Page 2 - Why selling SEO is cheating

Nothing like a bit of free advertising there TomDude - good example of spreading the word.

Firstly thank you to all the individuals who have bothered to reply to my posting about SEO & SME.

A couple of points, please; I have posted this article to 4 forums as I wanted to understand the feeling in this area quickly and from as many points of view as possible and from the maximum number of individuals.

Secondly,partially relevant, my work experience includes B2B and B2C including founding 2 successful Internet start-ups and offline businesses trading internationally. I am now a consultant for companies such as Hotbar & Incredimail. So my background is NOT solely Internet based but includes 'real' world business.

The replies to my posting, I am afraid, do nothing to change my opinion. This is, that many Internet experts are NOT aware of the realities of how B2B business operates and believe that 'One size fits all'.

I believe in my article I clearly defined that the thrust of my negative opinion is based on 2 factors;
1. That B2B business is not well served by catch all SEO technology solutions but require clear and experienced specialists to provide direction and marketing. It is way too easy to place complete trust in technology, as a solution, hard work still has to be added.
2. I feel strongly that a whole industry that bases it's selling premise on telling every customer that he will achieve a top ten position cannot be believed, we cannot all win the race. I for one have met many businessmen who spend nothing on Internet marketing, when they should, because they do not believe us, they are not fools. A critical failing.

Additional points;
Investing in SEO is NOT the same as offline advertising. The difference being that offline advertising costs are based on known returns/eyeballs touched. The effectiveness is in the strength of the message and quality of product.

Thats it for now. Thank you.