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ROBOFORM – HE’S A KEEPER!

April 26, 2009 by · Comments 

Well I did it!  I finally joined the instant messaging craze that everyone claims is going to be as big as google.  The Twitter interface is really clean and easy to use.  It is pretty basic, no ads, and it’s focus is only what you clicked on, in other words there are not a thousand things all over the page making it confusing where or what you are suppossed to do next.  Pretty much a no brainer.  I must admit at first I really didn’t get it. What was so great about posting short messages to people you don’t know.  Especially since they weren’t going to too many people except a business partner whom I exchanged “follows” with and twitter the friendly bird that follows everyone. 

But then it happened. I met the “twitter robot” of my dreams.  He came from nowhere and began “following me”.  I was shy at first but at the same time flattered by his gesture.  Boy was he busy.  He was posting stuff every hour like a mad man …or I guess more like a raged robot?   I guess it wasn’t me he was interested in after all?  For a moment I was deflated, but clicked on one of his postings anyway just to see if I could get some small clues, anything that would provide insight into who he was and what he wanted with me.   

That was the day I was introduced to what I would like to call the best tool ever to have been born on the web.  Yes I know that is quite a huge introduction as I may in the future take this “tool” for granted because of how easy and hassle free it has made my life.  Not to mention the fact that it came from the robot stalker on Twitter I was still reeling over.  There I was face to face, well network to network, with a similiar subhuman by name, maybe a cousin of my late twitter fling, ROBOFORM www.roboform.com  I can’t imagine my life without him now.  Yes I know there have been several poor attempts in the past of software that remembers your password but someone has finally figured it out.  It is so easy all you have to do is remember your passwords one last time and after that it takes over. It even adds links on the tool bar of the sites requiring login so the next time you want to visit you simply click the link appropriately labeled and it will not only take you there, it will log you in.  All with one (1) let me repeat ONE simple click.  I’m in love!  I have found the robot of my dreams. 

Some of the more skeptical types may wonder about the security of such a process….don’t worry they got that covered too!  Check it out!  www.roboform.com  Make sure to download the free version…because I simply don’t know what else they could do to make it any better than it already is.  Must I also mention this robot did not spam me to death. He is clean, light and quiet; making himself available only when I need him…ahhh!  He treats me like a queen!

Filed under SOCIAL MEDIA, TOOLS FOR MARKETING · Tagged with , , , ,

THE PREFERRED RANKING #1 OR 2?

April 9, 2009 by · Comments 

When people think SEO most of them immediately think about search engine placement, and keywords. Ranking number 1 in Google’s search results whether implied as a campaign strategy or not is most always a goal in an SEO campaign and typically search engine placement as the number one spot is weighted most heavily because from that superior ranking we assume sales for the customers, or exposure, or popularity. Whatever goals the customer may have for their website can and will be achieved in googles first spot!

If even 40% of individuals habitually pick the 2nd or 3rd result in Google or Yahoo, or MSN, this will bring up a very interesting question about search engine placement. Is the first spot in Google the best one? I actually pick that result last after not finding what I am looking for with the other results on that page.

A close friend was also quick to retort of her same habits and in fact was also fully aware of why she did it. She stated that usually the first result is not what she is looking for. I think she probably has the same affliction as I, obtained as a shortcut from inferior search engines and possibly inexperienced web marketing efforts. The first result today listed in Google I am confident would fit your search term most accurately most of the time as would the second or third. So what search engine placement, gets the most clicks? We need a program that collects those results in case anyone is looking for a project?

Filed under SEO · Tagged with , , ,

SMALL BUSINESS SEO PROPOSALS

March 22, 2009 by · Comments 

iStock_000007833569XSmall Presenting proposals to clients for SEO projects can be a hectic and stressful process especially for the small business client whose expenditures are almost always on a tight budget. Some feel like they might be throwing money at a losing battle…their business, and at this point are unsure it being worthy of success at all. After having done an initial analysis on their competition and current web presence you conclude that with a strong back linking campaign and onsite seo/copywriting they could turn their business around and take a strong position in the search results for their keyword. Naturally you have already shared this exciting news with them but somehow at the moment when you present the proposal, it seems forgotten; the excitement lost in dollar signs. What can be done to make this proposal process less stressful for both the client and the SEO professional? Here are a few things I have come up with for a win win proposal:
Upon introduction discuss:
A) What is their budget? Or, how much do they want to spend on a marketing campaign and SEO for their website
B) Ask them questions that quantify the value they place on ranking well in search results or driving traffic to their website. Let’s face it. Getting noticed online can bring endless value to the customer in hard revenue. It is important however to help them make that connection when you are selling something intangible like services.
C) Ask them if they have ever paid for SEO services/copywriting before, and if they haven’t, get them familiar with cost immediately. That way they can do their own math along the way and thus no surprises. Many people are unfamiliar with the process, therefore unfamiliar with its cost.
D) When presenting the proposal, include the estimated final result of the services being recommended i.e, what this will do for the customer, is it better ranking in search results, driving traffic through a pay per click campaign, increase conversions, etc. That way the cost and value can offset each other yet again for the customer.
E) Make sure your pricing is clear cut and if you offer an hourly rate only, try to estimate how long each process will take or give maximums (not to exceed x amount of hours). Small business owners are much more comfortable knowing in advance how much they are spending.
F) And as always deliver what you promise in the time frames outlined. It is always better to under promise and over deliver and because SEO and online marketing are not exact sciences, don’t promise the number one spot in google’s search results, instead promise the top 3 but only if your totally confident it can be done!

Filed under MISCELLANEOUS, PRICING, SEO · Tagged with , , , , , , , ,