Insider Update
SEO Course Behind-the-Scenes
Here's a quick behind-the-scenes look at the course being created, plus early name and release date announcements. Keep your eye out for changes happening to this website coming up!
Check out the discussion from the last update here! Almost 200 comments strong.
Plus, can you help us find the perfect name for our course?
82 comments
Comments are closed. This discussion is archived from the original site.
SEO for Busy People
The Only SEO Entrepreneurs Need to Know
SEO for People Who Don't Have Time for SEO
Haha, "SEO for People Who Don't Have Time for SEO" is cool! It's kind of cheeky, but it is basically who we're making this for. :)
I like it, too... I think we are all feeling overwhelmed by SEO. and it is just one of the multitude of things that need doing so clean, clear and sharp is what you do best. SEO: clean, clear, sharp and doable quickly. that's your deal.
SEO for people with a business to run.
Nice! Thanks for the suggestion!
First, guys, consider throwing out SEO. Too radical? Hear me out. SEO is like "branding." Not quite as bad. But close. Because:
a) SEO means everything ranging from "nothing at all" to 5 or 6 different concepts. Thus,
b) SEO isn't what I want -- so much as the result SEO produces.
Example: If we focus on the title I would need to WANT to learn meditation to buy this book. BUT... what I am piqued by is "10% happier." The "how to" aspect remains. But notice how "10%" runs throughout Dan's work. It's pervasive. For a reason. (not just book!) I'd argue it's his brand. 10% makes me curious (why only 10%??). It hooks. Ok... now...
c) You might consider stepping out of the entire (crowded) "how to SEO genre" and match it with your Audience Building direction. Especially if you intend to write something "less technical" than most SEO books.
Thus, "Attracting customers online." Or just "Attracting customers." Simple. Focused. Can't mis-interpret it. It's the outcome of good SEO. SEO becomes secondary.
I also think you guys need to CLEARLY define your audience. I could be wrong but here's why:
If Dan wants to key on skeptics that's a niche. Thus, we're all "busy." But what else are we? Frankly, I'm tired of wading through the sea of SEO experts. I'm a bit skeptical too.
I think his choice of focusing on people who are SKEPTICAL of meditation being effective (and worth the effort) is key.
You guys need something like that... a characteristic of the marketplace nobody else is chasing. Because they don't know it exists.
Thus...
Who is this book for? "Busy entrepreneurs?" Sorry. But that's all of us. If I were you I'd consider picking a niche audience -- perhaps the largest one you serve.
If you serve mostly entrepreneurs like me, I don't need to do my on bloody SEO. I need someone on my team or a freelancer/agency to do it. Thus, I'd buy the book for them.
If your audience is the freelancer/agency people (which I wager you guys have more of than non-agency business owners like me) you need a different approach.
I sense you're trying to speak to both audiences -- and don't want to lose either. Or you see entrepreneurs running online businesses as having the same needs as entrepreneurs running agencies serving people like me.
In which case maybe the "SEO" title works. But it definitely doesn't help you separate out or have some kind of obvious distinction from everybody else.
This is some amazing feedback, Jeff! Thank you!
I really like your analysis of Dan's book title and brand.
Our target audience is mainly the solopreneur - someone who's a course/info-product creator, coach or service provider. Someone who sells a product or service and runs the business alone or with a team of 5 or fewer. A typical expertise vendor, for example. The person has a website and has some content on the website, but hasn't had much luck getting consistent search traffic.
Actually my other option to ‘Rapid SEO’ - as a more ‘blunt title’ option was going to be something like, ‘SEO for the Solopreneur’ as I already thought that’s exactly who you were making it for (i.e. me, lol)
This is good to know, Shane. I'm building a course business and don't have plans to have a ton of "blog" content but still want what I do have to be as optimized as possible. Thank you!
That's good to hear. Thanks for the feedback!
Great thoughts Jeff!
