SEO Not the Most Important Thing

Today we re-iterate the idea that Search Engine Optimization is not the most important thing for marketing your art.

We know, we know, we beat this issue to death.  But that's because we constantly see artists becoming positively obsessed with the idea of Search Engine Optimization.  And, just to make it perfectly clear again...Search Engine Optimization should be relatively low on your totem pole of marketing priorities.  The problem, for a lot of us is that it's something that makes you feel like you're marketing - it makes you feel like you're doing something important....but you should be doing something more important.

Now, we have some evidence from the Search Engine Optimization industry itself.  Leading SEO firm SEOMoz is known for their great advice, resources and SEO tools.  In a recent Q&A with Rand, SEOMoz's founder, Answers to Questions for Rand - Round 1, he is asked the following provocative question and, please, notice his answer:

"What are 5 of the most successful ways SEOmoz has attracted new SEO business, besides the SEOmoz blog?"

Top 5? OK, Here goes:

1. Speaking at conferences
2. Word of Mouth
3. Publicity through Press/Media
4. Networking
5. SEO! (I know, the irony is thick)

Now, dear artist, if SEO is number FIVE on a list of five for a Search Engine Optimization company, how far down the list would it be for an artist?

So, what should you be doing with your marketing time instead of SEO?  Fortunately, we've been covering that topic in our ongoing series, Web Traffic Drivers and have provided links to those articles here:

Web Traffic Driver Idea #1: Review the Work of Another Artist

Web Traffic Driver Idea #2: Cross-Link with Other Artists

Web Traffic Driver #3: Write Collector-Focused Articles

Web Traffic Driver #4: Systematically Nurture Your Prospects

Web Traffic Driver #5: Generate Referrals

Web Traffic Driver #6: Comment on Other Blogs

Web Traffic Driver #7: Offline Advertising

Web Traffic Driver #8: Post New Works Consistently

 

Sincerely,

Clint Watson
Software Craftsman and Art Fanatic


Related Pages and Posts:

What REALLY Drives Web Traffic - Word-of-Mouth and Advertising

What if Google Went Away?

Less is More