Ultimate Blog Marketing

Need to hire a search engine professional optimization firm can anyone recommend tips to avoid getting burnt?

I have heard so many bad horror stories about some of these SEO firms ripping people off and costing them a fortune, but not getting any better rankings in return. Are there any legitimate, reputable firms out there that anyone can direct me to?
I’ve read all about SEOs, ranking, optimization, etc. I have optimized my site the best I know how, but I think it still needs a lot of help and I dont have the know-how, time or interest to delve into that area on my own.
I only will want to pay for a service if it will truly help get me into the top 10 or so that some of these firms claim. Is this realistic…or are all these firms bogus? Thanks

I have a website, just want some pointers on how to get more traffic and show up in the search engines

I’m considering the option of listing my website in the Yahoo! Directory. Before handing over $299, I’d like to know if it still has high value to search engine algorithms. I have heard that DMOZ.org has lost a bit of value recently, with the advent of social bookmark sites. If that is true, has anyone heard the same regarding the Yahoo! Directory?

Thanks!

I’m kind of new to this and I’m curious how someone goes about doing this. Like do you have to pay Google to get ur site on the top of the list or what? And if it is at the top of the search, is it like that forever?