SEO In-house Blog

Ten reasons you can’t miss the In-house SEM Exchange at SMX Advanced in Seattle

Why do you need to be at the 4th In-house SEM Exchange just around the corner?  Well, June 10^th will be your chance to share ideas, problem solve, and keep up to date on the latest strategies and challenges facing in-house SEOs.  Here are ten great reasons to register today (if you haven’t already):

1. 100% In-house: This means there are no agencies, consultants, or sales pitches.
2. Big names speaking and attending:  We can’t disclose the attendee list, but you won’t be disappointed – there are many top level in-house SEOs representing big brands (but not at the expense of diversity – there are plenty of smaller sites too).
3. But we can disclose the speakers:  The stellar line-up includes, in no particular order, Brent Payne (Tribune), John Cole (AT&T), Michael Nguyen (Shopzilla), and Dennis Goedegebuure (eBay).
4. An interactive conference? That may sound like an oxymoron, but the exchange is just that – an opportunity to share problems and solutions in a safe environment.
5. Networking and relationship building:  Having a network of in-house SEOs to consult is invaluable to any in-houser.  This is your opportunity to expand your network.
6. Get up-to-date: This isn’t SEO 101.  The conference covers advanced SEM and so will the exchange cover today’s SEO challenges.
7. Common motives: Attendees are all in the same boat and because of the exclusively in-house environment people come with an “I’m going to share” mentality.
8. A whole day! This isn’t a one hour session.  This is all day, all in-house. 
9. Rekindle past relationships: You’ll be surprised who you’ll meet at our in-house exchange.  It’s a great way to catch up with old friends (and make some new ones).
10. The million dollar idea:  A new perspective can be the difference-maker.  With a crowd like this, you're bound to walk away with at least one gem - and it only takes one!
    
    Space is limited so be sure to register as soon as possible if you want to attend.  I hope we see you there!  

The In-House Week in Review, May 16th

SEOmoz’s take on the MAYDAY update:  SEOmoz offers some sage advice on their Whiteboard Friday video last week on how to best react to the MAYDAY changes (and any other ranking changes).  They also offer their take on what may have caused the drop so many sites have faced.

The In-House Week in Review, May 9th

Using a 302 INSTEAD of a permanent 301:  Although you would typically always use a permanent 301 redirect, there is an exception.  According to Googler JohnMu:

A 302 redirect is the correct redirect from a root URL to a detail page (such as from "/" to "/sites/bursa/"). This is one of the few situations where a 302 redirect is preferred over a 301 redirect.

But it’s better yet to avoid the redirect altogether and show the content on the main root URL whenever possible.

The In-House Week in Review, May 2nd

Changes to the Google SERPs: Google is now experimenting with a new feature called ‘pages similar to…’ at the very bottom of some search results that makes related suggestions.  Here is the screen shot Google provided.

 

Another change to Google’s search results pages is its recommended brands.  In the screenshot below you can see specific brands suggested for HD TVs is now top on the page.

 

 

410s are more quickly removed from the index:  Not only are 410s more permanent than 404 status codes, but according to Googler JohnMu, they’re also more quickly removed from the index.