Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a big buzzword. Often companies looking to learn more about what SEO are baffled about how this new field of marketing can gain an advantage. This has been proven time and again that it can definitely get an edge over their competitors. The problem of a company has to assess is whether to use a specialist in SEO, or use existing resources within their IT departments or Do It Yourself. This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of each.

At home and do it yourself
Advantages: You have complete control. You can change things instantly. You will learn about the inner workings of your website and also learn more about the Internet and how search engines work.

Disadvantages: It is a specialized field and try it delays the inevitable and allows your competition to gain an advantage over you, you too can end up with more problems in the future for doing wrong. You must have a thorough knowledge of your website, how it works, HTML and possibly any programming language that uses the website, like PHP. In addition, you have to buy some commercial tools to use, like WordTracker, Search Engine Marketing and SEO Elite. WordTracker allows you to effectively research Keywords, Search Engine Marketing allows you to track your websites ranking in search results for given keyword phrases and SEO Elite allows you to track all links to your website. Purchase of these three necessary pieces of software will cost about USD $ 900. They must also have plenty of time to read about SEO, take online courses as StomperNet, listen to podcasts, podcast and read as MRSE SEO material as much as possible. For the StomperNet course you are looking at around $ 3000 and several previous books is likely that other $ 1000. In total the house DIY, roughly USD $ 1500 to $ 4900. Not being experienced enough to know when and what to change. Not knowing how to link build effectively. Not having time to study and learn enough to make the correct changes and modifications to their website - is estimated at about 200 hours of study, learning and analysis. As SEO takes time to show results in search engines is important not only to learn the skills necessary to implement SEO, but also take time to make adjustments and ongoing analysis. So to install and configure an average website with 10 static pages will take probably 2 days and ongoing link building will be for many days, countless many. Also, you need to take your time so you do not overdo your SEO, spam and keyword stuffing pages as this can be as damaging as doing nothing for the website first.

Hiring a SEO Company
Advantages: no need to use internal staff resources or alter the focus of your business. Hiring a specialized marketing online and SEO company means you have immediate access to experts who have a wealth of knowledge and resources. A SEO company knows the lay of the land without having to learn what they already know that the levels of expertise. The online marketing company will be your best ally in working towards achieving their online marketing goals online.

Disadvantages: The use of an expert in SEO will cost money. It is important to realize that even though they have hired a company to implement your search engine optimization will still need to work in consultation with them to market your website online correctly - explaining their marketing goals Internet, objectives, timelines and budgets. Do your research, look at the SEO firm and its portfolio, case studies and success story, make sure it is a reputable company and not be afraid to ask questions.

What to Look For in an SEO company
A decent SEO company will surely have a good reputation and a strong presence in online marketing and SEO industry. When you start, I suggest you search Google for "Online Marketing" or "SEO" in your country or region. Search web sites possible SEO firm, their portfolios and take some notes. Give them a call and see if you can arrange a meeting at his office in person to discuss the details and gather more information. Discuss your situation and how you can achieve your goals. Take note of his professional character, history, case studies and the vision of your online presence and make sure you are happy with the professional and personal relationship you have with company representatives, it will be a continuum.

While the advantages and disadvantages of optimizing your own website and the use of an SEO company are different I think it is important to note that no matter how good you think you are an SEO company will always be better in SEO. So if you really want to see results, have very little time after hiring a SEO company is the only way forward. If you have time and some knowledge website, then you may be willing to put in the time and try to do it yourself. My only thought here is that you do not hire a plumber to fix a problem with your car.

When all is said and done, a good search engine optimization will make your web site results. It is important to ensure that you are taking the right decisions in your online marketing as this may be the lifeblood of your business and is certainly an effective way to promote your business and generate sales opportunities.