I’m at Brighton SEO, and the place is packed. But I know there are many SEO specialists not here. Maybe some feel they already know everything or that it’s not worth the cost or time. For some, it could be travel expenses or other overlapping events.
If you didn’t attend this or events like PubCon, SEOTech Connect, Mozcon, or SMX, what’s your main reason? Would love to hear your thoughts.
When you reach a certain point, you realise most people are doing the same stuff that works. It’s all about content, links, and building a brand.
Paying attention to the small things makes the difference in competition. A solid SEO plan boils down to that.
Honestly, the SEO industry just repackages the same ideas. Tools and advice can be a distraction. I went to BrightonSEO before and learned about digital PR, but it wasn’t anything new for me.
@LillyGrace
Thanks for sharing! I’ve had a different experience, but I can see why some might feel that way.
At PubCon, I joined small sessions where we helped improve each other’s audits. I also got advice from speakers to solve competitor ranking issues. At State of Search, I met someone who built a tool that saves me a ton of time now. Brighton SEO has helped me network and learn life tips from people like Tim Ash.
I think you get out what you put in, but I’d love to know if others share your feelings.
@NormanKeith
Can you explain more about the attribution tips for ChatGPT you mentioned earlier? Thanks!
Wyatt said:
@NormanKeith
Can you explain more about the attribution tips for ChatGPT you mentioned earlier? Thanks!
Sure! Wil Reynolds suggested adding a ‘how did you find us’ dropdown with an option for ChatGPT or AI tools. Then follow up by asking for the search phrase they used. It’s a simple way to get insights.
@LillyGrace
SEO conferences often feel like the same strategies dressed up in fancy terms, paired with tool promotion. The fundamentals haven’t changed much, and the tools are often personal preference.
I’ve run a small agency for nearly two decades, and there was a time I thought these events added value. But over time, I realised they’re mostly a way to make money. Staying sharp in this field isn’t hard, but you do need to cut through the noise.
@Myles
I get that, but the real value is meeting people. The pub chats are where you hear about the cool stuff you won’t find in articles or forums.
James said:
@Myles
I get that, but the real value is meeting people. The pub chats are where you hear about the cool stuff you won’t find in articles or forums.
I learn more by studying top Google pages than from any conference.
@Myles
I understand where you’re coming from. I used to feel the same way until I started making real connections at these events. Meeting smart, like-minded people has been worth it for me.
@LillyGrace
Exactly. This is why I stay away from the SEO crowd on LinkedIn. Once you get what Google values, all the attention-seeking posts seem pointless.
It’s just too expensive, especially when you add in travel. That’s the main reason I don’t go.
Harper said:
It’s just too expensive, especially when you add in travel. That’s the main reason I don’t go.
When I was starting out, I’d ask clients to help cover the cost. The worst they could say was ‘no.’
Harper said:
It’s just too expensive, especially when you add in travel. That’s the main reason I don’t go.
For me, it’s a business trip and a bit of a holiday combined.
Harper said:
It’s just too expensive, especially when you add in travel. That’s the main reason I don’t go.
Exactly.
I try to attend once a year, mostly for the casual chats over drinks. My boss insists it’s a must to stay updated, but I enjoy the social side of it.
properganda said:
I try to attend once a year, mostly for the casual chats over drinks. My boss insists it’s a must to stay updated, but I enjoy the social side of it.
Those moments are the best .
I pick one or two conferences a year. I like meeting peers and having detailed discussions. Sometimes, though, the guest speakers just repeat things you can already find online.
Faithjones said:
I pick one or two conferences a year. I like meeting peers and having detailed discussions. Sometimes, though, the guest speakers just repeat things you can already find online.
Yeah, I’ve seen that happen too.
I used to attend regularly before COVID when I was running an agency. Brighton, SMX, and Chiang Mai were great for learning and networking. Meeting people in person really helped scale my business. I even met a few folks from this forum at those events, which was cool.
Now that I’m planning to restart my agency, I might give it another shot next year.
@Pulse4
Sounds like a solid plan. Good luck .