How SEO is Like List Management

Posted on July 8th, 2008 by Larry Chase

When you look at search engine optimization through a direct response lens, it looks very much like the list business.

People who respond to snippet copy in search results are similar to responders on a rented list of names that share an affininty. Maybe it’s camping tools. Maybe it’s email servers. People express their affinity or interests by subscribing or joining certain lists, just like they search for keywords when searching for items or services of interest to them.

The expression of interest and reactions to relevant copy, be it snippet or direct response copy, is at the core of all direct marketing.

Traditional direct marketers who “get” online, and onliners who “get direct marketing” are the ones who emerge the winners. LC

The Internet Marketing Tip above originally appeared in Larry Chase's Web Digest For Marketers which you can subscribe to at no charge at www.wdfm.com.