Search engine optimization (SEO) is not an easy task. We like to act like it’s easy because that’s what everyone (meaning those who want to do it but don’t know anything about it) wants to hear so we, as an industry, often go right along with the charade and talk like it’s something you can do in your spare time.
Well, enough small business people and wannabe consultants have found out the hard way that SEO is a b*^%t. There is no other way to put it. The rules change regularly and no one is willing to give up secrets they may have. (After all why would they arm their competitors with the tools to beat them?) In other words, it’s like most other business activities: it’s not a natural act and you have to roll up your sleeves and dive in to truly get the proper perspective on the practice.
One of the most difficult things to do is to try to explain this beast to an SEO Luddite. There are many out there who simply have decided that this newfangled Internet thing is a fad. It sounds ridiculous, but there are large pockets of businesses that still don’t think that the Internet world applies to them. In reality, even those who have softened their stance and would like to learn just what all the hubbub is about often don’t understand the concept or the language around it.
For years there have been attempts to explain the act of search engine optimization in simple terms, and for years there have been good efforts. This week, however, one of the better efforts I have ever seen that boils down the basics of SEO was released by the folks at Search Engine Land. Here, take a look for yourself.
It’s a rare moment where the complexity of the SEO process gets cut through to the bone and you are left with something that could actually enable a good conversation between SEO provider and prospect about just what is required for success at the most basic level.
Often industries need to step back from their desks and get back to the basics in order to move forward. I think SEO and Internet marketing in general is at that point in its existence. Having efforts like this put together by noted leaders helps the cause greatly.
What do you do to simplify the often cryptic and mysterious world of Internet marketing? Are you willing to share any secrets? One thing to remember, your secrets are just ideas and the reality is that somewhere around 99% of those who read your secrets won’t act on them for a variety of reasons. In other words, your secret is safe with us :-).
