Hiring SEO help

komrade · 22-08-05

I'm thinking of hiring an SEO 'expert' to do SEO work on my site. Saying that I don't really know what I mean

Currently my site does fine with all word of mouth traffic and a few spotty results from search engines. I would like to get a lot more search engine traffic and this is what I'd like to hire someone to work on. All entirely legit and "white hat".

I have a rough idea of how SEO works but I don't have the time to invest in learning more about it or chasing down mysterious links etc. My site is built with a CMS so changing the hard coding of the site really isn't an option. In this case what would I be hiring an SEO firm to do?

As you can see my thoughts are somewhat random on the issue

I want more search engine traffic and better placing but I'm not actually sure if an 'expert' could help me. What should I be looking for? Is it possible to hire out for this within a reasonable budget (based on what it would return me 'reasonable')?

And finally does anyone have any recommendations (which aren't themselves)?

Thanks

Another Media · 22-08-05

I'm assuming your CMS allows you to optimise Meta, title, keyword tags etc. An SEO will be able to utilise these properly in conjunction with proper inbound link building using appropriate keyword anchor text etc.

I know your post specifies recommendations (which aren't themselves) however, I am looking at taking on some more projects like this one so if you're interested please send me a PM.

Shane · 22-08-05

"My site is built with a CMS so changing the hard coding of the site really isn't an option."

Having recently had a CMS system built from the ground in house, I'd argue that changing the hard coding of the site is a perfect oppotuinity to let a cms shine.

A programmer should be able to change the code to allow you to do whatever you want the cms to search engine optimisation wise.

KirstyM · 23-08-05

Hi Komrade,

I do freelance SEO, but I'm not looking for new clients at the minute so this message is not self promotion!

One of the pitfalls of not having much SEO knowledge is knowing who does. A good SEO firm will be able to give you comprehensive technical advice on any areas of your sites causing problems for search engines and recommendations about how to improve things within the scope of your sites limitations.

They will also advise on appropriate content, site structure and copy as well as making simple alterations to titles, meta tags, and other on-page elements dependant upon techniques they're using. They may also create additional content for your site to target relevant traffic streams (but never doorway pages if they're any use at all!). Obviously they will manage links for you, but it would be wise to ask some probing questions about how they manage the process.

Here's a link to an article that tells you what you should look for in a quote from a reputable SEO. Targeted at mid to large size companies, but still very relevant.

http://www.seochat.com/c/a/Website-P...-SEO-Proposal/

Hope this helps. Drop me a PM if you ever need anything.

Cheers!

Brendon · 23-08-05

>> My site is built with a CMS so changing the hard coding of the site really isn't an option. In this case what would I be hiring an SEO firm to do?

Telling you to dump the CMS

Seriously though, if you can't change <titles> etc, you are going to have a hard time with SEO, no matter who you pick. Google rankings can be achieved on links alone, but Y / MSN traffic needs on-page backup.

A real expert will be able to help, no matter how dreadful your site currently is. If nothing else, they'll build some new sites, and redirect the traffic to you. I know a few people if you're interested, but for anyone who is good, you'll pay. Some people will accept a revenue share arrangement, maybe that would be appropriate for you, much lower risk

komrade · 19-09-05

Thanks everyone for your posts and sorry I've gotten back to those so late. I suppose I am a little hesitant about going this route because I'm not sure how much I will gain. I am willing to pay if the results are follow.

The site I am thinking of getting work on already has a strong amount of visitors from word of mouth and some search engine traffic but I would like to amp it up if possible. There is enough revenue coming in to support a reasonable SEO programs if it was effective.

So back to my original question, can anyone recommend a trustworthy and professional recommendation?

Thanks

Brendon · 20-09-05

As I said, I know several people. It depends what kind of work you want doing, and what kind of pay you are offering. Some of them won't even look at less than £10k / month - but the work will be fantastic. At the lower end of the scale, there are much cheaper people available, but it may take longer to see results.

Then again, it depends what industry you are in as well. For a competitive one, you NEED a top-class SEO, for a less competitive one, you don't need such fierce skillz

gcmorris · 23-09-05

Hello there,

Please let me know the URL of your site. I will take a look at it and give you a health check. As said above, the budget for SEO does need to be linked to how competitive the market is in which you operate. Alternatively, you can invest in PPC for a dependable but more expensive return.

komrade · 02-10-05

I have sent you both a PM.

fieldandtrek · 01-12-05

Hi Murray,

I knew a few very good SEO'ers. PM me if you are still looking.

justhomdotcom · 02-12-05

Thing to remember somtimes as well is even a SEO expert can't help on some occasions.
Take our site for example, Yahoo = Good, MSN = Good , google = WTF where are we!!!!! (spidered, pages listed , but nowhere to be seen for our search terms)

According to the guys we have been using ( a very well known SEO company that has been featured in magazines like .net) they have never seen a problem like this with a site in that we can't even get a decent ranking on a search for our domain name.

Thank god for affiliates and PPC !!!!!!

Barry · 02-12-05

Quote:

Originally Posted by justhomdotcom

According to the guys we have been using ( a very well known SEO company that has been featured in magazines like .net) they have never seen a problem like this with a site in that we can't even get a decent ranking on a search for our domain name.

If I were you I'd look at changing the Expires: portion of your page header response. At the moment it read 'Expires: Mon, 26 Jul 1997 05:00:00 GMT'.
If you want a browser to retreive a new copy everytime visited you should set it to '-1' rather than a backward dated timestamp.

IMHO - this may be what is stopping google from ranking your site highly, esp for your own name.

Its worth a try.

Back to the subject, I'd have a go at doing your own SEO. Don't plant your money into someone until you've had a go yourself, you may save some cash. That being said - it all depends on how versitile your CMS is. If you find that you can't change meta tags, titles and content that easily, then maybe you will need to hire a programmer to change this first. Before employing someone who speciality is SEO, because unless you trust your SEO bod to also edit your website scripts their won't be much they can do.