Articles by S. Housley on ArticleSnatch.com

Top 10 Deadly Web Design Mistakes

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:02:41 -0400

Many webmasters repeat the mistakes made by their predecessors. Take a look at these Top 10 most common web design sins. Have you fallen victim to any of these? Sin #1 - Using Techie-Speak Many websites fail to communicate in terms that website visitors can understand. Set the technical jargon aside, and use simple language and words that will be easy for your audience to understand. Web copy should be written in simple terms. Also, keep in mind that the Internet audience is global, and using language that is more common and easy to comprehend will often expand your reach, even to include non-native speakers. Sin #2 - Poor Navigation Many webmasters fail to provide visitors clear and consistent navigation. Visitors will quickly become frustrated if they cannot easily find the information they are looking for. Sin #3 - Technology Technology is a great thing, but it also can be a problem. Not everyone uses the latest plug-ins or has any desire to download add-ons simply to view your website. Many others may intentionally block such features for security reasons. Stick with web technology that is widely supported so you don't alienate your potential customers. **End Summary** Topics: web design]]> webmaster]]> web template]]> design]]> publisher]]>]]> 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.

Pros And Cons Of RSS

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:20:36 -0400

If you are struggling with the decision of whether to implement RSS feeds or not, consider the following pros and cons for webmasters who use RSS feeds as part of their content and communication plan... Benefits (Pros Of Using RSS) The benefits for a webmaster who opts to implement RSS feeds on their website are numerous: 1. Saves Time RSS feeds save time. RSS subscribers can quickly scan RSS feeds, without having to visit each and every website. Subscribers can then click on any items they are interested in, to get additional information. 2. Timely RSS feeds are timely. RSS feeds will automatically update themselves any time new information is posted, so the information your subscribers receive via their RSS reader or news aggregator is timely. 3. Spam Free RSS is free of spam. Subscribers don't have to worry about wading through huge amounts of spam in an attempt to get to the information they are actually interested in. 4. Opt-In The RSS subscriber chooses what they want to see, and what information they wish to receive. **End Summary** Topics: rss]]> web 2.0]]> rss feeds]]> syndication]]> 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.

How To Choose A Domain - Part 2

Thu, 19 May 2011 15:46:34 -0400

Here are some other things to pay attention to when selecting domain names... 1. Domain Extensions Many webmasters wrestle not only with choosing the best domain name, but also with the decision of what domain extensions to select for their website. The following is a general guide to what the most popular domain extensions represent... .com - commercial (by far, the most popular domain extension) .net - network host (often used by hosting companies) .edu - educational institution .org - organization .info - informational sites If your primary focus is in a local market, you may find value in a local domain as well. There are also country-specific domain extensions, such as ".co.uk" for England and ".com.au" for Australia. A country-specific domain might be valuable to you if you have, for example, a Russian version of your software. In that case, you might want to register the ".ru" version of your chosen domain as well. Some studies show that country-specific domains perform better in that country's search engine results. In other words, google.com.au will give preference to domains that contain .au results. 2. **End Summary** Topics: domain]]> choose domain]]> choose name]]> domains]]> domain name]]>]]> 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.

How to Choose a Domain - Part 1

Mon, 09 May 2011 13:38:46 -0400

So, you have an idea or a product.... now you need a domain name for a website. How do you choose a great domain name? Here are a few ideas... Brainstorm Create a list of words or phrases that relate to the product, service, information, or brand that will be promoted on the website. Experiment Experiment with variations of the words in the above list. Change the order of words in phrases to create unique combinations for possible domain names. Check Availability Check the availability of the potential domains, using Network Solutions or a similar domain registrar. If the desired name is already taken, most domain registrars will provide a list of alternative similar domains that are available. Check Trademarks Search to see if a trademark exists for a specific word combination. The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) has one of the largest searchable databases of trademarked words or phrases. http://www.uspto.gov/ Check Search Engines Enter the potential domains in the various online search engines and examine the results. Do the desired domains already have existing websites? Will the selected domain result in any marketplace confusion? Test It Out Pose the potential domain to friends and acquaintances. **End Summary** Topics: domain]]> choose domain]]> choose name]]> domains]]> domain name]]>]]> 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.

