Pinterest Anyone?
What is Pinterest? That at least was my first question. Has it been around for a while, was my second? Let's take a closer look.
Pinterest was founded in 2008, and only opened up its beta to invitations in 2010. Slowly, as word got out, more and more people began to come on board. By August 2011, Pinterest drew Time Magazine's attention, and ranked it in their "50 Best Websites of 2011".
What is Pinterest?
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard. What is a virtual pinboard? It a large bulletin board where you can put pictures of anything from vacation destination possibilities, redecorating ideas, dress ideas, pictures of recipe cards. You can build a board for different niches, for example, holiday ideas, which could include decorations and recipes and gift-giving ideas.
Who Frequents Pinterest?
Currently is seems that Pinterest is dominated by women. Maybe it is because of the way they (Pinterest) has marketed their website in the beginning. However, men are beginning to find a use for Pinterest as well.
Can Businesses use Pinterest?
Yes. However, since Pinterest is "image-driven" you can conclude that certain businesses can easily use this social medium easier than other. I could see businesses with interests in designing, photograhy, retailing may benefit from Pinterest.
I also noticed that you can embed affiliate ids on Pinterest. Hmm-mm, looks like another control issue for affiliate managers.
Sounds interesting doesn't it. For more details check out Marketing Your Business With Pinterest.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
What Is The Google Sandbox
What Is The Google Sandbox?
What is the Google Sandbox? Is it some imaginary talking point that get people attention because their website suddenly took a dive after it has been up for a little while? Some says it doesn't exist, while some say it does. I'm one to say that the Google Sandbox does exist.
If you have just put up a new website, you may agree with me. Why? You may see a lot of traffic coming to your site, or at least some. Then, the traffic dies. You go online and do a site check. (for those people who do not know how to do a site check here is the command in the search box: site: nameofyoursite) In the site check you see that your web pages are indexed. If you see zero, you have a bigger problem, you may have been banned.
If your pages are indexed but you are not seeing any traffic, you have been hit with the ominous Google Sandbox Filter. To learn more about the filter check out my article The Ominous Google Sandbox.
You may find it's not that ominous at all, frustrating maybe, but not ominous.
The Ominous Sandbox Filter
What is this thing called the "Sandbox Filter" and why do people talk about it in whispers. For those new to the Internet and have just put your website online, eventually you will be hit with the sandbox filter. I'll give you some key facts that will help you to determine if you have been hit by the ominous beast, explain why it exists and if you can do anything about it.
Signs of being in the Sandbox Filter
Okay, you may be saying, "I just put my website up and the Google Search Engines picked up my website rather quickly. And, I must say I'm excited at how well it is performing." My answer to that is, "Just you wait, the "Sandbox Filter" has not hit you yet. But it will." How do you know you have been hit?
1. The website will show in the result pages, but it will not rank well regardless of how much original, well-optimized contents you have.
2. You'll get no hits from Google.
3. Will quality inbound links to your site help? Nope.
If you don't know what this beast is, you will become frustrated, confused and will struggle to find a way to improve what you think is your website ultimate demise. But wait, you are not in the minority. The sandbox filter will affect almost all new websites, there are a few exceptions, but it is a rarity.
Is it something you did wrong? No. The sandbox filter is not used for punishment by Google, nor has the new webmaster done anything wrong. Than what it it!
The filter is merely an initiation period for new websites. However, if the sandbox filter hits your website, it may be driven by the "competitive keywords" you are using on your website.. If your website is focusing on highly competitive keywords or phrases, you may likely remain in the sandbox for a longer period of time, than if you focus on relatively non-competitive keywords. (That is why that I suggest using keyword phrases and not compete with the big boys).
Do We Need The Sandbox?
In my opinion, yes. If though I am not fond of being in the sandbox, I know that there is good reasons for it's existence.
It exists because:
1. It helps curtail the workings of search engine spammers. In the beginning search engine spammers would setup websites that violated Google policies and rules. Their purpose was obvious. To make profits as quickly as possible before being banned by Google. Did it stop them. No. They would just create another website with a different domain and content.
How did Google solve the problem? With the sandbox filter, of course. They would still quickly index the websites, but they would launch their spam filters on the site over a period of time to make sure that the website passed all of their spam filters. Once they have passed all of the spam filters, the website will leave the sandbox and join the Internet community.
Getting Out Of The Sandbox
Since this is a right of passage to having a working website on the Internet, accept this as fact, and realize there is nothing you can do to get out of it. It will not be in your power to get out of the sandbox. Your best bet is wait, and continue to create quality content. Why, would you want to create more content? Because you will not be in the sandbox forever.
