They simply adapt and find new avenues to profit.
The attention-grabbing gimmick of a 10-foot alligator slated for release at a South Florida rooftop party—an event for those accused of degrading the internet—was too intriguing to ignore. It seemed like a sensational headline, and if it had been a clickable link, I’d have been tempted. Instead, I decided to fly to Florida to meet the professionals who’ve turned the web into what one tech writer recently termed a “search-optimized nightmare.”
I wanted to delve into the psyche of those who exploit our weaknesses for profit. Who are these individuals making a fortune off our discontent?
In 2023, dissatisfaction with online information quality is rampant, largely centered around Google Search results. Many users find the links they encounter to be “useless,” “garbage,” and “a nightmare” due to their lack of authenticity. Some attribute these problems to Google’s dominance and alleged corruption, while others point fingers at SEO practitioners—the very people I was eager to meet in Florida.
SEO, unlike straightforward paid advertisements, involves a more covert approach, akin to the Wizard of Oz amplifying his authority. The aim is to manipulate algorithms to rank sites higher in search results, leveraging Google’s perceived impartiality to attract users, who are then often exposed to ads. This business model has become increasingly insidious, making internet searches feel like sifting through promotional content disguised as genuine information.
So, who are these SEO professionals? The stereotype depicts them as opportunistic hustlers who abandon ethics and taste for profit. Cade Lee, an SEO veteran, described them as having a certain arrogance, believing themselves to be geniuses for outsmarting Google.
I anticipated witnessing retribution for those who profit from flooding the internet with subpar content. Perhaps the alligator party would provide some dramatic justice—maybe an SEO expert would get a taste of their own medicine. I envisioned crafting a sensational story from such an encounter, though deep down, I was hoping for exactly that kind of spectacle.
In reality, the alligator was a letdown—just five and a half feet long, not the 10 feet advertised. And the SEO professionals I met were surprisingly likable. One, Missy Ward, impressed me with her feisty spirit and successful track record in SEO. Despite the industry’s tarnished reputation, she was engaging and supportive, sharing insights into SEO’s history and recommending other experts to speak with.
Daron Babin, another key figure in the SEO world, was equally fascinating. He recounted his early days manipulating search algorithms before Google’s dominance, and the ensuing challenges as search engines evolved. Despite his success, Babin acknowledged the ongoing struggle with SEO’s complexity and its future impact, especially with the rise of AI-driven content.
As I met more SEO experts across the country, including Lars Mapstead, who now runs for president, and Peter Kent, a seasoned SEO consultant, I began to see a different side of the industry. While SEO may have a reputation for ethical shortcomings, many practitioners seem to be driven more by economic opportunity than by a desire to undermine the internet.
Ultimately, I realized that while SEO’s impact on search results can be frustrating, the practitioners themselves often lack the grandiosity of tech giants. They’re driven by profit but remain somewhat inconspicuous compared to their more glamorous tech counterparts.
In the end, the world of SEO is less about villainy and more about navigating the ever-evolving landscape of online visibility. As technology advances, so too will the strategies to exploit it, and the cycle of disillusionment and adaptation will continue.