http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35291&query=SEO&topic=&type= http://analytics.blogspot.com/2008/04/which-button-would-you-click-lesson-on.html Now tell me link building is part of an SEO strategy and not an SEM strategy... P.S: that's what Google says about link building: http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=66356&query=link+building&topic=&type=
To go with your logic: Why do you think Search Engine Optimization and link development are in two different sections? Because they are different!
Thats what Google thinks about "link scheming" and that has nothing to do with natural backlinks achieved through quality content. I'm sorry buddy but I have been marketing online for over 8 years and I know exactly what I'm talking about. I don't mind this little back and forth with you. Have a look at the definition of off page SEO from wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off_Page_Optimisation Thats a form of SEO. Check and mate.
I like how you don't even answer to half of my comments. http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=35291&query=SEO&topic=&type= it says: What's an SEO? Does Google recommend working with companies that offer to make my site Google-friendly? SEO is an acronym for "search engine optimization" or "search engine optimizer." Deciding to hire an SEO is a big decision. Make sure to research the potential advantages as well as the damage that an irresponsible SEO can do to your site. Many SEOs and other agencies and consultants provide useful services for website owners, including: * Reviewing and providing recommendations on your site content or structure * Technical advice on website development: for example, hosting, redirects, error pages, use of JavaScript * Content development * Managing online business development campaigns * Keyword research * SEO training Weird nothing about link building. But I guess some dude that posted an article in Wikipedia know more than Google. it also says # You should never have to link to an SEO. Avoid SEOs that talk about the power of "free-for-all" links, link popularity , or submitting your site to thousands of search engines. These are typically useless exercises that don't affect your ranking in the results of the major search engines -- at least, not in a way you would likely consider to be positive. What about the other post I wrote pointing the fact that SEO and link building are under two different sections of this forum (and every single SEO forum by the way). I agree with the fact that link building is Off-page optimization. But if it's off page, than it shouldn't be called optimization because you can't optimize something you do not control. That is why Google and lots of SEOs experts don't include link building as SEO but SEM.
To be fair I can understand exactly why Google don't mention link building They hardly want to add fuel to the fire do they?
SEO = making your website more search engine friendly as per search engine guidelines. Remember the Johnny mcquire dialouge, Help Me, Help You, this is all SEO is about. help search engine and they will help you. Its hard to tell every aspect of SEO in just a single post. Read this subforum if u have zero knowledge and u will learn everything