In fact, this is a good time, to tweak your content and continue to build inbound links. Why? It will improve the traffic levels once you are out of the sandbox.
You can sulk about being in the sandbox, and even threaten to quit. Don't quit, instead think of it as an induction into the Google community. Be patient, tweak, and continue to create content, and soon the sandbox filter will be behind you.
What is the Google Sandbox? Is it some imaginary talking point that get people attention because their website suddenly took a dive after it has been up for a little while? Some says it doesn't exist, while some say it does. I'm one to say that the Google Sandbox does exist.
If you have just put up a new website, you may agree with me. Why? You may see a lot of traffic coming to your site, or at least some. Then, the traffic dies. You go online and do a site check. (for those people who do not know how to do a site check here is the command in the search box: site: nameofyoursite) In the site check you see that your web pages are indexed. If you see zero, you have a bigger problem, you may have been banned.
If your pages are indexed but you are not seeing any traffic, you have been hit with the ominous Google Sandbox Filter. To learn more about the filter check out my article The Ominous Google Sandbox.
You may find it's not that ominous at all, frustrating maybe, but not ominous.
The Ominous Sandbox Filter
What is this thing called the "Sandbox Filter" and why do people talk about it in whispers. For those new to the Internet and have just put your website online, eventually you will be hit with the sandbox filter. I'll give you some key facts that will help you to determine if you have been hit by the ominous beast, explain why it exists and if you can do anything about it.
Signs of being in the Sandbox Filter
Okay, you may be saying, "I just put my website up and the Google Search Engines picked up my website rather quickly. And, I must say I'm excited at how well it is performing." My answer to that is, "Just you wait, the "Sandbox Filter" has not hit you yet. But it will." How do you know you have been hit?
1. The website will show in the result pages, but it will not rank well regardless of how much original, well-optimized contents you have.
2. You'll get no hits from Google.
3. Will quality inbound links to your site help? Nope.
If you don't know what this beast is, you will become frustrated, confused and will struggle to find a way to improve what you think is your website ultimate demise. But wait, you are not in the minority. The sandbox filter will affect almost all new websites, there are a few exceptions, but it is a rarity.
Is it something you did wrong? No. The sandbox filter is not used for punishment by Google, nor has the new webmaster done anything wrong. Than what it it!
The filter is merely an initiation period for new websites. However, if the sandbox filter hits your website, it may be driven by the "competitive keywords" you are using on your website.. If your website is focusing on highly competitive keywords or phrases, you may likely remain in the sandbox for a longer period of time, than if you focus on relatively non-competitive keywords. (That is why that I suggest using keyword phrases and not compete with the big boys).
Do We Need The Sandbox?
In my opinion, yes. If though I am not fond of being in the sandbox, I know that there is good reasons for it's existence.
It exists because:
1. It helps curtail the workings of search engine spammers. In the beginning search engine spammers would setup websites that violated Google policies and rules. Their purpose was obvious. To make profits as quickly as possible before being banned by Google. Did it stop them. No. They would just create another website with a different domain and content.
How did Google solve the problem? With the sandbox filter, of course. They would still quickly index the websites, but they would launch their spam filters on the site over a period of time to make sure that the website passed all of their spam filters. Once they have passed all of the spam filters, the website will leave the sandbox and join the Internet community.
Getting Out Of The Sandbox
Since this is a right of passage to having a working website on the Internet, accept this as fact, and realize there is nothing you can do to get out of it. It will not be in your power to get out of the sandbox. Your best bet is wait, and continue to create quality content. Why, would you want to create more content? Because you will not be in the sandbox forever.
In fact, this is a good time, to tweak your content and continue to build inbound links. Why? It will improve the traffic levels once you are out of the sandbox.
You can sulk about being in the sandbox, and even threaten to quit. Don't quit, instead think of it as an induction into the Google community. Be patient, tweak, and continue to create content, and soon the sandbox filter will be behind you.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Google Tweaks a Piece of the Panda Algorithm
Google Tweaks a Piece of the Panda Algorithm
Another piece of the Panda Update took affect in February. As you may already know, Google has been busy making many changes through January to improve their "Freshness" within search. However, a new update, that increased their focus on the Panda algorithm with regards to freshness rolled out the beginning of February.
Google wanted the following to be instituted in the "Freshness Update":
1. Faster autocomplete.
2. Autocomplete spelling corrections
3. Better spelling full-page replacement
4. Better spelling corrections for rare queries
5. Improve detection of recurrent event pages
6. High-quality sites algorithm improvements
7. Cross-language refinements
8. English on Google Saudi Arabia
9. Improved scrolling for Image Search
10. More relevant related searches
11. Blending of news results
12. Automatically disable Google Instant based on computer speed
For a complete discussion of these January changes check out Google's Latest Algorithm Changes.
