Let's get this out of the way right from the start. SEO cannot be COMPLETELY automated and stay legitimately white-hat. HOWEVER, just because it cannot be completely automated, doesn't mean that many of the processes cannot be helped along by the use of streamlined, automated tools.
Tools are an SEO's best friend. Tools enable us to utilize a machine's ability to quickly gather and process information. What we do with that information is where the automation process stops, and our intelligence takes over.
Many great tools exist on the market today, and I'm personally aware of some kick-ass tools that are going to be released in the future (which I'll be sure to let you know about).
Any time I get a chance to test tools, I try to let you know what I think of them. Today's report is all about a brand new toolset from Hamlet Batista called RankSense.
I've been testing it for a couple of months and I like it a lot. I have had a few issues with it sometimes not working well under Windows Vista, but I don't know if that's a problem with just my machine or not. In any case, I sometimes have issues with buttons not "pressing", and I have to back up and come back to that spot and press again. I also sometimes have issues with it freezing up. But again, those might not have as much to do with RankSense as it does with my computer and/or my lousy satellite Internet connection.
Now, although I could tell you all about its features, your best bet is to head on over to the site and check out the overview, and download the trial version for yourself to see how useful this suite of tools might be for you, but I think you'll like it. Anything I'd say would just be a rehash of what they've already outlined for you on the overview page. In the meantime, heere are a couple of screenshots to give you an idea of what it looks like.
As you can see, the interface is slick and well-organized, and do you see that help screen? Those tips are available at every step of the wizard process in Smart Mode, so everyone can move through each step quickly and easily. Of course, there's also a Classic Mode, which lets you jump amongst the tools quickly, without any intervening help screens or wizards. I recommend starting out in Smart Mode, and then switch to Classic Mode once you're familiar with the interface (which won't take long as it is simple and straightforward).
So check it out, download the trial, and take it for a test drive. Let me know what you think of it.
Donna, I downloaded Ranksense yesterday to take it for a test drive and didn’t have time to play with it. Went to fire it up today and it’s asking for a key code… Any ideas?
I’m not sure, JDog. I’ll try to get Hamlet over here to answer that for you.
Hi JDog,
Please click on the ‘New Account’ button to create a new trial license. Once you do that you need to check for a confirmation email. Click on it in order to activate your license.
I am looking forward for you feedback.
Best,
Hamlet
Thank you both for your prompt reply. Giving it a shot now!
I just downloaded it and can’t wait to give this baby a test drive. It’s not loading up but I’ll give it a few minutes – alright just got it! I’ll make it back here after a few days and let you how it works.
I do have Vista so I hope that won’t be an issue – what’s the price on this?
I’m a big fan of WebCEO.. lots of great tools on that package, and the free version is pretty good. Watch out when updating though, you have to maintain a subscription fee to continue to get further search engine updates.
How does Ranksense compare to WebCEO, Webposition Gold etc.? (It looks like Hamlet is hanging out around here, so I’d love to here from either you or Hamlet)
There is no detailed spec on the site. It’s pretty vague…
Hi David,
It is hard to compare RankSense with the WebCEO, WPG, etc. because we take a completely different approach. But, let me try to make it simple:
1)RankSense does not model outdated processes such as: search engine submission, meta keywords, link exchanges or optimal keyword density tools. As Donna and other reknown SEO experts can tell you: that is not how you get your site to rank high.
2)RankSense is an integrated suite. Our tools can work in collaboration and as isolated entities like traditional tools in the market. When you SEO your site, you follow a single process from start to finish.
3)We include several advanced tools and a more modern design than the rest. I will write a blog post explaining them in more detail.
I apologize for the existing copy. We are currently testing a new site/copy that should be up soon.
Best,
Hamlet
Hey Hamlet, I’m looking forward to seeing your blog post with the detail. I personally have used Webposition and Webceo, and while they do somethings well, they suck at others.
For example, I like to give clients projections on what benefits they could get from SEO. I use wordtracker’s keyword tool, with a basic algorythm of competition (am I breaking some rules on code of silence in the SEO industry??!), months until top position, and how many estimated additional “leads / sales / actions” I would get for them month by month. This demonstrates a clear level of value to them.
Most of this is done manually, copying and pasting into excel… hence taking hours of work :(. A tool that does something similar is wordze.com. I’d love to see that integrated with a ranking tool, and the other services, like title description and other metatags, as well as internal and external links for competitors sites on different keywords, with an analysis of the focus of their site on the keyword you are optimizing for etc.
If you could save me those hours, and make my estimates easier to produce, I think I’ll be in SEO heaven! (Not to mention a really happy customer and evangelist)
David – That is an awesome idea. We are currently working on adding a few reports that provide similar information, but I really like your concept. It shouldn’t take long to implement. Drop me an email and I’ll keep you posted.
Best,
Hamlet
Hamlet,
Will you please drop me an email?
pmgleads AT gmail.com
Sorry.. I guess I should have told you why. I have a screen shot to send ya.
Donna
thank you for the info and insights on Ranksense. We are fans of Hamlets. He is a brilliant leader in the SEO community.
[…] case you’ve forgotten what it is, I did a short review of it earlier. Here are a couple of pics I posted back then, although the software has been updated […]
[…] SEO Scoop Says: “Tools are an SEOs best friend. Tools enable us to utilize a machines ability to quickly gather and process information…Ive been testing [Ranksense] for a couple of months and I like it a lot.” […]
Great post. I totally agree, seo ultimately has to be a manual task, but tools are there to help us make our efforts more effective and perhaps a little easier.
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