Welcome to Michael's Article Collection

Ten Steps To A Well Optimized Website - Step 3: Site Stru...

Welcome to part three in this search engine positioning series. Last week we discussed the importance and considerations that much be made while creating the content that will provide the highest ROI for your optimization efforts. In part three we will discuss the importance of site structure.While there are numerous factors involved with the search engine algorithms, site structure is certainl. . .

Organic "Natural" Search Engine Optimization versus Pay-P...

When you purchase visitors or “clicks” from a search engine, this is called “pay-per-click” (PPC) search engine advertising (or PPCSE). Pay-Per-Click Search Engine Advertising allows you to quickly get top search engine placement by “bidding” (paying) for keywords related to your product or service.“Organic” or “Natural” search engine optimization (SEO) is accomplished by optimizing your web pa. . .

Free Gift Registry SmallWishes.com

Introducing…. Smallwishes.comSmallwishes.com is a completely free online gift registry site with over 10,000 products to choose from. With stores including Babies R Us, Toys R Us, Target, Bombay, Cooking.com, Sony.com… you are sure to pick out the perfect gift.We realize how hard it is to go out shopping for someone’s birthday or wedding or another holiday not knowing what to get them. We know . . .

Google Proof Your Site with Links

Let me try reading your mind. You're thinking, "What? Google proof my site with links? I thought links helped Google rank my pages higher?" And you're absolutely right. They do. But links do something else. They give you a backup source of traffic for those days, weeks, or months when Google spasms out. Something content alone can't do. So while content and on-page optimization count, to me lin. . .

Networking Know How

Networking, even to a seasoned professional, can seem intimidating or scary at times. The reason for this is due to the fact, that networking can be positive or negative! We don't often think of "negative" networking. Not knowing what constitutes the difference between the two makes it easy to network in a negative manner.I am sure that you will agree that the term "networking" is one of the mo. . .

Ten Steps To A Well Optimized Website - Step 2: Content C...

Welcome to part two in this search engine optimization series. In part one we covered the importance and tactics for choosing the keywords and keyword phrases that will provide the highest ROI for your optimization efforts. In part two we will discuss how to properly write content for high search engine positioning.Content is the key to search engine rankings. While there are numerous factors i. . .

Some Things in Life ARE Guaranteed

There's an old expression that says, "The only things certain in life are death and taxes." Well that is not entirely true. Now there's a new kid on the block... Guaranteed Signups. Guaranteed Signups provide new opportunities for marketers to get direct sign ups to their programs without the time consuming task of having to advertise or recruit new members themselves. Here are some of the bene. . .

Why you should NOT submit your site on Search Engines

Before to answer to this question we have to know what is the difference between a search engine and directory. Here is a brief explanation.Main difference between search engine and directory lay in the way how websites get entered into their index. People submit their sites to the directories, which are reviewed by human editors. Think of the directories as collections of Internet sites organi. . .

King + Queen = Royal Success

Ever wonder how or why your competitor gets better search engine rankings than you do? Does he know something you don't? Well, maybe he actually does…And that's where I come in. I'm here to unveil the secret tricks of the trade that may be giving your competitor that much-needed edge in search engine rankings and to show you how you can reclaim your position without skipping a beat. Quite simpl. . .

Using Free Publicity to Build Your Web Site Links and Tra...

So, you have a great product or service, yet your web site is not getting the high rankings and traffic you desire from the top search engines like Google and MSN Search.You’re not alone. This scenario is playing out all across the web, yet there is a simple solution to the problem. Publicity. Publicity is the art of gaining exposure for your web site, product, or service with press releases, a. . .

Eight Simple Ways To Use Promotional Products Online

With the increase competition on the Internet, it can be hard to find ways to make your company seem different from everyone else. One thing I believe Internet marketers are failing to utilize correctly is promotional products. Promotion products are every day items that are printed with your company logo, slogan, web site address, or any other message you want to promote. The first thing that . . .

Optimize your Search Engine Placement Five Easy Ways

If you are like me, you created web site metatags with the help of your Web master. Maybe like me, you didn't spend time or money submitting to search engines because you weren't techie enough.Now you can optimize your search engine placement these five easy, non-techie ways. My Web site is now # 1 in Google.com and others. If you are in the top ten listings in your category (mine was book coac. . .

Ten Steps To A Well Optimized Website - Step 4: Content O...

