Not all SEO companies are the same. So what do you need to watch out for?

Well, first of all, any SEO company who guarantees they can get you top organic placement on the search engines is full of bologna and should be a red flag.

As I’ve mentioned before, search engine optimization is about hard work and focus, not tricks and the magic fairy.  I personally don’t appreciate companies who blow smoke up my skirt, do you?  The bottomline to rankings on the search engines boils down to algorithms, but we’ll get into that another time.

Many SEO companies offer you the moon.  Be careful what you buy into.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

SEO or Pay Per Click?

Pay per click campaigns are great for quick results. Basically, you bid a certain amount per click and based on your bid and ad copy (and other factors), you get listed in the sponsored section on the search engines.  I do caution that you need to really keep an eye on things and check your conversion and click through rates or you can spend a lot of money rather quickly. The point is not how much money you spend, but that it’s producing results. So when looking for a search marketing company, I always appreciate when they come to me with some research done. Then I can compare it to my own research.

When a company starts asking me what the important keywords are, it’s a red flag.  Don’t get me wrong, you need to work together, but if they haven’t at least taken the time to do some of their own research, then to me it’s often a sign of  them either digging for information, or not being hungry enough to get you results. Many times they are looking to just glide along. Also, if they throw around that they can get you listed number 1 for some amazing keyword, that’s great, but ask yourself if this keyword is really significant. Testing and research are the only ways to find out what keywords are right for your website.

Natural rankings are gained through search engine optimization (“SEO”). SEO takes time and results do not happen overnight. I do believe, however,  trying to gain high rankings through natural (organic) listings is your best investment.  A good SEO company will work with you to determine what your needs and goals are and they will research your keywords and your competition.  Watch out for companies who promise you the moon, or who focus on one or two keywords.  Every single page of your website should be optimized and the keywords should be consistent with that page.  You don’t just want a company slapping keywords up there, just to make a buck.

So What’s the Bottom Line?

Don’t be afraid to do your homework.  This is your money and your business we’re talking about.  Ask the tough questions, such as how do you do your keyword research, what has your success been for others, can I have some references, and so on.

Here’s something I always do.  Ask your potential SEO company if they guarantee top placement on the search engines.  If they say yes, move on to the next company.  We all make mistakes when hiring people to helps us, whether it’s landscaping, home building or SEO.  The point, however, is to learn and make sure you don’t make the same mistakes again.

Over the years, I have learned to go with my gut.  Again, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. My goal here is to help you along the way to hopefully avoid some questionable practices.

In closing, you want to choose a search marketing company that not only helps you with your search engine optimization, but will also sit down with you and discuss an overall search marketing strategy.  Pay per click, seo, blogging, social media…each one of these can play an important part in the success of your business. Take it slow. You don’t need to give them an answer immediately.

Be smart. Do your homework and ask questions.

Have a great day.

Link building is an important part of search engine optimization.  Why?

Think of it like this. When the spiders start crawling your site, they say ”what’s in it for me”?  Similar to when you go shopping at a store.  You look for what you like or what compliments you and if you find something, then you look for more.  If you don’t find anything, well, then you leave.

The links to and from your site should be keyword specific and reflect the content of your pages. The more relevant your content is, the more weight the search engines will give it.  The spiders want to be fed.  Feed them!

What is the best way to build links?  The best way to get links to your site is the natural way.  This is done by attracting people through good content.  Writing articles and submitting them across the web, linking from social media sites and simply blogging your pants off are some great ways to build links.

If other websites like your content, they will link to you.  How awesome is that!  It’s like making a friend.  You have something in common and you just connect. BFF.

So what are you waiting for?  Start writing and submitting content on the web.  If you feed them, they will come.

It always amazes me when people are surprised when good old fashioned hard work pays off.

If you sit there and expect the magic fairy to get your business moving, you will be waiting for a long time. Unless, of course, you were born with a horseshoe in your fanny.

Some people may argue that success boils down to being in the right place at the right time. Although there is something to be said for that, I believe success comes from hard work and focus.

At Fuel the Web, we are watching our business grow and along the way, we are helping others achieve their goals through website design and search engine optimization.

Whatever your vision of success is, we can help you get there. Regardless of what your pocket book can afford, we can help you get there. Even if it’s just one babystep at a time.

This is a very important question!  Competitive analysis is another important component of search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM). Understanding what your competition is doing on the web can put all the pieces of the puzzle together and can help you dominate in your niche market.

Why are your competitors ahead of you in the search marketing game?  They simply could have properly researched their keywords, or maybe they are blogging like crazy.  Are they submitting press releases and taking part in social media marketing? These are important questions to ask.

Fuel the Web can take a look at what your competition is doing right and can beat them at their own game. We can also check what they are doing wrong and capitalize on their mistakes.

We all want to get ahead in today’s failing economy.  In order to do so, you just need to focus on what is working and rethink your strategy.  We can help you with that.

Don’t just keep putting money in a strategy that’s not working.  You should try new and different avenues, but if it’s not working, then that strategy isn’t the right one.  Start today by doing a competitive analysis and you will have a better idea of where you should focus your efforts in the future.

If you need assistance, Fuel the Web can help you.

Fuel The Web offers affordable website design and search engine optmization to companies across Western New York.

We understand how important a first impression is to any business. It can be the difference between someone choosing you or your competition.

At Fuel the Web, we will help you obtain high rankings on the web, but that is only one part of the package. If your website is optmized well, but the design and layout is a mess, a potential customer if going to go elsewhere.

That’s where we come in. We can create a powerful website design that delivers significant results.

Truth be told, there are some great website designers out there, but Fuel The Web understands that a professional website is far more than just a good looking website. If you are looking for a company to handle your website design and search engine optmization at an afforadable price, Fuel the Web is your answer.

Contact us today. We will be happy to speak with you.