Social Media and List Building
I found an article that I found to be rather interesting. The topic is using social media with listing building. His emphasis was with being "authentic" and how your authenticity can bring people to your site or blog.
Basically Social Media can work. It can build your brand and image, only if you are authentic. With anything online, being authentic should never be far from your thoughts. People cannot see you. It is your words alone that can build an online relationship with the people who are visiting your site/blog. If your relationship with your audience is fake-your audience will quickly see through it-and click away.
This article is a good read, it's can possibly allow you to think differently about building relationships online with social media, and thus, your brand and image. Here's a prelude to what the article is about:
List Building with Social Media- The Most Overlooked Secret to List Building With Social Media
By Warren Wojnowski
The real value of list building with social media is in your ability to create a brand and an image with incredible reach. The opportunity for you to build a highly responsive list using different social media platforms on the Internet is enormous. However, for all its potential, there is one simple, but far too often overlooked secret to list building with social media the right way.
Read more...
Showing posts with label Blog and Internet Marketing Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog and Internet Marketing Tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Writing -And Your Voice
Writing -And Your Voice
I thought I would give a quick talk about writing and your voice. "Voice" what do I mean by voice", you may ask? I call "your voice" the emotion and method of your writing.
I always knew you had to have a "voice" to be recognized on the Internet or with any writing, but I guess, I took it for granted. This simple concept came to the forefront of my consiousness when I happened upon an article/interview that lost it's voice. Let me explain.
The Interview
The interview started well, but slowly turned annoying. Why? The interviewer was not directing the conversation, but was trying to upstage the interviewee with his humor. Yes, humor is great when it's used appropriately. However, in this case, I feel the humor was inappropriate. Why?
If the interviewer's humor is making the interviewee uncomfortable (which was obvious when the interviewee tried to graciously dodge the interviewer's comments)-it's inappropriate. This interview, though I wanted to read what the interviewee was going to discuss with the audience, I had to click away.
What I learned.
1. Use your writing voice-and it's emotion with care. Overstated emotions will frustrate and anger your readers and leave them no choice but to click away.
2. If doing an interview, carry the interview forward without upstaging the interviewee for your own ego sake.
3. Leave your ego at the door if you're conducting an interview. The interviewee will thank you. And, more importantly, your readers will appreciate your integrity by not trying to upstage your interviewee.
So, is voice important? I think so. Not only is it important, it's a part of your own credibility.
Read more...
I thought I would give a quick talk about writing and your voice. "Voice" what do I mean by voice", you may ask? I call "your voice" the emotion and method of your writing.
I always knew you had to have a "voice" to be recognized on the Internet or with any writing, but I guess, I took it for granted. This simple concept came to the forefront of my consiousness when I happened upon an article/interview that lost it's voice. Let me explain.
The Interview
The interview started well, but slowly turned annoying. Why? The interviewer was not directing the conversation, but was trying to upstage the interviewee with his humor. Yes, humor is great when it's used appropriately. However, in this case, I feel the humor was inappropriate. Why?
If the interviewer's humor is making the interviewee uncomfortable (which was obvious when the interviewee tried to graciously dodge the interviewer's comments)-it's inappropriate. This interview, though I wanted to read what the interviewee was going to discuss with the audience, I had to click away.
What I learned.
1. Use your writing voice-and it's emotion with care. Overstated emotions will frustrate and anger your readers and leave them no choice but to click away.
2. If doing an interview, carry the interview forward without upstaging the interviewee for your own ego sake.
3. Leave your ego at the door if you're conducting an interview. The interviewee will thank you. And, more importantly, your readers will appreciate your integrity by not trying to upstage your interviewee.
So, is voice important? I think so. Not only is it important, it's a part of your own credibility.
Read more...
Monday, March 8, 2010
Adsense-Brand Advertiser Beta Test
Adsense -Brand Advertiser Beta Test
Google is always looking for different ways to bring new advertisers to Google. So what's new, or should I say, what's being launched?
Enticing The Brand Advertiser
Their new advertising push is toward brand advertisers. Brand advertisers are different then direct response advertisers, thus, they need a different approach.
Before I get any further, let me define the difference between a brand advertiser and a direct response advertiser.
Direct response advertiser
The direct response advertiser typically look for clicks and conversions from the campaigns they run on your site. Let's look at an example:
A direct response advertiser is selling a cellphone. Their sole purpose is for the user to click through and make a purchase or that cellphone seen in the picture, or another cellphone on their site.
Brand Advertiser
The brand advertiser is focused more on raising brand awareness, typically displaying ads for a product or service that the person may buy in the future. Example of a brand advertiser promotion example:
The person sees the advertisement of an add stating that a new cellphone by the specific company is coming out at a future date. Their purpose is to generate awareness among users.
Now that you are aware of brand awareness, can brand awareness ads be coming to your website or blog?
Good question? Maybe, maybe not. Brand advertisers tend to be more selective about the sites they run their ads on, as well as, where on the page their ads appear. So what is Adsense solution for Brand Advertisers?
New Adsense Beta Advertiser Feature
The new beta advertiser feature directed toward brand advertisers are:
1. New feature will allow brand advertisers to target their ads to ad units that are immediately visible when the page is loading. (Above the fold ads)
If your ads are above the fold you may say, okay, I may see some of these ads on my site. Not so fast. Adsense is testing a model that is "statistically-driven. The model will take into account various user experiences and situations (which includes different web browsers, monitor sizes, and screen resolutions).
If Google determines that the ads is above the fold, and fully on-screen when the browser window loads, you may see brand advertiser ads.
Adsense is hoping this will bring in more revenue to them, of course, and to publishers over time.
Read more...
Google is always looking for different ways to bring new advertisers to Google. So what's new, or should I say, what's being launched?
Enticing The Brand Advertiser
Their new advertising push is toward brand advertisers. Brand advertisers are different then direct response advertisers, thus, they need a different approach.
