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Why Choose Us?
We've split this topic into two sections:
1) Comparing the different service options and 2) Another Option: The benefit or engaging SEM Advantage
Comparing the different service offerings
When evaluating your options for marketing on the internet, it is quite easy to find yourself bewildered by the sheer number of companies and offerings that are available. Even the most cursory of investigations will present you with a multitude of software packages and internet firms.
Software Solutions
While seemingly attractive because of its price, the 'all-in-one' software solution suffers from three significant draw backs.
Their effectiveness diminishes in proportion to the number of people applying the same software-generated strategy. With any software or 'pre-configured' approach, as more people begin applying it, the search algorithms are adjusted to negate them (so as to keep the search listings relevant)
They cannot assist with the human skill-set which is required as part of a successful optimisation. Search marketing demands higher level human abilities to apply things such as: linguistic preference, effective copywriting,
You'll still need to factor in significant time, training and other costs - which are needed to be able to skilfully apply the software in a way that actually works (despite the software's claim to being as easy a 'pushing a button').
It can become quite easy to over-apply the software (especially if proceeding with a limited overall understanding of SEM). Such over use (for example with auto-submission frequency, or keyword templates) can unfortunately lead to the penalisation and even banning of websites - either due to the inexperience of the user or the out-datedness of the software.
Internet Marketing Firms
There are also a multitude of different companies offering the services in different way. So it'll be worth our time to take look at some of the categories of firms you'll find.
The Generalist Firm
This is a firm that does not specialise in internet marketing, their focus is spread across different areas. They may be a web-development company, a general marketing company, graphic designers, software developers or a web hosting company, for example. They'll usually offer 'Search Engine Optimisation' or 'Internet Marketing' as one of their service offerings.
Many such firms will offer discrete 'package-deals', implying or even stating explicitly that a worthwhile solution can be configured at a pre-set price and structure. Unfortunately, because the real intricacies of up-to-date search marketing, they may rarely go beyond a generic 'cookie-cutter' type of approach. They'll simply make a few general adjustments to your website, according to some basic principals. This approach can too often lead to a disappointing lack of tangible result for the fee you've paid.
If you are serious about turning the internet into a viable marketing channel, you'd be well advised to speak to a specialist.
The Quick-buck Cowboys
You may have become acquainted with this category via their Spam emailing... Generally, if a company makes a promise that sounds too good to be true it probably is. Some of them promise 'guaranteed top 10 listings for only $99', or that they'll submit your site to 'hundreds of search engines'. At the low end of this category you'll find truly misleading offers and dubious firms. Some of them, however, can manage to project a more 'feasible' looking presence on the internet, through a knowledge of the industry 'lingo' and fancy web design.
They'll usually begin to reveal their real nature if you start to correspond with them, or ask more detailed questions about their exact process. Mostly they're just hoping you'll fill out your credit card details for their $99 special.
Also in this category you'll find well-meaning but misguided companies. They may be able to apply 'quick-fix' (but ultimately questionable) initiatives, which may see you rankings boost in the short term. While at the time this may seem like a good thing, the techniques they have used may easily see your website penalised or even banned in the long-term. The are numerous instances of large numbers of people being caught out by new indexing adjustments or re-visits of the robot.
The Well Established Big Boys
These are the Search Marketing firms that can boast the most prestigious client lists, the longest histories and the most awards etc.
They will provide a thorough and professional service. - At a full service price. For example, Fredrick Marckini at www.ClickZ.com in his article on how to 'Build a Search Engine Budget', advises "expect to spend from $90,000 to $240,000 [USD] per Web site annually for a full service SEM firm or $50,000 to $90,000 for a solo consultant or smaller SEM company."
If you have the budget and need to pay for a larger full service firm, then you'd certainly be right to consider them. However, larger firms also have larger overheads, marketing and operational costs and can rightly demand a higher fee by virtue of their status. They'll certainly do their job well.
>> Another Option:
You may wish to engage a smaller, professional firm. Such a company may be able to provide a closely comparable solution, but at a significantly lessened expense. Depending on the size and needs of your own business, it may certainly be worth your while to investigate this option.
Key Benefits of engaging SEM Advantage: A smaller specialist firm
We feel confident that we can offer a solid, competent solution, extremely comparable to any major firm's offering - but, currently, at a very competitive rate (sometimes even at a fraction of the cost required by the major firms).
We can clearly articulate advantages in these areas -
Superior Service and Accountability
Many times, you'll deal directly with Simon Stoppa, the Director and Principal Researcher of the business. Unlike with a larger business, where you'll be assigned an 'account or project manager' and have employed staff managing your project. With SEM Advantage, any work you have done will be directly overseen by the company's director, who you'll also have direct access to. Being a smaller firm, you'll deal directly with those who have an ownership and performance stake in the business.
More economical and transparent pricing structure
To accentuate the benefits of being able to work closely with the owners of the business - we've strived to make our service offerings and pricing structure as transparent as possible.
This is so that you can feel more confident that you know what you're getting - at that you're getting a the most reasonable fee we can manage.
As a smaller firm we realise that we have to work harder.
As a smaller business, in for the long term, we are especially keen develop a strong reputation. We know we've got to work harder to build a stellar track record. And we'd like for you, as a client, to be part of that track record.
Our business goals are in line with yours.
Also (as noted elsewhere):
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SEM Advantage (SPS Group Pty Ltd)
Suite 207, 410 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia p 61 2 9280 0010 f 61 2 9280 0081
Copyright (C) 2003 SPS Group Pty Ltd. No Reproduction permitted
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