The dangers of Google

Where do you fall on the Google Danger scale?

Five years ago, almost none of us were talking about Google. These days it’s all some people talk about and for some online businesses, it’s all there is. The following is our take on the 5 stages of Google – and the dangers that lurk there:

Ignorant: You don’t know how it works or what it really means but to admit it would be too shameful. You think finding yourself at #1 in Google for your own name is amazing. Your ignorance combined with your businesses need to keep up make you vulnerable.

Aware: You understand broadly what Google is and how it works. You know the difference between ‘Pay Per Click’ advertising and ‘natural Google search results’ – and you know that both take time and money. You know enough to be cautious and ask questions.

Conversant: You have learned about Google by making your own blog or website and experimenting with keywords or by spending a limited amount on Google Adwords. You use Google but you’re not enslaved to it. You’re likely to be a web designer or a blogger.

Obsessive: You have given your life over to the pursuit of the No.1 spot. You spend all your time in online forums discussing SEO and you’re addicted to Google ads. Spamming, the dark side of Google obsession, is an ever-present tempation.

Expert: You’ve survived the obsession stage and have probably got a sense of humour and perspective to go with your expertise. You’re more likely to run a blog than a website. You manage PPC campaigns and ongoing SEO projects for clients and get paid for results.