The final act of this year’s SearchFest was to announce that SearchFest as we know it would be ending. This was a dramatic jest as the event will continue in 2017, but under another name. However, the event as we know it is changing. SearchFest is no longer. Why? The industry is changing and you either change or die, right Alan (Deutschman or George take your pick)?

Why change the name?

SearchFest is so much more than search. We can justify using “search” in just about every digital marketing activity. That’s what the internet is for! Your search doesn’t even have to be on a search engine (Google) or social media site (Facebook, Twitter)…one may be searching for something to do, or someone to interact with or an opinion to confirm.

However, having search in the title was becoming restrictive. We’ve heard that many people automatically disregard the conference because they think it is “just” a search conference and not applicable to them. Once they looked at our agenda and speaker lineup, the issue typically shifted to “how do I attend more than one session at a time,” a problem we remedied with the video bundle…

SearchFest sold-out again, what the hell are you thinking? It has been a great run!

This year marked the 10th anniversary of SearchFest, it was a good great run. Could we continue to put on a world-class search conference that features the same speakers as international conferences do at a fraction of the cost to attend? Absolutely and we will continue to do that! Along with continuing to add additional content across the marketing spectrum. Expect more cross-functional and cross-device programming. Expect more on content and mobile and branding and strategy and whatever comes up between now and next year.

How will the programming change? We aren’t entirely sure yet. We may add another track or change one or more of the tracks. Add a second day. We’d love your ideas, please leave them in the comments.

Why Engage? How did you get there?

Not only did we want to get away from specifically being branded as a “search” conference, we simply believe this is where marketing is headed. It’s not all about shouting from the rooftops (or billboards or even the top of the SERPs), but increasingly more about what you do once you have an impression. How do you move that potential customer down the funnel? What about micro-conversions, attribution, advocates and influencers? All of these are a vital part of today’s marketing landscape and we feel that Engage much better encompasses it.

Of course it started with a few whiteboard sessions, some internet research (yes, we did a lot of searching to rename SearchFest) and, of course, quite a few emails among the board. Once we had an initial list we got feedback from SEMpdx members, past SearchFest attendees and some branding and event folks we know. We wanted a name the was distinctive over descriptive (although Engage is kind of both).

Engaging with target markets is what digital marketing is all about.

What’s Next?

Be sure to join us at the Rooftop Networking Party in August. We’ll have the new name and logo ready by then, along with the date for Engage 2017 and a special ticket offer. We are excited to announce we are partnering with Watson Creative to guide us through this next phase and can’t wait to share what we come up with!

Special thanks to the renaming committee, specifically Alan George, Anna Hutson, Darin Fenn, Kevin Getch, Robert Frost, Scott Hendison and Trish Carey!

The post It is time to Engage! appeared first on SEMpdx.

It is not a new conversation. We had it years ago at EngineWorks when deciding what our new tagline should be. At the time, this was probably in 2010, the tag was Power Through Search Engines and we provided High Performance Search Marketing.

A major reason for the change in marketing was to avoid the pigeon hole that having the term “Search Engines” in our branding inferred. We settle on Powering Online Performance and Data-Driven Internet Marketing. This did not get us away from what we did, but allowed for an expansion of service offerings.

The company was then acquired by ethology which does a lot of search engine marketing (SEO and PPC) but does not identify themselves as a search marketing firm but rather a digital marketing agency.

More recently another local agency decided to move away from identifying themselves as a search engine marketing agency when Anvil Media declared themselves a “business consultancy”.

The trend doesn’t stop with agencies, last year SEOmoz dropped the SEO and are now Moz. One of the long standing search marketing conferences, Search Engine Strategies (SES) recently rebranded as ClickZ Live events and the writing is on the wall for an overhaul in how conferences are programed. Andrew Goodman believes we are at an SEM Conference Crossroads.

So what does all this mean for SEMpdx and our signature event SearchFest?

One thing it has done is start (well, not exactly start as we have actually been talking about this for a while now…so let’s say further) further the discussion about renaming/rebranding SearchFest and/or SEMpdx. The conference has certainly gone beyond SEO and PPC (the original components of SEM or Search Engine Marketing) to include social media, content marketing, analytics, digital strategy and more. It is not a “search marketing” conference, but a digital marketing conference with a search marketing emphasis.

What does the SEMpdx Board Think?

