While this isn't asked all that often, it is asked often enough for us to want to clarify some of the steps involved, and the process that we go through. In a way, this is like asking a mechanical engineer how they come up with something. Not that SEO is as complex as mechanical engineering; rather, it's not a simple answer, and there are obviously some proprietary steps involved in the process. Search Engine Optimization is not just one process; it is a collection of processes. It is reviewing data from several sources. It is making adjustments on several levels (back-end and front-end). Ultimately, SEO is following steps which yield the most results in helping to improve your website rank on search engines. In order to "do" SEO, you first need to understand how to evaluate a website. For the back-end, it means understanding errors, evaluating server issues, understanding compression, minimizing the overuse of duplicate scripts, understanding adjusting not only the content and meta tags, but creating rich data for Google. More than just the steps involved, the process, procedures, and orders of steps provide the most benefits. 10 companies can do the same thing for their website; follow all the same procedures. But, only 1 will be ranked on top... We have found that is because there is a process, and even in order to get the best results, we follow our process (or secret SEO formula), every time. Based on some of the experiences our customers have had over the years prior to working with us, a better guide would be to explain what not to do. SEO itself is time consuming, and based on our years of experience, proper SEO can take anywhere from 2-4 hours per week, to 40 hours or more per week, depending on how large the website is, and what the goals are. The benefit of focusing your online marketing budget on SEO, rather than online advertising, is that with organic search, your improved ranking and results is lasting; meaning, though you will need to keep it up, you won't disappear overnight. With online advertising, you are only as getting customers when you are advertising, which, for many companies, adds up... fast! So, as you can see, there is no simple answer to the question, but we recommend learning some of what is involved whether you hire someone or not; so at bare minimal, you know you are working with a reputable SEO company. Sign up with one of our SEO plans now to see how Make it Active can help your business grow. We offer both contract SEO and no contract SEO services.