by Mary Killelea, August 28, 2009  

How was the catchy name Twitter picked?

When cofounder Biz Stone saw the application that Jack Dorsey created in 2006 he was reminded of the way birds communicate: “Short bursts of information…Everyone is chirping, having a good time.” In response, Stone came up with ‘twttr’, and the group eventually added some vowels.

It’s hard to think of a better name in the technology arena than twitter that appeals to the mass public, heck it’s even fun to say Twitter & tweet,  but what began as what Stone described as “trivial” bursts of communication” would soon become a  powerful means of networking, breaking news, and  a forum for the 44th US president’s campaign. Marketing strategies are forever changed.

by Mary Killelea, August 27, 2009

Origin of the name “Google”

In searchging the web for the story of the origin of the search engine and company name “Google” I have found this one by David Koller to  be the most intersting,  based on his understanding of the genesis of the name.

“The source of my information is my friends and colleagues from Wing 3B of the Gates Computer Science Building at Stanford University, where Google was born.

In 1996, Larry Page and Sergey Brin called their initial search engine “BackRub,” named for its analysis of the web’s “back links.” Larry’s office was in room 360 of the Gates CS Building, which he shared with several other graduate students, including Sean Anderson, Tamara Munzner, and Lucas Pereira. In 1997, Larry and his officemates discussed a number of possible new names for the rapidly improving search technology. Sean recalls the final brainstorming session as occurring one day during September of that year.

Sean and Larry were in their office, using the whiteboard, trying to think up a good name - something that related to the indexing of an immense amount of data. Sean verbally suggested the word “googolplex,” and Larry responded verbally with the shortened form, “googol” (both words refer to specific large numbers). Sean was seated at his computer terminal, so he executed a search of the Internet domain name registry database to see if the newly suggested name was still available for registration and use. Sean is not an infallible speller, and he made the mistake of searching for the name spelled as “google.com,” which he found to be available. Larry liked the name, and within hours he took the step of registering the name “google.com” for himself and Sergey (the domain name registration record dates from September 15, 1997). ”

by Mary Killelea August 24, 2009 

Whether you are concentrating your seo on Local Search or not it is a very important segment of SEO that every business owner with or without a website should pay attention to if you want customers to find you.

Here is a link to David Mimh’s recent survey of several experts that gauged the factors most helpful for ranking well in the Google and Yahoo Local algorithms, as well as techniques to be avoided.  He has done a great job summarizing the survey and it’s a must read for anyone interested in gaining ranking in the local playing field. http://www.davidmihm.com/local-search-ranking-factors.shtml#results

When reading his article there were a few terms that I felt needed to be better explained for those not in the local search market trenches.  

survey glossary:

HCard Microformat – hCard is a simple, open, distributed format for representing people, companies, organizations, and places, using a 1:1 representation of vCard (RFC2426) properties and values in semantic HTML or XHTML. hCard is one of several open microformat standards suitable for embedding in HTML, XHTML, Atom, RSS, and arbitrary XML.   Want to get started with writing an hCard? Use the hCard creator to write up some contact information and publish it, or follow the hCard authoring tips to add hCard markup to your current contact page.

KML File - You can create KML files with the Google Earth user interface, or you can use an XML or simple text editor to enter “raw” KML from scratch. KML files and their related images (if any) can be compressed using the ZIP format into KMZ archives. To share your KML and KMZ files, you can e-mail them, host them locally for sharing within a private internet, or host them publicly on a web server. Just as web browsers display HTML files, Earth browsers such as Google Earth display KML files. Once you’ve properly configured your server and shared the URL (address) of your KML files, anyone who’s installed Google Earth can view the KML files hosted on your public web server.

If you’re new to KML, begin by browsing the KML Tutorial, which presents short samples of KML code that you can view in Google Earth and Google Maps. The KML Reference provides detailed syntax for all KML elements, with explanations and diagrams of how to specify them.  The Developer’s Guide contains in-depth conceptual material and examples.

