SES Toronto: social media and search engine marketing

SES Magazine Toronto 2013: Your Company's Looming Traffic Problem
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The annual Search Engine Strategies Toronto Conference SES Toronto (#SESTO)takes place June 12-14, 2013 and features presentations and panel discussions covering all aspects of online marketing, social media and search engine marketing.

#SESTO
SES Toronto 2013
Toronto, Ontario
 
June 12-14, 2013

Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre
525 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2L

Learn How to Succeed in Online Marketing

Be a part of the community, receive an unparalleled education, network with your peers, and achieve results!

SES Conference & Expo provides marketing professionals, brand advertisers, agencies, and business leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to traverse the dynamic digital landscape. Designed for you by industry thought leaders and innovators, our instructional program will meet your needs whatever your experience level.

More on SES Toronto 2013 - http://sesconference.com/toronto/

First time at SES? Join us Wednesday, June 12 for an informal introduction: Newcomer's Meetup Networking Events

YouTube Video: Learn how your industry has changed in the past year! SES Toronto 2013

Come and learn how your industry has changed in the past year! SES Toronto 2013. June 12th through the 14th.

Published by SESConferenceExpo

Learn How to Use All Dimensions of Search @ SES Toronto June 11-13

SES Magazine Cover: SESConference.com June 2012
Sneak Preview SES Toronto June 11-13, 2012
Cover Story by Andrew Goodman Breaking Out of the "+1" Mindset
Canada is Losing the Digital Innovation Race. How Can It Become More Competitive?
Credit: ClickZ Publication

SES Toronto is next week on June 11 - 13 at Hyatt Regency Hotel.

It will be packed with sessions covering topics such as PPC management, keyword research, SEO, social media, local, mobile, link building, duplicate content, multiple site issues, video optimization, site optimization, and usability, while offering high-level strategy, keynotes.

An exhibit floor will provide participants with direct access with companies that can help you grow your business, networking events, parties and more.

For 13 years, the global SES Conference & Expo Series has educated thousands of delegates, with a 98% satisfaction rate.

Use SIP20 promotion code to receive 20% discount for the conference and to get your free Expo pass.

Register at http://sesconference.com/toronto/

Max Haroon| President
Society of Internet Professionals
http://www.sipgroup.org/

Optimize Marketing: Canadian Social Media & Search Marketing Conference SES Toronto: June 11-13

SES Search Engine Strategy Toronto, brought to you by ClickZ
Visit Our Booth! SIP Booth #9 at SES Toronto June 11-13, 2012
Society of Internet Professionals 1997-2012: Celebrating 15th Anniversary
Credit:ClickZ: Marketing News & Expert Advice

“We’re always excited when SES Toronto rolls around. It’s a great time for us to share with our Canadian counterparts, learn what they have been up to during the past year, and give them the opportunity to share with each other.”
~ Matthew McGowan,
Managing Director of Americas for Incisive Media

Once again, Society of Internet Professionals will be exhibiting at our favourite show - SES Toronto.

Visit us at Booth #9 on June 11-12 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.

Now in its ninth year, SES Toronto will be packed with sessions covering topics such as pay-per-click (PPC) management, keyword research, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, local, mobile, link building, duplicate content, multiple site issues, video optimization, site optimization, and usability, while offering high-level strategy, keynotes, an exhibit floor with companies that can help you grow your business, networking events, parties and more.

Register before June 10 and save $100!

Keynote: Business Optimization in a Digital Age
We were promised that marketing would one day become rocket science. Well, we are almost there! Search continues to become more complicated, and more exciting. Then there's social and email and display and video and ... so many more things. It is hard to understand how to do one thing right, much less try to do all of them right. In his exciting keynote, Avinash will share his unique perspective on balancing multiple media channels, leveraging super awesome metrics, grounding your digital existence in driving economic value, and leveraging the Clear Line of Sight model to ensure that you are optimizing across all four of the most important business drivers (come to the keynote to learn which four!).
Keynote Speaker: Avinash Kaushik, Digital Marketing Evangelist, Google

