Google “still waiting” for Facebook to open its user data

Google chief executive Larry Page has revealed that the search giant is still waiting for Facebook to get in touch to allow users to share data between the two companies’ services.

Google and Facebook have long had a frosty relationship, which was particularly spiked when an adjustment of Google’s terms of service preventing Facebook users importing data from the search giant.

read the rest of this story @ http://thenextweb.com/google/2012/05/22/google-still-waiting-for-facebook-to-open-its-user-data-larry-page/

Answers to your Website Questions

Hello Geeks! This months focus is on a topic very near and dear to my heart…. Websites. I’ve compiled 7 questions about websites and the marketing questions that I’m often asked (or at least I should be).
1) How much does a web site cost?
The quick answer is we offer a free initial consultation to find out the right web site for your goals. An expanded answer is …There are 4 costs involved in a web site.
a) Domain Name: Such as YourCompany.com – this costs about $15 per year.
b) Development of the site: As you might guess this depends on a few factors including if we use a per-designed template or custom design site as well as how many pages the site has. Professional sites start @ about $1,000.00
c) Hosting: Quality hosting (with good support) ranges $30-$85/month) Hosting is essential renting space on web servers (computers) that ensure your site is up 99% of the time. This often includes eMails accounts such as you@YourCompany.com. OM hosting also includes friendly support and an annual marketing consultation with a geek.
d) Maintenance: A successful web site needs ongoing maintenance and adding of new content. At omOriginals we train all of our clients on how to do their own maintenance, so most of our clients pay $0 for maintenance.
Note: We are more than happy to perform maintenance as needed for any websites for $55/hour.
2) Should I BLOG?
What is blogging? Yes, most businesses will benefit from BLOG. A blog is a place on your site where you post news and updates.  This info is helpful for people (& press) wanting to learn about your company and for the search engines. With a properly configured BLOG search engines assume that you are an expert about what you write about. When we build sites we include SEO training to get great search results.
3) Can you add a web site counter to my site?
Yes, but we recommend not using a traditional counter. They are often inaccurate and they share your stats with the world. Instead we offer web site stats (included with our hosting) that allow you to track the visitors to your site. The stats can tell you how many people visit your site, how many pages they view and so much more. These are available 24-7 for your review, but only you can see them.
4) What is the best domain name?
The best domain names often include:
a) company name
b) name of product or service
c) easy to remember & to spell.
For most businesses a .com is preferred over the other extensions for such as .net, .biz, .us. info, .etc.  For non-for-profit organizations .org is more appropriate. During our initial consultation we can generally find a great name.
5) How should I select a web site developer?
When considering a few companies to work with, I recommend you look at the developers site and at least 4 live sites that they created. If you are impressed with their work, then schedule a meeting. Be sure that they can speak Geek, Marketing & English.
6) Can you create flash animations for my site?
FLASH is a powerful animation and programing tool for web sites, but it doesn’t work well on mobile devices. iPhone & iPads don’t support Flash. We can achieve similar functionality that works on mobiles, but we advise against flash.
7) Can you make my web site and Facebook work together?
Yes, and if done properly they can work and play very nicely together. This relation can work both ways, we like to add Facebook functionality to web sites and to drive traffic from Facebook to your site. I could write a whole article on this, or even teach a workshop. Oh wait…we do.
Bonus question:
8. How can I get found on Google?
Google (and the other search engines) is interested in good content. If you write about what you do and add new content you are well on your way to good rankings. Get a Google places account and it will get you on the map.
WOW…out of space already for my column. I told you I like web sites. ~:-)
Both online and off. Call us for a complimentary consult: 360.575.9839 

Wholesome Prose – Unique Website

When you visit Wholesome Prose you will get the chance to read and LISTEN to a showcase of  short stories written by Christian authors.  Christian authors are not that much different than other authors.  Their stories may or may not be interlaced with deep spiritual meaning or categorized Christian characters as some people might expect.  Nevertheless, Christian authors do have something that other authors don’t have: The Holy Spirit living inside of them, working with their God-given talent, inspiring, guiding, and even restraining them.  Wholesome Prose, also gives you the opportunity to submit and share your own story on your life or experiences. It’s wonderful to be able to have your friends and family HEAR your story online. Google Wholesome Prose, read and listen to their inspirational stories and hopefully The Holy Spirit will inspire you to share this unique website.

WholesomeProse.com

omOriginals Marketing! of Longview, WA, is proud to help promote great companies and service in and around Cowlitz County with refreshingly different; web design, eMail marketing, Facebook, Google, workshops & good old fashioned graphic design.  We invite you to call upon us, we are here to help. :-) 360.575.9839

Kevin Vibbert – SW Washington Bankruptcy Attorney – WEBSITE!

