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Why Is Google Like My Ex?


Google is like my Ex HusbandSeems like Google changes so much it has a personality just like my ex husband (key word here is ex lol)  No matter what I did for that man he was never satisfied.


I would cook his favorite dinners, then he would complain that he wanted something else.   He was never pleased with anything I did.  Each day, when I heard his car come up the driveway, my stomach would cringe!  “Shoot… he’s home.  What kind of mood is he dragging in the door now?”

Sometimes he was in a happy mood, but that could change at any time. I fell into a syndrome of trying to please him, but it never seemed to work out.  His ever changing moods caused anxiety.  But I even got in trouble for that!   “Why are you so anxious?”   “Why are you sad” he would say to me.  But when I told him the why, it only gave him a reason to argue with me.

Hey, I’m not doing a blame game here because I own 50% of that relationship.  You see, I cannot only blame him, but myself too.  I chose to accept this behavior, I chose to keep trying to please him for several years.  It was my choice!

So here’s the thing….

If I choose to please Google by standing on my head and spitting out endless SEO tactics, Mr. Google changes his mind.  “Give me some keywords”, he barks. So I do.  “Not in the 3rd paragraph, in the first.”  I try to comply.  “Forget the keywords, I think you’re just gaming me.  Now where’s your backlinks?” he scolds.  “They’re right here,” I point out.  “Not that type… this type… oh wait, that was last month.  Scratch those, now I want these, and if you already used the other ones, you’ll be sorry.”  I go and get all crazy trying to please Mr. Google.  But of course… I’m not pleasing Google because once again, algorithms change, just like my ex husband’s personality.

Now Google wants me to get social.  Well, I’ve been doing that all along.  No sweat.  That’s my comfort zone.  Let’s see what Mr. G thinks about me now (I probably shouldn’t use the term Mr. G because it probably has very little keyword value, I’m not sure because I didn’t check the Google keyword tool this morning).

Why is Google like my ex?

Every time there is a change, I hear that darn car coming up the drive way.  My stomach instantly gets tied into knots.  But I must take the responsibility for trying to please Google.  Like in marriage, it’s always a 50-50 proposition.  And you know what?  Google seems to be on the same power trip my ex husband cruised along on.

So, just like when I left my ex, I’m leaving you too, Google.  I don’t care about being on the first page because I’ve learned there is a lot more to marketing that trying to please you.  I learned a long time ago that there was no way in hell my ex was ever going to be pleased.  I’m not about to replay that same tired old game with you.

I’ve learned enough about marketing that I can put myself in front of a target audience and I really don’t need you anymore, Mr. Google.  I have a sense of freedom to connect with people in my own way, and when I do, I attract those who want to work with me.

Same went with my ex husband.  Same feelings…I didn’t give a hoot about leaving him, because I had learned that there was something better out there.  A good fit for me to live a happy life.  And you know what?  I found him.  My current husband of 23 years who not only loves me but encourages me, works with me all day long, side by side.

The moral of this story is:  If you are banging your head against the wall, trying to get on that first page of Google, stop and think what the heck is it going to do for your business.  Are you going to spend all your time figuring out SEO…not too much SEO…be on all the social platforms all day?  Oops…now it changed?  I was on the first page, now I got demoted to the 1,875th.  I don’t even know why.  What next?  Is that really how you want to do business?  There’s lots of lotteries you could play too, while you’re at it.

If you are like me, though, and can see through those big search engines and their little bean-counting robots, then you will buckle down and make some changes.  Learn how to market to attract those you want to work with.  Life is so much easier when you are in love.  So why not be in love with your business and your clients?

What do you think?  Would being on the first page of Google do you any good?  Would people opt into your offer because you are on the top three tiers?  Do you think it is better to do business where people know like and trust you?  I would really like to know.  Thanks,  Donna

Donna Merrill
Donna is a well known blogger and creator of "Blogging Magic" - an intensive guide to blogging. "Blogging Magic" is for beginners who are trying to figure out how to bring their blogs to life with tons of visits, comments and social media interaction. It's even for advanced bloggers looking to reach new levels of authority and engagement with their audience.

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98 Responses to Why Is Google Like My Ex?

  1. Julia
    Twitter:
    October 4, 2014 at 8:21 pm #

    As your daughter who currently, and unfortunately, still has to live with said ex-husband…I want your followers to know that your analogy is spot-on! Couldn’t have articulated it better myself!

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      October 6, 2014 at 10:31 pm #

      Hey Julia,

      I’m actually laughing so hard!!! Thanks for coming over to read my blog. But as you know, it is so true. Your Dad does remind me of Google’s behavior lol.

      -Donna (Mom)
      Donna Merrill recently posted..List Building With Social MediaMy Profile

  2. Deborah Tutnauer
    Twitter:
    September 12, 2014 at 12:47 am #

    HI Donna,

    I was perusing your blog and was laughing so hard at this title I just had to comment!

    The analogy is so apt! And you know what? – I am on page one of Google for a few of my keywords and given the type of work I do, it matters not a hoot in terms of long term relationships and conversions. It’s a bit of an ego trip, but my connections online are formed differently and rarely begin with a keyword search.

    And maybe that is the most important thing that came to mind as I read your post. (Besides that your ex was a louse and you deserve so much better). In marketing online we must be intimately aware of the behavior and personality of our target audience. When my focus was on marketing hard products (consumables, etc…), search engine placement was much more important. As long as I kept myself in the first 5 places on a Google search I made a mint in automated sales.

    But for those in relationship oriented and people oriented businesses, I think search engine ranking is fun, but not even close to the most important thing!. There are so many better ways to develop connections and build relationships online. Keywords feel almost cold in comparison.

    Thank you Donna for this amusing and also provocative post about Mr. G!
    Deborah Tutnauer recently posted..4 Reasons Why your WHY Won’t Make you Successful in your Entrepreneur BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      September 12, 2014 at 11:52 am #

      Hi Deborah,

      Glad you enjoyed this amusing post I put together…I just couldn’t help myself because Google’s behavior reminds me of my ex so much!

      I was never a fan of the SEO technique. I was on the first page of Google for a long time, and it just gave me a headache! It was a post that I had no intention for it to blow up so wide, but it did. I was just explaining to my readers what I was doing and why.

      You have no idea even to this date, how many people come to that blog post, which really does me no good at all. It is just a place for them to vent. I had to close down the comments because it was too much for me to handle.

      I do find myself on the first page of Google lots of times, but does it convert into sales? No.

      What I like is relationship marketing. Finding a target marketplace where I can benefit people I can work with. I’m not a flash in the pan marketer. I want long lasting relationships with my clients.

      This is why I ignore all the hype of trying to please Google. And in doing so, Mr. Google likes me because I still see myself there. But I ignore him because I’m married to my own marketing techniques.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Coaching For Online EntrepreneursMy Profile

  3. Zachary K. Reid
    Twitter:
    August 5, 2014 at 3:30 pm #

    hahaa GREAT comparison! Found your page via Adrienne Smith’s post. Great analogy and rings so true, it seems like every other week there’s a new way people should be writing and SEO and guest bloggg oh wait, now DON’T guest blog!!

    Yikes. Thanks for drawing attention to this. Great article, will be browsing your site to see what other gems you have. Thanks again!

    – Zachary
    Zachary K. Reid recently posted..Can You Help ONE?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 6, 2014 at 3:56 pm #

      Hi Zachary,

      Good meeting you from Adrienne’s place!

