Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Guide to Outsourcing Search Marketing

Because of its technical element and the degree of specialization required, search marketing is often an aspect of a business that is outsourced. Because search engine optimization is a new field, and one whose science is subject to diverse speculation as to how search results can be manipulated, outsourcing search marketing is a tricky business. Here are some guidelines to help you get started on the right track:

Business Over Technology.
A good search marketer combines good marketing sensibilities with technical understanding. Search marketers that focus exclusively on the technology compontent of search engine optimization are, more often than not, relying on tactics that would not be approved of by search engines, and hence can run the risk of having your site penalized on that account.

Emphasizes Making a Good Site. The search marketer should realize that creating a good site is the best thing you can do to optimize your rankings. Sites with a clear navigation and well-planned architecture can assist greatly in making your site more usable for your clients and making it more search engine friendly as well. As a result, this should be something your search marketer should look into.

Keyword Research. An emphasis on finding the most relevant keywords is also a good sign, especially if you have a site that sells many products/services. The success of the optimization plan often hinges on knowing what the best keywords are.

Link Building. Last but certainly not least, any search marketer you work with should place a high priority on getting quality inbound links. Submitting to 100+ directories is a good start, and writing and submitting press releases and articles is another key point. Good link building is at the heart of search marketing, so inquiring as to what the search marketer's link building strategy will be can be a wise move.

Take time to find the right search marketer. It's a crucial decision that can have an enormous impact on your business.