When the internet was in its infancy years ago getting to the top of the search results pages was as simple as repeating a few keywords over and over again on your webpage. It wasn't uncommon to find a string of the same keyword repeated hundreds of times at the bottom of any page.

Today's search engines use much more complex search metrics to ensure that the pages you visit are worth your time. An SEO specialist can help get your website to the top of search results pages through numerous techniques. But finding the best SEO consultant for your money can be difficult. Here are five tips to keep in mind when you look for one.

1. Avoid Black Hat Techniques
Black hat SEO is a term that describes less than reputable practices to boost your place in the rankings. This includes keyword stuffing and link farms. Both of these practices will only get you lower rankings on results pages and wasted money. Your firm's reputation can always lose credibility if getting caught with dodgy SEO methods.

2. Search for the SEO Specialist
A quick Google search can tell you a lot about a company. Don't just visit their site, either. Take the time to check out what other sites and forum boards are saying about them. Make sure to check out how well they rank for relevant keywords in Google and Bing as well.

3. Price Makes a Difference
The very best SEO specialists will have prices in the thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. While many small and mid-sized businesses won't have the funds for this, remember that dirt cheap SEO is likely worth even less than you pay for it. Anyone can claim to be an SEO consultant and lure you in with a price that's too good to be true. In nearly every case, it really is just that. Find a good average of what companies are charging to avoid paying too much or too little.

4. Monthly or performance based SEO?
To maintain good SEO you'll have to do just that - maintain it. Other companies are altering their own SEO and keywords can change occasionally. Most professional SEO consultants will offer a monthly subscription price that will allow you to utilise their services to keep high rankings on search results pages. Other SEO companies' offers pay for result SEO, which means you don't have to pay if the site doesn't get top rankings in search engines. Both above methods are worth to consider and which you choose depends on your beliefs and targets.

5. Take Guarantees Lightly
Many companies claim to guarantee you a number one ranking, but it's practically impossible to guarantee such a thing. Some might offer a top ten guarantee, which is more likely unless you're dealing with 'high value' keywords. Take guarantees with a grain of salt and read the fine print.