Black hat SEO refers to a set of optimization practices deemed by search engines to be against their terms of use. Often done in an effort to game the ranking systems, this type of SEO is generally frowned upon in the digital marketing community. For the most part, search engines do a great job of detecting and punishing on-site manipulation. When it comes to the art of link building, however, it’s an entirely different ballgame. [Read more…]
SEO Presentation Deck Motherload from PeepCon
As promised, we’re releasing the presentation decks from PeepCon, GDI’s non-profit digital marketing conference held at The Heritage Hotel Manila. A total of 215 people attended to hear 15 of the best digital marketers in the land share their insights on the latest trends in search engine optimization. [Read more…]
PeepCon Agenda and Final Details
Just 11 days from now, the hotly-anticipated search marketing conference PeepCon will happen at the Heritage Hotel Manila ballroom in Pasay City. An estimated 160 marketers and entrepreneurs will attend the event for a full day of learning and networking opportunities. [Read more…]
10 Takeaways from SMX West 2015
This one will be a quickie just because my schedule in this US trip has been insane. I’ll be writing a more elaborate post next week or the one after the next.
SMX West 2015 was everything I imagined it to be and more. The sessions, the socials and the experience of being at the heart of Silicon Valley were transformative. Naturally, I’m excited to come home to the Philippines and share what I learned with GDI and the local digital marketing community as a whole. [Read more…]
Seven Power Tips on Closing SEO Deals
Contrary to what some may believe, potential SEO clients don’t automatically choose the service provider whom they find first on Google. Business people looking for search marketing services typically look at several agencies and contact them to see who can make the most compelling service offer. In a scenario like this, search ranking advantages take a back seat to business case building and soft skills. The freelancer or agency that can make the client feel smartest about his decision will ultimately win the SEO contract. [Read more…]
How I Got Accepted to Speak at SMX West 2015
So yeah — three weeks ago, all my lucky stars lined up and I got an email telling me that I’ve been accepted as a speaker in SMX West 2015 in San Jose, California. Without overstating the matter, it’s probably safe to say that this was a professional dream come true. After all, SMX is the mecca of search marketing conferences and its attendees swear by the kind of experience it delivers. [Read more…]
SEO Strategies We’re Focusing on in 2015
In a lot of ways, 2014 was a landmark year for Google SEO. Hummingbird’s effects finally became tangible as it completed its global rollout. Panda 4.0 and Penguin 3.0 kept the pressure up on spammers, while Google’s human reviewers continued to dish out manual actions to suspicious-looking sites. These, combined with smaller updates, paved the way for the more nuanced and intent-responsive SERPs that we see today. While the search landscape still isn’t perfect, it’s certainly better than what it was years ago. [Read more…]
[Download] The SEO Service Contract Template We Use
There’s a lot more to closing a deal with prospective SEO clients than just generating leads, crafting effective proposals and delivering eloquent presentations. Putting everything you agreed on with the client into writing is a crucial component to having a fruitful working relationship. To make everything formal and to keep both parties true to their word at the start of the engagement, you’ll need to have a well-written service contract that both entities sign off on.
From Nobody to Influencer: 11 Tips to Make the Transformation Happen
Influence is rapidly becoming the most important commodity in SEO and content marketing. As Google gets better at interpreting brand, authority and popularity signals, we’ll see sites that represent influential people and organizations dominate the SERPs more and more. Influence also helps our content assets get consumed at a higher rate, paving the way for increased conversions for our online businesses.