Search Engine Optimization News and Updates

Windows Live Spaces Is Alive

2006-08-09T11:07:00.000-04:00

Cue the monster....It's Alive! Microsoft, ever the copy cat, has updated and re-released their version of MySpace. Called Windows Live Space (assuming they stop changing the name), it is of course another young person hang out where people with nothing better to do waste a perfectly beautiful day on the Internet doing something that won't improve their life one wit. Ok...was that opinionated? If you have a business that caters to the young, you might want to market yourself here by creating an account and give them something to do while withering away their hours. Windows Live Spaces

Google Operating System: Malware Warnings on Google Search Results

2006-08-09T10:58:00.000-04:00

While it's probably not perfect, it is a great step in the right direction....Google will warn you if a link in your search leads to a site with known malware. You can still visit the page, but you are warned. Google Operating System: Malware Warnings on Google Search Results

AOL Stupidity - What's Privacy Got to do With Customer Respect Anyway?

2006-08-09T10:32:00.000-04:00

AOL recently released search data which includes user names and who knows what else. Privacy be damned, your searches are public now. Here's a good chance to check on your kids and coworkers to see what they search for. And AOL is losing customer why? Oh yea! They keep doing dumb things. AOL search data mirrors

label:mattcutts - Google Video

2006-08-03T14:20:00.000-04:00

Want to know more about Google? Here's a link to Matt Cutt's videos hosted, of course, by Google Video label:mattcutts - Google Video

ClickSettlement.com - Grab Your Cash

2006-08-03T14:18:00.000-04:00

Want a chunk of that $60 million that Google is paying out for click fraud? Grab your server log files (or guess) and head over to ClickSettlement.com.

News.com Forgets Parents - Called to Action You Deadbeat Parents

2006-08-03T14:12:00.000-04:00

A News.com article discusses how MySpace "blurs line between friends and flack". It discusses how companies use MySpace to market their products and hold discussions with people, including children, to sell their merchandise. So your child makes friends with the Burger King who tells them they need to buy a whopper and they believe their new "friend". My first question is, who's minding the children. No decent parent should let a younger child use the Internet without supervision, much less chat with an unknown claiming to be the king of anything. I just had to comment on this as they assume we are all using the Internet to babysit our children. Such parents do exist I'm sure, but is it the companies fault? Who should be penalized here? Common sense dictates the parents of the children are at fault.
It is obvious to anyone with a brain that these are companies selling their wares. It should also be obvious that not everyone in a chat is honest about who they really are. I'm rambling now. At any rate, businesses can benefit from using MySpace if they are marketing to the under 30 crowd. Articles like this prove it.MySpace blurs line between friends and flacks | CNET News.com

Windows Live Toolbar

2006-07-31T08:36:00.000-04:00

Ok. It's not new, but after posting an article about Google's toolbar, I had to play fair. The MSN toolbar is also a good choice. Although it has far fewer options, it is simpler to use. Onfolio appears to be a great option allowing you to "capture, organize, and share images, whole Web pages, and even entire sites". Although I haven't tried it, it does sound addicting. Windows Live Toolbar

Google Toolbar Button Gallery

2006-07-30T16:57:00.000-04:00

Love the Google Toolbar? Well, love it even more. Now you can add buttons further extending the services and features of the popular toolbar. View the gallery to see the current offerings. Google Toolbar Button Gallery

Ether: Get Paid to Talk?

2006-07-30T11:35:00.000-04:00

Here's another one of those "why didn't I think of it" things. A service where people pay to talk to you. Great for consultants and advice professionals. Also for kooks and weirdo. Ether: Sell Therapy, Counseling, Tax Advice, Computer Help, and More - Sell what you say

Google Accessible Search FAQ

2006-07-30T11:07:00.000-04:00

Thank you Google. As we all get older, we realize that large print on the Internet would be a great thing. Her's Google addressing the older geek set. Accessible Search FAQ

Google AdWords Help Center: What's an invalid clicks report? How do I run one?

2006-07-30T11:02:00.000-04:00

Thank you Google! Now checking for click fraud is much easier with Google's new click fraud tool. Google AdWords Help Center: What's an invalid clicks report? How do I run one?

Google Code - Project Hosting

2006-07-30T10:56:00.000-04:00

Sourceforge has a new competitor - Google. (So who isn't Google competing with?) Called Google Code, this is another repository of Open Source and Commercial projects. View your new alternative code source at Google Code - Project Hosting.

