Choosing an Austin SEO Company

This search engine optimization tip is brought to you by the Austin SEO Guy -- search engine wisdom for Austin, Texas companies.

Many Austin, Texas companies feel helpless when choosing a search engine optimization company. There's so much uncertainty around this industry, and there are a lot of unethical SEO companies out there.

But while these things make it difficult to find a good SEO company, they are also reasons why you need to take the screening process seriously.

When you choose the wrong SEO consultant, lackluster performance is the least of your worries. Getting banned from Google is the real concern. And believe me, it happens all the time. Do a Google search for the phrase "banned from Google" and see what I mean.

Here are some pre-screening questions you should ask:

1. How do you go about choosing the right phrases?

If they hesitate to answer, of if they say their clients usually handle that process, tell them goodbye. A good SEO will get to know your company, your product or service, and your audience. Then they will help you find the right phrases to focus your SEO efforts on.

2. What kind of "black hat" techniques do you use?

If they run down a list, tell them goodbye. Black hat SEO techniques (like doorway pages, domain masking, hidden text, etc.) can get you banned from Google. That can take months to recover from. Worth the risk? Hardly.

3. What techniques do you use in general?

If an SEO tries to keep secrets, there's probably a reason. The Austin SEO Guy, for instance, is proud to talk about his SEO techniques, because they are effective, safe and holistic!

4. Can you give me some references who've been using you for a while?

This question is key. If you can find a reference who has been using the Austin SEO company for a while, and that person is happy with them, you've just removed a big cloud of mystery. Best case scenario is that they give you several long-term clients who offer rave reviews!

Until next time...

-The Austin SEO Guy