Sessions:
So/Lo/Mo: Social Media Solutions, Local Myth Busters, Driving Mobile Traffic
SEO: Enterprise-Level SEO, Key Metrics for SEO, Link Building Strategy
PPC & Display: Paid Search Tactics, From Search to Display, PPC Analytics & Multi- Touch Attribution Analysis
Canada-Specific: Made in Canada: Marketing Online; Canadian Affiliate Marketing Industry

You can learn more about the conference from their press releases on businesswire.com:

SES Toronto 2012 Features New Internet Marketing Training Sessions for Canadian Online Marketers
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Now in its ninth year, SES Toronto, the global Internet marketing education and training event being held June 11-13, 2012 offers Canadian Internet marketers two brand new... more »

SES Toronto 2012 Offers PPC Advertising Professionals Accelerated Learning Program
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SES Toronto will be packed with sessions covering topics such as PPC management, keyword research, SEO, social media, local, mobile, link building, duplicate content, vide... more »

Google Digital Marketing Evangelist Avinash Kaushik to Keynote at SES Toronto 2012
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Avinash Kaushik, Google Digital Marketing Evangelist, will be the keynote speaker at SES Toronto 2012. more »

For more news and event updates visit:
SES social media news room.
fb: SES Toronto
twitter: SES Conference @SESConf

Plus, You are invited to the Society of Internet Professionals' 15th Anniversary Party

SIP 15th Anniversary Party
Monday, June 11, 2012
6:30 PM
Hyatt Regency Toronto
370 King Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 1J9
Will you attend?

Even more #SESTO events:
Penguin Proof Link Building Strategies
SES Toronto Meetup Group

See you there!

Internet Professionals Search for Strategies

Collage: Internet Professionals Search for Strategies
@ 2011 SES Toronto Conference & Expo
Credit: searchenginestrategies.com
2011 @ sipgroup.org

Internet Professionals Search for Strategies
and Find a Society of Great Company
at 2011 SES Conference & Expo
By Attila Lendvai, MBA
www.attlas.ca | www.attlas.org
Member Advisory Panel, Society of Internet Professionals

Search Engine Strategies. The very term suggests a paradox. Surely, the concept of a search engine is to assist people in finding information online—including organizations and their products, services, people, etc. Of course, as Internet Professionals we are all too familiar with the truism that what sounds great in theory rarely works as well in practice. The fact is, the sheer scale and scope of the worldwide web makes being found a challenge, search engines notwithstanding. Without taking certain measures, it is very likely a website will never find itself on the coveted “first page” of a search engine’s results, and more than likely will be buried on page two, three…thirty of a Google search result. As it turns out, the measures that can be taken to improve one’s ranking on a search engine are as varied as the technologies used to encode the web itself. Herein lays the rationale for a conference and expo that intends to enlighten Internet Professionals on the latest search engine strategies: bring together Internet Professionals and organizations to exchange knowledge and experience about how to be found online.

We use the term "Internet Professionals" because honestly, what businessperson, non-profit leader or government official does not rely on the Internet? Gone are the days when the Society of Internet Professional’s members consisted solely of engineers, programmers and cutting edge webpreneurs. Now, its members come from every walk of life—from social activists and lawyers to innumerable business owners, managers and consultants. The common connecting link between them is a desire to be "more professional" (efficient and effective in their professional life) by virtue of understanding—or networking with others who understand—all the risks/benefits of using the Internet. So, as far as the Society of Internet Professionals is concerned, everyone who attended this year’s SES Conference and Expo was already one of us. Maybe that’s why so many showed interest and became members of our non-for-profit Professional Association on the spot. Clearly, Internet Professionals recognize the need to network with one another in a technological context if they hope to keep on top of the latest trends and best practices in their profession/industry—regardless of what that may be.

In the context of a conference whose intention was to give Internet Professionals a chance to network, promote, educate and be educated by like-minded Internet Professionals, we can say only positive things about the 2011 SES Show. As to what they were sharing with each other? We would need our own web server and wiki-platform to attempt to encapsulate all the brilliant cutting-edge online content creation, management, dissemination tactics, technologies and packaged services being offered by companies. In a nutshell, it’s the strategic crafting of content fed into various online channels—especially the social media phenomenon—that generates positive effects driving traffic—increased search engine ranking first and foremost them. But we would be remiss not to mention the amicable atmosphere and friendliness of everyone at the show. Clearly, Internet Professionals are not only like-minded, they are like-hearted. They seem eager to openly share with one another the highs and lows of their professional experiences, and even their personal feelings on particular "eccentric behaviours of technology."

