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Thursday, February 21, 2013
True Spin! Fed Ex and Social Media Commercial
I just saw a GREAT commercial where a business owner announces to his staff that he has hired his son and throng of friends to help generate more business for his 'valve company'. How? They plan on generating more 'likes'.
One of the employees asks; 'wouldn't it be easier if we used Fed Ex to expand our business into new markets?'
You got to love these types of commercials that demonstrate the idiocy of using social media to generate leads and business. Farce book is good for sex, religion, death, politics and hobby heads. But as a business generator? Not so much. Least we not forget... Farce book and the other usual suspects are 'social media' web apps. Social means to socialize. You don't talk about your roofing company, law practice, consulting business at the annual Christmas party.
Here's a good rule of thumb to follow; If you have a subject, service or product that evokes love, hate and all the emotions in-between then by all means... share this on Farce Book.
But if you are looking for feedback, shares or likes for face lifts, hydro-static values, home remodeling, engineering, dentistry, roof replacement and so on...FORGET IT.
But maybe you are a GYN-OB practice and want to post new born photos and photo journal all the kids who grow up in your practice? Then yes. Farce book is a great place to do this. ( Are we starting to get the picture now? )
Good job. FED EX. I get 'one' like from me!
One of the employees asks; 'wouldn't it be easier if we used Fed Ex to expand our business into new markets?'
You got to love these types of commercials that demonstrate the idiocy of using social media to generate leads and business. Farce book is good for sex, religion, death, politics and hobby heads. But as a business generator? Not so much. Least we not forget... Farce book and the other usual suspects are 'social media' web apps. Social means to socialize. You don't talk about your roofing company, law practice, consulting business at the annual Christmas party.
Here's a good rule of thumb to follow; If you have a subject, service or product that evokes love, hate and all the emotions in-between then by all means... share this on Farce Book.
But if you are looking for feedback, shares or likes for face lifts, hydro-static values, home remodeling, engineering, dentistry, roof replacement and so on...FORGET IT.
But maybe you are a GYN-OB practice and want to post new born photos and photo journal all the kids who grow up in your practice? Then yes. Farce book is a great place to do this. ( Are we starting to get the picture now? )
Good job. FED EX. I get 'one' like from me!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Samsung Poking Fun at Apple iPhone People Standing in Line
You gotta love the latest commercial that pokes fun at the left-leaning, tree hugging, Prius driving, left leaning Apple loving fans waiting in long lines for the Apple store to open up to buy the latest iPhone or new Apple gizmo.
Kudos and high-fives to the ad agency that came up with this concept. It is truly genius.
The ad had a great 3 pronged approach:
1) The pointed out all the short comings of the newest iPhone
2) The pointed out all the advantages of the new Samsung phone ( hardware and software)
3) The poked fun at loyal Apple fans.
If you have seen this commercial, drop me a comment and let me know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WABOZ-C2A0
Kudos and high-fives to the ad agency that came up with this concept. It is truly genius.
The ad had a great 3 pronged approach:
1) The pointed out all the short comings of the newest iPhone
2) The pointed out all the advantages of the new Samsung phone ( hardware and software)
3) The poked fun at loyal Apple fans.
If you have seen this commercial, drop me a comment and let me know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WABOZ-C2A0
Saturday, September 01, 2012
Why the NBC Network Ratings are Heading South
The Liberal bias exhibited on MSNBC and the constant mention of Face Book is dragging the NBC Network like a sea anchor. Though I love the talent seen on many MSNBC programs, NBC executives fail to realize that American viewers are essentially a fair minded lot.
They know the difference between bull and bullshit. And this is why NBC is loosing market share. American's can easily tolerate a little bull, but no one is going to tolerate bullshit; especially liberal bullshit.
They know the difference between bull and bullshit. And this is why NBC is loosing market share. American's can easily tolerate a little bull, but no one is going to tolerate bullshit; especially liberal bullshit.
So here are 2 important points.
First, MSNBC has tied their most profitable, revenue generating vehicle 'BROADCAST NEWS' to a cart of fire-brand liberal commentators.
Secondly and least important, MSNBC is heavily invested in another financial sea anchor called Face book.
$18.00 a share as of Sept. 1, 2012.
May I suggest that it would be best for NBC executives to unhitch the cart and cut the sea anchor loose?
No bullshit.
$18.00 a share as of Sept. 1, 2012.