The Ask.com Blog: Introducing RSS Smart Answers

2006-07-21T14:47:00.000-04:00

A smart RSS search tool. Cool! Too many times searching blogs brings up a lot of "stupid data". I don't care about how many ceiling tiles Joe has in his room, give me what I'm seeking. Read more on the Ask blog. The Ask.com Blog: Introducing RSS Smart Answers

Have You Google AdSense'd Today? New Site Diagnostics

2006-07-21T14:44:00.000-04:00

If you've logged into your Google AdSense account today, you no doubt noticed a new tab called "Site Diagnostics". This tool will show you URLs that Google was not able to crawl and other statistic on page crawl. If Google can't crawl a page, perhaps you have something needing fixing (or you did it on purpose). Google AdSense

Are You Measuring Visitor Engagement and Behavior?

2006-07-19T20:27:00.000-04:00

We do provide ranking reports for our customers that show how you are performing on the search engines. While that's a great monitoring tool, nothing is more important than watching your server log file reports (e.g. Urchin). Here's an article that explains why and what to look for. Are You Measuring Visitor Engagement and Behavior?

Search Landscape: US Hispanics

2006-07-10T15:40:00.000-04:00

Want to target US Hispanics for your web site? Here are some excellent articles to get you started....Search Landscape: US Hispanics.

Yahoo! Search Marketing - On Target

2006-07-04T09:14:00.000-04:00

A reminder to those who don't read those pesky messages from Yahoo!. Your paid search listings may no long be appearing on MSN. (Now maybe you'll read those pesky updates.) Yahoo! Search Marketing - On Target

Law.com - Online Peers Stand Up for Craigslist in Lawsuit

2006-07-04T09:08:00.000-04:00

Craiglist is a highly popular place to post classified ads in a number of cities across the country. It seems that many post roommate wanted and similar ads requesting and stating race preferences. Naturally someone with too much time on their hands saw an opportunity to "protect" us by suing Craiglist. Other online companies such as Google, Amazon.com and Yahoo are signing on as friends of Craiglist in this suit. In the past, online service providers were not held liable for online posts made by subscribers. The individual posting is responsible. For Craiglist to manually approve each ad would make the service impossible or highly expensive. Naturally this could impact Google and others signing on as they show information from other sites. Would they also be liable for what is displayed in search results? Who said common sense and the law go together? Certainly weren't me. Law.com - Online Peers Stand Up for Craigslist in Lawsuit

Official Google Blog: Find it with Google. Buy it with Google Checkout.

2006-07-04T08:57:00.000-04:00

Google checkout is live. Should you use it? Our opinion is to wait for others to find the bugs and any security issues. Official Google Blog: Find it with Google. Buy it with Google Checkout.

As net neutrality fails, Senator threatens to block legislation without it

2006-07-04T08:55:00.000-04:00

Can Congress pass a bill that limits what we can view via the Internet? Does this sound like the China policy of limiting what people can search for on Google? Here's an update on "Net Neutrality" where Sen. Wyden is threatening to filibuster any attempts to not provide "unfettered, unlimited and free access to any site..." As net neutrality fails, Senator threatens to block legislation without it

Research: Internet Users Plagued by 'Banner Blindness'

2006-06-27T13:07:00.000-04:00

They paid good money for this? Funny. I thought it was obvious that people don't like loud colored, blinking, in your face ads. Well, here's research to back up what should be common sense. People prefer common sense text ads that are relevant to the rest of the page content. Well duh! Research: Internet Users Plagued by 'Banner Blindness'

Google drops at Alexa!!!

2006-06-26T16:34:00.000-04:00

It's interesting. Although Alexa is not the leading indicator of traffic, it is still an indicator. Looks like Google is slipping....to number three? Google drops at Alexa!!!

Sometimes it's the little things. Google AdWords Changes

2006-06-22T13:21:00.000-04:00

If you've logged into your Google AdWords campaigns, you've probably noticed settings for time zone to allow for improved scheduling among a few other small improvements. If you haven't logged into your account, do so now so you can at least enter the correct time zone. If you haven't logged in, perhaps you need us to manage the campaign for you?!? Sometimes it's the little things.

RED HERRING | Yahoo Wants Citizen Journalism

2006-06-22T13:18:00.000-04:00

Hello Average Citizen. We want your cell phone videos and we want to assimilate them. Yahoo! is announcing a video to web service where people can upload, without a computer, videos of news events. RED HERRING | Yahoo Wants Citizen Journalism

Martin Taylor, VP Of Windows Live & MSN Marketing Leaves Microsoft

2006-06-21T13:52:00.000-04:00

What kind of impact will this have on Microsoft's push into the search arena? No one knows for certain, but MS has just let their "go-guy" go. Martin Taylor, VP Of Windows Live & MSN Marketing Leaves Microsoft

AdWords Ad Scheduling Officially Launches

2006-06-19T10:02:00.000-04:00

You can now schedule Google AdWords. Just log in and take advantage of this long awaited feature to have ads turned on and off automatically. AdWords Ad Scheduling Officially Launches

Google Payments (GBuy) Coming Soon to Public?

