July 17, 2012 · 4:03 pm

SEO and Brain Optimization Tips and Tricks

What is SEO? Sam Edison Oswald? Satelite Enrichment Organization? NO. Hahaha.

Search Engine Optimization 
In online marketing, it is one way to get more traffic to your website by making it one of the top ranked sites when people search for information that pertains to what your website has to offer through  search engines like Google, Yahoo!, or Bing.  It is one technique to get more exposure organically versus paying for advertisements.

Think of your brain that collects, classifies, then searches, and you working to make it better. How do you do that?
Here are a couple of tips and tricks that your website and brain can use to optimize!

#1 Keywords
Just like when you are trying to remember something, you think of that one word that makes you think of everything else. If I think molasses, it reminds me of foods that may contain it, or the fact that its a funny word.
Search engines think for us, so when you type molasses in your search bar it will come up with the highest ranked molasses sites to give you what molasses is. (Ok, that was random.)
When creating web pages you have the option of adding keywords that will direct spiders and ants (I know, that sounds creepy) to your page. The more the keywords match up with the search, the more likely your web page will come up.  BTW, this is just one piece of the SEO puzzle.

#2 Text Links
It is like the unexpected sent of someone passing by that registers that memory for you, but in writing. That makes sense, right?
When you include a link in a word on your page, it draws traffic to that page when people click on it.  Within the content you can create links to other pages within your site or to other sites.  This also is part of what we do on Twitter and Facebook when we send links out for our friends and followers to click on.
Like that amazing sent, text links take you back to that memory, online you just have to click on it.  This allows search engines to make connections from other sites to yours or vice versa.

#3 Content
I will put it this way, if you are like me and enjoy a quality movie, you will notice that certain films are being optimized now for 3D versus quality content.  It is more just about 3D instead of the message that is being sent to through the story told.  I am no critic, but content is key, and yes then there is presentation, but it will not spread if there is not enough good content for your brain to be stimulated. The more and more content you put into your site pertaining to your preferred topic, the more likely it is to get registered higher in search engine rankings.
In our brains, the more we learn about a specific topic, the more we can make other connections pertaining to it and be more understanding of it.  With that said, it is important that the content you put out has quality information that pertains to your text links and keywords. Our brains also have the ability to read books, then translate them into images, which is what content can be for keywords and text links.

#4 HTML Text
Based on my research, web crawlers will identify content that is html versus Java or Flash because of the text attributes.  While it is important to have images and videos, for SEO there must be html text attributes to go along with them for them to be recognized.
Now how do I translate this to optimizing your brain? Translate. Get it?
When reading, watching, or listening to something we can translate what we have learned into our own words for us to better register it in our brains.  The information is then more likely to be easier to reach later on when we think of searching for it.

Now these are a few of the ways we can optimize our sites and brains.  It is important to keep in mind that search engine algorithms and our brains are always changing (getting older with more updates needed).  In the meantime there are sites like SEOMOZ.org that will help guide us through how to optimize. Also here is one of many videos by Maile Ohye from Google, that gives some more SEO tips.

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June 27, 2012 · 4:15 pm

The Gap Between Us

I can go so many different ways with this.  Fine, you may not know me personally and you agree or don’t, but are you open minded to what I have to say?

I’m not talking about the gap that there is becasue we connect in the online world where you read this, think, and wonder why I think the way I do and then then realize something I may or may not.  That physical and mental gap is inevitable.

I’m talking about the gap between the masses who veiw the world a certain way, and those who question and make something else of it.

We hear people say that you are only as strong as your weakest link.  Well this is true because lets say we are running a team marathon together and you are a viper who can go a million miles per hour and I am like a snail who is taking its time to figure it out carefully. Where in the race can we finish?  As the viper, you could be selfish or help close that gap because that will get you further than if you leave the snail behinid.  As the snail, I better be so hungry to be as fast as you that I will push myself to become better and better.

You could always leave the snail and run a team marathon with other vipers, but there will always be one who is slower and one who is faster.  As the snail, I can run with other snails and figure out what strengths you have going for you that the vipers don’t, like the turtle and hare story.  How did I end up writing about vipers and turtles? I could have used
pigeons and alligators, or tarsiers and opaki, even weeds and fruit. Well, maybe not.  

