The discipline of search engine optimization has become such a precise and nuanced technique that many small and medium-sized businesses simply do not have the time or the manpower to keep it in house. In such a case, the question becomes what third party search engine optimization firm will be used in order to maintain and build a reputable web presence for the business. However, there are many pitfalls when navigating the stormy waters of partnering with an outside firm for search engine optimization.

There are many nuances within the discipline of search engine optimization that a company can use to better its results. There is definitely no company that can guarantee you a number one ranking on Google without reservations. Below are some of the ways in which these companies try to misrepresent their results, and more importantly, why you should stay away from companies that say that they can guarantee you a number one ranking on Google.

– Number one for what keyword?

It is easy to get a number one ranking on Google for a keyword that nobody searches for. It may also be much easier to get a top ranking in search engine results for a keyword that has little to do with your business. You must make sure that the search engine optimization business that you are partnering with does not promise you a number one ranking that is not useful.

The best search engine optimization companies will help you determine more precise keywords on which to compete if your budget does not allow you to compete for the keywords that you are currently trying. Also, a good search engine company will be able to match very precisely your keywords with the main theme of your website and tell you if the keywords that you are trying for are not the optimal keywords.

– Number one at what cost?

It is also quite easy to outspend the competition for search engine rankings if you have the money. However, this can quickly turn into a less than cost effective way of advertising a business, as all of your profits will be quickly eaten up by the costs of your search engine optimization.

The best search engine optimization companies will be able to provide you with a cost effective way to get you as high as you can go. There is a point at which reaching the next highest ranking is a diminishing return, and the right search engine optimization company will be able to help you recognize that point of diminishing returns through detailed quantitative analysis.

– Search engine optimization as one piece of a whole

Search engine optimization alone is an antiquated way to attract customers to your business. The best search engine optimization companies all include a little bit of social media marketing and link building as well. These disciplines together with other subtle disciplines of web traffic can provide you much better results than search engine optimization alone. You should look for the search engine optimization company that has the updated philosophy on what SEO really means for the Internet of today.

– They might just be lying

You can never look past the possibility that the search engine optimization company that you are considering is simply a scam. There are no barriers to entry to this industry, and no regulatory bodies that provide any sort of standard. You have to rely on how the company presents itself and the reviews of the company that you find online.

One of the best ways to determine if the company that you are dealing with is good is to check how it does on its own search engine optimization!

Jeff is an internet marketing consultant, a blogger and he often writes about home SEO topics. He likes to share his knowledge and experience with others, and helps them improve their online presence. At the moment, he is writing for a real estate agency in NY that makes Queens homes.