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Top 8 Ways To Optimize Your Blog

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

Does it seem like every man, woman and dog has a blog out these days? It’s true – blogging is slowly taking over the World Wide Web which is why it is so important to make sure your blog gets noticed and stands out from the crowd. The ultimate goal of any blog is to bring people who are interested in the type of content you offer. So how do you do that? Below are ten simple yet effective tips to maximize the traffic to your blog:

1. Post regularly – we can’t stress this enough. Make time every day (or every second day) to update your blog and stick to the schedule. The more often you update your blog, the more often your pages are indexed by search engines and seen by potential viewers. Although it can be tempting to set up a blog and forget about it, stick with it and you’ll see results!

2. Set up a Posting Alert – every time you post a blog, let the world know through a number of social networking sites. You can set up alerts or ‘pings’ so that every time you publish an article, the search engines are alerted.

3. Make friends with Links – linking is essential for any blogger success. Make sure you link to reputable sources and build up inbound links from another blog or website that will point readers to you. You may need to do some networking to find similar and helpful blogs for inbound links but this is definitely worth your while.

4. Make use of SEO – SEO or search engine optimization is a blogger’s best friend. Choose keywords that are relevant to your content to ensure that your blog ranks high in the search engine rankings. Check out the Google Adword Keyword Tool to find keywords that are relevant as well as popular with search engines.

5. Write descriptive post titles – when you are thinking about to name your blogs, consider this: what would you type into Google to find your post? Whatever phrase or keyword you decide on, make sure you include it in your title.

6. Use Image titles –another excellent way to bring people to your blog is to include title images with one or more words from your post title. This will increase the relevance of your post.

7. Submit your URL – take advantage of the ‘submit blog’ tool in Google, Yahoo or any of the other search engines. You will be directed to a page that will let you submit the URL for indexing which will ensure more people see your blog when searching for particular keywords.

8. Make sure you stay up to date on the current trends. See what works for other and check out the various developments in search engine technology to stay one step ahead of the crowd.

Keep in mind that the above tips are only a few of the different ways you can generate traffic to your blog. Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

How To Generate Free Traffic To Your Website

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Generating traffic to your web site is one of the most important ways to ensure its success. Unfortunately, however, obtaining traffic is not something that you will do once and forget about it – it’s an ongoing thing. However, once you have mastered the art of generating free traffic, the rest will fall into place.

First and foremost, you need to factor in SEO, or search engine optimization. You need to do your homework and determine which keywords will help with your SEO. Check with Google Adwords Keywords Tool to see what words are searched the most and go from there.

Second of all, you need to constantly add and update the content on your site. Content is key when it comes to generating free traffic. If you have something interesting to say on your site, then viewers and readers will come. Excellent content is the key to a loyal audience and following.

Linking is the third most important part of successful web site traffic. You need to not only include internal links (those to pages on your site), but also need to factor in backlinks, or links that come from other sites.

Another great place to find free traffic is through social networking sites as well as Twitter and Google Buzz. Facebook is a great place to start. Build a profile and start updating frequently, always linking to your site. Social bookmarking sites, such a Digg and Delicious also offer a free way to generate traffic. You can also submit to article directories, which is another great way to promote your site for free.

Another sure-fire way to get viewers to your site is to offer a free product or service. You do not have to give away a DVD to the one-millionth viewer but you can offer something that is useful – this could be a free guidebook or manual on something pertaining to your site. You could also include a free video or presentation for the more visual viewers.

Finally, consider using viral content, which, like a virus, will help spread your site around. When users like your content, they send it to their friends, post it on various sites, and promote it for free in many different ways. Viral content distributes on its own and your only task is to create it and submit it to a couple of popular sites.

Finally, take advantages of other blogs and forums. If you have something useful to say that relates back to your site, say it. Then include a link for more information. However, do not simply add your link and “great post” to every forum that pertains to your site. This will only annoy visitors and most likely annoy the search engines as well. If you are going to comment, make sure you have something useful and informative to say.

