January 4, 2010

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in Stamford, Connecticut

We are always happy to provide free Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tips and advice to local Stamford, Connecticut companies.

So in case anyone out there has any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re located in the heart of Stamford, Connecticut on Strawberry Hill Avenue.

Money is not everything to us, the appreciation we get when we know we’ve helped out another person or company can be just as rewarding.

For example, today we received a call from a local law firm. They recently got their web site created and up and running. Now they want to climb higher in Google’s rankings.

As we explained to them, this can appear to be a daunting task, especially for a new site. They wanted to know if there were some things that we recommend they should try first before calling a “big guns” company like us (big guns but with the big price tags).

So we came up with this list and emailed it to them:

  • Create a short list of keywords and phrases you would like to focus on. Don’t make the list longer than 10 words and phrases. In fact, the shorter the list the better (to start off). Keep in mind, these are the keywords that people are typing in Google to search for your products and services; the words for which you want your site to rank for.
  • Try to use those keywords and phrases in your content. Use them in the headings especially. Don’t overdo it.
  • Go though your entire web site and try to tag each image with one of your key words. But keep in mind that if you overdo this it’s considered a “black hat technique” that can result in your site getting banned by the search engines. Make sure the keyword is relevant to the photo. For example, if the photo depicts a “divorce attorney” in court then use that keyword for the photo. Use the ALT tag to do the tagging of your pictures.
  • Title your pages with your company name and a few of your key words/phrases. This is important because your title is what appears in the browser title bar. Don’t make it too long, but make it relevant. Relevance is more important than length.
  • Check your competition and see what they’re doing to rank for your keywords. Who is your competition? Type your keywords and phrases into Google to find out. Study their sites.
  • Create a page with a site map and post a link to the site map on your website. As an example, you can find a link to the site map page on the bottom of well-optimized websites.
  • Create a Google Ad Words account (optional). Do some keyword research, find out what your top competitors are doing, choose the amount you would like to spend and set it up. Check your results.
  • Get as many “inbound links” (links back to your web site) as possible. Are you or the people in your company members of any groups or organizations? If so, then email them a brief note explaining who you are and asking them to link back to you. If you can have them link some of your phrases to your site, even better. For example, if you are a Stamford, Connecticut Web Design Company, then make sure that the keywords are linked.)

These are just a few quick tips.

It’s always better to hire an expert SEO company, preferably a local company.

There are always lots of changes going on in the SEO industry, and a professional SEO company can help navigate the changes and can also do the most with your budget.

Filed under: Search Engine Optimization — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 6:16 pm

December 8, 2009

How Understanding The Definition Of Networking Can Ramp Up Your Profits

What is the definition of networking? It may be different than you think.

We’ve been saying this for years: No matter who you are, learning to proactively network and impress others by expressing your interest in them will always take you far.

This lesson hit home for us yesterday. Some of us attended a one-day online marketing seminar down in Manhattan in New York City.

Topics covered were Website Design best practices, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Pay Per Click Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Email Marketing and Viral Marketing.

While at the seminar, we were rubbing elbows with other attendees. We noticed something pretty interesting. Most of the people we were meeting were from Fairfield County, Connecticut. And many were clearly trying to network.

Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a great idea. Today’s friendly greeting and handshake may be tomorrow’s referral. But many were going about it in a backward kind of way.

Let me explain.

These Connecticut business owners kept introducing themselves and their companies—but they were doing it in such a way as if they truly believed that other people at the seminar cared about them.

One could even hear faint echoes of a one-size-fits-all elevator pitch when they spoke.

Do you do this? If so, then we think you’re networking incorrectly!

For us, the definition of networking is to be interested in others, period.

The reality is that people you meet at these kinds of events really don’t care about you; they care much more about themselves.

You see, when they meet you, they’re not really thinking or wondering to themselves, “Who is this person?” but rather, “What can this person do for ME?”

Generally, people hire or buy from people they know, like and trust. Also, people generally like people who are interested in them.

So, with this in mind, a much more effective way to network would be to focus on the person you meet, instead of focusing on yourself. For example, say things like:

What do YOU need?

Do YOU find yourself needing more x, y, and z?

I would like to hear more about *YOUR* company and goals for the immediate future.

Your target market often complains of X, Y, Z. In order to address this, we can help you by….

Do you see the difference? Instead of coming across like, “Hi, do you need my services?” Begin your conversation with any one of the following, “What can I do for you? Who would you like to meet? What resources have you been looking for that you can’t find?”

Especially when you’re networking, be interested in other people this way, and they will surely start to find you interesting as well.

Remember, the number one factor in COMMUNICATING is LISTENING!

No matter who you are, learning to proactively network and impress others with your interest in them will always take you far. This is the definition of networking.

Filed under: Networking — Tags: , , , , , , — admin @ 12:08 am

October 27, 2009

Networking Will Increase Your Profits—But You Need To Do It The Right Way

We’ve been saying this for years: No matter who you are, learning to proactively network and impress others by expressing your interest in them will always take you far.

This lesson hit home for us yesterday. Some of us attended a one-day online marketing seminar down in Manhattan in New York City.

Topics covered were Website Design best practices, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing, Pay Per Click Advertising, Affiliate Marketing, Email Marketing and Viral Marketing.
While at the seminar, we were rubbing elbows with other attendees. We noticed something pretty interesting. Most of the people we were meeting were from Fairfield County, Connecticut. And many were clearly trying to network.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s a great idea. Today’s friendly greeting and handshake may be tomorrow’s referral. But many were going about it in a backward kind of way.
Let me explain.
These Connecticut business owners kept introducing themselves and their companies—but they were doing it in such a way as if they truly believed that other people at the seminar cared about them.
One could even hear faint echoes of a one-size-fits-all elevator pitch when they spoke.
Do you do this? If so, then we think you’re networking incorrectly!
The reality is that people you meet at these kinds of events really don’t care about you; they care much more about themselves.
You see, when they meet you, they’re not really thinking or wondering to themselves, “Who is this person?” but rather, “What can this person do for ME?”
Generally, people hire or buy from people they know, like and trust. Also, people generally like people who are interested in them.
So, with this in mind, a much more effective way to network would be to focus on the person you meet, instead of focusing on yourself. For example, say things like:
What do YOU need?
Do YOU find yourself needing more x, y, and z?
I would like to hear more about*YOUR company and goals for the immediate future.
Your target market often complains of X, Y, Z. In order to address this, we can help you by….
Do you see the difference? Instead of coming across like, “Hi, do you need my services?” Begin your conversation with any one of the following, “What can I do for you? Who would you like to meet? What resources have you been looking for that you can’t find?”
Especially when you’re networking, be interested in other people this way, and they will surely start to find you interesting as well.
Remember, the number one factor in COMMUNICATING is LISTENING!
No matter who you are, learning to proactively network and impress others with your interest in them will always take you far.

Filed under: Networking — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — admin @ 10:34 pm
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