Here in the UK the Internet Advertising Bureau has published their first Search Marketing Code of Conduct. There are only four points in it so far but the IAB plan to expand the code. Agencies have until the end of the year to qualify.
2 Comments
2 Comments
Comments
Kind of underwhelming. I mean it’s good conduct to have two full time search marketing employees, to have been in business for six months and join some organization (like the IAB or SEMPO) that will admit anyone? The only requirement going to skills is getting Google accreditation. So big whoop -- you get a logo that ultimately proves you understand Google help files. Yeah, I’d say these need to grow a lot to have real teeth to them.
Hi Danny, I oversee the IAB Search Marketing Council and the development of the Search Charter. The Charter will certainly grow in the future - as mentioned in the press release, starting with the introduction of sections on trademarking and working with affiliates - and the existing section will develop with time. At today’s Council we actually discussed the possibilities of SEO accreditation as a separate but obviously relevant project. This is something the IAB couldn’t produce itself at the moment because it doesn’t fall within its remit, but it is something we would wish to help develop. Such a project would help build on the criteria in the existing Charter. People’s mixed responses have been expected, but the Council’s aim has always been to launch a starting point, and to work with the industry from that point to form best practice to benefit the search industry. It’s particularly pleasing to see so much discussion around this topic and already people’s comments like yours have begun feeding into the Charter. Incidentally, it’s worth mentioning that while our Councils are for our members we welcome guest attendees on certain topics like the Charter (or comments by email / phone). I can always be contacted on jack@iabuk.net.