Google concepts and internet marketing are always changing! If you are a small business trying to keep up, get on your running shoes and let’s go!

If you look at Google search results, you will see results for whatever you type into the search bar. In my example I typed in the words “iphone 4.”

Note the different types of results you get! If you want to find your website on the first page of Google, you will need to have an understanding of SEO and internet marketing.

5 types of Google search results:

1. Paid Advertising – Also known as pay-per-click. This advertising costs money each time a user clicks on the ad. This can cost a lot of money if you are not certain what keywords are best to use.  You can get a great ROI if marketed correctly.
2. Organic – Organic results are free and results can linger.  It takes knowledge, detail and expertise to comprehend the 200+ variables of search engine optimization. (SEO) Outsource this type of internet marketing to a reliable SEO company.
3. News - These results are primarily newspaper sites and blog that follow specific criteria to be considered in the news category.
4. Images - Add an image to your website and optimize your images with correctly added keywords to enhance the ability to have your images appear in image results.
5. Video – Take advantage of video marketing! It’s smart to add optimized videos to Youtube.  (Although there are many other video websites.)

If you are a small business with a physical address, make sure to take advantage of all the internet marketing available to you! How do you market your business? Do you know how many ways you can promote your small business?

There are many factors that make up Google concepts and internet marketing.  Google’s information is free! Make sure to use good SEO concepts and internet marketing concepts to make your web business a success!

“What’s SEO?” I get asked that question all the time. The acronym means search engine optimization. But you may still be asking…what’s SEO?!?

In short, SEO is what gets your website on the first page of Google. In this post, I will go into a little more detail for the layman who wants a better understanding and how it’s relevant to their business.

With millions of people searching the internet for information, any business should desire to get their product or information out there on the web. Are you aware that in North America alone, there are 260 million internet users. This figure has more then doubled in the last 10 years! In the world, the figure is over 1.8 billion!

When you go to Google, Bing, Yahoo or other search engines, you typically will see a list of website results. There are often named “sponsored links”  on the top of this list and on the side and another list of results. These results come from two types of marketing. Pay-per-click (PPC) and Organic Results.  PPC marketing (sponsored links) costs you money every time someone clicks on your ad. With the best keywords, it can be successful. But today we are going to focus on organic search engine results.

Organic results are formed by search engines looking at over 200 different factors of your website. Some factors have greater significance then others, but the more you have conquered, the greater your site will be seen as a valued result. That is where SEO comes into play.

What’s SEO? It’s the skill set of looking at the different variables and developing or revising a website that will achieve high ranking search engine results.

Can a business person take care of SEO themselves? Sure, you can do it yourself!! There is a lot of information out there from all of the primary search engines.  We have found it depends on your personality whether you choose to learn SEO or hand it to a creditable SEO company like ourselves. Many times we teach business owners how to maintain their own websites.  Many times, business owners prefer not to learn and to focus on their business while we provide results.

The bottom line is,  are you implementing SEO into your business website? If you are not, why not? Are you trying to understand what’s SEO and it’s value to you? If so, contact us today.  In this economic time, we want to see your business bloom and grow!

Do you know what search engine optimization (SEO) means and how it can help you get leads for your business? If you don’t, you aren’t alone. Learn the basics of internet marketing from our South Florida search engine optimization blog. Use these tools to begin an on-line business and be successful on the world wide web!

Many people can build a web site, but more importantly, is your site found in search engines (Google, Yahoo or Bing) using keywords people search for? Once your site is listed in the first page of Google, it has to be clicked on. When the visitor gets to your site, they have to take some kind of action. This is typically called a conversion. That is the goal of good web site optimization.

Does SEO matter? Yes, it does!

If you are new to SEO, glance at our SEO glossary and learn the basics of search engine optimization. You can learn how to implement web marketing through consultation on our SEO blog! Contact us with your questions or leave a comment on our blog.

If you want us to do all the web work, we can do web development while you do something better with your time!

The question, “How much does it cost to build a website?” has a wide array of answers. I have read about websites literally costing a half a million dollars!  Custom-built websites can easily cost $10,000-$20,000!