In summary, then, the 2011 SES Conference and Expo was an "in-person microcosm" of what the Society of Internet Professionals is all about. A friendly atmosphere where like-minded professionals from all walks of life come together to socialize, network, connect, share knowledge and experience, etc. At the end of the day, everyone gets something positive from a gathering of Internet Professionals such as the 2011 SES Show. This is why the Society of Internet Professional will never be too far from any such gathering in the GTA.

2011 © Attila Lendvai

Attila Lendvai is a Strategy and Communication Consultant, The Attlas Project - See the World in a New Light. Attila has an Honours BA in English Linguistics and Dramatic Arts from the University of Guelph and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University. He is an award-winning published essayist and a skilled researcher, analyst, and instructor. In addition, he has a Diploma in Television and Radio Broadcasting from The National Institute of Broadcasting, Toronto.
Contact Info:
web: www.attlas.ca
e-mail: attlas@rogers.com
phone: 647.460.0560
linkedin: Attila Lendvai
meetup: Attila Lendvai

Business Marketing: Search Social Share SES Toronto: June 13-15

Screenshot: SES June 2011 SESConference.com
Your Guide to SES Search Engine Strategy Toronto
Credit: ClickZ publication

Once again, we are exhibiting at our favourite show.

Visit us at Booth #18 on June 13-14 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.

Now in its eighth year, the SES Toronto conference includes two days of search marketing sessions, vendor exhibitions, and networking events on June 13 and 14, and one day of training on June 15. Many of the sessions are specifically geared towards a Canadian audience.

You can learn more about the conference from their press release:

SES Toronto Features New Session: “Meet the Experts Roundtable Forum”
June 06, 2011 | Business Wire, Inc.

Attendees Will Also Have Opportunity to Attend Free Express Site Clinics to Have their Websites Reviewed by SES Experts

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- At SES Toronto at the Hyatt Regency Toronto, June 13-15, 2011, Incisive Media is featuring “Meet the Experts Roundtable Forum,” giving attendees an opportunity to address their specific questions and share information. In addition to the presentations and panels on search engine optimization (SEO), social media, local, mobile, link building, video optimization, pay-per-click (PPC), usability and more, these two new Meet the Experts Roundtable Forums will be held: Monday, June 13 at 4:30 pm and Tuesday, June 14 at 11:30 am.

For two hours on each day of the conference, SES Toronto attendees will be able to receive a free personal consultation of their websites from SES experts, Bryan Eisenberg, Shari Thurow, Bruce and Krista Neher. These drop-in, interactive express site clinics are open to all attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s an opportunity to receive free feedback on usability, SEO and all facets of the site, and also to learn from the analysis of other websites.

“We’re always looking for more ways to give attendees the most up-to-date information targeted to their specific marketing and search programs. So we came up with the idea that will allow people to move among discussion groups and interact with their peers and the experts in a very personal way. We’ve scheduled both experts forums at times during the day that we can add a networking element to the mix – Monday with a cocktail reception and Tuesday with a lunch in the expo hall,” said Matt McGowan, Managing Director of Americas for Incisive Media.

“Our Express Clinics have been very popular with attendees. After all, what marketer wouldn’t want to receive free personal consulting from an expert,” continued McGowan. “This year we have specialized clinics providing feedback on conversion, usability, SEO and social media, but other aspects of the website will also be analyzed.”

businesswire.com

For more news and event updates visit the SES press room.
http://media.searchenginestrategies.com/

Tune in Monday at 10:30 am for Content Marketing Optimization by Lee Odden
Watch SES Toronto 2011 [LIVE]
SES Conference broadcasting from Ustream
SIP in a nutshell

1. The Society of Internet Professionals (SIP) is a not-for-profit, membership based organization representing the interest of Internet professionals. Our mission is to uphold professional standards of internet professionals. Since 1977, SIP has spearheaded many initiatives and programs, such as seminars, workshops, Internet job board, newsletters and a members' directory. Review our resource intensive website: http://www.sipgroup.org

2. There are three categories of memberships:
* Associate of SIP (free)
* Professional Member (one time Life Membership)
* Corporate Sponsor

3. There are no dues to be an Associate Professional Member, can access all affinity programs.

4. Professional members receive a plaque, which they can display on their website and a certificate of membership, and there are many exclusive benefits and privileges.