2006-06-12T22:01:00.000-04:00

Google competes with everyone else. Why not PayPal? Google's payment system may not have an officially declared name, but it's almost ready for prime time. Will people use it? They trust Google for everything else....why not their cash. Google Payments (GBuy) Coming Soon to Public?

USATODAY.com - EBay takes Web ads to next level

2006-06-12T21:59:00.000-04:00

Earn 35 to 70 percent from eBay sales without ever listing a product? Sure. Just list ads. EBay announces plans for a text ad program that pays a commission whenever someone bids and wins on an item if they found it from an ad on your site. Read more at USATODAY.com - EBay takes Web ads to next level. Watch for MSN's ad program also coming soon.

Microsoft adCenter Labs

2006-06-07T11:15:00.000-04:00

Have fun with some cool tools that will make many a web developer salivate. The search funnel is too much fun to be work. adCenter Labs Home

Google Spreadsheets - Sneak Peek

2006-06-07T10:16:00.000-04:00

Ok, it's not strictly a search engine optimization topic, but it is from a search engine company that's becoming....well, who knows what to call them now. The Google minimalistic spreadsheet is coming soon and here's a sneak peak to show you the goodies. Google Spreadsheets - Sneak Peek. While it's not a Microsoft killer, for those who don't care about their data being on someone else's server, it appears to be a great option, particularly if you want to share the work of building the spreadsheet.

New Ask.com Blog & Feed Search Makes the Blogosphere More Accessible and Useful: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

2006-06-01T13:43:00.000-04:00

Late to the party, Ask has released their blog and feed search. Bloggers, get your listings in. New Ask.com Blog & Feed Search Makes the Blogosphere More Accessible and Useful: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Yahoo! Search Feedback and New Indexing

2006-06-01T13:42:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! has recently updated their index. If you see some results you do not like, you might like to know about their new contact form at Yahoo! Search Feedback.

Google and Dell Alliance

2006-05-26T07:37:00.000-04:00

Not to be left out in the cold, Google and Dell have reached an agreement where Dell is paid for each computer that they install the Google Desktop Search tool on. They receive more money when users activate it. Considering the number of users that purchase Dell computers, this is significant and helps Google compete more evenly with the Microsoft tool mentioned in our last post. Dell has had an agreement with Google for some time. Anyone purchasing a Dell recently no doubt has noticed the default Dell/Google search page that opened when they first loaded the browser.

Office 2007 Beta and Windows Desktop Search

2006-05-26T07:33:00.000-04:00

The Microsoft Office 2007 public beta has been released into the wild. (No, we don't recommend you download it unless you have a spare machine kicking around.) One interesting change from the last beta is that the improved searching feature of Outlook 2007 now requires the installation of Windows Desktop Search. This is the same tool that uses Microsoft's search engine to search the Internet. By forcing users to install this tool, and perhaps making it part of the default install of Office 2007, Microsoft is "helping" users utilize their search engine over others. There are many reasons to do this and we have no complaints provided their are sufficient configuration options. This does confirm our belief that the MSN search engine is an important place to have your site well listed.

Say Bye-bye to Rankings and Hello to SEO Success!

2006-05-25T08:05:00.000-04:00

Here's a great article discussing the downfall of seeing yourself #1 in a search and the greater importance of conversion rate. Being #1 on a phrase that doesn't generate any true business is worthless. Here's what is...buyers. Say Bye-bye to Rankings and Hello to SEO Success!

SEO Crossword Puzzle by eCentral Marketing

2006-05-24T21:30:00.000-04:00

Test your search marketing knowledge with a fun crossword puzzle at SEO Crossword Puzzle by eCentral Marketing.

Search engine SPAM detector

2006-05-24T18:44:00.000-04:00

Here's a tool to see if your site has any hidden spam. While it's not perfect (www.microsoft.com failded for hidden text), it's a good tool to potentially see if you are breaking any search engine rules. Search engine SPAM detector

Google Notebook From Google Labs

2006-05-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

Google Notebooks is not new, but I waited to put it out here until a number of others had tested it first. It is received some great reviews. It is another public/private bookmarking tool that's sure to take off because it's from Google. The Google Notebook sits at the bottom of your browser and allows you to ad notes about a web site alone with a bookmark. You can also just ad notes. It's similar to a blog in some regards. Check out samples at Google Notebook

Inside AdWords: Click-to-play video ads for AdWords

2006-05-24T09:50:00.000-04:00

Google's AdWords blog has announce pay per click video ads for their online ad program. Flash and other image ads are allowed. Visit Inside AdWords: Click-to-play video ads for AdWords for more.