However, it was the "Freshness Update" or "the high-quality sites algorithm improvements " tweak took place the first week of February 2012.
The company so stated the recent Panda tweak:
1. Though I am glad that Google is trying to give fresh results when appropriate. However, I wonder if freshness equates to quality and relevance? Recently, in my own searches, I've noticed that I had to wander deeper into the search results to find something that is relevant and of some quality.
2. Is the "freshness update" a way to compete with Facebook, Twitter and the other social networks and to possibly improve Google+?
Bottom line for me is this, no manner what Panda hits you with, quality content that brings your readers back to your website and blog are still important. I find it a little exhausting trying to counter a Google move when it comes with the Google tweaks. I've decided, I'll repair where I can, but focus mainly on trying to improve my writing and giving my readers quality content.
If you can do more, I certainly would like to know about it.
Another piece of the Panda Update took affect in February. As you may already know, Google has been busy making many changes through January to improve their "Freshness" within search. However, a new update, that increased their focus on the Panda algorithm with regards to freshness rolled out the beginning of February.
Google wanted the following to be instituted in the "Freshness Update":
1. Faster autocomplete.
2. Autocomplete spelling corrections
3. Better spelling full-page replacement
4. Better spelling corrections for rare queries
5. Improve detection of recurrent event pages
6. High-quality sites algorithm improvements
7. Cross-language refinements
8. English on Google Saudi Arabia
9. Improved scrolling for Image Search
10. More relevant related searches
11. Blending of news results
12. Automatically disable Google Instant based on computer speed
For a complete discussion of these January changes check out Google's Latest Algorithm Changes.
However, it was the "Freshness Update" or "the high-quality sites algorithm improvements " tweak took place the first week of February 2012.
The company so stated the recent Panda tweak:
"High-quality sites algorithm improvements. [launch code names “PPtl” and “Stitch”, project codename “Panda”] In 2011, we launched the Panda algorithm change, targeted at finding more high-quality sites. We improved how Panda interacts with our indexing and ranking systems, making it more integrated into our pipelines. We also released a minor update to refresh the data for Panda."There are some questions I have in regards to the "Freshness Update":
1. Though I am glad that Google is trying to give fresh results when appropriate. However, I wonder if freshness equates to quality and relevance? Recently, in my own searches, I've noticed that I had to wander deeper into the search results to find something that is relevant and of some quality.
2. Is the "freshness update" a way to compete with Facebook, Twitter and the other social networks and to possibly improve Google+?
Bottom line for me is this, no manner what Panda hits you with, quality content that brings your readers back to your website and blog are still important. I find it a little exhausting trying to counter a Google move when it comes with the Google tweaks. I've decided, I'll repair where I can, but focus mainly on trying to improve my writing and giving my readers quality content.
If you can do more, I certainly would like to know about it.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Does Video Marketing Work?
Does Video Marketing Work?
Many people state that video marketing should be a part of your marketing strategy. But with all the work and equipment cost, is video marketing really worth the trouble?
From all indications, the answer is yes it is worth the trouble. For those individuals selling a product or service, they are able to explain and give samples. And, in many cases, it can help to keep an individual's attention a little longer, than someone having to skim through a long web page to get information. However, content should always be a supportive element to your video, if you have it on your blog or website. Why? There are still many who prefer the written word. I've read that some people would prefer to read, then look at the video.
In addition, if you have a video on a blog or website, the video can be be used to better market products or services to those that are already engaged or frequent your website.
Okay you have an idea of what videos can do for your business now comes some typical, but important questions.
What camera should I use? Do I need editing software? If so, what are some examples of software available.
Check out my article on Video or Webcast-Lets Do Some Video Marketing to learn more about how it can help your business and how to get started making your own videos.
Video or Webcast-Lets Do Some Video Marketing
You can market your website or product through either a video or a video webcast. Many newbies do not attempt video because of the cost. However, there is a solution for everyone. I’ll go into the benefits of videos, the equipment you will need for video,, how to market your video, as well as, a overview of doing an Internet webcast.
Benefits of Videos for Your Bottomline
Everyone that is trying to make money online is looking to find a way to reach their targeted audience. Some, I should say, many are looking to video to explain their product and service, and bring in more revenue. Thus, if you present a professional looking video, you can gain in many ways. Such as:
So, now that you know a little about the potential of video marketing, do you want to give it a shot? If so, you’ll need to get acquainted with the equipment you will need.