5. A business can become a corporate member:
* Sponsoring an Event
* Create an Affinity program

6. There are numerous benefits to become a sponsor/corporate member of SIP (read the SIP profile, attached). Best one is the branding and promotional opportunities.

7. We have a strong membership of 10,000 who have subscribed to our newsletter SIPpost.

8. SIP's mission is to enhance educational and professional standards for Internet professionals and as such, SIP has created a professional code of ethics.

9. SIP was established in March 1997 and it is one of the oldest (if not the oldest Internet association).

10. We have conducted over 100 events, such as:
* symposiums, seminars
* panel discussions
* workshops

11. We have also conducted many one-day workshops, always in an upcoming area for which there is a lack of expertise.

12. Contact: founder@sipgroup.org or phone: 416-891-4937.
13. Review SIP profile: http://www.sipgroup.org

See you at the conference!!!

@sipgroup
Visit us @ #sesto # toronto booth 18, we R exhibiting @ our favorite show + watch [LIVE] Content #Marketing Optimization http://t.co/WCRjUDG
3 minutes ago via Tweet Button

SIPpost's Headlines: Social Etiquette, Search Engine Strategy Toronto, Mind Mapping and More

Collage: Society of Internet Professionals Newsletter
SIPpost, Issue # 638: May 16, 2011 @ sipgroup.org

SIPpost, Issue # 638: May 16, 2011

President's Notes

Hello Everybody:

It appears that spring will be a busy bee for us.

• Non-Verbal Communications in Your Business
• SIP Committee for the Whole
• Participation at the SES Show in the company of search engines giants like Google
• Mind Mapping seminar

Hope to see you at one of the Events

Max Haroon | President
Society of Internet Professionals (SIP)
416-891-4937 | founder@sipgroup.org

Non-Verbal Communications in Your Business
Thursday May 19, 2011 @ 6:00 pm

As part of our 14th Anniversary celebration, we are hosting another complimentary event for you.

Role of Social Etiquette and Body Language in your business interactions. We have engaged two experts to educate us.

Speakers:
Adeodata Czink, raised in the diplomatic community in Stockholm, Sweden, Adeodata Czink had her etiquette training right from the cradle. In 1989, she founded Business of Manners, a company that provides seminars in international etiquette, formal dining and social graces.

Carla Estifan holds an Honors BA in Psychology and MA in NVC (Non Verbal Communication) and has been training individuals for the past 6 years in Non-Verbal Communication. She specializes in body language analysis, deception, presentation skills, tonality, sales, dating behaviour, and sales presentations.

Date and Time
Thursday May 19, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Location
Room 304, Metro Hall, 55 John Street, Toronto, ON 55V 3C6
(Southeast of John and King Street, subway St. Andrews)

Registration & Details
$0 No charge to attend but you must register on our meetup website

Bonus
If you RSVP from the meetup group, you will become an Associate of SIP by joining our meetup group and will be eligible to access many Group Affinity Programs offered by our corporate members.

SIP Committee for the Whole
Thursday May 19, 2011 @ 4:30 pm

Join SIP's active group of Volunteers' meeting, prior to the event at 4:30 pm. Members and non-members are equally welcomed to brush the art of networking and projecting professional image. Come prepared with your 30 seconds elevator pitch and lots of business cards. Details

Room 304, Metro Hall, May 19 at 4:30 pm.

SES Conference & Expo Toronto 2011 - June 13 - 15
Search Engine Strategy Conference & Expo
The Leading Search & Social Marketing Event

Society of Internet Professionals would like to invite you to SES Toronto 2011 Conference & Expo. Visit us at Booth #18 on June 13-14 at the Hyatt Regency Toronto.