Blog Mistakes

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 09:08:59 -0400

Blogging has quickly become very common place, and while blogs may be plentiful, many bloggers still make a number of mistakes when it comes to managing their blogs. Presented here are the most common blog mistakes, in hopes that you can avoid making them yourself... Mistake #1 - Failure To Provide Search Functionality Blogs should be searchable. Include a search function on the blog so that website visitors can easily search your blog content for the things they are interested in or looking for. Mistake #2 - Failure To Offer Syndication Failure to provide an RSS feed for blog content is a common mistake. RSS feeds will significantly increase the number of blog followers. Many blogging platforms will automatically create an RSS feed for the content -- if your current content management system does not have that ability, you can manually create the RSS feeds yourself, or use software like FeedForAll ( http://www.feedforall.com ) to create the feeds. RSS feeds will increase your blogs exposure and readership. Mistake #3 - Failure To Personalize Blogs are meant to be personal. **End Summary** Topics: blog]]> blogging]]> blogger]]> mistakes]]> blogs]]> marketing mistakes]]>]]> 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.

On-Page Search Engine Optimization Tips

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:34:00 -0500

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a fine science. Tweaking, changing, and measuring is all part of the ongoing optimization process. SEO truly is a process that requires constant monitoring and attention. In order for a website to perform well, its managers and webmasters must adapt their SEO techniques as the search engine algorithms change. Use the following "on-page" optimization techniques to improve your website's search engine ranking... 1. Keywords In Domain Names Include important keywords in webpage domain names and sub-domain names, which can improve the page ranking for those specific keywords or phrases. 2. Keywords In Meta Tags Including keywords in the Title and Description Meta Tags for the webpage will also help search engine ranking for that specific keyword or phrase. 3. Keywords In Headers On Page Including keywords in the H1 and H2 Header tags, and using "bold" to emphasize words deemed important, will also assist search optimization. 4. Quality Of Content Generating quality content that uses keywords "naturally" in the text will help search engines contextualize your website. 5. Quantity Of Content The content on a webpage must be a reasonable length. **End Summary** Topics: search engine optimization]]> seo]]> seo tips]]> on-page 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.

Twitter For Business

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 08:44:31 -0500

Businesses can use Twitter as a marketing tool in a variety of ways. Many business owners struggle with social media as a marketing medium. At the heart of the most effective social media marketing campaigns is personal communication. Many businesses that try to manage social media may attempt to shout their message, rather than simply engaging with potential customers. Potential customers who are active in social networks will not be receptive to marketing in this fashion. The trick with social media like Twitter is to interact and engage, rather than shouting your message. Use Twitter for the following... Branding Twitter can be used to secure a brand. Establishing brand identity is important to most businesses, and Twitter gives a business control over their message. For example, the avatar used in a Twitter profile can reinforce a company's brand. Use the image normally associated with your company's brand as the avatar for your account. The Twitter profile webpage can also be customized to reinforce the company's brand identity and message. Marketers can also monitor what is being said on Twitter about their company and brand. Simply search http://search.twitter.com using the company name or brand name. **End Summary** Topics: twitter]]> social bookmarking]]> tweet]]> business]]>]]> 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.

Google Is More Than Just A Search Engine

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 09:30:42 -0500

The architects of the most powerful search engine in the world have included some really handy algorithms in their service, which allow searchers to quickly locate particular and specific types of information... 1. Definitions In order to quickly find the definition of a word, simply type "define: word" in the search box. Google will then provide the definition of the word. 2. Area Codes Enter a US telephone area code in the URL box to see a map of the area covered by that telephone area code. 3. Calculator Type a math problem into the Google search box, and Google will calculate the answer. Google acts as a calculator when mathematical calculation is presented. Google recognizes the following mathematical symbols: addition (+), subtraction (-), multiplication (*), division (/), to the power of (^), and square root of a number (sqrt). 4. Movies In order to locate reviews and show times for movies playing near you, type "movies" or the name of a current film into the Google search box. **End Summary** Topics: google]]> web tools]]> webmaster]]> tools]]> search engine]]> web 2.0]]>]]> 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.

