SEO – If You Can’t Beat Them, Don’t Join Them

Writing by Nick Stamoulis Tweet

As search engine optimization consultants we are often asked to get a web page to the number one ranking for a particular keyword. It’s not easy – and that is not an understatement.

Getting to number one in the SERP rankings requires far more than just the basics in search engine optimization. It requires a high level of investigative skills to try and determine what your competitors are doing and what it is we can do to outrank them.

We can work hard to try and outrank them, all the while they are working hard to keep us out. We cannot beat them in every case. Search engine optimization can only go so far. If we cannot beat them, we certainly cannot join them. So what next?

Often, the main thrust in search engine optimization is all wrong from the beginning. Why try to beat them? Perhaps the key lies in thinking laterally. We cannot beat them on those keywords – but then, are those keywords the best possible for your site? Just a little tweak of the keywords may see you at the top of the SERP’s and receiving traffic that your competitors are missing. The tweak may simply involve a brand, location or alternative spelling.

You don’t always have to beat them using the same keywords. Develop keywords that can be targeted to your web pages and search engine optimization suddenly becomes easier and more productive. Don’t keep up with the Jones’ – become a Jones yourself.