Blogging takes advances in marketing one step further by allowing businesses to initiate conversations with their audience. Gaining a better understanding of your customers allows you to more effectively and efficiently market to them. This, of course, lowers your marketing costs. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Nearly all search engines use spiders (also known as robots, their original name) to go out and scour the Web looking for Web pages. These search engine spiders then bring the data back to be indexed by the engine. Since roughly 1996, individual meta commands have been used on individual Web pages to modify how search engine spiders behave. The most useful of these commands are fairly universal and respected by almost all search engines. Here are some of the more popular ones and reasons you might want to use them (or not). [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Web analytics tools and pay per click reporting features are becoming more sophisticated, offering savvy marketers vital insights into what's working, what's not, and what needs more effort. But there is so much data available that it can become difficult to determine what to look at and which to ignore. TMI (or Too Much Information) becomes both a blessing and a curse. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

If you hadn't paid much attention to title tags until now, but you implemented the basic concepts covered in part one of this series, you are already well on your way to creating a better user experience as well as a more-optimized search experience. Of course, most of us aren't satisfied with just the basics. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Why is it that one of the most important elements of a Web site—title tags—which also tend to be one of the easiest to manage, is so often done incorrectly? What makes that shortcoming even more amazing is that SEO practitioners constantly talk about title tags. In fact, if ever there could be an area of universal or near-universal agreement in the SEO community, it would be in regard to the importance of title tags. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Today we discuss some SEO tactics that may or may not be Black Hat, and how to deliver a dope smack to commenters who don't add to the conversation. All that and more in this Marketing Over Coffee, a weekly audio program sponsored by MarketingProfs that covers classic marketing tactics and what's new on the technology front. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Sculpting PageRank? Are you scratching your head, wondering whether Stephan is talking about carving a masterpiece? In a way, he is. If you are considering your options for getting a jump on your competitors in the search results, take a closer look at PageRank sculpting. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

There are many efficient Search Engine Optimization techniques to optimize your business's Web site, and then there are nefarious methods. These six sneaky techniques will not only ruin your reputation and get your site banned from Google, but could have legal ramifications. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Marketing with Twitter, Google Docs for SEO, who the Connectors are and why you need them... all that and more in this Marketing Over Coffee, a weekly audio program sponsored by MarketingProfs that covers classic marketing tactics as well as what's new on the technology front. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

How to blog for SEO juice, some killer WordPress plugins, and a Super Bowl Ad wrap-up... all that and more in this Marketing Over Coffee, a weekly audio program sponsored by MarketingProfs that covers classic marketing tactics and what's new on the technology front. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

General search engines like Google and Yahoo aren't designed for B2B companies, which is why so many experience disappointing results. Recent developments with smaller Vertical Search Engines (or VSEs) are providing a strong alternative. But, as with any growing industry, it's important to research and understand these alternatives before making the plunge. The advantages of vertical search will go a long way toward providing professionals with relevant business results while also helping advertisers and marketers target a very specific and relevant audience. Following these guidelines can help navigate this important industry trend. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

What is viral marketing? Is keyword density still a factor in SEO?—that and some other stuff that we've been testing... in this Marketing Over Coffee, a weekly audio program sponsored by MarketingProfs that covers classic marketing tactics and what's new on the technology front. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Search engine optimization decrees that there are a certain set of words that people tend to search with. But when those same people arrive on your Web site, a different set of words, called "customer carewords" becomes important. Choosing the right carewords will bring visitors through your Web site... and complete the sale. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Customer conversations are everywhere today—social networks, blogs, forums, and other social-media outlets. These are unbiased, unfiltered interactions that can deliver rich information about how your customers talk about topics that are relevant to your company and brand. Though it would be nice if people were to use your company's messaging in their everyday interactions, the reality is that for the most part they don't. Social SEO—tapping into how they talk about you and your industry so that you can determine how they will search—is the most effective and foolproof way to master that art/science/guessing game of picking keywords. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Is pay-per-click losing momentum? Are people numbing to pay-per-click ads as they have to banner ads? Is growth in the channel waning, or is it just maturing? Hear Steve Rubel and Alan Rimm-Kaufman debate the issue; Alan is a fan of pay-per-click, while Steve has his doubts. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

There's no silver bullet for search engine optimization. You need to do the right things over and over, over extended periods of time. Key among these are generating relevant content, gaining inbound links, and designing and coding for search friendliness. Perform these 10 exercises to start your program of search engine fitness. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

There is quite a difference in what is seen by humans on a Web site and what is seen by a search engine "spider" a program that routinely combs the Internet indexing Web sites. An untold numbers of expensive Web sites out there are beautiful to behold from a human perspective, yet all but invisible to search engine spiders (and thus searchers). Here is a small list of common Web site elements, in two categories: what search engines cannot see, and what they can see. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

For any online business, the goal of search engine marketing is to achieve high rankings in the major search engines for keyword phrases specific to the products or services offered. What's more, it's just as crucial to ensure that the keywords chosen are the ones most likely to convert to sale or action. Traffic is great - sales are even better! Here's where to start. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

It's well known that a page-one search placement on Google, Yahoo, or MSN is imperative for driving organic traffic to your Web site. But if you're already in the enviable top spot position, is there something more you can do to gain even more traffic? There is, and aggressive web players are implementing the strategy effectively. Here's how. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Google is now (and has been for some time) collecting data on individual users, and they are assuming that users will trust them with this data to "Do No Evil," as their famous slogan goes. Only time will tell whether the trust is well-placed. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

