What is a good SEO company?

[Doodled]

Just as with any marketing the best SEO company for you will depend on the size of your business and your industry sector. So here are a few things to avoid:
- don't use SEO companies which sell 'packages'. Every site is individual, there is no one hat fits all.
- ask for keywords that the company has clients (or itself) ranking for - then check in Google Keyword Tool if they are difficult keywords with competition
- beware of references, these are often no more than fronts and websites set up by the SEO company for exactly this purpose so satisfy yourself that they are genuine and real clients
- avoid any company that says it can "guarantee" you rankings. This is only possible if the keyword is rarely or never searched.
- do not agree to anything more than a 30 day contract. SEO does take time but a good company should be able to justify to you, every month, why they should be paid.
- check for reviews around the internet about the SEO company