I recently read this column about the terms Search Engine Specialist versus Search Engine Generalist. The main idea of the article was that Search Engine Generalists are often Web Designers or Web Usability Professionals who understand search engine optimization. A Specialist on the other hand was often a copywriter who often doesn't know how to code but understand how to use words to get the attention of search engines.

I feel completely left out. I'm not either one.

I started in marketing. The regular kind of marketing, back before there was much of an Internet. I designed brochures, made newsletters, did PowerPoint presentations, did a television commercial, media buys, that kind of thing. My job was to get people to buy a product, in whatever way I could. That was the early 90's.

How things change. The Internet then took over. I was forced to move into the digital realm. I proudly report I owned not only the first, but the first AND second laptop ever bought by a large medical manufacturer in Montreal that I worked for in 1996. I proceeded to teach myself HTML and web design. Then I started online advertising and learning everything I could about search engine optimization and Internet marketing. It became a natural extension of what I was doing. When you're a one man marketing department like I was, you have to do it all yourself. So I guess I'm kind of a Search Engine Generalist, but I certainly didn't get my start in marketing by building websites. I did it by making pamphlets and giving product demonstrations to big audiences.

So what am I then? My job is to not only get websites listed higher in Google, but to get people from the search engines, onto your site, and then get them to convert into customers. A high rank means nothing if people don't actually buy what you're selling. Usability changes them from a bounce statistic into a client. (Then I can also design the brochure that they'll be able to download from your site too!)

I need a title. I've always gone with Search Engine Optimization Specialist, but now I'm not sure that totally covers it. My old boss called me an Internet Guru, but I always thought that was a bit cheesy for a professional resume and makes no reference to my traditional marketing background.

Here's some I've already knocked off the list:

Spock of Search - Too Star Trek (although I am a closet Trekker)

Superfantastic Search Engine Everthing Expert - Too Disney I think, or maybe too Japanese Anime, not sure yet.

Marketing Marvel - I am not a super hero to anyone but my dog, although it is kind of catchy. (I sure don't look good in tights though.)

Any thoughts? Help me find a new title! Feel free to leave a comment. I'd love to hear your ideas.

Labels: Fun, Internet Marketing, search engine optimization