Video Marketing Equipment
If you decide to have a professional do your videos, then you have no worry about video equipment. However, many in the beginning do not have that luxury and will choose to self-produce.
Video camera- Instead of directing you to a specific camera I will give you some simple guidelines. Why? Because each individual has different skill levels and wants when creating a video.
First, realize that there are great cameras at any price range so how do you choose a camera. Look at your experience level. If you are efficient with a video camera, then a high-tech camera with all the bells and whistles may not be too much for you to handle. However, if you lack the experience in video it may be wise to look at buying a "point and shoot" camera or camcorder. Not sure? Here are some simple questions can you ask yourself before buying a high-end camera?
1. Do I know anything about lenses?
2. Do I know anything about aperture settings?
3. Do I know the importance of shutter speed?
If you're not sure, "point and click" is where you begin. Bottom line, known your skill level. By not being honest with yourself, you may have doomed yourself before you have even begun.
2. Take the time to do research. Amazon offers a lot of cameras and many reviews. Many of the reviews will give you an idea of what the camera or camcorder can do, and cannot do. I know you are probably groaning at this suggestion. Trust me; the groan will be three times as loud if you paid for a camera or camcorder that is not capable of doing what you want it too.
Other Video Issues
Though your equipment is a major issue in the beginning, once you have your camera in hand, there are still other issues to consider.
Audio-If you want audio, it would be wise to invest in a secondary audio device to capture sound. Why? In many cases, at least from my limited experience, I have found the sound not to be of the caliber it should be for a presentation to a large and varied group of people.
Lighting- We aware of your lighting before you shoot. You may not need professional lighting equipment, but at least be aware of the light around you, or you may have a video that
is in silhouette.
Content - No matter if it is written on a page or in a video, content is important. You will have wasted all of your hard work, if you do not have quality content to convey the message you want to deliver to your viewers.
Marketing Your Video
You may be asking yourself, “Where can I market my video? I don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment and find that I have no place to market my creation.” Here are some suggestions:
1. Host the video on your website-When hosting your video on your website, you already have individuals that know about you. This in essence, is your direct market strategy. (Make sure your website is capable of having video, or in some cases, streaming video. You will be surprised some websites are not capable or you may have to pay more for this service.
2. Host your video on YouTube, Vimeo and other video hosting sites. Here you are trying to pull in new visitors to your site. The important thing you have to do here is to pull in your "targeted" market. If you are getting eyes that are not your target market, you will be getting hits, but no sells.3. Once the video has been placed on the different video hosting sites, it's time to kick in the social media market. To create buzz you need to send out messages to other bloggers and through Twitter.
When you host your videos on video hosting sites do not forget the link back to your site. This quality backlink will get you more traffic.
Internet Webcast Basics
Creating a video webcast is a great solution for those just beginning to get their feet wet with video. Yes, you still will need to software and equipment, but it may not be as expensive. As I have alluded to above, it depends what you want to do with your video, and how you want to connect with customers. If you want to just create a webcast you will need to do the following:
1. You will need a webcam. Choosing the webcam is important. This means, you will need to get the best quality webcam you can afford. Why? You want a webcam that can produce a video that is not grainy.
2. You will need video editing software. Sometimes your operating system or webcam comes with video editing software. However, if this is not the case, you can choose from the following:
PC
MAC
3. Upload your video to a video hosting site like, YouTube or Vimeo, or any other chosen video site. However, if you are wanting to save a little money than chose YouTube or Vimeo. These sites are free.
4. Then you can market your webcast through social media, blogs or on your website.
Whether you decide to use a full-blown video or a beginning Internet webcast, they both, if done professionally, will get your marketing message in front of your targeted market.
Many people state that video marketing should be a part of your marketing strategy. But with all the work and equipment cost, is video marketing really worth the trouble?
From all indications, the answer is yes it is worth the trouble. For those individuals selling a product or service, they are able to explain and give samples. And, in many cases, it can help to keep an individual's attention a little longer, than someone having to skim through a long web page to get information. However, content should always be a supportive element to your video, if you have it on your blog or website. Why? There are still many who prefer the written word. I've read that some people would prefer to read, then look at the video.
In addition, if you have a video on a blog or website, the video can be be used to better market products or services to those that are already engaged or frequent your website.
Okay you have an idea of what videos can do for your business now comes some typical, but important questions.
What camera should I use? Do I need editing software? If so, what are some examples of software available.
Check out my article on Video or Webcast-Lets Do Some Video Marketing to learn more about how it can help your business and how to get started making your own videos.
