Rank Fast with these Topical Authority Tactics Ep.589
In this podcast episode featuring SEO Specialist Matthew Bertram, the focus is on demystifying Topical Authority in SEO and providing actionable…
Link Building
9 Surefire Ways to Get Fired in SEO by Ron Dod #362
SEO professionals get fired most often by failing at reporting, setting unrealistic expectations, tanking rankings, buying links, or not delivering measurable results, according to Ron Dod's nine-point framework discussed in episode 362.
Key takeaways
- Bad reporting is the top firing offense. Clients who cannot understand their own results will lose confidence fast.
- Overpromising timelines is a common mistake. Under-promise and over-deliver to protect the client relationship.
- Buying links is a black hat practice Google actively fights. Build links through manufacturer listings and real relationships instead.
- Sending canned outreach emails is ineffective and damages reputation. Personalized, relationship-based outreach is the only approach worth using.
- SEO is never set-and-forget. Consistent content creation, link building, and site adjustments are required every single month.
the day you stop adding content, the day you stop adjusting the site, the day you stop building links, guess what? Your competitors start breaking. You start breaking and you start dropping and your ranking begins to tank.
About this episode
Should you fire your SEO? How do you know if they're doing a good job? Chris and Charles cover some things likely to make you fire your SEO: bad reporting, unrealistic goals, buying links and so much more. Keep an eye out for bad SEOs, and expect an ROI from your internet marketing investment!
Questions this episode answers
What is the most common reason SEO agencies get fired?
According to the article discussed in this episode, bad reporting is the first and most common reason. If clients cannot understand their results, they will not know whether the SEO work is succeeding, regardless of actual performance. Spending time studying data before client meetings is presented as essential.
How should an SEO agency handle link building without buying links?
The hosts suggest starting with manufacturer or brand partner websites, getting listed as a distributor or retailer with a corresponding link. They also recommend assigning outreach to staff who already manage events and relationships, so that link requests feel personal and credible rather than spammy.
Why does SEO require ongoing monthly work rather than a one-time setup?
Because competitors keep building links and creating content, and Google algorithm changes can shift rankings at any time. The hosts describe a cycle of writing content, building links, and adjusting the site that must repeat every month, or rankings will drop even without any direct competitive action.
In their words
you could be really great at your job or you could be really bad. But without good SEO reporting, the client won't know which you are.
Host
I know of companies who have purchased links and then were caught red handed down the road when an SEO consultant came in or the client found out via other means. It's just not a good situation to be in.
Host
SEO is a results driven business no one wants to do SEO they just want SEO to get them results
Host
Terms defined in this episode
- Shiko
- An eWebResults branded term for social engagement. It stands for shares, likes, and follows.
- Service area business
- A business that serves customers at their locations rather than at a fixed storefront. Google My Business guidelines require such businesses to list one central office and designate a service area from that point.
- Algorithm Cataclysm
- A recurring segment on the podcast where the hosts cover significant Google algorithm changes that affect search engine results pages or how business information is displayed.
- Link building
- The process of acquiring hyperlinks from other websites to your own. Described in this episode as the hardest, most tedious, and most time-consuming part of SEO, but necessary for rankings.
Full transcript is being added.
Matthew Bertram
AI keynote speaker · Owner & CEO, EWR Digital · President, ModalPoint
Matthew Bertram is an AI keynote speaker, creator of DIG™ (Digital Information Governance), and owner and CEO of EWR Digital. He helps energy and industrial leaders win visibility in AI search (GEO and AEO), is President of ModalPoint and CMO of the Oil & Gas Global Network, hosts The Best SEO Podcast, and has authored eight books including LLM Visibility. More about Matthew Bertram.
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