From Webmaster to SEO Specialist
December 11th, 2008
The term SEO has been used to describe anyone who performs the function of search engine optimization and even those who manage and optimize paid search advertising. As the role of the SEO has evolved, the tasks and goals of search engine optimization have changed. Years ago, anyone performing search engine optimization was likely called a “webmaster“. As the demand shifted from website maintenance to marketing, webmasters began taking on the role of online marketing manager. The focus here was mainly banner ads, affiliate marketing and online directory placement as well as their normal site updating duties.
Online marketing managers began to evolve into search engine marketers as search engines began to dominate the way we use the Internet. The role of an SEO then was to not only manage paid search ads, but also dig into content on the site to include key words and key phrases. Adjusting meta tags and descriptions was a main task of early SEOs. As the demands and complexity of search engine optimization began to increase, there became a need for content specialist or copy writers specific to search marketing. There was also a need for one way link building specialist as the need for inbound link popularity became more important. Meta tags and descriptions as well as two way linking partnerships began to loose their effectiveness.
As we look into the SEO crystal ball, all that is clear is change. Google specifically has raised the bar after each update and changed the game. This has only caused the search marketing industry to fragment into more specialized roles. If Google remains the dominant player, they will continue to mold the SEO industry. If Google looses it’s Cuil the industry could become even more fragmented and specialized. What do you think will be the next trend in the SEO industry?
Online marketing managers began to evolve into search engine marketers as search engines began to dominate the way we use the Internet. The role of an SEO then was to not only manage paid search ads, but also dig into content on the site to include key words and key phrases. Adjusting meta tags and descriptions was a main task of early SEOs. As the demands and complexity of search engine optimization began to increase, there became a need for content specialist or copy writers specific to search marketing. There was also a need for one way link building specialist as the need for inbound link popularity became more important. Meta tags and descriptions as well as two way linking partnerships began to loose their effectiveness.
As we look into the SEO crystal ball, all that is clear is change. Google specifically has raised the bar after each update and changed the game. This has only caused the search marketing industry to fragment into more specialized roles. If Google remains the dominant player, they will continue to mold the SEO industry. If Google looses it’s Cuil the industry could become even more fragmented and specialized. What do you think will be the next trend in the SEO industry?