With the rise of social media and user-generated content, there are more factors than ever to consider when designing a company Web site. Throw in SEO and choosing the proper design/layout for your Web site, and it all gets very confusing... very quickly. Which means that Web site optimization experts such as Karen Breen Vogel are in very high demand. Vogel understands how to lead organic traffic to Web sites—but, perhaps more importantly, she understands how to give those users the content they are looking for when they arrive. Here Vogel cuts through the clutter and gives invaluable advice on how to build disciplined Web site optimization programs that build on strengths and business objectives. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

The Search Engine Optimization market is over $10 billion in North America alone. The biggest question isn't whether you should utilize Search, but rather who will manage your campaigns. What should your organization do? It depends. When you review your options for in-house or outsourced Search or pay-per-click bid management, consider the following. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Organic search engine optimization, until recently, had been a fairly straightforward endeavor. That changed in the middle of May 2007, when Google began rolling out its "Universal Search." This new search option may have long-term repercussions for every search engine optimization company if it becomes the standard. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

If you practice Internet marketing, you know the importance of a high-converting "landing page"—also called a promotional page, jump page, or squeeze page. Regardless of the specific purpose, one fact remains the same—you want the user to take some type of action. Here are seven landing-page best practices for increasing conversion rates and getting users to take the action you're hoping for. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

Over one-third of employers have eliminated a candidate because of "digital dirt"—information about you online that is either unflattering or inconsistent with the image you would like to portray. Digital dirt could be preventing you from getting interviews and ultimately landing your ideal job. So if you have digital dirt, it's time to clean up your act. Here's the three-step process. [Read the full story] Marketing Articles: Search Engine Marketing

AutoAnything.com, which sells custom-made automotive accessories and performance parts, designed its homepage almost a decade ago. But as e-commerce has become more competitive, the site needed a strategy. After testing different versions of landing pages, AutoAnything.com increased landing-page conversions by up to 12%.[Read the full story]
Marketing Case Studies: Search Engine Marketing

Marketing executive and consultant Lewis Green wanted to re-establish his company in January 2004 after moving across the country. With no professional network in place, he figured the best way to promote his business would be a blog. His first attempt failed. But not his second.[Read the full story]
Marketing Case Studies: Search Engine Marketing

Atlanta management consultant Brent Leary launched a radio show in 2006 to help small and mid-sized businesses understand technology. It proved so popular that he evolved the show into a series of online podcasts, bringing new business and (ultimately) new revenue to his 15-year-old consulting business.[Read the full story]
Marketing Case Studies: Search Engine Marketing

Goodwill Industries receives generous donations of clothing, many in good shape and by popular brands, but is perceived as a purveyor of low-quality, outdated merchandise. With a social-media marketing campaign, the nonprofit was able to change that perception and connect with young professional women who buy vintage clothing.[Read the full story]
Marketing Case Studies: Search Engine Marketing

Metrics is the guiding light of your marketing efforts. Without measurements, you're operating in the dark. Make sure you are tracking the right metrics, and get tips on interpreting the data with this comprehensive guide. [Download] Marketing Downloads: Search Engine Marketing

This is the go-to guide for all your Search Engine Optimization needs. Get a first-rate overview of all things related to how search engines fit into your marketing plan. This guide even tells you how to decide if you should not outsource your search engine optimization. But the best thing about this handbook is a comprehensive list of questions you should ask any potential SEO vendor, and tips as to what to look for in the answers. Very helpful. 45 pages. [Download] Marketing Downloads: Search Engine Marketing

If you're a little intimidated by the prospect of Paid Search Advertising, seriously, join the crowd. Here it is though -- a guiding light through the complex waters of Paid Search Advertising. We assembled a 30-page template to make learning and implementing a successful paid search advertising campaign for your firm as easy as possible. [Download] Marketing Downloads: Search Engine Marketing

This in-depth handbook will walk you through the ins and outs of using Google as a powerful resource for market research. In 27 easy-to-follow pages with a dozen screen shots, this PDF is a handy tool you will want to print and keep nearby as you learn to incorporate the new techniques into your search routines. [Download] Marketing Downloads: Search Engine Marketing

Link directly to the raw (aggregate) data in this 2005 survey on the best practices in search engine optimization. With access to the raw data, you can view the results, and even filter them to see how a subset of companies in your country or industry answered. In this way, you can interpret the data in the most meaningful way for your business. [Download] Marketing Downloads: Search Engine Marketing

Did you start to abandon your natural search efforts, which gained your site favorable placement in a Google search, when pay-per-click advertising seemed to offer better results? It's not uncommon. And if you no longer have a balanced mix, Tom Lindmeier says it's time to... [Read the full story]
Marketing Quick Read: Search Engine Marketing

In December, Hollywood learned that the AMPTP—which represents producers in their protracted negotiations with striking writers—hadn't covered its online bases. While the organization owned amptp.org, it didn't control amptp.com. A pair of TV writers with time on their hands used this oversight as an... [Read the full story]
Marketing Quick Read: Search Engine Marketing

Even if you know exactly what you want, choosing a vendor can be challenging. The decision becomes more complicated when you don’t entirely understand the product or service. Take search engine optimization (SEO). Most small businesses accept SEO is an important element of their online strategy, but few... [Read the full story]
Marketing Quick Read: Search Engine Marketing

Maybe you’re not ready to conquer the world just yet. If your business has a regional focus, search engine marketing expert Dan Skeen has some tips for being found by local customers who use search engines: Use the right lingo. Whether it’s a difference in spelling (e.g. Commonwealth "labour" versus American... [Read the full story]
Marketing Quick Read: Search Engine Marketing

Even if Google has been your market research secret weapon for a decade, you may not be using the search engine to its fullest advantage. Few of us do. If you think entering a keyword and hitting Return is the only way to google, you’ll be... [Read the full story]
Marketing Quick Read: Search Engine Marketing