How long will the SEO Industry Last ?

[manmade1234]

Hello Everyone,

Have anyone imagined about the future of SEO Industry? Search Engine Optimization helps you to Index your business on Search Engine Page Result. But it also puts you back again after a Google Dance. Its really feels bad when it happens.

Also, we all are much aware about the changing algorithms. Moreover, some countries like India are over a meeting with Google, yahoo to strengthen their grip on the contents.:|

Do you still think that SEO Industry will keep on growing? It seems that there will be an end to SEO industries, specially for those who are practicing unethical strategies. The search engines are going to make control over the spamming, sooner or later.

It seems as a short term plan for Google to create business oppurtunities, bu will lead to a great recession again.

"You can post below, your ideas or reasons in support of this thread or in contrast."

 

You might as well ask if search engines will last.

Earl

 

[Chris Ashdown]

Hopefully the cowboys will disapear maybe by forums spreading the word who is good or bad

It would be nice if the search engines could be clever enough to be able to list web pages without all this skull doggery to get better position like useless links etc

 

Hopefully the cowboys will disapear maybe by forums spreading the word who is good or bad

It would be nice if the search engines could be clever enough to be able to list web pages without all this skull doggery to get better position like useless links etc

Quite agree ,about time the links were taken out of the equation and sites were judged on there usefullness to the general public.

I suspect one would see a dramatic rise in the quality of websites.

Earl

 

[Chris Ashdown]

This must be the first time we have agreed Earl

 

[arunjha]

Hi as far as i think on-one can say except search engine that when will end search engine optimization. I think is is developing day by day.

 

This must be the first time we have agreed Earl

Mistakes do happen.

Earl

 

[Ali-v-8]

The SEO industry will all be around for the duration - It may get regulated but when you actually look at what it was and what it has become you will realise its part of "online business development".

Consider the steps taken now when start an online business - create website> marketing Website > website development.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd stages will benefit and improve chances of success if input from an SEO is given.

My opinion - Defining an SEO as just a guy who gains rankings is old school. Good SEO's encompass every aspect of online utilisation.

Wars are won by those who have the better weapons and resources.

 

[zigojacko]

Well the world is ending apparently next year, so I'll give SEO til then at least.

 

[Mystro]

Regardless of whatever happens SEO will continue to play a big part,

Link building is a major part, if they they remove this element then what ever they put in to gage the worthyness of the site it will fall under the seo banner

Quite agree ,about time the links were taken out of the equation and sites were judged on there usefullness to the general public.

I suspect one would see a dramatic rise in the quality of websites.

Earl

there will still be things that Google looks at to get to that decision, SEO is here for the duration its not going anywhere

 

[chrisbuckley]

I think the SEO industry is incredibly short-sighted. As useful as search engines still are, diversifying your traffic is even more important now that it used to be.

Social media especially has changed the landscape. Google is getting better (and about time too) at detecting those trying to game their engine to get higher rankings.

Most SEO firms are just not interested in long term success. I always laugh when I hear someone call themselves an "SEO Expert". Get real, SEO is not at all complex. There is very little to it. It doesn't compare to most professional or academic qualifications.

Still, there is huge money to be made right now. Digital marketing is one of the few industries that is doing amazingly well right now with so many SMEs yet to really make their mark on the internet.

I predict that SEO alone will do well for about another 3 to 4 years.

 

[seo-bod]

SEO is an arm of marketing and will be around as long as trading online is around.

The more time I spend with clients the more involved I become with their marketing strategy. SEO will be around for a very long time, in my opinion, and develop with search engines. Google will one day fragment and maybe engines suited for specific 'minds' may spring up and become more exposed. Surprises me how few know of the Google blog search engine or know how to use Google alerts properly, and that's in my industry.

 

[RickieSee]

There's too many cowboys for it to last in it's present form, especially like chrisbuckley said - it's not terribly complex to someone with technical knowledge, and information is free.