      Loved the way you commented on this. If we paid so much attention to do this, no do that, we can drive ourselves crazy!

      It is so simple….All we need to do is to put out good content, answer our comments, go to those who have commented on our blog and reciprocate. And of course share it on social media.

      Writing for our readers is the name of the game.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  4. John August 5, 2014 at 10:42 am #

    Hi Donna,

    In Medical parlance, this sort of issues does happen to us, and we are getting used to it.

    The correlation of this title to that of your ex-husband is a creative ingenuity that I must adore you for.

    In my medical surgeon profession, I strive to make sure that I please all clients ( and to be honest with you, some clients are just like the devil, I mean they are never pleased).

    I’m new to this blogging scenario, and I’m pleased visiting your blog, after reading Adrienne smith’s mention of your title.

    Its tempting not to want to check out your blog posts.

    Regards,

    John

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 6, 2014 at 3:40 pm #

      Hi John,

      Welcome to my blog.

      In your profession it is a fact that you just cannot please all the people all of the time. In fact, that theory goes to just about anyone.

      No matter what business or profession we are in, we need to see it as a business. You are there trying to heal your patients. Some people will have an angry personality so you just have to let it roll off your shoulders.

      The same will apply to blogging. It all comes down to attraction marketing. Some will be crazy about your blog, others will walk away.

      One thing for sure, there will always be naysayers. My advice is to ignore them and they will soon go away!

      I’ll be checking your blog out right after this comment!

      Blessings,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  5. Rachel Lavern
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014 at 7:56 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Your post title grabbed my attention. I also have an ever-changing Ex like Google 🙂

    There is no pleasing Google. Even though my background is in IS and IT, Google changes much too frequently for my taste. You can follow all the rules and still be considered out of compliance. I gave up and just focus on writing good content these days.
    Rachel Lavern recently posted..Have You Created Business Systems?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 6, 2014 at 3:35 pm #

      Hi Rachel,

      One thing for sure, if we had an ex like Google, we have learned to roll with the punches and eventually go away!

      Writing good content, and sharing with others on social media will get us more mileage than trying to please Google!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  6. Willena Flewelling
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014 at 6:07 pm #

    Wow, Donna, it looks like you’ve learned the art of taking past hurts and make them work for you! That was a great analogy, and one even I can understand — I, who have never been abused in any way by a husband.

    But to tell you have un-Google-savvy I am, I don’t even know how to find out what my Google rank is! Yes, listened to the experts and tried to follow their advice, but a lot of it doesn’t really apply to my blog. And from the response you’ve gotten on this blog post, I would say you don’t have to worry much about it — you’ve built a great following of people who know, like and trust you, and who will spread the word about your blog so that your following will continue to grow.

    You go, girl!
    Willena Flewelling recently posted..A Helping HandMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 6, 2014 at 3:24 pm #

      Hi Willena,

      I’m not the kinda gal that tries to focus on SEO and page ranking. Instead, I like to go on my merry way and write for my readers.

      Yes, I do hit the rankings on Google, even the first page, but it never had an impact on me personally.

      People have spent so much time and energy trying to be on that first page and not looking at the big picture which is writing for your readers!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  7. Sherryl Perry
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014 at 3:35 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    This was refreshingly funny! “Mr. Google”, “Mr. G”! Trying to please Google is a thankless job. On the other hand, should we incur the wrath of Google, we risk being banished from the search results. (Why has this suddenly invoked images of being locked in a dungeon, shackled to a wall?)

    I have this weird attraction to Mr. G. He fascinates me. Although he can be indecisive and a bit (okay, a lot) of a bully, I still am intrigued by trying to play somewhat by his rules. After all, organic search traffic is my biggest source of website traffic by far.

    While I agree, relationships are more important than bots and people do buy from people who they trust and like, if it weren’t for the search engines, I’d be missing out on a huge amount of traffic. Some of that organic search traffic is bound to lead to new readers and new clients.

    Then again, I don’t spend a lot of time doing things like keyword research. I think the best keyword research comes from our readers and other bloggers. My blogging voice is to write the same way that I talk. That’s what connects me with my readers. So, I do put my readers first (and the bots last) but I still incorporate SEO into what I do.

    What sort of SEO tips do I practice? The easy ones is my answer. I optimize my images, use meta-tags and headline HTML tags. When I read that Google is rewarding longer posts, I listened. (Of course, I’ve always preferred writing long posts and used to edit them because I thought that was what my readers wanted. It turns out that as long as the content is valuable, readers will still read my blog.)

    Bottom-line, I’m geeky enough to make SEO enough of a habit that I haven’t been penalized yet. (Although, I was slammed by an algorithm change a year and a half ago.) My page rank hasn’t budged in years but I’m okay with it as long as it doesn’t drop. Do I spend a lot of time implementing SEO? Not really. I research it because it’s a topic that interests me and it’s something that I enjoy blogging about (and hopefully I help others understand enough to stay out of trouble).

    Thanks for making me laugh. I congratulate you for dumping the ex and finding (and marrying) a real gem!

    ~Sherryl
    Sherryl Perry recently posted..How Can You Get Started With SEO? #FridayFindsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 6, 2014 at 3:12 pm #

      Hi Sherryl,

      Thank you for an amazing comment! Yes, I do play by Mr. G’s rules. And I even don’t blame them for making some changes that pushed out some black hat marketers that were taking advantage of SEO.

      Some of those blogs were so full of SEO that it wasn’t readable. 🙂

      I do like to sprinkle SEO in my posts, but like you mentioned, the true with keyword research,our best comes from our readers and bloggers.

      Writing for our readers is the name of the game. And you do it so well. If we keep on doing that, and share on social sites, we are fine.

      The thing is, many bloggers I know were taught SEO. When things changed they hit a brick wall and had to learn how to blog and socialize.

      They were putting all their efforts into SEO and keyword research and spending lots of time doing so.

      So I just had to write this parody!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  8. Asif
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014 at 12:05 pm #

    Truly a remarkable post. I found this post when Adrienne mention it on her blog.
    We all hate Google for what they keep doing to use.

    But the truth is, we are still going to feel happy when we are on #1 page of Google and it sends us good number of traffic. Each one of us will be smiling while looking at their Google Analytics. 🙂
    Asif recently posted..How to Stop Spam Comments on Your BlogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 4, 2014 at 1:14 pm #

      Hi Asif,

      Welcome and I’m glad you have come on over from Adrienne’s blog. For those who were doing SEO tactics, Google had to change. I could understand it in a way because of black hat marketers, but it did hurt many people in the long run.

      Does it make me happy being on the first page of Google? Not really. I’ve been there and if it doesn’t convert into business, I’m not impressed.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  9. Dexter Roona
    Twitter:
    August 4, 2014 at 8:05 am #

    To get good results you just have to really post good quality articles that get engagement that’s it. All the changes are really just to stop all those who find ways to cheat the system. If you do it right your be ok

    regards dexter
    Dexter Roona recently posted..How To Leverage The Power Of Google Plus FollowersMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 4, 2014 at 12:56 pm #

      Hi Dexter!