May I suggest that it would be best for NBC executives to unhitch the cart and cut the sea anchor loose?
No bullshit.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Mayflower Moving Company : A Very Creepy Commercial
Is is just me or am I being too critical about the Mayflower moving commercial? It opens with a bunch of Mayflower moving guys manipulating a giant wooden puppet of a young woman.
What is Mayflower trying to convey?
1) Their customers are puppets on strings, for their easy manipulation?
2) Their customers are dumb as wooden puppets?
3) Their customers look creepy?
4) Their moving guys like looking up the skirt of a giant wooden puppet as they walk it down the street.
What does a gigantic wooden puppet have to do with moving your personal belongings?
If the advertising company dreamed this one up, then they get a big fat F.
If the Mayflower advertising team pushed this concept, then they need to be transferred to accounting so they can see what little effect this commercial has on the Mayflower bottom line.
This is a really creepy, poorly conceived commercial that has absolutely nothing to do with Mayflowers core services. This one needs to go back to the drawing board.
What is Mayflower trying to convey?
1) Their customers are puppets on strings, for their easy manipulation?
2) Their customers are dumb as wooden puppets?
3) Their customers look creepy?
4) Their moving guys like looking up the skirt of a giant wooden puppet as they walk it down the street.
What does a gigantic wooden puppet have to do with moving your personal belongings?
If the advertising company dreamed this one up, then they get a big fat F.
If the Mayflower advertising team pushed this concept, then they need to be transferred to accounting so they can see what little effect this commercial has on the Mayflower bottom line.
This is a really creepy, poorly conceived commercial that has absolutely nothing to do with Mayflowers core services. This one needs to go back to the drawing board.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Tone Death Music Producers in Advertising
Nothing chafs my ass more than a broadcast commercial that airs with a music bed and then ends with a music tag (a.k.a - music sting) that is in completely different key. I am a musician, so this really bugs me in a big way.
To illustrate this... think of the Taco Bell 'bong'. The bong is actually a harmonic sound containing multiple tones; but at least one primary tone key such as (C), but has some faint under pins of F or G. But the advertising agency idiots who shoot, edit and produce the commercials will produce a music bed and a completely opposing diatonic key such as F#.
These folks need a good ear cleaning.
Another company using a similar horrible tonal miss match is Nissan. At the end of every Nissan commercial there is an animation of the Nissan logo with a music sting.
These advertising folks also need a good ear cleaning.
To illustrate this... think of the Taco Bell 'bong'. The bong is actually a harmonic sound containing multiple tones; but at least one primary tone key such as (C), but has some faint under pins of F or G. But the advertising agency idiots who shoot, edit and produce the commercials will produce a music bed and a completely opposing diatonic key such as F#.
These folks need a good ear cleaning.
Another company using a similar horrible tonal miss match is Nissan. At the end of every Nissan commercial there is an animation of the Nissan logo with a music sting.
These advertising folks also need a good ear cleaning.
Watch Out for the Big Box Website Builders like Web.com
There are many companies such as Web.com and One & One Hosting who advertise heavily on cable for their website building programs. And at the end of the day you are going to get exactly what you paid for. If you pay a little then you get a little.
I keep the boob tube running in my office and get a good laugh every time I see a commercial for these web site builders. And it would seem that if you let them build your website, then the world will beat a path to your door.
If you are thinking about doing this, then do your homework. Go to Google and search 'Web.com complaints'. YIKES - As of Aug 2012 there are 244,000,000 references found for this search term. Now do the same for One and One. Search 'One and One complaints'. YIKES... there are 178,000,000 references found as of Aug 2012.
Now it would be unfair for me to be critical of these companies if I had not experience the services of these companies first hand. Well it just so happens that I have.
Buyer beware!
I keep the boob tube running in my office and get a good laugh every time I see a commercial for these web site builders. And it would seem that if you let them build your website, then the world will beat a path to your door.
If you are thinking about doing this, then do your homework. Go to Google and search 'Web.com complaints'. YIKES - As of Aug 2012 there are 244,000,000 references found for this search term. Now do the same for One and One. Search 'One and One complaints'. YIKES... there are 178,000,000 references found as of Aug 2012.
Now it would be unfair for me to be critical of these companies if I had not experience the services of these companies first hand. Well it just so happens that I have.
Buyer beware!
