Web Marketing Today

Home Page Best Practices for Local Businesses

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:44:30 PST

In this article, local marketing specialist Lorrie Thomas offers tips to make your homepage more effective. She discusses the importance of clarity, identifying your niche, employing professional website design, and clear calls to action.

Do-It-Yourself Search Engine Optimization (SEO), part 2, with Stephan Spencer (3:02)

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 16:52:04 PST

In part 2 of this video interview, SEO specialist Stephan Spencer outlines the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) for the do-it-yourselfer. In this brief section he explains how to optimize site architecture.

Tips On Using the Google Content Network for PPC Ads

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:05:48 PST

In this article, Paid Search expert Christine Churchill explains how Google's 'Content Network' differs from ads on search results pages. The Content Network ads found on a variety of websites have their own guidelines for success -- and since they're less expensive than search results ads, they can prove quite profitable for the savvy businessperson.

Do-It-Yourself Search Engine Optimization (SEO), part 1, with Stephan Spencer (7:53)

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:44:58 PST

In this video interview, SEO specialist Stephan Spencer outlines the basics of search engine optimization (SEO) for the do-it-yourselfer. In part 1, he covers both keyword research and content optimization.

E-Mail + Social Bookmarking = Instant Rankings

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:46:30 PST

In this article Dr. Wilson explains how to get rapid links to a newly launched website by marrying e-mail marketing with social bookmarking. The technique itself is easy, but it assumes the hard work of building a strong e-mail list.

Understanding Searcher Intent with Shari Thurow (5:19)

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:32:34 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Shari Thurow explains how you can discern user intent from the search terms they use, and from that help them get where they're trying to go on your site. Search keywords can be classified as transactional, navigational, or informational.

YouTube Basics for SEO

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:36:09 PST

In this article, SEO expert Wil Reynolds explains how to get maximum search engine optimization value out of your YouTube videos. He explains how to include your link in the description, how to take action on what you learn YouTube Insight analytics, and how this relates to universal search.

Integrating Linkbuilding with the Rest of Your Business (7:23)

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:46:22 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Eric Enge discusses linkbuilding techniques, and the importance of integrating an ongoing linkbuilding effort into the rest of a business's marketing campaigns. He also offers a new twist on article marketing that can net some great links.

5 Ways Facebook Can Build Your Local Business

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 23:02:33 PST

Local marketing expert Lorrie Thomas describes five ways that local businesses can use Facebook to (1) build awareness, (2) distribute information, (3) create community, (4) offer customer service, and (5) boost sales.

SEO Challenges for 2010 with Amanda Watlington (9:37)

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 11:57:12 PST

In this video interview, organic SEO marketing expert Amanda Watlington outlines three challenges to search engine optimization for 2010: (1) ranking affected by page loading speed, (2) growing importance of localization, and (3) the effect of personalization.

Clear Hyperlinks Increase Conversions

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 15:16:21 PST

Having clearly identifiable hyperlinks can increase your conversion rate, according to usability expert Todd Follansbee. In this article he explains how to develop a consistent hyperlink policy for your site, and make text links work harder for you.

Keyword Research for Organic Search with Stoney deGeyter (6:45)

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:05:37 PST

In this video interview, SEO expert Stoney deGeyter explains his approach to keyword research, not only for a few keywords, but for the hundreds of keyphrases needed to optimize, say, a large e-commerce site. The approach involves three main stages: finding and organizing core keywords, and then arranging a campaign with the qualifiers to those core keywords.

Don't forget to use some very simple and proven sales techniques on your online sales pages

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 17:14:36 PST

Web writing expert Nick Usborne explains how to use powerful sales and closing techniques in online copy -- scarcity, new, free, save, and risk free.

5 Ways to Increase Your E-Commerce Conversion Rate with Ayat Shukairy (8:59)

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:05:46 PST

In this video interview, e-commerce conversion expert explains the five steps her firm uses to increase sales conversion rates in online stores -- determining which pages to optimize, changes that might produce best results, selecting pages to test, limiting tests to what is essential, and making only small changes at a time.

