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It is scary just how much of an impact these search engines have on companies (and some users personal lives lol).
Anyone elses thoughts?
Craig
Optimising for Google is a popular choice for webmasters only because the engine itself is currently popular with the WWW-searching public.... partly because the best websites make sure they're optimised for Google. (Self reinforcing loop, see?)
Once some revolutionary new method to search the web or to promote one's site is thought up, search engines as we know them will be out.
Imagine if you had a website selling childrens toys and instead of advertising on the web or submitting to search engines, you gave free balloons to schools all over the world.
You wouldn't really be bothered about the nxt Google update then, would you?
The old wisdom about not putting all your eggs in the same basket is equally valid in cyberspace.
You are treading on hallowed ground here.
I think you'll find that perception here is based on how well the answerer is doing in the Google index.
Those making money will defend everything Google says and does. Those people struggling in the index will lament all those things they see as unfair.
IMHO: Those, without financial resources, willing to put time and energy into playing by the rules, getting links and optimising, will do well. Those people who who have money and can buy their way to the top, will do well. Those people who can do both will do the best.
This is interesting, I absolutely and totally dominate in the SEO stakes for my chosen words on google, so where can I go to pay now?
Forget overture and PPCs because the bidders for my keywords are bidding too much and losing money, they come and go when they discover this but there are plenty of fools trying it week in week out.
No point in adwords or googles top twoers, as I do that and have gone north, so now Ive got the lot.
What next? Any suggestions - I am willing to pay so long as I get a return.
So, you are #1 for every keyword, market, product and segment you are in? Total domination in my mind means that you have no competition in your market.
Is that the case? If so, you need to enter other markets. Eventually you own them all.
Do your online customers meet with your potential customers in an offline situation? If they buy enough stuff, give them good promotional freebies. Make it stuff that is good enough that they will actually use it, with discreet advertising that is noticable but not obnoxious.
If you sell office products, give out coffee mugs. If you sell workout clothes, give out gym bags and water bottles.
There is plenty of competition!
Ok - I admit - there are a couple which are difficult and I am only at say - 2 5 9 for them, but in time.. :)
No rush :)
MSN is the same, so many sites subbed for the same keywords, when some go out due to a change, the others pop in - its the only way to be sure with Inktomi.
Sponsored listings in OV - already mentioned, outbid and swamped by total loser plonks.
Web Directory listings - ;) no problems in any areas there with known editors in both DMOZ and Zeal sorting things out for me. Yahoo - a bit weak on in terms of the DIR but the google listings are ok, and when/if yahoo switches to Ink, then bobs yer uncle there aswell.
I was looking for more popular products so I can replicate this more now, but whats popular - SEO isnt the hard part, its finding whats going down well in the US.
Use WT but usually end up spotting one like a 5$ profit for me per sale with only around 200 searches per day. I cant be bothered with those anymore.
Whats next for me and my team? After 6 years of being an affiliate, i'd like to start running my own program, but I dont know where to start.
Ideally, I'd like to be able to go to a manufacturer of widget, tell them that I can put their product in front of 50,000 + people per month (via qualified searches) - and then pass the manufacturer the orders - who would then ship them, bill the customer, and send me 50% or whatever.
Does anyone else do this sort of thing? I see it as the only next viable step for me now.
