I recently read an article through my custom Google News Feed about a company touting a link building service.  The service offered several packages of links that we will call bronze, silver and gold.  Each package had a corresponding number of links (in the hundreds or thousands) and price.   I believe this to be an irresponsible way to market link campaign services for a few key reasons: (more…)

Everyone needs a fan – you know, those people who cheer for you, support you and are there for you when you need them.  Businesses also need fans – customers and partners who aren’t just loyal, but passionate.  These are the people who will promote your products, sing your virtues and create that word-of-mouth marketing that can help make your company thrive.  (more…)

Let’s ask a simple question – when you think of an operating system what do you think of?  How about a sports car?  When we mention the phrase ‘search engine’ what pops into mind?  While we aren’t mind readers we imagine that many of you thought of Windows 7, Porsche and Google.  Others may have thought of Mac OS X, Ferrari and Google.  A few of you may even have thought of Bing. (more…)

We have already mentioned the necessity of being able to properly monitor and analyze your social media marketing efforts.  Given this need, it probably comes as no surprise that there are already a plethora of tools available to help you in this very area.  In fact, last we heard there are well over 200 different vendors offering some sort of monitoring and analytics tool in relation to social media.  (more…)

You spend a considerable amount of time writing blog posts on a topic that you are passionate about in hopes that you will one day wake up to see your post on page one of Google’s results.. Congratulations…You’ve tackled the major task that many people can’t- finding a topic they’re passionate about and figuring out what to write. But now what? How do you stand out in the never ending battle for more website traffic.

Here are my “top five Search Engine Optimization tips for blog writers: (more…)

Social media is one of the most popular digital marketing discussions today.  Companies and agencies alike are working tirelessly to determine its role in overall marketing strategies and how to quantify their value to the marketing program.  For example, many respected sources have recently stated that social media is ineffective in driving e-commerce.  While social media might not be your biggest revenue driver (or even a significant one), this channel can offer significant branding opportunities that will you’re drive revenue in the long-run.  During the first part of a two-part social media overview, we’ll discuss 3 major considerations anyone diving into social media must consider.  In the follow-up, we’ll discuss measurement and quantifying the impact of social media on your marketing program. (more…)