Google Analytics is an excellent way to track and analyze on-site traffic.  However, the UI for Goggle Analytics is not mobile optimized, which presents challenges for those who need to see updates on their mobile device.  The Google Analytics Software Design Kit (SDK) and corresponding Application Programming Interface (API) rectify the issue by allowing developers to create their own Apps.  Thankfully, there are several well-built, fast and intuitive Apps available.  I will focus this blog on the App universe for Android powered devices.  While I am inclined to frugality (some might argue parsimony), this blog will present what, in my estimation, are the best available free and paid Android Apps. (more…)

Once upon a time, search engine rankings were kind of nerdy: their somewhat complex algorithms caused them to keep to themselves and they didn’t always play well with website owners and developers, who wanted very much to play with them—and rank well as a result.  Then, something changed; a new kid came to town by the name of social media.  Social media changed the internet marketing landscape with its new take on marketing and, consequently, left business and webpage owners along with marketing consultants and managers all scratching their heads.  Like search engine rankings, social media was sometimes misunderstood and perhaps that’s why they eventually became friends. (more…)

A lot of debate in the interactive media sphere surrounds whether advertisers should bid on their branded terms.  At Rise Interactive, we believe the answer is an unequivocal “YES”. (more…)

The topic of mobile SEO vs. desktop SEO is one that is highly debated.  There are many leaders in SEO that believe the optimization process is the same and others that believe that they are vastly different.  I have read a few articles on these positions and have discovered a few observations that hold some truth.
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When individuals became aware of the new ranking factor, “Panda update 2.2”, many became confused and apprehensive that it may be an algorithm update.  Some feared that their website would drop in the rankings on Google, but others hoped that theirs could rise.   Above all this speculation, one thing has been verified: Panda is a new ranking factor, not a completely new algorithm. (more…)

SEO is, in many ways, still a developing art form.  At Rise, we strive to stay at the forefront of thought leadership and constantly seek out the latest developments in the industry, some of which can bring significant changes and considerations. There are, however, a few things that most think of when looking to rank high in Google and ultimately, get the click throughs and page views that will meet company goals. Among these are keywords, site architecture, links and speed. (more…)

Writers’ block is bad enough—but what if you don’t even know what to write about?  This tends to be the problem for many who are tasked with cranking out frequent blog content.  My advice to this frustrated bunch—use SEO keyword data to dictate the editorial for your blog entries. (more…)

With much anticipation and fanfare, Google+ made its debut earlier this month.

As most people already know, Google+ is Google’s answer to Facebook.  At its core, Google+ is a social network however it’s basically an amalgamation of several existing Google services.  It integrates social services such as Google Profiles and Google Buzz and introduces new services, such as Circles, Hangouts, Sparks and Huddles. (more…)

One of the first things I learned when I joined the marketing profession is that what worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. What worked for one company may be completely wrong for another. Marketing involves continuous learning, testing and an openness to evolution, and we see this illustrated in the growing importance in those whose focus is Marketing Operations. (more…)

Napoleon Bonaparte stated that “a picture is worth a thousand words.”  It is believed that words can be read, but pictures can be experienced.  Throughout the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) process, many links are obtained in the black and white text-box fashion; however, there is a new sheriff in town: Infographics. (more…)