Diverse Atmosphere. One thing I'd really like to point out about the Search Engine Strategies Conference is the diversity of the atmosphere. There are a lot of really sharp-dressed people here, but I've also seen some people who look like they're wearing pajamas. There's even one guy with dreadlocks! All kinds of people are here. I definitely feel right at home! :)
One Step Ahead. I spent a little time talking some more with the Google representatives after the latest session, which has definitely been my highlight so far.
I spoke with Richard Holden, the product manager for Google Adwords, about the new algorithm. He said Google always tries to stay one step ahead of what people are doing to optimize on Google.
I asked, "Can you expand on that? When you're developing the new algorithm, how much interest is on staying one step ahead of spam and how much is on search relevance?"
Richard said he couldn't say because they are wrapped up together due to the nature of the Google algorithm, but he did say that the search results are not 100% accurate -- meaning that if you search for a term, you'll still find irrelevant results in Google. But they'll always be changing their algorithm.
Basically, this is just a reiteration but I'll say it again: you can't rely on free traffic from Google anymore.
As Cheryle Pingel, founder and president of
Range Online Media said, "Google is today's darling. Tomorrow I think it will be MSN."
Getting Local. Speaker Stacy Williams, President, Prominent Placement, Inc., said "optimizing for local (organic) searches is easier than national or global searches because you're competing with fewer sites."
Good point!
She also made an interesting point about Overture versus Google. In Overture you are allowed room to write more words in your ad copy, whereas in Google you have fewer words. Thus, she finds better results for local searches in certain areas in Overture than she does in Google. This is something to think about...
Getting Local - Day 2, 5:45 PM (EST)
Linear Mode
