Late last week, I finally bit the bullet and hesitantly logged into my Google+ account. It had been quite some time since I had logged onto the social media service, as to be 100% honest I was quite disappointed with the initial build (Authors Note: My opinion has since been completely changed as I am now absolutely addicted to Google+!). As I began to salvage my account by connecting with my colleagues and fellow SEO experts, my mind began to wander; I started to think about the SEO community.
Just like how an artist is recognizable from their style, I began to discover that I could recognize and identify certain companies simply via their SEO style. After jotting down some notes and drawing some completely unnecessary (yet hilarious) sketches of these characters, I came to the conclusion that there are 5 unfortunate SEO personalities:
The Extravagant Novelist
When they aren’t watching Hi-Brow comedies or debating politics over a few brandies, the Extravagant SEO Novelist can be found studiously working away on the optimization for their latest client. Page structure, keyword distribution and conversion rates are simply inconveniences for the Extravagant Novelist, as they would much rather write a piece that is worthy of a Pulitzer Prize than spend their time correctly optimizing their clients site.
The Timid SEOer
Still yet to be converted from the age of Yellow Pages domination, the Timid SEOer is as intrigued as they are scared by the phenomenon of search engines. Constantly wary of ‘breaking the site’, these consultants work by the motto ‘slow and steady wins the race’.
The Heavy-handed Coder
A force to be reckoned with, the Heavy-Handed Coder uses their IT background to interlink their site tighter than a piece of chain-mail. Usability and aesthetics are thrown out the window with the Heavy-handed coder, as all that is important to them is to create #1 rankings for their clients.
The Belligerent Newbie
Fresh to the game, the Belligerent Newbie doesn’t care for research and industry trends. In a scene similar to a cowboy running into a salon with ‘all guns blazing’, the Belligerent Newbie will soon either crash and burn or learn the errors of their ways before a big mistake is made.
The Wise Owl
As the final character in this tale, the Wise Owl has seen all of the previous types of SEOers come and go. They understand the intricacies of an SEO campaign. They know when the time is to act, and when the time is to sit back. They understand what is required from them, and apply this through a magical synergy of substance and style.
Here at Media Heroes, WE ARE THE WISE OWLS
At the end of the day, every SEO Consultant must come to the realization that there are standards in both your company and the industry which must be upheld. If we are all able to honestly evaluate ourselves and point out our strengths and our weaknesses like the characters above, then we could soon be able to change our styles for the better and provide our customers with the service they deserve.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading my blog today. If you feel like I have missed an important character from this tale, please let me know by leaving a comment or adding me on my new and improved (haha!) Google + page, where you will be able to find regular updates and discussions on the world of SEO and Social Media.
- Michael Reed