In the end, the gap is there for a reason.  It is our personal responsibility to help close it if we want to finish further in the race.  The knowledge you have can do well for others who also want to better themselves.  You may be the viper in certain situations and the snail in others.  We all have different strengths and weaknesses.  What are you going to do?  Will you leave the snail behind or will you try to catch up to the viper?  If you understand, it is up to you.  : )

BTW, I looked for more information on this to share with everyone, however, I did not find anything specific.  Through my interest and research I have come to understand that TED shares insight and information that can benefit us all.  So, if you decide to look through what they share and come across something that may relate, please share with me! 

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June 20, 2012 · 12:07 pm

Effectively Effective Effecting: Social Media Marketing

We have seen a decline in the effectiveness of paid advertising all over the online world. There are two reasons for this: NUMERO UNO because people realize now they are being advertised to, and DOS because there are so many advertisements everywhere.

So, getting away from online advertisements, what is trending?

Of course, through social media sites it is about engagement. However, there is more to it than just sending out a simple tweet or post that says, “Hi, I’m awesome and a rockstar!”

On Twitter, hashtags ###### (cowbells) and @@@@ all who you follow and are following you is great to connect and continue conversations.

Example:  @thisperson @thatperson @thatcompany You guys are #awesome #rockstars #awesomeness! Because (link goes here)

Now, some might say, stay away from doing things like that, but what is the point of Twitter if not to connect with others?

On Facebook, putting out content like short videos, pictures, with minimal text is what people are taking time to look at. See the response this post had.

Also, likes, tagging, commenting on others content, and starting personal conversations through messaging is what is also going to make others want to engage back.

Google+ has hangouts! Yes, this is the chance to be face to face with others who really want to engage in real time.  What is more effective than being able to be personal on this level with not only one, but multiple people at one time.  Like minded people can and will join and you can ge the word out more about what it is that you want to accomplish.  Mike Delgado from Social Media Examiner explains how this is done in his artice Google+ Hangouts On Air: What Marketers Need to Know.

It is about the personal interaction that you have and build with individuals that will get more attention in the long run because unless it is personal, people don’t pay as much attention to you!

Lastly, I do have to point out that now that everything is being optimized for mobile, people are no longer taking time to sit down and read something. They are more likely to scan through something quickly, if it catches their eye and interest, that is when they will pay attention, but only for a little longer before they get a text message or email notification.  Content needs to be brief and to the point so pictures, quotes, and short videos work best.
Which means that if you got this far in reading this post, then congrats! You care. Lol.


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June 12, 2012 · 3:41 pm

Underwhelming When Overwhelmed

The truth is life happens. There is always something to do, people to talk to, and places to go.  There may be a project due, a meeting with a client, family or friend outings and gatherings, some sort or last minute emergency, or just chores.  The reality is that none of it is going to go away and the more you want to do with your life, and the older you get, the more you will take on.

At times this can be overwhelming.  So how do we deal?

Conventional wisdom can teach a lot.  Whether you are Christian (whatever denomination), Catholic, Buddhist, Atheist, Jewish, Hindu, Bipolar (oh wait, that’s not a religion), there is a root to these beleifs.  Now, Im not an expert on religion or any of those types of things, but I do believe that whether it is prayer, meditation, relaxation, or any other mental strategy to however we make something happen, it comes down to the power of the mind.  Yes, then there is action, but it starts with the mind.  Our thoughts have so much to do with how we see and deal with the world around us, so the overwhelming feelings we get and how we deal are part of them.

Lets say I am freaking out because I woke up after having three hours of sleep, I barely got a chance to eat something, and I’m rushing out the door to take care of something that is unexpected and somewhat unpredictable.  On top of this, I hear some bad news, people around me were in a bad mood, and I just realized something that I didn’t before which is going to change my whole outlook on everything that is to come.  WTF!  My mind is racing, I need to process all of these things and figure out what what do next!