Following our most recent board retreat and specifically after our Back to School monthly educational event, there has been significant discussion. Specifically, here are my thoughts and those from four other SEMpdx board members, Scott Hendison (aka Search Commander), Robert Frost, Tony Svoboda and Todd Mintz.

Scott Hendison

“Removing ‘search’ from our name feels premature, but yes a case could be made that I don’t know if I really ‘search’ as much anymore – instead I often ‘look’ or I ‘get’ because it’s at my fingertips now – Search sort of implies that it might not be there. Another acronym for SEM could be Sales, Education and Marketing…and that I’m screwed / pigeonholed with my company names Search Commander, Inc. and SEO Automatic ;( #FAIL”

Rosenberg note – maybe Scott should just be the Commander and Automatic

Robert Frost

“’Search’ is still relevant. People ‘search’ for stuff or ‘do a search’ all the time. I will say that ethology is not a ‘search agency’ (see above), we are a ‘digital agency’. So there may be some value in ‘digital marketing’, but as far as SearchFest goes, rebranding now would be a mistake. ‘DigiFest’ or ‘DigitalFest’ just doesn’t work for me.”

Rosenberg note – a quick “search” finds that both DigiFest and DigitalFest already exist

Tony Svoboda

“After hearing Scott’s ‘get/retrieve’ angle and others, I think there is a distinct difference between commercial and non-commercial intent. Non-commercial (in general), items like directions or movie times or informational type of searches (like Wikipedia or TV show times or weather etc.) people do ‘get/retrieve’ that information, which is quicker to get because there are fewer providers and fewer steps to get that information. The ‘search’ process is shorter if you could call it that. I don’t remember the % of searches that are of this informational/navigational type but could be 25-50%.

Rosenberg note – last year Search Engine Land linked to a report that estimated 50-80% of search queries are informational (the report link is now a 404 and one of the comments states that it is likely outdated), in ancient times (2008) Search Engine Land reported that 80% of searches are informational, leaving 20% navigational and transactional.

Regarding commercial intent searches, people generally don’t know who provides the service or what specific products available they are looking for. Generally they are looking to find several providers/products to then start narrowing down their choices to make a final purchasing decision. They will compare offerings, pricing, features etc. It’s this type of online activity that might be more classified as ‘search’. And this ‘search’ process is generally a longer cycle, i.e. ‘searches’ could be done over several sessions, days, weeks, months before a person finally narrows down their choices and finally picks a provider or vendor.

To me ‘Search’ means both sides of the equation, the consumer side and the provider side. Each side is working to find providers or find consumers to ultimately get to a ‘purchase/sale’ of a good or service. The consumer is working to find providers and then compare and analyze their offerings to choose a provider. The provider is working to present their offerings with features/benefits to attract consumers.

For consumer ‘search’ can describe a process that spans over time and sessions and usually many different search keywords or following links to make sure a person has explored different ways to find providers or vendors.

For providers ‘search’ can describe the process of optimizing your website and offerings and putting yourself in the path of consumers (i.e. search results, links on other sites, citations, ads, social, etc.). Then attracting those potential consumers to view your offerings (website, products, etc.) and presenting them in a truthful way to convince people that they should choose you over other providers. Although ‘search’ may be an imperfect word for this side of the equation, in general commercial intent consumers initiate the ‘search’. There is ‘push’ marketing but I don’t really classify that as ‘search’. To me ‘search’ implies the mostly online activity both sides do to ultimately get to a ‘purchase/sale’ of a commercial product or service.

However, as board member and Search Commander, Scott Hendison would say, it’s still search, all of it has to do with searching online for something, whether it is through a search engine or not. Is having ‘Search’ in the name of the event scare people off or not properly represent the content?

Regarding ‘SearchFest’, I think we have more life it that name or the ‘Search’ part of it. Maybe something will come along that definitely describes the process better, but for now I think we’re fine. would be worth further in depth discussions with more board members.”

Rosenberg note – ask a question, get an answer…may be a long one

Todd Mintz

“I think the brand recognition of our name in the eyes of the public (both for SEMpdx and SearchFest) outweighs the changing connotations of what ‘Search’ or ‘SEM’ actually means.

Here are a couple examples:

Many people (myself included) still call new releases by musicians “albums” even though the physical album / record crashed back in the 80’s. The term is still widely used and understood. Most films aren’t on ‘film’ any more but are on digital media. We still call them ‘films’ and everyone understands the context.

