Web Marketing Today

PPC Basics: Part 7. Quality Score

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:20:55 PST

This article in a series on PPC advertising features paid search expert Melissa Mackey, who explains what Quality Score is, why it dramatically affects the cost and placement of your ads, and steps you can take to improve low Quality Scores.

How to Have a Small Business Presence on Facebook - with Krista Neher (5:32)

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:10:48 PST

In this video interview, social media expert Krista Neher offers some tips for small business fan pages on Facebook, where businesses want to get in front of 800 million Facebook users. She sees Facebook as better at increasing loyalty of existing customers than gaining new customers.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for 31 Jan, 2012, Annotated Links

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:18:02 PST

This week we see a number of articles on Google's new "Search Plus Your World," which promises to change search significantly as Google+ cranks up.

Online Retailers Must Add Value to the Customer - or Die

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 23:31:06 PST

In this brief article, e-commerce expert Rob Snell explains and online store essential -- differentiate from thousands of competitors by adding value to your customers. Rob explains how this keeps the merchant from getting cut out of the supply chain and gives examples of ways a store can add value.

How to Hire an Information Architect to Plan Your Website - with Shari Thurow (8:40)

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:38:53 PST

If you're redesigning your website, says SEO expert Shari Thurow, you'll need an information architecture to create and test a blueprint for your website, to make it meet the needs of your customers. Thurow offers several tips to be able to identify who you're looking for - and who you're not!

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for 24 Jan, 2012, Annotated Links

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:54:29 PST

Here are some helpful articles to learn from this week.

How to Grow Your Keyword List through Keyword Farming

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:53:21 PST

In this article, search marketing expert Christine Churchill outlines an excellent method to find appropriate keywords for a PPC campaign. It involves running a short, inexpensive campaign first to find the best keywords (and find negative keywords), before you enter a major campaign designed to get sales. She explains the advantages of this approach over relying on Google Analytics and keyword research tools to develop a keyword list.

What Role Should SEO Play in Your Business? (and how to figure it out) - with Eric Enge (8:17)

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:45:35 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Eric Enge examines for the novice what Search Engine Optimization is, and what it can do for your business. Enge looks at the purpose of SEO, explains how to assess what percentage of your marketing budget to get new customers this way, and describes how to avoid SEO scams.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for 17 Jan, 2012, Annotated Links

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:02:59 PST

Here are some helpful articles to learn from this week.

How to Point Google to the Country You're Targeting

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:27:47 PST

Google can get confused about the language and/or country you're targeting, meaning your site isn't deemed as relevant. In this article, Anne Kennedy examines 8 signals that will help Google see precisely the country and language group your webpages are targeting overseas.

How to Develop a Successful Social Media Campaign - with Eric Enge (8:32)

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:59:09 PST

In this video interview, Internet marketing expert Eric Enge outlines the various steps involved in developing - and experimenting with - a social media campaign. He explains the opportunities as well as the pitfalls of the process.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for 10 Jan, 2012, Annotated Links

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:11:04 PST

In blogs and newsletters, there are currently lots of non-actionable predictions for the year to come and overviews of the year past out there right now. But here are some practical articles I ran across recently. The numbers were low over the holidays.

5 Ways to Identify Shady SEO Agencies

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 23:56:29 PST

You've probably got e-mail and phone calls from SEO vendors who say they'll get your site to the top of the rankings. But not all these people can be trusted. In this article, SEO expert Brandon Dennis offers 5 ways to spot some of the shady companies. Take a look at this 'heads up.'

How Risky Linking Can Hurt Your Rankings - with Todd Friesen (5:44)

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:43:37 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Todd Friesen explains how over-optimizing keywords can get you in trouble, so that Google will downgrade you for what it perceives as unnatural linking patterns. Then he describes how to fix such a problem to regain your rankings.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Dec 27, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 03:06:27 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

Mobile Sites. Part 2. Design Best Practices

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 21:27:33 PST

In this article, Internet marketing expert Lorrie Thomas Ross explains the three most important design guidelines for mobile-specific sites, designed exclusively for mobile devices. A mobile-specific site can be just a few pages, she says.

How to Create an Offer that Sells Like iPads - with David Garfinkel (7:15)

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:53:16 PST

In this video interview, copywriting expert David Garfinkel offers tips on how to construct a compelling offer that will help sell your products and services. He explains how a focus on benefits, especially identity benefits, can be added to bonuses and simpler language to create great offers.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Dec 20, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 01:01:13 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

Where to Put Your Website's Unique Value Proposition

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:50:48 PST

Most marketers know that a Unique Value Proposition (UVP) is vital to successful web marketing, but few know how to weave it into a website in actual practice. In this article, conversion expert Jeff Sexton explains how the UVP works like a song refrain to unify your site and increase sales.

