What #SEO really means to bloggers – So Effing Overrated

Thanks for sharing your link and story, it's much appreciated. I'll be sure to check it out!

Truth on the last line, Robert, had to chuckle. I've ven waiting for someone such as yourself to deliver a counter blow. You bring up some good points. Now, my question is say, for example, I wanted to be on the first page of Google on a search for social media, a $100 investment would yield that result?

haha thanks. Well it just depends. "most" 3 word phrases can be put on page 1. The $100 dollar investment is one time for a specific tool to help with automation. There is a lot of work that has to go into it though especially if you are new because one will have a learning curve of course and the proper way to do things is not with "spam seo" which is quick and easy but doesn't last. There are exceptions to the 3 word phrase rule of course. You aren't likely going to take something such as "Social Media Marketing" just with 1 tool and some hard work. Although it is possible with time and effort depending on a host of other factors. However "Online Marketing Strategy" is pretty easy to attain with a strong overall website. In other words a website that has a fair amount of quality content and is frequently updated. The fact is that 98% of SEO people fall into 2 categories 1. They think they know what they are doing but they don't so they spend time on things that really doesn't matter and never get anywhere. 2. They are lazy. So in reality your competition generally comes down to Authority Sites and the 2% of SEO Guys that know what they are doing. Authority Sites can be beat but for short tail keywords it will take A LOT of work.  The 2% of SEO Guys are not likely competing against you because they are either highly niched focused on their own projects on mega keywords such as "Diet Plans". Or they have a list of clients they do SEO for which would typically be for specific products or service not specifically online related. lol sorry for the book :)

I actually appreciate the book, thank you. I'll admit I don't know nearly enough to be a force, but most of the marketing I've read really turned me off. Maybe I just need to talk to more people like you! Thanks for adding your perspective.

KDiddy, what a pleasant surprise to see you here. I was so busy working on our Spin Sucks album that I missed this! I'm in no way even remotely versed in SEO, but after reading the bit I have, I'm not sure I want to go to the dark side. Thanks for dropping by, Ken.

Amen Dwayne! I'd much rather have people like you who take the time to read and comment on my post than to accidentally end up here and close the window 5 seconds after arriving. Great Comment, thank you.

If you are providing good quality content your statement of "disengaged followers" makes no sense. Search Engine Optimization is done to target the people who are searching for what you have to offer. If you are giving them what they are looking for, they won't be disengaged. While the vast majority of average Internet users do not retweet, facebook share, etc... that is a very poor metric of enjoyment of your work. And if you are monetizing your blog, the only engagement that matters is your marketing funnel. The problem people run into with SEO is they don't understand how to target those who want what they have to offer.

Boom! Thanks Oliver

That's the impression I have as well.. Can't shake it and haven't seen much commentary to prove otherwise.

If I had a medal to give you for a kick-ass comment, you'd definitely get it Jason. I'm writing for my audience, not for a search engine. Great points, thanks for your perspective.

Now that's something I'd love to see.. Not sure how it would be done but I'd search at the engine that could!!

Solid points, David. In your instance I can see why it is more important Thanks!

Great comment filled with great points. I believe if you have a quality product that the traffic will come. Thanks for adding some value of your own to the discussion!

My sentiments exactly, Dan. Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

Thanks for stopping by Mithu. May I ask why you feel it is one of the most important parts of social media?

Thanks Anne - I do too :-)

lol John, you sound depressed just talking about it! Do you research & implement SEO strategies on your own or does a company do it for you? Curious, if you don't mind playing 21 questions with me... What results have you had w/ it verse w/out it? What sort of site do you have?