Citations: a short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage; “the student’s essay failed to list several important citations”; “the acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book”; “the article includes mention of similar clinical cases”  Or in the case of online Citations are mentions from other online sources.

UGC - user generated content

LBC - local business center

IYP - internet yellow pages

LBL - local business listings

Great resources to have handy: 

Most Important Data Providers + IYP Sites

1. infoUSA
2. Superpages
3. Localeze
4. YellowPages
5. Yelp
6. InsiderPages
7. Niche Industry Sites (BBB, Vertical Directories)
8. Acxiom
9. Yahoo
10. Citysearch

Other sites receiving significant votes: Niche Civic/Municipal Sites (Chamber of Commerce, Local Directories), Merchant Circle, UniversalBusinessListing, Yellowbot.

Most Important Review Engines

1. Yelp
2. InsiderPages
3. Yahoo
4. CitySearch
5. Google
6. Superpages
7. Niche Industry Sites (BBB, Vertical Directories)
8. TripAdvisor
9. Judysbook
10. Kudzu

Other sites receiving significant votes: Yellowpages, Merchant Circle, AngiesList. 

Also if you don’t know about it check out your site’s local listing on www.getlisted.org

by Mary Killelea, August 20, 2009 

As you know the power of video is undeniable.

• It generates traffic
• It’s an opportunity to presell your visitors, build a relationship, build trust with your users so they are more comfortable with you brand and are more likely to convert.
• It increases your search engine ranking - I’ve seen this work first hand it’s amazing!
• It’s an opportunity to create word of mouth and campaign that go viral.

Ever wonder what  you should create a video about? Here are 8 ways to use video to help sell your products.

1. Do a product review - usually it’s a person on camera doing a review touching and holding the product and showing usage.
2. Interview an expert, if you have a someone at your company that is very knowledgable or maybe your top tier buyers
3. Create a product showcase video - this is different than a review, there is no-one talking to the camera, it’s an opportunity to show the users the features and cool elements of the product rather than give technical data.  They can include music, voice overs at the beginning and end.  Kind of like a fancy slide show that evokes desire.
4. Create consumer video reviews - user testimonials can be very powerful capture that in a video and you have magic.
5. Make a top 5 list (or whatever number you wish) could be top 5 xmas gifts for teens. You get the idea. Be sure to include on the page a link to each specific product you highlighted so the consumer can view and purchase easily.
6. Imitate the QVC method - it works, study it and do it via video and put it on your site.
7. Video Blogging - chatting with your audience casually via video it’s a video post but visual, make them useful don’t just talk about your gramma coming over for dinner.
8. Free Online Videos - Everyone loves something for free, fill it with good quality info, at the end of the video you provide visitors the ability to get more info on a product that they can eventually purchase get them into your list for future promotions.

More to come on video production and video equipment in a later post. Meanwhile you can check out our video services.

by Mary Killelea, August 20, 2009

1. Don’t search for  “Keyword Phrase” and  “Submit Site” for potential links. Most, if not all results will be garbage
2. Avoid 3 way linking schemes. Google is getting better at detecting and discounting these links.
3. Reciprocal Linking.  It’s effective when done right. Instead of trying to get a ton of useless links, concentrate on getting links within the body of an article from a site in your niche or related to your niche.
4. Don’t just link to your home page, work on getting deep links - deep links are links to other pages are your site that are optimized for the linking text you are using.
5. Switch up your linking text
6. Services that guarentee links often have a number or network of sites they own. (usually just sites that are created for the sole purpose of posting links on — they are no good) Look at each and every link before it’s posted on your site and to see where you link to your site is posted.
7. Pace yourself when acquiring links. It will send a red flag to google if you get to many too quickly. The goal is to grow your links slowly and consistently.
8. Base the link on your visitors needs not on whether or not the site you are working with has a high PR if it’s unrelated it’s not beneficial.
9. Check the page has a cache date in Google three weeks fresh.
10. Write good articles and provide links to your site form the article bio section.
11. Don’t assume all links are being followed. Many now have No Follow Tags associated with them. Beaware.
12. Keep a log of where your links are and a contact name and email to follow up in the future if you link some how mysteriously disappears. 