      I fully agree. Good quality posts plus engagement will always win! I wrote this because some of my new clients were taught to focus on SEO. Just had to straighten things out lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

      • Dexter Roona
        Twitter:
        August 4, 2014 at 2:57 pm #

        Yeah I have come to realise that seo is a very dangerous path cause like you say your in fashion one min and out the next, there are still principles to adhere to but focus should be on building site authority, as soon as Google sees you as an authority you rank and stay around.when that happens you get to have the longest post titles in the world with your seo plugging flashing warning lights and it dont matter anymore.

        Regards dexter
        Dexter Roona recently posted..How To Leverage The Power Of Google Plus FollowersMy Profile

        • Donna Merrill
          Twitter:
          August 6, 2014 at 3:58 pm #

          Hi Dexter,

          Absolutely! The only way to gain authority is to focus on good content, answering your comments, going to other blogs and commenting and sharing stuff on social media.

          Organic growth wins all the time!

          -Donna
          Donna Merrill recently posted..Create Your Awesome AuthorityMy Profile

  10. Monika Sharma
    Twitter:
    August 2, 2014 at 12:55 am #

    Hi Donna, Once again it’s really nice post to learn something unique from you this post “Why Is Google Like My Ex” ! You share nice explication & summary about Google & why it looks like same of your Ex ! Great Post….. 🙂

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 3, 2014 at 3:24 pm #

      Hi Monika

      I’m glad you enjoyed this analogy of how I feel about Google. My main point to people is don’t spend too much time trying to climb the ladder. Instead, focus on your client base, who you want to market to, and then get to know them.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  11. William Butler
    Twitter:
    July 29, 2014 at 12:53 am #

    Hi Donna,

    In a perfect world, we would all get to play King for a day, (or, in your case, Queen,) and just as the world turns, it would take a revolution to make it happen. Imagine everyone getting a chance to run Google for a day. What would happen to the rules then? How much different would it be?

    No one wins by playing the people pleasing game. As an old song goes, “You can’t please everyone, so you’ve got to please yourself.”

    Kind Regards,
    Bill
    William Butler recently posted..Numbers, Large and Small, and the Secret of LifeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 3, 2014 at 3:22 pm #

      Hi Bill.

      I love that quote of the old song “You can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself.” That’s how I like to life.

      It boggles my mind why there are still people taking so much time and putting so much effort into being Google’s charm.

      As they made changes, which I totally understand, why waste my time when I can be putting my efforts to those who want me to teach them, engage with them, etc.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  12. Arleen
    Twitter:
    July 28, 2014 at 2:39 pm #

    Donna- Your analogy was so visual. You made a comment of not caring about being on the first place. That is really subjective because you might be on the first page for another keyword that someone is typing in. I stopped trying to figure out Google and just write for the audience. If Google looks at your site and see that it is written in human language you have a better chance of staying on top. I think more and more people want a choice so they do go beyond the first page. There is still nothing like word of mouth and trying to retain your customers so they become repeat customers. I haven’t touch my main site in years and now all of sudden the site is starting to more up, but that is for a keyword that I think people are typing in. Either way, I think it is better not trying to play the game everytime Google changes their underwear and keep it simple.
    Arleen recently posted..More Time Spent on Cell Phones Equals More Mobile AdvertisingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 3, 2014 at 3:05 pm #

      Hi Arleen,

      I have the same feeling as you do. I see myself on the first page, sometimes from a blog post I’ve written, or sometimes from a comment I wrote.

      I love to market, so in that perspective, I do rely on word of mouth and highly targeted ads on Facebook. It’s working well so I’m sticking to that plan until things change around, like they always do.

      But putting all my time to be on the first page of Google is a wast of time for me.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  13. Kathleen McCormick
    Twitter:
    July 27, 2014 at 4:15 pm #

    Hi Donna,
    Loved this post. I started blogging last December and was advised to use a complicated SEO plug-in that would result in being listed higher in search results. The outcome? I started writing to please the search engines and not the people I cared about. I soon switched to Lazy Man’s SEO! I have not been found by a lot of people but the people who I have connected with and who are interested in what I have to say are on social media. (Most of them from Google+ I might add.)

    Thanks for validating what I have found through trial and error. I will be reading your blog from here on in…….

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      August 3, 2014 at 3:35 pm #

      Hi Kathleen,

      Aha…that’s the point of this blog. So many people coming into the blogosphere are taught to do this. This boggles my mind because it did work in the past, but not anymore.

      So I just had to give it a shout out for those, like you, who were taught to do SEO. Writing for your audience will be the best thing you ever did. You can then engage with them and soon enough develop a great friendship, partnership, and/or client base.

      There is nothing better than that know,like and trust factor attained on the social media…Most are on Google+ for you so that’s where you need to be.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  14. Atish Ranjan
    Twitter:
    July 27, 2014 at 8:57 am #

    What an analogy Donna.You are very correct about Google. It can’t be satisfied. Sometimes a post without any keyword focused gets great number of organic traffic but some a post with good optimization don’t get organic traffic.

    You never know when Google changes.

    when I started blogging, I learnt that guest blogging is the best and authentic way to get good links and now you know what Google says.

    Very nice post Donna. Keep it up
    Atish Ranjan recently posted..Why Do You Need a Responsive design for your Blog or website?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 27, 2014 at 4:06 pm #

      Hi Atish,

      Many things have changed with Google, and they are still going strong. Yes I have seen myself on the first page many times when I had made a comment on a blog. Go figure?

      Guest blogging is a great way to get you noticed. Also friends sharing your blog post is one of the best ways to attract people.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  15. Andy Lockhart
    Twitter:
    July 26, 2014 at 8:38 pm #

    Donna

    Great article, SEO is always a game and what rules are going to use next. What Matt says goes, sort of!

    Just being on the front of Google is not the only thing. You are right about attracting people, you attract the right people you will get the sales.

    Thanks for posting

    Andy
    Andy Lockhart recently posted..5 Great Plugins for WordPressMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 27, 2014 at 3:58 pm #

      Hi Andy,

      Yes…what Matt says…sort of is kind of funny. Sometimes I listen to him for that “answer” but are left thinking Hmmm… Although he is a help, changes are always going on.

      I rather do attraction marketing than any thing else!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Blogging vs Facebook PagesMy Profile

  16. Yogiraj mishra July 25, 2014 at 12:09 pm #

    It’s my first visit here and the story of your ex is true ?
    Well I enjoyed reading whole article very much and as never before.
    Yogiraj mishra recently posted..Nokia Lumia 530 Launched to Capture Price Range of 100-140$My Profile

  17. Maxwell Ivey
    Twitter:
    July 25, 2014 at 2:11 am #

    hi donna; I’ve been doing it that way all along. I have done basic SEO, but never let myself be driven crazy by it. I get most of my traffic from social media and direct emails. I also get a fare amount from blog commenting. I agree the thing to do is concentrate on offering a good product or service treating people farely etc. I never thought of google like that but i have thought that the people at face book are like mad decorators who must justify their fee by moving the furniture every five minutes. keep up the good work, max
    Maxwell Ivey recently posted..Life Lessons From A Blind BloggerMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 25, 2014 at 9:12 pm #

      Hi Max,

      Good to see you here again. I too never paid much attention to SEO. I just love your comment!

