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While great content will always get you noticed, I have come to the somewhat obvious conclusion that “Content is NOT King, Google is King” on the web. This is a slightly different mindset when it comes to getting traffic and marketing on the net.

This new mindset doesn’t change the fact that you still have to create great content, but it changes the way one goes about promoting that content on the web.

In the last few years, Google’s share of the search market has grown to 65% or much more in most areas of the world. This domination of online search puts Google in control of what content is seen – regardless of its quality.

It plays a major role in your content’s visibility, a role so great that without Google’s approval, your content is not exactly dead in the water, but your chances of succeeding is much less than with a thumbs-up from Google.

Now, the real turning point (light bulb moment) for me was Google’s recent promotion of its own products or data, as in the whole “Google Plus Your World” search results features which were introduced a few weeks ago. Google is actively showing and promoting its Google+ profiles and posts within its SERPs.

Many believe Google is sacrificing both relevancy and quality by only showing its own data (as opposed to Twitter’s and Facebook’s profiles/posts which Google claims it no longer has access to) when Google users are logged into their accounts.

Those same critics also believe Google has stepped over the line and has become too self-promotional in the way it is now handling search. These critics say Google is promoting its other products such as YouTube, Blogger… over other outside entries in their search results.

Regardless of your view on this matter, there’s no denying Google has become much more pro-active in promoting its products. You can now see ads on TV and elsewhere for Google Chrome, Android, Adwords… all promoting Google’s products.

Why is all this important?

Many believe, myself included, that Google is aiming for control of all aspects of the web – not only search, but video and social as well. They want to control what web users search, see and how they socialize on the net. Google wants to be in the driver’s seat – plain and simple.

But Google’s influence will go much further than those three areas; Google probably would also like to control the browser (Chrome) we use, the operating system (Android) and the device (Chromebook) we view those results on. Only Microsoft comes close to doing the same thing, but they have really not presented a search engine which can beat Google and fall short in this respect.

This leaves Google in the Captain’s chair. It now controls what content on the web is seen and viewed. While this control is not complete, it is growing stronger month by month, year by year.

What is extremely troubling and a little hard to understand, Google is now JUDGING your WHOLE site instead of just the webpage/ content in question. This new attitude is reflected in the recent Panda Series of updates which was supposedly aimed at removing duplicate and low quality content from the web.

However, if a webmaster or site triggers just one of Google’s new rules… their whole site is lowered in the rankings, including their perfectly good high quality content. It is like saying you can’t have visitors into your house, because you have an untidy attic. Your visitors will never see the attic, but Google as Gatekeeper of the web, with the Panda Updates and other restrictions, makes sure your rightful visitors don’t even make it to the door.

This absurd, arbitrary ruling by Google is extremely hard to understand by small web site owners and businesses who don’t have the resources/manpower to re-design their sites at a drop of a hat. Whatever happened to Google’s motto of “Don’t be evil” or “Do no evil” when it comes to judging and penalizing WHOLE websites, instead of the pages in question. Many webmasters would be satisfied with “Don’t be cruel” when Google is ranking their sites.

Likewise, Google is rolling out another rule which states webmasters can’t have too many ads “above the fold” or their whole site will be penalized, not just the offending page in question. Ironically, at the same time, Google is actively telling webmasters to place Adsense above the fold… but they have no problem with placing their own ads above the fold.

What does this all mean?

To put it bluntly, you must make sure your content passes ALL of Google’s hurdles if you truly want it to succeed on the web. The long series of Panda Updates really pointed this out to many webmasters who failed to jump a few hurdles and saw their rankings drop from sight in Google.

To put it even more bluntly, webmasters and marketers must please Google if they want their content to have the best results. While quality content is still important, without Google’s approval your great content will go nowhere fast.

In addition, webmasters and marketers must optimize their content not only for Google search, but also for other Google products such as Google+, YouTube… and they must make sure their content displays properly in the Chrome browser because Google is taking data from these users to rank your content.

Quality content is no longer king of the web, Google is king of the web and you better play by Google’s rules or you might as well take your ball and go home.

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All views, opinions and conclusions are solely those of the author, who is a full-time search engine marketer. He runs numerous niche sites, including two sites on Internet Marketing. To get valuable marketing tips for free click here: internet marketing tools or here: web marketing tools. Titus Hoskins Copyright 2012.

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Has Google Replaced Content as King of the Web?

1. Keyword Basics:

The most important thing with keywords for your website is that you have to begin the process with proper research. Take advantage of free tools and services at your disposal such as the Google Adwords tool, and consider paying for more advanced and detailed programs.

Remember that keyword density is a thing of the past, there is no density you should be opting for. Instead, focus on natural inclusion of your targeted keywords, working them in where possible without doing it excessively.

Google Keyword Tool – google for “KeywordToolExternal.”

Note: The fastest results are seen in targeting a larger number of lower level competitive terms.

2. Create Great URLS:

There are many steps that go into creating great URLs. Starting from the beginning, you should pick a domain name that is short, memorable and includes your most important keyword phrase. While hyphens are acceptable, more than two begins to get excessive and spam-like.

For your individual page names, also include a relevant keyword, so that each URL looks something like your-main-keyword.com/ targeted-page-keyword.html.

When possible, avoid using session IDs and other dynamic page variables that add a lot of unnecessary junk to your page URLs.

Note: If you already have a site that prevents you from adjusting the page structure to accommodate keywords in your URLs, then consider buying additional domains (building mini sites) to support various segments within your niche. These additional mini sites will drive traffic to your main domain.

3. Find Long Tail Keywords:

Long tail keywords often are the secret to great search engine rankings. Long tail keywords include at least three words, and when you find ones related to your niche you will be facing much less competition. Additionally, the traffic you see as a result will be much more effectively targeted, ensuring you see better results.