Just look here at how many "SEO-Experts" there are. That seem to chime into every thread.

 

[seo-bod]

I agree with the above.

Proof is so easy to find though. I'll always tell a potential client a key-phrase(s) I've got a client to page 1 for. And they can always cross reference this with the client. SEO wannabes usually go quite when asked for key-phrases they currently have at page 1.

 

[RedEvo]

Our SEO services evolved through demand. In the same way the services we provide that fall broadly under the SEO banner are evolving again driven by demand. I'd be careful about confusing SEO experts with eh....... SEO experts.

d

 

[zigojacko]

Most SEO firms are just not interested in long term success. I always laugh when I hear someone call themselves an "SEO Expert". Get real, SEO is not at all complex. There is very little to it. It doesn't compare to most professional or academic qualifications.

Really? What a ludicrous statement...

<rant>Not everyone can implement effective SEO, most don't even know what it entails and to be fair, unless you have been in the industry for a number of years and learnt from experience and your own experimenting and know web development / design (the bare basics of HTML, CSS, PHP, MYSQL at least), then, the likelihood is, they aren't really a particularly great SEO.

I would love to see how you discuss the most technical aspects of SEO, topics such as latent semantic indexing and analysis, or breaking down an algorithmic formula for testing, or instructing robots via a website that contains over 100,000 directory structures...

It's comments such as yours that make so many idiots think SEO is easy and decide to set up a company the next day and start charging for it. These clueless prats are exactly those people that have no idea what real SEO is.</rant>

 

[seo-bod]

Nice rant! I've come across many SEO diy'ers and find the mention of LSI and even throwing in the use of canonicalisation is enough to leave them looking a wee bit perplexed!

 

[RickieSee]

Any SEO expert can read up on LSI though. Like everything. The internet is polluted with ******** artists.

1 Click Wordpress installers have given them a platform to rip people off.

 

[zigojacko]

Any SEO expert can read up on LSI though. Like everything. The internet is polluted with ******** artists.

1 Click Wordpress installers have given them a platform to rip people off.

What's your point though? Just because a piece of information can be found on the internet and read by anyone means that there is nothing to it?

I could download a guide to stripping down a Yulin Diesel lorry's engine, it doesn't make me a mechanic or indicate that I know what the hell I'm even doing, let alone talking about!

You're right though, there's far too many platforms readily available on the web which help "seo experts", "web designers" or "web developers" rip people off and allow them to slap a title on their head. There's even members on this forum calling themselves web developers when all they do is find a Wordpress theme and install it and add the content - does it make them a web developer, no.

My point is, SEO is not easy and there's far more to it than many people think - not everyone can just pick it up - not everyone even grasps basic HTML, so this alone, would eliminate those people from knowing what they're doing with onsite SEO. Every element of SEO goes far more technical than most realise, even I have to discuss a number of aspects with our developers as it's over my head.

I've lost count how many times I've said this now, but those that think SEO stops at the basics like page titles > metadata > headers > image alt > page speed > backlinks > social media are so so far off the mark - and the reality is, most probably think that is the bottom line with SEO.

It's a shame for businesses, because they end up using these idiots that essentially make a hash of their website and waste their money, it's great for those in the industry that can stand out a mile off against the fools as they will get the business and the bigger clients...

 

[WickITServices]

As long as search engines use mathematical algorithms and rules to rate sites there will be SEO "experts" trying to beat them.
Hopefully the search engines will get better at judging content quality and value and then the SEO gurus will need to be excellent copy writers with in-depth subject expertise. That will be a good day

 

[RickieSee]

jacko - I completely agree.

However the average newbie can't differentiate between knowledge, or someone who is going to do a poor job. Hence, people are getting ripped off left, right and centre. At least with web design, there's a finished visual product and a way of recourse if things go pear shaped.

Personally I wouldn't even consider a SEO Expert unless they can code. Basically a web designer with decent work to show.

