Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Finding Good SEO Articles, Tips & Ideas

Why Most SEO Articles Are Worthless

Published on by: James H. Hobson

I've long held the belief that most articles written on SEO (search engine optimization) are generally very low value to completely worthless. Presently I'm reading Enchantment by Guy Kawasaki. The book is a well written presentation on being genuine, providing value and working from the heart. The books message was resonating in my mind today as I read two new SEO articles, and it prompted me to write this post. So for those persons seeking to learn the best SEO methods and practices I'll now acquaint you with reasons why most articles are not how to learn about SEO.

SEO Knowledge and Skills

There Are Few True SEO Experts

Being a real SEO expert requires more than having a good understanding of algorithms, website coding, copy writing and be actively involved in search engine oprtimization. The true major palyers in the SEO world are also very connected to each other, and seem to have good and reliable information sources in high places. One analogy is to think of the uber-SEO pros as being involved in SEO insider trading. Certainly there are numerous people who are well above average in SEO work, however they are still not out there on the leading edge of search engine optimization trends. The true SEO experts are the ones breaking the news and uncovering the inside scoop on algorithm changes and such. If you don't have phone numbers to reach key people you're really not a top tier player.

There Is An Abundance of SEO Fools

As with most trades or professions there is a large pool of under-performers. This is the group that generates the majority of the articles posted online - and certainly these folks are not writing SEO books! The low information optimization practitioner works at the trailing edge of SEO knowledge, often employs shortcuts and black-hat SEO tactics, and worst of all they get most of their info from other low information people. Together this low information crowd generates a virtual river of articles that present anything but industry best practices.

The primary reasons they produce these articles is to feign an authority status, facilitate backlink building, and perhaps to impress customers or friends. Regardless of their motivation, their articles are not only unable to provide good tips and ideas but in many cases people following their advice will do harm to their rankings.

Chefs Rarely Share Their True Recipes

Here's the most important thing to remember when reading SEO articles; very few SEO professionals are going to give you the full scoop on their practices. The high end, benevolent people will often share some good nuggets but even this rarely includes the fine details on implementation or strategic application. The SEO business is extremely competitive and most people are not going to educate their competitors.

It is worth considering that some best SEO companies may publish disinformation, really dumb ideas that lead to problems and tempting stories of instant success to sell bad ideas. Be careful.

How To Get The Best SEO Tips

First, develop a list of SEO experts and follow them on social media, blogs or wherever you find them. Ignore articles from the average SEO junkie, freelancer, or self-proclaimed SEO expert. So who are some of these SEO experts? Personally we recommend following these people:

  • Andy Beal
  • Jessica Bowman
  • Jim Boykin
  • Brad Callen
  • Matt Cutts
  • Brad Fallon
  • Rand Fishkin
  • Vanessa Fox
  • Michael Gray
  • Andy Hagans
  • Shawn Hogan
  • Michael McDonald
  • David Naylor
  • Wil Reynolds
  • Barry Schwartz
  • John Scott
  • Bill Slawski
  • Will Spencer
  • Danny Sullivan
  • Brett Tabke
  • Aaron Wall
  • Darrin Ward
  • Jill Whalen
  • Nick Wilson

And it should go without saying but I can't resist . . . read, learn and practice what is in Google's Webmaster Guidelines. You can be a bit creative but if you start thnking you are smarter than the engineers at Google you're going to do an SEO faceplant. As always, read and learn from the best, stay within the rules and be forever committed to self improvement!

1 comment:

  1. Wow great guide line...
    read, learn and practice what is in
    Google's Webmaster Guidelines.
    You can be a bit creative but if you
    start thnking you are smarter than
    the engineers at Google you're going
    to do an SEO faceplant. As always,
    read and learn from the best, stay
    within the rules and be forever committed to self improvement!
    Astounding blog.
    Comfortably, the post is certainly the freshest on that laudable topic.

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