SEO in the News

This week Derek Powazek wrote a very good post about SEO.

When I say it was very good post, I mean that it was an inspiring post, that it was clever and well-written and right.

He wrote:

“Search Engine Optimization is not a legitimate form of marketing. It should not be undertaken by people with brains or souls. If someone charges you for SEO, you have been conned.”

Instead he urged:

“Make something great. Tell people about it. Do it again.”

This is an important debate. Millions of pounds are currently being spent by publishers in a never ending quest for immaculate SEO. Companies of all sizes have been blinded by the lights – by the the endless promises of impeachable page ranks and soaring keywords.

But you play  the game at a risk. Remember what happened to BMW in 2006?

What do you need to know about SEO?

SEO is a widely complex field, one part logical, one part mysterious. For any ethically-minded publisher, I’d say that looking at these two areas – when coupled with excellent, unique content – should be enough to be going on with for the moment.

Very quickly:

For on page SEO:

Go and read this document. Take your time. Understand it. Implement it.

Off page SEO:

Work out how to maximise the value of your content. Use it wisely. Imagine that you are running your own publishing network.

Submit your blogs to directories publicise them through social media and syndicate your content (written, audio or visual) by licensing it under the creative commons.

Pass it on, ask for a link. Build up your Google juice by merit.

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image credit: Dull Hunk