How do you win an search engine optimization contest? That's the question that SEO's and webmasters ask themselves before investing what could turn out to be a great deal of time competing in an SEO contest like Nigritude Ultramarine, Isulong Seoph or Retsambew Dash Klat for Charity. Consider a few points before embarking on the journey to win a SEO contest.

Understand the Rules
Don't dive into the water without first knowing how shallow the pond is. It's easy to get caught up in the lucrative prize offerings promised by SEO contest sponsors. Carefully examine the rules as publicly stated by the contest sponsor. Are the rules fair? Do they give advantages to experienced competitors who control lots of links or does the average Joe webmaster have a reasonable chance? Also ask if the contest rules have safeguards against cheating, spamming and unethical practices.

Know Thyself
Perhaps the next most important questions to ask is can I win the contest?
Realistically assess your abilities SEO talents against the rules of the contest
Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry character made a statement that should resonate for any potential contestants: "A man's gotta know his limitations." If you are an aspiring SEO or SEO newbie who will be competing against hundreds of professional SEO's for tens of thousands of dollars in prize money, you may wish to make your debut in a smaller stakes contest. The risk of wasting valuable time may be far greater than the chances of reaping the reward. After all, you may be better off working on your own web site's long term growth.

Know your Strategy
If you're convinced that you have a reasonable chance to win an SEO contest, formulate an initial strategy based on what you know works and especially what has worked for you in the past. Of course, you can and should adapt your strategy. As the contest progresses, you will want peak in on your competitors and see what's working for them. Even if you don't win, you will probably learn a few new tricks.