The Bottom Line Value of SEO

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All of the recent movement by SEOs to be very open and forthcoming with information about their business finances has stimulated a lot of discussion here at the office about the inherent value of various aspects of search marketing. One clear question remains in my mind:

Should there be a standardized valuation scale which assigns reasonable price-ranges for various search marketing activities?

Search Engine Marketing as a profession doesn’t yet recognize a governing body which sets forth industry standards and best practices. Perhaps it never will, more importantly; perhaps it doesn’t need to. Based upon my observation of what the majority of SEOs consider “optimization” I certainly don’t want my own work to be stifled by a majority-rules idea of what SEO should be.

This still brings us back to the problem of formulating a reasonable logic for valuation of SEO services. Should we even concern ourselves with this issue? Should the value of SEO remain simply whatever the highest bidder is willing to pay? The bottom line is that a top ranking for a top keyword is still worth its weight in diamonds to the right website. Certainly a successful campaign leaves very little room for complaints, especially complaints about the investment required to produce a successful campaign. Should we be satisfied with that? Or is it our responsibility to explore this issue further?

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Tags: Business Principles, Marketing, Marketing Methods & Providers, Search & Marketing
Posted in Business Principles, Marketing, Search & Marketing