Keep in mind that the above tips are only a few of the different ways you can generate traffic to your site for free. Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

Top 7 SEO Mistakes To Avoid

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Check out these common, yet deadly sins that could cause your SEO to mentally breakdown. Be sure to read through the seven deadly sins of SEO to know what to avoid in the future:

1) Forgetting to place a robot.txt file on the dev server: why? Because this will cause serious duplicate content. Make sure you secure the dev serve with a client login or place a robots.txt file to ensure that the site is properly indexed.

2) Duplicate Linking – no need to link to www and non-www versions of a site. One will suffice.

3) Excess Coding – tables are the past. Make room for divs when you are coding page content. Why? Because divs are flexible and clean. This makes for easier readability and successful SEO design.

4) Multiple Linking – instead of linking ten pages to the same site, only link one page per anchor text that describes its content most accurately. This will save a lot of confusion for both Google as well as your viewers.

5) Picture Site mapping – sure, you want to make your sitemap pretty, but using images is not the way to do it. Sitemaps are supposed to be simple to navigate. So, skip the images and instead link to pages using words that accurately describe the pages.

6) Confusing URL’s – your URL is the first clue as to what your site is actually about. Make sure you choose URL’s that actually make sense. Set up dynamic URL’s so that more information is passed or create a rewrite engine that will fix them for you.

7) Paragraph Linking – when it comes to linking it might make sense to use an entire paragraph as a link – that way you can pack a bunch of anchor text keywords into one link. Not the case – instead, use a few well chosen words when linking to different pages. Stay away from paragraph linking.

When it comes to mastering the fine art of SEO, there are more than enough rules and regulations put forward by Google and other search engines. However, if you do not follow these rules correctly, you could end up being blacklisted and your content dropped off the ranks completely. This is why it is so important to know the SEO sins and avoid them like the plague.

Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

Google Buzz SEO Tips for Success

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Looking to master Google Buzz? Look no further than below where you will find the secrets to success when using Google Buzz. Google Buzz is yet another social media gadget used to attract viewers to your blog or website. Similar to Twitter, Tumblr and FriendFeed, Google Buzz can, however, help you move up in the ranks if used correctly.

Google Buzz is the perfect middle ground between a blog and a tweet. Although most Buzzes are not the type of quality content that will make it into your blog, you may have something more substantial to say than your average tweet. Buzz is a great middle man for your opinions. And because Google is so big, your buzz will be read by all the right people.

Keep the following tips in mind when using Google Buzz for SEO and SMO purposes:

When using Google Buzz, keywords are just as important as always. Buzzzy.com is a third party Google Buzz search engine that will help you determine the most popular keywords at the time. This can help you find the right keywords to get noticed. Linking is also as important as ever; however, Google Buzz does not use ‘nofollow’ which is important to keep in mind when linking to your other pages such as Twitter.

When using Google Buzz, it is also beneficial to consider life streaming. Similar to Friendfeed, Google Buzz can be used as a life streaming tool which will add your contributions and content from elsewhere. For those who do not use Friendfeed, Google Buzz can be a great addition for life streaming.

It is also critical to note that anytime someone comments on your Google Buzz, the comments will put you back at the top again. So make those buzz informative, controversial and comment-worthy!

Buzz supports multi platform publishing which ensures that your content is distributed across the web without having to publish a number of different times. This is a time saver for those who like to cross-post.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember when it comes to using Google Buzz is that is it part of the
Google family and thus very closely connected to your Google Profile. Make sure you only buzz about quality stuff and keep the chatter to Twitter or Facebook to ensure the best SEO results.

Google Buzz can be a very effective SEO tool if used correctly. The number of buzzes you write, the content you choose to include and the number of comments you receive will all impact your ranking. SEO still applies to Google Buzz so don’t forget the importance of quality linking and strategic keywords.

Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

Top 8 Ways To Improve Wordpress Blog SEO

Friday, July 9th, 2010

Search engine optimization is not rocket science but it can be confusing, especially for those who are just starting out. You want to ensure that your blog is SEO friendly to actually attract viewers. There is no magic potion to improving your WordPress blog’s SEO; however, there are a few tips that will methodically improve your site’s ranking.

Content is Key

Your blog is all about content – so make it a worthwhile read by constantly updating, adding and editing your content. Write excellent content that people will actually want to read. SEO aside, this is the first (and certainly most important) thing we all need to remember when it comes to blogging.