Link Building is a tedius task but one that still seems to benefit your site so be persistent and keep plugging along there are some really great honest sites out there that want to share with their audience like minded sites that truly benefit each other. As always remember good content is king and people will want to link to you if you have good information or provide good service.

by Mary Killelea, August 19, 2009

I don’t know much about this company but this looks like a great job for anyone into Online Marketing.  If you have a job lead send it to me and I’ll post all legit job openings here on the site - I think it’s important we help each other out when good job openings come along. (Follow this format)

OCP  Job Type: Full-Time

Description: SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE:
We are seeking an energetic, creative and motivated Online Marketing Specialist to join our team of marketing professionals. Reporting to the Marketing Manager, this position is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of our e-commerce sites, formalizing SEO/SEM strategies and tactics and implementing online marketing campaigns, including social media programs. He/she will proactively identify opportunities to enhance site performance and user experience through analysis of site reporting and industry best practices.

KEY DUTIES:
• Develop search engine optimization (SEO) strategies and tactics and collaborates with web systems team in their implementation across all websites and any brand extensions (e.g., widgets, applications).
• Oversee maintenance of product and content for the sites to ensure optimal data integrity with the goal of driving online revenue.
• Create content schedule for all OCP’s e-commerce websites, including online newsletters, web specials, featured products and composers, new products, events and homepage product placement and campaign themes.
• Work cross-functionally to coordinate and execute web marketing activities to support the launch and monitoring of online campaigns. Work with marketing staff on creative, performance reporting, campaign optimization and troubleshooting.
• Assist copywriters to develop search-optimized copy for new and existing product pages. Maintain/update and upload site content via the company’s content management system.
• Coordinate the creation of graphic elements to enhance the look of the site. Make recommendations on improvements and enhancements.
• Monitor web traffic and provide metrics and stats on online newsletters. Measure and report on results of various marketing initiatives, help assess ROI and effectiveness

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Marketing required or equivalent combination of education and work experience (3-5 years)

JOB EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
• 3+ years experience with web content management, ecommerce and/or online marketing programs
• 2+ experience developing electronic marketing, including SEO/SEM programs and online brand management and integration with demonstrated results
• Strong understanding of usability and web marketing disciplines & practices.
• Solid understanding of the web environment, keyword administration and SEO/SEM techniques and best practices
• Familiarity with web processes, design and creative development; basic understanding of HTML and CSS
• Experience using web analytic tools such as Google analytics
• Demonstrated creative, analytical and detailed-oriented skills
• Experience working with social media and web 2.0 technologies

SPECIALIZED SKILLS:
• Ability to think strategically yet creatively against demanding deadlines with acute attention to detail
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills, with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to take initiative, work under general direction and also independently
• Strong project management skills
• Spanish language a plus

IF INTERESTED:
* Submit resume with cover letter online at http://jobs.ocp.org.

OCP is an equal opportunity employer.How to apply: Submit resume with cover letter online at http://jobs.ocp.org

Qualifications:

Compensation Range:

Start Date:

Number of Openings: 1

Education:

Contact:
Address 1: 5536 NE HassaloAddress 2:

City: Portland

ZIP: 97213

Contact Name: Sue

Contact Phone: 5032811191

Website: ocp.org

by Mary Killelea August 18, 2009

Today is a busy day I’ve already written 3 posts and had two client calls all before 9am. It seems ever since the launch of my newly redesigned site Working Web Solutions,  We have a new sense of rebirth and new energy. I know that seems a little hooky but it’s true. For the past 8 years I have worked hard to grow my business and over the years as my time was consumed on focusing on my clients goals and growth I somehow neglected my own companies outside appearance. The all important potential client’s first impression.   It’s like when you go to a hair dresser you expect her to have NICE LOOKING HAIR, when and if she doesn’t your level of confidence in how well she cuts hair is naturally lowered. It’s just human nature to react this way consciously or sub-consciously.

