How to Avoid Bogus SEO Firms – Don’t be Fooled by False Promises

There isn’t an industry in the world that isn’t plagued by bogus firms trying to take unsuspecting victims for a ride. SEO is sadly no exception to the rule, which is why it’s so important to exercise caution when looking to outsource SEO to a third-party partner.The trouble is, the only reason a business or website owner outsources SEO is of course to bring their business a better future and take them places they’d otherwise be unable to go. They’re striving for success and greatness, so when it’s offered to them on a silver platter, how can they say no? Or more to the point, why should they?It’s this desire for all things glorious that leads so many down entirely the wrong path – here’s a look at a few tips on how to avoid bogus SEO firms that may be trying to blind you with false promises:  Promising the EarthYes, you want an SEO firm that can bring your great things, but you have to be realistic in terms of what’s actually possible and to the contrary. One thing that SEO has never been able to bring is overnight results and nor can an SEO firm promise you the very top-position in any search engine’s results listings – it is simply impossible to deliver such promises consistently. This is why despite all the best intentions in the world, you must never fall for any SEO firm that’s promising you the Earth and all it has to offer pretty much overnight as this is 100% impossible – they’re therefore lying to you already.Promising Nothing at AllAnd right at the opposite end of the scale, it’s equally dangerous to go for a provider that refuses to offer you any kinds of guarantees at all. They might not be able to guarantee you the top spots, but they can at least make the promise that your business will be better off for siding with them, or you’ll be given your money back. If they can’t promise you’ll be better off with them, then what’s the point of paying for their services in the first place?Where’s the Evidence?It’s all well and good for an SEO provider to blow its own trumpet until blue in the face, but how do you know it’s not all just hot air they’re billowing? Well, it’s easy enough to find out for sure and this can be done by looking at the evidence. From case studies to standard feedback to affiliated businesses and so on, if they really are God’s gift to SEO, there will be plenty of evidence they’ll be dying to share with you. And if not…why not?How Much?!Last but not least, SEO in a 2014 capacity is intensive, complicated and changing by the minute – suffice to say it doesn’t come free of charge. If you expect a £20-per-year package to deliver the same results as one that costs £300 per month, you’re kidding yourself in a dangerous way. You don’t have to necessarily pay over the oPivotal for great SEO, but at the same time you can’t expect to hand over buttons and see your site soaring to the top of the rankings. Be realistic and assess an average for the services you’re looking for – underpaying is as dangerous as paying too much.