      All we have to do is focus on our blogs and other’s and let organic traffic flow.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  18. Anthony
    Twitter:
    July 24, 2014 at 10:40 am #

    Fantastic!
    I am smiling broadly as I read this. I’m happy for you Donna and I am glad you and your hubby are happy! Google can take a flying leap! You can never please them…the price we pay when corporations get too big. About a year ago I got a notice from Big G, closing my adwords account because I supposedly violated something or the other. I am not too sure what I did to ‘tick them off’ considering that I had not used Adwords for about 2 years prior. Then only about 2 weeks ago, I got a nice chummy invitation from Big G to come back to them. I ignored both emails. I’m still enjoying my life without them too. Thanks for sharing.
    Anthony
    Anthony recently posted..2 Simple Ways to Get Quality Leads for Your Online BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 7:09 pm #

      Hi Anthony,

      Thanks for sharing your story about your experience with Google. Ya just never know…..

      I’m glad I made you smile with this post! I like to watch behaviors of businesses, and they always remind me of personality types. That’s how my brain is wired I guess. When I came to my thoughts on how many people are spending so much time trying to please Google, I just had to write this post.

      As a marketer, time is money. I rather spend my time on good marketing practices and keep my blog up to snuff.

      Thanks for stopping by.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  19. Ravi Chahar
    Twitter:
    July 24, 2014 at 3:54 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I totally agree with your point of you. Every time we try to know about SEO and Google changes it’s algorithms. I mean how can we make Mr. Google happy? Do we need to?
    I don’t think so. Bloggers should write for their readers. I know SEO matters a lot but it’s not everything.
    If we have loyal readers then we don’t need to make Mr.Google happy. May be our blog traffic will be affected but not our loyalty.
    We need to be the one who provides quality content with the best service to our readers.

    Google can effect us but can’t ruin us completely.

    Thanks for sharing such an amazing and interesting debate topic.

    Enjoy the weekend.:)

    ~Ravi
    Ravi Chahar recently posted..How To Choose A WordPress Plugin Which Can Satisfy You?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 7:05 pm #

      Hi Ravi,

      I don’t bother with the SEO changes either, actually never have been big on SEO. I’ve always wrote for my readers and have a pretty healthy following.

      Why waste our time getting entrenched with pleasing Google, when it actually doesn’t feed our pockets?

      What does is a target audience, good marketing techniques and being loyal to our customers.

      Thanks!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  20. Steven J Wilson
    Twitter:
    July 24, 2014 at 2:21 am #

    Hey Donna,

    I was hook as soon as I saw the headline! I have such a love hate relationship with Google.

    I have not personally had an issue but as you mentioned, one day this is OK then the next they don’t like it and others who were only doing what they said was OK is punished. It is rarely the big guys. The little guys that don’t have capitol or the brand to quickly build themselves back up.

    Adrienne Smith is a good example of not worrying about Google and still being successful. I think it’s great that you decided to just focus on your target market. By doing that and building your blog that way Google will notice on its own and rank you well in SERP’s.

    Informative and funny post Donna. Have a good rest of the week.
    Steven J Wilson recently posted..25 Tips And Resources For Writing Click Worthy HeadlinesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 1:38 pm #

      Hi Steven,

      I was a little apprehensive about putting up this headline, but what the heck!

      I just had to write this because I noticed that some of my students were taught to write for Google. It worked years ago but not now.

      I never did worry about Google because I have been on that first page, I still see myself on there once and a while…but does that bring me business at the end of the day? NO.

      What does is writing for my target audience. Writing with my heart and soul and giving the best content I can give. I know Adrienne so well and we do think alike when it comes to this.

      Thanks for your input and have a great rest of the week yourself!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  21. Andrew M. Warner
    Twitter:
    July 23, 2014 at 10:33 pm #

    Really great post Donna,

    It’s my first time to your blog and I’m loving it so far.

    I think the more that we try to play Google’s game, the more difficult the whole thing gets. I remember that I would search tooth and nail to find relevant keywords and write content to rank for those keywords, but then I noticed something. Even though I did rank for some, the type of content wasn’t meant for the readers, it was meant for Google.

    That’s a mistake that alot of people make. They constantly write for search engines.

    Now, I strictly write for the readers and what they want. I can’t be bothered with Google anymore.

    I try to connect with bloggers, build relationships with them and build connections that way. SEO is just way too unreliable to fully trust.

    Superb post, Donna.

    – Andrew
    Andrew M. Warner recently posted..Do You Know What Makes YOUR Blog Unique? Learn From 17 Expert Bloggers Who Share Their Thoughts.My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 1:33 pm #

      Hi Andrew,

      Welcome to my blog. You are spot on with your comment! I see too many people trying to play Google’s game. To me it’s a time waster and time is money.

      Like you, I connect with other bloggers and build relationships. It gets down to the Know Like and Trust Factor. People do buy people and organic growth is the way to go.

      When doing paid advertising to get more juice on a new product I create, I use Facebook right now. Doing it correctly has increase my ROI. How long will this last? I don’t really know, but as a marketer, we need to keep up with the trends, follow those rules and never use black hat marketing.

      Thanks for enjoying this post!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  22. Christi Johnson July 23, 2014 at 10:18 pm #

    I have given UP trying to please Google. Instead, I try to please my target audience. I think that when I saw that Google was not even willing to show me in analytics how my readers found me, I saw that it s not at all concerned with me as a user.

    It’s crazy! I’d think that since marketers are the ones who end up spending the money, they’d be more willing to share…but oh well. Common sense seems to not be so common, anymore. Thank you for putting out in pubic when I privately feel and for giving us an alternative – real attraction marketing!!
    Christi Johnson recently posted..On Being A Marketer Who Loves To Write – May The Two Of Me Continue To Meet!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 1:28 pm #

      Hi Christi,

      Very true…common sense seems not to be so common anymore lol! I too focus on my target audience and it is much more efficient than trying to struggle on the first page of Google.

      Hey, I’ve been there and still find myself on that first page, but who cares? Did it increase my ROI? NO!

      However what does increase my ROI is time spent on other bloggers and the social media platforms. That’s the investment of time.

      The investment of money comes from a pretty low cost of Facebook Advertising. Done correctly, and keeping up with those every day rules has increased tremendously.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  23. Mark
    Twitter:
    July 23, 2014 at 8:23 pm #

    Donna you totally crushed!

    This was such a fabulous article! If your ex was anything like Google, thank God the two of you parted ways!LOl!

    Boy you really nailed it, Google seems to thrive on being in the position to decide who, what and where!

    And they love to see you constantly jumping through their self imposed hoops! Thank goodness coaches and mentors like you & David are dedicated enough to share proven alternatives!

    Thanks coach! You really did a fabulous job with this post! I absolutely loved your analogy! It was so spot on!
    Mark recently posted..So Why Do Some Call It Economic Recession While Others Call It Opportunity!Part ThreeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 1:24 pm #

      Hi Mark!

      So you got a kick out of my analogy? I am sure glad you did! As marketers, there are endless ways to get traffic and have good lead generation pages that we can spread around without the use of Google.

      Right now, Facebook is the hottest market and I’m having a blast on that platform. People are coming over from just a few tiny ads I’ve done and we are on the phone…and making great relationships.