It’s true that search is much more blended into general marketing and will continue to evolve that way. However, the focus of what we all do still involves the act of making it easier for a merchant to connect their goods or services with their audience. The merchant is still ‘searching’ for customers and even if our bag of tricks is less focused on technical wizardry and more focused on marketing, it’s still focused on the getting the merchant found when a relevant consumer is searching for them.

For the foreseeable future, ‘Search’ is still quite relevant to what we’re about.”

Rosenberg note – great examples, is SEO the cassette, tape or cd of the marketing world that eventually gets bypassed and forgotten?

My take

Over the past eight years SEMpdx has made great strides in establishing SEMpdx and Portland as a leader in digital marketing education, thought leadership and community development. We are a model organization that many other cities look to emulate. As Scott stated above SEM could mean a variety of things and that equity outweighs the potential misconceptions that SEMpdx is exclusively associated with marketing solely through search engines.

However, if you take the time to read the post linked above that provides Moz’ reason for changing their name, many of the same arguments can be made for SEMpdx (if you don’t know it is said with the acronyms SEM and airport code PDX, not sem—rhymes with pen—pex).

In regards to SearchFest, I am in the camp that thinks we need find a new name and brand for the conference. I think we need to get the Search out of SearchFest. But I admit that I don’t know what it should be and don’t think it has to happen tomorrow.

What do you think?

The post Is Search the Question? appeared first on SEMpdx.

14.          2014 is approaching in 14 days, buy your ticket now before the price goes up.

13.          SearchFest is about a quarter of the cost of comparable conferences. As a not-for-profit organization, SEMpdx is all about reaching as many marketers and business owners as we can, and for that reason we’re able to keep SearchFest ticket prices low. Who said 13 was unlucky?

12.          Members get to attend a Members Only reception the night before SearchFest with our speakers. Join now and get the member price and attend the reception on 2/27/14.

11.          31 top speakers from across the globe will converge on Portland to share their knowledge. Our top rated speakers from past SearchFests and some new faces as well.

10.          Yep, Marty will be back. He has his own session on Facebook advertising.

9.            First 500 registrants get a SWEET SEMpdx Scarf. They keep you warm and on the cutting edge of fashion. SFTID!

8.            2014 is our 8th year. We must be doing something right…right?

7.            SEMpdx always throws great parties and we have a Happy Hour and an After Party! Moz is sponsoring the Happy Hour again. Do you want to sponsor the After Party at Punch Bowl Social?

6.            Six sessions/keynotes throughout the day. Check out the agenda and speaker line-up.

5.            Breakfast is included…a real breakfast with BACON thanks to PSU’s Center for Executive and Professional Development.

4.            Four Tracks to choose from including Old School, New School, Social & PPC and a Deep Dive Track. See the full SearchFest agenda.

3.           Three levels of content, so there is something for everyone — beginners, intermediate and advanced! There are also ample networking opportunities throughout the day. Just ask our Afternoon Networking Sponsor ethology.

2.            Two Keynotes! Start your day with Joanna Lord and finish listening to SHOEMONEY!

1.            Prices go up in 2014! Happy New Year!

What are you waiting for? Register Now!

The post Top 14 Reasons to Buy Your 2014 SearchFest Tickets in 2013 appeared first on SEMpdx.

We are pleased to announce Ian Lurie, CEO and founder of Portent Inc., as the newest addition to our advisory board. Ian possesses extensive knowledge in internet marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), social media, strategy and analytics — holding over 40,000 hours in experience under his belt. This SEO mastermind is also a co-publisher for multiple publications and is regularly a speaker at various marketing conferences.

“I’m extremely flattered and honored to join the SEMpdx advisory board. This is by far the most organized and consistent organization that I can proudly say I am a part of,” said Lurie. “What better time to join then now with our annual conference, SearchFest, right around the corner.”

Ian has unofficially been a part of SEMpdx for many years as a SearchFest and monthly event presenter.

About Ian:

Ian Lurie is the CEO and founder of Portent Inc., an internet marketing and technology company that he started in 1995 in Seattle, Wash. Lurie comes to the advisory board as one of the world’s top experts on internet, search and social media marketing. This internet marketing specialist recently co-published the second edition of Web Marketing All-In-One for Dummies and has written Conversation Marketing: Internet Marketing Strategies. Lurie regularly shares his knowledge at various marketing conferences around the world, such as ad:Tech, Search Engine Strategies (SES), Search Marketing Expo (SMX), SearchLove, MozCon, Blogworld and Pubcon.

