Blog Review: Gray Wolf's SEO Blog
Foreword
This is part of a series of posts where I critique of one of my favorite blogs. If your blog ends up here, it's because I already enjoy it immensely. But no one is perfect, so I'm offering what I believe is constructive criticism. I can only hope that you return the favor.
Blog: Gray Wolf's SEO Blog
Author: Michael Gray
Main Topics: SEO, SEM, Affiliate Marketing
URL: www.wolf-howl.com/
RSS Feed: feed://feeds.feedburner.com/Wolf-howl
Profile
One part affiliate marketer, one part consultant, Michael Gray has about a decade of experience in the world of online marketing. Although his main focus is on search engine optimization, his blog covers just about anything that has to do with online marketing and technology.
Strengths
The first thing that comes across about Michael is that he's knowledgeable. Whenever you read a post of his, you immediately get a sense that he knows just what the #*%! he's talking about. Consequently, you know that his advice/information is reliable.
What really sets Michael aside from other bloggers, however, is his passion. It helps that that passion is bolstered by his knowledge, but even at that, few tech bloggers write with the ardor that Michael does. one post that comes to mind is Google is Not My Mother, and Should Kill Personalized Search. Although he obviously has a vested interest in the subject, moreover, you can still rely on Michael's perspective to be sound, sober, and unique.
Weaknesses
The first weakness of the Gray Wolf's SEO Blog that comes to mind is that which plagues so many of other SEO blogs: it's less than visually engaging. Basically, posts tend to be void of images or graphics. You have to, of course, excuse this, as multimedia tends to not be as SEO-able as plain ol' text. Furthermore, little of the subject matter could be substantively enriched by the presence of images or graphics. However, it wouldn't suffer either. Especially considering the number of visually rich ads in the sidebar, post would have an easier time holding the readers' attention if they didn't seem so "quiet" on an otherwise visually "loud" page.
An additional shortfall has to do, oddly enough, with one Gray Wolf's strengths, and that's his knowledge. Sometimes Michael fails to explain phenomena that he alludes to. This can leave the less experienced reader confused. Consequently, Michael might want to consider writing in the inverted pyramid style from time to time.
What I Want More Of
In a nutshell, I'd like to see more video/vlogging on Michael Gray's part. Not to long ago, Michael started video blogging, and wasn't only able to generate buzz with his vlog posts, but also leverage the medium to relate solid SEO advice.
For some reason, Michael has since stopped. I'm hoping that I didn't have anything to do with Michael giving up the medium. A little while ago, I poked fun at his vlogging, but it was meant to be in good fun and generate a response. So if I offended, Michael, I'm sorry. But bring back the vlogging -- if not for me, then for your other 3,995 subscibers.
Comments
I don't think it is really fair on the visual images and other multimedia.
I have seen him use a lot of screenshots when he is reviewing products and services.
Not every post warrants lots of pictures.
I would also like to think that not every SEO blog has to have lots of newbie tutorials.
When there is something you don't understand there are 3 options.
1. Site Search
2. Search
3. Ask in comments or email
Michael has lots of stuff buried in his archives and I can understand not being able to link through to every older post.
Whilst you can provide links to related posts, people don't always use them.
Posted by: Andy Beard | May 29, 2007 10:25 AM
Andy,
I think that you misunderstood me on the multimedia aspect. I couldn't agree more that Michael has always been very good with the screenshots, and I also agree that not every post warrants images. I was simply suggesting that since Michael's sidebar are so visually rich, he might bear that in mind when posting, and think about throwing in a logo or the company, product, or service he's discussing, just to keep the page a bit more balanced.
As for background info, I didn't mean to imply the need for a newbie tutorial at all. What I was getting at was more along the lines of throwing in a line or two near the end on the post that provides some background, much like newspapers do. For example, something like:
If anything, your feedback has made it clear that I need to really work on the clarity of my writing style. I really appreciate the comment.
Posted by: CT Moore | May 29, 2007 2:42 PM