Internet Marketing Basics - Search Engine Optimization vs. Personal Contacts – Which is better for Your Web Business?

Internet marketers often find themselves in a schizophrenic environment; caught between two very strong issues in developing their web business. Do I concentrate my efforts and limited resources on SEO or do I focus my attention on making and nurturing personal contacts and networking to move my business forward?

There are of course, valid arguments for both. Search engine optimization is what gets you "found" in a sea of literally millions of websites on the Internet. Without SEO, it is nearly impossible for your business to rise to a level within the search engine results where the people who are looking for you, and the products and services your business offers, can easily find you.

But personal contacts are also immensely important to the success of your online business. Meeting other individuals who are involved in the same niche, have similar backgrounds, are pursuing similar interests or goals, or who may be potential partners or future clients, can put you light years ahead of your business competition. Just making one or two of the "right" contacts has the potential to skyrocket your business overnight.

A great example is the development of a JV or Joint Venture partnership. When you are able to identify and acquire a suitable JV partner, you have the opportunity to greatly multiply your efforts. You gain access to a larger circle of influence, and an opportunity to directly connect with a greater number of individuals specifically interested in what you offer.

So which is it, SEO or networking? If there had to be a choice between the two, which will help you more? Hands down, the answer is personal contacts, and here's why.

You can never lose site of the fact that your website is a tool, it's not your business. Your business is you. Even if the sum total of your business has its presence online, if you have no building, no sales office, no studio, the business exists not because it's presented in a website, but because of you. The virtual real estate you own or rent is the means by which you conduct business, but is not the business itself.

Therefore, one of the most important tools and assets that you can develop and cultivate are the personal contacts you make. That's how you develop your knowledge and awareness of what is happening within your niche and market. That's how you meet and cultivate new clients. That's how you promote and market your business, so that you can reach into territories to which you would not otherwise have access. That's how you keep your finger on the pulse of what's in demand and how you can meet that demand with your supply. That's how you make connections with people who will propel you and your business forward; whether competitor, peer or partner.

So, while I completely understand the necessity and the importance of search engine optimization, if you ever have to make a choice between SEO and making personal contacts or networking, in terms of where to place your resources, you now have your answer. Business is people.