Welcome to part four in this search engine positioning series. Last week we discussed the importance of the structure of your website and the best practices for creating an easily spidered and easily read site. In part four we will discuss content optimization.This is perhaps the single most important aspect of ranking your website highly on the search engines. While all of the factors covered . . .

How To Use RSS Feeds In Your Marketing

It was Friday night. I finished reading a book about RSS feeds. Quickly set up one for my site, submitted it on directories and went to bed. Sunday morning, I noticed a sale. Idly, I scanned my logs to see where the buyer had found me. It was from Yahoo! Now that may not seem surprising, except... I had not been listed in Yahoo! before. Curious, I did a Yahoo! Search for my domain name... and a. . .

5 Reasons Why Link Swapping Is Killing Your Website

I created my first website in 1995 - it was so long ago I built it out of rock and wood, not HTML.Shortly after it went live I realised that nobody apart from me could see it and it started to dawn on me what this 'Internet thing' is all about. It is not about having a stand-alone website plonked somewhere that nobody will ever see - it is about being part of an INTERconnected NETwork of other . . .

Jump from Unknown to Widely Quoted in One Week

Start by Being QuotableIt's tough to stand out online. With millions of experts and websites on the Internet, what are your chances of getting noticed? Long odds, certainly. But that's not your biggest challenge.Most fail to grab attention because what they're dishing out is dull - rehashing what's already been said, time and again. Content has been over-sold. It is NOT king if it's mediocre. E. . .

How To Use Pop-Up's Effectively To Generate More Profits!

What I'm about to explain to you will change to way you do your online marketing Today, Tomorrow and Years to come with little effort on your part. This simple But effective technique involves the use of a 'Pop-Up' on your website, but, the difference between this technique and just a standard 'Pop-Up' or 'Exit Pop-Up' as we all see them is that when your potential prospects see them they are. . .

SEVEN tips on Submitting Your Ezine articles to content s...

1. Make sub-lists from Your ezine publishers list: If you have an ezine publishers list, seperate the list based on the topic of the ezine. Send only specific content to specific ezines. For example if you write ezine articles on self improvement, don't send it to search engine based ezines. The more specific you choose your ezine publishers, the more chances of getting published. 2. URLs in Yo. . .

Testimonials Can Increase Your Web Traffic

We've all seen and read product testimonials. They're a very valuable tool for merchant sales and can often tip the scales in determining a customer's decision to buy. But testimonials offer another superb benefit. It's the benefit to you and your marketing strategy. When I'm on a site offering a product or service I like to click on customer testimonials because they are generally short and ea. . .

Why Paid Inclusion is better than PPC advertising

When search engines pay website owners a percentage of the bid cost, you're just looking for trouble. This is the problem with Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising, especially with smaller named search engines. Many websites request or even pay there visitors to search a specific search engine and click on a result. This just sends advertisers fake leads and causes problems for the advertisers that . . .

Why Autoresponders are an Absolute Must

With autoresponders, you never have to lose money advertising again! That's right, every ad you place from now on can be a winner -- even when you lose money! I know, I know, you're thinking, "Okay, now you've lost it Glen." But I haven't. Let me explain. Let's say you place an ezine ad, which costs you $200. and you make $20 for every sale made. If you make 8 sales with the ad you will earn $. . .

Double Your Revenues with Joint Ventures

The best way I know of to multiply your online results, such as doubling the size of your opt-in email list, or increasing your sales, is through the use of joint ventures. Joint ventures are partnerships created with other reputable business people that create a win-win situation for not only you and the person you partner with, but also your customer! A great example of a joint venture that c. . .

Why you need to and How to Follow up Your visitor or cust...

The person who comes to your web site seeking products or information is a visitor. A person who bought a product or service of yours is a customer or client. ***Why should you follow up Your VISITORS? Simple... People tend to forget easily. After he gone from your web site, he may not remember that he came to your web site. He/She could have some reasons not to buy a product right now. Or he s. . .

Paid Search Advertising that Delivers Maximum ROI

Paid Search Advertising (also Pay-Per-Click, PPC) has gained a significant influence in the search engine industry over past couple of years. Whilst a traditional search engine optimisation still remains the online marketing strategy number one, more and more e-marketers discovering the potential of online advertising campaigns. Properly designed and managed, PPC campaign can deliver highly qua. . .

To Blog or Not to Blog: Are Blogs Becoming More Popular t...

