Is it smart to reveal your clients and projects in the Q&A forum? What about on your own SEO blog?

[TheEspresseo]

On one hand it seems like having my cake and eating it too: blogging about SEO using my clients as case studies in order to give them a couple backlinks. On the other hand it seems like asking for it from Google or from competitors. Got any advice?

And what of mentioning actual domains and brand names when asking questions here in the forum? One one hand it seems like I'd get more specific advice, on the other hand, once again, it seems like it comes with some amount of risk. Any advice?

Thanks!

[TheEspresseo]

So anyone out there disagree with the consensus and think it doesn't matter or else is particularly advantageous to be forthcoming with client specifics?

[TheEspresseo]

Right, sure. Yeah all of this is helpful.

[CPU]

Some clients might not want to find out that their 'SEO Expert' is on here asking questions of other SEO's...they may think they should have employed the SEO Experts answering the questions.

Also some companies may not want their competitors to find out that they are using SEO services as if their competitor then hires an SEO the amount of competitive advantage is potentially reduced.

I would use example.com, company.com./product etc to get any points across. If it looks like you can only get the help you need by revealing more details then it may be best to PM the people who offer to help.

[TheEspresseo]

Thanks Vinnie.

[TheEspresseo]

Right, that makes sense.

[vforvinnie]

Hey Louis,

I can understand both sides of the argument, but land on the side of don't post them.  Like David said, you would never want to post clients sites without their permission.  Even with their permission I would be hesitant to post specific phrases or results.  I don't even want to tell other clients who my other clients are most of the time.  Protecting niches is very important in this industry. If you want to discuss past successes you have had I suggest speaking in generalities and give broader examples of marketing or link building ideas without pointing out specific sites.

Personally I don't even post my own sites on any SEO or webmaster forums if I can avoid it.

As far as your Google concerns go, as long as you aren't cheating or link farming or anything that would take away from Google's reputation I doubt they would penalize you or your clients sites for posting SEO case studies.

I look forward to seeing other opinions on this issue.

Cheers,

Vinnie

[DavidKauzlaric]

I do not keep an SEO blog. Our company blog is just for generic info that we use to bring in new clients and also for existing clients to see us sharing information openly about the best practices and tips. Honestly, since we redid our website, we have one or two blog posts and never blog and didnt even finish our website, we are too busy with client work. Speaking of that... we need to finish our site lol.

The benefit a SEO blog would bring is fresh content (Google loves it), attract new clientele, share information to establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry, city, and client list!

[TheEspresseo]

Thanks David; that makes sense. Do you keep an SEO or other company blog? What benefit do you get out of it?

[DavidKauzlaric]

I think the only way to do it properly is with your clients full permission and knowing that they understand the full ramifications. Honestly, my clients would never go for it. The last thing they want is their strategy or their secret weapon (my company) to be known to their competitors. The link juice is minimal unless you have an exceptional blog.

My rule is to never expose a clients name, URL, or strategy unless it's completely anonymous and literally no chance of it getting back. However, you may find some clients okay with it, in that case... GO FOR IT

I'd love to post some of my best work but my clients are pretty strict on me releasing that information, so for now I'll have to keep my trap shut.