Its been a while since I've been on here... anyway... I have experience in it... A few things... 1st you want to optimize your website... go into the Source of your website and look at your keywords... there are probably none, then go to a competitors page, or a page that you find on the top a google search for a similar website.. or go to this site for example this is how it reads.. (FYI.. meta-names or meta-tags are the same as keywords or key phrases)
<meta name="keywords" content="saltwater fish, saltwater aquariums, tropical fish" />
<meta name="description" content="Saltwater Fish, Aquariums, Tropical Fish" />
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the source page is located in View next to Edit or File.... but above is a list of words that people searching search engines will type in for a website... have someone or if you know how... build this into your site... this will enhance your ability to be found on search engines... Results take time, but as more people search under that criteria, you will move up on the page depending on the number ahead of you, and if they are paying... but this will basically allow search engines to be able to find and check the relevance of your site to the search.
Next after you do this go to Google Ad Words... there you can buy your own keywords. This works kinda like an auction, that will allow you to buy positioning on Google... This will put you in the sponsored links section (highlighted) and the one I described above is for natural listings... Now this is doing your own Pay-per- click program, and it is some what of a science that you will have to do daily, however if you learn how you can save $$$, however, keep in mind that words will vary from $0.05 to $100 or more.. and you pay for every click... but I believe you can put in a budget, which is essentially what those companies you talked to are doing... email me if you have any questions ...gardenrich7@gmail.com