But let me ask you this question. What is the goal and purpose for the site? Do you want to gain an audience? Do you want to sell a product? Do you only want your clients or family to see it? Typically, the answer involves wanting traffic, leads, and more business sales. If that is your answer, take this into account:

Building a pretty site that can cost thousands of dollars will not get your site on the first page of Google. You can get a pretty, custom-built site and no one but your Mother will see it!

So what’s the answer to this potential problem? It’s optimizing your website from the very beginning that does it. Think about using a template to build your desired website at a fraction of the cost then getting a reputable search engine optimization specialist to get your website in Google and other search engines. The cost is minimal compared to the custom built site! Shop around and see what you find.

Businesses need a web presence.  Unfortunately, many believe they need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to achieve success on the web. Not true!! Contact us today! We can help with your internet marketing needs before you lose any more time or money.

Are you new to internet marketing? If so, you probably know you need to get a domain name. Picking a domain name is an important part of search engine optimization! Many times, people don’t find out till after they buy a domain.  Here is some help before you make this mistake – 5 SEO tips for picking a domain name:

• Research for good keywords in your field.
• Use a string query of good keywords in your domain name.
• If your desired domain name is not available, try it with dashes.
• Purchase the domain for a longer period of time so search engines know you are serious about your website business.
• .com, .org, .net, .us, .info all have the same value to Google.  Extensions like .mx (Mexico), .uk (United Kingdom), or .ca (Canada) are geared towards those specific countries.

One other SEO tip for picking a domain name is understanding how your website gets marketed in search engines.  Here is SEO Does Matter’s example of internet marketing:

Your website is a billboard on the world’s search engine highway. Do you want the possibility of some one seeing your one billboard or passing by several of your billboards? Which is better for your marketing needs?

This is why we recommend having more then one website. Normally, the best you can do with one site is to be on the first page of Google two times. With mutiple websites, you improve your exposure in Google results.

Picking a domain name is a very important aspect for your business and marketing plans. Feel free to contact us if you have a question and need clarification. We wish you the best on the world’s internet marketing highway!

If you just realized the importance of an online presence, you have probably asked this question, “What do you need to make a website?” The basics of a website involves the following components:

• Domain Name – The address you type into the internet browser (typically is says www.) is purchased and owned by you. If you are just starting out, please wait to purchase this and contact us about the domain name. If this is for business purposes, you will want to include good keywords in the domain name to help with your placement in search engine results.
• Website – This can be created from scratch but you need to understand web development languages to do this. In today’s technology, there are many ways this can be achieved.  If web development is a foreign concept, you can pay someone to make your site or build it yourself with a free tool like WordPress.
• Hosting – This will be where the actual web site files will reside and be accessible from the web.  If you are intending on creating multiple websites, you can purchase a plan that will allow unlimited domains. (This decision should be based on what your objective is for the website.) Although there are many hosting companies, BlueHost is less expensive then many and their customer service is good.
• SEO – Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is not required to make a website. But if a website is constructed with the best components, you will get the best results. Sometimes people need to back step when they realize the need to add SEO to their website. It’s always much easier to implement this from the beginning. If you intend to make a website for business purposes, and expect t0 be found in search engines, you will want to have your website optimized. This should be started BEFORE you pick out a domain for your business.

If you are just starting out, you might be overwhelmed. I hope this helps you with the question, “What do you need to make a website?” Let us help you get started! Contact us today so we can point you in the best direction for your goals and needs.

I recently saw the question, “Is my website in Google?” As an Internet Marketing Consultant,  I automatically have to reply back and ask you a question:

Have you used search engine optimization on your web pages?

That also makes me wonder if you are using good keywords;  Good keywords  that people are searching for in search engines.

Here is an example. Let’s say you have a website called XYZ. This company advertises on television and thinks everyone is going to search for this phrase. This is true for their current viewers. But what about the millions of people who don’t know the name XYZ? Would they find your website? The answer? “No, users won’t find your website!!”