Note: Adding longer tail keywords into your URL will help as well (see #2). Do a quick search and you will see most “experts” agree that the buyers are found with the Long Tail Terms. Boost your earnings through driving more of the right type of traffic … buyers!

4. Use Latent Semantic Indexing:

Latent Semantic Indexing, or LSI, is the process of including related keywords and phrases to your main phrases in order to boost your site’s value in the search engines. So if your site is about coffeemakers, you can include other related words, ranging from coffee makers to iced coffee and organic coffee and on down the list to help boost your rankings. This will also keep your site from being spammy because you won’t just be reusing the same keywords over and over again.

Note: The more content you have on your site about the general topic, the better your site will do for the specifics within that niche. That’s how a site becomes an authority on a topic.

5. Get Smart with Internal Links:

Many websites don’t properly use their internal links to their own advantage. However, it’s an easy way to help each of your pages gain a higher and more targeted ranking in the search engines. Be sure to include each page’s main targeted keyword or phrase in internal links pointing to it, and always be sure to reference your other pages with links within your site’s content when appropriate.

Example: You sell a type of Coffee maker. Make sure that anyplace that keyword is found on your site that it is linked to the specific product profile page. This helps the individual profile page rank higher in the search engines.

6. Dive into PPC:

Whereas other SEO strategies take time to work, pay-per-click advertising is a great way to see instantaneous results. Start running a campaign for your website, backed up with all of the keyword research you have already done. Begin small, as costs can quickly get out of hand if you don’t know what you’re doing. Experiment with different ads, different bidding strategies and different targeted keywords until you start to see consistent results, then pick up the pace and run larger campaigns.

Note: One sure way to confirm that the keywords you’re targeting with your SEO efforts will drive the right type of traffic is to pay to get them their first. If they don’t buy then target a different keyword phrase.

7. Optimize your Images:

Always include an ALT tag for your images that describes what the image is – with targeted keywords and phrases. This ensures that people who can’t see images see something, but this also helps you get found in image based searches. Additionally, try naming your images with a keyword in the filename, as in, targetedkeyphrase1.jpg.

Note: Don’t overdo it. Some people will read that and then add a bunch of keywords to every image on their site. The idea is to do what you would typically do but this time do it “right.” If the image is relevant – name it something relevant. Oh, and also, if it is a button or something else that isn’t relevant to your niche, name it something with numbers, as in, 1010101.jpg.

8. Optimize your Title Tag:

Many people think that anything they put in their title tag will be sufficient, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Your page title provides an excellent opportunity to boost your rankings, as well as draw people into your site to see more visitors.

To begin with, your title should be kept short, no more than 60 or 70 characters in length. Also, ensure that every page has its own unique title, instead of merely listing your site’s name on all of them. Work your targeted keywords into the title and be sure to be more descriptive and exciting than just labeling a page “Home” or “Store.”

Note: When giving each page its own title, try to include product model or product names to help drive targeted traffic.

9. META Tag Notes:

The META Keywords tag is no longer used by Google for ranking, although other search engines may still make use of it. More important are the META Title and META description tags. Keep your title to 70 characters or less, and keep your META description to 160 characters or less. Anything more will just get cut off by the search engines. Of course, remember to include your targeted keywords in these META tags.

Note: The META description is what the searcher will read in the organic listing so try to make it sound compelling and give the searcher a reason to click on your site.

10. Link Building, What Not to Do:

Many people go in the entirely wrong direction when it comes to link building. For example, buying links or participating in a link farm is a strategy that’s doomed from the get-go. You should also avoid low quality, spammy directories and you must understand that tactics like link exchanges, blog commenting and forum posting have all been devalued. Also remember that if you build thousands of links in a few days, it will be seen as unnatural.

Note: It’s best to build links over time from high value sites. Think of sites that are in your niche that you consider the highest value and work directly with them to get a link to your site (can link out to them – see below).

11. Link Building, What you Should Do:

Submitting to high quality, respected directories such as DMOZ, Best of the Web and others can pay huge dividends. You should link out to your niche authorities to help boost your own reputation, and you should focus on providing catchy, unique and engaging content that serves as “link bait” for your site. Social networks can be beneficial when used in the right fashion.

Note: Link Bait is content that is so good that people want to talk about it. One way to do this is, provide content that is controversial.

12. Don’t Forget Canonicalization:

If you want to maximize your search engine results while also improving your ability to track your site’s traffic, then you need to ensure that your pages aren’t being counted more than once. Your home page may be coming up in different ways as <http://yourdomain.com>, <http://www.yourname.com> and <http://www.yourdomain.com/index.html>. This can confuse the search engines and impact your tracking stats. Use 301 redirects to move your pages to one home page, and fix any issues with other pages on your site as well.

Note: Talk to your techie about implementing this strategy. WordPress has a great plug-in for this that makes it really easy… yet another reason why I LOVE WordPress.

13. Stick with HTML:

The benefits of JavaScript and other program languages are lost because code isn’t searchable by the search engines. To help your cause of ranking highly, stick to easily accessed HTML for your website. Avoid overcomplicating your site with excess forms, frames of any kind, or code that isn’t searchable.

Note: As I stated in #12, I love WordPress. Why? Well, one of the main engineers at Google said it best, “WordPress does 80-90% of what Google loves without changing a setting.” If you haven’t already, look for ways to use WordPress in your business.

Like I said at the beginning, go through each item in the above list and check it off. If you covered each of the listed points, then you’re doing most of what’s required to get good SEO scores. Stay tuned for our next email with more tips and strategies on what you can do to boost your SEO rankings!

Until then!

