Articles by S. Housley on ArticleSnatch.com

How Do I Promote My Podast?

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:56:35 -0500

There are a variety of things you can do to promote your podcast and increase its popularity... 1. Auto-Discovery Include auto-discovery tags in the HTML header of the web page. Some podcasting and RSS readers will automatically detect that an RSS feed or podcast is available if such auto-discovery tags are included in the web page header tags. More on Auto-Discovery - http://www.feedforall.com/knowledgebase/a334b.htm 2. Add A Podcast Icon Add a standard "podcast" icon to the website. The icon should appear "above the fold", meaning that the website visitor should not have to scroll down in order to see it. The standardized orange icons are symbolic of podcasts, and podcast listeners will instantly know that a podcast is available when they see such an icon. The icon should link to the URL of the podcast feed. 3. Submit To Podcast Search Engines And Directories There is a large and growing number of search engines and directories that are specific to podcasting. Submit your podcast to all the podcasting search engines and podcasting directories. List of Sites to Submit Podcasts - http://www.podcasting-tools.com/submit-podcasts.htm 4. **End Summary** Topics: rss feeds]]> rss feed]]> publishing]]> publisher]]> publish]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

15 Blog Promotion Tips

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:50:02 -0400

There are a wide variety of things you can do in regard to blog promotion. Here are just a few... 1. Optimize Optimize the blog using standard search engine optimization techniques, so that it performs well in the organic rankings of the various search engines. 2. Submit Submit the blog to the available online blog directories. There are a number of blog search engines and RSS directories which you can submit your blog to in order to gain additional exposure. Submit Blogs - http://www.rss-specifications.com/rss-submission.htm 3. Social Networks Submit the blog to the major social networks, and then bookmark the blog. Social Networks - http://www.webmaster-elements.com/social-bookmarking-sites.htm 4. Press Release Write a press release announcing the blog. 5. Blog Commenting Post comments on other, related blogs, and include the URL of your own blog in your signature. 6. Forum Posting Signature Post in forums and newsgroups with related topics, and include your blog URL in your forum signature. 7. Email Signature Include the URL of you blog in the signature of any email correspondence. 8. Business Cards / Letterhead Include the URL of the blog on business cards and on company letterhead. 9. **End Summary** Topics: blog]]> blog promotion]]> promotion]]> promote]]> internet marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Audio Optimization

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:33:15 -0400

Optimize your audio files to increase their popularity, just as you would optimize a website. Audio search engines are becoming more advanced as audio files become more commonplace on the Internet. Here are some tips to optimize your audio offerings... 1. Optimize Landing Page Create a landing page for the audio files. The landing page should explain the audio content and encourage subscriptions. Outline the steps the visitor should take in order to subscribe or listen to the audio file. Make an effort to interact with the visitor on the landing page, and make it as easy as possible for them to subscribe or listen to your podcast. 2. Provide Online Player Provide an online player so people can sample a show or audio file. There are a number of vendors that allow you to imbed audio players into a website. Take a look at Wimpy Player for example, to see a few different options for imbedding an audio player into a webpage. Wimpy - http://www.wimpyplayer.com/ 3. Keyword In URL And File Names When linking to the audio file, use important keywords in the URL and in the audio filename. **End Summary** Topics: audio]]> optimization]]> id3]]> podcast]]> podcasting]]> mp3]]> tag]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Where To Locate Sound Effects

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:18:00 -0400

Royalty-free sound effect libraries contain thousands of sound effects that can be licensed for specific uses. A customer who uses royalty-free sound effects, as opposed to hiring a sound engineer to create them from scratch, can save considerable time, effort, and money. Typically, podcasters and other content producers can obtain non-exclusive rights to a single effect, or they can purchase a subscription of sorts. The subscriptions allow publishers to download a limited number of sound effects during a specified period of time. Here are a few sources for Sound Effects... Digital Sound Effects Library The Digital Sound Effects Library contains a variety of sound effects. Each effect is available in three audio formats, .WMA, .WAV, and .MP3. Subscriptions to the sound effects library grant producers unlimited access to all the sound effects in the library. Digital Sound Effects Library - http://www.digital-sound-effects.com Nature Sounds Nature Sounds includes free online samples as well as full-length (usually CD-length or longer) downloads of quality nature sound. Some sound effects are mixed and edited in the field, while others are natural. All of the sounds were recorded in the wilderness of north-eastern North America. Everything is 100% nature sounds, with no musical instruments added. **End Summary** Topics: sound effects]]> digital sound effects]]> audio]]> sounds]]> podcast]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Kinds Of Podcasting Content