      That is only one way to grow our business and oh boy is it fun!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  24. Mi Muba
    Twitter:
    July 23, 2014 at 4:04 pm #

    Hi Donna
    What a gem of the post with lot of humour, satire, learning, motivation and finally a big message of keep adjusting with adverse things to defeat them sooner or later.
    Being internet marketer I think we can afford breakup with giant Google. So initially we can do a try with smaller search engines and forget to worry about them. Maybe most of them already kicked them out from the list of things to do.
    Life is full of sweet and sour memories. We sometime miss those who we have broken up. But in case of breakup with Google we might be missing it daily whenver we see our blog with a deserted look because we will be deprived of organic traffic and just rely on our email list that my be small also.
    Thanks a lot for sharing this very interesting post that does have lot to learn for all.
    Mi Muba recently posted..5 widely-followed methods to make a successful blogMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 24, 2014 at 1:20 pm #

      Hi Mi,

      So happy you found this post interesting. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t ever want to get on Google’s bad side, but want to illustrate that there are so many ways to drive traffic without the dependency on Google.

      I think most savvy marketers know that the ranking system is all over the place and many are not paying attention to it anymore. Instead, we focus on our organic traffic.

      With all the changes Google has made, I’m sure glad they do include our social behavior. That is very important when marketing because being social on the social media platform is how organic growth begins.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  25. Nathaniel Kidd
    Twitter:
    July 23, 2014 at 2:44 pm #

    Great post Donna. I am afraid of you and I was not even your ex 🙂 No, seriously you make a great point. We will never truly get in the minds of the folks that work for google. I personally just try to not get on their bad side.

    I definitely am not all into SEO. I attempt to connect with people each day and provide information that I can be proud of and that I think will be useful to them. It is all about them and not me or google for that matter.

    Great post and I hope meny take truly read it thoroughly. Thanks for sharing.
    Nathaniel Kidd recently posted..Frugal Tips on Relocating on the CheapMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 23, 2014 at 8:53 pm #

      Hi Nathaniel.

      You are on the right track! As you connect with people each day and provide information you are proud of that is the only way to go. Growing organically and attracting people who like you will get you more mileage than anything else!

      I wouldn’t want to get on Google’s bad side either, but I do have empathy for those who are still caught up in the pleasing game.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  26. Sherman Smith July 23, 2014 at 2:23 pm #

    Hey Donna,

    Now you definitely caught my attention with the headline! LOL

    I can definitely understand what you’re saying.. You can do great with Google, but you really don’t need it that much. We definitely have many options, and connecting with others is much more powerful then just relying on SEO and Google.

    By the way, this actually reminded me of an ex girlfriend of mines LOL…. She was pretty similar to your ex and now you got me looking at Google this way LOL j/k

    We should all do our due diligence and focus on building those relationships with people. You will definitely get a lot more value out of doing this than relying on Google! I give this post two thumbs up, with the rest of my fingers and toes!

    Thanks for sharing!
    Sherman Smith recently posted..What To Look For When You Join Social Media GroupsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 23, 2014 at 9:18 pm #

      Hi Sherman,

      Thanks for the two thumbs up with the rest of your fingers and toes!

      It is true, it is best to make connections with other and build relationships. We do get more value out of this than relying on Google. So that’s where we need to put more of our efforts.

      So you had an ex like that too? he he he

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  27. Glenn Shepherd
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 4:43 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    *Applause* Thank you for this post. I am always thrilled when I see someone stand up and publicly ‘stick it’ to Google. Oh don’t get me wrong, I use Google, find it useful and certainly think it has a place, but it is NOT the be all and end all that some (mostly Google themselves) seem to think it is.

    Of course it makes sense to be mindful of SEO, but having an actual hands on strategy is always going to far more beneficial, in my mind. For those who set up minisites and largely rely on people finding them in the search engines then of course a good SEO strategy makes sense. But for those who concentrate on providing good content, connecting with people and building relationships, it’s this that is always going to win out and it is this that one needs to concentrate on.

    SEO just gives me a headache, so rather than have to find ways to minimise the pain I prefer to just remove the cause!

    »Glenn«
    Glenn Shepherd recently posted..Check Out This Big Orange!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 11:27 pm #

      Hi Glenn,

      I’m with you all the way here! My business does well with relationships. This old gal has run many businesses in the past and it all comes down to people. Not the sizzle, not the steak, but relationships made along the way.

      It’s the human factor that drives me not anything else. I can fight my way out of a paper bag if things go hooey. I know that where there’s a will there is a way.

      And yes, SEO gives me a headache too. Never fell into that trap, even back in the old days when I was “told” to do so.

      As for Google, I too find it useful, but their personality is one I grew out of many years ago and won’t have it dictate my life.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  28. Monna Ellithorpe
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 1:51 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I absolutely love this post. Your comparison was right on target; no matter what we do, something is not going to be right. I’m almost to the point also of removing the All in One SEO plugin from my WordPress Blog. Still debating that one.

    I believe that focusing on our readers and/or followers, it is going to be better for everyone all the way around.

    Have a great day. Monna
    Monna Ellithorpe recently posted..Be Yourself and Join the KLT CrusadeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 2:25 pm #

      Hi Monna,

      I would keep in that SEO plugin. Weather you pay attention to it or not, it is not a bad idea to check it out once in a while. Who knows….Google may change their mind again lol.

      I fully agree that focusing on our readers and followers is the best way to go. It comes down to what you said in your last post KLT factor!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  29. Neamat Tawadrous
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 12:17 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I loved this post, you really captivated my attention with your title!! I loved the analogy of your ex to Mr. G.

    When I started out, I was told to pay attention to the SEO and for my blog and posts to be found, I have to rank in the first page of Google and all these stuff. It took a lot of my energy to learn and understand the SEO stuff and the keywords and all. But then I stopped as there is no way you could please Mr. Google as you said.

    Now, I just started with what it all boils down to and it is building the know, like and trust factor with my readers.

    Thanks Donna for the lovely post. Have a great week ahead.

    Be Blessed,

    Neamat
    Neamat Tawadrous recently posted..4 Advantages To The Importance Of Teamwork in Business!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 2:23 pm #

      Hi Neamat,

      Many people were taught to pay attention to the SEO factor and had to go through a huge learning curve. It worked years ago, but not today!

      It’s all about being social. And like you said, that know, like and trust factor is what it all boils down to.

      Besides, if a post is written with so many keywords, it never made any sense to me. I like to read a blog post that is clear without the repetition of keywords.

      Enjoy your week!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  30. Dylann Andre July 22, 2014 at 12:17 pm #

    Thanks for sharing this great article. At least you found your Mr. right and done with you ex husband. I really had fun reading this and many great insights here. I will share this information with my friends and they will certainly love to read this. I’ll definitely give these 5 stars.
    Dylann Andre recently posted..What is a Hostile Work Environment?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 2:10 pm #

      Hi Dylann,

      Thanks for the 5 stars! Glad you enjoyed the analogy brought out here. When I think of Google’s behavior, I think of my Ex and have a good laugh.

      Oh yes, there is always a Mr. Right, no problem there he he!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  31. Ryan Biddulph
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 11:20 am #

    Hi Donna.

    I love this parallel, so creative and oh so fitting. Google is a fickle entity, you never know how or when they’re going to change.

    I just chose to build a super huge network of friends to Google Proof myself. As long as I stay true to myself, and maintain a strong online reputation, my friends will follow me anywhere, from network to network, from blog to blog, as they did with the release of my new blog.

    If however I tried to game Google, or to even top it from a legit, honest place, I’d be changing my strategy frequently, always worrying about the tiniest changes, and how they’d wipe out virtually all of my traffic.