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If you found this content interesting, visit my website for much more – and have a look at this amazing home-based business opportunity – OnFireMatrix. Join with me and I’ll help you tremendously: maxonfire.cjb.net

Max OnFire, IT professional, computer programmer and web-developer. SEO specialist from Sydney Australia. Involved in online marketing with OnFireMatrix and other affiliate programs. Website: maxonfire.cjb.net

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

SEO Short Cheat Sheets

In today’s health-conscious society, everyone has spent at least a couple minutes of their life thinking about (or purposely ignoring) their diet. Is this meal healthy? How many calories are in this? Does this bacon-wrapped butterball make my butt look fat? The theory and principles behind improving your health and getting better results can also be attributed to what you do or do not contribute to the health and welfare of your website’s SEO. Here are a few suggestions on how you can lose weight and improve your rankings at the same time.

1. Have A Measurable Goal

It may seem feasible to stare longingly at the slim thighs of fashion models and think that you can get there someday (if only you could keep your fingers out of that mayonnaise jar), but think about steps that are measurable and achievable. In that same vein, you may see a website that ranks amazingly well for single-word keywords, but if you don’t set yourself up for success with a committed strategy and follow through, you will spend months wondering why your efforts are not providing results. Those svelte upper-leg-areas don’t come easy, but by tracking your progress, you will see what is working, and why that mochachino addiction definitely isn’t.

2. Results Don’t Happen Overnight

Last night at dinner you gave up carbs entirely, but why isn’t that belly fat dissipating this morning when you went to button up your pants? That is because, like anything worth having, weight loss and kick-ass rankings do not happen right away. Best intentions aside, it takes hard work and patience to get where you want to be. Keep plugging away. Gradually you will see that all the tedious link building, onsite optimizations and Zumba at the YMCA are really paying off, both in results and attitude.

3. Find Credible Information

The skeletal lady behind the counter at the teashop may be an expert in all things “holistic” but she is probably not the best person to make judgment calls on healthy ways to lose weight. In that same fashion, you may not want to take the marketing advice of every Tom, Dick, and Harry that sends you emails about your meta descriptions. Popular SEO blogs tend to be a reflection of someone who knows what they are talking about, and has the support of other experts in the field. Check out multiple, highly regarded internet marketing blogs (ahem, like Web Talent Marketing, for example), and take the advice of industry leaders. If there is a consensus among the group, it usually becomes a best practice. Just like in weight loss, you’ll need to find a credible trainer who has the experience necessary to help you. It may seem like a great idea to use chili powder to cleanse your colon, but in the end it’s just a pain in the butt.

4. Commit To A Process

The guy that hosts the P90X+ videos is ripped, and when you use the program it probably garners amazing results. But is that a plan you can dedicate the time and up-chuck reflexes to on a daily and weekly basis? You may have 30 minutes a day P90X+ dreams, but your reality is probably closer to weekly Jazzercise on your VHS player. Whatever your process is, own it and commit to it. Don’t start and stop and then commiserate with your girlfriend’s low-fat yogurt about how its just not working for you and maybe you should just buy a pair of Spanx and forget about it. If you care enough about your website to complain, you should care enough to commit to a plan and follow through for the entire campaign. They say that weight loss is a lifestyle change so is effective online marketing. Commit, Commit, Commit!

5. Change It Up (When Needed)

Congratulations! You have found a plan that you aren’t mortified to tell people you use, and you have been consistently using it. You like your plan, but after a while you may not see the dramatic changes you have come to expect. Your website and your body may both be adjusting and adapting to the plan you gave yourself and a refresher course may be necessary to keep the spark and progress alive. Maybe you need to take a break from submitting to directories or guest blogging and spend some time creating assets or going after juicy links found in your competitor’s link profile. Is it time to take a look at your site and make a list of improvements to increase usability? Change up what you are doing to keep the motivation and success flowing. When you hit the plateau and the results drop off reinvent your process and keep up the momentum.

6. The More You Put Into It, The More You Get Out Of It

Your success is only as good as the effort that you put into it. If you are only barely making the minimum effort, you are going to get minimum, or perhaps no results. Swapping out meta tags and building a few low quality links are not going to get you where you need to be. This is the equivalent of only dieting on the weekends. If you are committed to a plan, make sure you are giving it your all to see the changes in your rankings (and muffin top) you would like.

7. Aggressive Tactics Can Be Hazardous

I don’t have to tell you that binging and purging is a dangerous habit to get into, so why would you do the same for your website? Don’t binge on easy SEO fixes like automated submissions or other gray (or lets face it, black) hat tactics just to get your rankings up quickly. The results may be quick, but you will just as quickly fall into disrepair when your website gets dinged by the search engines. Or, you know, the lining of your esophagus deteriorates into rice paper.

8. Ignore Tempting Quick Fixes

You may be in awe of the waist-to-rump ratio of the Kardashian sisters, but buying their diet pills will only result in a mild heart murmur and a deep hole in your bank account. You may feel energized for a short period of time, but after a little bit you will be back to normal and you may as well roll those twenty dollar bills into little balls and swallow them whole. The same theory applies to the sneaky tricks, excessive paid linking tactics and black hat schemes available online. You may see a push in the beginning, but in the end it is never worth the time or money.

9. Keep a Balance

Effective SEO takes a balance of both diet, in the form of tried-and-true Search Engine Optimization best practices, and exercise by way of ongoing link building. Doing just one or the other will only take you so far. An effective SEO campaign should look at all aspects of SEO including conversion, usability, analytics, keyword research, competitive analysis as well as onsite SEO techniques and link building tactics. Make sure to keep a healthy balance between them and not give anyone more importance than others, they all play a role in your website’s success.

10. Do What Works For You

What works for that skinny girl next door may not always work for you. Just because she lost 2 pounds in a day doing a pilates-ballet-shakeweight combo class at her boutique gym doesn’t mean you will see those same results. Check out all your options and don’t jump on one thing and beat it like a dead horse. Genetics versus Culture is equivalent to Business Model versus the Online Economy. You may be predisposed to wear Apple-Bottom Jeans, just like your business may be less predisposed to convert into online sales than ones in other verticals. Like exercise, SEO results may vary depending you industry and some are much more competitive than others and will take time. Let us not forget that SEO only brings in qualified consumers to your site, it doesn’t convert them. You’ll need to do competitive research before starting your campaign to make sure you are setup for success.