Comment on other Useful Blogs

You need to read to be read. What this means is that if you are reading a blog that is particularly interesting and applies to your blog, leave a comment and a link to your blog, if it’s suitable. This does not mean, however, littering a number of different blogs with a link to yours. Furthermore, when you are leaving a comment, make it worthwhile. Offer some advice or another piece of information relevant to the article. Do not comment just for the sake of commenting.

Header Help

Make sure you are using your header tags correcting within the posts. “H1” tells Google this is the most important thing on the whole page. For that reason, it should contain post titles, not your blog’s title. “H2” is the second most important content on the page, so should be used for sub-headings. Use “H3” for sub headings and sidebar element and use “H4” for low for sidebar elements.

Sitemap for Success

Sitemaps are not only helpful for viewers that get lost, but they also tell the search engine reports what your content is all about. With a site map, search engine robots are able to index your content appropriately meaning you get the visitors that you want. WordPress makes site mapping simple with the Google XML Sitemaps plug-in! Install it, set it up and tell Google where your new sitemap is.

Alt Tag Images

Images are important for every blog. However, without the ever important Alt-tag, search engines are unable to tell what that certain image is. WordPress makes it easy to Alt tag images so make sure you do it! Simply fill out the description when you upload the image and you’re done!

Choose your Plug-Ins Wisely

There are a number of different WordPress plug-ins available and it might seem appropriate to use as many as possible. After all, they are there to use right? Wrong. You’ll end up with a lot of unnecessary clutter. Select your plug-ins wisely. The one we recommend is SEO Super Comments plug-in which can generates pages for all your comments, making them indexable by search engines. What this means is that your comments can actually help you rank higher on search engines. Perfect!

Beautify your Permalinks

Under the settings tab in the WordPress backend, click “Permalinks”. Choose an option that will work with your blog. Our suggestion? “Custom Structure” with either /category/post-name or /post-name. Simple yet elegant.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

Top 10 Ways To Improve Website Ranking

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

Search engines crave content – however, this does not mean you can simply write an article, load it with keyword phrases and hope for the best. If you are lucky, your article won’t be blacklisted from Google but odds are that not only will this method not raise your ranking but it will also ensure that you are banished from Google. Below are ten easy ways to improve your web site ranking with SEO friendly tricks of the trade that actually work!

1. Make your page title keyword savvy. Furthermore, ensure that you use strategic and proper Meta tagging on these pages. This is your first impression – make it stand out and attract the right viewers.

2. Get your URL out there – register it with major search engines, directories and specialty sites. You should also dish out the dough and select a few paid directories such as Yahoo. This will ensure that your URL is seen and noticed by all the right people.

3. Make your home page content really shine. Do not just write for the sake of writing. If you are not the best writer, then consider hiring someone to do it for you. Make sure your home page explains your site clearly but also offers plenty of links and as well keywords in your content for SEO purposes.

4. Make friends with hyperlinks – you do not need to go link crazy, but a few strategically placed hyperlinks can provide easy navigation for your viewers.

5. Don’t forget about In-Bound Links. In bound links from other relevant sites can be extremely helpful. Make some connections by browsing through similar sites and networking your website. In most instances, in-bound linking can be a win-win situation for both parties involved.

6. Use Text Links, Alt-Tagged Navigation Icons or a Site Map. This will help search engine robots navigate through your site and place your content.

7. Add an integrated web log to your web site. This is a simple and effective tip to boosting your SEO and web design quality.

8. Avoid SEO No-no’s – this includes, but is certainly not limited to Flash-based openings, long winded introductions, music, improper meta-tag codes and any schemes to try to ‘trick’ search engines.

9. Consider getting a Search Engine Optimization Audit for your content. This will ensure that you have not gone overboard on your SEO (and risk banishment from Google) but it will also ensure that you have done enough to get noticed.

10. Finally, write, write and write some more. Update and add content frequently. Make sure your content is fresh, fun and unique and grammar and spelling error-free. Your content is what will make or break your site – so get writing!

Keep in mind that the more strategically you headline, title, meta-tag and link these pages, the higher your page will rise in ranking. Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

6 Tips To The Best Link Building

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Linking is one of the most important aspects to any SEO campaign. It will give your website presence in all the right places. However, many people are unaware of how to properly link to their own pages and to other pages on the web. There are a few linking faux pas that all web designers should avoid. Read on to make sure you are not guilty….