Blogging is hot, and seems to be becoming hotter each month. Although blogging originally was dismissed, by many successful publishers and other online "gurus", the truth is that now, a few years after the "blogging trend" began, there are actually more blogs and more bloggers online than ever before. Blogging, obviously, is "here to stay"!Actually first documented in 1997, Web logs initially u. . .

When to Hire a Professional SEO Firm?

In efforts to increase sales and profitability, more and more companies are turning to online marketing initiatives – specifically, search engine optimization. Search Engine Optimization or (SEO) is the art and science of blending technical and marketing skills together into a finely tuned website that is both search engine-friendly, ranks well for specific keywords and phrases, and is tailored. . .

Jump-start Your Link Building (without Getting Sandboxed)

Link popularity has been written about ad nauseum, but most articles address the subject from a perspective circa 2001. The available information usually focuses on topics such as reciprocal linking or the current price of a PR6 link. But following outdated link building advice is more likely to get your Web site penalized than it is to help you gain top rankings. Google’s increasingly sophisti. . .

Common Candle Questions - Answered

I was checking your site for a good outdoor/citronella candle but couldn’t find one… do you make citronella candles?While Susquehanna Candle does not promote their candles as citronella, their formula makeup is coincidently constructed in such a way that repels most summer time bugs and pests including mosquitoes and black flies. So next time you have a summer party – set out a few of our lit t. . .

When to NOT hire a SEO and Why

When you get an e-mail from SEO Company with content similar to this:"We submit your site on X00.000 search engines and directories…"Stay far away from companies which offer you to submit your site on thousands of directories and search engines. Why? What they do is: they use submission software and advanced scripts and they submit your site to different guest books, local search engines, searc. . .

The 7 Habits of a Successful Web-Marketing Plan

What is web-marketing? Why does your business need it?The best web site and the best web-marketing strategy will not reap the highest possible results, if they are not tightly integrated. Not only do you need a well-designed web site with relevant content and user-friendly navigation, but your site needs to be found by your target audience (prospect customers).A well-thought web marketing strat. . .

Five Steps To Successful Web Marketing And Sales Process!

The basic principles used successfully by brick and mortar storefronts in moving your potential clients through a successful sales process is also the most effective way on the web. But how? You do this by following the five step process in your marketing strategy by attracting potential clients, building trust, helping them choose the right product, presenting the product, and then closing the. . .

Keywords – Key For All Doors

Keyword research is certainly the most important phase in Search Engine Optimization process. Whether you hire a SEO company to do the job or you are doing the SEO process in-house, take your time during this process. You should not be a spectator, but you should be an active part of the decision making process.Try to think as a customerBefore to start the keywords analysis & research process, . . .

Search Engine Submission Techniques on Google

The orientation guide for businesses getting started onlineOver the years of its existence Google gained a well-deserved reputation as the top choice for internet users. Providing a comprehensive coverage of the web and returning searched queries with great relevancy in less than a second, Google certainly is the internet’s front door.Because of the popularity of this search engine, it is criti. . .

Promote With Simple "Folksy" How-To Articles!

When it comes to article writing, not everyone is a Dave Barry or even a Bob Leduc or a Kevin Nunley for that matter (three great article writers, by the way). But really, that's okay. There are simple yet effective articles you can use on your web site or send out (even if you aren't a great writer) that can still work for you! Here are three simple ideas: 1. A simple "folksy" how-to advice ar. . .

The Top 10 Most Ludicrous Things You Can Do on Your Web Site

We have a running joke in our office that one day we’ll load a page and it will say “You have reached the end of the World Wide Web” and it will be the truth. I’ve visited so many web sites in my time, it’s unreal. There are a few web site features and practices that keep popping up, in spite of their highly detrimental nature. I find myself, day in and day out, advising clients to remove somet. . .

Search Engine Optimization

While it can be spelt a variety of ways, agreement after that can be difficult.It is a business to some, and understandably, they extol their own theories.However, search engine optimisation doesn't have to be complicated beyond the reach of the average site owner.Its essence is to simply make your page as spider friendly as possible, and having keyword, search phrases, density somewhere close . . .

8 Ways to Free Targeted Traffic

What good is your website if no one knows about it? The reason most webmasters fail within their first year is because they overlook advertising and promotion. Just because you have a perfectly designed website does not mean that people will find it. It is not hard to produce a steady stream of targeted traffic, and it can be absolutely free if you do it right. Below are eight free ways to prod. . .