Maybe it helps you Shane with the name when I tell you why I like your style of courses and products:
- you never loose time with 5 min. introductions and welcoming like others
- you make adjustments in Thrive Themes that spare me work and make me more efficient (it's like getting abbreviations to my goals) - it makes me sometimes think you read my mind before I even had the thought or idea
- every message has value (no blabla)
- your speed of speaking is nicely fast (and not too fast for me as a German native speaker)
So I was thinking if you could nail down your audience of Solopreneurs to a special kind of them, like:
- Better performing Websites - SEO for Solopreneurs who want to increase their traffic and not to learn about the theory
- Hands on SEO for Solopreneurs - not wasting any time with unnecessary know-how
- SEO for Solopreneurs the way you finally learn what you need to know
Bye from Zurich
Sandra
Very well said, Sandra! :D Totally agree with each of your points!
Just the action steps, no fluff! Typical “Shane-Content!”
I personally do like to know some fundamental theory, but just the basics... :-)
Thank you for your feedback and suggestions, Sandra!
Maybe an evocative title + descriptive subtitle?
TITLES
Hidden Keys
Shane’s Bane
I Will Find You
Now You See Me!
SUBTITLES
SEO for the SEO-reluctant solopreneur
SEO without tears for the tech-challenged solopreneur
Time-effective SEO for content-first entrepreneurs
Sounds like the course is coming along nicely, looking forward to it!
Thank you, Lorenzo!
I agree... tech challenged is definitely where I stand! Anything that addresses this is good by me!
These are great and very on-point:
SEO for the SEO-reluctant solopreneur
SEO without tears for the tech-challenged solopreneur
Time-effective SEO for content-first entrepreneurs
One more comment -- in looking at the other post w/ feedback I see skeptics. Please also note the KIND of SEO is already a concern: YouTube? Articles? Especially articles. 90% of what we do with SEO is article driven -- and this is a specialty area of SEO: Writing in ways that attract the audience (alt tagging images, page titles and meta descriptions that 'pull' readers, etc.) Your title/book may serve you better if it's niched.
Rapid SEO
Why? On the marketing basic of speaking to what someone wants (and giving them what they need, of course). I just like ‘rapid’ as a strong way of saying, ‘efficient’ or a pseudo-way of trying to communicate (in something as short as a title) the idea of: ‘SEO that won’t take up all your time’
Thanks for your suggestion! I like the sound of "rapid" as well. I might be over-using the term, though. I already have various pieces called "rapid something". On the other hand, Rapid SEO might be on-brand in that sense.
I love the energy around this update - it sounds like you are on fire! It was nice to see Viola's (SEO course co-author) face and Shane smiling like never before. This tells me that you are excited about your craft and that we will be too, when it will be launched.
On the name: I don't have a concrete name to suggest but two ideas for consideration:
1) Name: focus on the outcome/key benefit, without mentioning SEO (it could also serve later as a 'bridge' to your bigger audience building course)
2) Subtitle: definitely use 'SEO' and make it clear how it's different from any other SEO-related standard/traditional course and/or who is it for.
Thank you, Alla!
It's true, I feel fired up about this. I love creating courses and I love teaching and mentoring. So, helping someone else create a course and co-creating it is a great combination for me. :)
I'm making a living with my Blog's revenue and I'm really serious about using SEO. It's what brings me traffic right now but I don't quite completely understand the topic because there are a lot of different stuff and shining objects out there.
Get Thrive plugins was the best thing I've ever done and follow Shane's advice for hosting and autoresponder was also very good to achieve good results.
So, I trust Shane and I hope he can make or suggest a good SEO course the same way he does with everything.
I know I got some things right since I have good traffic, however I really need to understand what works instead of get random information here and there to test it out.
Let's see what's coming :)
Thanks Shane.
As someone who already does some SEO, you'll definitely see some things in the course you already know. But I think there are several things in there that you'll find surprising and enlightening as well!
Wow! You're working on a new SEO course?
When I read this morning's email, I recalled the first investment I made in one of your products: Backlink Battleplan.
(For those who don't know, Backlink Battleplan is--or rather, was--an SEO-oriented course that Shane released a number of years ago. I don't think it's available now.)
Backlink Battleplan was a course that I fully dove into, and for me, it was a game-changer. I've invested a lot in courses, and Backlink Battleplan is one of the milestone courses that I have fond memories of.