Video Optimization - Part II

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:41:30 -0500

Optimizing your video for search engines will increase the exposure that the video receives, and optimization will also help spread the video's message. Follow these steps to enhance your videos and improve their rankings... 1. Shorter Videos Rank Better No big surprise here -- the file size of short videos is much smaller than that of longer videos. On the video networks like YouTube, short videos are viewed far more often than longer ones. A length of less than 3 minutes per video seems to be ideal, and absolutely make every effort to keep your video under 10 minutes! If you have a long video segment, consider breaking it into multiple videos. The more popular videos on the video networks are given more exposure, which will also help increase the number of views received. 2. Titles Capture Interest Just like newspaper headlines, it is important that the title of the video be one that will attract attention. If possible, include important keywords in the video title. This will help the video perform well in video searches for that keyword or phrase. **End Summary** Topics: video]]> videos]]> optimization]]> optimize]]> movies]]> youtube]]>]]> 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 Myths

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:59:17 -0500

A "myth" is a traditional story, idea, or explanation which is widely accepted, but actually untrue or unproven. Misconceptions can also be described as modern-day myths. When it comes to Search Engine Optimization (SEO), the myths and misconceptions are abundant. We will try to dispel some of the more common Search Engine Optimization myths here... Myth #1 - SEO Is A One-Time Deal Search engine optimization is an ongoing process that requires attention and effort over an extended period of time. To do it properly, it is an ongoing process, and definitely not a one-time action. Myth #2 - Quantity Is More Important Than Quality When it comes to backlinks, quantity is simply not as important as quality. Attracting a huge number of backlinks is simply not as important as obtaining relevant links from related and trusted sources. Myth #3 - Meta Tags Are No Longer Relevant While meta tags are not the be-all and end-all of search marketing, they still matter. Including a unique and keyword-rich title and description on each page of a website will help the site rank better in organic search results for those terms. **End Summary** Topics: seo]]> search engine optimization]]> myths]]> rules]]> 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.

Managing Your Reputation

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 08:35:42 -0400

A company's reputation is often critical to that company's success. The anonymity and vastness of the Internet makes managing a reputation much more difficult than it once was. Businesses must be proactive about protecting their brands and reputations. Brand Hijacking Brand Hijacking refers to the act of someone other than authorized company personnel using the company brand as if they represent that brand. Unfortunately, brand hijacking is becoming increasingly more common in social media and on social networks. One of the best ways to minimize brand hijacking, while not foolproof, is to register the company brand and product names in all the social media channels, before anyone else has the opportunity to do so. In order to check the availability of brands in the various social channels, you can use the following tools: NameChk - http://www.namechk.com/ CheckUserNames - http://www.checkusernames.com/ UserNamez - http://www.usernamez.com/ Unfortunately, some nefarious people are getting around this by simply adding an underscore to a brand name (i.e. "_brandname"). Registering a brand this way gives the appearance that they represent the brand. If this occurs, most social websites will disable the offending account when they are notified of the issue. **End Summary** Topics: reputation]]> manage reputation]]> reputation management]]>]]> 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.

Increase Productivity

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:14:23 -0400

Small business owners frequently juggle a variety of roles within their companies. Creating a balance and effectively managing available time is extremely important to most small businesses. In order to economize and make the most of the available time, you should implement a time management plan. Get Real Set realistic goals that are not unreasonable or unattainable. It can be very demotivating to consistently feel as if you have not accomplished anything, simply because you regularly fail to meet unreasonable goals that you've set for yourself. By setting more realistic and attainable goals, you will feel a sense of accomplishment, and often be motivated to work harder. Know Yourself When are you most productive? Use the hours of the day when you are most productive to tackle the more difficult tasks. Manage your schedule so that you use your time most effectively. Start Sometimes the thought of starting a new project is overwhelming. In fact, the start itself can often be the most difficult part of a new project. Prepare, plan, and then take action! Dive in feet-first and start the project. Do not let the size of a project intimidate you. **End Summary** Topics: productivity]]> time management]]> management]]>]]> 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.

Tips To Optimize Video Podcasts

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 15:23:13 -0400

It does not matter what you call them: vodcasts, vidcasts, videocasting, or video podcasting... there are a few behind-the-scenes actions you can take to help attract more attention to your video productions. Just like websites, it does not matter how amazing the content is if interested people are unable to find it. Use the following suggestions to help increase the exposure your videos receive... 1. Use Keywords In Video File Name Insert keywords in the name of the video file. When determining what keywords to use, do not simply rely on intuition; do research, just as you would for a website, to see what relevant terms people are searching on. 2. Create Video Feed Create an RSS feed of all videos in a collection. Each feed item should contain a different video in the enclosure field. Optimize the feed using related keywords. For additional help, there is a Videocasting Feed Creation Tutorial available at: http://www.feedforall.com/videocasting-tutorial.htm . 3. Increase Exposure Host your videos on YouTube, and embed the video into your website, which will increase the video count on YouTube. The more popular a video seems to be, the more exposure it will receive. 4. **End Summary** Topics: video]]> videos]]> podcasts]]> podcast]]> podcasting]]> marketing]]> rss]]>]]> 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 NotePage http://www.notepage.net a wireless text messaging software company.

