Looking for some easy money? Design a logo for a client of mine and win $200 bucks. Easy peasy.
Marketing
...now browsing by category
Logo / Graphic Design Contest
Sunday, February 8th, 2009Analyzing an SEO Spammer
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009We’ve all seen the emails, promising us high rankings if we’d just reply. Personally I’ve deleted hundreds of them, ignoring their great offers of near-world peace.
For some reason though, today I thought I’d just check one out. The email was just like the others.
From: Jerry Dennison
Subject: your website
Date: January 21, 2009
We can put your site at the top of a search engines listings. If this is something you might be interested in, send me a reply with the web addresses you want to promote and the best way to contact you with some options.
Sincerely,
Jerry Dennison
Big Block Search
So I thought I’d do a little research on Jerry’s website, and his claims to get me to the top of the search engines. Which is cool, because I really want to rank for the term ‘SEO’. I’m sure if anyone can do it, Jerry can.
First stop, BigBlockSearch.com. It’s a pretty generic website, most likely it is the same landing page as all the other SEO-spam emails I get. There’s a form that I can fill out to find out more information. No information about the company, no other pages. There is a little blurb on the page about Christmas approaching. I guess they mean Christmas ’09. Man, this company is on the leading edge!
There’s two contact us links on the page, both going to linda@. Hey wait, where’s Jerry?
So I fill out the form (Get a free review of your website!) for one of my newer websites, along with the message ‘not sure what you can do but we need more traffic’. I don’t want to leave a phone number, so I leave it blank. Whoops.
Guess I should filled that out. Interestingly, the title bar says Unable to Send E-Mail – CoffeeCup Form Builder. Ah, coffeecup. FrontPage’s cousin.
So I hit the back button, fill out all fields, and hit Submit again. Funny thing, I get the same result. So apparently they aren’t relying on the website to generate many leads, or their site just happens to be down when I visit. Either way, it doesn’t look like my chances are good for my one-word ranking. Darnit.
Next stop: WHOIS. According to them, the site was just registered in December of 2008, its not even a month old. Yet, it says that the site is climbing the Alexa rankings like mad, and that it gets over 3000 visitors a month. Wow, really?
The domain is privately registered, so that’s a dead end. The server is located in China, and when I click through to the 2 other websites hosted on this server, they both come back as Chinese sites. WHOIS gives them an SEO score of 68% (I know it doesn’t mean much, but still, shouldn’t it be 100%?)
Next stop: archive.org. It’s a long shot, but what the heck. Sure enough though, no info.
Last stop: Google. Maybe they’ll have some info for me. I really want these guys to help me rank.
Hey, I’m in luck! My buddy jerry is listed here, linda is mentioned here, and here too. There are some other mentions, but they are all about the same.
Darnit, it looks like my rankings are still far off.
So the big question still lingers, what is the purpose of all of this? They obviously aren’t getting much business from it. 3000+ visitors? I don’t believe that. Especially when their forms don’t work.
My only theory is that they are simply using it as a ruse to gather email addresses for other spam-related mailings. The SEO stuff is just a ruse to get business owners to fill out the form for their email address.
I should also mention here that I could have emailed “Linda” for more info, but I decided that was probably a bad idea. I’m really hoping I’m wrong, and that Jerry (or Linda) will get me to the top of the search engines soon (sarcasm).
What’s your theory?
We Had a Website, It Was a Waste of Money
Friday, January 16th, 2009There is a saying that I used to put in all of my business packages: In the future there will be two types of businesses: Those online and those out of business. The quote is supposedly attributed to Bill Gates, although I’m unsure if he ever really said it.
Nonetheless, many businesses over the years have heard something similar, usually from a salesman or local web designer bent on getting their business. Usually the web designer got the gig, built a site, and it sat. There was no integration of products, no call to action, no active marketing of the site.
Interestingly, most of these companies don’t even promote their website themselves. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen commercials on TV for businesses that I know have websites, but there’s no mention of it. Some don’t even put it on their business cards. What do they expect?