Cloaking Links – your site will lose credibility if you cloak your links. Make sure the user is able to see where the link is pointing on the status bar of the browser

Unclear Links – viewers need to know what it a link and what is not (what is clickable and what is not). Underline or give your links a contrasting color to the text.

Underlined Text or Colored Text – links are supposed to be underlined or colored in a different color than your normal font. If the normal text is blue rather than black, then where in the heck are the links?

Colorless Links – when you click on a link, it should change color so the reader knows he has been there. If your links remain the same color, your viewer can end up getting confused and returning to the same links over and over again. Talk about annoying.

Forgetting Anchor Text on Links – this is a common mistake but needs to be avoided. Although it might be easier to use the phrase “click here”, it is not as efficient.

Don’t link to new browser windows – it might make sense to have any site links open in another window – that way the viewer doesn’t ever lose your page. However, this is actually a lot more annoying and frustrating for the viewer. With a number of windows open, he is less likely to even go back looking for yours. In addition to this point, it is also a good idea to avoid resizing the user’s browser window. Let the user be in control of his browser.

Make sure you link to credible sources - Although it’s always a good idea to link to other pages on the site, if you are going to link away from your site, make sure you are linking to a credible resource on the subject.

Don’t forget the footer links – when a viewer cannot find what he is looking for, where is the first place he will go – to the bottom of the page. Make sure you include a link to the Homepages, Contact Details and more in your footer.

Want to know more about the importance of proper linking? Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.

Top 13 Website Navigation Designs To Avoid

Monday, June 28th, 2010

There are a lot of articles out there that explain the top ten mistakes to web design navigation; however, the reality is - there are more than ten web design mistakes out there. That is why we have compiled a list of as many web design mistakes we can think of. Read, enjoy and watch out for the following in your web design project:

Over-complex URL structures – stay away from URL’s that are hard to remember and even harder to type in. Stick to a simple keyword based URL structure. This will ensure that your page is seen by those looking for it and will also make it easier for readers to identify the content on your page before visiting it.

HTML Tables – if you have the choice, pick CSS rather than HTML tables. CSS is faster, more reliable and offers a number of cool features. HTML tables really can’t compare.

Unsearchable websites – make sure all your pages are searchable and SEO friendly, not just your home page.

“Drop Down” Menus – drop down menus can confuse things by hiding some of the information that the viewer might be looking for. Make it simple and straightforward and steer clear of drop down menus.

Don’t forget the Text Navigation – text navigation is faster and more reliable than Image navigation, especially considering many users will browse the internet with images turned off.

Bring it “Back” – another big mistake many web designers make is breaking the ‘back’ link to your webpage. Make sure your viewers can follow their steps back, if they want to.

Don’t use horizontal scrolling – it’s annoying and useless. Make sure your website fits inside a 1024 by 768 pixel screen to avoid the horizontal scroll.

No long pages – horizontal aside, long pages are also incredibly annoying. Make your web pages short and sweet. It will improve the navigation structure and make your site a lot more readable.

Avoid Pop Ups – most pop ups are blocked anyway. It’s best to stay away from pop ups on your site.

Avoid JavaScript Links – another waste of time and space, JavaScript links will often create problems for the user without really adding anything to your site. Best to stay away.

Avoid too many versions – stick to one, either Flash or HTML, 56kbps or 128kbps. Don’t confuse the reader anymore than you have to.

Avoid advertising blending – would you like some adverts with your content? Not likely. So don’t do it.

Avoid complex navigation structures – you want to impress your viewers with your web design skills right? But this does not mean choosing a navigation structure that should come with its own manual. Make your website have a single, clear navigation structure so anyone, grandma included, can browse your site.

Avoid “intros” – making the viewer sit through a forty second introduction to your site is not going to sit well with anyone, especially those in a hurry.

So there you have it – avoid the following errors in navigation and watch your website soar in SEO success. Contact us today for more information on how we can improve your business or create your company a web presence that will dominate the search engines and deliver results. Call today at (612) 558-1020 for a free phone consultation.


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