Before I get any further, let me define the difference between a brand advertiser and a direct response advertiser.
Direct response advertiser
The direct response advertiser typically look for clicks and conversions from the campaigns they run on your site. Let's look at an example:
A direct response advertiser is selling a cellphone. Their sole purpose is for the user to click through and make a purchase or that cellphone seen in the picture, or another cellphone on their site.
Brand Advertiser
The brand advertiser is focused more on raising brand awareness, typically displaying ads for a product or service that the person may buy in the future. Example of a brand advertiser promotion example:
The person sees the advertisement of an add stating that a new cellphone by the specific company is coming out at a future date. Their purpose is to generate awareness among users.
Now that you are aware of brand awareness, can brand awareness ads be coming to your website or blog?
Good question? Maybe, maybe not. Brand advertisers tend to be more selective about the sites they run their ads on, as well as, where on the page their ads appear. So what is Adsense solution for Brand Advertisers?
New Adsense Beta Advertiser Feature
The new beta advertiser feature directed toward brand advertisers are:
1. New feature will allow brand advertisers to target their ads to ad units that are immediately visible when the page is loading. (Above the fold ads)
If your ads are above the fold you may say, okay, I may see some of these ads on my site. Not so fast. Adsense is testing a model that is "statistically-driven. The model will take into account various user experiences and situations (which includes different web browsers, monitor sizes, and screen resolutions).
If Google determines that the ads is above the fold, and fully on-screen when the browser window loads, you may see brand advertiser ads.
Adsense is hoping this will bring in more revenue to them, of course, and to publishers over time.
Read more...
Monday, March 1, 2010
Article Marketing- Cheap Advertising
Article Marketing-Cheap Advertising
Article marketing is a good way to advertise your site or blog, and it is cheap-it's free. And, when you are first starting out online, the word "cheap" or "free" sound pretty darn good.
If you write your article, correctly, you can see targeted traffic that can last for years. Thus, if you are planning on writing trendy articles, be aware that these articles will have a short life span. You don't think an article can bring people to your site for years? I didn't think it was possible, until I wrote an article that is still bring traffic to my site for several years.
With that being said, here's a quick read on "Article Writing-Cheap Way To Advertise".
I also have information on Article Marketing that is on my website. Keep an eye on my Article Marketing Page, because I'll be adding more too it, as well as, possible submission tools information and reviews-when I use them.
Read more...
Article marketing is a good way to advertise your site or blog, and it is cheap-it's free. And, when you are first starting out online, the word "cheap" or "free" sound pretty darn good.
If you write your article, correctly, you can see targeted traffic that can last for years. Thus, if you are planning on writing trendy articles, be aware that these articles will have a short life span. You don't think an article can bring people to your site for years? I didn't think it was possible, until I wrote an article that is still bring traffic to my site for several years.
With that being said, here's a quick read on "Article Writing-Cheap Way To Advertise".
I also have information on Article Marketing that is on my website. Keep an eye on my Article Marketing Page, because I'll be adding more too it, as well as, possible submission tools information and reviews-when I use them.
Read more...
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Your Website-Important Elements To Remember
Your Website-Important Elements To Remember
Usually when you read an article about "building a website" you see pointers like: make sure you emphasize, keywords in your title and your content, and definitely no keyword spamming. But usually, most articles skim over the elements of: 1) load speed; 2) sitemaps, and navigation. Why?
Usually, the writer assumes that it's no big deal, because everyone should know that they have to have these elements for users to get to their website's content.
Or, if you are new to building a website, load speed, sitemaps and your navigation is usually not at the top of your "to do list". I know, it wasn't at the top of mine! I knew I needed the navigation, but I definitely didn't have a clue about sitemaps, or if I could even tackle a sitemap. And, load speed meant nothing to me. But these elements are important.
The search engines are your entrance to the Internet, and they (the search engines) use your sitemap and navigation to better categorize your information on the web. And load time, Google is just beginning to sprinkle that feature into your algorithm, just to give users a better experience on your site.
With that being said, I have summarized my thoughts in the following article about these three elements, and how they work hand-in-hand at giving all a "user-friendly" experience.
Building a Website-Is It User-Friendly
Read more...
Usually when you read an article about "building a website" you see pointers like: make sure you emphasize, keywords in your title and your content, and definitely no keyword spamming. But usually, most articles skim over the elements of: 1) load speed; 2) sitemaps, and navigation. Why?
Usually, the writer assumes that it's no big deal, because everyone should know that they have to have these elements for users to get to their website's content.
Or, if you are new to building a website, load speed, sitemaps and your navigation is usually not at the top of your "to do list". I know, it wasn't at the top of mine! I knew I needed the navigation, but I definitely didn't have a clue about sitemaps, or if I could even tackle a sitemap. And, load speed meant nothing to me. But these elements are important.
The search engines are your entrance to the Internet, and they (the search engines) use your sitemap and navigation to better categorize your information on the web. And load time, Google is just beginning to sprinkle that feature into your algorithm, just to give users a better experience on your site.
With that being said, I have summarized my thoughts in the following article about these three elements, and how they work hand-in-hand at giving all a "user-friendly" experience.
Building a Website-Is It User-Friendly
Read more...
Monday, February 15, 2010
Google Breadcrumbs Anyone?
Google Breadcrumbs Anyone?
By Vickie Scanlon
Google Breadcrumbs? What in the world are Google breadcrumbs? And, how are they associated with Google.
In this instance, this has nothing to do with bread, but a different method in which Google is presenting your web pages to the global network.
So, what does that mean to webmasters? It means that you can see more of your links on the search result pages.
The best way in which you can get your breadcrumb URLs to show up in Google is to make sure you have a set of delimited links that accurately reflect your site's hierarchy. Which means, your navigation and sitemap is becoming more important.