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:25:03 -0400

Podcasting content comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Businesses are finding many different and creative ways of incorporating podcasts into their business strategies and marketing plans. Here are just some of the various types of content that businesses are turning into podcasts... 1. Audio Books Books that are "read" aloud are no longer embraced only by the visually impaired. For example, commuters who want to make the most of their travel time have long embraced books-on-tape. The podcast medium is far more compact and portable, so audio books and similar content are now being made available as podcasts. 2. Audio Tours Interested in a guided tour of a historic site, or a detailed explanation of a museum display? Audio tour podcasts with detailed explanations are becoming quite common. 3. Sermons The word of God, Allah, or a bible study discussion are now all popular content for podcast material. It does not really matter the what the religious material might be -- what is important is that by turning those conversations and dialogs into podcasts, their reach is being extended and new audiences are being touched . 4. **End Summary** Topics: podcasting]]> podcaster]]> audio]]> video]]> multimedia]]> rss]]> audio]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

ABC's of Web 2.0

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:43:23 -0400

Web 2.0 is a perceived transition of the Web to web-based applications. Web 2.0 is the next generation of technology solutions where interactive content is the norm. There is no agreement on exactly what Web 2.0 means. Depending on who you are speaking with, you may receive different explanations. At it's heart, Web 2.0 is about the maturity of the Web. While many refer to Web 2.0 as companies that employ powerful web technologies, the key components of Web 2.0 are said to include: the Web as a platform, collaboration, and syndication. Here are the "ABC's" of Web 2.0... A - Ajax Ajax is an abbreviation for Asynchronous JavaScript and XML, and is a web development technique for creative interactive web applications. Many Web 2.0 websites use Ajax to interact with website visitors. B - Blog Blogs are web logs that are updated regularly, usually on a daily basis. They contain information related to a specific topic. In many cases, blogs are used simply as daily diaries about people's personal lives, political views, or even as social commentaries. **End Summary** Topics: web 2.0]]> web 2]]> internet marketing]]> marketing]]> global market]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

What Can be Published Using RSS Feeds?

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:49:17 -0400

With all the vast amounts of information available on the web, it is becoming more and more difficult to sort through and find what you are looking for. RSS significantly lowers the signal-to-noise ratio. RSS has the unique ability to compile information and filter it, so you only see unique and relevant content. The information superhighway has become packed with content, and those familiar with technology are using RSS to filter the content, allowing them to drill down and access only the content they want, without having to wade through all the noise. There are very few subjects or topics that do not currently have an RSS feed available. Perhaps it might be easier to ask what can not be published using RSS? RSS is a standard format to syndicate Internet content, not just blogs or podcasts, but any type of content. Podcasting clearly shows that feeds can be media-rich, and while podcasting is generally considered a medium for entertainment, the educational value of podcasting has not been lost on many educational institutions. **End Summary** Topics: rss feeds]]> rss feed]]> publishing]]> publisher]]> publish]]> webmast]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Webmaster Toolbox

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Here is a collection of what we consider "must have" tools for webmasters. These tools will benefit any webmaster, both novices and experts alike. Arm yourself with these tools in order to achieve a more professional online presence. 1. Custom 404 Page Use a custom 404 page, so that if a user incorrectly types a webpage URL, they will still retain navigational options within your site and be provided alternative solutions. When a domain is correctly entered, but a specific webpage's URL is entered incorrectly, it is possible to display your own custom error page to the visitor. By providing users with a navigational bar and further assistance, rather than leaving them with a generic "page not found" error screen, you can often keep prospective customers on your site by providing them with navigation alternatives. 2. UrlTrends UrlTrends is a service that shows historical trends, so that webmasters can see how their SEO efforts are affecting websites in the search engines. UrlTrends should be used in conjunction with web-logging software. UrlTrends - http://www.urltrends.com/ 3. Favicon Polish your website by adding a Favorite Icon. **End Summary** Topics: webmaster]]> web design]]> web]]> internet]]> marketing]]> www]]> intern]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Social Bookmarking Primer

