• TopRank , Friday, September 19, 2008 11:45 AM

How would your team stack up if a potential client used Google's criteria for screening an SEO agency? The giant has posted a list of guidelines for site owners interested in organic search services, starting with asking for examples of previous work -- be it through case studies, testimonials, or even actual SERP screengrabs. Big G also suggests that site owners ask about goals and how they're measured from the onset.

Meanwhile, when's the last time you brushed up on Google's Webmaster Guidelines? Do you have experience in the client's chosen vertical? What about their city? Do you have international optimization experience? Lee Odden argues that the premise behind some of Google's questions is faulty -- as the answers likely won't guarantee that a firm is well-equipped to handle the business.

Still, the suggestions are a good start. "All in all, I think it's great to have guidelines for companies when challenged with the task of finding and then evaluating potential Search Engine Optimization firms," Odden says. "As much as business owners would like to just pick... whoever seems to 'click,' hiring the right SEO consultant does take a commitment on the client side to become educated."

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