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Here
is our list of preliminary questions to ask potential SEO/
SEM providers before making a final shortlist.
Q1)
Do they offer a bespoke package?
Answer) Yes.
If
you are serious about getting listed in the search engines
under as many terms as possible, you need a novel approach.
Off the shelf solutions are designed for all types of websites
which means that it is not guaranteed to work for your company
particularly if you are in a competitive arena or have a broad
range of products/services.
Q2)
Is their solution software driven or man made?
Answer) Man-made.
A
hand tuned optimisation campaign ensures that content on a
website is unique and will be recognised by the search engines.
Software driven solutions generate 1000's of pages which in
effect is the same content. This too will be recognised by
the search engines and potentially be rejected from the database.
Q3)
Will they promote your company web site or a micro site?
Answer) Company website.
The
only approach for long term success in the search engines
is to optimise your company's home site. This is because a
micro site approach is merely a bolt-on service and frowned
upon by search engines. Google
defines this on their website.
Q4)
In their proposed solution do they mention a 'behind the scenes'
approach or redirection software?
Answer) Hopefully neither of them.
Hidden
text or cloaking where search engine spiders see different
content to the user is another method disapproved by search
engines.
Q5)
Will they market all of your target keywords?
Answer) Yes.
All
relevant keywords are important to gain optimum exposure for
your company.
Q6)
Can they present a portfolio of clients with a history of
top results in the search engines?
Answer) Yes.
A
good SEO/SEM company will be able to provide a track record
of successes over a long period of time.
Q7)
Are they forthcoming about project weaknesses as well as strengths?
Answer) Yes.
A
dedicated SEO/SEM company will be proactive in finding areas
where improvements can be made. Just meeting a guarantee should
never be enough.
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