Don’t Fall For ‘One Size Fits All’ SEO
March 13th, 2008 by 
Chris Pangburn
After reading through a web design forum earlier today, one topic caught my interest regarding certain SEO software packages which claim to be able to achieve first page results on Google for customers websites. First of all, they can’t, simple as that. It’s a fact that for the majority of even slightly competitive keyword phrases, no automated tool will be able to cut the mustard when it comes to achieving results…
SEO is very much an intuitive process involving a multitude of factors from high quality website content, inbound links, on-site search optimisation, site link structure etc.. It needs a human eye to assess the level of competitiveness of the keyword, and develop a strategy accordingly. If you read the terms and conditions of many of these SEO software packages which make such claims, you will probably see that the first page results they quote are based upon a number of unrealistic (or just plain stupid) assumptions. For example, one major SEO software package states that to achieve the results it promises, your website must have more inbound links than the current most competitive sites. Well, to any seasoned SEO consultant, that really isn’t much of a surprise and would form the basis of most SEO campaigns anyway.
SEO software packages are not the panacea in achieving the much coveted first page of Google (or any other search engine for that matter!), and should only be used for a small fraction of the overall SEO strategy (mainly on-page optimization). Despite all of the above comments, these packages may help business owners new to SEO to gain an appreciation into some of the factors that go into on-page optimisation, however don’t be fooled into believing claims of ‘first page of Google’ other than by an experienced SEO consultant or company that can actually back up their claims.
Share This!
Related Small Biz Blog Posts
Posted in Search Engine Optimisation, Website Promotion | 
10 Comments »
April 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am
Different niches require more SEO than others. Therefore, it will never be the case of “one size fits all”.
Competition varies between niches.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:19 am
Exactly, that’s why automated software is not the way to go if you are looking for high search engine results (in all but the least competitive industries). You need a human to assess the industry, the competition, devise the strategy and actually implement it.
April 8th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Nice article, agree with your comments.
June 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I still find the best test for the quality of an SEO company is to type the phrase “Search Engine Optimisation” into Google and see if they come up in the list on the first page. If they can’t achieve it for themselves then you have to question their ability to do it for you.
June 5th, 2008 at 8:37 am
That would definitely sort the wheat from the chaff, especially for a highly competitive keyword such as ’search engine optimisation’. I don’t think it’s foolproof though, as that means there are only 10 (ie: the first page of Google) SEO companies worth using, whilst I’m sure there are many more highly competent businesses out there.
July 25th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Whilst I agree that no automated software is likely to help you in the near future to boost your Google ranking, it is pretty inconceivable that it wouldn’t happen eventually. Just think of the amount of technology, maths and knowledge that is encapsulated in the average mobile phone. Just think of the computations that have to be achieved to make your Satnav guide you to your eventual destination.
Given enough incentive (read financial reward) someone will work out the weight of technology that will crack that problem. However, then Google will move on!
October 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi,
We offer an online appointment booking service for small businesses and as with everyone we are looking at how we improve our search engine ranking.
Can you recommend any sites (I’ve only just found yours and I’m working through it) for a basic primer?
rgds/alex
http://www.OpenYourDiary.com
October 16th, 2008 at 9:37 am
If you search for ’seo articles’ or ’seo tutorials’ there are a lot of high quality websites out there. Beware of the SEO cowboys though that might still tell you that keyword-stuffing is a valid SEO technique (maybe in the ’90s).
There are also a lot of SEO forums, which are good for keeping upto date, or for searching for certain topics. One strictly ‘white-hat’ forum is High Rankings – http://www.highrankings.com/forum/
October 20th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Thanks for the advice.
Alex
November 5th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Could’nt agree more. As someone who actually owns two of these products, the best that I could say is that they give an understanding of what SEO is about. Also listening to the so called ’seo gurus’ can in my opinion be a complete waste. Good design and well chosen keywords along with interesting and updated content are what is needed.