An SEO Tip: Why video and emerging social networks are important

I really enjoy the "game" of online marketing.  There is an entire subculture of players and a game that extends across the entire world.  That being said, I couldn't imagine relying on Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as a primary form of marketing.  These days, I see it more as a tool than anything else.

I’m adding this tip to this in depth SEO resource: http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-seo-your-website

This year will mark the implementation of cumulative logic to determine relevance in search results.  This isn't news for anyone following search engine trends.  From Twitter to Facebook to almost every major source of traffic online, search engines such as Google and Bing are more and more relying on human powered patterns to figure out what a human is searching for.

With this in mind, I have noticed something that smart folks are doing on video sharing sites such as Youtube.

Here's how it works:

1)
Start with a video.  As with any content, the better the quality, the more productive the traffic will be.

2)
Create a high quality, informative, video.  For example, if you're working with an independent restaurant, create a high quality video that revolves around the keywords you're trying to match.  If you're using this strategy in volume, low quality videos will work, they just won't be as productive.

3)
Here's the part where the rubber meets the road.  First, identify all of the Tube / video sites that accept video submissions.  Youtube, etc.  Next, keyword every available field.  Don't just stuff keywords - treat each of these fields like the title tag in html.  Next, submit, submit, submit.  Submit this keyworded, interesting video everywhere you can.

3)
Last, post the video on your site with relevant and connected text.  Post it everywhere that is even closely related.  In my restaurant example: The main page, menu page, heck even on your keyworded 404 page.  Hopefully, this video will add value to your readers too - remember that video significantly improves CTR, time on site and lowers bounce rates.

Why this works:

Increasingly, search engines are combining sources to determine relevance.  Relevance very clearly equals higher rankings.  Since there isn't a lot of competition on video sites for a wide variety of keywords and terms, it's possible to become influential and add a tool to your SEO and marketing toolboxes.

Posted via web from Rob Brown

Simple Business = Good Business

I live in a small town 45 minuets outside of Toronto.  Sometimes, this works to my advantage (lower taxes, less traffic, nice folks).  Other times, it doesn't (fewer services, few restaurants, expensive groceries).

What is not unusual is for me to walk into a small local store, be greeted with a smile and asked how the person can help me.  Without ulterior sales training, the person just simply and honestly wants to help me.

Today, I found an example of simple, good business in an unexpected location.  A new pizza place opened up and I decided to give it a try.  The owner is from "the big city" and he reminded me of a "small town" simple business lesson.

Give people stuff for free and they will like you.

The new pizza guy knows he's new.  He's nice, outgoing and has that "new franchisee" buzz about him.  Of his own accord and out of his own budget, he's giving people stuff to make them like him.

Here's what he's doing:

1)
When a new customer phones in an oder, it is taken just like any other pizza shop.

2)
When you go in, you're greeted with a small town smile and a friendly "Hello". 

Nothing new yet.  You're a new customer and your order is ready - perfect.

3)
What comes next is genius.  The owner opens up the pizza after taking your money and says something like "this pizza is a bit overdone" or "there aren't enough pepperoni" on this pizza.  I can have a new one ready for you in 5 minuets and you can take this one at no charge.  Brilliance.

4)
What my big city turned small town business person has told me with this one pseudo promotion is: He cares about his product, he is a perfectionist, he is friendly, he does what I want, he is more concerned with my happiness than the cost of his product, and best of all - he knows that people talk.

So there you have it.  An insignificant new pizza shop owner that taught me a lesson about fundamental customer service.  If only Facebook applied these principles or what about Ford.  I'm not saying give away the farm, but DO THINGS that SHOW PEOPLE what you're made of.  Pizza or not.

Posted via web from Rob Brown