Like weight loss, the results and benefits of ongoing healthy online dieting and web marketing work are invaluable to your business. In the long run you will add years to your average business lifespan and general well-being. You will be happier as a marketer and more secure in yourself and the services you offer. The end result? You will then pay less to your overpriced therapist to listen to you complain about your stress level. So strap on those leg warmers, tell yourself you’re a maniac on the dance floor and practice your quickstep because you have some hard work to do, but it is totally worth it!

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Miki DeHaven is an SEM Specialist at the Internet Marketing Company Web Talent. Based in central Pennsylvania, Web Talent Marketing offers search engine-marketing services to clients nationwide. For more information visit http://www.webtalentmarketing.com/.

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Beef Up Your Internet Marketing and Your Body At The Same Time!

With a user base of more than 750 million, Facebook is a viable social media marketing platform which cannot be ignored. Every business has potential customers on Facebook. So, to increase your brand presence, you need to optimize your business Facebook page and generate traffic for more business. To implement your Facebook business strategy effectively, you need to follow a few regulations.

Using Targeted Keywords to Optimize Your Facebook Page

Optimizing your page for keywords is the first step to raise your brand visibility. Use keywords which are sure to draw in customers who may not know the brand name but need your product. In other words, keywords need to be essentially product based. Keep the company name as a keyword too so that those who search the brand name can get to your page easily.

Making Use of Vanity URLs

Vanity URLs on Facebook are the representation of the company name and brand. Build your URL using your brand name as a recognizing factor and for ease in visitors typing it in the browser.

Professional and Well-Thought Out Profile with Relevant Details

A well made profile introduces prospective customers to your brand, the kind of products you are selling and lets them know how they can benefit from it. Having a proper profile gives a professional look to your business and sends out the message that you care about your customers. Include a formal picture too, which represents your company or your product. However, be careful not to reveal details, which may compromise security.

Baiting visitors With On-Page Discussions

Start discussion topics on your page which will get visitors and members involved. Once people start “Liking” your page, you will immediately start getting more visitors to your Facebook page. Allow people to leave a business signature so as to get more exposure.

Creating an Interesting Page

Make your page stand out by customizing it to meet the business requirements of your visitors. Use plenty of images that make your page fun and leave an impression on visitors.

Contest and Events

Create events and contests, which require member participation and keep the page alive. Active pages get more traffic and your brand name gets more recognition.

Attracting Visitors With Freebies and Special Offers

Sales, special offers and deals, as well as freebies are always popular. Let your visitors know that you are trying to give them the best possible deal.

Preference to Video Over Texts

Multimedia integration is very good in capturing visitors’ attention. Remember – videos are more effective than plain text any day.

Using Facebook Tabs to Your Advantage

Facebook tabs can be customized to make them unique and represent your business. Use tabs to make your page stand out.

Using the Facebook Sidebar

The Facebook side bar is the best place to feature testimonials, newsletters and other trivia regarding your company. You can also provide links on the sidebar that direct visitors to the main website.

Poll Section

Visitors to the site will want to air their views and opinions. Provide a poll section where they are free to express themselves.

Once your Facebook page is started, remember to post regularly in order to get public interest going. Social media has a deep impact on marketing and you need to utilize it to the maximum level. Active pages get more visitors and help in spreading the brand name. Use the page to build your brand and watch your business soar.

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Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Optimizing Your Business Facebook Page for Maximum Hits and Return Visits – A SPN Exclusive Article

Facebook provides businesses with another way to interact with their customers or clients in addition to adding value.

Unfortunately, notwithstanding the potential, I often hear from Facebook Page owners that in spite of their hard work on creating their pages, they are frustrated by the fact that they have few fans, and the ones they have aren’t engaged.

Something that contributes to this problem is inadequate planning and no clear purpose for their Facebook Page. Purpose and planning aren’t the most exciting words out there, but they payoff big time. Once business owners take the time to put a plan, known as an editorial guide, in place, everything else falls into place. As a result of this, their fan base grows, and engagement begins to happen to the point where it no longer feels like work, but fun.

Here are some tips for creating an editorial guide for your Facebook Page.

Define Your Purpose

Ask yourself the following three questions to help you define the purpose of your Facebook Page:

#1: Why Have a Fan Page?

Hint: “everyone else is doing it” is not a good reason! Instead, consider what you hope to accomplish through having a Facebook Page.

#2: What Will Differentiate Your Fan Page from Your Website?

You need to think about what you can offer on your Facebook Page that will be different from what is available on your website. Think of ways that your fans can interact with you on your fan page that they can’t on your website. The more interactive your page is, the more successful it will be. Fans will have no reason to visit a static Facebook Page.

#3: Define Your “it” Factor

What is different and special about you and your employees? What do you offer that is different from your competitors? Build your fan page strategy around what makes your business unique.

Now that you’ve considered the three points above, it’s time to work on your editorial guide. Here are the things you’ll want to be sure to include:

#1: How Often Will You Post on Your Facebook Page?

Although we engage with our fans throughout the day on Social Media Examiner, we also have specific chunks of time set aside for certain types of content. For instance, in the morning, we post the latest Social Media Examiner article. In the afternoon, we post a link to content from a third-party that we know will be beneficial to our fans. Then, a few times a week, we post a question late in the afternoon. Although most of the questions pertain to social media, some are on other topics.

#2: Decide What Type of Content You’ll Post.

Knowing this ahead of time makes it easy to find great content for your fan page. At Social Media Examiner, we consistently find valuable content on about 20 different websites. It’s fine to branch out occasionally, but having a list of great sites you go to regularly for content makes it easy to find valuable content to share with your fans.

#3: Determine the Post Format.

Define ahead of time how you want you and your team to put posts together. Some pages are informal and conversational and others are more factual and informative, like a news source.