Video or Webcast-Lets Do Some Video Marketing
You can market your website or product through either a video or a video webcast. Many newbies do not attempt video because of the cost. However, there is a solution for everyone. I’ll go into the benefits of videos, the equipment you will need for video,, how to market your video, as well as, a overview of doing an Internet webcast.
Benefits of Videos for Your Bottomline
Everyone that is trying to make money online is looking to find a way to reach their targeted audience. Some, I should say, many are looking to video to explain their product and service, and bring in more revenue. Thus, if you present a professional looking video, you can gain in many ways. Such as:
- Increased visibility of your website and product
- Increased sales and with it, increased number of visitors
- Greater Brand Awareness
- And if they like your video, increased backlinks
- Great Tool to presale offers
So, now that you know a little about the potential of video marketing, do you want to give it a shot? If so, you’ll need to get acquainted with the equipment you will need.
Video Marketing Equipment
If you decide to have a professional do your videos, then you have no worry about video equipment. However, many in the beginning do not have that luxury and will choose to self-produce.
Video camera- Instead of directing you to a specific camera I will give you some simple guidelines. Why? Because each individual has different skill levels and wants when creating a video.
First, realize that there are great cameras at any price range so how do you choose a camera. Look at your experience level. If you are efficient with a video camera, then a high-tech camera with all the bells and whistles may not be too much for you to handle. However, if you lack the experience in video it may be wise to look at buying a "point and shoot" camera or camcorder. Not sure? Here are some simple questions can you ask yourself before buying a high-end camera?
1. Do I know anything about lenses?
2. Do I know anything about aperture settings?
3. Do I know the importance of shutter speed?
If you're not sure, "point and click" is where you begin. Bottom line, known your skill level. By not being honest with yourself, you may have doomed yourself before you have even begun.
2. Take the time to do research. Amazon offers a lot of cameras and many reviews. Many of the reviews will give you an idea of what the camera or camcorder can do, and cannot do. I know you are probably groaning at this suggestion. Trust me; the groan will be three times as loud if you paid for a camera or camcorder that is not capable of doing what you want it too.
Other Video Issues
Though your equipment is a major issue in the beginning, once you have your camera in hand, there are still other issues to consider.
Audio-If you want audio, it would be wise to invest in a secondary audio device to capture sound. Why? In many cases, at least from my limited experience, I have found the sound not to be of the caliber it should be for a presentation to a large and varied group of people.
Lighting- We aware of your lighting before you shoot. You may not need professional lighting equipment, but at least be aware of the light around you, or you may have a video that
is in silhouette.
Content - No matter if it is written on a page or in a video, content is important. You will have wasted all of your hard work, if you do not have quality content to convey the message you want to deliver to your viewers.
Marketing Your Video
You may be asking yourself, “Where can I market my video? I don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment and find that I have no place to market my creation.” Here are some suggestions:
1. Host the video on your website-When hosting your video on your website, you already have individuals that know about you. This in essence, is your direct market strategy. (Make sure your website is capable of having video, or in some cases, streaming video. You will be surprised some websites are not capable or you may have to pay more for this service.
2. Host your video on YouTube, Vimeo and other video hosting sites. Here you are trying to pull in new visitors to your site. The important thing you have to do here is to pull in your "targeted" market. If you are getting eyes that are not your target market, you will be getting hits, but no sells.3. Once the video has been placed on the different video hosting sites, it's time to kick in the social media market. To create buzz you need to send out messages to other bloggers and through Twitter.
When you host your videos on video hosting sites do not forget the link back to your site. This quality backlink will get you more traffic.
Internet Webcast Basics
Creating a video webcast is a great solution for those just beginning to get their feet wet with video. Yes, you still will need to software and equipment, but it may not be as expensive. As I have alluded to above, it depends what you want to do with your video, and how you want to connect with customers. If you want to just create a webcast you will need to do the following:
1. You will need a webcam. Choosing the webcam is important. This means, you will need to get the best quality webcam you can afford. Why? You want a webcam that can produce a video that is not grainy.
2. You will need video editing software. Sometimes your operating system or webcam comes with video editing software. However, if this is not the case, you can choose from the following:
PC
- Roxio Creator
- Adobe Premier Pro
- Corel Video Studio
MAC
- iMovie
3. Upload your video to a video hosting site like, YouTube or Vimeo, or any other chosen video site. However, if you are wanting to save a little money than chose YouTube or Vimeo. These sites are free.
4. Then you can market your webcast through social media, blogs or on your website.
Whether you decide to use a full-blown video or a beginning Internet webcast, they both, if done professionally, will get your marketing message in front of your targeted market.
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