Inside the Mind of a Super Affiliate

I only know one risk-free way to retire early, while being lazy. It's all about being a Super Affiliate. Using other peoples' resources via a systematic strategy, here's your elixir to maneuver your way to Internet riches. While other entrepreneurs kept massacring their time with endless research in product-creation, I rejoiced the ultimate lifestyle of a Super Affiliate, toying around with s. . .

Website Promotional Consideration

Promoting a Website is becoming tough. For many, problems are seen at the beginning, when attempting to register a domain name. Once a satisfactory domain name is acquired, the site is lost within a see of competition. Time and money is required to excel above the competition. Along with these common suggestions, there are five areas to consider when promoting a Website.Core Promotion – Establi. . .

Your Article is Being Used Without a Resource Box - What ...

Sooner or later, no matter how much you hate it, some Webmaster is going to use your article and won't include your resource box. Another common practice is that of replacing your HTML link with a text link. Funny thing, when you submitted the article, it had a HTML link! Before jumping the gun and coming down hard on the offending Webmaster, take time to think. There are many reasons for someb. . .

SEO Deadly Sins - Mistakes That Hurt Web Page Ranking

The following are a list of mistakes can ensure that your site maintains a low ranking with the search engines. Avoid at all costs.* Specifying no title for your page *I cannot stress how important the title of a web page is. Failing to specify a descriptive, keyword optimized title will do untold damage to your ranking with the search engines. It is the equivalent to owning a shop and boarding. . .

Can't write articles? Write code!

If you've subscribed to an seo newsletter for longer than a week, you're well aware that writing articles with tips and advice pertaining to your website's subject is a great way to generate links and traffic. But what if you can't write or are afraid to write? Well, if you can write software, you're still in luck! In this article I'll show you a trick that can still garner you hundreds of link. . .

How To Make a Title Tag That Search Engines Will Like

Making the following changes to your title tag can help improve ranking and increase targeted traffic to your website:Include keyword phrases in your title tag:Think of a title tag as the name above a shop. Imagine you are walking down a busy street with shops on either side of you. However every shop window is boarded up and all that is visible is its name. You mean to purchase a new Hi-Fi sys. . .

META Tags Explained and How To Use Them For Ranking

The META tags are used to provide extra information about a web page. There was once a time where a good search engine ranking could be achieved by simply changing the value of the META tags. However these days are long gone. Nowadays the META Tags are decreasing in importance in the eyes of the search engines who are using more sophisticated methods of ranking pages (namely link popularity, op. . .

Search Engine Optimization Meets Online PR

We all know by now that content is king. In order to effectively market your products or services and to establish yourself as a leader in your industry, writing and distributing articles is the way to go. One of the primary benefits of getting your content rich articles indexed in the search engines is so that you can increase your websites’ overall PageRank, while continuing to build exposure. . .

Can You Write Naturally and Get Good SE Ranking?

The most effective way to write for your website is to keep the subject matter of your web page under tight focus. Notice I didn't say website; that's because the search engines don't spider websites, they spider web pages. The search engines will look to see how well the related page title, keywords and body text apply to the subject matter. This means that if you are talking about widgets, yo. . .

Why You Need Outbound Links

Just in case you've forgotten, an outbound link is a url that you have on your site that points to another website.In today's Google PR obsessed Internet world, everyone is completely focusing on getting in bound links to your site. While you should always be on a mission to get more sites to link to yours, you must not forget their polar opposites.Remember, by having outbound links from your s. . .

Google Finally Dropped The Bombshell On Affiliate Marketers

Google finally dropped the bombshell on affiliate marketers. Their was a lot of speculation in the affiliate marketing community if they would actually go through with it. Well, they finally did.In case some of you reading this don’t know what I’m talking about; Google no longer allows affiliates using adwords to send traffic directly to the merchants website. Affiliates will now have to send t. . .

The Resubmission Myth

So the thinking goes, the more times you resubmit your site to the search engines, the better chance that you have of getting to the top for your keywords. I can’t tell you how much it aggravates me when I hear about another searach engine optimization company who is selling resubmission packages to struggling small-business owners who just want to find one “professional” in this industry who i. . .

Are You Guilty of Stinkin’ Linkin’ Thinkin’?

Do you know what kind of sites are suitable link partners for your site? If you do give yourself a gold star since many seem not to. At least based on the questions I get. You see most think small. Too small. And limit the potential universe of perfectly good linking partners. In fact many seem to think relevant means "sites exactly like mine". So if they had a site about "juggling midget circu. . .