Cellular Phone Etiquette

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:55:41 -0400

Today's society is all about being connected 24/7. Cell phones now provide instant access to anyone and everyone, from corporate executives to housewives and children alike. While cellular connectivity is a comfort to some, it can be rude and disruptive to others. You may wish to be available at all times, but there are some times when it is simply not appropriate to use your cell phone. Also, cell phones should not be treated as status symbols, and should not be paraded out simply to impress others. Regardless of how new and impressive your cell phone may be, dragging it out in a public setting is seldom going to win you any fans. Follow these simple cell phone guidelines to strike a balance between accessibility and consideration for others... Movie Theaters When you are in a movie theater, respect others around you who are there to actually watch the movie and are trying to listen. Turn your phone off completely, or at least switch it to vibrate only so as to not disturb the other movie-going patrons. Restaurants When you are dining out in a restaurant, those you are with deserve the courtesy of your attention. **End Summary** Topics: cellular]]> cell phone]]> mobile]]> mobile phone]]> cellular phone]]>]]> 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 NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net text messaging software.

Brand Awareness

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:06:17 -0400

Brand awareness is the recognition of a specific brand name or logo, along with the traits associated with that brand. It is difficult to benefit from having a brand unless consumers are aware of the brand and the traits associated with it. What Is A Brand? A Brand helps position a product in the marketplace. Brands are often linked to things that are key motivators when a consumer is considering a purchase. In other words, a brand may be what makes a consumer purchase one product rather than another. A strong brand will convey the values you want associated with your product or service. Brand Preference Brand preference is when preference is given to one brand over competing brands, or to a recognized brand over unfamiliar brands. Brand reputation often influences consumer choice. Buyers often prefer one brand over another because they admire the traits associated with the preferred brand. Brand Equity Brand equity is the value associated with the brand. It is often difficult to assess the value of brand, because much of a brand's equity is the goodwill established with or perceived by consumers. **End Summary** Topics: brand]]> branding]]> brand name]]> logo]]> trademark]]> traits]]> consumer]]> reputation]]> 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.

Green Business Tips

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:15:25 -0400

Going Green Saves Green Businesses that are "going green" are becoming more and more commonplace. Regardless of your political beliefs or opinions regarding the "global warming" concept, few can argue that being environmentally aware will leave the world a better place. Whether a company is simply jumping on the green bandwagon, or are honestly sensitive about environmental issues is really irrelevant. Consumers like green businesses, and shaping your business to promote being "eco-friendly" makes sense from a public relations standpoint. Not surprisingly, many businesses that have taken the steps to "go green" are also discovering that going green often saves them another kind of green (as in the "money" kind of green). For example, consider hotels that are allowed by long-term guests to only launder sheets and towels every other day rather than every single day. The hotel is presenting an environmentally-friendly face, while at the same time saving money on their bottom line. They save in both staff time and cleaning materials by laundering less frequently, and all while presenting an environmentally-concerned image for their company. There are a number of steps that almost any business can take to become more environmentally-friendly. Here are just a few... **End Summary** Topics: green]]> environmental]]> green policy]]> green business]]>]]> 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.

Presentation Primer

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 09:24:39 -0400

Many individuals are called upon to give presentations, but many have no formal instruction on how to deliver the most effective presentations. So for the benefit of those who might need a bit of help, we've put together a "primer" for presenters... 1. Attire You should always dress professionally, even if the event is somewhat informal in nature, and always dress in a way that does not distract or detract from your presentation. 2. Test The Equipment If your presentation involves using any equipment, such as a microphone, computer, screen projector, laser pointer, etc, be sure to test any and all of the equipment prior to the beginning of your presentation. It is unprofessional, not to mention frustrating and distracting, to have to wrestle with equipment problems in front of a waiting audience. Try to identify and resolve any technical issues and problems before the presentation is scheduled to begin. 3. Preview At the beginning of the presentation, provide an overview of what you will be discussing during the presentation. 4. Articulate Be sure to enunciate and articulate your words, and speak at a volume that can be heard without shouting or straining. **End Summary** Topics: presentation]]> powerpoint]]> powerpoint presentation]]> speaker]]>]]> 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.

