FREE means something for NOTHING

[Honeybadger]

Please can everyone stop saying SEO is free traffic

The definition of "free" is "not costing or charging anything"

SEO = Time, without alot of time there is no SEO

Time for what?

• Learning SEO
• Testing Strategies
• Creating Content
• Optimization
• Promotion
• Getting Impressions
• Getting Clicks
• Getting Conversions
• Earning Commission

Commission pays bills

SEO is not free

The only way SEO could be free is if you have no bills to pay, and your time is worth nothing

 

[azgold]

If anyone has read your journey, or Shaunm's, they should know how much work goes into creating and maintaining a website optimized for search. Also, a ton of dedication to learning to do it well and making it profitable.

@SEOBlogPosts and others here who have started their foray into SEO marketing can verify there is a large work, goal, learning and time commitment to get it right.

Basically, instead of investing money, you're investing time (the cost) in and for yourself. Which, can actually be worth more. You're building something lasting and the site can be part of your exit plan. Assuming a person is willing to learn and implement.

@Honeybadger , I know you already know all that but maybe it will inform a newbie.

 

[Graybeard]

In Real Estate we call this *sweat equity*
SEO is work. Trading time is not tax-deductible IRS or Inland Revenue considers your work free. You cannot write it off (unless you are paid by a (as in: your) corporation)

 

[dudeimlost]

This is very true. It is saddening to think that people see SEO as a cheap way of advertising when, in fact, we invest more than money--our time and efforts. Commonly, once they got the grasp of what SEO is in its foundations, they stop investing their time in learning the ropes and going ahead of themselves. SEO may not be paid in terms of money, but it really is an investment in time and efforts that makes the industry alive.

 

[Cebeneve]

This is very true. It is saddening to think that people see SEO as a cheap way of advertising when, in fact, we invest more than money--our time and efforts. Commonly, once they got the grasp of what SEO is in its foundations, they stop investing their time in learning the ropes and going ahead of themselves. SEO may not be paid in terms of money, but it really is an investment in time and efforts that makes the industry alive.

Most people do not understand, so they see it as a cheap SEO ad

 

[Strickland]

This is so true, especially when you consider the things you could be doing with your time. We don't have much of it.
You could argue SEO is the most expensive form of traffic by far.

 

[Lead Network]

100% agree with you guys, SEO is the most time consuming traffic, we can get back our money but not our time

 

[Honeybadger]

You could argue SEO is the most expensive form of traffic by far.

Thank you @Strickland
It's the first time I've heard it put like that
100% agree with you
When you slave all day for SEO perfection
Then some real hotshot says it's "free traffic"
Grrrrrr

 

[tyoussef]

that's true @Honeybadger, nothing is free in this world.