How do I research the quality of an SEO/SEM organization?

[GermanGoodness]

I've googled keywords that I think would bring them up, but is there a site that ranks these companies, based on customer reviews?

I'm a newbie that just started with a firm and want to make sure I made the right choice. I researched them on Google before I joined but couldn't find much except their own info.

P.S. I'm also new to this industry, can you tell? :)

[growingdigital]

Ask for a list of clients. That is the best way to determine if they are for real. If they take a long time to get that list it may indicate they had to "coach" their clients for a recommendation.

See if they will work out a payment plan so you don't have to pay 100% up front. That way you have some leverage.

[claus]

Welcome to WebmasterWorld GermanGoodness :)

Afaik, there's no such thing as a "SEO whitelist". The best advice i can give you is to read around this forum a lot. It will take time, but as you plough through the knowledge here, you will become able to ask the right questions to them and judge for yourself.

Added: Related thread: [webmasterworld.com...]

[GermanGoodness]

Thank you for the info. It was very helpful.

I expect to learn quite a bit from this site.

Thanks again!

GG