I perhaps haven't been paying as close attention to SEO as I should have, so this upcoming course might be a good re-introduction for me.
I look forward to hearing more about this course.
Here are some potential titles that come to mind. I don't really have time to explain the thought process behind each one, but I hope that one of them helps catch your attention and at least further helps you formulate an attractive title. (I know some of them are long, and you can also use sub-titles. A longer title may help pique the interest of those who would really benefit from this.)
SEO for Non-SEOs
The Solopreneur's Guide to SEO
SEO for Time-Strapped Non-Professionals
The Non-Professional's Guide to Professoinal SEO
The Friendly Guide to Having a "Google Friendly" Site
The Layperson's X-Step Process to Free Google Traffic
The [Insert Callout Here]'s
Let Google Send You Perfect Visitors: How to Finally Make Your Site "Google Friendly" So Clients/Customers Come to You...at The Perfect Time
1,2,3...Customers: How to Tell Google Your Site is the Best Fit For Your Visitors
Damn! You have some mad headline and product name skills.
Oh, thanks. I hope those help.
It's so cool that BBP was a milestone for you. Stories like this make me love teaching so much. :)
Also love your name/headline suggestions, there. I'm definitely going to be using some of those.
Dont get lost (starting) your business SEO journey
Name Suggestion: SEO for Fidgety Site Owners
“Rapid SEO for the Technophobic Solopreneur”. Looking forward to the course!
Love it!
Rank Fast As a Solopreneur
Kick up your solopreneur presence
Get ranked by Google the solopreneur way
We have been toying with "Rank your expertise. SEO for solopreneurs". Thank you!
Powerful Search Techniques - a self-paced course for busy website owners.
Great name! :-)
Nice! Thank you!
Course names, huh?
“Be Found - Essential SEO” or if you want it more descriptive
"Be Found - Essential SEO For Time Strapped Solopreneurs”
Great ideas, Ann! <3
Thank you, Karen! <3
Ohh, that has a nice ring to it!
:-D
SEO Exposed
Quick & Easy Guide to Demystifying SEO
(I would also vote on Stephen's "Rapid SEO" suggestion. It extends the "The RAPID Landing Page" concept)
I am hug e fan of the rapid landing page name, too.
When I suggested it, I actually didn’t know that ‘Rapid’ is something you guys have used...nice! :)
SEO for Solopreneur that don't have time for SEO
That is definitely the kind of person our course is for. :)
“SEO SOS”
That would be my headline and a sub header could then narrow it.
“Solutions For Busy Entrepreneurs”.
Good luck.
Ooh! +1 for this one! :D
love it
Hopefully it's not that much of an emergency. :)
It is catchy, though.
Solo SEO (for me, this is like "only SEO", I'm spanish).
Simple, Easy and Only SEO for solopeneurs.
(The hyperdrive engine that will help you make the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs).
Sorry. I know this doesn't sound serious at all but I can't avoid the Han Solo mental picture whenever I hear or read the word "solopeneurs".
Besides, for me SEO is something "from another galaxy" but I think it could make a difference.
SEO for padawans perhaps? ;-)
Maybe that's the "extra force" every web needs to be seen beyond its own little home planet (owner's mum, friends and such).
Geekiness apart, as a solopeneur and as a student in general, for me it is always importand to clearly understand the basics of the subject I am studying. Once I know the basics (and also "the lenguage"), I can start to implement and test the things I'm learning.
Fundaments and good habits (before we stick to bad vices).
From those fundaments I can learn more if I'm interested. From those fundaments I can grow.
Without these fundaments...
When you have no idea about a subjetc, it might be scary and discouraging to even think about starting to learn a bit about it.
Be guided by someone step by step and from the beggining (as you are going to do applying SEO to this very site, Shane) may be the best way to start from zero and not being scared of the inmensity of the unknown SEO space out there.
Maybe SEO is great but I don't really know how to start. How much time could it take me to get some results? Would it be wasted time? Would it be useful?
I need to move from the "where/how do I start?" point to some "hey mum, I'm kind of SEO-ing here" point in some (hope) near future.
If I smehow get to do it with a smile on my face... I will no doubt spread the SEO word to the world! ;-)
(That's me, as a -very- happy customer).