Google Trends - Compare Your Interests

2006-05-23T09:28:00.000-04:00

Want to see how trendy you are? Head over to Google Trends and compare the world's interests in your favorite topics. Type in "cute puppies" or "chess champion" and see what Google has to say about you. You can enter up to five topics and see how often they are searched for. This sounds like a fun tool, but it's also very relevant in helping you determine key phrases to target your web pages for. Is your web site trendy? Google Trends

Under Attack, Spam Fighter Folds

2006-05-22T10:51:00.000-04:00

The Blue Frog leaps no more as Blue Security closes shop for their spam fighter tool. Blue Security voluntarily pulled their product after a coordinated series of attacks. Read more at Wired News: Under Attack, Spam Fighter Folds.

Vacation!

2006-05-12T09:08:00.000-04:00

Sorry, but vacation is a higher priority than posting here. See you on the 22nd!

Yahoo! New Home Page Test

2006-05-08T10:53:00.000-04:00

Try out the new home page offered by Yahoo! Be the first kid on your block! Yahoo!

Microsoft adCenter Still Only Works in IE

2006-05-06T07:44:00.000-04:00

Just because the MSN adCenter is out of beta does not mean it works in Firefox and Safari. We have seen a number of frustrated posters still complaining about this. Can't say as I blame them. Microsoft adCenter

Federated Media Publishing - Voices Advertising

2006-05-05T11:12:00.000-04:00

A new advertising program is avaiable at Federated Media that allows advertisers to select the sites they advertise on. There are 45 author driven sites to select from with a promise of dozens more on the way. This is a beta test and people are being encourages to sign with a 35% discount. Keep in mind that advertisers can reject any ads they do not want. Federated Media Publishing

Microsoft AdCenter In The House

2006-05-04T15:20:00.000-04:00

Dropping the MSN from the name, Microsoft AdCenter is not the tool for all US based searched at Microsoft. Still being rolled out in other countries, US advertisers can participate with having to request to participate. Microsoft takes plunge with AdCenter | CNET News.com

Google Friends Newsletter

2006-05-02T09:35:00.000-04:00

Did you know that Google had a newsletter? For those of you new to this feature, check out the archive at Previous Issues of the Google Friends Newsletter. There is also a link to sign up.

Google Test: More From The Top Result

2006-05-02T09:30:00.000-04:00

Google is experimenting still with having addtional links in top search results. View screen shots at Google Operating System: New Google Test: More From The Top Result.

Alexa Web Search Now Using Windows Live

2006-05-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

If you do a web search at Alexa, you'll notice that they are now using Microsoft for their search results instead of Google. Alexa Web Search

A9 Instant Reward

2006-05-01T10:03:00.000-04:00

It's so eighties, but you can earn a discount on Amazon for using the A9 search engine. About the A9 Instant Reward

Yahoo! Tech : Technology for Newbie Geeks

2006-05-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! has a tech site at Yahoo! Tech: Reviews, help, and how-to advice for buying and using personal electronics : Yahoo! Tech. It's definately for beginners with titles like "Is Microsoft Your Only Option?", but there's more advanced stuff under the hood. Of course there's a tie in with Yahoo! Shopping. If you have an ecommerce store, are you also listed in Yahoo!?

Inside AdWords: Ads quality and you

2006-04-28T20:12:00.000-04:00

Google has changed the way Adwords works and chances are it affects you (if you use Adwords). Claiming better relevance to what users are searching for and also for sites the ads appear on, you could have fewer impressions. The good news is, maybe you'll receive better results. By presenting your ads to only qualified users really looking for your site, perhaps you'll be able to spends the money you save on more ads. Let's hope they didn't go too far on trying to improve their services. Inside AdWords: Ads quality and you

In Search of Better Organic Rankings

2006-04-28T20:09:00.000-04:00

While the title is a bit deceptive, it is a good article on how search engines work (which would have been a better title). A good article for those who want to know why things work the way they do...at least on a simple level. In Search of Better Organic Rankings

Inside Google Sitemaps: Updated robots.txt status

2006-04-27T11:05:00.000-04:00

Google has finally acknowledged the robots.txt bug in their Sitemaps feature by announcing a fix for the issue. Prior to this, they were incorrectly stating that the robots.txt file had errors. Inside Google Sitemaps: Updated robots.txt status

Google bug is fixed: sa=X parameter

2006-04-26T09:44:00.000-04:00

Goolge uses tracking codes to help them do what they do. These codes would often send users to a site not found page instead of your real web site. This bug was quickly fixed of course and Google encrypted the needed tracking code into the links. More info is at Extended listing links. The sa=X parameter causes a Google Bug!.

Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2

2006-04-25T10:01:00.000-04:00

For those of you with a spare computer that's not really doing anything important comes a new beta. To encourage people to try the beta, Microsoft is offering free phone support in selected countries. Most notable for search enging buffs is the search tool that allows you to search multiple sites. I didn't see any features not already available in Firefox and it looks like Safari. This is of course the Microsoft trend...take someone else's ideas and make them better. I'm not knocking it. It's been a tried and true approach even before the Sony Walkman. IEBlog : Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 (and more) Available

Site-flavoring and image ads. What's Next? Stratch and Sniff Monitors?

2006-04-24T14:32:00.000-04:00

Google definately loves silly names. At other times they call it what it is. The first is called Site-Flavored Seearch. This new feature is suppose to provide search that is tailored to your site's topics and themes. I thought they were already suppose to be doing this. Ah well. In the other department, Google has added more Image Ad support. Two new sizes. Have fun kiddies. Google AdSense Help Center: What's New - April 2006

Windows Live Expo Push

2006-04-22T16:03:00.000-04:00

Microsoft is pushing their beta of Windows Live Expo. Still in Beta, this service allows you to post classified ads of all sorts. Soon to be a haven for get rich quick schemes, porn sites and more, we do hope that Microsoft is able to reign in this service and make it usable. You can limit it to a geographical region and just to trusted friends. (Of course if they really are friends, do you need classifieds to know what's going on in their life?) Windows Live Expo

SEO? Easy peasy. What's the fuss all about?

2006-04-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

Someone at Search Engine Watch posted an article about SEO being easy and asked what they were missing from this easy formula. Hitting it right on the head, the moderator compared it to chess. Limited pieces, limited rules, simple to learn, a lifetime to master. A good analogy. If it was so easy, why would anyone think they could make a career of it? SEO? Easy peasy. What's the fuss all about?

Introducing the 2006 e-Planner from MIVA

2006-04-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

Miva has finally done what has been missing from many online ad campaigns....introduced paid online advertising that is holiday friendly. Do you have products or services to market that are associated with a holiday or special event? Check it out at ... Introducing the 2006 e-Planner from MIVA.

Display Impressions Double Year-Over-Year - 04/17/2006

2006-04-18T13:35:00.000-04:00

MediaPost reports marketers have dramatically increased online spending. Online paid advertsing is definately in it's boom stage. With the number of ecommerce sales increasing and more competitors online, it's no wonder. As competition heats up, so must marketing. MediaPost Publications - Display Impressions Double Year-Over-Year - 04/17/2006

Google AdWords Conversion Tracking Reveals Competitors Customer Value

2006-04-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

Time to spy on your competition. A Google flaw, which probably won't last long now that it's public, allows you to see what a competitor estimates their cost of conversion to be. This number is typically the cost to make the sale, or how much the lead is worth to the company running the ad. Click here for more info...Google AdWords Conversion Tracking Reveals Competitors Customer Value.

Search Engine Journal » Washington Post & Oodle : Aggregated DC Classifieds Marketplace

2006-04-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

The Search Engine Journal reports that Oodle, the local classified search tool is snuggling up to Washington Post. Newspapers should be afraid and making such alliances. Electrons could replace the paper standby. Search Engine Journal » Washington Post & Oodle : Aggregated DC Classifieds Marketplace

adCenter Blog : Changes to the broad match type

2006-04-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

If you are advertising on MSN's beta ad program, read this article about the changes coming up. adCenter Blog : Changes to the broad match type

Welcome to Google Calendar

2006-04-14T11:50:00.000-04:00

The new calendar is here! The new calendar is here! All you need is a Gmail account or a free Google account. It's a nice calendar with sharing options. Welcome to Google Calendar

Yahoo! Maps, Driving Directions, and Traffic

2006-04-14T11:42:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! Maps Beta is finally here. Although late to the game, their sattelite images are of great quality. While you can't get driving directions in many countries, the US and Canada will be pleased. Yahoo! Maps, Driving Directions, and Traffic