Increase RSS Feed Subscribers

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:09:57 -0400

Growing subscribers of your RSS feed will expand your reach. Put the appropriate effort into marketing your RSS feed, so you can increase adoption and spread the message contained in the RSS feed. Feed Validation Make sure that the feed is properly formed. Some RSS readers and aggregators will be unable to compensate or read an RSS feed that is not correctly formed. There are both web-based and desktop feed validation tools available that can help determine whether an RSS feed is properly formatted or not. After you edit the feed, be sure to spend a few minutes validating the feed. Properly Promote Your Feed In order to increase the number of individuals subscribing to your RSS feed, take the time to properly promote the RSS feed. Just as a website requires promotion and marketing, so does an RSS feed. Here are a few tips for promoting your feed... 1. RSS Auto Discovery Use RSS "Auto-Discovery" tags in the header of web pages. Many RSS feed readers have built-in technology that can auto-detect an RSS feed. But in order for the technology to detect your feed, you must have auto-discovery tags in place on your web pages. **End Summary** Topics: rss]]> rss feed]]> xml]]> rss feeds]]> 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.

Hallmarks Of A Good Podcast

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:52:55 -0400

There are many, many things that separate a "good" podcast from all the rest. Here are a few to consider... Recording Quality The quality of the recording is probably the most critical component of a podcast. A good podcast is easy to understand, and should be recorded at a volume level that makes it easy for listeners to hear all that is said. Sound Balance Adding background music polishes a podcast, but be careful that the music does not overpower the primary content. The background music should be subtle and not distracting. Create a balance that does not compromise the quality of the recording. Also, be sure that the music is not the focal point of a podcast show, unless the topic is about the music -- the emphasis should be on the primary content, and not on the musical arrangements. Voice Inflections Use voice inflections to indicate feelings and emotions. Do not use a monotone voice, as that will seem as if it just drones on and on. Listeners want to hear passion and expression in the speaker's voice, and they want to know that the speaker is actually interested in the subject being discussed. **End Summary** Topics: podcasting]]> podcast]]> rss feed]]> rss feeds]]> music]]> background]]>]]> 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 For PDFs

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:17:17 -0400

Google, Yahoo, and MSN can all spider and index text-based PDF files, and generally they rank quite well. PDF files can be used to seize top listings for important keywords and keyword phrases. In order to have a PDF effectively rank well in organic searches, it should be optimized for the search engines, just as you would optimize a web page. Optimization of PDF files for search engines is very similar to search engine optimization for other types of content... 1. Text Based To be sure that the content of a PDF file is recognizable by a search engine, the most important thing involves how the PDF file is created. Some PDF programs simply convert text into a large image. If that occurs, the search engines cannot read or spider the text that is contained in the image. It is important to create the PDF file using a text-based editor like Microsoft Word or Adobe Acrobat, so that the text format is retained when the file is saved. 2. Optimize Text Text contained in a PDF file is very similar to web copy, so use keywords in headings, and emphasize important keywords throughout the body of the PDF file. 3. **End Summary** Topics: pdf]]> seo]]> search engine optimization]]> 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.

Podcasting For Business

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:35:56 -0400

Regardless of the size of your business, or whether your company is public, private, a government agency, or a non-profit... there is little doubt that you should consider podcasting. Podcasting is a 21st century medium, and has proven that it is far more than just a passing fad. What is podcasting? Podcasting is a relatively new communication medium. Podcasting's increasing popularity and low cost of entry makes it a great communication and promotional channel for companies to experiment with. Podcasting is online audio content, and sometimes video content, that is delivered via an RSS feed. You are probably asking yourself what is that, and why should I care? Like it or not, our world is becoming portable. The one thing you cannot buy is time; therefore, people are doing everything they can to maximize the time that they have. For example, commuting time, which was once wasted, can now become productive time via podcasting. Time spent waiting in a doctor's office was once unproductive, but can now be used as catch up time for all sorts of things, including listening to podcasts. Technology and portability have come together to provide a solution to improving communication and productivity. **End Summary** Topics: podcasting]]> podcast]]> business]]> podcasting for business]]> busi]]>]]> 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.