There are three types of Google breadcrumbs that Google have been using: by path, location, and attribute. Let me give you a quick explanation.
Types of Google Breadcrumbs
Path breadcrumbs-Is the path the user took to arrive at a page.
Location breadcrumbs - show where the page is located in the website hierarchy. (Currently, this type of breadcrumb I am seeing in my own search on Google).
Attribute breadcrumbs - Gives information that categorizes the current page.
Obviously Google is using location breadcrumbs. However, this new SEO technique is only in the beginning stages for Google (noticed that Yahoo is using it as well). This new technique can give you, the webmaster/blogger, greater exposure for your pages. So, my advise is to keep "breadcrumbs" in the back of their mind when you are building your site. Why? Though, this is my opinion-it's great for the users, webmasters, and it makes the search engines all that more useful to the users.
And for the webmaster with SEO on their mind-it means that each link can be more or less valuable based on the relationship with and context to information found behind other links.
Though there is some confusion among webmasters/bloggers alike, as to what delimiter to use: /, >, ???, or | , I've seen my breadcrumbs showing up with /. Translated don't change anything until you know a change is needed in this regard.
Read more...
By Vickie Scanlon
Google Breadcrumbs? What in the world are Google breadcrumbs? And, how are they associated with Google.
In this instance, this has nothing to do with bread, but a different method in which Google is presenting your web pages to the global network.
So, what does that mean to webmasters? It means that you can see more of your links on the search result pages.
The best way in which you can get your breadcrumb URLs to show up in Google is to make sure you have a set of delimited links that accurately reflect your site's hierarchy. Which means, your navigation and sitemap is becoming more important.
There are three types of Google breadcrumbs that Google have been using: by path, location, and attribute. Let me give you a quick explanation.
Types of Google Breadcrumbs
Path breadcrumbs-Is the path the user took to arrive at a page.
Location breadcrumbs - show where the page is located in the website hierarchy. (Currently, this type of breadcrumb I am seeing in my own search on Google).
Attribute breadcrumbs - Gives information that categorizes the current page.
Obviously Google is using location breadcrumbs. However, this new SEO technique is only in the beginning stages for Google (noticed that Yahoo is using it as well). This new technique can give you, the webmaster/blogger, greater exposure for your pages. So, my advise is to keep "breadcrumbs" in the back of their mind when you are building your site. Why? Though, this is my opinion-it's great for the users, webmasters, and it makes the search engines all that more useful to the users.
And for the webmaster with SEO on their mind-it means that each link can be more or less valuable based on the relationship with and context to information found behind other links.
Though there is some confusion among webmasters/bloggers alike, as to what delimiter to use: /, >, ???, or | , I've seen my breadcrumbs showing up with /. Translated don't change anything until you know a change is needed in this regard.
Read more...
Monday, February 8, 2010
SEO and Search
SEO and Search
Search and SEO go hand-in-hand. And,as Google adds more bells and whistles for it's users of search, the individual who utilizes SEO (which I assume is almost everyone) will need to know what types are out there and how you can get a piece of the traffic from the different search methods, or to even decide if the search method(s) is viable for their website.
Since search methods are ever changing and expanding, I decided to create a permanent web page with some of the most looked at methods-and what you need to do to help the traffic find you.
SEO and the Different Search Methods
Covers the different search methods of:
Universal Search
Local Search
Image Search
Personalized Search
Real Time Search
Read more...
Search and SEO go hand-in-hand. And,as Google adds more bells and whistles for it's users of search, the individual who utilizes SEO (which I assume is almost everyone) will need to know what types are out there and how you can get a piece of the traffic from the different search methods, or to even decide if the search method(s) is viable for their website.
Since search methods are ever changing and expanding, I decided to create a permanent web page with some of the most looked at methods-and what you need to do to help the traffic find you.
SEO and the Different Search Methods
Covers the different search methods of:
Universal Search
Local Search
Image Search
Personalized Search
Real Time Search
Read more...
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Site/Page Speed Revisited
Site/Page Speed Revisited
Not very long ago, I discussed the possibility of Google including site speed as one element in determining page rank.
After much talk on blogs and websites about site speed, Matt Cutt's thought it would be wise to clarify "site speed" against that of relevancy of content in regards to page ranking within the search engines.
Paraphrasing Matt Cutt's , "relevant, useful content will always outrank page speed." So where does it leave us webmasters or bloggers, since we don't know how much weight this element has?
It leaves us with taking a possible common sense view of how to proceed. Relevant, useful content will always be in the forefront, with page speed as 1 of over 200 other elements that go into determining your position within Google.
If you've just put a blog or website online, you've probably read numerous tutorials about getting started. Most beginning tutorials always stress user-friendly pages that load quickly, have easy to use navigation, easy readability, etc. that welcomes the user to your site with open arms and not confusion.
Thus, if you remembered those tutorials you've read, and kept that advise in the back of your mind when constructing a web page, you'll not only please the search engines, but the user who visits your site.
However, don't stress yourself out with revising your pages. I'm not saying, don't try and improve the user's experience or site speed. What I am saying is, "If you've consumed your day with trying to pick up your web page speed, while not writing any new content, scale back your stress and remember, its only 1 element in over 200 elements that compose Google's page ranking.
Read more...
Not very long ago, I discussed the possibility of Google including site speed as one element in determining page rank.
After much talk on blogs and websites about site speed, Matt Cutt's thought it would be wise to clarify "site speed" against that of relevancy of content in regards to page ranking within the search engines.
Paraphrasing Matt Cutt's , "relevant, useful content will always outrank page speed." So where does it leave us webmasters or bloggers, since we don't know how much weight this element has?
It leaves us with taking a possible common sense view of how to proceed. Relevant, useful content will always be in the forefront, with page speed as 1 of over 200 other elements that go into determining your position within Google.
