Ask any candidate SEO firm a simple question:

Show me one of your client’s site which can be found using “generic” keywords [not a domain name] as a search query on google.com or yahoo.com search engines and limit the generic keyword query to no more than 4 words. The search result must show that the website is PageRanked within the top 15 search results.

If your candidate SEO firm says that cannot be done. Then perhaps consider spending $20 on Peter Kent’s “Search Engine Optimization for Dummies.. which provides sufficient expert strategies to elevate your website to a greater audience on major search engines.

Good luck!

Ask for referrals from people you trust. If that doesn’t work, then use a site that ranks well, has expertise in your specific niche. Also, working with a local company allows you to meet the people you are working with if you desire.

Yes, do a Google Search for ” Search Engine Optimization Company”. The first page listings are companies that can actually get you a good ranking for your site. Expect to pay more, but expect more too!

I did the search for you by rank: