Comments for SEO Theory - SEO Theory and Analysis Blog

Comment on Can we talk SEO? In one SEO lexicon? by jrpittman

jrpittman — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:48:35 +0000

Admitting there’s a problem is the first step

An excellent article, Michael. The problems with the SEO industry, as I see it, are multiple. We have no set terminology with clear definitions, as you mentioned. We have no agreed upon techniques, as incrediblehelp also mentioned. Lastly, we have no governing body. It’s the individual SEOs and companies that make up the rules, and, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the “rules” of optimization change from company to company. The closest we’ve gotten to a rule book is Google’s “standards”, and we all know how that went.

What works? What doesn’t? We can’t even agree on the basics! For example, we have optimizers saying that heading tags no longer work, while others say headings are the next best thing to SE gold. Unless the SEO world can come together in some form of understanding that says “THIS is SEO; THIS is how it’s done; THIS is what it means”, we – as well as academics, searchers and media personnel – will continue in a state of argumentative flux. Garbage in, garbage out.

My two cents. Again, great article!

Comment on Can we talk SEO? In one SEO lexicon? by GabriellaS

GabriellaS — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:54:56 +0000

Michael I read every one of your post and rarely feel the urge to respond. But lucky you in this instance I had to commend you for an excellent post. Finding one source for SEO comprehension would be ideal in a perfect world. My question is how can academia find those resources? Speaking in general terms, most of our sources for information is the Internet. I too have yet to find (other than reading your blogs) valid well thought out explanations of SEO.

I actually wrote an outline for an SEO curriculum along with work sheets etc. for universities/college/learning centers and I would love to send it to you. Granted it’s just an outline but I would love to hear your feedback, who knows maybe I can write it in 6 months… but by then something new will crop up.

Comment on Can we talk SEO? In one SEO lexicon? by Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:03:50 +0000

I don’t think the problem can be resolved by writing one more SEO glossary. I think, however, that we can all begin acknowledging in our blogs and our Websites that there may be alternative expressions and/or meanings.

To take that further, you have to find at least one other person who will agree to compromise on terminology with you and then share that compromise openly.

The point I am trying to make is that unless we acknowledge the problem we’ll never be able to resolve it.

Comment on Can we talk SEO? In one SEO lexicon? by Luke Jones

Luke Jones — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:42:59 +0000

I’d love to either write or help to write some sort of SEO terminology glossary. Even people get confused by “Page Title” and call it something different.

It would also be good to include certain terminology coined by companies like SEOmoz, so things like link juice…

If you are busy and would like me to come up with a little design and host the site, then let me know. I’d be really interested in writing one up.

Comment on Can we talk SEO? In one SEO lexicon? by incrediblehelp

incrediblehelp — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:48:36 +0000

We cant even agree on technique or what should and should not work. I have little hope a glossary would come together.

Comment on SEO Certification – Is SEO Certification For Real? by Michael Martinez

Michael Martinez — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:53:59 +0000

It’s never too late to join the discussion. Thanks for sharing.

Comment on SEO Certification – Is SEO Certification For Real? by mktgbill

mktgbill — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:00:53 +0000

Though I’m a little late to posting a response here….
Having been in SEO for several years and taken SEMPO’s Advanced SEO Certification I say there is value in having it – at least for me personally. I found myself learning new things and learning to look at things differently. There are a number of things that can’t be taught in the standard certification environment like coding problems, server issues and learning to work within CMS limitations. And keeping up on current trends and the latest innovations can be just as challenging as studying for certifications. While real world application of what you’ve learned is the most essential part of any learning experience; I feel that having an industry organization standing behind a certification gives it credibility. Though it can’t end there – a piece of paper or a badge for your blog doesn’t mean anything unless you really eat, drink, breathe and live it.

Comment on SEO Certification – Is SEO Certification For Real? by Billy

Billy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:45:53 +0000

I would rename the class to Search Marketing 101 (SEM101), which more accurately captures the core syllabus. It is certainly as good a start for anyone interested in pursuing a career in search marketing.