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Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

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Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#1
We are looking for someone in SEO to work on our online retail site. We got semi-burned by the last group we worked with (they over promised), so I want to get HN's thoughts on doing SEO before selecting someone.

Would appreciate thoughts on who has worked for you, how to best pick an SEO contractor or any SEO people out there: We have money, a good little niche, if you would take on another client.

Thanks!

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#5
post #2

Why not just learn what there is to learn yourself. It's not exactly rocket science.

We do some SEO work ourselves, but we run three businesses here, all of them make decent amounts of money. Its not worth us to pull a partner out, have him learn SEO, implement it, etc. We'd rather pay someone that knows what they are doing and let the partners do what they're good at.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#7
post #2

Why not just learn what there is to learn yourself. It's not exactly rocket science.

They may be too busy focusing on other areas of business. If so, then definitely bring in someone else.

However, I'm curious about your "not rocket science" comment. I've always generally agreed with you, but I've been watching a lot of twist lately and Calacanis keeps saying stuff about SEO guys making crazy salaries ($100k - $200k/yr). If it's really that simple, how are some guys pulling that much $?

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#8
post #5
post #2

Why not just learn what there is to learn yourself. It's not exactly rocket science.

We do some SEO work ourselves, but we run three businesses here, all of them make decent amounts of money. Its not worth us to pull a partner out, have him learn SEO, implement it, etc. We'd rather pay someone that knows what they are doing and let the partners do what they're good at.

If you don't take the time to at least learn the basics and what people are going to do for the money you pay them, my guess is that you'll be an attractive target for more snake-oil salesmen. Once you've learned that, you could pretty much do things yourselves, handing off make-work things to contractors for significantly less money.

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#9
post #8
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

We do some SEO work ourselves, but we run three businesses here, all of them make decent amounts of money. Its not worth us to pull a partner out, have him learn SEO, implement it, etc. We'd rather pay someone that knows what they are doing and let the partners do what they're good at.

If you don't take the time to at least learn the basics and what people are going to do for the money you pay them, my guess is that you'll be an attractive target for more snake-oil salesmen. Once you've learned that, you could pretty much do things yourselves, handing off make-work things to contractors for significantly less money.

We have a pretty good idea on SEO. One of the businesses is a web marketing firm focused on Copy Writing (he's a copy writer). So, we do know the basics and can ferret out BS, but he/we believe good SEO takes time and effort. Neither of which he (or anyone else) has any interest in. Why spend weeks learning and then months implementing SEO, when you can pay someone to do it? His time is more valuable than the presumed cost of paying someone (copy writers also make serious money).

Re: Ask HN: Does anyone do SEO out there?

#10
post #6
post #4

maybe you could share your site url?

http://HoboHookah.com

well, is there any reason why you keep asking for emails on a site you sell products? Users don't even have time to find out what you sell and they already have a popup on their faces, not a great UX , drop me a mail if you wish ( see profile ), I will review your SEO for free and send you a report, if you feel comfortable with my report, we could go further, if not you can pick someone else, you may also try Patio , but he's most probably overbooked.
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