The feedback we have initially received has been very positive and the increase in user engagements has also increased and it’s only been a short time.  We are am thrilled at the opportunity to offer new services with this site redesign and am in the process of developing internet marketing webinar classes to be offered in the upcoming months. The team here has worked very hard on this redesign and we all take great pride in the direction our company is going. We think we are positioned in a great place and have the expertise and experience to take us to the next level.

I guess the lesson or message here is you have one chance to make a first impression in all things you do .. make the first one in your business a meaningful and positive one for you and your users. Don’t wait another day to redesign your site or create a new branded look and feel for your business.  Invest in your business and it will pay off. Here is the recent Working Web Solutions spotlight on AboutUS.org

By Mary Killelea August 13, 2009 

My new internet marketing tool is  Hootsuite ( http://hootsuite.com ) The great thing about Hootsuite is it allows you to streamline your internet marketing efforts. It allows you to still be broad in your reach but saves you precious time!  And it’s FREE.  We are truly living in amazing times with the amount of new technology we are seeing every day and it’s amazing the rate of new technology and services being offered and developed.  It certainly  can be overwhelming if you don’t use tools like this to help you stay on top of your field.  Here is a list of the what Hootiesuite offers as part of it’s service:

Multiple Accounts - Save your time and save your sanity. Continue managing all of your Twitter profiles through one client: HootSuite

Team Workflow - Have a company or organization with more than one contributor? HootSuite is still making it easy to manage multiple users over various Twitter accounts.

Track Statistics - Impress your friends, your boss or just yourself with our improved visualizations link statistics. Graphs show not only a summary but also individual tweet statistics!

Multi-Column View (like tweetdeck) - Never miss a tweet with HootSuite 2.0 multiple columns feature. Organize your Twitter stream into friends, news, search terms, keyword tracking - whatever you like! Our drag and drop feature allows you to easily move individuals into group columns.

Tabbed Layout - The new tabbed layout takes Twitter categories to new heights. Organize and customize your Tweeting experience. Within each tab, you are able to create up to 6 columns. Drag and drop your tabs for easy organizing.

Create Groups - Now you can create customizable columns for your friends, groups or topics of interest! Add users through their @username or drag and drop them from other columns! Hoot

Embed Columns - Want to feed the chatter from a customized Twitter column somewhere else? Now you can grab code from HootSuite to easily embed Twitter search columns in your blog or website.

Feed Your RSS  -Like to feed your blog or website through Twitter? Tis easy! Automatically feed your RSS to your Twitter stream with HootSuite!

Ping.fm Integration - Update all of your social networks with a single update! HootSuite with Ping.FM allows you to update your Facebook, Wordpress, MySpace, LinkedIn and more.  What’s Ping.fm? Think of it as your social network glue.  A Ping.fm account lets you send a single update to multiple networks simultaneously: Facebook, Wordpress, MySpace, LinkedIn, and more. And now you’re able to send those updates through HootSuite to take advantage of scheduling, clickthrough stats, and all the other cool features HootSuite has to offer. 

Schedule Tweets - Provide rich, nourishing content to your followers at any time of day using the HootSuite tweet scheduler. Pre-schedule anything you like, from radio programming to birthday well-wishes. Or, tweet live!

Quick Search - Located directly on the dashboard, click the search bar to see current trending topics, to search keywords, or monitor your brand. Like what you see? Save the search as a column!

View User Info - Easily view users’ details without being taken to a separate window! Click on their username or avatar to view an in-screen popup to view their detailed bio, follow them, or add them to one of your groups

And a host of other standard features like notifications and alerts etc. 

