SEO - How much do you pay? I've just had a cold call...

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MonkeyBusiness said:

Watching this with interest although this tool seems to be a last resort. Very dangerous in the wrong hands.

And a nice nudge to Google that your account/sites might warrant further attention...

Good post DD, I agree with much you've said although I'm still unsure of a future governed (partly) by social signals. If Facebook Advertising is anything to go by, most Likes are predominantly placed by spotty sixteen year old girls idly surfing - only compounded by the fact useful niche sites often struggle to get social recognition, whereas fashionable brands and pictures of kitties attract millions. Do I want algorithmic results returned to me that have effectively been compiled by an adolescent brand obsessed woman with a penchant for furry animals? Not really. Having worked in one of the big three's search teams I know it's not quite as simple as that but when you look at the reality of an average Ma & Pa (car garage for example) or start-up actually getting +1s/Likes and/or genuine, free, quality, natural links without the services you offer now, it's very worrying indeed.

After Penguin (which I heard moved 40% of clicks to Sponsored from Algorithmic listings due to reduced commercial results where search intent was to buy - although I can't verify this) some said SEO was dead. However, I think you're on the money, SEO just encompasses more activities, many already roles (such as sysops, PR etc) within larger organisations. It can only mean more money (and work) for you in the long term and a challenge for those who can't afford such services.