Since we have three people posting on our fan page, we always end each post with our names, so people will know who posted. This adds a friendly and personal touch to our posts.

#4: Plan Out How You’ll Respond to Your Fans’ Comments.

On the Social Media Examiner page, we have a goal of reaching out to everyone who makes a comment on our page. We want our fans to know we are listening to them and interested in their thoughts.

#5: Determine What to do About Promotional or Negative Posts.

It’s not uncommon for fans to post promotional bits of information regarding their services and products on your Facebook wall. This can make things cluttered and can hinder legitimate conversations from taking place. It’s important to determine ahead of time which types of posts you’ll allow and which ones you’ll delete. Be sure your entire team is on the same page regarding this.

One thing to keep in mind is that your editorial guide is just a guide, not something that can’t be changed. The goal of the guide is to keep things running smoothly without hindering you from going with the flow.

Bonus Tip: If you feel overwhelmed by social media and if your social media efforts are taking too much time, click on the link below right now to gain access to a free 3-part video series where you’ll learn:

* Why what you’re doing now may be costing you profits and valuable relationships in your biz.
* The 3 reasons for your lackluster social media results
* How to identify the big-fat social media time wasters
* And so much more!

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Article by Amy Porterfield http://simplesocialmediaformula.com

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

How to Create an Editorial Guide for Your Facebook Fan Page

There are a lot of ways to make your small business competitive and gain an advantage over the other guys fighting for your customers. One of the greatest approaches is, when you have an innovation or strategy to offer consumers, be sure you arrive first. You’ll obtain a competitive advantage that will be tough to beat unless your service is God-awful.

The Back Applicator

As a young dude in my twenties, I’d been going to the beaches in Maryland each year looking for productive things to do, like party and pick up chicks (that is girls or women for the sophisticated yet unwashed masses). Most of the time you end up on the beach soaking in the sun and getting as dark as possible because of how intelligent it makes you look. But Houston, I had a problem. My ethnic background is German, Eastern European, and by now you know that if I don’t get the sun block on in a major way, my summer vacation goes up in the flames of red, burned skin– the anti-chick magnet.

Big problem: How do I get suntan lotion on my back at the beach to prevent burning while being a bit too shy to ask every passing female? It is an inescapable conclusion that, in public, your buds can NOT apply sunscreen to your back. Anti-cool points to the maximum, no chance with any girl within 5 miles.

No big deal, I believed, I am inventive and resourceful. I take a paint stick (unused) and superglue a foam pad to the end of it. I take it to the beach, apply SPF 15 on the foam, and proceed to apply sunscreen to my back like a champ, eliminating the burn and keeping at arms distance from my guy friends. A true win-win.

“Hey Karl, that’s a great invention dude, you should patent it. Chuck me another Bud Lite dude.” And so I threw the drink and forgot about safeguarding the concept. Go forward 5 years down the road, I am getting ready for a grownup holiday to the Bahmas in the winter by doing the intelligent thing: going to a tanning bed. I walk in and the first thing I see is “The Back Applicator,” a 18 inch long plastic stick with, get this, a foam pad at one end to self-apply costly tanning salon sun block.

I walked out, kicking myself for not getting rich on being the first guy with this plan, knowing the other guy or gal was a dang billionaire by now.

Another Big Idea

About 3 months ago my spouse presented me with an idea while she was two sheets to the wind on Chardonnay. I can’t tell you the idea because, in my view, it was a game changer. Literally, as I told her, something that we’d need venture capital to carry out but would change society as we know it if carried out. Stop asking, I cannot release the idea.

Well, we’ve been discussing it for the last 3 months. I helped out and did some investigation, and guess what I came across? Three other companies are test marketing this very idea, maybe not precisely but close enough for intellectual property sake.

Missed again! We’re describing a twist on the idea now that involves cell phones. What can potentially go wrong?

Our Little Beach

When my kid was four or five years old, there was a little strip of land about two miles from our waterside home via the river that we would take the Jetski to and relax. We’d cruise over with my boy in my lap doing about 10 miles an hour to keep his neck from getting whiplash and spend the afternoon there, wading in the water and drinking non-alcoholic beverages. Since we were the only ones there we named this little place “Jack’s Beach,” named after said kid.

My wife Lora gets a mural painter to paint Jack’s room that summer, and she in fact paints Jack’s Beach, with surfboards embedded the sand and a street sign marking the area. Pretty cool.

Now Jack is ten. We still go to Jack’s beach. I am not making up this next part, I swear it. We went there this year and there is an 8 foot high wood street sign embedded in the sand on Jack’s Beach, with absolutely nothing on it! We did NOT put this there, but it was just too poetic.

Well what do you think I did? I got a bottle of paint and a small brush, Jetskied over to the sign in broad daylight, and gave it the proper name. You could read my kid’s name from 30 yards in the water.

Two weeks afterwards we meet a couple of new friends while out for dinner in a local restaurant. They told us they take their boat to an exclusive little beach for fun and so do their pals. “Where could that be?” I ask, pretending interest. “Oh, it’s named ‘Jack’s Beach’ over on the other side of the bridge.”

WIN.

Your ‘Get There First’ Competitive Advantage

Alright, I’m not selling tickets to Jack’s Beach … yet, but these three little vignets narrate a story. Don’t be the dimwit who didn’t defend his idea of a back sun block applicator to watch someone else get all the glory. If you have an idea, even a tiny one, that helps your customers or does something differently or better, make it yours.

Is it patentable? Find out visiting http://www.uspto.gov/ and doing a search. Invent a logo and copyright the art. Go get 5 sites that other folks might want to copy and market your concept with. Most significantly, don’t hesitate in taking action if you really think it’s a killer concept.

CLAIM THAT BAD BOY FIRST! Be the company that sets the new standard before your competition does. Ask yourself these simple questions:

The Innovation Acid Test

1. Do I see this around in the current market? (Internet search)
2. Can this really help my customers?
3. Is this cool and unequaled?
4. Can I visualize somebody purchasing this?