Kevin Vibbert, Attorney at Law is a professional law firm that has been in Longview since 1997. They are serving Cowlitz, Clark, and Lewis counties. Kevin Vibbert, Attorney at Law, has been practicing Bankruptcy Law and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense for over 15 years. He believes that experience is invaluable, is very informational, easy to talk to, and has a passion for helping people. With these qualities, Mr. Vibbert’s philosophy is to provide counsel and support to his clients with problems, providing reassurance, support, information, and a plan of action. He will offer you a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.

Visit Kevin Vibbert @
SWWashingtonBankruptcy.com

omOriginals Marketing! of Longview, WA, is proud to help promote great companies and services with refreshingly different; web design, eMail marketing, Facebook, Google, workshops & good old fashioned graphic design.  We invite you to call upon us, we are here to help. :-)

Western World has a new WEBSITE!

Western World was founded and owned locally in 1979 in Longview, WA continuing on until new local owners, Lance and Heidi Brown of Longview, WA took over in 2006. Since Western World has been such an established locally owned business, in Longview, WA, people think of Western World when it comes to their pet needs. Western World started out in a barn selling feed to local farmers and has now evolved into a remarkable modern day shopping experience for everyone. Their large variety of products include livestock feed, hay, natural pet food, pet supplies, lawn and garden products, hardware, show supplies, wildlife feeders, fencing, tack, gifts, home décor, propane fill up, and much, much, more!
Western World employs a wonderful, knowledgeable staff that is here 7 days-a-week to assist you with all of your shopping needs and to ensure your experience is successful.
Customer service is #1 at Western World!
Come in and enjoy what we have to offer at the place with the horse out front!

WesternWorldOnline.com

Visit them on Facebook!

1111 Industrial Way
Longview, WA 98632

omOriginals Marketing! of Longview, WA, is proud to help promote great companies and services with refreshingly different; web design, eMail marketing, Facebook, Google, workshops & good old fashioned graphic design.  We invite you to call upon us, we are here to help. :-)

Cowltiz Car Service – New Website!

Cowlitz Car Service provides Luxury Rides for competitive prices! The 2012 Audi ASL is so comfortable with its smooth ride, leather seats, and reclining back seats. Arrive to your next business, sporting, or social event in style. Take your spouse on date night to dinner and a movie and don’t worry about parking. The second luxury vehicle is the 2012 Cadillac Escalade ESV is roomy, comfortable, and grandiose. Take a long or short trip, the Cadillac Escalade ESV sits 6 people comfortably, has huge cargo space, and video entertainment for those long trips. Visiting the city, going out with friends, or going to the airport; this luxury SUV will have you at the utmost comfort the whole way. Call them and choose which Luxury ride you would like 360.747.2200 or visit their Facebook or Website to check out pictures and learn about their promotions.

CowlitzCarService.com

Visit them on Facebook!

omOriginals Marketing! of Longview, WA, is proud to help promote great companies and services with refreshingly different; web design, eMail marketing, Facebook, Google, workshops & good old fashioned graphic design.  We invite you to call upon us, we are here to help. :-)

Longview Caring Pregnancy Center – WEBSITE & FACEBOOK

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, Longview Caring Pregnancy Center is there for you! They are committed to assist each young woman’s spiritual, physical and emotional needs during pregnancy and beyond. Providing resources to better equip moms and dads spiritually, emotionally and with the practical needs of having a new baby, as well as those with children up to two years of age. Their services are generous, valuable, and FREE!

LongviewCaringPregnancyCenter.com

Visit Longview Caring Pregnancy Center on Facebook!

omOriginals Marketing! of Longview, WA, is proud to help promote great companies and services with refreshingly different; web design, eMail marketing, Facebook, Google, workshops & good old fashioned graphic design.  We invite you to call upon us, we are here to help. :-)

Tis’ the season to eShare.

Howdy Neighbors,

Tis’ the season to eShare.  What better gift is there to give than fresh info about our community?
We encourage you to visit the websites our clients that offer event info, news, and good news about about Cowlitz County.

• Cowlitz Today
  Our communities online event calendar.  You simply can’t say, “There is nothing to do in Cowlitz County”.  Check it out.
  
  
• KLOG Radio
  Hometown News, Home Team Sports, and Classic Hit Songs.  Tune in to AM 1490 to listen.

• Valley Bugler Newspaper
  The Valley Bugler is a monthly good news publication.
  Featuring Community Events & Activities, Funnies, People, Animals and an Occasional Tall Tale.

We’ve integrated these web sites to make them social savvy.  Please take a look and share them on Facebook and Google.
Spread the (Local) News!

