I’m shocked and deeply saddened to hear that SEO expert, Econsultancy guest blogger and all round good bloke Jaamit Durrani has passed away.
Jaamit was a popular and active member of the SEO community, and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
The two posts he contributed to this blog generated 120+ comments, which says everything you need to know about the man. He shared a lot of practical insight to help SEOs work smarter, rather than harder.
His advice remains (and will remain) valid for all those who read it. If you’re a retailer then check out his seven sensational SEO tips for e-commerce sites. If you are involved in SEO then be sure not to make any of these common mistakes.
He will be remembered. RIP Jaamit.
[Image by sk8geek via Flickr, various rights reserved]
Chris Lake is Director of Product Development at Econsultancy, an entrepreneur and a long-term internet fiend. Follow him on Twitter, Google+ or connect via Linkedin.
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1:06PM on 26th November 2010
Big loss- will be missed by many in the industry - RIP Jaamit
1:18PM on 26th November 2010
I had the privilege of managing Jaamit at Fresh Egg. He was one of the most driven and passionate people in SEO, but more importantly he was the most gentle, thoughtful and humorous people I've met. He was a rising star and I am still deeply shocked by this tragedy. RIP indeed. My thoughts are with his family.
Senior Digital Marketing Manager at The Black Hole
1:26PM on 26th November 2010
I never got to meet Jammit personally but followed his articles online and spoke to him over Twitter. He always seemed such a great guy, open and friendly, and really knew his stuff. Such a shock and a great loss.
1:50PM on 26th November 2010
Jaamit and I became friends over twitter - common interests being SEO and Arsenal. We shared some great times and drinks on my last few visits to the UK, and words cannot describe what a top guy he was.
He will most definitely be missed by the SEO community. My thoughts go out to his friends and family. RIP
Research Director at Econsultancy
1:54PM on 26th November 2010
I only met Jaamit once and he definitely made an impression. He exuded knowledge about search engine marketing and - more importantly - was clearly a very decent guy. It's such bad news and we are all really sad for his family and friends.
1:58PM on 26th November 2010
Rest in peace Jaamit.
Head of Search at OMD
2:02PM on 26th November 2010
huge loss to the community and OMD. We are supporting his family in this time of need. sickened by what has happened i know he will be overwhelmed by the love of the SEO community. You guys are truly special people.
2:17PM on 26th November 2010
So sad
2:39PM on 26th November 2010
This is very sad. My thoughts are with those he leaves behind.
A huge loss for them and the SEO community.
3:44PM on 26th November 2010
A bright star gone far too soon. Rest in peace Jammit
4:09PM on 26th November 2010
Jaamit was truly a nice guy and his dedication to SEO and vast knowledge could never be questioned, we are deeply saddened by the loss. Our thoughts are with his family. He has left a huge mark in the SEO community.
Rest in Peace mate!
4:15PM on 26th November 2010
So sorry to hear this :( Talked to Jaamit all the time on Twitter. Seemed like a great guy.
4:16PM on 26th November 2010
I too had the pleasure of working with Jaamit at Fresh Egg. A really nice bloke and bloody clever too. Totally shocked. RIP mate.
4:32PM on 26th November 2010
So sad. Prayers are with his family and friends. R.I.P Jaamit...
4:37PM on 26th November 2010
Jaamit was my friend, i just found out.. I'll miss him so much
Senior Research Analyst at Econsultancy
5:06PM on 26th November 2010
Incredibly sad news. Jaamit was a credit to the industry and a great person. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
5:12PM on 26th November 2010
Really Sad News, my thoughts are with the family and friends.
5:25PM on 26th November 2010
I'm sorry Jaamit and I never met. Rest in peace.
Online Selling Manager at John Lewis
5:30PM on 26th November 2010
Never met Jaamit but followed him on Twitter and must say this is a real shock and a great loss. Thoughts with all his friends & family and may Jaamit RIP
5:32PM on 26th November 2010
Very sad. Smart guy who had a lot to say.
Head of Digital at Mindshare (Ireland)
5:49PM on 26th November 2010
This really puts a lot of stuff into proportion and I can only agree with others that I'm sad I only ever 'met' him online. RIP.
6:53PM on 26th November 2010
I couldn't agree more with you Tim. I too, was priviledged to work with him at Fresh Egg and indeed sat next to him. It goes without saying that he was peerless in his profession, and gave me great encouragement at the start of my new-found career in SEO. But, more importantly, he was also a great human being and for that alone will be greatly missed. I, along with many, cannot make sense of this tragedy but wish to extend thoughts and sympathy to his family. RIP mate.
9:09PM on 26th November 2010
Awful and distressing news. Peace be with you Jaamit.