If you've just put a blog or website online, you've probably read numerous tutorials about getting started. Most beginning tutorials always stress user-friendly pages that load quickly, have easy to use navigation, easy readability, etc. that welcomes the user to your site with open arms and not confusion.
Thus, if you remembered those tutorials you've read, and kept that advise in the back of your mind when constructing a web page, you'll not only please the search engines, but the user who visits your site.
However, don't stress yourself out with revising your pages. I'm not saying, don't try and improve the user's experience or site speed. What I am saying is, "If you've consumed your day with trying to pick up your web page speed, while not writing any new content, scale back your stress and remember, its only 1 element in over 200 elements that compose Google's page ranking.
Read more...
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Personalized Search-What Is It?
Personalized Search-What Is It?
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Personalized search by Google means that the search results that Google provides will be aimed at relevancy to the individual user and not just the average user. This type of search was offered to sign-in users, but now they are expanding outward to include signed-out users as well.
So what does that mean to those who are utilizing SEO? It means that Google is customizing the users search according to previous searches. For SEO that means that people will not be seeing the same results as other people-because of their (the users) past searches.
How does this affect SEO. Some have suggested that it could make you rethink SEO in a broad light. You may: 1) need to utilize more long-tail keyword phrases versus just the high ranking keywords (but if you're a small website-you may already be doing this-if you're not, you should be.); 2) may have to utilize Adwords to draw traffic with a new web page.
However, the user can turn off personalized search. So how do you do it?
How to turn off personalized search-
To disable history-based search customizations you will need to remove Web History from your Google Account.
You can choose to remove individual items.
1) In the top right corner of the search results page-click Web History
2) Click disable customizations on the resulting page
Or you can delete the current cookie storing searches from within your browser and start fresh. Will personalize search cause a problem for SEO?
Maybe, but if you include several long-tail keywords in your content it can help blunt the change. As would be the case, if individual searchers decide to turn off the personalized search that Google has put into place when they browse.
Read more...
By Vickie J. Scanlon
Personalized search by Google means that the search results that Google provides will be aimed at relevancy to the individual user and not just the average user. This type of search was offered to sign-in users, but now they are expanding outward to include signed-out users as well.
So what does that mean to those who are utilizing SEO? It means that Google is customizing the users search according to previous searches. For SEO that means that people will not be seeing the same results as other people-because of their (the users) past searches.
How does this affect SEO. Some have suggested that it could make you rethink SEO in a broad light. You may: 1) need to utilize more long-tail keyword phrases versus just the high ranking keywords (but if you're a small website-you may already be doing this-if you're not, you should be.); 2) may have to utilize Adwords to draw traffic with a new web page.
However, the user can turn off personalized search. So how do you do it?
How to turn off personalized search-
To disable history-based search customizations you will need to remove Web History from your Google Account.
You can choose to remove individual items.
1) In the top right corner of the search results page-click Web History
2) Click disable customizations on the resulting page
Or you can delete the current cookie storing searches from within your browser and start fresh. Will personalize search cause a problem for SEO?
Maybe, but if you include several long-tail keywords in your content it can help blunt the change. As would be the case, if individual searchers decide to turn off the personalized search that Google has put into place when they browse.
Read more...
Monday, January 18, 2010
Site Speed-Important to Page Ranking in 2010?
Site Speed-Important to Page Ranking in 2010?
Is site speed going to be an important element to your page ranking in 2010? Possibly.
There has been a suggestion by Google's Matt Cutt's that "page speed" may become a ranking factor with Google. They (Google) want users to enjoy there search experience, and, speed is one way in which Google can improve the user's search experience.
Though many a webmaster may be grumbling about the "site speed" issue, I'm sure it's a done deal. As I always said, always be prepared for change on the Internet.
But for some, this change is going to take a little more doing-if you have video, images, or other elements that slow load time. So, where do you begin in determining your "site performance" for web page loading.
Site Performance Tools
Google suggests using their Webmaster tools to look at your "site performance". It's a chart that gives you a quick look of your site overall load time-and your site percentage performance against other sites. However, be sure to watch the load time over a period of time-to get the true average. And if you see some of your pages with high load times-those would probably be the pages to improve load time on.
In addition, they also provide you with a section that will give you suggestions on how to speed up your web page. The suggestions are based on Google's Page Speed Firefox/Firebug plug-in.
Some Final Thoughts
If, per Google, you want to improve user retention, increase revenue and lower costs, you should improve your site speed. I agree with Google on the retention and lower costs elements, but as to increase revenue, well- Let me explain these three elements to your online success.
Retention of users is a given, if you have quicker load time for your pages. Why? Most visitors are in a hurry. They are not willing to wait around to watch a web page load, instead they will click away and find the information elsewhere.
Lower costs. Quick load times does save on bandwidth- if you do have a lot of visitors.
The last element, increased revenue, will improve with quick load times. My answer to that is, possibly. Quick load time, in my opinion, will only keep your visitors there a few more seconds. If the quality of your content does not entice visitors to stay longer, or encourage them to buy- you're not going to see increased revenue.
Read more...
Is site speed going to be an important element to your page ranking in 2010? Possibly.
There has been a suggestion by Google's Matt Cutt's that "page speed" may become a ranking factor with Google. They (Google) want users to enjoy there search experience, and, speed is one way in which Google can improve the user's search experience.
Though many a webmaster may be grumbling about the "site speed" issue, I'm sure it's a done deal. As I always said, always be prepared for change on the Internet.
But for some, this change is going to take a little more doing-if you have video, images, or other elements that slow load time. So, where do you begin in determining your "site performance" for web page loading.
Site Performance Tools
Google suggests using their Webmaster tools to look at your "site performance". It's a chart that gives you a quick look of your site overall load time-and your site percentage performance against other sites. However, be sure to watch the load time over a period of time-to get the true average. And if you see some of your pages with high load times-those would probably be the pages to improve load time on.