I can get overwhelmed, but in the end it is just a situation and a moment.  If I go into it thinking negatively, then I will most likely not be as effective as I could be.  If I think that I am capable and can manage it, then do it, Im good to go. Taking a moment to really think things through, pray, meditate, or just ask yourself what the next steps are is important.  Now this doesn’t mean that I may be mentally ready to win an Olympic Medal for the day, but it does mean that I am ready to deal with what is ahead and figure it out however I know best.  Yes, sometimes this may be a struggle but at the end of the day, anything is doable if we really want to do it.  

So between having a mental strategy to deal with things, and learning how to manage them over time, I think I’m on the right track!  Oh and not to preach, but I love what Yoga does.  It can be very focusing, mind clearing, and a great work out. Hmmm. Ommnnnn.  Aummm. Laaaa. Ti, So, Do.  : )

Where do you fall with this?  What do you do when you are overwhelmed?



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June 6, 2012 · 4:06 pm

Online Marketing Against The Noise

Lets all be honest here, no matter where you go, what you do, whether it be online or off, there are so many advertisements everywhere.  From the moment you turn on your computer and you are greeted by the amazing sound and logo of their brand, to the sidewalk mural that was painted by the company who wants to appeal to a certain consumers. (I hope someone who really wants to brand themselves gets on that! I have yet to see it by a corporation.) We are at all times inundated with information that needs to be processed and only those who stand out will get through.
For now, I will stick with online marketing, where we are right now.  Whether it be the paid advertisements on Facebook, the Gmail promotions going on, the pop up videos on your favorite news site, or the advertisement on the side of the screens, we see it every day without even realizing it. Branding at its finest.
People are now more apt to look at something for a limiting amount of time, hence the noise.
So, how do you effectively market online against this?

There are ways, but they involve work, dedication, and most importantly knowledge!

I’ll list a few that I have come to realize:

1. Start with personalization.  Paid advertisements do this in the sense that when you log onto Facebook, or whatever other Social Media platform you are on, they will automatically take you to the audience you want.  Also, finding a niche group of people you want to reach is important.  If you are a mad scientist, start conversations on Google+ with other mad scientists.  If you are a fashionista, go to Pinterest and share all your beautiful fashion ideas and conversate with others on there.  These people personally like you reaching out because you have the things you do in common.

2. Be bold! Now, creativity is key.  Lets say that I say, ”F*7k kids are awesome!” Then go on to post a picture of an old man dressed as a child wearing my logo. Now that is going to make you and I both think! Wait, what?!?
Ofcourse, this includes being yourself, but you want to stand out, so set fear aside and follow intuition.  

3. Stay positive! Now, I’ve mentioned this in other posts.  No one wants to hear whining or complaining.  Especially when you want them to buy something from you. So there should be no criticizing of the brand that is the competition and putting a picture up that may get attention but is exploiting them. Instead, focus on building positive relationships with those who follow you on Twitter and those who share your information by giving shout outs and thanks to them as well as taking the time to give back to them.  

4. Lastly, put in work. Work, work, work! Like the 7 dwarfs in Snow White. (Have you guys seen the new movie btw?)  Anyway, anything good takes time to build, dedication, and hard work.  So to get through to people it will take time and effort, especially with all the noise.  Patience is a virtue that is a must when it comes down to being effective.  

So now, lets go out there and show people what we are about! It should be easier to reach them once you’ve thought about how you can use these ideas for you and your brand!

Oh and I love feedback, so what works for you when it comes to marketing against the noise?

Cheers! 

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May 29, 2012 · 1:02 am

Smiling in the Sea of Doubt

I will be the first to admit that there are days when I just think the world is an ugly, cruel place where nothing makes sense, no one cares, people are ignorant, selfish, and just can’t seem to get it together to do what is best.  Inside I think to myself, “SERIOUSLY people! The world is not flat, and you can’t even say it revolves around you then too!” : ) I’m not just talking about others, I’m guilty of acting like this as well sometimes. 

