G-Wallet What Is It?
What is G-Wallet? We know that it is something that has just been introduced by Google. But what can Google Wallet do and is it available to all?
Currently Google Wallet is not available to all consumers because it's still in a testing mode. Their hope is that by summer it will be available to consumers. When it does become available, it's free app will only be made available on the Nexus S 4G by Google from Sprint. However, as time goes by, it's free app will become available on different units. It eventual purpose is to make you more mobile by storing credit cards, coupons, boarding passes, ID and even keys, all at your phone's fingertips.
I am sure many will say, that's great but what about security. If your phone with Google Wallet is lost or stolen you will have to contact your credit card company(s) for assistance, as you would with any credit card now.
However, Google will protect your payment credentials by storing them in a chip called "Secure Element". This chip is isolated on the Nexus S 4G (currently) main OS and hardware. As to other devices, that is still unclear.
Even Google Wallet itself will have limited access to Secure Element. It will not be able to read or write data from memory, and with the multiple levels of protection at the hardware level it will prevent snooping or tampering. The ultimate goal by Google is to be able to creat virtual versions of all plastic cards that are in existence today, even establishing APIs that issuing banks can develop.
This creation seems interesting. However, PayPal is not at all pleased by this creation and there is a lawsuit pending against Google. Why? They (PayPal) allege there may have been a breach of confidential information by two former employees. Google at this point has made no comment.
For a complete rundown on what Google is wanting Google Wallet to be capable of check out "43 Things You Should Know About Google Wallet".
Monday, May 30, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Is Shortened URLs Acceptable
Is Shortened URLs Acceptable?
With so many changes taking place, I began to question everything, or be conscious of a little more than I did before the Panda Update. In fact, I began to wonder if possibly the shortened URL I was using may cause a problem with Google spiders when using it within my content for SEO purposes? Why do I ask this? Because it is a redirect, and sometimes Google spiders do not take too kindly to redirects.
However, according to Matt Cutts, if their spider finds a custom URL shortener, like bit.ly or goo.gl, they will pass the PageRank to the final destination. Though his comment was a little wordy, it means, yes your can use URL shorteners in your SEO, as long as the URL shortener is known to behave itself.
What is nice to know is that both the anchor text and the PageRank will all flow through the URL. Goo.gl and Bit.ly are two of the different URL shorteners named. Though just an example, the emphasis was on the reliability of the behavior of these shorteners. If they are well-behaved and the 301 redirect goes where they are suppose to go, then Google has no problem. Maybe these two shorteners were a helpful suggestion, I'm not sure. But I guess I'll try to use bit.ly if I need an URL shortened.
Anyway, many, didn't think much about an URL shortener's behavior. I definitely let my guard down on this bit of news. What news, not all shorteners behave nicely. However, since a person's livelihood can way in the balance, I was glad that Google gave several examples of several shorteners.
Yeah, I know, goo.gl is a Google shortener, but bit.ly is not. Currently Google's shortener only works with Chrome. So if you have Chrome, go for it. However, if you use another something other than Chrome, you may want to use bit.ly.
You may wonder about why I have a concern about what or if you can use an URL shortener? If the spider backs away from the shortened URL, you will not get your page indexed, if the page is not indexed, don't expect to many visitors.
With so many changes taking place, I began to question everything, or be conscious of a little more than I did before the Panda Update. In fact, I began to wonder if possibly the shortened URL I was using may cause a problem with Google spiders when using it within my content for SEO purposes? Why do I ask this? Because it is a redirect, and sometimes Google spiders do not take too kindly to redirects.
However, according to Matt Cutts, if their spider finds a custom URL shortener, like bit.ly or goo.gl, they will pass the PageRank to the final destination. Though his comment was a little wordy, it means, yes your can use URL shorteners in your SEO, as long as the URL shortener is known to behave itself.
What is nice to know is that both the anchor text and the PageRank will all flow through the URL. Goo.gl and Bit.ly are two of the different URL shorteners named. Though just an example, the emphasis was on the reliability of the behavior of these shorteners. If they are well-behaved and the 301 redirect goes where they are suppose to go, then Google has no problem. Maybe these two shorteners were a helpful suggestion, I'm not sure. But I guess I'll try to use bit.ly if I need an URL shortened.
Anyway, many, didn't think much about an URL shortener's behavior. I definitely let my guard down on this bit of news. What news, not all shorteners behave nicely. However, since a person's livelihood can way in the balance, I was glad that Google gave several examples of several shorteners.
Yeah, I know, goo.gl is a Google shortener, but bit.ly is not. Currently Google's shortener only works with Chrome. So if you have Chrome, go for it. However, if you use another something other than Chrome, you may want to use bit.ly.
You may wonder about why I have a concern about what or if you can use an URL shortener? If the spider backs away from the shortened URL, you will not get your page indexed, if the page is not indexed, don't expect to many visitors.
Monday, May 09, 2011
A Panda Update-Advice From Google
A Panda Update-Advice From Google
Since the Panda update, many websites have been struggling to get a handle on how to repair the damage. However, since the algorithm that Google created for this new update or any update for that matter, is not divulged, no one is quite sure how to fix their problem. It's like swimming in a shallow pool with weights on.
Finally Google has opened up and has developed a list of questions you need to ask about a page or an article. As we all know, and as stated by Google, search is a complicated and evolving art and science. Instead of focusing on specific tweaks to your pages, they want to encourage users to ask themselves a series of questions regarding their content.
However, before diving into the questions, there was one specific piece of information that I found important in regards to low-quality content. Google stated that low-quality content on some parts of a website can impact the whole site's ranking. Thus, you have consider the following options: 1) remove the low quality pages; 2) merge or improve the content of low quality pages, or: 3) move the low quality pages to a different domain.