Well, they want ROI. Problem is, most business owners have no clue how a website can be an income-generating machine for their company. They see a website as another marketing expense, usually one that “doesn’t work”. So the website sits, or even worse it goes unrenewed. Soon they are another business with no website, an even worse fate than having a crappy one.
And when Mr. Web Designer (or Mr. SEO) comes along and tries to engage them in a discussion about a website, they are immediately disinterested. “We had a website, it was useless” is usually how the discussion goes. And it’s pretty hard for a designer to get them to change their minds, no matter how good he/she is.
The problem wasn’t the website, it was the fact that it wasn’t promoted. I’ve said many times Build it and they won’t come – but that’s exactly true. Without promoting and marketing your new asset (and your website is an asset), it will never grow. In fact, just as happened above, the website turned into an expense and no more.
Websites need purpose, they need goals. Before you ever sit down to build a site, clearly state the goals that you want it to accomplish. Will it tell customers how to find you? Will it sell products? Will it bring in leads? Will it promote your charity or non-profit? Will it become an income-generating avenue for your sales team?
If you tried a website in the past, and it failed, don’t be afraid to consider doing it again. Find a good designer that knows SEO and do it right – you’ll be happy you did.
Why Should Business Owners Want Organic Results?
Friday, January 2nd, 2009Many small business owners don’t understand the huge advantage that SEO gives them over other online marketing methods such as PPC advertising or traffic buying. I thought I’d share a few quick thoughts on this topic. It’s nothing new, but may help some of my newer readers understand the benefits of “being at the top of Google”.
More People are Using the Internet than the Yellow Pages for Local Search
While this may not be a surprise to most of my readers, it should be a jolt to small business owners who are stuck in their ways when it comes to marketing. Since most SMBs have small marketing budgets and little or no knowledge of how to get the best ROI for it, they just assume that the Yellow Pages is still the way to go.
Sorry folks, it’s not. While I encourage any SMB to continue to put their ad in the YPs, they should drastically reduce the amount of money they are spending on it. A simple ad that has phone number and website URL is all you need. Target the local phone book and maybe the large ‘city version’ if there is one. That’s it. Put the rest of that money where more people will see your information – online.
Most Searchers Won’t Go Past Page Two of Google
This applies to all search engines, but since Google has around 70% share of the US search market, I’ll use them.
Most people when searching for something, expect it to be there when they hit the ‘Search’ button. If it’s not, they may go to page two of those results, but most will not venture any further. Instead, they’ll change their search string and start over until they find what they want. So if your business isn’t listed on page one or two, those customers are just going elsewhere.
Being on Page One of a Result is Like Getting a Referral
When someone is looking for something, and you have it, they are more inclined to buy from you simply because you had the information they were seeking. Having good content that answers questions they have is like you talking to them in person. You become a ‘subject matter expert’ and therefore gain trust.
SEO Lasts a Long Time – PPC Stops when You Stop Spending
I was talking with a client last night who has been doing SEO for about a year and a half now. They are so far beyond their competition that it’d take a while before the others could ever catch up. Some of his competitors are doing PPC, which is good, but once they stop spending for those clicks, they go back to a negligable amount of visitors (if not zero).
On the other hand, an SEO’d website could withstand literally cutting their budget for 3-4 months and not lose a lot of ground. Sure, they’d lose some, but the overall effects of it would dwindle over time, not immediately. (This isn’t something I recommend you telling your SEO clients – they may just try it!)
PPC has it’s place in the overall world of search, but it shouldn’t be the hinge you balance your entire marketing platform on. Just like the Yellow Pages, it should be used in conjunction with your SEO efforts, but should not be the main focus.
Top Ranking for Long Tail Keywords is Money in the Bank
As a general rule, the more specific the search, the higher rate of conversion. This means that if you rank at the top of the search engines for ‘blue widget with 12hp motor’, the chances of that visitor buying your widget is definitely higher than someone searching for ‘blue widget’. These longer tail keywords are easy to attain high rankings on, and they bring better overall traffic.
