> Never really given this any thought before.  I think I would suggest
> doing a search for SEO locally first; anyone who says they're experts
> in the field should have a well-performing website. Local because they
> would hopefuly have a reputation to maintain.

> I would then (as the client) get a bit sneaky and be totally clueless,
> and reluctant to let the SEO access the site.  If he says no problem,
> then it's obviously going to be all off the page and any benefits will
> disappear once the money runs out.  If he needs to access the site to
> optimise the pages then he's obviously going along the right lines,
> and it's then you have to decide if you trust these people.

> Ask for costings, what sort of guarantees can they offer on results
> (obviously nothing on organic search so any guarantees are based on
> advertising) and specify Google as the preferred Search Engine.

> Also ask leading questions about link directories, paid links, all
> sorts of entrapment!  But, of course, we've got a fairly good handle
> on what is legit, what works, and what is really bad for a site,
> unlike the innocent webmaster who might well fall for the snakeoil.
> Tell him to ask for prices, examples of sites they have worked on and
> permission to speak to the site owners.  Then try and find the sites
> under the terms which he would, as a user think appropriate.

> Possibly, by then, you have so disarmed the webmaster with your
> transparent honesty, integrity and profound knowledge that he gives
> you the job :-)

> Becky

> On 1 Jul, 08:58, JohnMu wrote:

> > Hi everyone!

> > We just added something to the blog asking for feedback on our page
> > about finding an SEO:http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/06/what-are-your-seo-...

> > I'd love to get your feedback here as well!

> > Suppose a webmaster were to come to you and ask for advice on finding
> > someone who can help optimize his site for search engines. How would
> > you recommend that they get started? Where should they look for SEOs?
> > Which questions should they ask? How could they recognize competent
> > (or incompetent) SEOs?

> > I know that in some cases it's a good idea to learn all of this
> > yourself, but in many situations it's just not possible or they just
> > need help to make sure that things are right.

> > Looking forward to your feedback!
> > John

> > PS The updated help center page is athttp://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35291