Ranking the Top Local SEO Firms

This release came out ranking (ironically) the top SEO firms in the local space. I know many of the firms or people at the firms on the list. However it’s not clear how rigorous the evaluation was and whether this is a credible organization. If it is forgive my ignorance.

According to the release here were the most significant criteria used to evaluate the firms:

1   How big is your “local” area?
2   How many visitors do you attract daily from your “local” area?
3   What techniques were implemented by the agency to get you maximum coverage for your regional target market?
4   How do you measure the success of your local search campaign?
5   What are the next set of unique local search techniques your agency advises you to implement?

And, again, here’s the list of winners:

1.   Solo SEO
2.   Search Influence
3.   Direct Hit Solutions, Inc.
4.   Increase Visibility, Inc.
5.   Listed 1st
6.   G5 Search Marketing
7.   eLocal Listing
8.   City Marketer
9.   ADV Media Productions, Inc.
10.   Expose Local

I believe the submissions for consideration may have been voluntary. For example, Andrew Shotland (maestro of local SEO) is not here.

Please advise whether this list and organization has any credibility.