With increased online
activity worldwide, it's not surprising to see a lot of companies
offering search engine optimization (SEO) services that make it
easier to achieve first-page ranking on Google, Yahoo!, and Bing.
First-page ranking increases the likelihood of getting leads for your
business. However, if the SEO
consultant does not keep up with online marketing trends, your
online marketing success may be compromised.
Search engines like
Google and Yahoo! constantly revise their algorithms, mathematical
formulas that determine website rankings based on several criteria.
In the earlier days of the Internet, SEO companies resorted to tricks
like posting duplicate content to rank higher on search engine
results pages. However, these tricks can now get your website
penalized or even banned, making it impossible for your target market
to find your website.
Even big companies like
JC Penney and the German BMW website were temporarily banned because
of these outdated and unethical methods. It is thus advisable to hire
an SEO consultant who takes the initiative to keep up with industry
developments and thereby deliver the best possible results. SEO can
help you get leads, but if it isn't done correctly and ethically, it
can do more harm than good. As such, be sure to choose your SEO
provider carefully.