By Mary Killelea August 13, 2009 

Facebook’s U.S. users grew by 14% in July ALONE! - While metrics from other analytics firms say Facebook’s US growth slowed in July, new data just in from comScore actually tells the opposite story. According to comScore, Facebook’s traffic to its main site grew by nearly 14% month over month in July to over 87.7 million US uniques – the highest monthly growth rate Facebook has experienced in the last year

With Facebook hitting an all-time high growth rate in the US, according to comScore. It now seems that the redesign earlier this year hasn’t been “disastrous” as some people had claimed it would be – while Facebook is still working on improving the “highlights” section of the home page and  re-integrating it with the real time stream, Facebook’s American audience has continued to expand across the demographic board.

As Facebook continues its experiments to make sharing more efficient, the company is now testing a “faster, simpler version of Facebook” called Facebook Lite. Facebook Lite is now live at lite.facebook.com for those users included in the beta test.  Facebook says it is running the test primarily in countries “where we are seeing lots of new users coming to Facebook for the first time and are looking to start off with a more simple experience.”

Users who are part of the beta test are seeing what could be described as a more FriendFeed-like version of Facebook. The stream appears to be reduced to just status updates, likes, and comments – no activity stories, application stories, or embedded content appear. In addition, profile page tabs have been moved to the left side of the page, all basic info and small profile boxes have been removed, and the publisher is not open by default. 

If you ask me they want to compete with Twitter they can say it’s for efficency purposes but we’ll see how similiar the user experience is to Twitter when it’s all said and done.

by Mary Killelea on August 9, 2009

This week Twitter servers were down for a bit due to a server attack. Then those that were freaking out went to facebook and caused their server to go down for  a bit too.

Even though it doesn’t seem like a big deal for twitter to be down for a bit or for facebook to go down for a few minutes it is a HUGE deal if all of your marketing efforts are only utilizing one social media channel.  So let’s say you only use Twitter as your means of marketing. How vulnerable and frustrated were you when Twitter was down?

This is a valuable lesson that goes to show you, you should never, ever rely on one service to get your message out.

Twitter is great and is a fun platform for engaging people, and if you’re doing it correctly and adding content of value to Twitter most likely you are seeing some good traffic benefits from participating on Twittere.  But you shouldn’t be using JUST Twitter (or any other service) to communicate with your customers, readers or clients.

It is so important to also get a Facebook fan page. One easy way is to do what I have done. I have added a facebook widget on my blog .. check out the one on this page where you can easily become a fan.  Also another important thing to do as a business owner/marketer is to start collecting email subscribers so you can communicate with them directly and encourage RSS subscriptions and make it easy for RSS readers to also have the ability to get your feeds via email as well.

By offering these variety of ways to get your message out you can reach your fans, friends and subscribers through a variety of channels eliminating your frustration if Twitter or Facebook goes down. You still have other avenues of marketing tactics to get your message out and continue on with your daily business goals.

Why should you be on Twitter or Facebook.. here is some quick stats:

Twitter.com is a top 50 site that reaches over 27 million U.S. monthly people. The site attracts a slightly more female than male group

Facebook.com is a top 10 site that reaches over 91 million U.S. monthly people. The site attracts a more affluent, teen and young adult, very slightly female biased following.

 Whether you have a huge number of followers or a huge number of fans an important thing to recognize is the  goal with social media isn’t just to gain a  large numbers of subscribers or followers. (If they’re un-targeted subscribers, perhaps people who are just following you so that you follow them back, they’re pretty much worthless). What you want and need to do with social media is attract people interested in you, in your niche and then funnel them into other channels, other places, where you can reach them.

Keep in mind too that people prefer different methods of communication. Again another reason to make sure your marketing message is utlizing the various social media channels. One person might love email and hate Facebook, have a Twitter account but never use it and be a casual RSS reader.  Another person might never check their email, RSS feeds or Twitter but be live on Facebook.

Your job as a successful business marketer is to be in contact with your audience, potential customers, clients, reader, subscribers in whatever medium or platform they choose and are comfortable with.  You need to be where they are.  You need to be right there in front of them whenever they open up their favorite app or web address to see what’s happening.

In closing here are the take aways fromt this article.  You must diversify your Social media mix.  Good luck!