Friday, May 25, 2012
Web.com, Intuit Websites and Go Daddy website builders
I just saw another commercial on Web.com. The commercial does not promise that the world will beat a path to your door once they build your website. However these commercial indirectly mislead customers by saying they will 'promote' your website on Google, Amazon, Bing, Yahoo and so on. So they are inferring that you will get automatically seen for searches online. Well maybe, maybe not. It all depends, but that's another subject.
There are tons of these companies getting into the website design business. A few of them include Yola, Intuit Website, Go Daddy, Wix and many others. There is nothing wrong with these website template systems and for the most part with a little patience and some skill you can get a decent website up and running. Just keep in mind you do not own the website. You are leasing it. You are a web tenant. Also keep in mind they got your credit card number. So be careful and read the fine print. Ask questions. And if it is too good to be true then it usually is.
Footnote: These commercials also remind me of the get-n-shape machine commercials:
Rocket Ads in Just 10 minutes a Day
Jakes' Total Body Work Out
The Super Belly Cruncher.
Buy Now!, Buy Now!
There are tons of these companies getting into the website design business. A few of them include Yola, Intuit Website, Go Daddy, Wix and many others. There is nothing wrong with these website template systems and for the most part with a little patience and some skill you can get a decent website up and running. Just keep in mind you do not own the website. You are leasing it. You are a web tenant. Also keep in mind they got your credit card number. So be careful and read the fine print. Ask questions. And if it is too good to be true then it usually is.
Footnote: These commercials also remind me of the get-n-shape machine commercials:
Rocket Ads in Just 10 minutes a Day
Jakes' Total Body Work Out
The Super Belly Cruncher.
Buy Now!, Buy Now!
GEICO Commercials are just BAD advertising
GEICO sells auto insurance and does a pretty good job of taking advantage of seniors along the way. They also use some middle age and younger people, but the commercials that are shown the most feature seniors.
I am referring to the Insurance Taste Test Campaign. A fake taste test stand has been set up and people are asked if they prefer one cup of juice (or insurance) over the other. I have no idea what a high-price insurance tastes like, but I DO KNOW a commercial that is done in poor taste.
If a huge corporation like GEICO should not poke fun and take advantage of seniors. This is the lowest form of advertising.
I am referring to the Insurance Taste Test Campaign. A fake taste test stand has been set up and people are asked if they prefer one cup of juice (or insurance) over the other. I have no idea what a high-price insurance tastes like, but I DO KNOW a commercial that is done in poor taste.
If a huge corporation like GEICO should not poke fun and take advantage of seniors. This is the lowest form of advertising.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
An Excerpt from Google Engineer Matt Cutts
Google posted Ten recent algorithm changes on 11/14/11 | 8:30:00 AM
Since I have been screaming CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT these past 10 years I am glad to see that Google is making some head way for ranking the value of page content.
Here is the excerpt:
Snippets with more page content and less header/menu content: This change helps us choose more relevant text to use in snippets. As we improve our understanding of web page structure, we are now more likely to pick text from the actual page content, and less likely to use text that is part of a header or menu.
Better page titles in search results by de-duplicating boilerplate anchors: We look at a number of signals when generating a page’s title. One signal is the anchor text in links pointing to the page. We found that boilerplate links with duplicated anchor text are not as relevant, so we are putting less emphasis on these. The result is more relevant titles that are specific to the page’s content.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Google Baby
Webmaster skills, like brain surgery, architecture, or any other profession, is taught at the university level. Business owners who approach their websites like a play toy are taking a big risk, because their competitors are most likely taking their websites seriously.
Friday, July 01, 2011
How Google Could Ultimately Squash Facebook
How Google Could Ultimately Squash Facebook
Google needs to provide social users in all demographics an untapped wealth of information that is literally right under their feet!Here's how.
1) Leverage Google Street View assets by shooting memorial parks; head stone, crypts, markers and so on. ( Many parks have client software so this could be used as well for data integration.
2) Leverage Google Goggles to read the text on same and auto tag.
3) Make this new app. searchable; any ONLY accessible over Google Plus.
4) Let people tag these images as well.
5) Give is a cool name like 'Google Generations'.
6) Let people use this to make connections like Ancestery.com ( but better ).
7) Now Google can have ( Google Ancestor Circles ). Users can use this feature to do some quasi - genealogy.
8) On an off-note or more playful use... maybe allow users to create a virtual head stone with their name and epitaph over top any image they want (Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Route 66...) Maybe even create a message linked to this that does not reveal itself until a future date set by the user; e.g.- www.timekapsule.com.