If your responses are N-Y-Y-Y (as in no-yes-yes-yes) to these questions, go claim that beach pal! If your concept is awful and no one copies it, you can still profit at it or at worst, you lost a few bucks and a little time. If you get copycats, you know you’re onto something. If you’ve done it properly and deliver value on the promise, your rivals will always be behind and you’ll be patting yourself on the back, with either your hand or your $10.99 Back Sun block Applicator.

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Karl Walinskas is the CEO of Smart Company Growth, a business development firm that helps small to mid-size professional service firms build competitive advantage in an online world of sameness. He is author of numerous articles and the Smart Blog on leadership, business communication, sales & service, public speaking and virtual business, and Getting Connected Through Exceptional Leadership, available in the SmartShop. Get your FREE LinkedIn Profile Optimization eBook & Video Course, Video Marketing video and course, or Mastermind Groups e-course & video now.

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Be the First at the Party: Competitive Advantage – A SPN Exclusive Article

Successfully capturing readers’ attention is critical to transform your blog from a part-time hobby into a powerful web resource. To take the giant leap into influencer-status, you must identify your target audience, understand their interests and desires, and credibly deliver quality content. So how do you get there? Many successful bloggers I know, think of their blogs like entrepreneurial ventures. Why? Effective entrepreneurs set goals, determine how to reach them, and make adjustments to keep themselves moving towards their target. You should take the same approach with your blog. Web publishers must know their customers and constantly hone their message and approach to move ahead of the pack.

Aim and Shoot

There’s an old saying that goes, “He who aims to please everyone, pleases no one.” The first step most entrepreneurs take when launching a new venture is to define the ideal customer. Whether you are an experienced blogger, or just starting out, you should always pay close attention to both your real and desired audience, and any gaps that may occur between the two. If you fail to target the appropriate individuals, you won’t reach your desired goals. So who are you targeting, and how can you go about getting to them? Regardless of whom you decide to target, there are certain steps you should follow to capture and maintain their interest.

You can’t always please everyone, so you need to have a particular industry, topic, or style that will be your focus. Customizing your approach towards a niche audience is often referred to as “niche marketing,” and essentially means that you should settle on a specific target with the understanding that your blog won’t be appropriate for everyone. Your visitors are not looking for fancy graphics or functionality, they are looking for something to believe in, something to learn from, and something that will help them entertain or better themselves. Find a topic that will align your interests with those of your ideal readership.

Be Flexible

One you have determined the main industry or niche that you are serving with your site, the next step in understanding who your suitable audience is, should be to perfect your knowledge and understanding of that industry. Quite often, the best way to learn, is to teach. The same holds true with your writing. You will quickly learn new and amazing things as you write about different topics. Use this to your advantage and start writing about things out of your comfort zone at the outset. Remember, you should look at your blog like a start-up company – this means you should constantly be learning, adapting, and adjusting. The result will be a product that is always improving and growing.

Be an Expert

Be sure to share your credentials to galvanize your expertise with your audience. In addition to broadening your horizons with new subjects, you should try to capitalize on your current unique knowledge by writing about your specific areas of expertise and personal experiences. After all, readers want to study blogs published by successful professionals, so don’t be afraid to let them know why they should pay attention to you.

Truly knowing and understanding your target audience is an integral part of any writer or entrepreneur’s ability to connect. When your audience believes their needs are being met, you can be sure that they will keep coming day after day for more useful information. While you should ideally blog about a topic that you love, it should also be written about a topic that you fully understand.

Be a Friend

Lastly, don’t forget your readers. Visitors who already frequent your website have entered into a relationship of sorts with your blog. You must make the most of their loyalty, and offer something that will motivate them to share your content with their network. Get them talking. Ask for their comments, input, and suggestions. If you’re successful, they will feel like they were some of the select few who were there from the beginning. Share your content on social media and interact with the users who retweet, or “like” it. This will help you stand out from the pack and broaden your reach.

Understanding your audience will go a long way towards building your credibility and likability. Tailoring your content to your readers and engaging with them will keep them coming back for more. You can use what you learn to craft content ideas that will pique the interest of the actual readers of your site, not just those you dreamed about prior to your initial launch. Obviously, what you write about, and its perceived quality will determine just how appealing your blog will be. When you write about topics in which you are interested, knowledgeable, or are experienced, you can share your practical knowledge to your audience’s benefit. Enthusiastic writing yields enthusiastic reading. If you share your personal expertise in a way that helps your readers, they will keep coming back for more.

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Adam Shore is a former SMB marketing executive, and currently blogs about business and management at Contemporary Manager.

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Targeting and Engaging Your True Audience – A SPN Exclusive Article

What are QR codes?

Glad you asked. Quick response codes, or QR codes, are quite similar to barcodes in that they can be printed on virtually any surface. They originated in Japan and were seen on the sides of buildings, in brochures and even on public transport. The little codes became so popular that other countries wanted to cash in on their popularity.

Why use a QR code at all?

Many times consumers may want to know more about an advertisement, but they don’t have pen or paper while putting information on your phone can be time consuming and a hassle. So QR codes truly are the perfect solution. To put it mildly, QR codes are quickly becoming local internet marketing’s best assets. QR codes can definitely help your small business succeed. We will discuss how in a second, but first lets understand QR codes a little more.

How does a QR Code work?

Consumers have to simply download an application, sometimes called the barcode scanner application on their Smartphones. Now-a-days most smart phones have these applications already set up and ready to go. All you have to do is take a picture of the code on your Smartphone. At that point you are brought to the website the code is promoting. Simply put, companies use these codes to help advertise their products, so each QR code is connected with a company. In most cases, a company will link back to their website.

