Avoid the false prophets

A lot of businesses promise improved search engine ranking.  Not all of them are crooks, but precious few aren't.  In general, avoid:

• Slick-talkers that promise"#1 ranking in Google" or "priority submissions" or claim a "special relationship" with the search engines; those are complete fabrications.
• Pyramid-style link farm or link-popularity schemes. These are so diluted, they rarely boost your page rank. Worse, some schemes are already on Google's blacklist and joining them can get you penalized.
• Anyone that claims Google requires payment to get a higher ranking: Lies. All lies! The ONLY cash Google accepts in this realm is for the AdWords program, which clearly marks "Sponsored Links."
• Keyword spammers. Repeating terms ad nauseum doesn't help – Google can spot a faker, even if he or she changes the text color to match the background, making it invisible to the reader's eye.

Learning a little about SEO is the best route, even for those developing a monetized, professional platform. A few weeks of DIY will teach you the right questions to ask, when hiring an expert.

Roll up your sleeves and start experimenting. That's what the Internet's all about (aside from porn and pictures of cats, of course).