This is where SEO or search engine optimization comes in handy. Search engine optimization is preparing your web pages to be found by the search engines. This involves the way text is laid out on your page, images,the placement of text on the page, and the code behind your web page.

The beauty of this is that you can target specific words that people may use to find your product or service. If your page is optimized properly you when people search for your website you will be found for your product or service.

GOOD EXAMPLE OF SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
Let’s say we find out that the term “baby jordans” is a very popular term that could get a lot of traffic. This means a lot of people are searching for this term. When customers search for information on “baby Jordans” because they intend to buy a pair of baby Jordans, what they want to find is a page that is going to contain baby jordans, information about the shoes, and/or pricing and where it can be purchased from.

BAD EXAMPLE OF SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION
If the page comes up at the top because someone found out a lot of traffic went to this term, they optimized their page for this term but it is not what visitors are looking for, they may get a lot of hits on their website, but they will also have traffic that is of no value. This will result in “bounced” traffic – meaning they came to your website and your page wasn’t what they were looking for. For instance, this page could come up for baby jordans since the term is mentioned in this article, however it would not be relevant to what a searcher was looking for.

Make sure your page represents what it is really for. If you have a page with information on it about dogs, don’t get off on a tangent talking about your other pets if you have them.

How Long Does It Take To Get Found Online?

A lot of research needs to go into search engine optimization in order to get found online. Do you know what words people use to find your business on the web? You may be surprised to find that your customers refer to your product or service in a totally different way than you defined your product.

Do you know what competitors are doing on the web? Do you know whether or not anyone is looking for what you offer on the web? If no one is looking for what you offer, you have wasted time. Many people make the mistake of creating “widgets” and asking people to buy them. You first want to know whether or not anyone would want what you have to offer.

I consider myself to be somewhat of a well-rounded technical expert, but some technology I just don’t get into unless it makes sense to me or is practical.

To be honest, much of the technical advancements that are coming out are just a different spin on the same “old” technology. For instance, I was among the first to get good quality “streamed” video on the web. Rather than to pay a service, I still use those same techniques. Of course, I am a web developer and video producer. You would only know certain things if you followed technology over the years.

I learned how to use Microsoft Office 97 when it first came out. So then they came out with Office 2000, then 2003, then XP . . .

Because I’d learned Office 97 fairly well, I knew enough in it to do most of the advanced stuff and even some stuff they didn’t teach you how to do so when they came out with the new version, it offered some functions that were done manually to be easily mastered with the “click” of a button. Now users with average intelligence and skill who could have mastered the same task if they’d only taken the time to max out the features of their previous product are “goo-goo – ga-ga” for the new features. Newer does not always equate to better. I have seen it over and over especially in the area of software.

Secret #1: YOU DON’T HAVE TO UPGRADE YOUR SOFTWARE EACH TIME A NEW VERSION COMES OUT
When you buy a newer version of a software, you are buying it because of the additional features it offers. It’s not mandatory to upgrade every time a new software upgrade comes out. The question to ask yourself, “Does the new upgrade have features I will need or will my current version satisfy requirements I have?” I used a laptop containing a Windows 95 Operating System up until 2006. I didn’t use it for everything. I used it as a development (test) PC. I trained on it. It worked perfectly for every function I used it for. The only reason I don’t use that PC anymore is because I let a friend borrow it.

I use a laptop with an XP Operating system and I use Flash version 6 to develop with.  I am just now thinking of upgrading and that is because the new version of Flash has some additional capabilities that I need. I say, if the software you use does everything you need it to do and is compatible with your current Operating System, then there is no need to upgrade. Don’t fear not upgrading to the next version. You can skip versions. Many times the prior versions work better.

Secret #2: A REFURBISHED COMPUTER IS JUST LIKE A NEW COMPUTER
I purchased a refurbished computer several years ago for $200. Buying a used PC is not like buying a used car. The PC I bought is a Pentium III, for those of you who are familiar with PC versions. A version is a model. A “Pentium” processor describes who makes the PC or the processor. The type of processor describes how fast the PC is. A Pentium processor is pretty fast. Processors process information and each processor is so named based on it’s speed performance. So when you buy a PC make sure to find out what kind of processor it has. The processor has to do with speed.  It will affect how long the PC will hold last.

Now, to get a little more technical… An Intel Celeron processor (intel is the brand – celeron is the type) is inferior to the Pentium processor. Don’t get me wrong. It is sufficient for the average consumer’s use and even many business uses. Now back to the Pentium III that I purchased years ago. I am still using it today. I’ve refurbished (wiped it clean) it at least 3 times, whereas the average person would have purchased a new PC if they experienced the problems I encountered.

Most issues with your PC can be resolved by wiping your computer completely clean when all other efforts to restore your PC are exhausted. Wiping off a PC clears up most viruses and spyware that may have compromised your system. In fact, wiping your PC clean is the only way to get rid of those issues.