Windows Live Academic Home Page

2006-04-12T13:38:00.000-04:00

It's another of Microsoft's "I Can Do Better" jabs at Google. It looks like they've succeeded, again. The Beta Academic Search allows for deep searching, drilling into information not possible with Google's service. We are certain Google will respond with an update on their service. Currently only the fields of computer science, electrical engineering and physics are covered, but there will be more. Windows Live Academic Home Page

Kanoodle Snares Dow Jones Sponsored Link Distribution

2006-04-12T13:35:00.000-04:00

Kanoodle, a long time online advertising service, will now be serving up ads on Dow Jones sites. Yahoo! may not miss this customer, but to Kanoodle it's sure to be a feather in their cap. Kanoodle features ads not just targeted on page content, but also through a large set of categories and other factors. If you need to reach an audience that stays up to date on news, Kanoodle is a good advertiser to consider....now for even more reasons. Kanoodle Snares Dow Jones Sponsored Link Distribution

BetaNews | Microsoft to Offer Froogle Competitor

2006-04-12T13:32:00.000-04:00

Microsoft has plans to one up Froogle by indexing not only products for sale, but also informational pages about those products. Do you have content on your site? If not, it's well past time to start adding more product information pages. BetaNews | Microsoft to Offer Froogle Competitor

Yahoo! Publisher Network Adds a Blog

2006-04-10T23:45:00.000-04:00

Of course if you are going to encourage a Publisher network, you should publish your own blog. Yahoo! has taken this logical step and created a blog for it's publishers. They are off to a great start at Yahoo! Publisher Network. So what's a publisher? It's anyone publishing information to the Internet as in a blog, wiki, etc.

Google Stealing AdWords Clients Now In Israel?

2006-04-07T13:48:00.000-04:00

Google contacts AdWords customers in an attempt to also have their AdWords account managed by Google. This sounds like asking the fox to watch the chicken coop and many people in the PPC managing business are upset with Google calling their customers. I have customers that I manage campaigns for and I'm not upset. Why should I be? In a free market, should I restrict Google from calling their own customers to sell more services. Of course they are going to claim they can do a better job just as I'm going to claim when I talk with a potential customer. Get over it people. Only people with rocks in their heads would let Google do this. Goodbye to customers with stone heads. Bring me the smart ones. Google Stealing AdWords Clients Now In Israel?
Want more info that'll help you decide on Google's trustworthiness? Check out Chinese AdWords Advertisers To Sue Google Over Click Fraud (also the same site as the above link).

Google & Earthlink To Win San Francisco Wireless Contract

2006-04-06T14:34:00.000-04:00

Free internet access! Yippee! Oh...I have to move? Google and Earthlink are closer to providing free and low cost wireless Internet access to San Francisco. We are all looking forward to national service. Google & Earthlink To Win San Francisco Wireless Contract.

Google Adds Other Languages Drop Down To Support Pages

2006-04-06T14:28:00.000-04:00

Great news for illegals! Ok, just a bit of political humor there. There's a post on SearchEngineWatch that Google now has a multilingual pulldown on their support pages. Google Adds Other Languages Drop Down To Support Pages.

Need Photos? You Need everystockphoto.com

2006-04-04T09:22:00.000-04:00

EveryStockPhoto includes a number of photos that you can use, but do check for how you can use them. Most photos are from Creative Commons. There are a number of features worth checking out. A membership is required. everystockphoto.com - your source for free photos

eComXpo - The Virtual Trade Show for eCommerce Marketers

2006-04-04T08:46:00.000-04:00

The free virtual tradeshow is live today through the sixth. Intended for eCommerce marketing, this online trade show is at least worth a gander. We hope it will prove to be a true informational event and lead to other such shows with an emphasis on helping us all become better at attracting qualified shoppers. Go to eComXpo - The Virtual Trade Show for eCommerce Marketers.

Reader's Digest to Buy Allrecipes.com

2006-04-04T08:42:00.000-04:00

Allrecipes.com, a true survivor, has been purchased by Readers Digest for about $66 million. The site will serve as a portal to the digest's existing food sites. More at Reader's Digest to Buy Allrecipes.com.

