Recently I have again noticed the “related searches” when I have Googled terms such as “running shoe” or “road bike” (getting ready for triathlon season again!). I noticed that Google is suggesting certain “brands”, “stores”, or “types” of the phrase I am searching. There is not much information about this I can find on the web, so I would like to offer my input as to what is going on here and how to show up in these “related searches” –please chime in if anyone has more input.
Load times are important, not only for SEO but for the user experience as well. Here is a tip I have used to improve load times on my sites, especially those with a lot of images. Before we begin, however, I must make a disclaimer. First, this will only be one tip to improve; there are many things you can do on your site that will improve load times. Adjusting your .htaccess file incorrectly can blow up a site, so do a site backup first (I always do this when altering anything) and if you are novice, you may want someone with experience to help you out.
Just last week, I remembered a last minute gift. I knew what I needed, and I knew which store had it, and I just needed it delivered to my friend. Easy peasy, right? Wrong! I searched keyword after keyword without finding what I was looking for, and without any suggestions that would point me in the right direction. I finally found it (only because I knew exactly what I was looking for).
When I went to checkout, I had to register and then re-register, and once I did, my “cart” was empty and I had to find the item again. I went from dream client, ready to buy with a credit card in hand, to disgruntled grump in a situation that was 100% avoidable. Will I buy there again? Not if I can help it. Is this happening to your clients? Nooooooooooooo! A customer’s path through your website should be clear, concise, and obstacle-free. Improve your customers’ experience on your website with these three tips: Read On
A while ago I wrote a blog post for this blog all about Facebook Places and why it sucked. An excerpt from that post reads,
“It doesn’t benefit the user at all. When I check in on Places I don’t get points, unlock badges or become the mayor. Although once you check in the businesses name is plastered on your wall which is essentially free advertising. It is way too lopsided to the benefit the business not the user.”
Well, I’m writing this to let everyone know I was wrong, very wrong. Facebook Places has actually saved me money. Turns out saving money is more valuable than becoming the Mayor of a business that doesn’t care, sorry Foursquare. Read On
Internet marketers often put their entire efforts into getting a sale. They want the shortest path and easiest way for people to click on that oh so tempting “buy now” button. But sometimes you have to step back and reevaluate the way you approach customers. There might just be a better way. Especially with Facebook. Read On
Recently I wrote about how to perform a basic Google Analytics implementation audit. Today I’ll discuss more advanced concepts. Read On
This week, Google announced some new changes to improve local search and promote Maps listings. Well, that sits just perfectly with us. Here at OrangeSoda, we’ve been offering organic search optimization for four years and local optimization for nearly two years. Google Places marks an important change that will bring those two things together and—just in time—we’re announcing CitrusBlast, the best of both worlds. Read On
One of the deliverables we have here at OrangeSoda is a Google Analytics audit. I thought it would be helpful for you to share the process. Though the process is not exhaustive it will give you a good picture of how well you are using Google Analytics. Read On
With the holiday season just around the corner, we put together this free workshop to help teach local entrepreneurs how to efficiently manage their pay-per-click ads for the holidays. So put down the holiday fruitcake and come fill up on marketing knowledge for your business. (We promise it will taste better.) Here are the details:
When:
Wednesday, November 10th
10am-12pm
Where:
Salt Lake City Public Library
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
What:
A light breakfast will be served, and then we will jump into the main event, where a few speakers will teach how businesses should use PPC ads to get the most out of the holidays.
Pay-per-click marketing is a very effective way to reach your customers in droves. Its important to remember that each click is paid for out of someone’s pocket. I go to great lengths to make sure that my clients money is spent as effectively as possible. There are few factors that determine effective spending but for me the most important one is the search query report in AdWords. A search query report gives me data to make two very important decisions that can save tons of money and make my campaign more effective.
Read On
