This is an seo test, nothing to get that excited about, unless you find seo tests exciting.
Ed Dale Mankini , is a search term that is being tested by Ed Dale and his gang over at 30 Day Challenge. (note: not quite accurate, see comments)
What’s interesting is they are targeting a lot of web 2.0 properties and highlighting those who rank non-competitive search terms. Thing is, it works and it works fast.
It is what it is and for quick, smash and grab marketing it’s very successful. As part of a long term strategy I can see techniques like this can get you off the ground and running very quickly and can give you a valuable insight into how the google indexing machine is working these days.
Also, it could be very useful in going after those narrow, non-competitive niches, although ask yourself, why are they non-competitive? Could it be that there is little money in it.
Like most techniques, this form on “keyword grabbing” is going to work for those who use it in ways no on else is thinking about. Those who take the tips and tricks and transpose it into their online marketing strategy are going to be ahead in the game, whilst those who are simply copying the technique will be still on the starting blocks.
How easy is it for google to stomp on this? Probably not that easy, as the algo would have to be tweaked in how it favoured such sites also the speed of indexing may have to be tweaked. But, what google is getting out of it is far more than what is damaging it. So I think the technique will be good for a while. Most of use have been using it for years anyway.
Saying all that, if you want to play the long game, at your core has to be information that people will climb over each other to read. No linkbait or widgetbait or keyword grabbing from web 2.0 properties is ever going to beat that, but they should be part of the mix. How much of the mix is down to you. Relying on one technique too much will force your head above the parapet for Matt Cutts to take his best golf swing at your head.
Also, such tricksy action can attract the ire of the blogosphere, as Maki bemoaned here, read the comments and you will notice Ed Dale putting his case forward in defense.
Sure, I don’t want the serps filled with low rent crap, but from a professional point of view we need to experiment, to test, to push things a little hard. And if we have to go the Ed Dale Mankini route then so be it.