How to Recognize Search Engine Optimization Professionals

So to help you ferret out the good from the bad and the ugly, here are a few warning signs to watch for when screening SEOs:

• If they make a big deal out of search engine submissions, if submission to "thousands of search engines" is the mainstay of their operation, they are not search engine optimization professionals.
• If they are still talking about the keyword meta tag as if it's important, they are not a professional SEO company.
• If they guarantee you #1 rankings in any or all search engines, they are rookies. True search engine optimization professionals know that nobody can guarantee a certain placement.
• If their own corporate website ranks poorly in Google or has no incoming links, how can they help your site rank more highly?
• If their website does not display testimonials, case studies, or a portfolio of work, they are not an experienced, professional SEO company. Ask for references or continue your search elsewhere.
• Beware any SEO that promises "fast" results. The engines don't recognize new sites or changes to old sites very quickly so only trust search engine optimization professionals who are upfront about a realistic time line.
• Watch out for black hat SEO tactics. If they engage in search engine spam or trickery, they are not a professional SEO company.
• If they have a fascination with Google's PageRank toolbar indicator, they are a "rank" amateur.
• If they focus only on one or two optimization strategies, such as content writing or meta tags, they are missing the big picture. True SEO is a multi-faceted package of actions, none of which works in isolation.
• Quick and easy tip: Look at the SEO company's title tags. If they are the same for every page or they display only the name of the firm, this is not the work of a professional SEO company.

In short, seek out a professional SEO company with a pedigree they can prove and lots of experience in the business... one that offers the full deal: keyword research, HTML code/design optimization, content writing, site map creation, link building, PPC advertising, and regular reporting so you know your campaign is working.

Top it all off with a pay-for-performance model that ensures you only pay for solid, verifiable results and you're looking at a team of true search engine optimization professionals.