In addition, they also provide you with a section that will give you suggestions on how to speed up your web page. The suggestions are based on Google's Page Speed Firefox/Firebug plug-in.
Some Final Thoughts
If, per Google, you want to improve user retention, increase revenue and lower costs, you should improve your site speed. I agree with Google on the retention and lower costs elements, but as to increase revenue, well- Let me explain these three elements to your online success.
Retention of users is a given, if you have quicker load time for your pages. Why? Most visitors are in a hurry. They are not willing to wait around to watch a web page load, instead they will click away and find the information elsewhere.
Lower costs. Quick load times does save on bandwidth- if you do have a lot of visitors.
The last element, increased revenue, will improve with quick load times. My answer to that is, possibly. Quick load time, in my opinion, will only keep your visitors there a few more seconds. If the quality of your content does not entice visitors to stay longer, or encourage them to buy- you're not going to see increased revenue.
Read more...
Monday, January 11, 2010
PPC When To Use It?
PPC When To Use It?
By Vickie J. Scnalon
As everyone knows, PPC can be expensive if you do not do your research on how it works, how much it costs (versus how much you can afford to spend) and if it will benefit your website. If you do your research and prepare to use PPC it can be useful in the short term.
The Last Blog entry I discussed, covered the long-term benefits of SEO, this week's blog entry I'll discuss the short-term benefits of PPC for your website. But let's first begin with the definition, for those new to PPC.
PPC -what is it?
PPC is pay-per-click advertising. You pay the search engines for showing your ads on their search and content networks. The price is driven by: price per keyword and the price you want to pay on a daily basis. You set both, the daily budget and the price per click for your ads campaign. The success of your campaign will be, obviously, how many sales you make against the price you paid for the ads. So what are the benefits and drawbacks of PPC?
Benefits of PPC
Pay-Per-Click advertising does have it's benefits.
Drawbacks of PPC
Yes, there are drawbacks to Pay-per-click advertising. I know, I'm hearing the groaning now. But it's better to be aware, than to jump blindly into the PPC pool.
As you can see, PPC is a great way to get targeted traffic to your site in the short term. However, the major drawback is the price you have to pay to get that targeted traffic. If you want to try your hand with PPC, I'd suggest learning some of the ins and out of Pay-Per-Click Advertising, especially if you're on a tight budget.
If you want more information about PPC then check out my review of Definitive Guide To Google Adwords by Guru Perry Marshall.
Read more...
By Vickie J. Scnalon
As everyone knows, PPC can be expensive if you do not do your research on how it works, how much it costs (versus how much you can afford to spend) and if it will benefit your website. If you do your research and prepare to use PPC it can be useful in the short term.
The Last Blog entry I discussed, covered the long-term benefits of SEO, this week's blog entry I'll discuss the short-term benefits of PPC for your website. But let's first begin with the definition, for those new to PPC.
PPC -what is it?
PPC is pay-per-click advertising. You pay the search engines for showing your ads on their search and content networks. The price is driven by: price per keyword and the price you want to pay on a daily basis. You set both, the daily budget and the price per click for your ads campaign. The success of your campaign will be, obviously, how many sales you make against the price you paid for the ads. So what are the benefits and drawbacks of PPC?
Benefits of PPC
Pay-Per-Click advertising does have it's benefits.
- Immediate exposure and sales if you find the right keyword combination and you construct the right ad that will give you the conversion you need.
- You can experiment with more than one ad and keyword combination. You are not limited by the number of keywords that you use.
- Keywords are more targeted to your web page/website
- Gives you traffic in the short term. If you are a new site this can help give your website quicker exposure on the Internet.
- Great for seasonal items or time sensitive promotions
- Great for feedback. (Translated-if your ads do not spark a click, you have a problem with your landing page, keywords, or ad(s)
- PPC is more goal driven. You can manipulate keywords and ads to help drive conversions
Drawbacks of PPC
Yes, there are drawbacks to Pay-per-click advertising. I know, I'm hearing the groaning now. But it's better to be aware, than to jump blindly into the PPC pool.
- PPC can continue only as long as your budget holds up
- PPC does not go across all search engines- it only hits the search engine that you are paying to show your ads
- Your PPC success is limited by your PPC knowledge
- If you don't know what you are doing, you can quickly lose your budget for the full year.
As you can see, PPC is a great way to get targeted traffic to your site in the short term. However, the major drawback is the price you have to pay to get that targeted traffic. If you want to try your hand with PPC, I'd suggest learning some of the ins and out of Pay-Per-Click Advertising, especially if you're on a tight budget.
If you want more information about PPC then check out my review of Definitive Guide To Google Adwords by Guru Perry Marshall.
Read more...
Saturday, January 2, 2010
SEO Benefits and Drawbacks
SEO has it's benefits and drawbacks. If you can wait to see results, SEO is a good process to consider. If you can take the time, work with SEO, you can have traffic for a long time. Below, you'll find a quick look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of SEO.
SEO Benefits and Drawbacks
By Vickie J. Scanlon
SEO have it's benefits and drawbacks as you will soon see. But, if you're willing to learn SEO, you may find greater rewards for your website or blow. But first, let's define SEO.
SEO Defined
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of placing specific keywords within your content, so that you can get free visitors from any and all search engines that find your site. If you do the process correctly, you can receive targeted visitors for a long time.
However, learning SEO is a daunting process. First SEO is not static, and second, Google changes the algorithms it uses in an attempt to keep webmasters honest. Thus, if you decide to jump into the SEO game you must be aware that you may have to tweak your content and keywords from time to time. But it's doeable.
So what what are the benefits and drawbacks of SEO?
SEO Benefits
1) Permanent solution to getting traffic to your site
2) Only investment is your time-not your money.
3) SEO allows you to build an online presence over time
4) SEO placement goes across all search engines
SEO Drawbacks
1) SEO is a long term process, meaning, it may take 30 days to several months to see if the keywords you chose is giving you the results you want. And, if the keywords that you chose did not give you the results you want- traffic, sign up for a newsletter, etc., you will have to repeat the process once again.