How the Panda Update Changes the Game for E-commerce Sites - with Todd Friesen (6:45)

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:59:45 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Todd Friesen, explains how the Panda update to Google's ranking algorithm hit e-commerce sites hard -- and what they can do to regain their rankings.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Dec 13, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 01:43:41 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

PPC Basics. Part 6. Bid Management

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 23:07:32 PST

In Part 6 of a series on the basics of Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising, expert Melissa Mackey delves into the secrets of managing your bids for keywords on Google AdWords and Microsoft adCenter. She dispels myths and gives solid guidance for getting started.

Exploring PPC Ads on Google's Content or Display Network - with Andrew Goodman (7:42)

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:49:14 PST

In this video interview, PPC expert Andrew Goodman explains the difference between Google AdWord's "display network" and their ads on search engine results pages. He explains what's available, how user intent differs, how to reduce bids on these ads, and tips on selcting the right venue for your ads.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Dec 6, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 01:41:30 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

6 Quick Ways to Increase Conversions

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:22:36 PST

In this article conversion expert Todd Follansbee describes his pick of the top fast and easy-to-do changes that can help your site get better conversions -- even in one morning's work. He offers a combination of quick checks, tests, and modifications that will make a difference.

The Effect of the Panda Update on Your Content Strategy - with Arnie Kuenn (8:41)

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:14:55 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Arnie Kuenn explains how content marketing strategies have changed since Google's 'Panda' update in February 2011 downgraded the rankings of many content-heavy sites, due to duplicate or poor quality content. Kuenn explains what factors are believed to be used by Google to detect poor content and what to do to generate better quality content.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Nov 29, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:58:54 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

Top 10 Google Analytics Changes of 2011

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 23:50:05 PST

In this article, web analytics expert Robbin Steif surveys the most important changes that have taken place in Google Analytics in 2011 -- and why some of them can be very important to your business.

How to Generate Content Ideas - with Arnie Kuenn (6:01)

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:38:21 PST

In this video interview, Internet marketing expert Arnie Kuenn offers several tips to help you come up with new content ideas. He outlines a step-by-step approach to keyword research, accessing Q&A sites and using Open Site Explorer to develop ideas, then a content calendar to execute your strategy.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Nov 15, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:11:05 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

PPC for Local Businesses: Part 2. Optimize and Protect Your Google Places Account

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 23:40:06 PST

In this article, local and paid search expert Christine Churchill explains how small businesses can set up their Google Places site. But warns of recent dangers that could allow your business enemies to sabotage your listing. Read carefully!

The Money Is in the E-mail List - with Craig Eubanks (6:10)

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:56:11 PST

In this video interview, copywriter and direct marketing expert Craig Eubanks discusses the value of an e-mail list to a small business. Your two most valuable assets are your list of (1) your prospective customers and (2) your existing customers. E-mail enables you to reach both directly.

Recent Internet Marketing Articles for Nov 8, 2011, Annotated Links

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 01:17:27 PST

Here are annotated links to a few recent Internet marketing articles and resources I found this week that might interest you.

8 Steps to Developing Ad Revenue from Your Website -- Part 4 of Start-up Success

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:19:53 PST

In part 4 of a series, Dr. Wilson explains how to generate advertising revenue from your website. He describes which sites have better potential, then the process in 8 steps.

How to Improve Your Google AdWords PPC Text Ad Copy - with John Marshall (7:22)

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:12:25 PST

In this video interview, Internet marketing pioneer John Marshall explains how to write more effective text ad copy for your Google AdWords PPC campaigns. The problem, says Marshall, is that the business owner is usually too close to their business to write good ad copy. Marshall explains three ways to improve your ads.

What to Do When You Inherit a PPC Campaign - with Kevin Lee (6:51)

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:14:14 PST

In this video interview, PPC expert Kevin Lee explains what you need to do when you inherit an old PPC campaign. It's time to clean-up and integrate old add ons over the years, consolidate duplications, and correct errors that are costing you money. Here's how to approach it.

How to Streamline Your Overloaded Homepage

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:50:14 PST

Everybody in your company wants something on your homepage -- to the point that it no longer works to accomplish its goals for anyone. In this article, conversion expert Tim Ash explains what to do to get your homepage cleaned up, with its priorities in the right place.

Fixing PPC Problems Caused by a Site Redesign - with Andrew Goodman (7:06)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:38:13 PST

In this video interview PPC pioneer and expert Andrew Goodman explores some of the pay-per-click problems that result from a site redesign. He explains the effect of new destination URLs that reset your ad history and Quality Score, and how to minimize the damage to your traffic and profits.

How to Sell a Deal that Seems Too Good to Be True - with Jeff Sexton (5:14)

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 07:31:20 PST

In this video interview, expert copywriter Jeff Sexton explains how to sell a deal that seems to good to be true. The key, he says, is to be transparent about what the seller gets out of it - and add an element of urgency.

How to Conduct Global Keyword Research

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 23:09:47 PST

If you decided to expand your business globally, you'll need to do effective research in order to get people to your site -- both organic and paid search customers. In this article, global Internet marketing expert Anne Kennedy explains the pitfalls and how to get around them.