Dear Google, If you do decide to use MY idea... please dont' be evil. Call me stupid, but this could be a real-deal Facebook killer.
Rick Vidallon ~ posted July 1, 2011 ~ Concept also shared with Harsha Patil June 2009.
rick@visionefx.net
757-619-6456
Friday, June 24, 2011
Official Google Blog: Supporting choice, ensuring economic opportunity
Official Google Blog: Supporting choice, ensuring economic opportunity
I have followed the principles outline by Amit Singhal and Matt Cutts since 2000. Today my business website shows up 99% of the time on page one of Google for search queries relating to 'Web design, web designers, web company, website company, web development Virginia!
There are NO SHORT CUTS. It takes hard work and patience to build interesting and informative website content.
Also see: http://www.visionefx.net/articles/why-they-call-a-web-page-a-web-page.htm
I have followed the principles outline by Amit Singhal and Matt Cutts since 2000. Today my business website shows up 99% of the time on page one of Google for search queries relating to 'Web design, web designers, web company, website company, web development Virginia!
There are NO SHORT CUTS. It takes hard work and patience to build interesting and informative website content.
Also see: http://www.visionefx.net/articles/why-they-call-a-web-page-a-web-page.htm
Saturday, May 28, 2011
25 reasons why another site will link to yours
by Ken McGaffin on 25 May 2011
Why would anyone link to your site? Here are 25 reasons why another site will link to yours. With real world examples from Ken McGaffin.
Why would anyone link to your site? Here are 25 reasons why another site will link to yours. With real world examples from Ken McGaffin.
1) Because you pay them for a listingDirectory listings are some of the easiest to get, but remember you must read and follow their guidelines carefully. Here's an example of a listing for PatioShoppers.com that you'll find at the Skaffe directory:
2) Because you're a member of a Trade AssociationJoin groups related to your industry and you'll soon find easy opportunities for links. As with Cabinetstore.com on the Woodworker's Website Association site:
3) Because people are discussing your productsPeople are talking about your products, as in this question about ShelfGenie.com published on Apartment Therapy. So, set up a Google alert to tell you when people publish and respond to any questions immediately.
4) Because you're a member of a local groupLocal groups and associations can also be great sources of local links, as in this link to BrindleyBeach.com from the Outerbanks Chamber of Commerce.
5) Because you make a great case studyAlways take part in surveys and volunteer your opinions. Let your suppliers know you exist. Perfume company Tuccini got an editorial link on a story about Analytics firm Coremetrics.
6) Because you belong to a specific demographic groupWhether you are a young or an over-50 entrepeneur, a work-at-home mom or a dad that runs an affiliate site, join up with like-minded people. Be part of your online community. Note that this site, YoungEntrepreneur.com, invites you to submit details of your start-up:
7) Because you submit a tipNo matter what your business, you'll have tips and tricks your customers will love and link to:
8) Because you comment on a breaking news storyKeep an eye on the news. You'll be surprised how many stories you can comment on. PetsPlace.com did a great job piggybacking on the news that the Clintons' cat, Socks, passed away. They compiled a list of the 10 Oddest Presidential Pets and got links such as this one from AbeBooks as a result:
9) Because you're a valuable resourceMake sure you're visible online so that writers can find you when they're compiling a list of resources. A writer on a ‘road and movie' trip through Arizona, visits locations from famous movies. At the end of the article, he lists resources for anyone following in his footsteps.
10) Because you offer a discount
We all love a discount and that's why many bloggers and journalists will write about and link to any great offers you have. Even better, if you can tie into a specific holiday like Broadmoor resort did here.
11) Because you make a donationYour charitable donations are not only good in themselves, but they can also bring tasty links as shown by Crumbs Bake Shop's and their donation to the Japan earthquake relief fund.
12) Because you support your industryFabFours.com is a leading bumper manufacturer who support SEMA, the Specialist Equipment Marketing Association – their support has been rewarded with a link.
