Although some techniques have certainly paid significant dividends, it’s also true to say that search engine algorithms have been getting more and more sophisticated. The SEO landscape is changing and it’s important that you should look to adapt to such changes.
A practical approach
So what does this mean, in practical terms? The first thing to say is that, if you’re using software to create links or generate content, then you’re likely to be heading in the wrong direction. You should note that I draw a distinction between monitoring link building using software and actually looking to create links.Most of us will need to keep a record of inbound links and there’s nothing wrong with using specialist pieces of software to measure progress and to help maintaining relationships. If you work in a large agency, then it’s also useful to check on which member of staff is carrying out individual tasks.
But what about the idea of blasting out thousands of links, using some sort of automated process? Most of us will be ware that such techniques exist and we’ll even be able to point to examples of where they have been incredibly effectively in the past. But every single signal that is being sent by Google suggests that such techniques are destined to fail.
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The problem is that automated processes, of this nature, achieve the exact opposite of what Google is looking for. They simply aren’t about building a real presence and looking to gain sustainable results. Instead, the focus is on building links that artificially improve search engine positioning. What’s lacking is any real consideration of the quality of those links.
A change of emphasis
This is precisely why I would advocate shifting your approach to concentrate on manual efforts. I’m afraid to say that this will mean that you will have to work that bit harder. The good news, however, is that you’ll find that you get much better results over time.If you don’t feel that you have the necessary skills to be writing wonderful content, to take one example of what will be required, then there’s no harm in hiring professional help. Once again, however, it’s important to maintain that focus on quality.
There may be the temptation here to take the cheapest or quickest route to success. In part, such thoughts are likely to stem from the previous strategies that you have been using. Rather than looking to outsource content creation and link building overseas, it’s actually far more important to understand that you are looking to build links that will last.
More importantly, every step that you take will be sending out signals to Google and the other main search engines. What sort of signals are you sending out? That will be a key question that you’ll be looking to answer, as you seek to build a strengthened search engine presence.
Keith BarrettAbout the Guest Author:
As an SEO consultant with searchsouthseo.co.uk, Keith Barrett understands the importance of implementing sustainable strategies. He also writes on a range of online marketing subjects.