Member Avatar for marsryan

I just recently contracted a new SEO company to do my SEO for me. Apparently the owner is an SEO consultant that left an SEO firm after many years to begin freelancing - he was unable to take his reputation with him and is starting from scratch - his packages are pretty good but I had him come up with a custom package for me - which he gladly did. it only cost me $300 and that is a one time - NOT a monthly fee. He gives me detailed reports weekly and more often if I ask for them. I would love to throw some business his way. Check it out. :D

Mars Ryan

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This thread captures the common split: some members endorse hiring an outside specialist (), others prefer doing SEO in-house (, ), and a few call out marketing puffery (). Below is a compact, practical checklist to separate affordable, honest SEO from risky or overhyped offers, plus a couple of reliable starting references.

  • Ask for a written scope that lists deliverables (technical fixes, on‑page changes, content, link acquisition) and a timeline. Require that all link work follows search‑engine guidelines and can be described in plain terms.
  • Request verifiable proof: public case studies, references, and third‑party tracking (read‑only access to Search Console/Analytics or dated screenshots). A short pilot or single‑page audit helps validate methods before a larger commitment.
  • Watch for red flags: promises of guaranteed #1 rankings, “secret” tools, or opaque link networks. These are common marketing claims and can risk penalties.
  • Insist on measurable KPIs: organic traffic, conversions, visibility trends, and backlink quality. Make reporting cadence and formats explicit in the contract.
  • For small sites or tight budgets, pick one measurable task (technical audit, content optimization, or a targeted outreach campaign) and evaluate ROI before scaling.

If DIY is preferred, start with fundamentals and verifiable tools: Google’s SEO Starter Guide and using Google Search Console for performance data. For an accessible primer on methods and risks, the Moz Beginner’s Guide remains a solid reference.

Google Search Console: https://search.google.com/search-console/about

Google SEO Starter Guide: https://developers.google.com/search/docs/fundamentals/seo-starter-guide

Moz Beginner’s Guide to SEO: https://moz.com/beginners-guide-to-seo

Recommended Answers

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Member Avatar for Robdale

Thanks for the offer Mars. But i like to do the SEO myself. Its more affordable than by doing it thru SEO consultant.

Member Avatar for bobchrist

I agree, learning the basic SEO is really important which can lead you towards advanced techniques.

Member Avatar for canadafred

Check it out. :D

I did and also found just below their speal about relevant links being their specialty:
"Because Search Engine Optimization is our business we are always on the cutting edge of the industry. Our company has access to the latest and best technology available along with many resources that simply aren't available to the average webmaster. "

"cutting edge tools"? Did they just discover Notepad or what? What secret special cutting-edge tools?

SEO specialists that sound more of a gang of sucker fishermen to me.

Anyone want to go fishing when the ice thaws out?

Member Avatar for mauconline

Its best - and a lot cheaper - to do much of the SEO work yourself, if you have a small business and small website with limited budget. But if you have a big business with a huge site and big purse, then you could consider hiring an SEO consultant / firm.

Member Avatar for marsryan

I did and also found just below their speal about relevant links being their specialty:
"Because Search Engine Optimization is our business we are always on the cutting edge of the industry. Our company has access to the latest and best technology available along with many resources that simply aren't available to the average webmaster. "

"cutting edge tools"? Did they just discover Notepad or what? What secret special cutting-edge tools?

SEO specialists that sound more of a gang of sucker fishermen to me.

Anyone want to go fishing when the ice thaws out?

"cutting edge tools" ?? I believe that is a misquote. I am the average webmaster and they did seem to have access to tools that I didn't - or at least to have a vast amount of knowledge that seriously helped my website's PR, traffic, and they got me to the top of Google in just a few months. The bottom line is that not everyone can do their own SEO, especially if they are as busy as I am - ya know, running a business. Look, I got the results I desired in a timely fashion and it was WELL worth the $350 I paid.

Mars Ryan

Member Avatar for Robdale

Can you give us some proof like, site before x months and after x months? Site name and keywords that toped at google.

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