SEO accepted as mainstream in Japan?

BK1, IRI-CT and Sozon.com anounce collaboration

[kazonik]

Did anyone see this story last week:
[headlines.yahoo.co.jp...]

Basically it says that BK1 (Book 1) Japan's 3rd largest online bookstore, IRI-CT (IRI Commerce & Technology) a major Japanese content provider, portal & Sozon.com (Strategic Optimization Zone) - SEO, Online Marketing Company announced their collaboration in using SEO to help BK1 improve their market share and online presence.

It didn't give too much detail but I think its fairly bold for a public company to openly make such a statement.

I guess that's a good thing for the SEO industry, perhaps finally being accepted as a valuable business solution and not just black magic.

Any thoughts?

Peace,
Kaz

[bill]

I think it's going to take a bunch more large Japanese companies to really get into SEO before it gains much more credibility here. The old stalwarts of Japanese industry just don't get it yet. Once some of the big boys figure it out everyone will jump on the bandwagon. It's still frustrating out there.

I would look at the upcoming IDG conference as an indicator. This is the first ever SEO conference in Japan and it doesn’t sound like they're drawing too well if the other thread is any indicator. Sounds like SEO is still a second or third tier part of most companies plans, if at all. Compare and contrast this to the participation of similar industry events elsewhere in the world. I don't think SEO is quite mainstream here yet at all.

[kazonik]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the comment.

I agree. SEO is not mainstream (yet) but I think the news is a step in the right direction. You know how Japan can be, one guy wears CK T-shirts and 1 week later, everyone's wearing them :)

I think the IDG event will be somewhat of an indicator, but perhaps not so accurate as I felt IDG did a poor of promotion.The only cool thing IDG did was let google have a lounge at the event.

I have a feeling we'll see some more public companies jump on the SEO bandwagon in the next few months.

wait and see...

Peace,
Kaz

[kazonik]

I just had a thought...

How about we call it "Louis Vuitton SEO", then everyone will think they have to have it and the pricier the better?

sorry, my poor sense of humor :)

Peace,
Kaz