Making the decision to hire a search engine optimizer is a big decision. It is true that they can help you to improve your site and save you a lot of time and effort, but they can also damage your site.

An SEO consultant can provide a number of services to you that are worthwhile, and of great assistance such as a review of your site content or structure. They can also help you with your content development, technical assistance, keyword research, and provide management of your online campaigns to increase your business. They can help you to find the best affiliated companies and how to attract the traffic to take advantage of the products you have on your website.

Before you decide on hiring an SEO consultant, you should first review some of the free tools that Google has to offer you and see if these tools will do the job for your. These resources can be found on Google Webmaster Central and include Webmaster tools, the official Webmaster Central Blog, and Googles discussion forum that will give you access to the experience of other developers.

If you are determined to hire an SEO consultant it is best if you hire them at the beginning. In this way they can provide assistance to you to make sure your site is set up correctly from the beginning. Before signing on with a consultant, it is best to ask a few questions that will help you to determine the extent of their work, and their reputation. Some of these questions may be to ask to see some examples of their work. Find out what kind of results you should be able to see, and what the time frame will be to achieve the stated results. Obtain a listing of the services they will provide to you. You should also find out their expertise in your area and how you can communicate with them. One last rule, always be wary of e-mails that come out of the blue advertising a particular consultant.