Sphinn - A non-famous SEO's take on the "Famous SEO's" discussion.

63
Sphinn It!

A non-famous SEO's take on the "Famous SEO's" discussion.

Went Hot: February 19, 2008 - 3:58 pm
Posted By: Wingnut 502 days ago
Topic Type: News Story (Jump to http://wingnutseo.com)
Category: Search Marketing

Lee Odden started a great discussion about SEO fame that was continued today by Rand Fishkin... Here is how a non-famous SEO feels about the topic.

10 Comments

Who Desphunn This (0)

Comments

from aaronpaul 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Good read - I'm still not convinced of how much business that being famous in the SEO circle brings in though. It may help get you a job with an agency, as this post mentions. But, as an independant - you can focus too much time making a name for yourself among your competitors. To really have "celebrity" help you bring in business - you have to be "famous" in your target market - to your potential clients, the people you serve with your SEO expertise - not just other SEOs.

from Wingnut 502 days ago #

Votes: 1 | Vote:

+ -

@aaronpaul I think that fame in SEO is really about other SEO's knowing and likeing you. With this kind of fame comes bonuses - getting insider tips learning from people who have been in the business much longer than you.

It's just cool stuff - who knows, you may even get freelance work floated your way because one of these other famous SEO's has to much, or thinks your great or want to help you out.

from nsmseo 502 days ago #

Votes: 1 | Vote:

+ -

I think this is a great topic. Being known for doing a good job is probably THE most important thing for an SEO. The "realibility factor" is paramount to any success that comes after it.

In the UK we have a bad habit of building people up then knocking them back down again - its our National Pastime. If that's the benefits of 'Fame' you can shove it. I'll take building my company anyday over that.

But that's me - I have three kids to keep my feet grounded, others that are younger, hungrier and more energetic will have a different view. and y'know more power to them because if we all sang from the same songsheet it be a bloomin' boring place to work in.

from MattMcGee 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Congrats on the quick job turnaround, Dave -- well done! (Tried to leave this comment on your blog, but the captcha is giving me grief.)

from aaronpaul 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Good points, Wingnut. I should note that I have been doing SEO for 10 years and make a nice living doing so. However, I go to maybe one search conferennce a year and most SEOs would have no idea who I am. But, I do have a lot of well placed contacts in the particular industry that I specialize (for the most part) in, as well as have good relationships with several high profile web developers and business consultants. The people who hire me aren't in the SEO community, that's why they need me.

I'm not saying that there aren't benefits, as you mentioned. But my time over the last 10 years has been better spent making contacts in worlds outside of the SEO circle. I'm very fortunate in that I don't need a famous SEO to "help me out" - because I am already a well established SEO in my industry with a proven track record (100% of my business comes from referrals), just not one who is famous to other SEOs. I'll take that over SEO "fame" any day...

Obviously milage may vary, but i would encourage others starting out to find an industry or industries to specialize in and try to be well known there, I think it may be more beneficial than trying to be a famous SEO. And if you do become a famous SEO too... hey, what the heck!

from crimsongirl 502 days ago # - show/hide this comment

Votes: -2 | Vote:

+ -

Don't people know who they ARE?!?!?!

from jfhoupert 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Good article, I couldn’t agree more, fame should not be our primary concern in this business were our job is to be social and make connections with others to enable us to do our jobs, fame becomes a byproduct of our business. But in the end I would rather be rich and anonymous then rich and famous.

from johnandrews 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

"fame in SEO is really about other SEO's knowing and likeing you. With this kind of fame comes bonuses - getting insider tips learning from people who have been in the business much longer than you."

That, too, is overrated. If you earn respect you will get it, and it will be meaningful. I have seen some people get reps just for hanging with the right crowd, but in SEO that is dangerous because the higher your profile, the more obvious it will be that you may not be worthy of as much limelight as you're getting.

No argument about learning by making friends, but you don't need to seek fame to make friends. I meet new friends at every conference and most if not all are un-famous before and after I get to know them.

from Jill 502 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Wingnut, it sounds to me that what you're talking about is more networking than gaining fame. I don't see them as being the same things.

Off to read the other articles on this topic too...intersting stuff!

from Jeeb90 501 days ago #

Votes: 0 | Vote:

+ -

Fame can't really be a bad thing. It can lead to doors opening.

If people see that you are famous, they will want to be associated with you, even if they have never met you. Example: Jim Boykin's Internet Marketing Ninjas videos. Shoemoney has a series of videos, and according to him, he had never met Jim Boykin prior to being asked to make those videos. No one calls you out of the blue and asks you to do things unless you are famous, usually.