For details on the questions, check out Google Panda Update By Chris Crum
I would also like to refer you to Article Marketing in Crisis that I wrote earlier, it gives you additional advise, from Google on how to deal with your low quality pages.
Since the Panda update, many websites have been struggling to get a handle on how to repair the damage. However, since the algorithm that Google created for this new update or any update for that matter, is not divulged, no one is quite sure how to fix their problem. It's like swimming in a shallow pool with weights on.
Finally Google has opened up and has developed a list of questions you need to ask about a page or an article. As we all know, and as stated by Google, search is a complicated and evolving art and science. Instead of focusing on specific tweaks to your pages, they want to encourage users to ask themselves a series of questions regarding their content.
However, before diving into the questions, there was one specific piece of information that I found important in regards to low-quality content. Google stated that low-quality content on some parts of a website can impact the whole site's ranking. Thus, you have consider the following options: 1) remove the low quality pages; 2) merge or improve the content of low quality pages, or: 3) move the low quality pages to a different domain.
For details on the questions, check out Google Panda Update By Chris Crum
I would also like to refer you to Article Marketing in Crisis that I wrote earlier, it gives you additional advise, from Google on how to deal with your low quality pages.
Monday, May 02, 2011
SEO or PPC-Which is Better?
SEO or PPC-Which is Better?
Both SEO and PPC have their advantages and disadvantages. I'm sure many people are rethinking their SEo strategies since the Panda update by Google.
Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) still viable way of marketing your website? I definitely would not overlook it. And since the Panda update I would definitely be looking at my web pages if they have fallen because of the algorithm. Such as:
1. Too many of the same keywords repeated over and over again (keyword stuffing). This is a warning, and would lower your ranking and prevent your page from being indexed.
2. Are your keywords or keyword phases within 2% of the total words on your articles.
3. Most importantly, is your content up to par with the new Panda standards. If not, it's time to do some reworking of your content.
4. If you are selling products, does your products have enough description to go along with your ad? You should have at least 150 words of description for each product.
If you have quality content and you know you are in compliance with Google, and you are not seeing the results you want, you may want to look at PPC.
Why PPC
There are several advantages with PPC, especially if you have a new website. Paid search ads gives you the following advantages:
1. You do not have to worry about the ups and downs of Google's algorithm.
2. If your Adwords ads are targeted, you will know that your target market is going to be reaching your site, which possibly means more sales.
3. Great for time sensitvie promotions
4. If you have a limited sales seasons, you can saturate the market while the demand is high
5. You can regulate traffic volume
6. If you have a new site, the paid search ads will get buying traffic to your site faster.
Okay, here is the down side for PPC, if you are a new site, and unfamiliar with paid per click advertising you can lose money that you may not have to spend. This, I am afraid the "learning curve element" is true for anyone, who have never used PPC advertising, whether your site is new or not.
SEO though many may not want to take the time to learn it, is a great avenue for small businesses to be noticed. If you take your time, and do it right, you can see people coming to your site. And, if you do it yourself, you save money.
PPC offers a learning curve with an outlay of money. If you want to get into the PPC marketing arena I would advise searching for a reliable book on the subject.
Is SEO or PPC better? It depends where you are at in the game, and the money, if you have any, that you want to put into your PPC campaign. Both offer targeted results, but each require some learning. I personally would begin with learning SEO. Why, it will help you with your PPC campaign. Each, by the way, utilizes keywords.
Both SEO and PPC have their advantages and disadvantages. I'm sure many people are rethinking their SEo strategies since the Panda update by Google.
Is SEO (Search Engine Optimization) still viable way of marketing your website? I definitely would not overlook it. And since the Panda update I would definitely be looking at my web pages if they have fallen because of the algorithm. Such as:
1. Too many of the same keywords repeated over and over again (keyword stuffing). This is a warning, and would lower your ranking and prevent your page from being indexed.
2. Are your keywords or keyword phases within 2% of the total words on your articles.
3. Most importantly, is your content up to par with the new Panda standards. If not, it's time to do some reworking of your content.
4. If you are selling products, does your products have enough description to go along with your ad? You should have at least 150 words of description for each product.
If you have quality content and you know you are in compliance with Google, and you are not seeing the results you want, you may want to look at PPC.
Why PPC
There are several advantages with PPC, especially if you have a new website. Paid search ads gives you the following advantages:
1. You do not have to worry about the ups and downs of Google's algorithm.
2. If your Adwords ads are targeted, you will know that your target market is going to be reaching your site, which possibly means more sales.
3. Great for time sensitvie promotions
4. If you have a limited sales seasons, you can saturate the market while the demand is high
5. You can regulate traffic volume
6. If you have a new site, the paid search ads will get buying traffic to your site faster.
Okay, here is the down side for PPC, if you are a new site, and unfamiliar with paid per click advertising you can lose money that you may not have to spend. This, I am afraid the "learning curve element" is true for anyone, who have never used PPC advertising, whether your site is new or not.
SEO though many may not want to take the time to learn it, is a great avenue for small businesses to be noticed. If you take your time, and do it right, you can see people coming to your site. And, if you do it yourself, you save money.
PPC offers a learning curve with an outlay of money. If you want to get into the PPC marketing arena I would advise searching for a reliable book on the subject.
Is SEO or PPC better? It depends where you are at in the game, and the money, if you have any, that you want to put into your PPC campaign. Both offer targeted results, but each require some learning. I personally would begin with learning SEO. Why, it will help you with your PPC campaign. Each, by the way, utilizes keywords.
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