The Business of Digital Podcast

Link Building is NOT Dead! Like everything it simply continues to grow and evolve as some tactics work, some don't and some just are used to death and become non productive methods for achieving links.

Link Building is NOT Dead (Gary from Google said So!)

At Pubcon Austin in 2018 Gary Illyes said this: "Links and mentions on trustworthy sites were just mentioned by @methode for quality raters. #Pubcon this mean link building is not dead?" which spurred the idea to finally dig into link building.

The guys take that idea and run with it by digging into some ways that you SHOULD build links and some ways that you should AVOID as well.

So if you are stuck thinking of ways to build some links or are unclear of what types and methods you should still use (or not!) then give a listen for sure!

Links and mentions on trustworthy sites were just mentioned by @methode for quality raters. #Pubcon this mean link building is not dead? Hahahahaha pic.twitter.com/e0aLkFqb00— Matt Siltala (@Matt_Siltala) February 21, 2018

Episode 40 Mentioned Tools & Resources

SEO is Dead (Parody Site)

Pubcon Austin

Mat's Tweet

Mat attended Daune Forrester's session at Pubcon Austin. Mat listened. Mat told me about Duane and the Digital Knowledge Manager. Dave and Mat agree it is a great idea and topic. Confused? Listen and learn about what a Digital Knowledge Manager is!

Digital Knowledge Manager

Recently Mat attended Pubcon Austin and from it came the idea for this episode. The topic was introduced by Duane Forrester (his Twitter and LinkedIn) at Pubcon Austin and could be a future job role option for those that do SEO so says Mr. Mat & Duane. So what is a Digital Knowledge Manager? We suggest you listen or catch Duane giving the full talk at a conference somewhere near you.

The short version is that a Digital Knowledge Managers have to have 5 main skills:

Master Investigator

Master Negotiator

Master Communicator

Master Thinker

Master Builder

Listen to learn more!

Note to Duane - Let us know if you want to come on and talk about this further in the future!

Episode 39 Mentioned Resources

SEMPO’s latest salary survey shows search marketer average pay up 16% over 2013

DTD Conference had a great interview with Lee Odden and Barry Schwartz just past the mark of this video is a great conversation that touches on this idea in a way.

In this episode the guys dig into the pros and cons of buying followers on Twitter, likes and fans on Facebook, and links to improve SEO. So even if you aren't thinking of doing these things we recommend you be aware of what others may be doing to help themselves or hurt you.

Pros & Cons of Buying Likes, Followers, and Links

In this episode the guys dig into the pros and cons of buying followers on Twitter, likes and fans on Facebook, and links to improve SEO. Basically they walk through some of the pros and cons to think about before you try and take a shortcut. By the end of the episode the conversation digs into Negative SEO and Negative Marketing. From negative reviews on Google for a business that hasn't even opened and much more.

With the rise of influencers and influencer marketing, brands need to also know how to sniff out fake followers and engagement. So even if you aren't thinking of doing these things for your social account or to try an get ahead in Google/Bing, we recommend you be aware of what others may be doing to help themselves or hurt you.

Episode 38 Mentioned Resources

BBC article about selling followers and RTs

I Made My Shed the Top Rated Restaurant On TripAdvisor

Amazon makes good on its promise to delete “incentivized” reviews

In this episode Mat & Dave dig into "best practices" for when and how to approach speakers at a conference. Many of the tips could also be applied for talking to anyone at a networking event, meetup or anywhere at a conference as well though.

How to Talk to Strangers at a Conference

In this episode Mat & Dave dig into "best practices" for when and how to approach speakers at a conference. Many of the tips could also be applied for talking to anyone at a networking event, meetup or anywhere at a conference as well though. In Episode 6 we covered What is the Long Term Value of Networking (Events) and in Episode 19 we dug into Surviving & Conquering Pubcon which both should also help you get value from networking events and conferences.

One tip that was brought up was the "bathroom run" we shall call it. Often speakers and attendees even get caught in quick breaks between sessions and might be making a run for a restroom break. They could also be running for a quiet spot/hotel room to take a call! However the tip is that if you see a male or female walking with a purpose, take note of where they might be heading and keep that in mind should they not have time to spare.

For those thinking of or are attending PDX Engage:

Go visit this page and submit an SEO question that may be covered during Dave's session.

The guys also quickly cover some great events they will be speaking at in March & April. There are quick links below:

Episode 37 Mentioned Conferences & Resources

PDX Engage in Portland, OR

Pubcon Austin 2018 in Austin, TX

Midwest Digital Marketing Conference in St Louis, MO

Pubcon Florida 2018 in Fort Lauderdale, FL

SMX Events - West (San Jose,CA), Advanced (Seattle,WA) and East (New York City, NY)

Zenith Conference in Duluth, MN

Social Fresh Conference

This podcast is thanks to the big game and Akvile DeFazio who tweeted out something that caught our eye. So join us as we dig into the question "Should Business Owners Build Their Own Website?".

Should Business Owners Build their Own Website?

While both Wix and Squarespace had commercials during the Big Game, this episode doesnt focus on them specifically but more on the idea that a business owner (SMB, Midsize or Enterprise) should be the one to personally be building a website.

So while it is very possible that Mr. Reeves built the site listen to the full episode to get some reasons why it might not be the best way to go (long term).

Super Bowl 2018 Commercial | Make It With Keanu Reeves

Your Thoughts?

So it doesn't matter you use WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, Jimdo, Shopify or something else - should a non technical or even a technical business owner build their own site? Or should they be growing the business and helping current customers? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter or below in the comments.

E36 Mentioned Tools, Articles and Resources

USA Today Article

Akvile's Tweet