    Search engine traffic rocks but the cost you must exert to nail it down far outweighs the benefits, unless you are SEO guy or gal who loves doing the keywords and tags and linking bit, which of course, takes a great deal of time and energy…..that could have been better spent making friends with niche authorities.

    Awesome analogy Donna, and so happy you let go your ex and met up with David as you guys are like 2 peas in a pod, a perfect match.

    Thanks for the creative share.

    I’ll bet tweeting in a little bit.

    Ryan
    Ryan Biddulph recently posted..From Employee to Entrepreneur: 12 Rock Solid Tips for Retiring to a Spectacular Life of Island Hopping through BloggingMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 1:59 pm #

      Hi Ryan,

      So true…as long as you stay true to yourself and maintain a strong online reputation, whatever changes you make you will never loose your readers.

      I cannot understand spending so much time and energy on SEO, keywords, linking, and the rest, when my energies rather go to building relationships online.

      I did it that way offline, never advertised a day and still maintain a strong presence there. Word of mouth is best of all. And it applies on the internet too. This is how we build relationships and find others that we are interested in and they find us.

      For me, it’s the only way to go. The connections we make are so awesome when you think about it. We can become best friends with people across the globe. It fascinates me.

      And thanks…yes me and David are two peas in a pod. Come August we will be together for 24 years! Time surely flies when you are having fun!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  32. Barbara Charles
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 9:02 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I absolutely love, love, love this article! Mainly because that is how I’ve always felt. It seems like it’s an impossible task to get keep trying to get on the first page when Google changes it’s mind like a hormonal person (been there, done that 🙂

    You could not have written it any better than explaining from a very, personal perspective that is so clear.

    Yes, I think we should attract our target audience and get people to know us and our clients will come. I believe that truly. Great article, creative and realistic and gets the point across.

    Great job Donna,
    Barbara
    Barbara Charles recently posted..How To Build An International Network Marketing – Part 1My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 1:18 pm #

      Hi Barbara,

      I’m glad you enjoyed this one! I just had to write what was on my mind. he he he

      You are spot on when you mention that we should attract our target audience, creating a relationship and clients will come.

      It sure beats the heck out of getting a client that has no idea of who you are and finds you on Google because, well, you know how that is….Who are you, how long have you been in this business, on and on they go until they decide if they like you or not.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  33. Harleena Singh
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 3:22 am #

    Hi Donna,

    I had a good laugh, just like the rest for the way you put up the starting of the post 🙂

    Yes, you are SO right, that’s just the way Google behaves at times, like an ex! I wish it wouldn’t. but it does. Just when you think that you got something right about SEO or keywords, it just changes, without giving you fair time to change your ways.

    I wish there were no keywords and SEO, honestly speaking – those would be such a pleasure to read articles, or else I wish Google wouldn’t keep changing so often and be fair to all.

    You are right, there is no point in trying to rank your posts in the first or second pages of Google, though if they do, well and good, or else we need to concentrate more on building relationships with fellow bloggers as those go a much longer way than anything else. I know for sure we’d be standing right here for each other, whether Google changes or not, whether our ranks drop or not, whether anyone visits our blogs or not, isn’t it? I guess that’s what makes the blogosphere such a wonderful place with great blogging friends like you and many others 🙂

    Thanks for sharing. Have a nice week ahead 🙂
    Harleena Singh recently posted..Internet Addiction: Are You Suffering From This DisorderMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 1:01 pm #

      Hi Harleena,

      Glad you got a kick out of this one! You are spot on when you mention that we need to concentrate more on building relationships with fellow bloggers. This is the best part of the blogging world for me. Meeting people all over the world is so amazing. Making close connections like you and I.

      Over time many of us become real friends! Organic growth is the way to go. If we put our efforts into SEO it changes like you mention. So why bother? Yes, sure, sprinkle some SEO into a blog post, but focus on content your audience wants to hear.

      Thanks for your great input and it is good to see you back.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  34. Angela McCall
    Twitter:
    July 22, 2014 at 12:22 am #

    Hi Donna,

    Excellent post!!! 😀

    Your headline sure catch my attention. *LOL* I had to come over and see what is the analogy of the ex-husband with Google. You know my ex-husband was the same, he was very critical and never satisfied no matter what I do. I would be cleaning the bathroom, all white spic and span, and he’d come home and check it out and say, “You’ve missed this spot here!” *DUH*

    Too bad he’s very intelligent but very dumb in human relationship. He’s actually a millionaire and to this day, he’s never remarried because he’s afraid that the woman might just marry him for his money. *rolls eyes* Anyway…I cannot agree with you more on Google.

    Don’t please Google but please your audience and followers. Write for people and not for Google. Although I do have SEOPressor installed (paid plugin) to help me with SEO….I don’t really bother much with SEO either. It’s a headache and makes my head spin.

    Anyway, girl, you’re a brilliant woman and I’m happy you found your other half. Someone who compliments you. Like they say, “Do not marry someone you can live with but marry someone YOU CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT”. Anyhoo, thank you for sharing me this wonderful post.

    Have a great week!!

    xoxo
    Angela
    Angela McCall recently posted..Video Blogging Challenge 17 | How to Get ClientsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 12:40 pm #

      Hi Angela,

      Oh those silly exes! I love your story about yours! I bet that poor guy is not a happy person. Sounds to me like nothing will ever make him happy. And you are the opposite – You are a very happy and wonderful person. So there you go!

      As for Google, it is useless to write for them. Sue Price just mentioned that she seen me on the first page the other day because of a comment on her blog. So…proof of the pudding is that we write for our audience, get social and BOOM!

      Thanks for sharing your story, I enjoyed it

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  35. Carol Amato
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 10:53 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Intriguing title, and oh, what an analogy! Ha ha – excellent choice of topics, my friend!

    Love the style and conversation between blogger and Google– really brings the point home….And brings us right into it…

    You had me literally laughing out loud with the mister G comment… ha ha ha ha

    I couldn’t agree with you more! Since day one I have based my content on solving the problems that my readers tell me they have. I didn’t focus on keywords, and I’m not falling off the edge of the earth.

    However, I do get quite a bit of organic search traffic, but this is because the strategy is to listen to people and try to help humans…They are the ones, after all, who USE the search engines to search…

    Creating blog posts with the warm conversational tone directed at human beings in order to solve their problems for relevant topics today is what I’m trying to do.

    I like your perspective when you say”Learn to attract those you want to work with.” That’s a great way to think about it– I like that.

    I do keep tabs on whether or not I’m ranking for my name because I chose personal branding from my site, However, I don’t keep a log of what keywords I’m ranking for anymore.

    Thanks for great information given in a very entertaining style. 🙂

    You made my night.

    – Carol
    Carol Amato recently posted..10 Things to Love About Having an Online BusinessMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 12:25 pm #

      Hi Carol,

      I so happy that you were able to laugh with this blog post. It was my intention. he he he

      When I began I was taught all about SEO. Blaaaa How could I ever write like that? It just didn’t make any sense to me. I spewed out posts that were informational and also from the heart. I grew organically and am very pleased about that.

      I know my readers and love them to pieces! After all, they provide value to me too. I could never get through reading a post that was full of SEO. It made me crazy!!! I had to read them twice to find out what the heck they were talking about. To me, that’s not communicating a message.

      As far as my perspective when I mention to learn to attract those who you want to work with, oh boy, that comes from many years of having my own business. I was often criticized by my colleagues because I would turn away some people that weren’t a good fit with me to work with.

