SEMpdx Searchfest 08 Mini-Interview: Rebecca Kelley (SEOmoz)

Rebecca will be speaking on the “Links: Development, Baiting & Buying” panel at Searchfest which will take place on March 10th, 2008 at the Portland Zoo. Purchase your Searchfest 08 tickets now.

1) Please give us your background and tell us what you do for a living?
I am an SEO, blogger, and site manager for SEOmoz.org. I’ve worked for SEOmoz for two years, and during that time I’ve learned search engine optimization literally from scratch. At SEOmoz I do client work such as site reviews, consulting, and help with content creation, and I also answer Premium Q&A and blog for our site and ensure that our site is running properly and that specific content is being added on a regular basis.

2) When making a link request, is there a certain etiquette to follow that would help increase the odds of success?
There is definitely “link etiquette,” and I wish more people would adhere to it! Honestly, it’s beneficial to personalize the email. Use the webmaster’s name if you know it. Don’t make it sound like you just copy and pasted the same email request over and over again. Mention something about the site that you really enjoy. Ask if they can review something you’ve been working on. Develop a relationship with the person so that when you do end up asking for a link, he or she is more likely to link to you because you’ve established a friendly rapport.

3) Despite all the opportunities in the search community to gain visibility, many search marketers remain anonymous. Why is that and why should these folks consider stepping out of the shadows?
Some people don’t like being in the “spotlight,” so to speak, which is fine. If these more private search marketers are letting their work speak for themselves and are successful without being as visible as other marketers, that’s totally fine. If you’re just starting out and would like more visibility, I’d recommend putting a blog together and covering a topic that few others cover, or covering an existing topic with a unique slant. Also, participate on other well-known blogs and get your name out there so that you do become more visible.