OK. I’m on a roll. Here is another example. Your name is Joe Smith. Your website is joesmith.com. If you do the basics for internet marketing, you will probably be found in search engines. But Joe is a plumber in Hollywood, FL. Wouldn’t it be wiser to get people who are searching for  a plumber who don’t even know your name?

If the only way you find your site in Google is by your name or brand name, you are missing the mark.

Here is the bottom line. If the only way you find your site in Google is by your name or brand name, you are missing the mark.  You can optimize your website to gain A LOT more traffic which can also gain sales or leads.

If this is your weak spot, please stop right now. If you need more information on internet marketing, SEO, or you are still wondering, “Is my website in Google?” Please. Do yourself a favor and contact us today.

Do you feel lost when it comes to the topic of SEO? Are you looking for a SEO 101 guide? Then you have come to the right spot. This blog was created for people just like you who are interested on this subject but tend to need to know the very basics of SEO.

Let’s start with some simple FAQ’s:

What does SEO mean? – SEO stands for search engine optimization. This term means a web page that’s been modified so that search engines  like Google, Yahoo, Bing, or a host of other ones, will pick what they think is the best website to match a users’ search words.

What is the purpose of SEO? – To market your website on the first page of search engine results, but also:

1. The user will click on your website.

2. The user likes your website and returns!

3. The user supports your site (this could be multiple ways, but ultimately it’s financially supportive)

4. The user shares his/her enthusiasm about your service or product to others. Many times this happens on social networking websites like Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter.

Why does SEO cost so much? – That’s a very good question. As anything, you must compare and contrast what is being offered and make sure to get good optimization. Cost can vary, but SEO can cost a lot because:  SEO gurus need to research the terms people are using in your field and research which keywords have the least amount of competition online.  For better SEO results, ongoing maintenance is needed since search engines are always looking for new web pages and people tend to change what they are searching for.

How do I start SEO? – My question back to you would be, do you already own a website or are you just in the thinking stages of creating a site? This has a great deal of importance of what to do next. Email me with the detail.

Can I do SEO myself? – If you are beginning to comprehend search engine optimization, you also need to know that Google has over 200 variables that determines what results they choose. This means that are a lot of small (and big) issues which need to be looked at if you really want to do well in search engines. Why waste time trying when after six months you give up and choose a professional who knows the ins and outs. I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s like comparing your need for surgery. I’d never suggest you have your spouse or neighbor try repairing your broken arm or worse yet, giving you gall bladder surgery. Get my point?

So what do I do next? – After reading this post, if you want to read more of my posts, click on Basic SEO category written for the beginner. If you read these and are still thirsty for more, click on our SEO RSS and get notified when I add new posts! Also, learning the terms will help as you read. Click on the SEO glossary and get familiar with the terms that we have put together.

Any by all means, if you have a question or comment, email us or create a comment and we’ll help guide you with any SEO 101 information! No question is ever a dumb question. Just smart people learning to be smarter.

Do you want to know how to “google” your website? Search engines like Google use specific methods to create the results you get when you search for a phrase.  “So, how can I get my own website in the search results?”, you ask.  Here’s how!

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a skill and term used to help develop each web page into search results. It is a complicated process.  There are over 200 factors that Google takes into consideration. And, these can also change!

Google wants to find websites that give good results to the user.  Adding the good keywords to your web page is a start.  Google also wants results to appear in order of popularity. Hence, a website that has many people linking (hyperlinks) to it will have greater importance then a website that has been made and is sitting dormant.  A person also needs to introduce their site to Google. This is done by going to Google Webmaster Tools and creating an account. There are many other factors that will help your site become number one.

On a side note, please remember that for the most part, people will not be searching for your name to find your website. (Unless you have a name that is branded such as Nike!) People search for products or if they know exactly what they want, they might include the search with more detailed words or phrases for the product.

That being said, how do you get your website into Google? Let me respond and ask you this question. Do you already have a website  or are you in the beginning stages and still want to create a website? That does make a difference how you should proceed.  Email us! We will give you some free SEO consultation. You decide if you want to proceed on your own or if you’d like a South Florida SEO marketing expert to get your website into the first page of Google results!