9:35PM on 26th November 2010
Really sad news. Shocked since morning. Never met personally but DMed on Twitter. Rest in peace Jaamit.
11:20PM on 26th November 2010
Terrible news about Jaamit and my thoughts go out to his wife, family and friends.
Life can be so cruel and so short. Cherish everyone you love.
RIP Jaamit
12:14AM on 27th November 2010
Jaamit's passing is a huge and tragic loss. A lovely guy, husband and friend to the agency. Our thoughts are with Jaamit's wife, family and many friends at this time. Rest in peace, sir. Steve, CEO @ OMD
5:24AM on 27th November 2010
In the few communications I had with him via Twitter he seemed both positive and warm, someone the online community will miss. RIP Jaamit
Director at Inherently Digital
8:39AM on 27th November 2010
So sad to say I never knew Jaamit. His great work, friendships and reputation paint a picture of a fantastic guy. My thoughts to his family. Terrible loss. RIP Jaamit.
10:25AM on 27th November 2010
Now you can take it easy Jaamit mate. You are loved.
11:01AM on 27th November 2010
The online response to this truly sad news is testimony to the the lovey guy that Jaamit was and how much he will be missed. RIP Jaamit
10:37AM on 28th November 2010
I was extremely sad to hear this news.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jaamit a few times and aside from being an exceptional seo, he was a genuinely nice guy who went out of is way to help people however he could. Wether by giving out great advice for free or helping people who looked lost and shy at conferences feel welcome.
Inbound Marketing Consultant at Alex Avery Inc
8:29AM on 29th November 2010
I enjoyed Jaamits sense of humour, candour and professional take on things. We shared a few jokes on Twitter, but I never met him. It's a testament to him that I - and so many - feel a great sadness at his passing. My thoughts are with his family and the community who will miss him. Rest in peace mate.
8:49AM on 29th November 2010
I was shocked to read these news these morning. I couldnt literally believed the headline of this post!
The few times I had exchanged words with Jaamit during SEO conferences, I could tell he was a really friendly, social and humorous guy. He was very known in the SEO industry and always seemed to be surrounded by friends. I am so saddened by what's happened.
My thoughts go to his family and friends. Rest in peace Jaamit.
10:45AM on 29th November 2010
My condolences to the family and friends! I haven't met the guy, but read stuff about and by him. Rest in peace!
10:58AM on 29th November 2010
A great loss to the SEO/ecommerce and blogging community. Rest in Peace Jaamit, thoughts are with you and your family.
12:56PM on 29th November 2010
I knew Jaamit well at Uni, he was passionate and serious but also great company. A really pure soul. He could rock a wicked early 00s hip-hop set, scratching, cutting, the works - I still have a tape somewhere. I was the only one of our mates with a kid and Jaamit always took time to talk to my daughter. I remember he gave her 'the Little Prince' which was his favourite book as a kid. I had huge respect for his politics, always carefully thought out and never taken at face value. We lost touch over the years but occasionally I would bump into him in Brighton. In the back of my mind I assumed one day we'd get an opportunity to catch up properly. A very very sad loss.
Online PR/Social Media Consultant at Econsultancy
2:44PM on 29th November 2010
Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to Jaamit's family.
7:26PM on 30th November 2010
Like most, I'm still reeling with shock. He was a lovely guy and very, very, smart. He joined as a trainee and somehow he had a sixth sense; scarily switched on in an unshowy way. It seemed that SEO had not hit his radar when he joined, but within a year he was an expert, out there! And in all truth, I ribbed him senseless when he said he was leaving, I really didn't want him to go. Now we are all robbed of a great talent who clearly touched a lot of people's lives.
6:51AM on 1st December 2010
Jaamit was a great friend throughout school and university. I am absolutely shocked to hear about the news. We always spoke of him as a genius, a gentleman and a legend. He was the kind of guy you never forgot and always wanted to have a conversation with. He has clearly touched many people in the industry and i hope his memory will live on.
Thank you eConsultancy for the post.
Owner at Digital Juggler
4:43PM on 4th December 2010
I'm in shock having just logged in and discovered the news. I had the pleasure of working with Jaamit on a big project and he was an awesome guy to know. His knowledge was incredible and his quality of work exceptional. Add to that he was a really nice bloke and very easy to get on with. I'm gutted. Too many bright stars burn out too soon and he will be missed. My thoughts and condolences go to his family and friends. Rest in peace Jaamit and get to work on optimising the after life!
E-Business Consultant at Dan Barker
12:19AM on 16th November 2011
I was just thinking about Jaamit. Almost a year now.
I hope his family are doing ok.
x
Director at theMediaFlow
11:56PM on 16th November 2011
Strangely enough Dan, that's exactly why I just found myself here. I think it's exactly a year to the day that I last saw him. I too really hope his family and close friends are okay.