???On SEO Expertise: What to Learn from the Google Podcast

The world of SEO is quite complex in terms of knowledge and experience. These dynamics sometimes lead to different interpretations among both SEO experts and search engine officials. An episode of Google’s Search Off the Record podcast series shed light on this issue and discussed in depth the challenges faced by SEO experts and the difference in understanding between them and Google.

The differences between the perspectives of SEO experts and beginners and the insights of Google engineers are so vast that Google’s Gary Illyes says that sometimes SEO experts don’t know what they’re talking about.

???SEO Gurus Criticized

During the podcast, Martin Splitt shared an experience he had with publishers and SEO experts at a Google event in Turkey. When attendees expressed dissatisfaction with search results, it became clear that the problem was not with Google’s algorithm, but with the way Turkish-language web content was created. This brought into question the SEO expertise of Turkish content publishers.

Gary Illyes made the following striking comment, stating that the experience level of SEO expertise is highly subjective:?

“And then you start talking to them and the newbie knows way more about like HTTP, for example, than I do and crawling and indexing and whatever, like how it’s perceived externally.?

And then you talk to the guru and the guru is like… the questions themselves don’t make sense. Like, you can’t interpret the question that they are asking.”

This clearly demonstrates the knowledge gap between SEO experts and Google engineers.

??The Gap Between Knowledge and Experience

In the podcast, the reasons for the differences in SEO experts’ understanding of Google algorithms were also discussed. For example, there are many in the SEO world who believe in the concept of “domain authority”. However, Google has repeatedly stated that this concept does not exist. But we shared what would improve the ranking in our previous newsletter.

So, what is the reason for this disconnect? Martin Splitt stated that various criteria are used to understand the experience level of SEO experts; however, these are insufficient. He said that they are trying to understand expertise with questions such as “How many years have you been doing this job? How many views do you manage?”. But he also acknowledged that these metrics are insufficient to understand the level of experience.

??Tips for Becoming a True SEO Guru

SEO expertise is too broad a concept to fit into a restricted definition. Every expert is expected to experience SEO from a different perspective. That’s why being open to different opinions and willing to learn new ideas is the key to success in the SEO world. What you can do is quite simple!

??Learn the basics of technical SEO such as HTTP protocol, crawling and indexing and keep up to date.

??Familiarize yourself with the guidance documents provided by Google. Lack of basic knowledge can lead to big problems.

??Don’t be afraid to discuss SEO with people with different opinions. There is a lot to learn from different experiences.

??Remember that technical SEO and content optimization are a whole. Focusing on only one may be insufficient.

??Producing content that suits the language, culture and habits of local users makes a difference in international SEO.

??Measure real success by setting result-oriented goals instead of boasting proxy metrics such as great site management.

In the SEO world, hunger for knowledge, communication and embracing different perspectives are essential for the industry to move forward. Google starting this dialog is a great opportunity for both SEO experts and publishers. Come on, break free from prejudices and build a better search world with Markethinkers!