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Social media is the Internet's version of viral messaging and marketing. Social media can be used to disseminate news or information, as well as to attract attention. There are a wide variety of social media channels and networks available. Social networks and social media websites are community-driven websites that allow visitors to submit items of interest. Visitors also decide what items appeal to them by voting or tagging; the more popular an item is determined to be by the visitors, the more exposure the item is given. However, in some networks not all visitors are created equal -- the vote of some members may carry more weight than others, and the votes of a well-established visitor may be given more value. Likewise, the vote of a member who has historically selected or submitted stories that were repeatedly determined popular may be given more value than the vote of someone new to the website. These established visitors may also be given some sort of "power-user" status that allows them to have a stronger influence over which items are determined to be popular. Some social websites are topical or themed, while others have a broader and more general appeal. **End Summary** Topics: social bookmarking]]> bookmarking]]> bookmark]]> social bookmark]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

What Exactly Is Podcasting

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The term "podcast" was initially used to reference an RSS feed that contained audio files in the item's enclosure field. The meaning of podcasting has since expanded, and now refers to RSS feeds that contain all types of media, including audio and video, in the item's enclosure field. For the non-technical folks, podcasting is simply a means of syndicating and distributing rich-media files via the Internet. The content contained in a podcast can vary significantly, from a song, to a educational lecture, to a political debate, to just about anything else. One great thing about podcasting is the wide variety of content formats it can contain. And unlike radio or television broadcasts, the recipient can listen or view at their leisure, choosing for themselves when and where they wish to listen or view a podcast. How To Create A Podcast While it may sound complex, the software and technology available today can make the process of creating a podcast quite simple... 1. Record The Content The easiest way to create an podcast/RSS feed is to use software designed specifically for that purpose. **End Summary** Topics: podcasting]]> podcaster]]> podcast]]> rss feed]]> feeds]]> syndication]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Unusual Things May Influence Ranking

Mon, 11 May 2009 00:00:00 -0400

You may not realize the impact the following items have on your search engine ranking but they are worth considering when developing a plan for your website. While Google provides a whole host of great tools, their motivation may be more selfish than you believe. Google uses the information they gather in these tools to make determinations about websites. The information they gather may impact the ranking of your website in organic searches for important keyword phrases. 1. Low Traffic Google collects a vast amount of information using the Google Toolbar, Analytics, Google Search and now Google Chrome. Google can track click-throughs, and the amount of time a visitor remains on a website. If the website is not sticky, meaning that visitors do not stay on the web site for any length of time, or does not attract visitors Google may view the website as being insignificant or less important than a competing website that attracts similar website visitors. 2. Low Value Links The proverb "you are who you hang with" can be attributed to search engine linking. **End Summary** Topics: ranking]]> seo]]> search marketing]]> marketing]]> search engine]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Brand Building Is A Journey

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Brand building is indeed a journey. Branding is all about how your product or service is perceived by customers and potential customers. A brand marketer attempts to manipulate brand awareness by associating traits they would like consumers to associate with the brand. Building a brand has everything to do with capturing the hearts and minds of consumers. Building a brand is much more than just promoting an image. A brand incorporates and conveys the values and traits that a company wants associated with their product or service. It sounds like building a brand is a simple task, but the marketers must do more than just create a brand image. The magnitude of branding encompasses all aspects of a product. With this in mind, we've put together a guide for marketers on the journey of brand building... Protect Your Brand Regardless of whether there are current brand expansion plans or not, it is a good idea to register the brand domain in other countries (like .eu). Registering the brand in foreign markets, even if you don't use them, will help protect the brand. **End Summary** Topics: brand]]> brand building]]> branded]]> branding]]> internet marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Find Job Opportunities Using RSS Feeds

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0400

In addition to actually seeking a job, there are also other valid reasons to monitor the job market. Perhaps you are satisfied in your current position, but just want to keep an eye on new positions in a specific sector. Perhaps you are just curious to know what the wages are for similar positions. The job market can be monitored quite easily using RSS feeds. You can subscribe to RSS feeds in order to find specific company job openings, employment available within a specific region (i.e. by using a postal or zipcode), specific positions available, or to locate all jobs within a specific wage range. The following are websites that have RSS feeds to help employees looking for jobs... JobDig JobDig is an employment-focused media company that helps businesses of all sizes within any industry lower the cost and improve the effectiveness of their hiring and recruitment advertising. JobDig also features weekly articles by best-selling authors on hiring issues such as ways to retain and recognize your employees. JobDig lists job feeds by industry and by location. Subscribe to the feeds and receive notification when new jobs are advertised. **End Summary** Topics: rss feeds]]> rss feed]]> job opportunities]]> employment]]> job]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Where Do You Find Ideas for Podcasts?