Ranking Brings Brand Recognition
Think about this – if a person is searching for something, and your website keeps coming up at the top, they are going to see your logo several times over the course of their searches. Even if they don’t buy from you on that day, you still had your brand in front of them several times. What is that worth to you?
Location, Location, Location
Just like picking out a physical location for your business, you wouldn’t want some backstreet that no one sees, would you? Same goes for online marketing. You’ve got to be where the traffic is driving past.
Summary and Shameless Plug
While this is far from a complete list of the reasons you should consider SEO, it’s definitely a good start. I’d love to hear what you think about the list, and let me know what I missed.
If you are a business owner who needs to get your website to the top of the search engines, it all starts with a phone call (888-341-2551) or email. Give me a call and I’d love to discuss what I can do, or visit my website at http://www.WhereIsMyBusiness.com
What Are Your Goals for 2009?
Tuesday, December 30th, 2008Well, by far the biggest year in Internet Marketing is drawing to a close. How did you do this year? Did you surpass your goals? Did you have any goals? Did your business do well online? Did you see growth? ROI? Has your business taken a ‘new direction’ when it comes to your online marketing?
If I helped your business grow in 2008, I can’t wait to make it even bigger in 2009. If not, that’s ok too. I hope that this blog has shown you ways to create new revenue streams and programming shortcuts that will take your business to a new level.
Now, what are you going to do in 2009? Add video or perhaps a blog? Start a link building campaign? Did you just test the SEO surface waters and realize the potential? The economy isn’t going to stay in the dumps forever, are you positioning your company to be way ahead of the bigger players in your industry when money once again flourishes?
Have you looked at your 2008 data and researched what worked and what didn’t? Where can you apply Pareto’s Law to reduce and refine? What areas of your business can be trimmed and/or removed? Should you expand or simply reroute?
What new marketing ideas do you have in store for 2009? Giveaways? Video? PPC? New domains and websites? Expansion into new areas? Leveraging your newfound Internet traffic for better vendor pricing? Will you pursue an affiliate program? Can other local businesses help yours grow? Can you join a group that will promote your business? Could you hold an event that will get you media exposure? Can you advertise in local papers or websites cheaply? Will social networking be a part of your plan?
And of course, money. What are your goals for next year? How about monthly? Can you compare to the past and forecast? How much can you make? How much can you save? How much will you have to put into untapped (and potentially lucrative) revenue streams?
And lastly, what would you like to be forecasting for 2010? If this were December 30, 2009, what would you like to be thinking about? What goals will you be setting then?
Make it happen.
Does this unstable economy drive up prices for SEO?
Tuesday, November 25th, 2008It’s a question I’m wondering as I receive more and more calls from various businesses, both small and large, who are suddenly finding themselves in need of some marketing. People aren’t buying like they have been in years past, and some businesses are smart enough to realize that the future of marketing is on the Internet.
So as I continue to receive these calls, the industries are starting to overlap. A landscaper calls, a lawn maintenance company calls, a pool builder calls. While these industries are different in their respective ways, they are also the same.
So it got me wondering – are other SEOs receiving more calls, and if so, are they able to be more picky and/or command a higher price for their services than they were say a year or two ago?
I should preface this by saying that my company personally will not take on more than one client per industry. If a landscaper hires me, and another calls, I have to turn them down. The biggest reason is ethical – I can’t get both businesses to rank #1 for competing keywords. Perhaps other SEOs will take on more than one client per industry, but I don’t see how they could do it and still sleep well at night.
Now, if a landscaper and a lawn maintenance company hire me, they are similar but aren’t really competing over the same rankings, so I wouldn’t have a problem with it. Even better, they could cross-promote each other and make a bit more money/get more referrals that way. It’s a win-win.
So back to my question – which I guess is actually two quesitons.
- As an SEO, are you finding that you can be more particular about which clients you take on? Are there more than one business per industry considering your services?
