Creare SEO’s Debate On-site v Off-site SEO
When our SEO Department Manager first suggested that we run a debate instead of our usual workshop, I must admit that I was a bit sceptical about the whole thing; in reality, it was great fun and brought out the competitive side in most people. Most importantly of all, it resulted in the sharing of knowledge and demonstrated just how passionate the Creare SEO’s are about their work.
We were split into two teams and asked to argue “Are on-site considerations more important for a successful SEO campaign than off-site.” Hmm, interesting, you have to put forward your case even if you have been placed on the team whose view you disagree with. I also need to mention at this point – just to set the scene – that Creare have teams of on-site SEO specialists and off-site SEO specialists, which were divided across the two debate teams.
There’s nothing guaranteed to stir up some passion about a subject like a good debate.
Now, our consultants are a competitive bunch and they are pretty clued up on all things SEO and passionately believe that a successful SEO campaign is made up of great on-site and off-site techniques, so pitching the two against each other was always going to be fun.
Before we started a vote was taken to see which side was currently seen as the most important. Results later!
In the red corner (representing the On-Site Team) were, Hayley, Josh and myself
In the blue corner (representing the Off-Site Team) were, Anthony, Fliss and Owain
Seconds Out … Round 1
There was a strict format to be followed; a speaker from each team delivered a three minute speech to put their case forward. Hayley, our on-site content specialist went first, arguing the case for on-site. It was a clear and concise case, quickly countered by Anthony one of our off-site consultants, well known for his ability to think on his feet. Ant also used the clever tactic of producing some statistics, source unknown, to say that a successful SEO campaign is typically made up of 60% off and 40% on.
Round 2
Next up was Josh, an experienced on and off-site consultant, who gave a good reply and put the case strongly against Anthony’s well-argued case. Cue Fliss, who packed a powerful punch, producing bar charts of campaign performance, depending on the type of campaign. The red corner were now getting quietly ruffled by these tactics and were furiously scribbling down notes, to be used later.
Round 3
A short conclusion followed from myself, I put the final case for on-site and of course threw in some counter arguments to Fliss’s charts. Finally Owain concluded for the off-site team.
Question Time
Questions were now thrown open to the gathered crowd. Nick Rinylo tried to deliver a couple of curve balls, aimed one at each team. Myself and Ant managed to wing our way out of trouble. Maya asked Ant a difficult question which he swerved like a well-practiced politician. Maya kept reminding him to answer the question as he tried to duck and dive. More questions followed, though they were relatively tame and didn’t pose any real problem to the well prepared teams.
The Results – Its A Shocker
Vote 1: 23 agreed 11 disagreed
Vote 2: 16 agreed 20 disagreed
As you can see Ant, Fliss and Owain have secret powers of persuasion, the result was a big swing from people thinking on-site SEO is more important to agreeing that off-site carries more weight. Well done, blue corner.