How good are you at writing for web page skimmers and scanners?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:55:30 PST

Most people don't read webpages thoroughly. The skim or scan. In this article, web writing expert Nick Usborne explains how to write for fast-moving readers so they get the gist of your message.

The 5 Ps to Successful Online Video with Grant Crowell (6:40)

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:47:37 PST

In this video interview business video specialist Grant Crowell gives highlights of keys to successful online business video, using the 5 "P"s -- Plan, Practice, Publish, Promote, and Perform.

How to Choose Effective Website Photos and Images. Part 2

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 23:38:52 PST

In part 2 of a series, web design expert Sandra Niehaus discusses ways to use images to support and reinforce a business brand. First, she explains a need to have a clear understanding of the brand. Then, consider image colors that help support that brand. She provides many examples as well as resources where you can learn more.

Review: New Path to Riches

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:58:05 PST

Dr. Wilson reviews Nick Usborne's new book. While the title is deceptive -- seeming to promise riches -- the book is easy to read, clear about how to approach this, honest about the possible results, and encouraging to people who are desperately trying to find a way to earn money via the Internet. Recommended.

Andy Beal talks about Google Reputation Management (6:37)

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:11:57 PST

When someone tries to trash your company on the Internet, there are some things you can do about it, that is, replace negative webpages about your brand, your company name, or your personal name with webpages and profiles that outrank them and push them off the first page of search engine results. In this video interview, reputation management expert Andy Beal explains how.

10 Tips for Ad Refinement -- Ways to Keep Your PPC Ads Fresh

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:32:42 PST

In this article, paid search specialist Christine Churchill offers ten suggestions that can help your Google AdWords stand out from the rest and get a click-through.

Social Media: Distraction or Marketing Essence - Amanda Watlington (5:20)

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 13:49:06 PST

In this video, Internet marketing specialist Amanda Watlington cautions against blind adoption of social media tools such as Twitter and Facebook. Rather ask: What does this tool accomplish for my business and plan strategically.

Landing Page Optimization Silver Bullets

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:35:03 PST

If you're out of ideas to improve your landing page and boost conversion rates, this article will be refreshing. Landing page optimization expert Tim Ash explore three themes: "Less is more," Personalization, and the Offer. It will stimulate your thinking -- and affect your bottom line very quickly.

How to Get Top Ranking for Your Distributed Articles - Shari Thurow (7:39)

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:11:05 PST

In this video interview search marketing expert Shari Thurow explains how to write articles and distribute them on the Web, while still retaining the top search position for the article. Techniques include backlinking requirements, timing, cross linking to your own articles, as well as a bio page that links to all your articles.

How to Increase Sales by Discerning User Intent from Search Terms - Brad Geddes (5:05)

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:48:40 PST

In this video interview, search marketing expert Brad Geddes explains the importance of discerning user intent in the search terms they use to get to your site. By matching your landing pages with user intent you can increase sales by providing the information customers need before they buy.

How Bounce Rate Can Help You Pinpoint Site Problems

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:20:39 PST

Web analytics expert Robbin Steif explains how the metric "bounce rate" can help you figure out how to improve a poorly-performing site. She defines the term, explains why bounce rates matter, gives rules of thumb for good and bad bounce rates, and explains how the bounce rate can pinpoint problems.

How Flickr Can Help Your Local Business Get More Traffic

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 23:26:28 PST

In this article social media specialist Emilia Doerr explains how Flicker photo-sharing site can help your local business. Since Google now shows images as part of its 'universal search' results, your images can help you get targeted traffic to your site. Ms. Doerr explains the steps to take advantage of this approach.

Business Blogging as Part of Your Content Strategy - Amanda Watlington (5:26)

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:59:36 PST

In this video interview, social media specialist Amanda Watlington explains that having an integrated and well-thought out content strategy is at the base of a good business blog. She offers tips on how to make a business blog more effective.