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 -0400

You should not have to look far to find content or new ideas for your podcast show. Look to your daily sources to find fodder and ideas for new podcasting segments. 1. News Both online and offline sources, from the Associated Press to CNN, contain a deluge of news item each day. Scan headlines on a regular basis to see what catches your eye. In addition, explore your niche market to find any industry-specific news portals that may warrant monitoring. 2. Blogs Blogs are a fabulous source of ideas and inspiration. Monitor blogs for developing industry news. Comment on breaking news or editorials that you strongly agree or disagree with. Be sure to credit the source of any blog posts that you comment on or quote within your show. 3. Friends & Colleagues Casual conversation with friends and colleagues often results in ideas for podcast segments. Day-to-day interaction generates ideas worth discussing. 4. Emails Review emails from customers, colleagues or potential customers. Perhaps a subject or question asked may result in good material for your show. 5. Forum Posts Forums can be another source of ideas for a podcasting segment. **End Summary** Topics: podcasting]]> podcast]]> podcaster]]> rss]]> syndication]]> broadcast]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Offline Advertising For Online

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Internet marketing has become so successful that many web marketers neglect other marketing opportunities. Offline channels can boost your online traffic and business. Used effectively, traditional advertising vehicles remind customers to visit your site. Even better, promoting your website offline can drive new clientele to your web business. Below are ideas every marketer should consider: URL Return Address Include your domain address on the bottom line of your return address on all company mailings. URL on Packaging Retails should include their URL on packaging. Existing customers who purchase through retail may not realize that your business has an online presence. If you ship products, invest in labeling that will include the company URL. Business Cards Insert a business card that details the web address in all product shipments. A coupon or discount code toward web-based purchases further increases the likelihood customers will visit the site. Nothing drives customers online better than discount! Presentations/Handouts Include the web address on each page of a presentation or conference handout. As the presentation is passed on, the company brand and web address will be reinforced. Promotional Materials Promotional materials and giveaways are still an effective method of advertising. **End Summary** Topics: internet marketing]]> offline advertising]]> advertising]]> online]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Good Things To Social Bookmark

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

It can be tricky to predict what content will perform well on social bookmarking websites. The interests of our democratic populace are widespread and constantly changing. Webpages, podcasts, and images which are deemed more newsworthy, humorous, or intriguing often steal the spotlight. Knowing how to present content on social bookmarking websites can help internet marketers stand out. Top 10 Top 10 lists generally perform well on social bookmarking websites. Whether listing movies, books, industry gurus, or tips for protecting your computer, top 10 lists always garner attention. How To's Detailed how to's and tutorials often gain popularity on the internet; although rehashes of tired content go unnoticed. When writing a how to, pick a niche topic that has not previously been detailed and explain it well. Offbeat / Unusual Everyone loves a story about the unusual or unique. Offbeat items attract attention and interest. Keep it real, though. Controversial For better or worse, controversy attracts attention. Well-timed controversial subject matter often gains traction on social networks. Taking a stand on controversial subject also generates a lot of comments (although not always positive). Humor The video segments on JibJab never fail to cause a stir. **End Summary** Topics: social bookmarking]]> bookmark]]> social network]]> network]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Royalty Free Stock Photography

