I attended a panel discussion of leading search engine companies (including Google) on Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Google acknowledged that 80% of all searchers only look at the first page of search results, and that very few venture beyond the second page of results.
Since each page usually contains 10 links; what is the value in raising your site to number 21 if almost no one will see it? If you can't get on the first page, it doesn't really matter much where else you fall in the results.
Given the millions of pages that come up in typical searches, why do people think the odds are good that they're going to raise themselves to the first, or even second, results page; when there are thousands of search engine optimization companies and individuals all competing to do the same thing with the same few words that every other agent in your neighborhood is trying to use?
And should anyone beat all the odds, what makes them think their efforts will be any good tomorrow; given that the search engine companies constantly change their search algorithms; specifically to foil any and all attempts at SEO (except through their approved and self interested pay-per-click models)?
But let's say it could work. Would the expense even be worth it? Well, not if you believe the NAR surveys, or Gary Keller. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that real estate is a relationship marketing game.
Systems that help you start, build and maintain relationships are the best place to put your marketing creativity, time, money and energy.
Your first paragraph was so true and that is the exact reason on why every SEO are dying to be in first page result.
Posted by: Amichai Inbar | June 21, 2008 at 04:34 AM