Honestly mate, I've seen someone make ALOT of money with claiming Wordpress themes are there own. Total joke. Grrrrr hehe.

What's your point though?

My point is that people with limited technical knowledge can get ripped off. These SEO experts don't want good results, they want peoples cash. Hence, a guy with poor SEO knowledge, yet markets himself well can succeed - at the moment as it stands.

 

[zigojacko]

Hopefully the search engines will get better at judging content quality and value and then the SEO gurus will need to be excellent copy writers with in-depth subject expertise. That will be a good day

I've got a feeling this won't be too far away in the near future at all.

Starting with the removal of the visible toolbar Google PageRank (this would crash many of these 'experts's' business model immediately).

And if only we could get a reclassification on the nofollow link relationship as well, I'd be happy!

As I said earlier...

 

[chrisbuckley]

Really? What a ludicrous statement...

<rant>Not everyone can implement effective SEO, most don't even know what it entails and to be fair, unless you have been in the industry for a number of years and learnt from experience and your own experimenting and know web development / design (the bare basics of HTML, CSS, PHP, MYSQL at least), then, the likelihood is, they aren't really a particularly great SEO.

I would love to see how you discuss the most technical aspects of SEO, topics such as latent semantic indexing and analysis, or breaking down an algorithmic formula for testing, or instructing robots via a website that contains over 100,000 directory structures...

It's comments such as yours that make so many idiots think SEO is easy and decide to set up a company the next day and start charging for it. These clueless prats are exactly those people that have no idea what real SEO is.</rant>

I disagree. Knowing SQL and PHP is not necessary. A rudimentary knowledge of HTML and CSS will suffice. The more you know, the better, but it's certainly not essential. Not by a stretch. Editing non-compiled code is pretty easy really, at least for me and I assume many others.

Yes, SEO can get more complex but that does not account for 95%+ of SEO projects. If you choose to get into those nitty-gritty type projects then fair enough, but they are not typical at all.

And taking LSI as an example, to study it to the nth degree is the wrong approach in my view. It is better to understand how it works and then to take a natural approach, bearing it in mind, rather than making it the focus of one's efforts.

I stand by what I said. Compared to the average degree or professional qualification (e.g. CIMA, MBA, CFA, ACCA etc.), SEO is nowhere near it at all.

There will always be exceptions to the norm. But the norm of SEO is fairly rudimentary. Most of those in digital marketing are kicking themselves how much money they are making at the moment with few SEOs compared to those who need SEO services. It really is a seller's market at the moment. £300 per month for basic ranking that will barely take a handful of hours of your time at most per month? It remind me of some of the crazy money of the dot com boom times.

Add to that that Google is ever tightening the noose around those who game Google. The best approach in most cases is to do basic optimisation and then adopt a natural, marketing-led approach. This is how authority sites succeed.

It's great that you have pride in your profession, I applaud that. But in my view, your other skills listed in your sig make you much more of an expert than SEO knowledge. I maintain that SEO is far from rocket science.

As for experience, a great SEO may need years but a good SEO needs a matter of months at most. There are few professions where complete beginners can start performing well in so little time.

 

.



Most SEO firms are just not interested in long term success. I always laugh when I hear someone call themselves an "SEO Expert". Get real, SEO is not at all complex. There is very little to it. It doesn't compare to most professional or academic qualifications.

.

You must be very wealthy.

Earl

 

[seo-bod]

I disagree. Knowing SQL and PHP is not necessary. A rudimentary knowledge of HTML and CSS will suffice. The more you know, the better, but it's certainly not essential. Not by a stretch. Editing non-compiled code is pretty easy really, at least for me and I assume many others.

Yes, SEO can get more complex but that does not account for 95%+ of SEO projects. If you choose to get into those nitty-gritty type projects then fair enough, but they are not typical at all.

And taking LSI as an example, to study it to the nth degree is the wrong approach in my view. It is better to understand how it works and then to take a natural approach, bearing it in mind, rather than making it the focus of one's efforts.