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

What Is Royalty-Free? Royalty-Free refers to material that may be used for profit without paying royalties to the original creator. What Is Stock Photography? Stock photos are existing images that can be purchased and licensed for commercial or personal use. What Are The Benefits Of Using Royalty-Free Stock Photography? Webmasters and publishers can keep their website and ad campaign costs down by using royalty-free images in their marketing materials and webpages. How Much Do Stock Photos Cost? The prices of stock photos vary. Some micro-stock photography websites charge as little as $0.99 per photo, while other stock photo websites charge several hundreds of dollars for the use of a particular photograph. In most cases, when you purchase a license to use a photo, the rights are non-exclusive, meaning that others can purchase and use the same image in their marketing materials and websites. On the other hand, if you purchase "exclusive" rights to a photo, it means that you are the only one allowed to use that specific photo. What Is Micro-Stock Photography? Micro-Stock Photography is an offshoot of traditional stock photography. **End Summary** Topics: stock photography]]> royalty free]]> images]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Effective Podcast Tips

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Effective Podcasts Many people assume that podcasting is all about audio and fail to acknowledge the writing behind the show. Skilled communicators understand the type of planning required in order to pull off a clean final product. The most memorable and effective podcasts are always well planned. Some of the best podcast shows use a script and follow a structured format. The preparation that occurs behind the scenes is similar to what would take place for a radio show. Podcast Pre-Show Preparation Tips Preshow development, while monotonous and time consuming, will determine the quality of the finished production. Prepare for your podcast by following these simple steps: Interviews Prepare interview questions in advance of the show. In addition, develop possible follow-up questions and responses. Segments Anticipate how much time each segment should last. Make a schedule, and keep in mind that you can edit audio segments down if necessary. Prepare Guests Inform your guests about what they can expect. Familiarize them with the show's format and give them an idea of the anticipated length of the segment and the general theme of your questions. **End Summary** Topics: podcast]]> podcasting]]> podcaster]]> audio]]> audio show]]> radio]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

ABC's of Search Engine Optimization

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Follow the ABC's of search engine optimization: A - Alt Tags All images should include ALT tags. The ALT attribute in HTML is used for three main reasons: the ALT tag provides further details about an image or hyperlinked graphic, the ALT Tags enhances web access for individuals with vision impairments. The ALT tags will also help search engines discern what an image represents. B - Bandwidth Compress images and use a mixture of text with images to conserve bandwidth and help your webpages load quickly. Use good design techniques to reduce bandwidth and maintain a fast loading website. This will save both storage space and data transfer allowances. C - Content Management System Many businesses have adopted CMS systems for web design. Unfortunately these systems are not always designed to be search friendly. D - Description Each page of a website should contain a unique, and relevant description. The description should make use of relevant keywords and keyword phrases. E - Error Page (404) Use a custom 404 page to capture any traffic from mistyped URLs or abandoned web pages. **End Summary** Topics: seo]]> search engine optimization]]> search]]> sem]]> marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Search Engine Optimization Resolutions

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Search engine optimization is a process, one that must always be revisited and adapted as search algorithms are changed by the search engines. Because SEO is a constant process, it is often pushed to the bottom of the "to do list" of marketers. Be that as it may, resolve not to ignore search engine optimization as it cycles its way through your task list. Give search engine optimization the attention that it deserves. There are few things that you can do that will result in virtually "free" traffic, and therefore SEO deserves both time and attention. 1. Unique Titles Every page should have a unique title that relates to what is included on that specific webpage. Do not make the mistake of using the same title on every page on a website. 2. Unique Descriptions Each and every webpage within a website should contain a unique meta tag description. Audit web pages and develop summary descriptions of the page's contents; including critical keywords and phrases. 3. Robots.txt Check the webpage's robots.txt files. An incorrectly formed robots.txt may prevent search engines from properly spidering web pages within a website. 4. Link Building Participate in link building opportunities. **End Summary** Topics: search engine optimization]]> seo]]> internet marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Reflections for 2008, Predictions for 2009

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

2008 was a year filled with great triumphs and a year scarred by deep sorrow. What 2008 was not, was a peaceful year, and whether the world is a better place, for having endured is unclear. Russia's invasion of Georgia has chilled Russia's relations with the West, a resurgence of the Cold War may be on the horizon. The Tibetan monk's protests being crushed in the streets demonstrate that freedom of speech, is not a God given right for all. The continued unrest in Middle East is no longer news, but simply part of daily life in the region. Close calls with Hurricane Gustav in New Orleans and the water lapping at the edge of overburdened levies caused concern that the lessons of Katrina have still not yet been fully learned. The heartbreaking destruction of Hurricane Ike in Galveston and the Texas coast shows that while the US has made progress, she is still no match for mother nature. Nature's wrath still wields a heavy hand. As horrific as the despair in Galveston, it paled in comparison to the cyclone that hit Burma/Mynamar, taking the lives of more than 100,000 people in the region. **End Summary** Topics: 2008]]> 2009]]> predictions]]> summary]]> reflections]]> new years]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

