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Ahhhhhh..... it's so refreshing to read an easy-to-digest post like this for a change.
- Eric Itzkowitz
Another headted debate, eh?
I'm not sure where I sit with PR sculpting. On one hand I am a huge fan of testing. How can you form a valid opinion on PR sculpting w/o testing and deriving some sort of result? On the other hand I am not a huge fan of trying to fix things that aren't broken--at such a granular level--that could, at some point, backfire and break that which is not already broken.
Questions:
- For those of you who have tested PR sculpting, were you successful? If so, what metric(s) did you use to gauge your success (increased revenue, rankings, conversions, etc.)?
- Do you worry that your success is short-lived, which may require you to undo your changes?
- How dominant/successful was the website you used to test PR sculpting?
- How many have tested PR sculting and have seen little to no success?
- Eric Itzkowitz
I agree that there is far too much obsession with various SEO tactics and perceived measurements of true value. Further, I believe that this article does a fairly good job at reminding us about the ultimate goal of good SEO... CONVERSION.
However, I do want to caution fellow SEOs on making generalized and broad-sweeping comments. It's these types of comments that can and do add to the confusion.
For example:
- "SEO isn't about PageRank, links or who says what is or isn't important"
- "In fact, the better your conversion rate the less traffic you have to rely on. And relying on less is always a good thing in an online world when things can change overnight."
2. The first statement doesn't sit right with me. It sounds like an excuse that an SEO would use to make a client feel better when traffic numbers were off. Maybe the author means that if you are getting less traffic, but more of it is QUALIFIED traffic then great--trim the fat.
Also, I don't believe that relying on less is always a good thing, especially when trying to drive more qualified traffic to one's website or blog. Sometimes, placing more of your eggs into fewer baskets can be more harmful because each basket now represents a larger percentage of n (revenue, traffic, etc.). A loss of just one could be extremely detrimental. That can't be good.
Stop worrying about who's popular, and why their posts get so much attention. Instead, focus on writing your compelling content (here, and/or on your blog) so you can EARN your popularity--yeah... just like the big names have. I have a good feeling that in doing so you'll naturally gain a following, and maybe someday your posts will become popular, too.
Do you think Danny started out back in the day with a goal to become the most popular kid on the block? Do you think Matt started interacting with webmasters so he could gain ultra-cool guy status? NO! They stuck to their passion and popularity followed.
Now, wipe your nose and get to work! (:
Tanner: First and foremost, please do not take my comments as a direct attack, or as being jackass. I promise, no harm intended here. I offer only my opinion and my honesty. I try to accurately call things the way I see them.
1) You say:
> "As is, Sphinn.com is basically a popularity contest."
> "Unfortunately, because the big named marketers are already "big named marketers" it's hard for anyone new to SEO or marketing to stand out from the crowd."
IMHO, your comments come off a bit whinny, bordering envy with a touch of jealousy.
I'll admit it; you actually nailed it on the head when you said it's hard for new SEOs to stand out. You see, new SEO's need to be learning (getting their hands dirty), not trying to stand out.
No, I'm not saying that new SEOs have nothing to offer because they do--a fresh new perspective even the most seasoned SEO can learn from. But, you've got to crawl before you can walk.
2) In regards to your answer to Matt's question asking you if you have ever skipped a headline due to not recognizing the name and/or face--you said no. C'mon now. Everybody has skipped a lesser branded name, whether it be a blog post, product, widget, advice, or the like. Let's face it, we all want to learn from those we perceive as the most popular, or the best. It's human nature.
3) I really liked your comment asking SEOs of all skill levels to sound-off here. This is truly the best way for all of us to learn together and move our industry forward.
Keep up the good work!
7) You search surfing related keywords instead of going to the beach and doing it.
Story: Welcome To Sphinn!
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