      My mindset was never on numbers, but quality. And you know what? Till this day, after about 30 years my clients are still with me, and so are their kids. I look forward to every phone call that I get to work with them.

      If you are going to run a business, why not enjoy every part of it?

      Thanks for your great input,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  36. Sue Price
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 9:13 pm #

    Hi Donna

    I love love love – your comparison to your ex. It make an otherwise dry subject very entertaining. I could feel your anxiety when he came home. Thank God you ended up with a lovely guy like David. But I can also hear you say you grew as a person too.

    The crazy thing before I started writing this comment I went to Google and searched on “retiring” my latest theme. And my friend the number 3 position on page 1 is the post of mine shared by you yesterday on Google+ – so yes Social! – Because it would not have been my SEO skills. 🙂 I too have stopped trying to get it right. It is too stressful. I do the basics but that is it.

    Now let’s see what it does for me. I suspect I will not have a flood of people opting in but if I do I will let you know.

    Awesome post Donna. I love your writing it getting better and better in a very conversational way.

    Sue
    Sue Price recently posted..Retiring : Is It An Option?My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 12:14 pm #

      Hi Sue!

      I’m glad you enjoyed this post. Thanks so much for sharing that when you went to Google to search your latest theme “retiring” You found my comment right there on the third position of the first page of Google! What a hoot!

      I find that happens to me very often. I look up something and see myself via a comment. Only goes to prove that Google loves social media!

      As for my writing…I think it’s taking a new twist and I don’t know why but as I grow so is my writing. Who knows? 🙂

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  37. Marquita Herald
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 7:28 pm #

    Yep, I have a feeling there are many of us who can relate to the cringe worthy ex-spouses. As far as Google, or any search engine for that matter, when I first started blogging I worked really hard to trying figure it all out and follow the expert’s advice. But before long I saw that my writing was suffering so at some point I said fudge, I’m going to write for my audience and that’s what I’ve done ever since. Despite that – or maybe because of it – I always get a kick out of looking something up in my niche or using one of my keywords to find one of my posts or even an image on page one. My site has good ranking and I’m confident it’ll continue to improve so I’m going to keep writing for my audience. Thanks for the inspirational read Donna!
    Marquita Herald recently posted..Stories of Resilience: W. MitchellMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 12:07 pm #

      Hi Marquita,

      Yes, back in the old days we were taught to write for Google. But things have changed and that’s why I wrote this analogy.

      I too write for my readers not really caring much about SEO, guess I never did. I just didn’t make sense to me even back then.

      Your site is amazing and you keep on growing. You are on a very successful path!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  38. Lisa
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 5:52 pm #

    Donna, I loved your title! I had to check it out. Great post. I sure could relate to it all around 🙂 I do not write for SEO as much as I used to. You are right, it changes so much why bother? I know I sitll get lots of traffic from them but I get a lot from social media, other blogs and feeds. I don’t stress over it anymore. Google is not the only game on the internet anymore, right? There are so many ways of getting people to our blogs, no need to stress over it. Great post Donna. I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week.
    Lisa recently posted..When Lyme Gets in the Way of Blogging and Much MoreMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 8:47 pm #

      Hi Lisa,

      When I think of Google, I think of my Ex. I just can’t help it, so that’s why I just had to rant on.

      There are endless ways to get traffic and good traffic. When I was on the first page of Google for a year from a blog I did there was tons of traffic, but what was it worth? My time answering comments.

      Also a referee because it was a hot topic at the time and people were arguing and being disrespectful. If I were to approve all the comments, there would have been 300 or more.

      Is that good traffic? Not! I rather do what I do and have my traffic grow organically.

      Have a good week girl.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  39. Sylviane Nuccio
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 5:04 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    Have we lived with the same man? Then there must be more than one of those jerks out there:)

    Thank God, Google is NOT God and doesn’t own everything. For example, it doesn’t own Bing or Yahoo, right!

    For the longest time my personal development didn’t even ranked at all on Google, to the point that I stopped checking, and now I think that it at list shows up there. The very keyword of my URL were chosen back in 2009 because they ranked #1 for at least a year. And then it somehow became dis-indexed.

    So, I’m like you, I don’t really care about Google any more, they can do what they want, it won’t change much of anything for me.

    Your post was fun to read and very humorist!
    Sylviane Nuccio recently posted..5 Key Points You Need To Know In Order To Get High Paying ClientsMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 8:32 pm #

      Hi Sylviane,

      Oh girl that’s just part of it all with the Ex. It was worse. Why do you think I’m so big on personal development? He He He

      I know I’ve been ranked, de-ranked an ranked highly again. But at the end of the day what does it really matter?

      Business is business. People purchase our product and services because we start engaging with them. So that’s where I’m focused.

      Glad you found this fun!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  40. Corina Ramos
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 4:17 pm #

    Donna,

    I think you are going to create a big wave here lady because I think a lot of folks are feeling this way and I am one of them!

    I love love love this post! This is exactly how i feel and what I’m doing. I guess it shows in my rankless blog LOL but you know I still think I’m winning. I’m meeting some great people and getting more opportunities now than when I was breaking my head trying to please Mr. G.

    And to date no one has answered my question…Who the heck made them boss anyway????

    Great post Donna!
    Corina Ramos recently posted..Even Nurses Work-From-HomeMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 8:05 pm #

      Hi Corina,

      So happy you are loving this post! If we keep our focus on pleasing Google, it will not be as effective as marketing in our own way.

      By this I mean Google was great a long time ago, then it got all messed up with black hat marketers. They had to make changes. Then more changes. It goes on an on and I guess it’s their job.

      But…my point is this: If I’m on the first page will it make me money? Will someone see me and say yea…I’ll buy your product. OR…If I market to people and get them to know me, trust me, I receive a better ROI.

      I’ll go with what I do and walk my own path no matter what!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  41. Kumar Gauraw
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 4:03 pm #

    Hi Donna,

    I should have started ideally with a LOL on my comment. But, since the post talks about your Ex, I didn’t want to take any chances and so I move right into the topic of Mr. G.

    And I tell you, you have done a marvelous job with a great analogy on the behavior of Google, its algorithms and all others who keep gaming the system so Google has to change its demand again.

    However, one thing I will do is I will not blame Google for the way they have been changing things since last several months. Since too many people have started creating websites, blogging and everybody wants to be on page 1, there are so many fake SEO companies and spammers trying to cheat on the rules Google had set forth for a clean Internet and search experience.

    When people start to play with the rules for petty benefits and start to cheat, what would Google do? I mean, what would you do if you will Google and you found people all around the globe cheating and you, trying to fool you?

    That’s what Google does and it does to protect people like you and me because if they don’t do that, no matter how hard you and I work we may never have a chance to be on page 1.

    So, it goes both ways and in this tussle off spammers and Google, you and I get to suffer a little bit and I am with you when you say that we should have our own ways to get people to websites and we should not be dependent just on Google. It completely make sense!

    Thank you for a very interesting post and have a wonderful new week!

    Regards,
    Kumar
    Kumar Gauraw recently posted..Things To Do Before You Launch A Brand New WebsiteMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 7:39 pm #

      Hi Kumar,

      Yes, you raise a great point here. There are so many black hat marketers and spammers trying to cheat Google rules, that they had to make changes. It’s only fair that they do.