If you have a restore CD that came with your PC. Just insert the CD and select the option that allows you to delete all content on your hard drive. But first, be sure to save any files on your PC that you want to keep because it will wipe everything off.

The only down side is if you save a lot of files to your PC, like photos & documents, etc. it will take a while to back up those items. Also if you have a lot of software, you have to reinstall each one. In rare cases it will involve a little more than using the “Restore CD.” This is where you will need the help of a professional.

Secret #3: DON’T BUY NEW PARTS FOR YOUR PC
I don’t recommend buying parts for a PC to fix it unless it is memory, because for the price you pay for parts and labor could end up costing you just as much as purchasing a new PC. You can now purchase new laptops for under $300.

Secret #4: LAST AND FINAL SECRET.
A Blog is the next best thing to owning your own web site.  You can use a blog in lieu of a web site until you are able to afford your own web space. Some blogs like WordPress.com are free and you just purchase your “DOMAIN” name (web site name) so that you have your own dot com. A Domain name costs approximately $10/year to register.

You create a new blog and point your domain name (your.com). There are design templates that come with the blog that are easy to customize. You can sell products or services via your blog, add video and music and once you point your domain to it, no one will ever know it is not your own web space. For writers, this is the perfect thing, because you don’t have to know HTML or web programming and you just log in and begin writing and click “publish” to post your entry for the day. There are limitations though. Free doesn’t always equate to the best bargain. Visit my section on web design for more information.  The only difference is that you don’t own it.  You own the name, but not the site and if you ever want to do more than what is available, you will need to move all your stuff.

Your own web space and domain gives you more control.

Many choose to host their own blog and have it designed around their company logo and brand to maintain their company look and feel.  It also allows for easy update and from anywhere without having to depend on the main computer I use to develop web sites.

I share more about blogs in another article on the difference between a blog and a website.

We have mobile apps internship opportunities for the right candidates interested in mobile design and development.  This is a great opportunity to get involved in from start to finish on a mobile app and learn what it takes to become a published developer.  Some training will be provided to the right candidate.

Length of Internship: 6 Months

You have:

• Knowledge of HTML4 and/or HTML5, CSS, JavaScript or frameworks like jQuery
• Flash CS3 or higher experience
  
• Java, C, or other Programming Language (basic understanding)
  
• Extensive knowledge of mobile app features & functionality
• Any scripting language (Actionscript, DOS, Unix, etc.)
• Portfolio of design projects you’ve worked on
• Website Design using WordPress or other CMS platform
  

You can:

• Orient yourself in existing codebases, both custom and open source
• Write code that is portable, reliable and clean
• Understand source control and version management using Subversion
• Work alone or in a team environment
• Meet regularly with the team to discuss projects

You are:

• Deeply interested in emerging web technologies
• Forward-thinking
• A strong communicator
• Good at time management
• Fanatical in your attention to detail

Compensation:

• Possible freelance work upon completion of internship, full-time work upon completion of education
• Possible stipend upon funding of projects
• Name Credits on a published application to build your portfolio

Send an email to rk [at] letstalkproductions

Step 2 to knowing how to have a good blog . . . Write good content.

To have a great blog will not come without time and patience.  Before that, though, you will at least need to be able to write or hire someone to write for you.  Content is very important.  It is what people search the web for.  Think about it.  When you do a search on the web, what are you looking for?  Chances are, you are looking for some type of information or entertainment.  People search the web when they want to buy something, but generally, it is the information people are looking for when they do any kind of search on the web.

Good content will build a reader’s trust in your website.  It will also keep them coming back so they can get more good information.

If I have done my homework, then I have written enough articles on this website to keep you coming back for a while.  If I want you to keep coming back, I have to keep giving you more of what you are looking for.  It is the same thing you will have to do with your customer base.

Tell your customers things that will help them relative to your product or service.  On this blog, I tell people how to improve their website.  In fact, I even created a free ebook entitled Six ways you to improve your website right now.

You can sign up on my email list to get regular updates, coupons, and other goodies.  If you like this site, like me on Facebook or share my pages with others.

I am a Tech pro! and my email was compromised. Fortunately it was an email address that I haven’t used and not many people have that email address. When someone hacks your email, they are using your email to send SPAM messages all over the internet.  It usually goes to people in your contact list.  Usually changing the password will stop all access and you will be fine to use your email again.

Here is an article I found on what to do if you believe your email address has been hacked into. It’s for AOL but you can do the same thing with whoever your internet provider, webmaster, or email service is.

Click this link for instructions on recovering your email.

Additional Tips To Protect Your Email From SPAM

Above we talked about your email being hacked and your account is being used to send SPAM.  But here is how to protect your email from receiving SPAM.   That means you are getting unwanted email in your in box.

• Change your password regularly, at least every 60 days.

• Set up a “junk” email account to give to people you are unsure about.

• Set up a business email that you give out for professional reasons only.