I stand by what I said. Compared to the average degree or professional qualification (e.g. CIMA, MBA, CFA, ACCA etc.), SEO is nowhere near it at all.

There will always be exceptions to the norm. But the norm of SEO is fairly rudimentary. Most of those in digital marketing are kicking themselves how much money they are making at the moment with few SEOs compared to those who need SEO services. It really is a seller's market at the moment. £300 per month for basic ranking that will barely take a handful of hours of your time at most per month? It remind me of some of the crazy money of the dot com boom times.

Add to that that Google is ever tightening the noose around those who game Google. The best approach in most cases is to do basic optimisation and then adopt a natural, marketing-led approach. This is how authority sites succeed.

It's great that you have pride in your profession, I applaud that. But in my view, your other skills listed in your sig make you much more of an expert than SEO knowledge. I maintain that SEO is far from rocket science.

As for experience, a great SEO may need years but a good SEO needs a matter of months at most. There are few professions where complete beginners can start performing well in so little time.

So how would you carry out work on a php driven website which had the same include file for every page that carried title tag and meta data within it? You would need to know basic php to even make a start.

Your understanding of SEO is narrow. SEO encompasses a lot of working knowledge. What if a client required a bespoke micro-site optimised for specific phrases, could you build that with a rudimentary knowledge of html and css?

Knowledge of SQL isn't relevant but if you know php knowing SQL is pretty much a given.

This could go on. Though for the small time locksmith based in Paignton in-depth SEO knowledge isn't required, but helps.

 

[RickieSee]

So how would you carry out work on a php driven website which had the same include file for every page that carried title tag and meta data within it? You would need to know basic php to even make a start.

Your understanding of SEO is narrow. SEO encompasses a lot of working knowledge. What if a client required a bespoke micro-site optimised for specific phrases, could you build that with a rudimentary knowledge of html and css?

Knowledge of SQL isn't relevant but if you know php knowing SQL is pretty much a given.

This could go on. Though for the small time locksmith based in Paignton in-depth SEO knowledge isn't required, but helps.

He'd simply turn down the business. Or take it on, and do an average job.

What if a client required a bespoke micro-site optimised for specific phrases, could you build that with a rudimentary knowledge of html and css?

What percentage of SEO jobs actually ask for something like this? It's going to very little.

I'd think the majority seeking SEO services will be small businesse owners with a website, yet limited technical knowledge.

 

[chrisbuckley]

What percentage of SEO jobs actually ask for something like this? It's going to very little.

I'd think the majority seeking SEO services will be small businesse owners with a website, yet limited technical knowledge.

This is exactly my point.

Of course one can go crazy and dedicate their life to SEO and become the equivalent of a "professor". They may be able to do the 5% of jobs that anyone below their level cannot manage.

But 95% of SEO projects out there are relatively straightforward.


A great indicator of this is the value of an SEO professional. Check monster.co.uk for SEO professionals. Overwhelmingly, most jobs in London pay £25,000 and often even less. Very, very few will pay £30-35k. And if you want to earn £40k+ well good luck to you.

SEO is low-paid as an employee. Which is why so many SEO professionals decide to go it alone instead because, for the time being at least, it still pays very well because the market is nowhere near saturation point...yet.

 

This is exactly my point.

Of course one can go crazy and dedicate their life to SEO and become the equivalent of a "professor". They may be able to do the 5% of jobs that anyone below their level cannot manage.

But 95% of SEO projects out there are relatively straightforward.


A great indicator of this is the value of an SEO professional. Check monster.co.uk for SEO professionals. Overwhelmingly, most jobs in London pay £25,000 and often even less. Very, very few will pay £30-35k. And if you want to earn £40k+ well good luck to you.

SEO is low-paid as an employee. Which is why so many SEO professionals decide to go it alone instead because, for the time being at least, it still pays very well because the market is nowhere near saturation point...yet.

