Papers & Articles

01/02/2007  |  How To Identify A Good Search Agency

Most Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Agencies give a professional service for webmasters and owners, from copywriting to advising on site planning and link building.

There are a few agencies and individuals, however, who make unsustainable claims and give the industry a bad name.

How can you tell who will deliver?

Extravagant Claims

No reputable agency will:

• Guarantee any position in any given Search Engine Ranking.
• Make unsolicited calls.
• Send SPAM Emails.
• Be secretive about the methods they use to promote your site.
• Encourage you to link your site to theirs.
• Suggest you link your site to “link farms”
• Claim to have a relationship with any Search Engine.

What Makes A Good Search Agency?

A good SEO Agency will:

• Be open and honest about their methods.
• Explain how the Search Engines work
• Be knowledgeable about the latest developments in SEO.
• Provide you with testimonials from satisfied clients.
• Properly research target keywords and phrases.
• Provide you with clear reports of how your site is performing.

The Consequences Of A Wrong Choice

If you employ an agency who uses unethical or illegal methods to promote your website, you may find that your site has been banned by the Search Engines. You may also be subject to any criminal charges relating to the misuse of your site.

How Do I Find A Reputable Agency

Most SEO agencies are ethical and operate within the law. A good indication would be to browse some SEO online forums where you will come across discussions between various agencies and individuals in the SEO industry.

Ask questions and you can judge by how you are answered. If an agent is uneasy about answering questions regarding their methods; that should set off alarm bells.

Using the above paragraphs should help you in your quest.