Which means, it will take another 30 days to several months to see any results. I hear the groans out there now. And the under the breathe utterance of "There's always a catch!". There is, but if you expect to do little or no work and make a lot of money, it's not going to happen.
2) Your web pages can only account for a limited number of keywords. This is what is usually called "keyword density". Many say the optimum number of specific keywords should have a density between 1 and 3 percent. Using a keyword more, would be considered keyword spamming. If you spam the search engines, they can choose to penalize your site or ban your site completely.
3) If you choose keywords that are not relevant to your website, you'll get traffic, but no buyers.
SEO can give you a long-term solution to traffic. Though SEO can get traffic to your site, it's not a given that people will buy. That's a completely different area of concern- your landing page.
For additional information, you can check out my web pages on my website on:
SEO Basics
SEO Research
Read more...
SEO Benefits and Drawbacks
By Vickie J. Scanlon
SEO have it's benefits and drawbacks as you will soon see. But, if you're willing to learn SEO, you may find greater rewards for your website or blow. But first, let's define SEO.
SEO Defined
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process of placing specific keywords within your content, so that you can get free visitors from any and all search engines that find your site. If you do the process correctly, you can receive targeted visitors for a long time.
However, learning SEO is a daunting process. First SEO is not static, and second, Google changes the algorithms it uses in an attempt to keep webmasters honest. Thus, if you decide to jump into the SEO game you must be aware that you may have to tweak your content and keywords from time to time. But it's doeable.
So what what are the benefits and drawbacks of SEO?
SEO Benefits
1) Permanent solution to getting traffic to your site
2) Only investment is your time-not your money.
3) SEO allows you to build an online presence over time
4) SEO placement goes across all search engines
SEO Drawbacks
1) SEO is a long term process, meaning, it may take 30 days to several months to see if the keywords you chose is giving you the results you want. And, if the keywords that you chose did not give you the results you want- traffic, sign up for a newsletter, etc., you will have to repeat the process once again.
Which means, it will take another 30 days to several months to see any results. I hear the groans out there now. And the under the breathe utterance of "There's always a catch!". There is, but if you expect to do little or no work and make a lot of money, it's not going to happen.
2) Your web pages can only account for a limited number of keywords. This is what is usually called "keyword density". Many say the optimum number of specific keywords should have a density between 1 and 3 percent. Using a keyword more, would be considered keyword spamming. If you spam the search engines, they can choose to penalize your site or ban your site completely.
3) If you choose keywords that are not relevant to your website, you'll get traffic, but no buyers.
SEO can give you a long-term solution to traffic. Though SEO can get traffic to your site, it's not a given that people will buy. That's a completely different area of concern- your landing page.
For additional information, you can check out my web pages on my website on:
SEO Basics
SEO Research
Read more...
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Google Adds New Socialize Feature to Feedburner
Google Adds New Socialize Feature to Feedburner
Google is adding a new feature that will please bloggers-a new URL shortener that will integrate with Feedburner. And the new "socialize" feature, you'll be able to use Feedburner to send Tweets out automatically via Feedburner.
I'm sure many bloggers are using a plugin or a service like TwitterFeed to send out their tweets. But for those using Feedburner it's a nice new option to utilize.
What is Feedburner including within this new feature:
1. Ability to tweet out just the title or include some of the body
2. Adding hashtags
3. Adding something before or after the title
4. Filtering
5. Limiting how many tweets go out.
Even though other services may be offering the same features, Google's addition to Feedburner makes it a nice convenience to manage everything under one account. Next question-Is it possible that you may see this social connection in your Google Analysis? Let's wait and see.
Read more...
Google is adding a new feature that will please bloggers-a new URL shortener that will integrate with Feedburner. And the new "socialize" feature, you'll be able to use Feedburner to send Tweets out automatically via Feedburner.
I'm sure many bloggers are using a plugin or a service like TwitterFeed to send out their tweets. But for those using Feedburner it's a nice new option to utilize.
What is Feedburner including within this new feature:
1. Ability to tweet out just the title or include some of the body
2. Adding hashtags
3. Adding something before or after the title
4. Filtering
5. Limiting how many tweets go out.
Even though other services may be offering the same features, Google's addition to Feedburner makes it a nice convenience to manage everything under one account. Next question-Is it possible that you may see this social connection in your Google Analysis? Let's wait and see.
Read more...
Friday, December 4, 2009
FTC Rules Went Live Dec 1
FTC Rules Went Live Dec 1
FTC Rules went live on December 1- these new rules govern blogs, websites, marketers and online advertising agencies. Here is some of the elements that all must be conscious of:
1. marketer gives a product to a blogger in hopes of a good review
Companies that make payments or give free products to bloggers and other online commentators for favorable reviews for their products will now have to monitor closely the statements and claims made about the products and ensure that these relationships, if material, are clearly disclosed. If these rules are not followed they (bloggers and advertisers) could face liability charges for false and misleading statements. Violations for any infractions of the new FTC Rules could be punishable by civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.
2. marketer may institute a word-of-mouth campaign where participants receive something of value in return for sending out emails, or tweets to their friends.
Rule: Testimonials which do not describe typical consumer experiences must clearly disclosure the results consumers can generally expect to achieve by using an advertised product.
In additions, customers who give the testimonial must have bought the product. The customer has to be real and not a fictitious person.
3. An "expert" endorsement-should be an individual that has special knowledge that qualifies him or her to make the endorsement.
The FTC has indicated that advertisers, and not bloggers will be its main enforcement target.
However, a blogger that violates the rules and who receives a warning will still be at risk.
If this rule is not followed by an affiliate, blogger or social media user, the said blogger and advertiser will be charged $11,000 for each infraction. Example: If you had two posts - You would be fined $22,000. One thing is certain, advertisers will have to closely monitor their affiliates for any infractions. And, the affiliates will have to monitor their own behavior as well.
