The Value of Reserving Unutilized Knowledge: A Guide for SEO and Beyond
When dealing with SEO, one often encounters decisions about the value of resources, both visible and hidden. Just like in life, holding on to certain pieces of knowledge or tools, even if not immediately useful, can prove invaluable in the future. This article delves into the dynamics of retaining seemingly outdated information and the practical benefits of doing so.
Practicality vs. Future Value
Think back to the adage by Malcolm S., 'You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.' This wisdom translates well to some of the decisions faced in SEO and life in general. Practicality and immediate usefulness are crucial, but so is having a forward-looking perspective. Just as insurance companies use actuary tables to evaluate risks and car manufacturers like Ford consider the potential future needs of their operations, so too should we assess the future value of our resources.
Building Your SEO Toolkit
When it comes to SEO, your toolkit is not just about the current SEO tactics and technologies. You invest time and resources in learning about SEO because you know it can benefit your online presence. Similarly, holding on to knowledge that may not seem directly beneficial today but could prove crucial in the future aligns with the same principle. If you do away with old tools or information, you may miss out on potential opportunities.
The Philosophy of Retaining Relationships
Just like SEO tools, relationships also need to be nurtured and preserved. Relationships are not static but fluid, changing day by day as circumstances evolve. For instance, a friend today might be necessary for a colleague tomorrow. Similarly, in SEO, the relevance and effectiveness of a particular strategy can change with time. Retaining relationships and knowledge, even if seemingly outdated, can prepare you better for those future scenarios.
Dunbar’s Theory and Social Media
Ronald H. DHS, an anthropologist, posited the theory of a maximum of 150 stable social relationships, known as Dunbar’s number. In the context of the digital age, this number might have expanded with social media, but the core principle remains about the importance of maintaining high-quality connections. Just as you keep your SEO tools to address changing needs, maintaining a network of valued relationships can open up new opportunities in various aspects of life.
Practical Implications
What does this mean for SEO practitioners? It means investing in a diverse set of skills and knowledge, not just what you need now. For example, if you’re currently focusing on content marketing, also consider jumping into other areas like local SEO or voice search. Similarly, maintain a network of contacts and knowledge, even if some connections or data might not be immediately relevant. This preparedness can provide a solid foundation when change comes knocking.
Conclusion
Embracing the value of knowledge and relationships that may not be immediately practical but can have future benefits is a smart strategy in SEO and in life. Whether it’s holding onto old tools that might be needed in the future or maintaining connections that can provide unexpected support, the benefits often outweigh the cost.