Yahoo! Search blog: New Tools in the Toolbar

2006-03-30T12:11:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! released their new toolbar a few days ago for both IE and Firefox. We applaud them for supporting both browsers. The features include tabbed browsing for IE (Firefox already has it) and improved Anti Spy technology. Comments on the net have been mostly positive and many claim the Anti Spy stuff uses less resources than similar tools. After viewing a lot of positive comments, we felt it safe to post it here. Yahoo! Search blog: New Tools in the Toolbar

Link Building with Press Release - Cre8asite Forums

2006-03-29T19:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice forum topic with some excellent replies (and the usual ho-hum). It discusses the importance of press releases and emphasises having a content rich press release over one with the usual blah blah. A good read to help keep you on course. Link Building with Press Release - Cre8asite Forums

Google Finance Released

2006-03-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

Another Google rumor is confirmed. We now have a beta of Google Finance at Google Finance.

Cold Callin' Slick Talkin' -> High Rankings® Search Engine Optimization Forum

2006-03-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

Would you please pass the snake oil? Here's one from the "I can't take no for an answer" department. SEO scammers are calling people stating that they are about to be banned by Google and that they need to use the caller's services to avoid the dreaded "banning". Of course they aren't telling the truth, as you would have guessed, but their marking tactics afterwards also leave a lot to be desired. Here's more about this scam at Cold Callin' Slick Talkin' -> High Rankings® Search Engine Optimization Forum.

KinderStart - A Case of Sour Grapes?

2006-03-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

KinderStart is suing Google because of a drop in rankings that they claim lost them a bundle of cash. They claim that their first constitutional rights have been violated and so on...blah, blah, blah. I didn't realize that an excellent Google ranking was a necessity for free speech, but apparently they think it is. Why don't they just put a cut finger in their chocolate shake and pour hot coffee in their lap like everyone else? Internet News Article | Reuters.com

SiteProNews: Tips for Getting Your Website Listed on Yahoo

2006-03-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

A great article for the better search engine. Why better? More Yahoo! searchers actually buy something compared to Google. SiteProNews: Tips for Getting Your Website Listed on Yahoo

Google AdWords Introduces a Quick Start

2006-03-18T09:24:00.000-05:00

In order to entice the less savy user, Google has a quick starter method of signing up for AdWords. While I applaud efforts to make things easier for users, this can only serve to harm people in advertising. The "I'm not going to read the manual I want it now" mentality will sign up, waste a lot of money on their ads and get little in return. You have to read and learn how this thing works if you want to be successful...or hire someone to do it for you. While the quick start is a great idea, it's only great if you also take the time to learn the ins and outs of using AdWords. Read a comparison of the new verses the old at Google AdWords Help Center: How do the Starter Edition and Standard Edition compare?.

What To Do If You're The SEO Client Nobody Wants by Benjamin Pfeiffer

2006-03-16T10:52:00.000-05:00

This is reality. I got a big chuckle out of this very true article as I went back down memory lane and thought of past customers and those I wanted to go away before they became a customer. It's true that not all people can become a customer of SEO and SEM services until they change. Like the author of this article, I like to help people as well, but there is a point where you have to charge for things to pay the bills. And, if you aren't willing to listen to a professional's advice and get rid of the junior high aged webmaster, you ain't never going to succeed no matter how many search professionals you use. What To Do If You're The SEO Client Nobody Wants by Benjamin Pfeiffer.

Live Support: Chatting Your Way to Success

2006-03-15T16:42:00.000-05:00

No doubt you've seen those live chat buttons on various sites. They are becoming more and more popular as a way to instantly communicate with surfers. It's a great tool for those on dialup and one phone line, but also for those who would rather chat than have real communication with a human voice. Here's a great article on the topic that will help you understand live chat....Live Support: Chatting Your Way to Success.

SketchUp Aquired By Google

2006-03-15T16:36:00.000-05:00

They just bought a web based wordprocessor and now they purchased 3D sketching software. The buyouts continue at Google as they snap up companies all over the fruited plains. SketchUp Home.

3DSeek: By Doodling - Draw Your Search

2006-03-14T09:27:00.000-05:00

Now you can draw your own conclusions. 3D-Seek is a search engine that lets you draw what you are searching for. Developed for engineers and manufacturers, this search may also be useful for the average Joe especially as it continues to improve. Get your #2 pencils sharpended and head over to 3DSeek: By Doodling.

Writely - The Web Word Processor Aquired by Google

2006-03-10T15:21:00.000-05:00

Writely is an online word processor that uploads from Word, publishes on the Internet and much more. Why would Google want them? Google plans to have us all store all our data online sparing our hard drives from needless data collection. Check out writely at Writely - The Web Word Processor.

Which Page Improvements Boost Response?

2006-03-09T14:46:00.000-05:00

iMedia Connection has some great information on which site changes generate the most revenue increase. Not suprisingly, optimizing the web site landing pages came out the winner. After all, getting people to a web site isn't the biggest issue, it's keeping them there. Second is improving PPC ad copy, also not a huge suprise. Read more at iMedia Connection: Which Page Improvements Boost Response?.

