I once read a remark that if a SEO company can not top (at least) for the keyword "SEO" in Google, it can not be a worthy company.
I know a lot of people might come up with the same logic while searching for the best SEO Company for his site. But let's take a look at the scenario from some different angles.
Why do you target some keywords in your website? The answer is obviously to get targeted visitors who are looking for some service – those who are my potential customers.
But does the word SEO have the potential to bring me genuine customers? For example if my site ranks 1st on Google for 'SEO Services' and 'SEO', which one do you think will get me desired visitors who are willing to buy a service? The answer is obviously SEO Services. And at the same time the competition for SEO Services is comparatively less (but tough) then SEO.
Most of the good SEO companies get clients on recommendations. For example, if I like XYZ Company's job, I will recommend it for my friend's site. And that XYZ get more clients – simple.
Another big reason is that a lot of SEO companies do not want their name to be associated with the term SEO to search engines.
But if some SEO companies say that due to heavy work pressure that could not concentrate on the ranking of their website – do not believe them or do not work with them either. If they can not find time to work for their mother site, how much time can you expect for your own site?
Now, the problem is somewhere else – every one claims them to be the best SEO Company. And unless I get recommendation from some reliable sources, it is tough to decide their credibility.
So how to find the best SEO company?
To start with it is better to go for local SEO companies (for example search for Florida or Ft Lauderdale SEO and website marketing in search engines if you are from that region). If you are new to internet marketing, this is the best option to start as they are comparatively cheap and you may get someone in your extended friend's community who can give you some feedback about them. At least you can reach them physically at any point of time.
If some companies say that they will help you guaranteed top ranking in Google or Yahoo for a very competitive keyword like SEO Services and they will do it within one month – do not work with them. Getting a good search engine rank is a long term process and no one can guarantee it. And even if they do it with some black hat SEO techniques, it may harm your business in the long run and this sort of ranking is normally not sustainable for a long period.
Ask for their track record – if they have done some good work they will be happy to show you a glimpse. So, you can have a good understanding of their company.
Take a look at their website to find out if it is clear or not. Take a look at their page rank and do a search on Google to find out what people are saying about them.
And more importantly ask them straight about their strategy to promote your site for better search engine rankings. Sign the agreement only if you are satisfied with their strategy.
Always remember that good SEO companies will work with you (not alone) to improve your search engine rank.