Pro SEO? 20 Questions To Ask First

Vasili · #1 08-15-2008, 01:35 AM

Thinking about hiring a professional for optimization services?

Looking to propel your website positioning with a defined program?

Having a hard time sifting the professionals from the pretenders?

Think you have found someone that is capable of performing as you expect?

Remember to ask any potential provider of optimization or search strategies the following 20 questions, and, based on their ability to answer to your satisfaction, you will find the choices clearer:
1. Is your paid search solution full-service? If yes (as should be), define full-service.
2. What technology supports your full-service solution? How often is it updated?
3. Does your technology have direct API integration with the top engines?
4. Do you use API data or referral data for reporting purposes?
5. Is the technical support team separate from my account team? Is support 24/7?
6. Who will manage my account on a daily basis?
7. Is the account manager responsible for bid, keyword, copy, page content, article and landing page management, or do separate teams manage these efforts?
8. What is your methodology for search campaigns, including bid management strategy?
9. What resources does my account manager have? Will I be able to approve site values?
10. Do the account managers have vertical expertise? Which verticals?
11. What is the typical launch time?
12. How do you optimize my campaign once launched? How often?
13. What metrics do you use to define success? If different than current SE standards, why and how are base metrics established?
14. What is the typical account manager’s background? How many other clients do simultaneously they serve?
15. Is your search team certified by the top engines?
16. What is your relationship with the top search engines?
17. How has your company shown leadership in the search marketing space? Any industry awards?
18. Will I have the opportunity to contact other clients, for networking or referrals?
19. How will you align my search campaigns with other online marketing efforts?
20. What other digital marketing solutions do you offer?

SOURCE: DoubleClick Performics, Internet Retailer Magazine, eContent Magazine

These are simple questions that any real SEO professional is happy to answer in detail (more than likely, they will be excited to be working with a client that actually understands the science!), and that will confound and embarrass those who have only postured themselves as having expertise in optimization.

Pay close attention to the answers to questions 2, 3, 15, and 16: these answers are crucial to the success of your campaign, as this proves the degree of professional interaction with the search engines, unlike those who think simple tweaking of Titles, Keywords, and webpage structure is what it takes to “get you on the first page.”

IMPORTANT Steer clear from anyone making promises of results, or guaranteeing positioning! Not only is it ridiculous to suggest with certainty such results based on the fluid nature of the WWW itself, it is completely unethical and a sure sign that this “provider” is neither professional nor capable of any optimization whatsoever!
Optimization and Search strategies are an investment in the dynamic world of client-generated trends and information supply, and every capitalized effort must be precisely planned to generate minimally predictable results. They are never guaranteed, nor are they convertible (yesterday’s results do not assure tomorrow’s).

Food for thought as you refine your online presence!

.... and on we go!

Vasili · #2 08-15-2008, 01:56 AM

Postscript

If by comparision you would like to see what a real professional SEO firm looks like and how they go about business, I recommend www.NationalPositions.com
Bernard May (the President & CEO) left Yahoo to be in business for himself, and he passes his expertise on to his clients more affordably than any other firm I have investigatged. I was so impressed with National Positions that I flew down to LA to meet with Bernard himself, and found opportunity for us to collaborate well into the future. SO, without a doubt, I would not hesitate referring him to my VodaPeers as a SEO pro that delivers.

For software, and Search technologies you can implement on your website, I have partnered with Mercado.
This solution, however, is far above the budget of most all VodaHost clients (minimum $15,000/yr.), but they too, deliver the goods without question and are offered to my clients as significant discounts based on our Partnership.

When it comes to simple services for things like tracking Keywords, monitoring copyrighted text, and developing webpage titles that really mean something, keep a look out for the arrival of my Choice Word Tracker --- you will be amazed at what you can do yourself!

.

davidundalicia · #3 08-15-2008, 02:30 AM

For all those that can't afford, or do not wish to pay, a minimum of $15,000 /yr.

Some simple research and correct usage of :

Keywords
Title
Page description
Content

can often get you in the top 10 on the 1st page of google............

I am no expert, but I have not yet built a website which has Not reached
the top 10 within a 2 to 4 week period.

Keeping it there, will take more work and effort though.............

If you can afford Experts, then pay them.......If you can't then be prepared to learn.

Vasili · #4 08-15-2008, 06:01 AM

A professionally engineered comprehensive optimization program should cost between $200-375 a month, depending on what exactly is being done (METADATA, content writing, PPC, articles, link strategies/management, site updating, deep-coding & cleanup, etc.). Obviously, (as David point out), much can be done yourself, but the thread was intended to be an aid in selecting professionals and paid services.

In any event, you get what you pay for --- or deserve to get what you expect!

Mercado specializes in site search technologies integrated intuitive navigation based on merchandising technologies (a software application to combine site search/optimization with the mechanics of navigation with added cataloging). That kind of technology is very intensive, requiring a completely different foundation, and that is why it is not cheap (about $15K/yr)! You can see that by the deep-pocket clients they list .... like Sears, OfficeMax, etc.
Just to be sure there is no confusion about what $15,000 you are talking about!

Marincky · #5 08-15-2008, 12:10 PM

Spam!!!!

Karen Mac · #6 08-15-2008, 07:30 PM

Since WHEN do we get to make posts on this forum for the express purpose of marketing ourselves???????

If thats the case.. then I suggest all of us that DO SEO and BUILD SITES start right in. I agree this is outright SPAM!!!

Karen

davidundalicia · #7 08-15-2008, 07:43 PM

I agree 100%, only you both put it much better than I ever could..........

Marincky · #8 08-15-2008, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karen Mac

Since WHEN do we get to make posts on this forum for the express purpose of marketing ourselves???????

If thats the case.. then I suggest all of us that DO SEO and BUILD SITES start right in. I agree this is outright SPAM!!!

Karen

ahh but don't forget karen, the company above is a 'Proper' SEO company... not like us plebs who think we know what we are doing but apparently we don't....

did someone mention exceeedingly over-long page titles?....

Marincky · #9 08-15-2008, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidundalicia

I agree 100%, only you both put it much better than I ever could..........

trouble is David that 'the majority rule' doesn't count in here...

now.. 'turn a blind eye' ... now that one's allowed!!

davidundalicia · #10 08-15-2008, 07:53 PM

We are the majority, each and everyone of us are equal.
(well moderators have a little more power and rightly so).........

This thread will probable be deleted soon anyway.

Marincky · #11 08-15-2008, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidundalicia

We are the majority, each and everyone of us are equal.
(well moderators have a little more power and rightly so).........

This thread will probable be deleted soon anyway.

I couldn't agree more David, unfortunately a certain person believes he is far far far above the rest of us...

IMO

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