OmOriginals Design Studio

Here is a question from my bag of Internet FAQs. “How do I get my web site listed at Google?”  a more geeky version is “how to I get Google to index my web site?” When they “index” your site they review all of the content of your site and add this info to their database so that when someone searches they can deliver relevant content. Hopefully your web site.

Just in: according to Compete.com Google is now getting 1 in 8 page views. This means 13% of web site views are Google. Let’s get you listed at Google.

1. Submit to Google.
   This is free and quick way it submit your site directly using their “Add URL” page. The page allows you to add as many sites as you’d like. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t add all of the pages to it’s index. Additionally they don’t guarantee when or if they will ever check out your site. This is very popular way to attempt to get listed, but I recommend you read on….
2. Submit to Yahoo! and the ODP (DMOZ.org)
   The second way is to submit your site to the Yahoo! Directory and/or ODP. Years ago (remember the 90s?) Yahoo!’s free submission service worked very nicely and the directory was very useful.They then created a paid submission service. This created a barrier that resulted in less web sites being submitted and thus a less comprehensive tool. The “Directory Submit” was a one time fee to get listed.

   Today however they charge $299/year. Consequently I no longer recommend using the paid tool. You can submit to the free service, but don’t hold your breath waiting to get listed.

   Another directory to consider getting listed with the the Open Directory Project. This free directory is owned by AOL/Netscape. It takes some time to get listed, but getting in the back door of AOL can help you get listed with Google.

3. Get Linked to from a Google Friendly site.
   The Google preferred method is for them to find you. Google is much more impressed by your web site if other sites that they already have indexed link to you.The more popular the site linking to you the better. Do some research to find who links to your competitor and ask them to link to you.

   Our BLOG has become popular site that is very effective for launching web sites. Google visits our site virtually everyday looking for fresh content. This allows us to get clients listed in less than a week after a new site is launched. Getting one popular site to link to you is good. Getting more is even better. This is why It can be worth it for you to take some time with Yahoo! and ODP.

4. Advertise
   Funny thing. Google advertisers seem to be automatically added to Google.Setting up a Google Adwords account and setting up a budget of $30/month or more seems to work wonders for getting listed very quickly as well. Tip: Before you jump into Adwords give me a call, I can get you $50 in Google money to get you started.

Today we’ve discussed 4 ways to get listed with Google. For best results I recommend a combination approach of the above and stay clear of Submit to Google, the thought is if no one else knows about you they are not terribly interested either.

Go get listed! Now your site has a fighting chance to be found!

Don’t forget the Map
The Map results show at near the top of the page for local searches. The Map is independent of your regular listing and advertising. You actually don’t even need a web site to get listed on the Map.

You are listed, Now What?
It is good to be indexed at Google, but that doesn’t mean people are going to find you. Your site should be built with Search Engine Optimization in mind. The bottom line is that – Google wants to give relevant results. If you want to be found give them content that talks about what you think people will search for. SEO is crucial for your web sites success. If you have the time and desire, you can research the best way to optimize your site or consult with an expert to build and grow your site in a way that moves you to the top.
~:-)

Oscar Myre IV is the owner and Creative Director of omOriginals Marketing! If your business has web development, social marketing or internet marketing questions or want some help with plans, please stop by or give us a buzz at the studio: 360.575.9839 or online @ omOriginals.com

Google has launched new web browser to change the world. A web browser is an application that you use to view web sites. Most people (in the windows world) are still using Internet Explorer. For many users,  people have just used what came with the computer and never really consider other options. Google would like for you to consider Chrome.

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Thanks for tuning in for the latest version of geek speak. This month is dedicated to those businesses who have been putting off the improvement or creation of a Web Site. If your business is still sitting on the fence, do I have an article for you!

Ten Reasons Why Your Businesses / Organization needs a web site.

Today, small and medium sized businesses need to proactively promote their business. Any single reason below should be a catalyst for having an effective web site. The following are the The Top 10 Reasons Your Business Needs A Website TODAY! I think you will find that some if not all of these can apply to your company.

1. Relatively Inexpensive.

Opening a second location can increase your exposure to potential customers. For a small fraction of the cost to open a new locale you can setup a custom web site from a professional company.

2. Genuine Resource.

If you invest in your web site by adding useful information you can make your site a valuable resource. For example, “how to articles” or answers to “frequently asked questions” can be a great service to visitors and as a bonus show your to be an expert in your field.

3. Up-to Date.

Those shiny new post cards and brochures look great and can be a powerful tool. But, wait! You’ve made a change in your offering and now it is out of date. With a good CMS (Content Management System) running your web site, you can quickly and easily update your site whenever info about your product/ services changes.

4. Tell A Friend.

What is a the biggest compliment that a customer can give you? Words are nice but telling a friend is by far the biggest way to say well done and thank you. But, chances are they still don’t have your brochure or business card. They can give someone your number to call, but sending them to your web site allows the potential client to learn so much more and in your own words.

5. Consumer Habits have Changed.

I recently read that 70% of consumers pre-qualify businesses online before making contact. The modern sales process has dramatically changed. Consumers are making decisions based on what they see online. Today’s consumers are much more informed before they ever make contact. Is your business giving the right info? Is it giving any at all?

6. Have an Online Presence (Existence).

If you don’t have a web site or have a web site that cannot be found, you essentially don’t exist to your potential customers. Your business may be just down the street from someone looking for your service, but when they do a web search and only see two of your competitors – you don’t exist.

7. Collect Valuable Information.

Visitors can interact with you in a non-confrontational way. When they fill our your feedback form or comment on your blog they can give you crucial business feedback. All of this feedback is documented digitally. Additionally, with the use of web site statistics you can review the viewing habits of your visitors as they come into your site, as they check our your business and where they go when first leave and how often they return to your site. Note: their personal info is not tracked simply by them clicking.

8. The Death of Yellow Pages.

Yellow pages used to be THE primary source to find business info. Now before people can find the book they they can “google” “Longview, WA Company Name” or “Longview, WA Product/Service.” A popular tool for the local area is CowlitzToday.com – with detailed info about each business. With the increasing popularity of smart phones many visitors now have the phone book of the future in their pocket.

9. Now Open 24-7, 365 Days a Year.

Consider the additional cost to staff your business 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Your web site will likely be open 99.9% percent of the time and rarely call in sick. Your web site can have all of the right answers to FAQs (frequently asked questions) and to questions that you’d like for them to ask. Consumers are increasingly becoming busier and busier every day and by providing information and services online you are able to attract the people who are simply just too busy to handle all their needs during their 9-5 workday while working around your 8-6 office hours.

10. Put your best foot forward.

A well-planned web site is a great well to instill confidence in prospective clients. Your web site gives you the opportunity to present the best and most complete image of your company. You are in control to set the tone of your company. Careful preparation of your “first impression” is essential.

Do it TODAY!

Whether you decide to hire a professional web development company like omOriginals to design and build your business or organizations website, or have the time and desire to build your own, your business shouldn’t go any longer without one!

It is time to catch up ensure your success. omOriginals offers free consultations, and can help you outline your web goals and needs efficiently. Call (360)575-9839 today to get started.

~ Oscar not only wrote this article, he also read it. Imagine that! This has inspired him and his company to begin a major 2 phase upgrade to their own web site found at omOriginals.com Stay tuned.