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Consensus on Seth Godin's Article - He Is Confused About SEO  

:: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 ::

As expected, reaction to when Seth Godin expressed his opinion about search engine optimization is surprise, dismay, pity and a united stand for accuracy of information.

From Seth Godin interrogates SEO

     "The problem is simply that Seth just doesn't understand what SEO actually is. Not even the difference between SEO and pay-per-click."

     "It seems to me that Seth simply hasn't done 'due dilligence' on researching this particular topic. That may come back to haunt him. It only takes a couple of poorly researched articles to diminish a reputation."

     "I was a little disappointed to read Seth's post because he often does such a good job of undercutting perceptions like that one -- of illuminating areas that are unclear and filled with misinformation."

     "Clicks do not always convert to sales. Organic SEO still works.

     "Let them revel in their "the world is flat" belief."

     "SEO is far from black magic or even luck. Amazing that someone at his level would say something like this."

     "It's all a matter of perspective. To insiders the subject is illuminated. To outsiders it is dark. What is done in SEO seems like magic to outsiders, and the techniques of it seem like harnessing occult forces. Add to this the massive disinformation produced by some SEO firms, the constantly changing ranking systems, and the references to things that normal human beings never see, and you end up with what is perceived as a black art."

     "Danny Sullivan apparently emailed Seth about the article, as reported at SEW, and a follow-up piece with more clarifications will likely be out today or tomorrow."

Interesting how SEO is taking a bashing.

SEO - a bridge too far? appeared in the Usability topic at Cre8asiteForums.

     "Search Engine Optimsation and Accessibility go hand in hand; as I've written on many a post, a Search Engine Spider is, afterall, a blind user. SEO and Usability, on the other hand, I find to be two arguing siblings."

     "Usability and SEO are co-dependent.

First, the goal is to be found. This is how SEO/PPC/PPI helps. The description and title tag are critical to encouraging a click. It could be in the form of nailing precisely what the searcher is seeking, or arousing their curiosity so they click to see more.

Usability takes it from there. A site that passes usability requirements will guide the user in precise paths, to accomplish certain tasks determined by the web owners, and for which the searcher has come to do. This may be the path to fill out a newsletter subscription form, make a purchase (and therefore, present a user friendly shopping cart process), or generate qualified sales leads. It could be something as simple as learning where a company is located and how to contact them.

Accessibility increases human satisfaction. And, interestingly enough, often also for bots, which require the same information, such as informative content.

:: posted by Kim Krause Berg on 7/06/2004 11:44:41 AM

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