By now pretty much everyone knows I'm shopping around for a website.
No I haven't even come up with a name yet, but all in good time.
For now I'm researching the do it yourself options vs. hiring someone to build a site for me.
One thing I notice is some companies talk about SEO alot and I know this is important and I even think I understand why this is important, but what I can't figure out is if I should expect my designer to make SEO a part of the website or if it's something I have to pay for or hire out for?

Is SEO something that comes standard with a site these days, like anti-lock brakes on a car?
I'd love to know what I should expect if and when I hire someone to create a website for me.
Every company seems to offer a different set of services - what IS standard, if anything?