      When it comes to ethical bloggers and marketers there is no protection for us no mater what we do.

      In the old days, getting on that first page carried a lot of klout, but now, it doesn’t seem to be that way. Why bang our heads against the wall trying to do that when there are many ways to get our own traffic.

      I find that getting quality traffic to my products/services is so much better than a random bunch of people I rather not even want to do business with. Guess I’m picky, but I love what I do, and love the people I work with.

      I get so much joy when a client stars to get out there and grow. Money cannot buy that kind of happiness.

      Thanks for your great input and have a great week!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  42. Janet July 21, 2014 at 3:12 pm #

    What a FUN article!!! You are so right in your analogy. There are so many other marketing techniques without having to worry every time Google pulls up in the driveway!

  43. Susan Cooper
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 3:11 pm #

    Oh, Donna, comparing Google to an ex-husband is the perfect analogy and the whole scenario sounds eerily familiar. 🙂 I too get tired of the daily efforts of trying to please Google and no matter what it’s never good enough or has today somehow changed what it wants. I hope people will come to my blog because they like and trust me. Not because I’m on the first page of a Google search.
    Susan Cooper recently posted..La Merika Pinot Noir: #WineMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 11:54 am #

      Hi Susan,

      You hit the nail on the head when you said that you wanted people to come to your blog because they like and trust you….not because you are on the first page of Google.

      I feel the same way. There are so many different ways to drive traffic to our blogs and endless techniques of marketing. All of which drives people to us that will get to know like and trust us.

      That to me is the name of the game.

      Thanks for stopping by,

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  44. Sam Adeyinka July 21, 2014 at 3:06 pm #

    Hi Donna, it’s my first time on your blog, thanks to our lovely family group. 🙂 – so you have a great blog here. Kudos!

    Now, like Enstine, you caught at least 96% of my attention here and I was like “Oh boy, you’ve got to see the end of this story”.

    Well, I’m sorry bout your ex and I love the courage you took to actually put this up, I’m sure part of you will be kinda sad when penning down this post, I’m I right?

    So speaking bout “Mr. Google”, I think SEO is just too over-hyped and people have lost themselves into it and thereby become so very heartless in their post delivery. Know why? They no longer give a hoot bout their readers. (SO sad).

    Do you know Marshable’s post sometimes are not on Google’s first page yet they make a whole lot of sells and all of those things…. So?

    I think it boils down to the fact that I you want to actually succeed as a blogger, you’ll need to learn the sience of marketing and just market your business the right way you feel and success will always be the end result.

    A fabulous post you got here ma’am! Thanks for sharing it with your community, I’m now glad to be a part of. 🙂 – have a good one!

    Sam

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 22, 2014 at 11:45 am #

      Hi Sam and welcome to my blog!

      The analogy sure fits in my situation he he he. As far as my Ex is concerned, it was a long time ago and we are peaceful friends now. Time heals and there is no use getting angry is there?

      But when I thought about Google’s changes it reminded me of my Ex personality. Just had to have some fun and put it out there.

      In the “old days” marketers depended on Google. But now, with so many different marketing techniques, trying to put time and energy on Google’s ranking is just a waste of time for me.

      Good to see you here and looking forward to getting to know you better in our community.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  45. Adrienne
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 3:04 pm #

    Oh my gosh Donna, this is a fabulous analogy! So spot on and although my ex wasn’t quite that bad I can definitely relate.

    I can’t tell you how many times my poor page rank has gone up and down and up and down. Oh sure, I was doing what Google was saying to do but then they conveniently forget to tell you about the other 195 things they are also looking at that I may or may not be doing as well.

    I use to focus on keyword research and I got my articles ranked very well. Oh, that was back in the good old days though when there weren’t as many black hat marketers as there is today. Things were simpler but as we all know in life, things change.

    I agree with you, stop worrying about what Google says because all you’ll do is stress yourself out. Now I don’t want to get on their bad side but I can’t keep myself up at night worrying about what they’ll do next.

    Great post Donna, loved it girl. Hey, have a great week and tell David I said hey!

    ~Adrienne
    Adrienne recently posted..The Seven Deadly Sins Of A Selfish WebsiteMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 7:25 pm #

      Hi Adrienne,

      Yes, it did work in the old days and I wouldn’t want to get on the bad side of Google either. But I’ve run into too many people thinking that pleasing Google is what they have to focus on.

      Blaaaa….What they need to focus on is their own business and the many different ways they can market their products/services.

      I just couldn’t help myself writing this post because Google does remind me of my Ex. lol.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  46. Enstine Muki
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 2:13 pm #

    Donna,
    You caught 100% of my attention on this post! seriously
    Is that your ex story real?

    BTW, sometimes you write without doing any SEO and you still find your post on Google #1. Does that mean your ex still thinks about you even when you are parted?

    That has happened to me a couple of times. I see some keywords in GWT and when I checked, I didn’t think of optimizing the article for those KWs but they are bringing traffic.

    Fine! if my ex, Google, keeps thinking about me, that’s cool 😉
    Enstine Muki recently posted..15 Top Bloggers Reveal How They Make Money Blogging!My Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 7:23 pm #

      Hi Enstine,

      Yes the story of my Ex is a true one. When I was talking to some students of mine, the Google thing came up. This is what I told them, and thought it would be fun to do a post on it.

      I know I’ve been on the first page of Google many times, even when I commented on something.

      But once a post of mine was there for a year. It was only a headache of answering comments of opinionated people. There was no monetary gain in it at all.

      I have a marketing hat I wear, so trying to please Google is not my thing. Instead, I want to please my readers and clients.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  47. Monisha Kapur
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 2:08 pm #

    Oh my goodness Donna, what a great analogy and a great post!!
    I’m in the midst of re-vamping my website and I feel like I’m trying too hard to make sure I cover all the SEO words. Trying to please google can easily become a full time job!

    Thanks so much for this post and putting it all into perspective.
    – Monisha
    Monisha Kapur recently posted..9 to 5 Dressing and BeyondMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 7:19 pm #

      Hi Monisha,

      No matter what you do with our re-vamping, do it for your brand! From there, get your opt-in for your email list.

      If you are trying to play Google’s game, where is it really going to get you? On the other hand, if you start growing into a blog with a great following, it is worth more than being on the first page of Google.

      Always remember: People buy people. They have to know like an trust them. That’s the way to climb the ladder to success.

      If you were a giant corporation, I would say yes, please Google, but you are a small business with so much to offer. You will gain stamina as you grow.

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

  48. Brenda Lee
    Twitter:
    July 21, 2014 at 1:35 pm #

    Great post Donna (and sorry about the ex).

    I am one of those that never played into Google’s game with SEO or none of that bs. I’ve been winging it on my own and am happy with where I am and how I got here. I might not be doing any of what Google wants however, I’m doing what I want and that’s what is important to me. 🙂

    Walk to your own beat girly!
    Brenda Lee recently posted..MGP’s Top 10 Summertime Pet PeevesMy Profile

    • Donna Merrill
      Twitter:
      July 21, 2014 at 7:15 pm #

      Hi Bren,

      I think you said it all in a nutshell! You are doing what you want without the mindset of climbing the Google ladder and you have a great following. What else matters?

      Yes I do walk to my own beat and so do you!

      -Donna
      Donna Merrill recently posted..Guest Blog Post | Lesly FedericiMy Profile

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