13) Because you have an unusual businessPeople just love crazy ideas, so if you've got one flaunt it. Barberstops.com just cries out for attention, and links like this one from CoolBusinessIdeas.com is the result:
14) Because you give an interviewPeople love to hear stories, not dull business facts. Put yourself forward as an interesting interviewee and you'll get links like Bonobos.com got here at SmallBusinessAdvocate:
15) Because you're offering an internship or jobEven the internships you offer provide linkworthy content. Warby Parker is a spectacle company in New York that is looking to recruit interns. By spreading the word, they got this link One Day Internship:
16) Because you attend an exhibitionIf you attend exhibitions don't be shy. Make sure the organizers know you exist. Many such events now offer links to participating companies. NewBathNow.com attend exhibitions and events in promoting their bathroom remodeling products:
17) Because you buck a trendOne day it's all doom and gloom, the next there are signs of a recovery. Learn to ride the waves like Everything2go.com in this newspaper article:
18) Because you publish videos on your own siteProducing videos is now very inexpensive. Build your video skills and then build those links. Yeti Coolers are stronger than ordinary coolers. And they've made some videos to prove it. The videos attracted links from the spearfishing community at SpearBoard.com:
19) Because you publish videos on YouTubeIt's great if your videos go viral, but that's the exception. Just create great stuff your customers will love. TRXTraining.com publish an intensive 12-week fitness program on YouTube. It brings them links like this one:
20) Because your products make great giftsThink three months ahead. That means in November you should be thinking about what you're going to do on Valentine's Day. As this post on 101 healthy Valentine's gifts shows:
21) Because you help them make moneyHelp people make money and you'll have little problem getting links. Many bloggers have affiliate links for the products they write about and review. Offering an affiliate scheme can bring you extra sales and extra links, as it did with Estella-nyc.com:
22) Because your products are healthyFoodShouldTasteGood.com focus on healthy foods. They were featured in this article from Epicurious Magazine on healthy foods that kids love:
23) Because you support a local collegeIt takes a bit of effort, but by approaching and helping your local college you can get some tasty links, as Appareo partners with North Dakota State University. And they got a trusted link as a result:
24) Because you seek helpIsn't it wonderful that you can get links just by asking people to help solve your problems? Appareo.com asked members at Marketing Profs what they thought about its mission statement and got a nice link as a result.
25) Because you encourage reviewsLook for every opportunity to have your products reviewed. Sites such as Mommy Enterprises invite companies to submit their products for review. The results include links like this one:Eleven on Mommy Enterprises
2) Because you're a member of a Trade Association
3) Because people are discussing your products
4) Because you're a member of a local group
5) Because you make a great case study
6) Because you belong to a specific demographic group
7) Because you submit a tip
8) Because you comment on a breaking news story
9) Because you're a valuable resource
11) Because you make a donation
12) Because you support your industry
13) Because you have an unusual business
14) Because you give an interview
15) Because you're offering an internship or job
16) Because you attend an exhibition
17) Because you buck a trend
18) Because you publish videos on your own site
19) Because you publish videos on YouTube
20) Because your products make great gifts
21) Because you help them make money
22) Because your products are healthy
23) Because you support a local college
24) Because you seek help
25) Because you encourage reviews
Saturday, May 14, 2011
What is the Best Web Programming Software?
Windows programmers and Linux programmers will never agree on which software application or development framework is the best web programming software. The best thing to do is learn a little bit about each so you are somewhat forearmed when the topic arises.
There are many software architectures running locally and on the World Wide Web. A few of these include: .NET, Linux, Red Hat, Cold Fusion, Java, Oracle, Ruby on Rails and many others.
We frequently work with clients who come to us with Microsoft Access and Word Perfect for database and communications. A good web development company can work in many different environments and help to build legacy systems to help migrate users to more modern platforms.
All things considered, a developer must look what is best for the company in terms of data migration, scalability and cost savings.
For example, client 'A' wants to have their in-house local database converted to an online application. They have over 500,000 records in an Access Database. Then it would make perfect sense to migrate them to a .NET SQL 2008 database in Windows versus My SQL in Linux.
At the end of the day, use the best tool in your developer tool box to get the job done. And if you do not know how to use that tool, get trained or hire an expert who does. Don't try to cut wood with a hacksaw.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Be Careful When You Edit Your Website
I had a client who had been updating its website for nearly a year. They added over 100 pages of content and new web pages to enrich their website and their Google search engine results. They called my web development company wanting to know why Google is only seeing 30 of their web pages instead of 131 pages.
Our analysis revealed that a keyboard character they were entering in their description meta tag was being interpreted as a snippet of code and blocked all these new pages from being seen in Google. As a result of this error they lost nearly a year of Google crawl time for all these new pages.
What you 'type' and what you 'see' displayed in a web browser can look fine, but when done wrong it can create major problems in your website HTML code.
