Posts

Search Optimized Filenames: Dashes Versus Underscores

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/

Universal Search / Blended Search

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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".

Visual Attention Prediction Tool - Optimize Your Landing Pages

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"Eye Tracking Without the Eyes" - AttentionWizard uses advanced artificial intelligence algorithms to simulate human visual processing and attention. The software instantly creates an "attention heatmap" of your Web page that predicts where someone would look during the first few seconds of their visit. We decided to test the app by analyzing LaJuett.com .  The results were interesting, and definitely helped us evolve our site in effort to more cleary communicate with our customers. Our Attention Wizard Test ---------- STEP 1: Analysis of original site layout We uploaded a screen capture of our Website and received the following heatmap result in the form of a PDF. Notice the eye tracking paths appear to zig-zag as well as bounce across the screen.  Also, the hot spots are not where we want them.  Users are focusing on less important information and not our key call-to-action elements. ---------- STEP 2: Modify original site UI to highlight call-to-action

Website Grader - Measure the marketing effectiveness of your Website

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Website Grader is a free seo tool that measures the marketing effectiveness of a website. It provides a score that incorporates things like website traffic, SEO, social popularity and other technical factors. It also provides some basic advice on how the website can be improved from a marketing perspective.

Take Advantage of Free Web 2.0 Sites

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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.

SEO | Manage Local Listings | GetListed.org

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/