Inside AdSense: Why the lower eCPM?

2006-03-09T14:43:00.000-05:00

For those using Google AdSense, here's a great bit of information on Google's blog. Inside AdSense: Why the lower eCPM?

Google AdWords Launches Demographic Site Targeting

2006-03-09T14:40:00.000-05:00

Just after the dust settled on MSN announcing their demographic statistics feature, Google steals the thunder and introduces one of their own. The new demographics targeting is limited to site targeted campaigns and is US only for the time being. Read more at Google AdWords Launches Demographic Site Targeting.

Blinkx offers automatic search on desktop

2006-03-08T11:01:00.000-05:00

Search company Blinkx announced that they will be releasing a tool that will search the Internet for news, blogs, video, etc., automatically based on what you have opened on your desktop. Do privacy bells and whistles go off in your head? Still, it sounds like great technology and who doesn't like having the latest cool tool? Blinkx offers automatic search on desktop | Tech News on ZDNet

Windows Live Search Sample

2006-03-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

Microsoft appears to have released a new interface to their search service. It will not work on many non-MS browsers, something they'll need to fix to attract advertisers. Already they've improved some features since the initial release and it could prove to be an improvement from their current interface should the improvements continue. Try it at
Windows Live Search Sample.

The Ask.com Blog: Ask.com France Beta

2006-03-08T10:34:00.000-05:00

Now that the famous butler has retired to the land of legends, the new look update is on. France now has a new Ask beta search boasting a new method of doing things and some new features for subscribed users. Read more at their blog...The Ask.com Blog: Ask.com France: A Fresh Alternative.

MSN adCenter & Conversion Tracking Warnings In Firefox

2006-03-07T10:06:00.000-05:00

This is why we have Betas. Turns out that Miscrosoft's new PPC service won't work in Firefox, despite the fact that this browser has a 10% market share. To make things worse, it seems the tracking code will only function if IE6 is being used. Even IE7 won't work despite the fact that it is Microsoft's own product. This isn't new for Microsoft. Those that have paid for services on their business site know this already. Using Firefox results in multiple errors that won't allow you to even log in. I'd say it's intentional and very "short sited" (pun intentional). Read more at the SearchEngineWatch forum...MSN adCenter & Conversion Tracking Warnings In Firefox

Newsvine - Get Smarter Here

2006-03-03T15:24:00.000-05:00

Newsvine is now out of beta and ready for you to read news, comments and even post your comments. You've got to love their tagline "Get Smarter Here". It appears to be a great resource to not only read news, but also gather opinions on how people think about the news. Idiots and geniuses alike can comment making for humorous and insightful comments in one location. Newsvine - Get Smarter Here.

MSN adCenter Beta Sign Up

2006-03-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

Visit http://adcenter.msn.com/ on March 6th to sign up for the MSN adCenter Beta even without an invitation. 9am PST is the time they open the gates to the willing that want to test the waters while the rates are still low.

Google Sitemaps Adds New Features

2006-03-03T15:14:00.000-05:00

We use Google SiteMaps for the majority of our customers and it's nice to see that they are trying to improve their services. They are showing additional ranking information, top search queries from mobile devices (if your site is mobile enabled), and the ability to download information in an SV file. (What the heck is an SV file? Guess I'll find out.) Now to try these out and see how useful they are. For more info, visit Google Sitemaps - Welcome!.

New Yahoo! Home Page Test

2006-03-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

There are a number of screenshots running amuck showing a new Yahoo! search home page. Mostly good changes like putting the search box in a more visible location, shrinking the useless banner and giving us a cleaner interface. If it works as good as it looks, it's bound to be a popular change.

SES - Sessions Very Short Summary

2006-03-03T15:06:00.000-05:00

I've been following this conference from afar reading what various attendees are putting in their blogs as the highlights of the sessions, interviews and vendor booths. I can summarize what I've learned from reading these articles in a few short bullet points (reafirming the idea that such conferences are a waste of time and should be condensed).
- Create a site that appeals to your audience.
- Have great content appropriate for your audience.
- Don't forget that many people on the net are visually impaired. (Which is akin to knowing your audience).
- Don't break the search engine's rules.
- Watch your server stats and don't react without thinking things through.
- Spend time keeping your site relevant and update often.

Gee, all the advice that anyone would give even before attending. Granted, there are tidbits of info that you can gain by attending, but is it really worth days and hours of meetings to gain those tidbits. Maybe when I have a dozen employees doing my work for me.