Once again, we are exhibiting at our favourite show SES Toronto Conference & Expo at the Hyatt Regency Toronto Hotel, June 13-15.

Leading the conference on day 1 is Amber Mac, author, TV Host and journalist, focusing on the direction social marketing has taken and which strategies have emerged as the most effective for building solid business results.

Day 2, rounding out our keynote lineup will be, Yellow Pages Group VP of Performance Marketing, Tracy Smith, sharing his experience in performance marketing. SES Toronto will bring in thought-leaders and experts from leading agencies and brands who will look at relevant case studies, analyzing how brands are navigating a quickly evolving space.

Stay current on the latest developments in this dynamic landscape. An event like this is expected to sell out early, just as it did in this year's SES New York.

Register by May 18th and s*a*v*e up to $200. Use your exclusive member *discount* code: SIP20 for an additional 20% off.

Access over 20 top trending sessions on Search, Analytics, Social Media, and Video Marketing.

You Will Also Learn:
What affect new search technologies will have on your business
How best to leverage these new tools to produce more conversions
What's next in line and where search marketing is headed

Receive a complimentary pass to the Exhibition Floor, key notes, and networking events / reception if you register before May 18.

With an Expo Hall Pass you can access:
Keynote Panels
Express Site Clinics
Sponsored Sessions
Networking events and of course all prominent SEO/SES/SEM Exhibitors

Mind Mapping for Entrepreneurs and Executives
Monday, May 30, 2011 @ 7:00 pm

Association of Independent Consultants
in partnership with SIP presents:

Mind Mapping for Entrepreneurs and Executives
by Susan Gregory, Corporate Trainer and Facilitator

Join us to learn Mind Mapping techniques for your current work, opportunities and projects.

Date: Monday, May 30, 2011
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, 33 Carlson Court, Toronto M9W 6H6
Fee: SIP members - $10 (must show their membership card), Guests - $25.

Online Registration & event details

Search Marketing Experts Coming to Toronto April 28-29: SMX Toronto Special Offer

Screenshot: Search Marketing Expo - SMX Toronto 2011
Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, April 26-29, 2011
Credit: searchmarketingexpo.ca

Introducing Keynotes and Top Speakers Participating in SMX Toronto.
Join Us April 28-29:

Search Marketing Expo - SMX Toronto brings together some of the brightest and most passionate marketers in the industry. Experts, top search, social and mobile marketing speakers and professionals who want to share what they know with you:

• Chris Sherman, Executive Editor, Search Engine Land
• Vanessa Fox, Contributing Editor, Search Engine Land
• Bruce Clay, President, Bruce Clay, Inc.
• Mitch Joel, Author, Six Pixels of Separation

Conference:
April 28th 8:30am – 5:45pm
April 29th 8:30am – 5:45pm

Pre-Conference Workshops
April 26th: Getting Started with Social WAA Intro to Web Analytics
April 27th: SEO Training with Bruce Clay WAA Search Analytics

Venue: Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel
123 Queen Street West, Toronto, Ontario M5H 2M9

Social Networking Pass:
Short on time, but want to connect with the SMX Toronto community? Get a Social Networking Pass for only $75 plus HST:
* See a Keynote
* Enjoy a Continental Breakfast
* Network with Peers
* Visit with vendors in the Exhibit Hall

Special Offer:
Members and subscribers of the Society of Internet Professionals newsletter - receive $100 off the two-day SMX Toronto conference pass and $25 off the Social Networking Pass. Receive further discount for Early Bird (expiring this Friday).

Use promo code SIPSTO11 when registering.

Take your skills to the next level. 35+ sessions, workshops and networking events:

Detailed Agenda for Day 1 - Thursday April 28th
Detailed Agenda for Day 2 - Friday April 29th

SEO Must-Know Fundamentals: Will get you up to speed on the essentials of getting found in search engines.

SEO Advanced: Sessions are designed for experienced search marketers and marketing technology experts. Discussions go deep into technical solutions that address many of the toughest SEO challenges.

Social and Search for 2011: Learn how Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Marketing work together to attract relevant visitors and keep you connected, real time, with your most influential and engaged customers.

