Search Engine Optimization: Top Fallacies And Misconceptions

Search Engine Optimization service providers help businesses appear in the top of search list and get good rankings in the search results. The techniques used by SEO firms are not very openly discussed or described. SEO firms believe in maintaining some level of secrecy due to the stiff competition amongst various SEO firms. This secrecy and anonymity leads to misconceptions about SEO and it appears like some mystical phenomena.

To clear the clouds surrounding SEO, here are some of the SEO related myths. This will give a better understanding of what Search Engine Optimization is:

1. SEO firms that rank high in the search are the best
As a norm, people tend to judge the efficiency and performance of a SEO firm from the internet search results. The ones appearing higher in the search list may be considered the better ones. That may always not be true. A cautious approach is to go through client referrals. These are the SEO firms that would value the work of their clients higher than their own publicity and ranking.

Do a proper research of the methods used by SEO firms in case the choice is made based on the search results. This is of prime importance, as many SEO firms would use a fixed set of methodologies, which may and may not work in the best of ways for you.

2. SEO alone can guarantee a good ranking for the website
As with any business model, the basic need for any business to do well is to have a viable product and service. The content of the website also has to be unique and fresh. A business with an unattractive product or service is likely to be doomed, irrespective of the quality of search engine optimization done. A good product along with efficient SEO augments the business prospects many folds.

3. SEO firm in the neighborhood is better that remote ones
There is a general perception that a SEO firm in the vicinity would be easier to communicate with. This may not always be the case. Many successful deals and ventures have blossomed out of remote association between SEO firms and the client companies. Plans, ideas and other essentials can be communicated over phone, emails, instant messaging etc. The SEO personnel can travel down to client location if physical presence is needed.

4. Any reputed SEO firm would be good for you
Yes, a good SEO firm would be good for your business. But it's always better to interview a few. Look out for SEO companies that would serve your present and future goals. SEO firms that have experience in your industry would certainly be an added advantage.

5. SEO firms need to optimize for Google only
Google is the main player in the search market. It owns the largest percentage of the search market share. Nonetheless, there are other very popular search engines like Yahoo and MSN. They are used by a large number of people who could be future clients. Search engine optimization should be performed for these along with other popular search engines.

6. SEO firms use mysterious methods
There is a lot of secrecy maintained in the SEO world. This is mainly because of tough competition arising out of undisclosed changes done constantly by search engines etc. Yet, SEO is all about hard work, methodologies and skills acquired over years of experience.

Search Engine Optimization is a continuous process. Good SEO firms can help businesses do well. Companies should be very selective when hiring an SEO firm and should look out for client referrals whenever possible.