Experts say that search engine optimization is a science. A kind of science that needs regular inputs and shows its result a little late, still steady and consistent (if done well). Having said that, you also need to hire somebody who can make the most of this science. And for that your SEO expert should have the following habits interposed in his system:

Habit 1: Be Proactive

By being proactive, he should focus on your “Circle of Influence” that means the things that you can control and influence. Similarly in case of SEO, we must not be concerned about the algorithmic changes. We should rather focus on developing a sound web presence by:

• Offering quality user experience.
• Developing unique and useful content.
• Earn links from good sites through effective marketing.

Habit 2: Begin with a Clear Mind-Set

This is mostly about envisioning what they need to achieve and creating a blueprint in their mind about it. If he doesn't know what he wants to achieve clearly, then he is basically asking for confusion.

Habit 3: Prioritize

He should understand that it is important to say no to a few things and focus on the highest priorities. Creating a to do list as well as a hierarchy of  the same is important.

Habit 4: Create a Win-Win Situation

Make sure your website has a blog and the content in it must be useful. Now when people use it or share it, they get the content and you are becoming their thought leader. So, it is a Win-Win situation. 

Habit 5: First Understand and then try be Understood

It is important to listen what others have to say and then you can get your point across in a better way ensuring greater success. For example, many of us actually target keywords that we think is everyone searching for. However, we never do research to understand how people are actually searching for our products and services.

Habit 6: Synergize

It is important for a SEO expert to have a campaign in synergy with the PPC, PR, social marketing, copywriting, web design and development activities.  This can ensure best results possible.

Habit 7: Improvise

An expert search engine optimizer should keep harnessing his SEO practices, review the progress of your campaigns constantly via Analytics review/analysis, usability reviews and keep doing on-going tweaking/refining of on-page/off-page SEO and conversion optimization for better results in the future. Also take advantage of new initiatives like local, news as well as video SEO, shopping feed optimization or even blogging or social promotion with more.

Last but not the least, he should justify your SEO Services Pricing.