When Requesting Links

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Link building is an important aspect of search engine optimization. Search engines view a link as a vote of confidence in a website or webpage. The more links from related sources the greater the webpage's importance. When requesting links, use an email template that can be easily customized for specific requests. To locate prospective link partners, search Google or Yahoo for related keywords or phrases. When looking for partners use this no-nonsense guide to request links from related websites. Related The content on the webpage you would like to link to should be related to the content of your page. However, competitors are unlikely to be willing link partners, regardless of the quality of your website. Look for websites that are related but not competing. Current The content on the website you are requesting the link from should be up to date. A new link on a page with a lot of outdated or inaccurate content will not typically benefit your website (or reputation). Valuable The content on the website you are requesting the link from should also contain valuable and unique content. This goes both ways; **End Summary** Topics: links]]> link building]]> linking]]> link]]> seo]]> internet marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Logo Concepts

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A logo concept is more than just an affinity for a specific character. Logos represent a company's brand, and as a result, serious thought and consideration should be put into your logo. Before hand be sure to consider, how the logo will represent your organization and consider the thoughts that will be associated with specific images that you consider for your logo. Does the logo embody traits that can or should be associated with your business? If your company is global, will the image transcend borders or will some of your customers find the image offensive and distasteful? Carefully consider what traits you want for your corporate image to convey and select a logo that represents these those traits in a meaningful way. In addition, it is important that the logo be able to: Be Reproduced When selecting a color scheme it is best to stick with pantone or web friendly colors for web based businesses. The cost of reproducing a logo with standard colors will be less than a logo that does not. Be Sized The logo should be easy to resize and therefore will appear attractive regardless of size. **End Summary** Topics: logo]]> logos]]> brand]]> branding]]> image]]> graphic]]> marketing]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Best Search Marketing Blogs

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Attempting to stay current on the latest search engine algorithm changes or search optimization tactics can be overwhelming for webmasters attempting to juggle it all. With this in mind, we've put together a list of the industry's best Search Marketing blogs. These blogs are current and discuss important issues related to search engine optimization and search marketing. Subscribe to the search marketing blog's RSS feeds, or visit their website regularly to stay current regarding the latest search news. White Hat Search Marketing Blogs... Search Engine Land Search Engine Land is a hub for news and information about search engine marketing and optimization. It regularly details how search engines such as Google and Yahoo rank websites in their organic search listings. The site is led by the famed search engine journalist and guru Danny Sullivan, who has been covering the search industry for the past 11 years. Search Engine Land is published by Third Door Media, which also produces the Search Marketing Expo conference series, and the Search Marketing Now webcast events. **End Summary** Topics: search marketing]]> seo]]> search engine optimization]]> search]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.

Directory Submissions That Matter

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Links from different directories have different values. A webmaster's time is limited, and most webmasters want to get the biggest bang for their bucks. So where should they start when it comes to directory submissions? Search engines assign value to links from the various directories differently, so how do you spend your time where it matters most? Yahoo Yahoo is still, to some degree, the king of directories. Whether a Yahoo directory link is worth "paying for" is still a debatable question, but there is no doubt that a link from Yahoo is worth the effort. Do not leave a Yahoo link to automated submission software -- take the time to manually submit your links to the Yahoo Directory. Yahoo Directory - http://www.yahoo.com/ DMOZ Amazingly, it appears that DMOZ is still relevant. While some webmasters complain that DMOZ is outdated, it is apparent that a DMOZ link still matters to the larger search engines. DMOZ is a human-edited directory with different editors for each category. As such, patience is critical to obtaining a listing. Editors can become annoyed when sites are submitted multiple times, and before they've had the opportunity to review the quality of the content. **End Summary** Topics: links]]> link]]> linking]]> link building]]> reciprocal links]]> seo]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> About the Author: Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for RecordForAll http://www.recordforall.com audio recording and editing software.