In the Search Engine Optimization world, this year has seen some dramatic changes. Just like last year, the year before, and the year before that. The almighty Google has made some pretty substantial changes to their search algorithm, known as Panda and Penguin updates. But this is nothing new. They are always making changes in order to make their search results more relevant and keep the spam … [Read more...]
Google Reviews Disappearing
A lot of businesses lately have reported issues with their reviews on Google+ Local disappearing. This is because Google has again changed the algorithms to try to catch review spam. Unfortunately, some legitimate reviews are going to be caught in this filter. How can you prevent this from happening to you?First, make sure you’re not getting fake reviews. It’s really tempting to take the easy … [Read more...]
Help With Google Analytics
Many of our clients ask me for help with Google Analytics. They hear that they should be using it, but when they try, they are overwhelmed by information overload. They don’t know where to begin. Although Google Analytics can provide some very seriously detailed information that only a geek like me would understand, it can also be very easy to find just enough information to get a snapshot of how … [Read more...]
No Summer Vacation for Online Marketing
I can’t believe it’s August already. This year is really flying!Here in Southwest Florida, aside from being hot and humid, it’s also a slow time for many businesses. If you’re a seasonal business that depends on the flood of snow birds that our local economy thrives on each winter, then what should you be doing with your online marketing at this time of year? Should you reduce your advertising … [Read more...]
Google Search Engine Results Explained
When speaking with our clients about search engine optimization and local search optimization, we often have to explain the various parts of the Google search engine results page so that they understand what part of the page we are targeting and why. So I thought I would put it in a blog post so that others can benefit from this as well.I’ve taken a screenshot of a typical Google search engine … [Read more...]
Google Announces App Gallery for Analytics
Google has announced an app gallery for their Analytics tool which should bring about some interesting developments. There are already 32 apps in the gallery but I would expect many more to come.What does this mean? It means that people will develop apps that help us better understand what's happening on our websites and what our visitors are doing. It will help us find keyword opportunities, … [Read more...]
Google Local Business Center Now Google Places
Google has decided to rename the Local Business Center to Google Places. According to the Google Maps Blog, this was done to better integrate businesses Place Pages with Google Maps.They are also embracing QR codes which are like bar codes that can be scanned by some mobile devices and the user will be taken directly to your business Place Page.The world of mobile and local business … [Read more...]
Google vs Yellow Pages
It's funny to me that in the last few years I've seen an increase in the number of phone books I get on my door step, even though Google and other local search engines are making them obsolete. Now more than ever, it's vital that your business is listed in Google Maps because that's where everyone goes to find local businesses.This video says it all. … [Read more...]
Google Using Site Speed in Web Search Ranking
Last week, Google confirmed that they are considering a sites load time in their search rankings. This is because Google is obsessed with giving its users the best, most relevant content when they are searching online. Considering site speed will make sure they are getting higher quality websites in their results.What does this mean for website owners?Web users tend to have ADD when they … [Read more...]