I've covered this issue time and time again here at Search Engine Guide. Do your research, know the basics of SEM, etc...etc... Todd Malicoat has a new take on the issue over at his StuntDubl blog. While plenty of article writers (myself included) have pounded in the idea of researching a firm and checking references, Todd goes a step further and offers up some concrete suggestions of HOW to research the firm. For instance, running some searches for competitive terms in an industry other than your own and contacting the ranking sites to ask what firms they work with. Check out the full list of suggestions at Todd's blog.





About the Author

Jennifer Laycock is the Editor of Search Engine Guide, an educational web site aimed at translating the search marketing world into something that small business owners can understand. Jennifer specializes in common sense search engine marketing, viral marketing and customer outreach via social media and blogs. A former search marketing consultant and in-house trainer, Jennifer’s clients have included companies like Verizon, American Greetings and Highlights for Children. Her primary clients now are a little girl named Elnora and a little boy named Emmitt.

Jennifer Laycock is the Editor of Search Engine Guide, an educational web site aimed at translating the search marketing world into something that small business owners can understand. Jennifer specializes in common sense search engine marketing, viral marketing and customer outreach via social media and blogs. A former search marketing consultant and in-house trainer, Jennifer’s clients have included companies like Verizon, American Greetings and Highlights for Children. Her primary clients now are a little girl named Elnora and a little boy named Emmitt.