As a relatively new SEO marketer, I’ve been forced to catch up at a rapid pace. I’ve been through the WebCEO training class, watched SEO videos and follow industry gurus like Rand Fishkin, Pete Cashmore, and Danny Sullivan on Twitter. Attending the SMX Advanced conference would have exponentially augmented my knowledge; however, shelling out $1,495 for an all access pass (or even opting for the $795 in-house SEM exchange) was well out of my price range. But, not to despair! SEOmoz and Twitter swooped down and rescued me.
Being a SEOmoz Pro member, I was offered a chance to mix and mingle with the SMX crowd. I recruited Karina, another Mindfly employee, to join and we headed down to Seattle to spend the evening shaking hands, schmoozing, and absorbing as much SEO knowledge as possible. The first person I had the pleasure of meeting was none other than Geraldine Fishkin, Rand Fishkin’s lovely wife. From there, I met Rand, and proceeded to move through the A-list. I gained valuable insight into the importance of backlinks, the many uses of SEO Book, and the best little jewel ever…the SMX hashtag.
Upon returning to work, I quickly entered #SMX into my twitter search field and was overwhelmed by the plethora of SMX related SEO information. There were links to SMX highlights, personal blogs, liveblogs, presentations, interviews! Here I was, feeling sorry for myself as if I was the poor kid that couldn’t go to summer camp, but now? I hit the jackpot. As I type, the tweets pour in and I find myself sifting through the wealth of information my fellow #SMX tweeps provide. For the cost of gas, I have the tools necessary to advance my SEO knowledge and provide my clients with improved, up to date customer service.
So why am I posting this blog? Because there is always hope. Never let the lack of funds prevent you from advancing your education. The advent of social media and free web materials makes it possible for the average Joe (or Sue?) to participate, interact, and gain valuable knowledge without losing their shirts. I am grateful for SEOmoz Pro, but Twitter? You’ve done me proud. I am forever in your debt.
