SEO Training, Live Q&A with Craig Campbell SEO

TL;DR

Craig Campbell answers live SEO questions from his audience.

Transcript

hello everybody so i'm doing an unannounced question and answer session for mainly people who have questions they need answered that are regularly in my facebook or youtube audience i've not done this one to linkedin not gonna anywhere else just doing an off the cuff live q a session to help people who get any questions today so if you do have any ... Read More

Key Insights

• Craig Campbell conducts an unplanned live Q&A session primarily for his Facebook and YouTube audiences, aiming to answer as many SEO-related questions as possible.
• Craig emphasizes the importance of testing SEO strategies on live websites rather than specific test sites, believing it offers more realistic insights into performance.
• He discusses the use of PBNs (Private Blog Networks), highlighting their effectiveness when implemented correctly without leaving footprints.
• Virtual assistants (VAs) can handle various tasks like content writing and website scraping, with Craig noting that quality VAs can be hired for around $500/month in countries with a lower cost of living.
• Craig advises against relying solely on white hat SEO, suggesting a blend of strategies that include backlinks for optimal results.
• He mentions the potential of CTR manipulation in boosting rankings, citing successful case studies and collaborations with experts like Holly Starks.
• Local SEO strategies are discussed, with recommendations to focus on citations and guest posts, depending on the niche and competition level.
• Craig shares insights on the impact of Google updates, advising patience and careful analysis to understand the changes and adjust strategies accordingly.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Craig's approach to testing SEO strategies?

Craig prefers testing SEO strategies on live websites rather than specific test sites. He believes that testing on live sites provides more realistic insights into how strategies perform in real-world scenarios. This approach allows him to see the actual impact of changes and make informed decisions based on genuine performance data.

Q: How does Craig view the use of PBNs in SEO?

Craig sees PBNs as effective when implemented correctly, without leaving footprints that could lead to penalties. He advises against having all PBNs on one server or IP address, as this creates a significant footprint. Instead, he suggests treating PBNs as real websites that generate traffic and revenue, which can also serve as a source of link equity.

Q: What tasks can virtual assistants handle in SEO?

Virtual assistants can manage a wide range of tasks, including content writing, website scraping, and handling social media inboxes. Craig notes that VAs can take over the grunt work, allowing SEO professionals to focus on higher-level activities. He mentions that quality VAs can be hired for around $500/month in countries with a lower cost of living.

Q: What is Craig's opinion on white hat SEO?

Craig does not favor relying solely on white hat SEO, as he believes it often lacks the practical impact needed for competitive rankings. He suggests a blended approach that includes acquiring backlinks, as backlinks are a crucial part of SEO. Craig emphasizes that waiting for evergreen content to rank organically without backlinks is unrealistic in competitive industries.

Q: Can CTR manipulation effectively boost rankings?

Yes, Craig acknowledges that CTR manipulation can effectively boost rankings when done correctly. He shares that timing is crucial, especially when a site is already in the top five search results. Collaborations with experts like Holly Starks have demonstrated successful CTR manipulation strategies, and Craig has shared his own experiences and results on his YouTube channel.

Q: What local SEO strategies does Craig recommend?

For local SEO, Craig recommends starting with citations and adding guest posts as needed, based on the niche's competitiveness. In less competitive markets, citations alone might suffice, but in more competitive niches, he suggests incorporating tiered link building and other advanced strategies. The approach should be tailored to the specific needs and challenges of the niche.

Q: How should one respond to Google updates affecting rankings?

Craig advises patience and careful analysis in response to Google updates. He suggests waiting for the update to settle, as rankings can fluctuate significantly during this period. Understanding the general consensus on what the update targets, such as links or content quality, can help in adjusting strategies effectively. Craig emphasizes that good work is rarely penalized, and issues usually stem from underlying problems.

Q: What are Craig's thoughts on using 301 redirects for site ranking?

Craig confirms that 301 redirects can be effective for boosting site rankings, provided the process is followed correctly. It's essential to ensure that the domain being redirected is clean and not penalized. Craig shares his process of putting old content back up to test Google's response before executing the 301 redirect, which can lead to successful ranking improvements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Craig Campbell conducts an impromptu live Q&A session, addressing SEO questions from his online audience, primarily from Facebook and YouTube. He shares insights on various SEO strategies, emphasizing the importance of testing on live websites and the use of PBNs for effective link building.

• He discusses the role of virtual assistants in managing SEO tasks, the potential of CTR manipulation for ranking improvements, and the importance of a diverse backlink strategy. Craig also touches on local SEO tactics, advising a mix of citations and guest posts based on niche competitiveness.

• In response to questions about Google updates, Craig advises patience and careful analysis to adapt strategies effectively. He highlights the impact of updates on link quality and content, suggesting that sites with poor practices are more likely to be affected.