It does not matter if you are using a CMS, Content Management System, or a fancy website editor because only a coding professional knows if the code and characters are technically correct so they do not cause your website any harm or difficulty over search engines.
What you don't know about SEO can hurt you
When I edit content for websites for my website maintenance clients, I quickly glance over a page for the following implements: Proper use of H1 through H4 tags, bolding, link-bolding, correct ALT tagging and well formed meta-data. And when I create a new web site page, my checklist also includes proper navigation linking and placing the new page link in the site index.
If you are editing your own website pages and do not know about any of the items above, you may be sabotaging your hard work.
Web grammar and good writing are just as important.
Did you know that Google can detect the reading level for your website? They can determine if your site is at the Child, Teenager, Adult, College, Master and Doctoral reading level.
You cannot see this detection, but loosely defined it is the sum of information found on your website compared to tens of thousands of similar websites and directories with traffic or visits factored in.
It means that Google might find you (your website) as more of an authority source for information on a particular search query because of your grammar and writing.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
What Are the Best Website Template Systems?
Many customer inquiries to my company concern these so-called “Web site publishing systems.” Customers usually call me after spending their hard-earned money on a Web template system that leaves them frustrated and disappointed. But I can hardly blame them with all the radio and television commercials are popping up left and right to hawk these miracle web site building systems.
Not to say these Web template systems are a bad thing or that they don’t work. They do. But you better have an in-depth knowledge of HTML and graphic design if you want to publish a Web site that is original and dynamic. Otherwise, your Web site will be lost in the clutter of the World Wide Web.
From the examples I have seen created in web template systems most look dime-store cheap. A professionally built and designed web site is a powerful communication tool that speaks volumes for you and your business. You do not want to throw-up some slop on the Internet to attract business.
If you are extremely lucky, a customer might find your bargain template web site on page 750 on Google.
That’s not a good thing since most Web surfers won’t look past page 1, 2 or maybe 3 in a Web search for a product, service or information. The problem with Web templates is they are “closed proprietary systems.” Usually navigation placement is hard coded so that custom programming or effects are not allowed.
Although some newer systems allow users to post meta-data information; (the stuff that helps to get your web site pages found) most users have no idea how to use meta-data effectively.
Consider Hiring A Web Design Professional
If you are serious about launching a Web site to grow your business, you can do it without mortgaging your house. Here are some facts to consider when putting together the budget for your Web site.
Before spending your hard earned money on a Web site, do your homework. Look at the live Web sites your potential Webmaster has created and take a peak at their client references.
Not to say these Web template systems are a bad thing or that they don’t work. They do. But you better have an in-depth knowledge of HTML and graphic design if you want to publish a Web site that is original and dynamic. Otherwise, your Web site will be lost in the clutter of the World Wide Web.
From the examples I have seen created in web template systems most look dime-store cheap. A professionally built and designed web site is a powerful communication tool that speaks volumes for you and your business. You do not want to throw-up some slop on the Internet to attract business.
If you are extremely lucky, a customer might find your bargain template web site on page 750 on Google.
That’s not a good thing since most Web surfers won’t look past page 1, 2 or maybe 3 in a Web search for a product, service or information. The problem with Web templates is they are “closed proprietary systems.” Usually navigation placement is hard coded so that custom programming or effects are not allowed.
Although some newer systems allow users to post meta-data information; (the stuff that helps to get your web site pages found) most users have no idea how to use meta-data effectively.
Consider Hiring A Web Design Professional
If you are serious about launching a Web site to grow your business, you can do it without mortgaging your house. Here are some facts to consider when putting together the budget for your Web site.
Before spending your hard earned money on a Web site, do your homework. Look at the live Web sites your potential Webmaster has created and take a peak at their client references.
If you don’t have the funds available for the creation of a “professional level Web site” you should at least purchase and secure your domain name. You can do this for a very modest fee. Visit networksolutions.com, register.com or godaddy.com online or call them toll-free to get started.
Stay away from pesky templates. Save those hard-earned dollars for a Web site that will actually do your business some good.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
To my Mother and Father, Laura & Billy Vidallon
Growing up as a kid in the 60's in Virginia Beach I occasionally experienced the stings of racial jokes or comments having slightly darker skin coloring than the neighborhood kids. I found great solace in the stories my mother shared about my father's forward thinking and attitude about race and success. I took these stories to heart and wanted to share one such story told in the article below.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Google & Bing Are Looking at Links on Twitter & Facebook for Organic Ranking
By Chris Crum
Google
Google reportedly uses when an article is retweeted or referenced in Twitter as a signal in organic and news rankings (even though links on Twitter are nofollowed). They also use it to enhance the news universal results (based on how many people share an article).