Actually, we have been deep into the outer-space metaphors! :D
A rocket needs a lot of power to launch and break out of the earth atmosphere but then it glides smoothly through space towards it's set destination.
This is how SEO works. You gotta get your ducks in the row, put in the work but then success comes with time as you gain momentum.
And yes, we will have an entire module on "decoding Google" to outline the fundamentals and principles behind the algorithm.
Of all the comments, I think as a Solopreneur who is tech challenged and frustrated, I like the title SEO for the Solopreneur. And I'd like to know what to focus on first so Jeff Molanders' comments were spot on as well.
Thank you for your comment, Patricia!
Why do we want to optimise SEO? Because we want more customers.
So just to bring in some other ideas:
• SEO for Course-Creators - Get found by your customers
Or something more for Fantasy-Freaks like me ;-)
• SEO for Muggles - Get visible with SEO without feeling stupid / being overwhelmed
Thanks for your suggestions! SEO for Course Creators is a bit too specific. Although I often argue for more specificity, I think "solopreneur" is a better term for narrowing down our audience in this case.
"SEO for Muggles" is funny. We do have a "magical spreadsheet" in the course, so that could fit the theme. :)
Ugh! Spreadsheets & I don’t get along! :-/
I hope you’ll provide templates! Pleeeeze!
I know I should use them more...but I resist! :-o
Except we're no muggles. We're magicians in training. ;-)
:D
Based on the ideal you presented in the video, here's my suggestion:
Practical SEO for Solopreneurs
Nice!
MEDSEO - Minimum Effective Dose SEO
- Efficient Online Marketing for the Tech-Averse Solopreneur
I like the "minimum effective dose" phrase and mental image. That's exactly right. Thank you!
can't wait for this course as I am paying a fortune for a company to do this!
How about
SOS SEOs for non tech entrepreneurs
A Practical Guide To SEO Mastery
A Step By Step Practical Guide To SEO Mastery
Step By Step SEO Mastery For Busy Entrepreneurs
Hi Shane and Viola,
The name I'm suggesting for the target audience you described is, "SEO Demystified!" I think it stands by itself and a tag line may not be necessary as it paints a picture and arouses interest in learning more about your approach. Hope it helps generate some other ideas. :) Thanks, Vito
Your course sounds great. Looking forward to the release.
Also, a title suggestion:
SEO for Bringing Your Brand to the Masses
Have a great week!
Here is my input for a possible title for your course.
" The String Theory of SEO "
" Quantum Leaps With SEO "
" Thematic Wealth Using SEO"
" SEO - From Stupid Is... To Smart As "
I like Quantum Leaps. :D But it might be a bit much. I might throw that on my website though.
Quick Impact SEO for the Non-Techy Solopreneur
That's the course I'd like to take :))
SEO for the Time-Poor Entreprenur
Ooh, that rhymes! Only realized that now. :)
Win the ranking wars - SEO for busy entrepreneurs
Do-it-yourself SEO without the headache
SEO - clarity, momentum & results for the busy entrepreneur
SEO - better done than perfect (haha, sorry I had to drop this one in)
SEO - The 80% that truly matter for busy entrepreneurs
From Zero to Top 10 - SEO for the busy entrepreneur
Results-driven SEO that ticks the 80/20
Results-driven SEO for the busy entrepreneur
Results-driven SEO that gets the job done
Have fun with it ;-)
Best
Philip
So many great name options... let me chip in with:
SEO for the Bootstrapped but Nevah Tech-trapped Solopreneur
Flow SEO for down-to-earth Entrepreneur
Handy SEO for Do-it-all Solopreneurs
:) Marisa
Hi Shane, I'm super excited about this SEO course.
Here's a suggestion or two: SEO Shake-up for Site owners. Variations: The Smart SEO Shake-up or SEO Shake-up Secrets (with Shane) -:)
Express SEO: SEO for the Busy Entreprenuer
+1 for this one! :D
Actionable SEO; just enough, just in time
Another great name! :D
I’m “name-challenged” ;-) —LoL! — but there are just so many great naming ideas here!
How much, Shane?