Cook: Google’s release of revolutionary video on SEO has caught the digital industry off-guard

Bonfire’s CEO, Clay Cook, says a video released by Google is a revolutionary statement by the company as it sets the record straight for the industry.

Recently, Google surprised the marketing industry when it released its first-ever video explaining how to choose a Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) agency.

The 11-minute video titled, How to Hire an SEO, was conducted by Maile Ohye, a tech lead at Google. The video breaks down precisely what a company should look for when engaging an SEO agency.

The video is a ground-breaking statement made by Google, given no advice or ‘how-to’ guide has previously been released directly by the search engine.

Ohye opens by busting the myth, “SEO is not black magic,” however she continues to say if an agency is promising you instantaneous, almost “magic” rankings, you should consider a different agency.

Her reasoning behind this is that SEO requires an ample amount of time for the campaign to take effect, and for businesses to truly notice the likely benefit.

“In most cases, SEO’s need four months to a year to help your business first implement improvements and then see the potential benefit,” explains Ohye.

We were quite surprised to see Google release this type of guide. When the search engine itself dispels myths and advises people on how to make smart decisions around selecting an SEO agency, its information worth heeding.

At Bonfire, we welcome the fact that Google has set realistic expectations around the effort needed, timeframes and potential results from SEO.

It takes time and a lot of groundwork to analyse and implement what is required, from compiling an audit to executing and optimising strategies. When aligned with the right agency, and given a realistic scope, businesses can achieve impressive and sustainable results through organic search.