Some of our most recent articles...
New Media
Mobile Phone vs. iPhone Website Optimization with John Marshall (8:01)
John Marshall sees the web browser in the iPhone as a breakthrough for mobile devices. It is easy to use, renders sites well, can zoom in on content easily, uses JavaScript, and can be detected with analytics programs. In this video he suggests how to optimize a site for mobile devices -- and the importance of doing so in light of the high economic demographic of mobile web browsing users, especially iPhone owners.
May 13, 2008, 09:44
Web Analytics
How Google Analytics Can Help Content Work Better with Robbin Steif (5:42)
Robbin Steif explains how with analytics you can determine how many people view your content. But more important you can see the bounce rate and the time on a page. These number help you determine which content needs reworking so that it will perform better. Steif also discusses industry benchmarking available within Google Analytics and the pros and cons of putting tracking code at the top of the webpage vs. the bottom.
May 13, 2008, 01:11
Web Analytics
Using Google Analytics to Find Traffic that Converts Best with Robbin Steif (5:21)
Analytics expert Robbin Steif explains how you can determine the type of traffic that converts best using Google Analytics. You examine each media type (e-mail, paid search, organic search, etc) with the traffic reports category and compare how each type converted, within the 'goals' tab. She explains the use of 'thank you' pages that signal completed goals. Once you've determined the media types that convert best, you can drill down to find ways to improve these results.
May 13, 2008, 01:05
SEO
How to Optimize for Local Search with Frederick Marckini (6:22)
Marckini explains how local search works, with geotargeting, as well as using placenames or city names in the metadata -- title tag, meta description tag, and meta keyword tag.
May 6, 2008, 13:21
Design/Usability
Build Your Sales Argument in a Simple, Straight Line
Without a following a clear path to a single objective, sales page copy can lose readers who bail out before reaching the end. Usborne recommends (1) being clear about the page's objective, (2) allowing readers to see the final outcome from the beginning, and (3) writing in a straight line without detours.
May 6, 2008, 06:44
Conversion/Testing
A Landing Page Checklist
Dr. Wilson offers a comprehensive checklist of items to remember and include when developing a landing page or product page. Used carefully, this checklist will help significantly raise conversion rates on a website. This checklist may be reprinted, hosted, and distributed on other websites, so long as all elements remain unchanged.
Apr 29, 2008, 12:50
Design/Usability
How to Develop a Content Strategy with Rebecca Lieb (4:54)
ClickZ editor Rebecca Lieb explains the whys and hows of developing a content strategy. Keeping content fresh attracts return visitors as well as increased attention from the search engine spiders. Content can include reaction to industry news, a unique 'voice' and point-of-view, and features on new products and services. Lieb encourages writing with keywords in mind, then using these keywords and synonyms early in the article.
Apr 29, 2008, 12:38
SEO
How to Optimize Your Images for Search Engines
Ross Dunn explains that the increased popularity of image search and the prevelance of universal search make image optimization more important for search engine optimization, especially for e-commerce sites. He explains how to optimize images with keywords in the filename, nearby text, and ALT attribute.
Apr 22, 2008, 13:52
E-Mail Marketing
How to Get Higher E-Mail Inbox Deliverability with Matt Allen (9:34)
Dr. Ralph Wilson interviews Matt Allen at Ad:Tech in San Francisco. Allen is Sales Director for iContact, an E-mail Service Provider (EMS). He explains the various factors involved with getting high inbox deliverability. The formula includes the reputation of the EMS as well as the sender, relationships with the major ISPs, and checking e-mails for spammy words before sending.
Apr 22, 2008, 04:43
Design/Usability
How to Sell to Seniors Online
Todd Follansbee explains how best to sell to seniors, ages 55 to 60 and up. He explains what makes them more conservative, and the implications for design and sales approach. Then he offers design tips to reach them most effectively.
Apr 15, 2008, 13:13
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