Geekspeak – Understanding the King of Search Engines!
I’m often asked how to get better Google rankings for a business. They understand that if a business doesn’t exist online, it’s likely they won’t exist offline very long. We can discuss other search engines but, today we will just focus on the King of Search. According to PC World Google is the King of Search with a 66% share and Microsoft Bing at a distant 15%.
Before I talk about improving results, I like to give a lesson on the anatomy of Google search results.
Let’s take a look at the layout of the Google search results page. When you do a search for a business, Google serves you up some content. To simplify the process I’m going to take some artistic license. There are three 3 components. 1- Paid Ads 2- Places (Maps) & 3- Organic Results. Interestingly enough each of the 3 components has a different way to get to the top of each section.
Let’s start with component 1. Paid ads. The first section of ads are ones the top-left of your screen and they have a yellow background. The second section of ads are down the right site of the page. To get listed in here you have to get a Google adwords account and pay up.
This can be fairly inexpensive for categories that don’t have a lot of competitors. This is how nationwide companies often show up for local search when they don’t actually have a local presence. Alternatively, in highly competitive markets this can be very pricey. The good news is you can get to the top, the question is “at what cost?” If you plan to take this route, I strongly recommend you have professional set you up with your account. Some knowledge on the front-end can save some serious time and money.
Component 2 is the Map results.
This is often directly below the primary paid section. This section is great as they are location based. They only list businesses that have a physical address on the map. Each listing in the section has a pin with a letter and a map to show you it’s location. Google offers free places pages for businesses. These pages are basic, but they do allow for the all important client reviews.
The simplest way to get optimal ranking in this section is to #1 have an address in the search area, and to have a good quantity of positive reviews. Again, good news here is that these pages are free. Your business may already have one as Google uses a variety of sources to automatically create these pages.
You can claim your page by clicking on the link underneath it and by then clicking on “Mange this page”. FYI It does require a Google account to take control of a page.
The 3rd component is the Organic Results. Who doesn’t love organic. This section is also free and Google does a good job of ranking web sites primarily on the content of the pages (relative to the search) and the popularity of the website.
This section rewards those who have great web sites with specific intelligently prepared content. Some web professional will say getting a blog will get you great organic results. This can be very true with some diligent work and training from a professional. ~:-)
Happy Googling!
What has your website done for YOU lately?
You probably remember my article “Interview with an iPhone”. Now it is time for you to jump in the interviewing chair. It is time for you to interview your web site! I have 5 questions to help. Don’t be shy. Demand quality answers from one of your best marketing tools for your business!
1) Have you made our business look good?
First impressions are big. If your web site doesn’t look professional and well taken care of, neither does your business. Simple. Take a look to see if your business looks like the type of company you’d want to work with. This is your place to highlight your strengths. This is an especially good place to hear from others in the form of client testimonials – testimonials make you marvelous.
2) Have you helped people find our business?
There are two parts to this:
1) When they are at your site people expect to be able to quickly and easily get a hold of you via phone, visiting your business, connecting on facebook or eMailing you. Can they?
Part 2) Can they find your web site? Today’s phone book is called Google. Trying “googling” your business. You need to be easy to find by typing your business name AND your product/service name and the city, state you are located in. You also want to make sure you can be found at bing.com, yahoo.com and others. Not found? Call us to schedule a free consult on how to GET FOUND.
3) Have you sold people on what our company can do for them?
Your current and potential customers should be able to learn more about what you offer. Make sure it clearly outlines the value you bring to the marketplace, and why.
4) Have you helped our customers?
Our clients web sites are helping their customers in a variety of ways. Your site can be a great place to check out your menu, download a form, pay a bill, order a product, answer a frequently asked question, check hours, call your business, give directions to your place of business or even read a helpful article (like this one).
5) Have you helped us make more money?
You don’t have to sell products online to make money from your website. I hope you are all tracking your sales to see where they are coming from. Consider your website as an essential sales and marketing tool, and don’t let it get rusty.
I hope this article got you started asking your web site some very important questions.
Want another set of eyes to take a look at your site? Ask our geeky team here at omOriginals Marketing to do a similar interview, for free! Ask your customers to share what they think of your site. ~:-) The more you concentrate on what your web site has done for you, the more it will do for you.
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.
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!
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.
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!