Even though it emphasized bloggers, it will hit websites as well. Why wouldn't it? In fact, one of the company's I'm an affiliate for has asked me to please comply with their wish of placing an emblem on my site to indicate that I'm an "authorized affiliate" for that company. Translated, no online marketer is exempt from the FTC rules.
There seems to be a lot of gray area with the new FTC rules. Meaning, it leaves room to interpretation and thus, possible unintended consequences. Disclosure is another issue.
Where does the disclosure have to be on your blog or website-in your policy disclosure on your website pages or if a blog, after each post on a blog, or after the "affiliate url".
Next question, how will this affect PPC ads?
Read more...
FTC Rules went live on December 1- these new rules govern blogs, websites, marketers and online advertising agencies. Here is some of the elements that all must be conscious of:
1. marketer gives a product to a blogger in hopes of a good review
Companies that make payments or give free products to bloggers and other online commentators for favorable reviews for their products will now have to monitor closely the statements and claims made about the products and ensure that these relationships, if material, are clearly disclosed. If these rules are not followed they (bloggers and advertisers) could face liability charges for false and misleading statements. Violations for any infractions of the new FTC Rules could be punishable by civil penalties of up to $11,000 per violation.
2. marketer may institute a word-of-mouth campaign where participants receive something of value in return for sending out emails, or tweets to their friends.
Rule: Testimonials which do not describe typical consumer experiences must clearly disclosure the results consumers can generally expect to achieve by using an advertised product.
In additions, customers who give the testimonial must have bought the product. The customer has to be real and not a fictitious person.
3. An "expert" endorsement-should be an individual that has special knowledge that qualifies him or her to make the endorsement.
The FTC has indicated that advertisers, and not bloggers will be its main enforcement target.
However, a blogger that violates the rules and who receives a warning will still be at risk.
If this rule is not followed by an affiliate, blogger or social media user, the said blogger and advertiser will be charged $11,000 for each infraction. Example: If you had two posts - You would be fined $22,000. One thing is certain, advertisers will have to closely monitor their affiliates for any infractions. And, the affiliates will have to monitor their own behavior as well.
Even though it emphasized bloggers, it will hit websites as well. Why wouldn't it? In fact, one of the company's I'm an affiliate for has asked me to please comply with their wish of placing an emblem on my site to indicate that I'm an "authorized affiliate" for that company. Translated, no online marketer is exempt from the FTC rules.
There seems to be a lot of gray area with the new FTC rules. Meaning, it leaves room to interpretation and thus, possible unintended consequences. Disclosure is another issue.
Where does the disclosure have to be on your blog or website-in your policy disclosure on your website pages or if a blog, after each post on a blog, or after the "affiliate url".
Next question, how will this affect PPC ads?
Read more...
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What Is Google's Caffeine?
What Is Google's Caffeine?
What is Google's Caffeine? It is the new Algorithm update that Google will begin rolling out soon, if it's not already rolled out. Best guess is, it will mean better way of crawling the web, better at determining authority and reputation, beyond the typical PageRank, and speed.
Currently, per Google's Matt Cutts, Google's Caffeine is only going live at one of Google's data centers, but will eventually see full implementation after the holidays. Why? They didn't want to upset webmasters by releasing it before the holidays. I think that's a great idea, turmoil before the holidays can make for a great case of indigestion, and a restless holiday(s).
Google's Caffeine will not look or feel any different from the now popular Google search engine, but will work behind the scenes to improve performance-faster, better and more flexible results.
Undoubtedly, the new year will find web developers and search engine optimization people working hard to try and figure out the new algorithm changes against that of the old algorithm. Ah yes, in with the new, out with the old-and new headaches.
Read more...
What is Google's Caffeine? It is the new Algorithm update that Google will begin rolling out soon, if it's not already rolled out. Best guess is, it will mean better way of crawling the web, better at determining authority and reputation, beyond the typical PageRank, and speed.
Currently, per Google's Matt Cutts, Google's Caffeine is only going live at one of Google's data centers, but will eventually see full implementation after the holidays. Why? They didn't want to upset webmasters by releasing it before the holidays. I think that's a great idea, turmoil before the holidays can make for a great case of indigestion, and a restless holiday(s).
Google's Caffeine will not look or feel any different from the now popular Google search engine, but will work behind the scenes to improve performance-faster, better and more flexible results.
Undoubtedly, the new year will find web developers and search engine optimization people working hard to try and figure out the new algorithm changes against that of the old algorithm. Ah yes, in with the new, out with the old-and new headaches.
Read more...
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Podcasting-Thinking About It?
Podcasting-Thinking About It?
Some may have heard the word "podcast" and not know what it is, or some know what it is and don't know what you need to do or have to do to get started using it. And, most importantly, some wonder if it can be used with their business or niche website or blog? Let's begin with a simple definition.
Podcasting in it's simplest form, is an audio file through the Internet-aka Radio Show. However, it also can include video podcasting and streaming video (make sure your web hosting service supports this method.
I'm sure you've widely seen and heard them through news networks and maybe on political sites. And many may assume, that this is the only type of site that can use a podcast. Not true.
A podcast can be used for most any business or niche website or blog? Not only can it draw traffic to your site, it can make you money if you grow a following of listeners. It's uses is only limited by your imagination. I've included the information about Podcasting on my website at:
Podcasting Overview -- Describes what podcasting is and how you can use it in your business and how to make money using a podcast.
Mechanics of Podcasting - Describes what you need to get started podcasting.
Read more...
Some may have heard the word "podcast" and not know what it is, or some know what it is and don't know what you need to do or have to do to get started using it. And, most importantly, some wonder if it can be used with their business or niche website or blog? Let's begin with a simple definition.