This Seattle resident embodies SEMpdx’s drive to enhance the digital marketing community while continuously striving to deliver the newest advancements in the ever-changing industry. Lurie’s biggest ambition would be to set up a sister organization in Seattle to continue SEMpdx’s prestige and expertise.

The post SEMpdx Welcomes Ian Lurie to Advisory Board appeared first on SEMpdx.

We are proud to announce Bend, Ore.-based company, G5, as sponsor of the Members Only Mixer held the night before SearchFest. The event is exclusively for SEMpdx members that are attending SearchFest the next day. Members will mingle with their digital marketing peers, including the SEMpdx board and SearchFest speakers, in an informal setting. The full-day digital marketing conference will offer attendees rare insight on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Governor Hotel in Portland, Ore.

“G5 is one of the fastest growing companies in Oregon, but we’re known nationwide as search engine marketing experts in the property management sector,” said Dave Beltramini, Director of Online Marketing Strategy & Performance at G5. “SEMpdx’s line-up of speakers and content is stellar, and we’re thrilled to be part of the event.”

SearchFest is currently the only search and social media conference organized by a nonprofit business organization (SEMpdx) in the Northwest — allowing tickets to be one-third of the cost of other conferences featuring the same caliber of speakers. Lower ticket prices paired with national experts has led to tremendous growth of the event.

Keynoting SearchFest this year will be Duane Forrester of Bing (the search engine based in Seattle, Wash.) and Marty Weintraub of aimClear (an INC. 500-honored digital agency based in Minnesota). Additional companies represented at SearchFest include: Disney Interactive, REI, Rosetta and a variety of local, regional and national marketing firms.

ABOUT G5
G5 is the leading provider of Digital Experience Management (DXM) software and services in the property management sector. The G5 DXM Platform enables owners and operators of multifamily, senior living and self-storage properties to put the right renter in the right property to maximize profitability. G5 helps thousands of properties turn renters into brand advocates by delivering amazing experiences at every digital touch-point. As brand advocacy grows, so does demand — allowing properties to raise rents and revenue without adversely affecting occupancy.

Founded in 2005, G5 was recently named one of the fastest growing private US companies by Inc. Magazine (fourth consecutive year), one of North America’s fastest growing technology companies by Deloitte (second consecutive year), and one of Oregon’s fastest growing private companies by Portland Business Journal (third consecutive year). The Bend, Ore.-based company is backed by private equity investor Volition Capital.

The post G5 to Sponsor Members Only Mixer appeared first on SEMpdx.

Please find the presentations below for:

Demystifying SEO, Social Media and Digital Marketing

The Presentations:

The post SEMpdx Pearl District Business Association Presentations appeared first on SEMpdx.

In June most of the SEMpdx Board and many Members will hit the road for SMX Advanced in Seattle on June 5-6. Join us Monday June 4th at Havana Social Club to mingle with Portland and Seattle Search Professionals. Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends …even if they’re not members, yet.  It is a free event, but please register below.

ANOTHER SEARCH PARTY TO ATTEND!

Please note that this is *NOT* a sanctioned, approved or in any way “affiliated” SMX Event, but their staff is still welcome to come for free.

Location: Havana Social Club
1010 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA 98122
Date: Monday, June 4, starting at 8:00 pm
Cost: Free! Please register below so we can get an idea of the head count

Hosted by

               

Sponsored by

Event registration for ANOTHER SEARCH PARTY TO ATTEND! at SMX Advanced Seattle powered by Eventbrite

 Monday night’s party is not affiliated, organized or sponsored by SMX Advanced or its organizers.

About SMX Advanced Seattle

Already registered for SMX Advanced?  Good.  If not, then you should know that All Access passes to SMX Advanced 2012 are now sold out, and the wait list has been closed. If you are already on the wait list, the folks at SMX will notify you if a space opens up.

Missed getting a pass? Here are some alternatives:

• SMX Workshop passes are still available. Attend an in-depth workshops on June 7th – check them out here.
• Network passes are $99 for those who register online before June 4 ($150 on-site). Take a look at the pass benefits.

Location: Bell Harbor Int’l Conference Center,
2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle, WA 98121
Date: Tuesday, June 5 – Wednesday, June 6

The post June 2012 – Party in Seattle before SMX appeared first on SEMpdx.