Neil Lemons’ Blog

DFW Search Engine Marketing Association, an organization aimed at furthering the awareness of Internet and search marketing in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, gathered in the Richardson Renaissance Hotel last night to listen to Microsoft adIntelligence representative Jorie Waterman and Rob Scott speak on the latest keyword research tools and recent IP laws affecting website owners.

Although I have been involved in search marketing since 2005, this was the first DFW SEM gathering I have ever attended. I thought I would report from a non-member, outsider’s perspective, on my initial impression of what the group offered.

These underground Internet marketing gurus include hobbyists, independent consultants, as well as Interactive advertising agency owners. One site scrutinized during the site clinic was based on quite an exceptional Green idea that would have definitely gotten the “Donny Deutsch’s Big Idea thumbs up,” as one audience member said. The other site was almost torn to shreds while the owner sat in the audience unbeknownst to the evaluators until halfway through the audit.

Before the clinic, Rob Scott, of , spoke relaying the legal ramifications and rights websites owners have in regard to trademark and copyright laws.

Next Jorie Waterman of Microsoft spoke explaining the features of a robust keyword research tool that integrates with Excel 2007 called adIntellgience.

Lastly, Tony Wright of WrightIMC evaluated two different sites with the help of other seasoned SEO audience members.

Many of the names I have seen in and around the Dallas search engine marketing community and on the SERPs were there: Bill Hartzer, Rob Garner of iCrossing, Mark Jackson CEO of VIZION Interactive, and John Bagwell of Bagwell Marketing. I think the group offers a great service and value to its members. I enjoyed the group and plan on attending the next meeting.