OK, so I bet you were wondering what you needed to bring and what homework you needed to do before coming to the SEO portion of Bloodhound Blog Unchained.
Well, whether you are coming for the basics of SEO, or the more advanced stuff, the requirements are pretty similar:
PREREQUISITE: Please download the google basic search engine optimization guide. Read it. Study it. Be prepared to ask me questions about it. It is VERY basic and there is much to add, but Google did a GREAT job of explaining the barebones. (They were more tired than I was, if that’s possible, of the misinformation that is out there). I will assume at the start of our lecture and lab that you have already completed this.
1. Have Firefox loaded on your computer. No Internet Explorer. No Safari. No if’s, and’s or but’s, candy or nuts. (You can certainly have those browsers on your computer as well…but you won’t be using them with me.)
2. Have access to your analytics of your site. I don’t really care what kind of analytics you have, we just need to be able to look at them to help you improve. (Advanced class…we are gonna hit these HARD).
3. As well, please have the following numbers ready. #1) the # of deals that came DIRECTLY from your website / blog #2) The # of leads (define that how you will-don’t get hung up on it.) that you received from your site in the past year #3) The number of hours you spent this last year doing online marketing, blogging, social media, etc. (Yes, Virginia! I want you to put a NUMBER to it 😉 ). (HINT: We are going to take ROI into account the Bawld Guy way..counting the skins.)
4. Please write down every question that you have ever had about Search Engine Marketing. Seriously. Write them all down over the next month as you think of them.
I am REALLY looking forward to learning and sharing in Phoenix. I have been waiting for months to get back into the same room with Brian Brady, Greg, Sean, Teri and everyone else to talk survival skills in this market. I will be picking your brains too!
After the last Scenius in Orlando, I am pumped! Looking forward to seeing y’all there.
BTW- We may be revising this list before you come, so stay tuned.
Dave G says:
Very important stuff if you are looking to build your buisness from the online stuff. I wish I could attend. Maybe next year.
April 3, 2009 — 8:07 am
Sean Purcell says:
Even the homework is exciting. I am so looking forward to learning from you again Eric. Your short presentation in Orlando opened the door to a whole new world. The mind boggles at what an entire workshop will reveal.
April 4, 2009 — 8:37 pm
Mark Green says:
Hi Eric,
I too am incredibly psyched. Do you suggest that we have a basic competency with HTML or any other web skills for Unchained? I’m up for a crash course if you think it will help me keep pace. Thanks to you guys for putting this event on.
April 5, 2009 — 7:31 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Hi Mark!
Basic competency with HTML is a huge help, but not a must for the beginning track. (We can teach you pretty quickly the rudimentary basics of chop shop SEO html.)
For those wanting to hit the advanced level SEO track. HTML is assumed. 😉
That said, it is a HUGE help and I recommend that you invest im yourself and learn the basics of HTML for a LARGE number of reasons in online marketing.
Look forward to meeting you!
Eric
April 5, 2009 — 7:48 am
Scott Cowan says:
I will admit here that my HTML is limited to what little tweaking I have done to pages using Expression Web or other older generation MS products.
Does anyone have any suggestions on a good HTML book or resource site that I could be hitting before Unchained?
I’m quite comfortable digging in and replacing, editing, and tweaking code. It’s creating it from scratch that I’m concerned about.
Best,
Scott
April 5, 2009 — 9:09 am
Greg Swann says:
I use Google for almost everything now. I end up on this site a lot.
April 5, 2009 — 9:25 am
Sean Purcell says:
Eric,
The more comments I read the more concerned I become. 🙂 What about us non-tech people who don’t have any HTML knowledge. Should we sit your workshop out? Will we understand what’s happening? Maybe this question should be directed to Greg or Brian: Will there be any kind of remedial class for those of us who don’t get the basics of code, engenu, scenius? Not much chance of skinnin’ cats when we don’t know the barrel from the butt.
April 5, 2009 — 10:02 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Can’t speak for them, but in my mind NO! You do not NEED to know HTML for this. I have spent the last six years of my life teaching tech to real estate agents in ENGLISH. No technobabble. Seriously.
HTML is a great thing to know when doing SEO (and you WILL pick it up as you go…) but I can start you from scratch and make quantum differences in where you are without stressing you out about it.
The main thing is to understand the principles and APPLYING them to your program. Simple as that.
Just my opinion…waiting to hear what Greg et al have to say!
April 5, 2009 — 12:57 pm
Scott Grace says:
I wish I could attend this conference as it seems to consist of exactly what I am trying to learn right now.
April 5, 2009 — 1:51 pm
Greg Swann says:
> I wish I could attend this conference as it seems to consist of exactly what I am trying to learn right now.
That’s a testimonial if I ever heard one.
April 5, 2009 — 5:56 pm
Teri Lussier says:
eek. I can see the Dunce Cap already has my name on it- but not for the first time ’round here, so what have I got to lose? 😉
Okay, guys, I’m trusting you.
April 6, 2009 — 6:17 am
Eric Blackwell says:
Teri-
You will be fine! (grin) I promise! No dunce caps! No stupid questions (only stupid answers…I will be taking the risk! Not you! 😉 )
Eric
April 6, 2009 — 6:38 am
Esko Kiuru says:
Eric,
Looks like pretty serious stuff. Can’t be there this time but will follow your blog to learn more about SEO. Based on the line-up it’s going to be one hell of a session. Are you going to post the best ideas here once it’s over?
April 6, 2009 — 2:57 pm
Malok says:
@Sean and Teri – As someone that has worked with Eric for a few years now, you’ll be fine. Unlike a lot of SEO guys, Eric can put things into “plain English for normal people”.
April 6, 2009 — 5:48 pm
Scott Cowan says:
What is this SEO that I keep hearing so much about? 😉
April 7, 2009 — 7:15 am