As long as there have been search engines there have been people claiming to be SEO pros/gurus/wizards/ninjas. These so called “experts” make amazing claims and promise you the world of rankings. However, in the end these charlatans often do more damage than good.

So, in hopes in saving a few souls from the dark side I introduce 6 tips in unearthing a true SEO Jedi.

When contemplating what to write for this post a clip, introduced to me recently, kept playing through my mind. So, to put this post into context I ask you watch the video before reading on.

You gotta admit, that was pretty funny! I am not familiar with this show, but if you’ve been around marketing for a while you might feel that the creators found their inspiration from the Internet marketing world.

There is no doubt that a complex marketing vernacular exists. It isn’t exactly Tolkien, but if you are new to the industry you’ll have your work cut out trying to understand what everyone is talking about.

A few days ago I wrote about how you can redirect bad backlinks pointing to your website. Of course, this tactic is only helpful if you know what links are pointing to your website. Below is a list of websites that assist in displaying your backlink landscape. There are quite a few to choose from, but ultimately it just comes down to finding the one that best suits you.

One thing to consider when using these backlink tools is that most of them (with the exception of seomoz) use Yahoo’s search results. This is important, since Yahoo only shows your website’s first thousand backlinks. Usually, this isn’t a big deal, because many websites don’t have that many backlinks. However, as your site grows you will hopefully go over the thousand limit. If you want to take your backlink strategy more seriously I recommend looking at the paid backlink tools in helping you stay on top of your backlink game!

In the meantime, the below tools will help you get started on your seo backlinking efforts. If you know other backlink checking websites/tools let me know and I will add them to the list. ~Paul W.

A little while ago my friend, Reina, asked about my thoughts concerning the recent change in the FTC advertising guidelines. I have a strong opinion on why I feel the FTC is meddling with bloggers (and other web entities). Below is my answer to her question. It may come across a bit as conspiracy theory, but I don’t believe I am wrong (I guess conspiracy theorists usually believe they are right).

REINA: So today is slow at work so I was going back through all my emails at work and found an article about changes in FTC guides regarding web endorsements. I’m curious if you’ve heard about this, if so, what your thoughts are on it, and also how it has affected blogging and advertising. Have you noticed a difference? Is this sort of thing enforceable or will it be online business as usual? The article made me think of you. Just curious what your thoughts are. Here’s the article.

My friend Brenda sent me this picture of her nieces. Brenda’s sister wrote the following about the picture: “So there I was . . . just relaxing in front of the T.V. When the kids yelled, ‘Hey Mom, come see the kittens.’”

Baby Skunks

Now if this isn’t a picture made for forwarded emails I don’t know what is. I have no doubt that this picture will still be circulating long after these girls are grown.