Search Analytics: Learn how to track, measure, benchmark, analyze and improve paid and organic search engine marketing programs.

Local and Location-based Marketing: Learn about the opportunities enabled by social-mobile technology and platforms that connect a local audience with your location specific promotions and messaging.

Paid Search, Advertising and Exchanges: Learn the latest techniques for generating traffic through paid programs. PPC (pay-per-click) or CPC (cost-per-click), banner ads, mobile search ads and advertising exchanges.

Meet up with over 40 top SEM professionals:

• Jeff Quipp, CEO, Search Engine People Inc
• Alan K'necht, President, K'nechtology
• Bill Barnes, Co-Founder and Executive VP, Enquiro
• John Hossack, Principal, VKI Studios

Program overseen by Search Engine Land the source search marketers trust to deliver decision-informing news and thought provoking analysis. For more than 10 years search marketing authorities Danny Sullivan and Chris Sherman have been analyzing and influencing developments in the search marketing industry and programming the highest quality search marketing events.

Conference Produced in Partnership with:

• eMetrics Canada™: Canada Marketing Optimization Summit
• Rising Media™

See you there! Register Now!

Invitation to #SESTO Toronto 2010: Leading Search & Social Marketing Event

Screenshot: Search Engine Strategies: The Leading Search & Social Marketing Event
SES Toronto 2010 - June 9-11, 2010 - Sponsors & Exhibitors: SIP's Digital Business Card
Credit: Search Engine Strategies

Search Engine Strategies 2010
Conference & Expo

SES Toronto

Conference: June 10-11

Expo Hall: June 10-11
Thursday, June 10 10:00am - 6:30pm
Friday, June 11 10:00am - 4:00pm

Partnered Training: June 9

Where: Hyatt Regency Toronto
370 King Street West
Toronto, Canada


Company Profile

Society of Internet Professionals (SIP)
Website: http://www.sipgroup.org/

The Society of Internet Professionals (SIP) is a not-for-profit, membership based organization representing the interest of Internet professionals. Our mission is to uphold professional standards of internet professionals. Since 1977, SIP has spearheaded many initiatives and programs, such as seminars, workshops, Internet job board, newsletters and a members' directory.

As part of our 13th anniversary we are offering free membership to all attendees of SES Conference & Show as Associate Member, sign-up at: www.sipgroup.org

Review our resource intensive website: http://www.sipgroup.org
Contact: Max Haroon, President, Tel: (416) 891-4937 (info@sipgroup.org)

Is a SEO Accreditation Still on the Agenda?

Photo Collage: SIP Booth at the SES Toronto, Day 1
2009 @ sipgroup.org

Today, the first day of the SES TO is almost over. There are some highlights of the day at the SIP double booth transformed into the Magic Cafe:

• [ V ] There were a lot of volunteers and members of SIP group radiating a lot of energy around and attracting a lot of visitors;
• [ V ] Greg started with his remarkable magic routine;
• [ V ] Paul gave great e-marketing advice at the Ask the Expert panel and did his talk to the SES Magazine;
• [ V ] SIP provided our visitors with a self-assessment certification's tool to become an Accredited Internet Professional (AIP) in SEO;
• [ V ] A lot of people were so interested in how SIP can help them to improve the presence of their businesses on the Google search;
• [ V ] It was a day of immense networking possibilities and establishing new partnerships;
• [ V ] SIP started to tweet at the show: follow Max's tweets: "attanding cocktail party at SES 2009 Toronto show #sesto, meeting lots of people and power networking. Thanks OLGA for starting this."

And talking about a SEO accreditation we would like to remind you about an article Certify Me – Two Emerging SEO Certification Programs which Jim Hedger had written three years ago.

Certify Me – Two Emerging SEO Certification Programs
By Jim Hedger, StepForth News Editor, StepForth Placement Inc.

Two emerging initiatives aim to create and present certification designations for search engine optimization specialists. Oddly enough, both are from Southern Ontario, Canada both are being initiated by long term players in the online marketing world, and neither has sanction from any official bodies, other than their own boards of directors.

