Have you noticed there’s a profound change taking place online?
Do you find it tedious to remember all the little nuances to tweak your content online in order to get ranked well in the search engines? Worry not!
Here’s what’s happening. More and more Google is ranking you based around extras like: how many blog comments you receive per post, how many Digg or Stumple you, how many subscribe to your RSS feed (Google now owns feedburner) etc
… as well as more traditional methods such as how many other blogs trackback your posts or directly link to you (all signs of popularity / authority).
So what does this mean in practise? Simple. Stop optimising your content for the search engines and start optimising for PEOPLE. Let me explain …
- The Digg Effect (The Buzz Factor)
P = Positioning
By positioning, I mean you must know what you stand for and be consistent everytime you write. That way like-minded people start identifying with you which is exactly what you want.
E = Engage
Instead of writing to people, write with your ideal client in mind. Ask questions, solicit feedback and start nurturing a community around what it is that you do. Demonstrate your passion openly if your want people to respond passionately too. People will start resonating with you.
O = Optimise
In the past, an expert would know his expertise and the communication would be one-way. If you get the E part right in this equation, you should constantly be tweaking/optimising your content to align yourself with your target audience. Instead of standing out; think tuning in !
P = Polarise
The tough one for those who place their ego before their passion! “Unity through diversity” means we should gratefully accept our place within our “tribe” without kidding ourselves that we can please absolutely everyone. We must remain clear to our purpose / passion regardless which will polarise and alienate those not on the same path.
L = Leverage
The word of mouse! Encourage people to freely pass your content on (viral marketing) and multi-purpose everything you do (write a blog post, bookmark it on social marker, add to Twitter / FaceBook / Ezine Articles, Podcast directories and video sharing sites). Leave your footprints all over the web!
E = Empower
The Information Age has given way to the Attention Age. If you are to retain readers, try to offer “an immediate gain” in every piece of content you publish. When you empower people to “succeed”, chances are they will return for more of the same.
So there you have it – SEO is Dead! Long Live PEOPLE!
In brief, focus on the buzz (or “people”) factor and the SEO will follow. Not vice versa!
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW…
There is so right on, especially the ‘passion’ part.
Thanks for the great post Noel..
We can all go crazy trying with SEO!
Hey Noel
So right and something I have not engaged for some time.
Need to make a point of promoting more comments and remaining consistent plays a large role.
The Body Planner
The Body Planner Blog
Good article.
Ben