The Spamming Of Web Search

"A byproduct of search-engine optimization is low-value Web content that's filled with keywords targeted at search engines, not people."

This article is talking about what we as Internet marketers work on every day. It is a threat to the business, and it is real.

I had a personal experience just a day or two before reading this that makes it resonate with me.

My Mother lives in a different city, and has arthritis and back problems. She likes to work on her computer, but can't now because of the pain. I suggested she get an ergonomic chair instead of using the straight-back chairs that she uses now, but she needs to try the chair before buying it, because it may not work for her. These chairs are not cheap (for a good one!)

I thought it would be easy to find a store near her. I would just go to Google and search for "ergonomic chairs hometown" (where she lives). I got lots of results, but after much searching on that and other terms, and on different search engines, I found nothing!

There were lots of results for the search. I found a highly promoted site that sells the chairs, and listed a product with the name of her home town in the name, and I found many hotels in the area touting the availability of ergonomic chairs in their rooms (which surprised me!) I could not find the one thing I wanted, even though I have no doubt that there are office and furniture stores near her that feature these products.

I have seen much talk about local search being the coming thing, and I can see the need for it in this experience.