Podcasting in it's simplest form, is an audio file through the Internet-aka Radio Show. However, it also can include video podcasting and streaming video (make sure your web hosting service supports this method.
I'm sure you've widely seen and heard them through news networks and maybe on political sites. And many may assume, that this is the only type of site that can use a podcast. Not true.
A podcast can be used for most any business or niche website or blog? Not only can it draw traffic to your site, it can make you money if you grow a following of listeners. It's uses is only limited by your imagination. I've included the information about Podcasting on my website at:
Podcasting Overview -- Describes what podcasting is and how you can use it in your business and how to make money using a podcast.
Mechanics of Podcasting - Describes what you need to get started podcasting.
Read more...
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The Phishing/Trojan Scam-What Is It?
The Phishing/Trojan Scam -What Is It?
The phishing/trojan scam has been around for a while, however, it is making a comeback. Why? People and companies are become more savvy-thus, so are the attackers.
If you work on the Internet, do a lot of Internet browsing, or you're into Social Media you must remain, or become more alert. The phishing/trojan scam is hitting not only consumers but enterprises as well.
Check out the details in my article:
Phishing/Trojan Scams on the Rise
There seems to be a decline in straight phishing scams-meaning that attackers are finding different methods to obtain the same gains they found with phishing but are now incorporating a Trojan. I give you a quick intro to what phishing is, as well as, what a Trojan is and can do to your system, before giving examples of what is hitting the Internet. Read More....
Read more...
The phishing/trojan scam has been around for a while, however, it is making a comeback. Why? People and companies are become more savvy-thus, so are the attackers.
If you work on the Internet, do a lot of Internet browsing, or you're into Social Media you must remain, or become more alert. The phishing/trojan scam is hitting not only consumers but enterprises as well.
Check out the details in my article:
Phishing/Trojan Scams on the Rise
There seems to be a decline in straight phishing scams-meaning that attackers are finding different methods to obtain the same gains they found with phishing but are now incorporating a Trojan. I give you a quick intro to what phishing is, as well as, what a Trojan is and can do to your system, before giving examples of what is hitting the Internet. Read More....
Read more...
Monday, October 26, 2009
Are You Looking At Windows 7?
Are You Looking At Windows 7?
Obviously Windows 7 is now out on the marketplace. You see it on TV, in the news and on the Internet. You also have to try to get past all the Internet chatter to get a thorough understanding of this new operating system.
Windows 7 is expected to be better than Vista, but what does Windows 7 have and no longer have that you have with Vista or XP?
And, are you going to have any compatibility problems with your old software when upgrading from XP or Vista?
Will your computer support Windows 7?
These are all questions that I try to answer in: Windows 7 Anyone?
Read more...
Obviously Windows 7 is now out on the marketplace. You see it on TV, in the news and on the Internet. You also have to try to get past all the Internet chatter to get a thorough understanding of this new operating system.
Windows 7 is expected to be better than Vista, but what does Windows 7 have and no longer have that you have with Vista or XP?
And, are you going to have any compatibility problems with your old software when upgrading from XP or Vista?
Will your computer support Windows 7?
These are all questions that I try to answer in: Windows 7 Anyone?
Read more...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Is PageRank Important?
Is PageRank Important?
Is PageRank Important? In Google eyes, no. In fact, you will no longer see a PageRank tool in Google's Webmaster Tools.
Google has been telling people for a long time not to focus so much on PageRank. In fact, PageRank is just one small element out of 200 signals that indicates how your site will be crawled, indexed and ranked. What did PageRank give webmasters? A sense of security that they were doing something right, I guess.
What to do? I guess the only thing you can do is: 1) create quality content; 2) market your content to pull in traffic, and; 3) Don't worry about PageRank.
Read more...
Is PageRank Important? In Google eyes, no. In fact, you will no longer see a PageRank tool in Google's Webmaster Tools.
Google has been telling people for a long time not to focus so much on PageRank. In fact, PageRank is just one small element out of 200 signals that indicates how your site will be crawled, indexed and ranked. What did PageRank give webmasters? A sense of security that they were doing something right, I guess.
What to do? I guess the only thing you can do is: 1) create quality content; 2) market your content to pull in traffic, and; 3) Don't worry about PageRank.
Read more...
Monday, October 12, 2009
Adsense New Launchings
Adsense New Launchings
What's new with Adsense. Several new launchings to help those that have Adsense on their site to make more money. Interested?
Adsense is launching a new feature that will help adsense mobile publishers to take advantage of high-end mobile phone browsing. Publishers will have the ability to run larger Adsense ads visible on high-end phones. With the new JavaScript snippet that Google Adsense is introducing, it will help to reduce latency on high-end mobile phones, as well as allow publisher the ability to select additional ad unit sizes from common AdSense formats.
YouTube.com- Adsense is launching YouTube Promoted Video in Adsense ad units. You can see anything from movie trailers to product demos to really almost any kind of video on YouTube.
These promoted videos to AdSense sites will enable content producers to broaden their reach, while providing you with another way to earn money. Currently this new launch is in English for US publishers only. But expect that to change in the future.
Read more...
What's new with Adsense. Several new launchings to help those that have Adsense on their site to make more money. Interested?
Adsense is launching a new feature that will help adsense mobile publishers to take advantage of high-end mobile phone browsing. Publishers will have the ability to run larger Adsense ads visible on high-end phones. With the new JavaScript snippet that Google Adsense is introducing, it will help to reduce latency on high-end mobile phones, as well as allow publisher the ability to select additional ad unit sizes from common AdSense formats.
YouTube.com- Adsense is launching YouTube Promoted Video in Adsense ad units. You can see anything from movie trailers to product demos to really almost any kind of video on YouTube.
These promoted videos to AdSense sites will enable content producers to broaden their reach, while providing you with another way to earn money. Currently this new launch is in English for US publishers only. But expect that to change in the future.
Read more...
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