For many, the headline of this post will be received in various ways. Most won’t care, some will wonder precisely what I am referring to, while others will call me a complete idiot. Well, there are a few reasons why I have decided to “cut ties” with the big bad wolf, A.K.A., Google.

Some that know me also know that I do seo, online marketing, and affiliate management among my parent company’s many other endeavors. Many things have provoked this post, but my relationship with Google was getting a bit too cozy over the years. While I won’t deny that they remain the best world-wide search engine, quite frankly, they have gotten “too big for their britches”. Allow me to explain.

About a year ago, I decided that Facebook was the best social media network on the web. I believe many would agree, including the 3/4 of a billion users of their site. However, Facebook – where it includes my line of work – stinks. Their advertising may be targeted differently than many other ad networks, given that they are able to scrounge-up the most laser targeted demographic information available for any online company. Making use of these ever-important statistics will cost you an arm, a leg, and perhaps a torso as well. Simply put, their advertising is not worth the money. It is easy to wrack-up a worthless $100 bill with Facebook ads.

Some are probably saying that I obviously am not very good at SEM, PPC, and the like. On the contrary, I am rather great at it. (Sorry to toot the old horn, but if it’s true…it’s true). Anyhow, that Facebook side note was leading me to my next point. Let’s reverse roles. Now we have perhaps the best PPC ad company on the internet in Google AdWords. Let’s go ahead and make it clear that they too are getting a bit expensive, especially for smaller businesses. Often times you will see Google’s own ad giving away a $75 credit or even $50 or so with every hosting company in the world to get started. Smart move Google. This “token” gift is gone in two days. Mom and pops simply can’t afford it. I know, I know…..everything with all products is either supply and demand or what the market will bare. (Wow, still remembered that between all the beer).

So where are these two mixed-up? Google+, Facebook…hmmm. I’ve been on Google+ nearly since its’ inception. I have probably visited the site 6 times. I apologize to my “circle” of friends and acquaintances. I am not ignoring you, just not using the site.

Due to my line of work, I happen to have the direct line to many numbers and offices at Google. Low-level decision makers, but nice to be able to talk to someone when necessary none-the-less. Definitely haven’t spoken to Matt Cutts….ever.

So, another item I have crossed off of my list is Google Analytics. I can imagine the frowning faces right about now. That’s ok. Quite frankly, I could care less about Google Analytics. Besides, Google digs around in all of my sites enough when they crawl it. Oh, and the plugins or hard-coding in of the analytics codes slowed my site’s load time down too….Google doesn’t like this and neither do I. Oh the irony. Keep in mind that I would never instruct a client to do this…only to my own sites.

Why all the cynicism you ask? Well, I won’t delve into the exact reason for my falling out with Google, but suffice it to say that they are digging too deeply into everything. Yes, the stock market soared a few days ago after their big announcement to start building mobile phones in addition to their infamous Android operating system. Let’s just say this: if you really start to make a real buck off of Google, watch your back and cover your rear. To be continued…if they make the wrong decision.

Good luck.