12 Ways to Improve PPC Landing Page Conversion Rates

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:33:41 PST

Paid search expert Christine Churchill offers insights that can help your PPC landing pages more persuasive, more focused, more complete -- and tested. Putting these tips in practice is likely to raise your conversion rates and increase your profits.

How to Improve Your Product Pages. Part 2 - Bryan Eisenberg (7:15)

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:18:35 PST

In part 2 of this video interview, Bryan Eisenberg offers a number of tips that can help you improve your e-commerce product pages. He makes suggestions in the areas of product page headlines and titles, product images, product options, product descriptions, and proofs to convince the shopper to buy now.

Congratulations from Around the World

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:08:39 PST

Words of congratulation on this 15th year of Web Marketing Today have come from around the world. Here are just a few of these generous comments. It's gratifying to see how WMT has touched people's lives.

15th Anniversary Celebration of Web Marketing Today

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:22:02 PST

Web Marketing Today is celebrating its 15th Anniversary, November 9th. As part of the celebration we're giving away lots of gifts to new subscribers as well as long-time subscribers. Come take a look at what we've got for you.

How to Choose Effective Website Photos and Images. Part 1

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:43:44 PST

In part 1 in a series, web design expert Sandra Niehaus explains four guidelines to help you select the best photos and images for your site. The article is richly illustrated to help you evaluate a great picture as you look at it and understand how to crop it appropriately. In addition, she offers four places to obtain excellent stock images.

How to Use Free Keyword Tools - Christine Churchill (8:29)

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:25:05 PST

In this video interview search marketing expert explains the value of both free and fee-based keyword tools. These tools help you find the search terms that are actually being used by people to find things on the web so you can optimize your online marketing. She focuses on the capabilities of Google Keyword Tool, Google Insights for Search, and Google Sets.

5 Tips for Promoting Your Business with Facebook

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:51:47 PST

In this article, social media specialist Amanda Watlington helps businesses break through time-wasting behaviors to find 5 ways to promote their businesses via Facebook. She explains the value of building a group, creating a page, and planning an event. She suggests using other tools such as e-mail and Twitter to notify clients of the Facebook presence. Finally, she explains the rules of social marketing.

The Four Basic Online Business Models - Marko Hurst (7:18)

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:18:22 PST

In this video interview, Internet marketing expert Marko Hurst discusses the four basic online business models and how each of them generates income. (1) E-commerce sites, (2) Content sites, (3) Customer support sites, and (4) Lead generation sites.

SEO Link Building Using Delicious

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:22:03 PST

Wil Reynolds explains four link building strategies that take advantage the special strengths of the Delicious social bookmarking tool. He explains how to develop 'smart queries' that yield linking opportunities, then how to categorize them on Delicious. He also explains how Delicous can spark article ideas, alert you to promising sites, and help you find 'librarians' and bloggers.

What Are People Doing on Your Website - Jim Sterne (4:13)

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:21:15 PST

In this short video interview, Internet marketing expert Jim Sterne discusses the very simple premise of Web analytics -- that if you can find out what interests people on your site, you can focus more energy, investment, and focus there in order to increase income. Companies that develop the ability to learn from their analytics can thrive; those that don't will gradually die.

All About Shopping Carts. Part 3. Payment Gateways

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:00:52 PST

A payment gateway connects your shopping cart with the credit card processor. Here's what you need to know to select a payment gateway for your online store.

How to Select an SEO Company - Jill Whalen (7:06)

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:42:42 PST

You can do a lot of search engine optimization (SEO) work yourself or with the help of your web developer. But to find first-page ranking for your important keywords, you may need to employ company that specializes in SEO. In this video interview, Jill Whalen explains what to look for -- and warning signs that should steer you away.

How LinkedIn Can Help Your Local Business

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 13:11:49 PST

Local marketing expert Lorrie Thomas explains how LinkedIn can help local businesses increase their credibility as well as get increased visibility through search engine optimization.