Repurposing Web Content

Fri, 28 May 2010 14:28:34 -0400

Repurposing content is not a terribly new concept. Webmasters that picked up on the trend have benefited from traffic surges for a while now. Repurposing content is all about presenting the same content in a variety of different ways, or using different mediums to present the same content. Webmasters can manipulate content in order to provide the same content in any number of different formats. Why would publishers want to do this? There are a number of benefits to repurposing content, not the least of which is that it allows customers to select the format they wish to access your information. Additionally, repurposing content often does not require a lot of extra time, expense, or additional effort. The content itself already exists -- the format is just different. Additionally, there are a number of software tools available that can assist users in easily repurposing the content. The following are different ways to repackage existing content or to present content in a different format... RSS Filtering & Merging Publishers can apply filters to existing RSS feeds, and then merge the feeds into a single filtered feed that contains themed content. **End Summary** Topics: content]]> web]]> internet]]> web content]]> content development]]>]]> 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.

Tips To Create Professional PowerPoint Presentations

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:10:25 -0400

Presentations are an integral and important part of any business. Whether designed for training purposes, introducing new products, or discussing corporate hierarchy, PowerPoint presentations serve a valuable purpose in both the business world and in the educational fields. In order to maximize a presentation's impact, it needs to be polished and well executed. The following tips can aid you in taking your PowerPoint presentation to the next level. Use Templates There are a number of websites that provide professional-quality PowerPoint templates at very reasonable prices. Match the template's theme to the topic that you are speaking about. If you are unable to locate an appropriately-themed template, use a generic template that contains professional quality graphics and images. For example, templates can be found at "PPT Templates" ( http://www.ppt-templates.net ) Contrast In order for the audience to discern the text contained on the slide, be sure to contrast the colors used in the presentation. That way, the text will be easy to distinguish from the background. Avoid using colors that blend into the background or that are difficult to see, such as yellow. Bullets In the presentation, use bullets as talking points. **End Summary** Topics: presentation]]> powerpoint]]> public speaking]]> trade show]]>]]> 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.

ABCs Of RSS Feeds

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:08:57 -0400

Implementing RSS (Really Simple Syndication) can be aided by an understanding of the terms relating to RSS. Learn the ABCs of RSS.... A - AutoDiscovery Auto Discovery is code that is inserted into the header of an HTML web page, which then indicates to readers that an RSS feed is available for the content. B - Blogs Blogs are web logs that are updated regularly, usually on a daily basis. Blogs generally contain information related to a specific topic. In some cases, blogs are used as daily diaries about people's personal lives, political views, or even as social commentaries. The truth of the matter is that blogs can be shaped into whatever the author wants them to be. While initially thought of as diaries or online journals, blogs have evolved into the latest fresh web content. C - Cache Cache is a temporary storage area for frequently-accessed or recently-accessed data. Having certain data stored in a cache area speeds up the operation of the computer. Using a cache with RSS feeds will help minimize bandwidth and display an RSS feed's content quicker. D - Display RSS Many webmasters post the content of an RSS feed on their website. **End Summary** Topics: rss]]> rss feeds]]> syndication]]> glossary]]> dictionary]]>]]> 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.

Time Management Tips

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:39:54 -0500

Managing your time and using it wisely is a journey, and not something that can be easily mastered overnight. Implementing a plan will help, but it is not going to be a sure cure. Time management requires a significant amount of self-discipline. Here are some tips to assist you with time management... 1. Set Goals Set both short-term and long-term goals for your work day, work week, and work year. While it may seem silly, take the time to make a written list of your goals, which will allow you to refer back to the list when you need some guidance. Keep in mind that it is okay to adjust the goals as your business needs or your role changes. Use them as a tool to guide you. 2. Mini-Rewards All work an no play is a difficult concept to sustain for very long. Build rewards into your schedule. If there is a task you really dislike, follow it with a task that you greatly enjoy. Build "mini-rewards" into your schedule to increase your productivity. 3. Keep Lists Keep a running "To Do" list. The To Do list should contain both daily tasks as well as longer-term tasks. **End Summary** Topics: time management]]> time]]> increase productivity]]> productivity]]>]]> 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.