Google "computes and uses author quality" for when someone tweets. When Sullivan asked if they calculate whether a link should carry more weight depending on who tweets it, Google Responded, "Yes we do use this as a signal, especially in the 'Top links' section [of Google Realtime Search]. Author authority is independent of PageRank, but it is currently only used in limited situations in ordinary web search."
Google says it treats links shared on Facebook Fan pages the same way as tweeted links, but they have no personal Facebook wall data. Authority for Facebook Pages is also treated like Twitter.
So, the more authoritative the crowd sharing links to your content, the better. Not that different than PageRank.
Bing
When it comes to Twitter, Bing tells Sullivan it also looks at social authority of users and more specifically, looks at how many people they follow and how many follow them, adding that this can add "a little weight" to a listing in regular search results (though it carries more in Bing's separate Social Search). Bing decides when links should carry more weight based on the person who tweets it.
As far as Facebook, Bing currently looks at links shared on Facebook that are marked as being shared to "everyone" and those from Fan Pages. "We can tell if something is of quality on Facbook by leveraging Twitter," as Sullivan paraphrases Bing's response. "If the same link is shared in both places, it’s more likely to be legitimate."
Bing does not use its new Facebook data in ordinary web search...yet.
So, clearly it pays to tweet and build a credible Twitter presence. This means gaining a significant following in number, but also getting authoritative users to follow you (and hopefully retweet your links). This would appear to be good for plain old fashioned organic rankings as well as other supplemental search results. More importantly, it pays to create good content that will attract authoritative Twitterers to share it with others.
These things of course pay anyway, but it's nice to know that they actually do have an effect on search rankings as well.
It's not surprising that Twitter is currently playing a more important role in to search engine ranking than Facebook, simply because Twitter is public by default. Facebook is much more walled, meaning that most of the good Facebook data is private. Though it will be interesting to see what happens when Bing does integrate its newly acquired Facebook into its regular search offerings.
This wall of Facebook's is also a factor into why Facebook could potentially unleash its own legitimate search engine. It's got a search feature now of course, but there is a great deal of potential for them to do a whole lot more and really get under Google's skin. More on that here.
Sullivan provides more background and context around the search engines' social signals, as well as the full with both Bing and Google, and details about the Twitter Firehose's lack of nofollow.
These things of course pay anyway, but it's nice to know that they actually do have an effect on search rankings as well.
It's not surprising that Twitter is currently playing a more important role in to search engine ranking than Facebook, simply because Twitter is public by default. Facebook is much more walled, meaning that most of the good Facebook data is private. Though it will be interesting to see what happens when Bing does integrate its newly acquired Facebook into its regular search offerings.
This wall of Facebook's is also a factor into why Facebook could potentially unleash its own legitimate search engine. It's got a search feature now of course, but there is a great deal of potential for them to do a whole lot more and really get under Google's skin. More on that here.
Sullivan provides more background and context around the search engines' social signals, as well as the full with both Bing and Google, and details about the Twitter Firehose's lack of nofollow.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Cemetery Software, Cemetary Software
Visionefx announces the launch and website redesign for Cemetery Software company Legacy Mark.
LEGACY MARK | Cemetery Software, Cemetery Management Software
Cemetery software, cemetery mapping, cemetary record management software. Line of cemetary management software modules for cemeterys + cemetery mapping.About Legacy Mark
About Legacy Mark
Legacy Mark has been dedicated to serving the cemetery industry since 1987 by proudly offering a complete line of software products and services that help cemeteries of all sizes. The ever-increasing demands on the resources of cemeteries make better cemetery office tools more than a simple convenience, but a necessity.
Legacy Mark software transitions your current office operation into an efficient and integrated system that automates your records, documents, maps and customer interaction. Everything from accessing records to viewing your maps to creating documents is made fast and easy. Our tools are easy to install, our support is second to none, our expertise is renowned, and our Rapid Deployment Plans get you up and running in no time.
Being one of the first companies to recognize and tackle the significant challenges facing cemeteries in the information age doesn't make us better, our dedication to our customers does. Our software solutions have withstood the test of time and lead the industry for cost-effective, user friendly tools for your cemetery office.