If the situation sounds confusing and ad-hoc, that’s because it is. There is no official governing board for search engine optimization practitioners. In other words, SEO is not a profession by any extent of the word. It is a practice. There is no regulation, other than the vocal self-policing that happens within the industry and no bureau of complaints and compliance, other than the search engines themselves.

From a business and consumer’s point of view, the lack of professional oversight or certification in the search engine optimization field can present problems when deciding with whom to risk advertising dollars. Again, there is no overarching better business bureau or best practices council for consumers to file complaints with. Without an industry-wide certification program, the only protection consumers can expect comes from the due-diligence process they exercise themselves.

The Society of Internet Professionals wants to change that. Formed as a non-profit society in 1997, the Society of Internet Professionals (SIP) sees itself as one of the few entities capable of offering a professional certification for SEOs. They took sole responsibility for the certification for Internet Professionals in 2003 when the Association of Web Professionals ceased operation, though they have been offering an accreditation program, Accredited Internet Professional (AIP), since 1999.

Since that time, the number of specialization streams under which SIP offers accreditation has grown to include, Web Technology, Web Design, Web Management, Web Development, Internet Privacy, e-Business, e-Learning, and SEO.

According to SIP president and founder Max Haroon, “AIP is the accreditation of Internet professional’s qualification and experience. AIP are professionals practicing in the Internet sector whose qualifications, experience and professionalism have been assessed by SIP.” Expanding certification into the SEO sector is a natural move for SIP, says Haroon.

In order to qualify for an AIP in SEO, a practitioner must first become a member of SIP. They must then conduct a three step assessment program, the first step being a free online self-assessment. After taking the online assessment test, applicants must then pass a SIP Core Examination which challenges the writer’s mastery of general Internet competencies. Lastly applicants must take a more difficult test covering the specific AIP certification stream they are interested in.

The certification process is rigorous. Taking the two competency tests is one thing. Passing them with a grade of 75% or higher is another. If the applicant passes both competency tests, he or she will also need to provide references from employers, peers and friends, and agree to abide by SIP’s code of ethics.

For more information on becoming a member of the Society of Internet Professionals, or on achieving SIP accreditation, visit their website at http://www.sipgroup.org.

A second certification initiative will soon be launched if Terry Van Horne (Webmaster T) from SEOPros.org has his way. SEOPros.org is also a registered non-profit society based in Southern Ontario. Founded as a directory of vetted and approved ethical SEO and SEM firms, SEOPros wants to bring a standard of best practices to the industry by offering an online training and evaluation course covering SEO Best Practices and Techniques.

The SEOPros initiative differs from SIP’s in that direct instruction is offered to participants in a highly focused online classroom setting. As SEOPros promises one-on-one instruction, it limits its classes to a maximum of 20 participants.

Participants benefit from instruction offered by some of the most well known and trusted names in the SEO industry including Van Horne, Dan Thies, Scotty Claiborne and CJ Newton. SEOPros guarantees participants at least one hour of private conversation with an instructor for personalized, one-on-one lessons.

According to the SEOPros certification documents, “If you have heard of "boot camps" for MCSE, then you know what to expect!”

The SEOPros course covers the following areas, Web Development and Conversion Strategies, Understanding SERPs and HTML Optimization, and Submission and Link Building Strategies. Participants who successfully navigate their way through the intense learning sessions are invited to take a final exam which, if passed leads to SEOPro “Best Practices Certification” and membership in the (best practices exclusive) SEOPros directory. For more information on the SEOPros Best Practices certification, please visit the SEOPros website.

Both the Society of Internet Professionals and SEOPros recognize they have common goals and have indicated a willingness to work with each other in the future. It is interesting to note that both initiatives began independently of each other but are located within 50 kilometres of each other.

The need for a professional designation or best practice certification for SEOs is obvious. The method for creating, marketing and distributing these certificates is not. Each of the initiatives would have more strength if backed by one of the known SEO/SEM industry associations such as SEMPO or the emerging Search Marketing Association of North America.

May 5 2006

OK now you have to decide is a SEO accreditation still on the agenda?

Screenshot: google search accreditation ses professionals

Screenshot: google search accreditation seo professionals