- And if so, are you raising your rates because of this demand? Or, are you finding that there is more competition (since there are more customers) and you are having to lower your prices to stay competitive?
Ziploc Omelet
Thursday, November 20th, 2008My Mom sent me this, and it looks kinda cool. I’ve got a house full of kids, so we may do this on Saturday morning (before the big event)
ZIPLOC OMELET
(This works great !!! Good for when all your family is together. The best part is that no one has to wait for their special omelet !!!)
Have guests write their name on a quart-size Ziploc freezer bag with permanent marker.
Crack 2 eggs (large or extra-large) into the bag (not more than 2) shake to combine them.
Put out a variety of ingredients such as: cheeses, ham, onion, green pepper, tomato, hash browns, salsa, etc.
Each guest adds prepared ingredients of choice to their bag and shake. Make sure to get the air out of the bag and zip it up.
Place the bags into rolling, boiling water for exactly 13 minutes. You can usually cook 6-8 omelets in a large pot. For more, make another pot of boiling water.
Open the bags and the omelet will roll out easily. Be prepared for everyone to be amazed.
Nice to serve with fresh fruit and coffee cake; everyone gets involved in the process and a great conversation piece. Imagine having these ready the night before, and putting the bag in boiling water while you get ready.
And in 13 minutes, you’ve got a nice omelette for a quick breakfast!!!
Scouting for Food 2008
Thursday, November 13th, 2008This weekend is Scouting for Food, the nations largest one-day food drive. Every year my boys go out and hand out bags one weekend, then the next weekend we go collect the food.
This year’s event happens on November 15th (bag handout) and then the food collection is on Nov 23.
Please take the time on the 23rd to set out a bag of food for the boys in your area to collect.
Web Design and Internet Marketing/SEO Intern
Wednesday, November 12th, 2008My company Lighthouse Technologies is now in need of a part time intern. I’m looking for someone who is interested in and understands basic web design and wants to learn SEO. Candidate would be willing to work in exchange for knowledge transfer of Web Design skills, Internet Marketing and SEO.
Applicants do not need to live in the Saint Louis area, but must be actively online and respond to email/IM in timely manner. All work will be done virtually.
What you must have…
- A serious interest in web design
- Knowledge of web editing software (Dreamweaver preferred)
- Working knowledge of PhotoShop
- Knowledge and understanding of Search tactics
- An interest in marketing and social media
- Honesty, integrity and a willingness to learn
What we offer…
This is not a paid position, however there are many benefits:
- The chance to develop your talents and portfolio.
- Experience that will look great on your resume. Our web site has an excellent reputation, and potential employers will be impressed.
- A progressive management style that allows you to take on a great deal of responsibility and provides a supportive, stimulating and fun interactive environment.
- Letters of reference for future job opportunities.
- The opportunity to gain significant knowledge in the Internet Marketing field
Possible assignments include…
- Build new pages for various industry web sites.
- Assist in the development of new websites.
- Offer input and assistance with new design ideas for these sites.
- Potential revenue sharing on
- Create landing pages for SEO campaigns
- Participate in split testing
How to Apply…
Send your resume, the URL of at least one web site that shows your editing skills (be specific about the role you played in developing the site, versus what was done by others) and a cover letter that answers the following questions:
- What are your career goals and how would this internship help you achieve them? What do you hope to gain from this internship?
- What kind of coursework and/or experience do you have that would make you a valuable intern?
- In what areas are you most interested in attaining experience through this internship?
From the applications, we will select interviewees. Deadline for applications is November 28, 2009.
Mail cover letter/resume to:
Lighthouse Technologies
1243 Water Tower Place
Suite 180
Arnold, MO 63010
You may also email us your resume to sales@techlh.com. Please use the subject line INTERN JOB. We will reply with a confirmation of receipt.
If you want to really impress me, email your items then follow up via direct message at twitter or Yahoo! IM. ID at both of those locations is ‘techlh’