Five Unique Advantages QR Codes Provide a Company with a Limited Budget:

1. Pricing: It’s absolutely free! To help you understand, think of a QR code just as you would a URL for your website. The only difference is that your message will look like a barcode as opposed to a URL. All your customers have to do is take a picture of it.

2. The Impression: QR codes can leave a lasting impression on a customer because they transfer directly to the customer’s personal phone. With other forms of advertisement on a bus or in a newspaper, you are just hoping that someone will write down a website and then go type it into their phone or computer. With QR Codes, your customer reaches you directly without any additional effort. Even if you think this is inconvenient, think of the time your customer saves and let’s face it, in today’s advanced society, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

3. Company logo: QR codes a great way to make your company unique by giving it an individual logo. Consider putting your company logo into the actual QR code design.

4. Local search marketing: QR codes are a great way to integrate all of your marketing. QR codes can link to anything a company wants. For example, increase your number of Twitter followers by linking to your Twitter account. If you’re looking to promote something special, link to Facebook. The possibilities are endless.

5. Business Cards: Include a code on your business card that allows customers to save your company’s contact information directly to their phone. This makes your business card very personal and it’s a great way to integrate yourself into your customers recall.

The potential QR code user base is growing quickly. The percentage of Smartphone owners was estimated to be at 15 to 19% at the end of 2010 and was expected to double by the end of 2011. This base group of Smartphone users are a great group to integrate into your customer base. By using QR codes as a low budget marketing tool you can attract attention to your company.

QR codes are being utilized all over the globe. Companies are displaying them in their windows, advertisers are using them in their signs, marketers are incorporating them in their projects and restaurants are incorporating them in their menus. Soon every business will be incorporating QR codes as well as their logos. Although the technology is fairly new, QR codes are growing in popularity. After all who doesn’t want a broader customer base?

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Ajay Prasad is founder of Global Marketing Resources, LLC, which runs a number of e-commerce websites under its umbrella. Ajay’s functional expertise includes website strategy, marketing management, business development, consumer research marketing analysis and strategic planning. Local Search HQ is a Local Search Engine Marketing company that aims to develop an overall Web Marketing and Local Search Marketing solution for small local businesses. http://www.searchlocalhq.com

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

Creative Ways to Use QR Codes for Your Small Business

Small business is pretty competitive these days, whether you’re a professional speaker, a lawyer or a software provider. What are you doing to get noticed by meeting planners, industry leaders, and your clients? Making loads of cold calls and strewing Faxes all over the world? Buying email lists to total strangers? Come on! The secret word is positioning. I consult 90% of the time and only speak 10% of the time for my daily bread, so I have zero time to cold call and plead with meeting planners or worse, total strangers from a call sheet. I position myself as a subject-matter expert through write-ups and blog posts that I write to create business opportunities coming at me, and so can you.

Adhere to this 6-Step Process to professional positioning with words:

Have Sustenance

This one is obvious. It’s rather easy for professional speakers, you’d think, but you’d be shocked how they and business leaders at large cannot really explain what that is. Quick Answer: Something readers can use straightaway that doesn’t require (vital word there) that they call you to fill out the blanks. Of course, a fraction will because they don’t have the time to do what you whatever it is you just taught them but love it all the same. Cha-ching!

Write Good Stuff

They have to be informative and easy to read. Your piece has a better opportunity at publication if it tickles the funny bone, so use humor that supports your arguments (not just jokes). Your topic’s not funny? Hey, with a little imagination and half a bottle of barbecue sauce, you can make a burning hen-house full of baby chicks enjoyable. (Try to get that picture out of your head, go on.)

Find Your Venue

Years ago, you could find Ulrich’s Guide to Periodical Literature at the library and spend the day looking up publications, sorted by subscription and subject matter that back up your concepts. Now of course you can go on-line to http://ulrichsweb.serialssolutions.com/login and register to use their service.

This is print periodical stuff, but blogs are even more important if you get in the appropriate ones. Just Google your topic and the really huge blogs (translation, big following) will appear, or Google blog rankings and the leading websites with blogs by categories like Technorati will turn up. Click on the blogs you like and find their submission procedure or editorial contact to figure out if they accept external content (some don’t, some do). Now develop your list of publications and blog sites by the subjects you cover. Every time you write on that subject, you have a list of probables that might accept it (with some modifications to get it in their format).

Entice Them to Your Sales Funnel

Write a byline at the end of your piece that lets the reader to talk to you by phone, email, and whatever you do, include your website URL (or a landing page on it) as a hyperlink. That hyperlink is one more back link to your website, which not only supplies an avenue in for the reader, but it boosts your website page rank for your SEO endeavors.

You can even provide a bounce back or lead magnet in the byline where the reader can contact you to get a top ten list or something else they may want for free. Of course, link directly to that freebee so they don’t have to work a lot to find it. Then make them enter their email addresses to get it, and that puts them into your sales list. Opportunities aplenty.

Submit Again and Again

Each week I write one to two pieces that right now we call blog posts. I post them on my website. I promptly develop a library of content that I have produced that expresses my expertise. It takes a little work, but you can then make versions of your initial blog pieces, either segments with only an aspect of the text or the entire content, re-written so that it is original in the Internet world.

I can write a whole article (actually I think I will) on making unique material from your really original content the proper way. There are plenty of article spinning tools around that can help you rewrite things, but be careful with these. Unedited even the best spinning applications will create a load of useless rubbish that is neither enjoyable and gets you the Google slap. I pay a virtual assistant (VA) every week to re-create 2-3 of my articles with the same ideas but completely different headlines, subtitles, and body subject, and then submit for me to my top 10 outlets.

Promote Yourself Socially

You can promote your blog posts via Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn Groups, etc. Most bloggers do. It’s just as big a deal to market the links of the blogs that publish your write ups. Your byline will give a means of getting to your site, as will well-placed text hyperlinks within the article, but by promoting the other guy’s blog, it advances your authority as a subject matter expert. It’s not only you that posted this piece on a site you control, but now a noted authority site thinks enough of you to publish your articles. That makes a big difference on your click-thrus from the byline to your website and on your ultimate conversion rate.

