Should You Really Follow Google's Guidelines?
Date & Time: February 25, 2025 - 12:00 PM ET
Duration: 1 Hour
Speaker: Brian Kato & Joy Hawkins
In a world where Google is both responsible for a business’ success and failure, we have a wide variety of SEOs. Some say Google is our enemy. Some say they should be your best friend. Why do we have such a large divide? What should you do when Google doesn’t even enforce the guidelines they push out, and even worse, they reward people breaking them. What about negative SEO? People say it’s not a thing, but Brian has seen otherwise.
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OnDemand video will be available at the same watch URL directly after the event!

Understanding the Relationship with Google:
- Explore the differing perspectives on Google's role in SEO: friend, foe, or something in between.
- Learn why there is such a stark divide in how SEOs view Google's practices and guidelines.
Navigating Google’s Guidelines:
- Gain insight into the challenges of adhering to Google's guidelines when they are inconsistently enforced.
- Discover how businesses can adapt when those breaking the rules seem to be rewarded.
Negative SEO: Fact or Fiction:
- Dive into the controversial topic of negative SEO, with real-world insights from Brian's experiences.
- Understand the potential impact of malicious SEO tactics and how to recognize and mitigate them.
Actionable SEO Strategies:
- Develop strategies to protect your site from potential pitfalls like guideline inconsistencies or negative SEO.
- Learn to strike a balance between following best practices and competing in a highly competitive, sometimes rule-bending environment.
Having problems with registration? Contact Carrie at online@localu.org
About Our Speakers:

Brian Kato
Brian is known for his practical use of data to enhance his SEO strategies, public speaking, and digital marketing consulting. With more than a decade of experience in the field, Brian has assisted numerous businesses in improving their online visibility and website traffic. Alongside SEO, Brian has extensive experience in strategic business planning and utilizing technology for operational efficiency.
