Search Marketing Code of Ethics Pushed for by SEO Organizations

Leading search engine marketing organizations are urging for the establishment of a code of ethics for search marketing in North America. Spearheaded by the Search Engine Marketing Professionals Organization (SEMPO), these groups are looking for delegates from each organization to form a Search Congress in order to create a framework for the proposed code of ethics. While SEMPO says that the Search Congress will take place next year, a meeting regarding delegate selection is slated just in time for Pubcon in Las Vegas this week.

Tony Wright, VP of Communications for SEMPO, says that while there may be different ideas from people on what the code of ethics should contain, he notes that the only way it can be successful is if “those people who are interested have buy-in and there is a fair way to enforce the code of ethics once it is ratified.”

As per SEMPO, the initial requirements for a group to nominate delegates are:

Groups that self-identify as serving search engine marketers in some capacity
Groups that are at least 1 year old
Groups that have at least 10 dues-paying members
Active SEMPO Local groups that are more than 1 year old
Groups that are primarily active in North America
Groups that have pre-existing by-laws

In order to become a delegate, an individual must be nominated “by an eligible search engine marketing organization” that SEMPO says can range from regional associations, virtual communities, or similar groups. Should any group not meet any of the above criteria, they may still send representatives, but will not have any voting delegates.

Wright also stresses that a code of ethics will not work unless it is broadly adopted by various groups in the industry, and that “It’s going to take the effort of many different people of diverse opinions and backgrounds to make this work.” As stated by SEMPO:

“The overall goal is for the initiative to be led by a grassroot effort of existing and future search engine marketing organizations. These organizations should be those that care about the overall industry and public perception of the search engine marketing industry.”

Pubcon is set to happen from October 6–9, 2014. Their latest news and activities can be followed on Twitter via @SEMPOGlobal and @Pubcon.

Will a code of ethics for search marketing be a great thing for the industry? If not, what potential problems do you think might arise from it? Let us know what you think in the Comments section below.

About
Latest Posts

Marketing Digest Writing Team

The Marketing Digest Writing Team provides the content you need to keep you well-informed on the latest developments and trends in the digital marketing industry.