taking on new clients at this time. They are such a pain.

;)

[A_Web_Guy]

Regarding SEO firms, I would have to say that there are three big issues to consider as follows:

- Do they provide references freely?
- Do they have proven results?
- Will they put their money where their mouth is (e.g. option of commission-based earnings for increased business)?

One more suggestion is that you review their profile if they post here.

Mark

[Clovis]

crazed canuck,

i work for an SEO, if you would like some bachground info on our company sticky me and i will pass it along.

we are publicly traded, employ more than 40 individuals, 8 year old company, speak regularly at the search engine strategies conferences, and happily provide free testimonials for you to contact.

as for general information on what to look for in an SEO, there are some good articles at [sitepronews.com...]

happy hunting.

[fathom]

There are companies who are certified in SEO,SEM. from respected schools.

1. Sorry this does not exist. There are companies that offers "the basics", however, a couple of hundred dollars course and "how to" use some tools is not "industry certified" but only "promoting company certified". (particularly when there is currently is no industry standard).

A simple fact - SEO is about ongoing knowledge and skills developments that initial certification only gives you a right to learn... more

2. A_Web_Guy has some good tips - ask for referrals and then contact them.

3. Don't rely on self promotion only - all companies (not just this industry) promote their best, and never show the negative results or lackluster results.

4. Never rely on a single SEO - A reputable company's services will stand against scrutiny - an amateur will not.

5. Request a sample contract of "precisely" what the consultant/firm will do and what they don't do. If the language is SEO lingo based and not comprehensible to someone without a background in SEOing --walking away. If no contract available -- walk away.

6. And the biggest consideration - "your business has value"... remember that! SEO services do not produce "magical instantaneous results" that generate magical quality visitation and your end goal (most of the time) more sales.

As such you should ask yourself one question?

Is the consultant/firm looking for a business relationship with you or a once only get my fee in advance relationship, and on to the next client?

My pet peeve - never let an SEO place their link on your site in advance producing satisfactory results - this is a warning sign! This should be reserved for relationships that do produce quality services and only at your discretion (it is YOUR site... not theirs.

In addition - equal linkage -- if the SEO requires a link on your home request the same link on their homepage, if on all pages you should get the same thing or a equal value in return - e.g. referral fees (promotion is promotion).

That link (and in many cases on every page of your site) is referral business (many times over) and your leverage in the business relationship.

Also -- if you do get scammed - add the link yourself and then link it to an article about your own experience.

Above all - it's your business and your site - you are responsible. If it doesn't make sense - question the validity from others.

[edited by: fathom at 2:11 am (utc) on April 8, 2003]

[Clovis]

all good points fathom, finally a positive post for the SEO industry.

i was beginning to feel like an ambulance chaser