Search Engine Optimization - Google Speaks

You might have noticed I added a new blog roll category entitled, "GeekBlogging". For those interested, these are some of the blogs I read on regular basis regarding technology and the web. I'm also a voracious reader of magazines, thank goodness these purchases can be chalked up to business expense because some of the best are imports from Great Britain that can get a bit pricey. One of my favorites is entitled, "Practical Web Design". My latest purchase is dedicated almost entirely to the inner workings of Google. The best article is a lengthy interview with Matt Cutts. Matt is Google's resident representative to the webmaster community (you'll find a link to his personal blog in the new blog roll).

Regular readers of this blog know that I am a big advocate of exploding the myths of SEO, (search engine optimization). Google makes changes on a frequent basis to the way they approach search. Staying on top of those changes can be a daunting task so when I am asked to help a broker or agent comes to grips with search marketing, I remind them to stick with the basics and use the only SEO that matters, "Seek Expert Opinion". A quote from the interview:

"Google uncovers cheating in short order and takes it very seriously"

Please keep that in mind the next time you're tempted to respond to a spam or inquiry regarding a guarantee to get you in the "top ten" in Google or anywhere else. There is a right way and wrong way to approach the issue and anyone that tells you they can hit the bull's eye of this moving target is jerking your chain.

If you've ever been interested in knowing more about how Google approaches the myriad issues associated with search, do two things. 1. Plunk down about $16 on issue 163 of Practical Web Design at Borders or B&N. 2. Start reading Matt's blog. Just remember, search is only one of a long list of bullet points in your web strategy. Spending too much time on it is done at the peril of your overall success.