Digital Marketing by Patrick LaJuett

We recently launched two new web sites for local companies.  Here is a summary of the projects and links to completed work: Lozier Environmental Lozier had an existing web site but wanted to update the look and feel to integrate the new branding (logos, colors, images) we designed a while back. Here's a "before" shot: Here's an "after" shot: Note, we incorporated SEO friendly navigation as well as clean XHTML code with CSS3. Visit Lozier's new web site

From Danny Sullivan over at http://searchengineland.com "The Penguin Update launched on April 24. It was a change to Google’s search results that was designed to punish pages that have been spamming Google. If you’re not familiar with spam, it’s when people do things like “keyword stuffing” or “cloaking” that violate Google’s guidelines." Bottom line, follow the Google Webmaster Guidelines .  In other words, don't bite the hand that feeds you.

In effort to provide our Web marketing and design customers with a comprehensive support system, we have rolled out a new Online help and support portal. Please SUBMIT A SUPPORT TICKET for all issues related to your Website. Including: design modifications and content updates. Please be a detailed as possible so we can assist you in a prompt manor.

 I go through a similar explanation almost every time I pitch a new customer. Very well done and easy to understand.

Another great resource from the GetListed.org Learning Center... Numerous articles in the learning center will help give you a better understanding of how the local search engines work, and how to use them to promote your business effectively. Local Search Glossary – Jargon Definitions and Explanations SEO   Trying to understand how the search engines work can be tough--especially if some of the terminology is new to you. We hope this alphabetized glossary helps you sort through Local Search jargon.   http://getlisted.org/resources/glossary.aspx

John Hendry Metal Art CMS Website launched — developed with DotNetNuke 5. DotNetNuke is a leading open source web content management system (CMS) and application development framework for Microsoft .NET. Learn more about our CMS Website solutions at StaminaWeb.com

I've had many discussions with clients regarding the use of dashes versus underscores as word separators. For example: "web_design_company.htm" VS. "web-design-company.htm".  The question is whether or not the search engines interpret them the same way.  As it turns out, dashes may be the best way to go, at least from an SEO perspective. Stumbled upon a relevant post from Google's Matt Cutts, here's his take on it: http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/dashes-vs-underscores/

If I had to recommend one thing regarding SEO/inbound marketing...embrace the social media tools like blogging, Twitter , Facebook, YouTube, etc. Google is transforming the way it ranks content: http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/02/ff_google_algorithm/ You can already get a hint at what's on the horizon with universal or blended search (Websites, video, images, local maps, and even social "mentions"). According to Google, "The ultimate goal of universal search is to break down the silos of information that exist on the web and provide the very best answer every time a user enters a query." If a potential customer has a question...it makes sense to provide Google with your "very best answer".

Brownbook.net is the free local business directory that anyone can edit. Here are a few general principles that apply: It’s free to use Brownbook.net to find businesses It’s free to list any business in Brownbook.net It’s free to update your business listing in Brownbook.net Anyone can add a business, anyone can review a business, and anyone can update a business listing Business owners can claim their business listing to take greater control over it You don’t need to be registered to use Brownbook.net, but registration gives you certain benefits – mainly, faster updates and the ability to claim and promote your business listing.

GetListed.org is a great SEO tool to help you publish / manage your local listings on Google Local, Yahoo Local, MSN/Live Search Maps and Best of the Web. Check it out: http://getlisted.org/

We do not recommend abandoning your YP ads. But many businesses are saving on marketing costs by slimming down their YP presence and investing the money into a search friendly Website. Your marketing dollars can generate a much better ROI when you focus on providing relevant content that converts your visitors into customers. That's where we come in. Our Website design and NY SEO services can help your business by creating or improving your Online presence. View Comparison Matrix — Yellow pages ads VS. Websites with SEO Posted using ShareThis