So you have a site flogging how to do books by other people aimed at the good old boys.?

Very Interesting.

Earl

 

[seo-bod]

He'd simply turn down the business. Or take it on, and do an average job.



What percentage of SEO jobs actually ask for something like this? It's going to very little.

I'd think the majority seeking SEO services will be small businesse owners with a website, yet limited technical knowledge.

You do not work in the SEO industry.

 

[RickieSee]

You do not work in the SEO industry.

Lulz, I'm more than qualified and entitled to an opinion.

Go on then, show me your poorly designed Wordpress site that you set up in 2009 guaranteeing fantastic results.

 

Lulz, I'm more than qualified and entitled to an opinion.

Yeah but what in?:|

Earl

 

[seo-bod]

Lulz, I'm more than qualified and entitled to an opinion.

Go on then, show me your poorly designed Wordpress site that you set up in 2009 guaranteeing fantastic results.

You certainly are.

I've hundreds of them. Clue is in the username. Do your worst!

 

[RickieSee]

You certainly are.

I've hundreds of them. Clue is in the username. Do your worst!

LOLZ at Googling my username, and finding someone who isn't me. Already been done. Noob.

My name isn't Rickie See

Lettuce beef real blood - You're deviating from the originally argument because chrisbuckley pretty much summed it up, and now you need it to look like SEO is rocket science, to justify an existance in an "industry" that will burst.

Btw, Rickie is spelled with a 'y'.

 

[seo-bod]

LOLZ at Googling my username, and finding someone who isn't me. Already been done. Noob.

My name isn't Rickie See

Lettuce beef real - I'm not involved in SEO other than for my own ecommerce sites. Besides the point, you're deviating from the originally argument because chrisbuckley pretty much summed it up, and now you need it to look like SEO is rocket science, to justify an existance in an "industry" that will burst.

Btw, Rickie is spelled with a 'y'.

I had hoped you'd google my username. I've didn't google your username, should I? Don't think I need to.

Let me know if you require any work for your ecom, I work on them daily.

 

[RickieSee]

I had hoped you'd google my username. I've didn't google your username, should I? Don't think I need to.

Let me know if you require any work for your ecom, I work on them daily.

I like the use of Cufon, Matt. Looks quality.

In all honesty, I would happily pay someone, if I believe they could do a better job than me. But in the context of the thread, and this links in nicely, that in general SEO is not rocket science, but I would say that.

Objectively I can see why people do pay SEO experts. But, I still believe the bubble will burst on this industry.

 

[chrisbuckley]

So you have a site flogging how to do books by other people aimed at the good old boys.?

Very Interesting.

Earl

Not sure what you mean by "good old boys" :|, it's aimed at business owners.

But let's not stray OT here, hopefully others can chime in with their views on how long the SEO industry will last. It would be interesting to hear from non-SEO professionals too, who don't have a vested interest in it.

 

[seo-bod]

Thank you, i also have seo-oracle co uk but have used font-face. It's a week old!

I've built sites around good cufon fonts.

SEO is embedded in marketing to burst completely, it'll evolve.

 

[seo-bod]

I like the use of Cufon, Matt. Looks quality.

In all honesty, I would happily pay someone, if I believe they could do a better job than me. But in the context of the thread, and this links in nicely, that in general SEO is not rocket science, but I would say that.

Objectively I can see why people do pay SEO experts. But, I still believe the bubble will burst on this industry.

Thank you, i also have seo-oracle co uk but have used font-face. It's a week old!

I've built sites around good cufon fonts.

SEO is to embedded in marketing to burst completely, it'll evolve.

 

[malcom.disouza]

Never... SEO is a part of promotion for SMEs business. There are lot of opportunities in Ethical SEO.

 

[Chunkford]

Seo will never die as long as search engines are around.
the purpose of an seo in G's eyes is to make a great website that they can rank highly and offer the best possible result for their users.