Google +1 and why you need it

Thanks for tuning into another edition of Geek Speak. This summer I shared with you about Google’s answer to Facebook. Google Plus One (+1).
There has been a fair amount of hype with Google’s new social efforts. Fast forward to today “Is Facebook dead, yet?”
No, not at all. My Facebook connections and interactions continue to grow like crazy. ~:-) But today I want to discuss my favorite feature of Google Plus One. To save ink I’m going to refer to it as simple +1 button.
Here it is. The +1 button.
You might say, “So what? It looks like a Facebook “like” button to me.” My first reaction was, “I wonder if the +1 affect search results. That would be awesome!”
<<Remember I’m a marketing geek…
Fortunately, I was correct. Search results are now personalized based on the likes of those in your Circles. Circles are similar to friends on Facebook. As a marketer, this really changes the game.
In the past, there was one Google and one set of search results (at least for this article). Now the social aspect is shaking it all up. Rest assured search results are still based on Google’s proprietary algorithms, they aren’t thrown out the window(or chrome), they now just have a social component. Sites with more +1s will appear to be more relevant and thus ranked higher.
Google appears to be personalizing the search results on the micro and macro level. Meaning if you are logged into your +1 and you do a search, Google will give sites higher rankings if people in your circles (your connections) have +1’ed those sites. Additional on the macro level, the +1s of people outside of your circle are changing your search results as well. I suspect that when I search, my results are personalized by my connections AND by others on Google(outside of my circles).
Is this making your brain hurt yet?
The bottom line is this. Google has a new Plus One button and you want it on your website so you will have better search rankings.  Savvy professionals can get the code for their websites @
www.google.com/intl/en/webmasters/+1/button/
Need help with integration? omOriginals Marketing! can help with any site regardless of who developed it.  Isn’t it nice to know a geek?! Call us local geeks at 575-9839

Want to try a button? You should first get an account with Google. If you don’t have one you can get signed up (it is free). http://www.google.com/+
I invite you to read the intro article that I wrote in my August 2011 BLOG post.
Time to start clicking.
You can see examples of +1 on omOrginals.com and on ValleyBugler.com.
You’ll see that we’ve placed the button on each individual page. This allows visitors to “vote” for individual pages. If you appreciate this article, I’d appreciate your +1.

Does Your Business Really Exist? Google it!

For years it was my job (or part of it) to convince people on the importance of using the Internet for business. I don’t really do this anymore.
It’s not that I don’t still believe that the Internet is a powerful tool for marketing business, the shift is that everyone else knows it now too. Instead of me convincing people on the value of a web site, I now get to jump right in and help them harness the power of the Internet.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting with Mr. Rick Winsman, President/CEO of our local Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce. Our subject of discussion was about all things “business and the internet”.  Imagine that! Mr. Winsman expressed to me that “every business needs to be online”. He went on to say, “If people can’t find a business online it is likely that they (the business) won’t be around much longer”.
Maybe that is what happened to the Dinosaurs. ~;-)
We all know that Big Foot (Sasquatch) exists. But, does your business really exist?
Let’s find out the existence of your business with two simple questions:
1) Can people find your business online?
To find your business, let’s do some searching. Go to Google.com and get started. I recommend you take some notes on the results (digital or old school pen and paper will work). We are going to do two types of search.
A search for your “business name” and a search for your “product or service”.  Type in your “business name” and hit return/enter. I typed in “omOriginals”, and I also tried “Valley Bugler”. I’m happy to say, “We exist!!”
Next click on “maps” to see if your business is on the map.
Our second search is for your keys words such as “Longview WA Marketing” or “Longview WA Newspapers”. You can do these searches without the state name, but sometimes the results show Longview, TX.
Record your results. Don’t be shocked or discouraged if you don’t show up on the first page or results for your keywords. Just be motivated to be on this page so people can find you.

[Quick Tip: To be found for your “keyword”, make sure your web site has Google content discussing your keyword. Relevant (and fresh) is the best way to receive better search rankings. For maps, you need to add a list, or edit].

I recommend you do the same searches on bing.com, yahoo.com and even facebook.com <<< wow 400 words in before mentioning facebook!
And if all of the above is over your head, then call me anyways because we can help it make sense for you.
Now to our second question.
2) What does your presence say about your organization?
Start with the basics, to make sure your information is correct and up-to-date. Then ask yourself if you’d be interested in your business (based solely on what you see online)?
Not too interesting? Then perhaps it’s time for an online marketing review. Here at the office, we are currently offering those for free. If you’re interested, please give Johnene, our awesome Administrative Assistant and Office Manager a call! She can get you on our calendar with a free review. (360)575-9839
Long Live your Business.
Make sure your business can be found AND is putting it’s best foot forward. Take advantage of today’s technology – not only to survive, but to flourish.
Oscar Myre IV is the owner and creative director at the flourishing company, omOriginals Marketing! in Longview, WA. They’re local geeks and ad designers for this paper, who have esteemed clients from all over Cowlitz County (and the nation), and would be happy to chat with you about your own online marketing goals and thoughts. They can be reached at (360)575-9839 or online @ omOriginals.com

<GeekSpeak> is also published monthly in the Valley Bugler Newspaper.