Yes, we live in times where there is plenty of bad to go around.  There is a lot going on in the world around us to bring us down, to push us and make us want to destroy ourselves and others.  A lot of people are pessimistic about what is to come, especially when they take the time to look at the realities of this world. Yes, there are hard realities to face. Whether it be the fact that you lost a job, or that someone near and dear to you is now gone, you are having financial or health challenges, or that your nail broke.  We can concentrate on world problems that we can’t tackle on our own and despair about what is to come. We can choose to ignore these things and drown ourselves in the things that distract us from these realities, or we can be an optimist.

If you know me personally, you know that I definitely am an optimist.  I look on the brighter side, my glass is always half full, I give the benefit of the doubt.  Now, there is a difference between healthy optimism and just pure blissful ignorance.  I am always looking to find that balance by educating myself and looking for structured solutions when it comes to putting things together, while staying positive.  So if my nail broke, yeah that sucks, but it will grow back, oh and this time I’ll apply an extra coat of nail polish to keep it stronger and start taking prenatal vitamins. (Did you hear about how those help? Gentlemen, you should start taking them too.)

Anyway, my point is this, there is a solution to every problem and if you stay positive you are more likely to find it and not give up.  Optimism is not a trait to be frowned upon, but a trait that brings light into times of difficulty and discouragement.  This can be applied in so many ways, I’m just not going to get into them.  Instead, I am going to urge you to watch this video and listen to this very smart woman’s view on the optimism bias. Tali Sharot is a neuroscientist who has done extensive research on the topic, so if you don’t agree with my happy go lucky, cheerful, positive outlook on life then at least take hers into consideration.   

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May 14, 2012 · 11:46 am

The Main Ingredients to Successful Social Media Marketing

There is a lot to take into consideration when putting together a successful social media marketing campaign.  This outlines five basic things that companies and people might want to keep in mind, not in any particular order.

Engagement
To start, why is anyone on any social media site in the first place?  It is to learn and engage with what others are doing and sharing. It is important to build a good network of people interested in your service, product, or brand on every social media site you are on. This means posting information that is relevant, replying and commenting on the things others share.  Also, keeping the conversation going however and whenever it makes sense.  All of this while keeping a positive tone.  No one wants to be around Debby Downer you idiots. LOL (Get it?)

SEO
Key words, tags, meta tags etc. All that good stuff is important to take notice of when directing people to you.  Now there are definitely formulas for more success, and there is a lot on the programing side of things, but to start I would say to stick with a five word theme.  In this post for me it could be Marketing, Social Media, SEO, Engagement, and Content.  The more information I put out over time with those key words, the more search engine rankings will improve. For local business purposes I would make sure I include names of locations. SEO Company provides good insight and can assist those who want to know more.

Original Content
Now this is the tricky part because we all think we are geniuses and are the first ones to come up with the most relevant and new information in the most creative way.  Truth is that we should strive for that because it is EXTREMELY important. Whatever it is you provide, think of the most insane thing you shouldn’t do (still positive) to promote your product or business.  Start with that because then your creative juices are flowing.  I’m not saying it will work, but hey its worth a shot.  This viral video is a good example of original content. We’ve all seen it, and love it!

Technique
For social media marketing to be effective in the first place we can’t just sit around and not have a plan. Campaigns are ways to manage and monitor the social media marketing.  This is the outline of who, what, where, when, and why?  You have an event coming up, talk about that.  Your company is doing a promotion, integrate that.  Everyone wants to hear about what is hot, so how is that going to help your business.  We see how companies leverage Christmas and suck the life out of it. Yeah right, holidays are about the historical significance, not to a marketer.  Planning is essential to help monitor progress and help with the next part.

Measurement
I briefly posted about this before.  The ability to measure, analyze, and use the information from your engagement gives direct insight as to what works and what doesn’t. It is also a way to measure ROI.  Information about when you get the most engagement, what gets the most engagement, where the engagement is coming from and how, is the guide that says what you can do next, oh and what not to do.  This gives a clearer picture of where and how your leads are coming in, and where you have more opportunity to make a sale and brand more effectively.  There are different tools to use online, but this also includes common sense, wait what is that? ; )


Now what are you doing reading this, get to work, there is a lot to be done! Or you can check out the most successful social media campaigns according to Acquisition Engine. Have a great day!

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