Keep submitting and promoting. If you observed these steps, the law of averages (my hit rate is about 75%) says your name will be in print or online. The phone starts ringing or the contact page starts generating and you’re in business.

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Karl Walinskas is the CEO of Smart Company Growth, a business development and cost management consulting firm for small to mid-size enterprises. He has made a career of leading, inspiring and raising the game of small business people. He is author of numerous articles and the Smart Blog on leadership, business communication, sales & service, public speaking and virtual business and Getting Connected Through Exceptional Leadership, available in the Smart Shop, Amazon.com, or Barnes&Noble.com. He can be reached at kwalinskas@smartcompanygrowth.com.

Post from: SiteProNews: Webmaster News & Resources

How to Position Yourself: 6 Easy Steps – A SPN Exclusive Article

Last November I wrote an article titled The Advent of Internet Censorship in America.

To recap:

“The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), also known as H.R.3261, was introduced in the United States House of Representatives on October 26, 2011 by Representative Lamar Smith [R-TX] and a bipartisan group of 12 initial co-sponsors. The aim of the bill is to help U.S. law enforcement and copyright holders fight online transmission of restricted intellectual property.” (Source: Wikipedia)

Opponents of the bill says it goes too far and threatens to shut down or censor legitimate websites that might inadvertently link to or display such content.

Anyway, when I wrote that article back in November, the bill was sitting in the House Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, Competition, and the Internet. It had yet to be introduced to the floor for a vote. At the time of writing this article, it doesn’t look like it’s going to.

Issa’s Crystal Ball

Also, back in November, Reuters reported that Darrell Issa, the Republican congressional representative for California, said that there is no way that SOPA will pass.

“There is a very broad coalition from far left to far right who realize this will hurt innovation, something we can’t afford to do. And there are other ways to accomplish what they say is their goal.

I don’t believe this bill has any chance on the House floor. I think it’s way too extreme, it infringes on too many areas that our leadership will know is simply too dangerous to do in its current form.”

As it turns out, Darrell Issa was right. The bill WILL NOT pass as it is currently constituted. So what happened?

Timeline: A Shocking Turn Of Events

January 13, 2012 – In an incredible turn of events, six Republican Senators have asked Majority Leader Harry Reid not to hold a vote on PIPA (The Protect IP Act), and the Senate version of SOPA. The Protect IP Act (Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 or PIPA), also known as Senate Bill 968 or SB968, is a re-write of the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA), which failed to pass in 2010.

They write…

“Prior to committee action, some members expressed substantive concerns about the bill, and there was a commitment to resolve them prior to floor consideration. That resolution has not yet occurred.”

And as an amazing validation of the grassroots response to SOPA, led by groups like Fight for the Future, EFF, Public Knowledge, and Demand Progress, they write, “Since the mark-up, we have increasingly heard from a large number of constituents and other stakeholders with vocal concerns about possible unintended consequences of the proposed legislation, including breaches in cybersecurity, damaging the integrity of the Internet, costly and burdensome litigation, and dilution of First Amendment rights.” (Source: Open Congress.org)

January 15, 2012 – Various news outlets reported that President Barack Obama said he would not support SOPA. The Obama administration said that it is opposed to the way the bill is currently written because it limits Internet freedom.

January 18, 2012 – Strike! The Internet Goes Dark

In what is being called the largest online protest in history, Wikipedia, Reddit and several other major sites went “dark” to protest SOPA. And while Google didn’t go black, it blackened its logo.

How was it done?

A simple piece of code called STOP SOPA, replaced a site’s landing page with a black screen. Moving your mouse over the screen revealed a message explaining the need to kill SOPA and a link to anti-SOPA site AmericanCensorship.org.

You can see a complete list of confirmed SOPA strike participants at SOPAStrike.com.

January 19, 2012 – Striking a Obviously Partisan Tone, Senate Minority Leader McConnell Tells Majority Leader Reid to Kill PIPA

“Looks like the next domino in the SOPA/PIPA fight just fell. Tony Romm is reporting that Senate minority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell is calling on Democrats to drop PIPA.

That has a high likelihood of killing off what little Republican support is left for PIPA, because where McConnell goes, so go most Republican Senate votes.” (Source: Techdirt)

January 20, 2012 – SOPA and PIPA Postponed Indefinitely After Protests

“When the entire Internet gets angry, Congress takes notice. Both the House and the Senate on Friday backed away from a pair of controversial anti-piracy bills, tossing them into limbo and throwing doubt on their future viability.

The Senate had been scheduled to vote next week on the Protect IP Act (PIPA) — a bill that once had widespread, bipartisan support. But on Friday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said he was postponing the vote “in light of recent events.”

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives said it is putting on hold its version of the bill, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). The House will “postpone consideration of the legislation until there is wider agreement on a solution,” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith said in a written statement.” (Source: CNN/Money)

Conclusion

While the current versions of SOPA/PIPA may, in fact, be dead, politicians on both sides continue to work on a viable solution to combat Internet piracy. In fact, CNN/Money is reporting, alternative legislation has already been proposed.

“A bipartisan group of senators introduced the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (OPEN) on January 18 — the same day as the Wikipedia site blackout.

Among other differences, OPEN offers more protection than SOPA would to sites accused of hosting pirated content. It also beefs up the enforcement process. It would allow digital rights holders to bring cases before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), an independent agency that handles trademark infringement and other trade disputes.”

Stay tuned…this thing is far from over.

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David Jackson is a marketing consultant and the owner of Free-Marketing-Tips-Blog.com – Powerful, free marketing tips to help grow your business! http://free-marketing-tips-blog.com

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Are SOPA/PIPA Dead?… A Shocking Turn of Events – A SPN Exclusive Article