• Set up an email that you only give family and close friends.

• Never leave your computer unlocked when you leave your desk

I started designing web sites in 1998 and have watched the technologies change. I knew nothing about SEO (search engine optimization) and even if I did, that knowledge would not matter today because of technology changes.

While it did not start out that way, blogs are now designed to help build traffic to your web sites.

• You write good content and your readers keep coming back.
• You write content relative to what people are searching about and people can find you on the web where you sell your goods or services.
• A blog helps you build your professional reputation as an expert in your field

That’s why you need a blog.  Of course, the knowledge you have must be valid and it should be stuff you actually know and can prove and can answer questions about if your readers ask.

The more I saw the hype about blogs, the more I had to have one. The only problem is, I am a designer, a creative . . . and you know we pride ourselves on what “we” can do ourselves. So I created my own blog from scratch using HTML and a few other design tools. It looked really good, but it was a lot of work. I later decided that it is not the design features I’m after; it’s the functionality. Although could create a blog from scratch, why would I want to do that if there is an easier way to do it? Programmers don’t write all programs from scratch, they use “modules” that they can reuse over and over to perform a specific function in a program.

A blog is easy (relatively speaking) to set up. Sure – because I am a designer and I know the code, I can customize and tweak some of the features to get what I want out of blog creation systems. It just makes my life easier as a designer and allows me to offer better service to my clients. I can create a web site for them and develop a blog for them which will allow them control over content without me having to give them access to certain parts of the site and compromise their site design. As a designer, I can incorporate their own custom design into the blog or use a template and customize a compatible look and feel. I designed my web site from scratch and found a blog template that would work for me until I have the time to “design” the blog around my web site’s look and feel. You’ll have to keep coming back to see what I end up doing with my blog.

Since I want to communicate with customers, I use a blog. And that’s the reason why you should have a blog. Create a blog because you want to regularly communicate with your customers. You can have a blog to promote goods or services your company is selling. Educate your clients about purchases they make from you or about services that may be made available to them in the future. A blog is personal. It allows you to put yourself in front of the customer. Since they can’t see you face to face, it’s the next best thing to them coming to your store.

A blog enables you to place valuable information about your product or services on the web without having to bother (It’s no bother – you pay us!) your web master all the time. In fact, we would rather give you this control so that we can focus on the larger tasks.

After all, who better to promote your product or service than you? Later we will talk about what all you can do in a blog. Until then, do your homework below. Feel free to post questions.

How To Have A Blog

HOMEWORK:

Check out some blogs – Earthclinic, a photo blog, and a business blog on real estate.

Set up a free blog at Blogger.com and begin to play with it. Don’t worry about content. Write about anything. Make it your online journal or make it relevant to your site. You just want to get the feel of it. (See a 2 minute video below on how to set it up)

There has been so much hype about social media that we overlook many of the social media problems that exist.

Social Media Isn’t Private

I don’t want to scare you away from using Social Media. You just have to be smart and you just have to be aware. Social Media grants the ability to track what you do on the net. You sign up for an account, you use your real name. You sign up for another account, you use your real name and maybe some other information that identifies you. Before you know it your information is all over the internet because little by little information is connected together using your email addresses and other private profile information you give them.

Here’s My Scenario: I was doing a search for something on the web and landed on a page that contained the information I wanted. I liked the information on the page and decided to share it on Facebook using a button available on the page. I clicked the button to share using Facebook, added my comment and clicked share it closed out the window.

No problem right? Wrong. Little did I know that even though the window closed out after I finished my post, I was still logged in. Facebook was tracking my every move! I started seeing Facebook buttons throughout the remainder of my time on the internet with the “Like” button already checked and all I had to do was inadvertently (accidentally) click the “submit” button.  It only shows on sites that have the Social Media Plugin installed.

I thought perhaps that this is something new Google had done but after a few times, I decided to check my Facebook login status. “Lo and Behold,” I was already logged in. This is how you can be tracked on the internet.

This happens with your cell phone as well. When you log into Facebook, you stay logged in by default. This is not just with Facebook but any social media… chat, etc.  With cell phones, you have location services that track you.  However you can enable or disable location sharing features on your phone.

How To Stay Private

When you log into social media account, be sure you log off after you are done. Only give information you don’t mind everyone having using social media. Don’t pass private notes, don’t put your phone number, or an email address that you don’t want the world to know about. This is different for businesses, because they want the world to know about them. If you want a professional Facebook account, consider setting up a Facebook Fan page instead of using a personal account.

Social Media is good for a lot of business reasons. It is a great way to Network and share information. As long as we remember that it is what it is, a “network” we will know how to act accordingly.

With all the clutter, it can be frustrating sometimes when you are looking for a specific item and everything comes up except what you want. The secret to searching the web is to be specific. If you are searching for music lessons, be specific about what type of music lessons and where. For example, use terms like: “Private Saxophone lessons in Dallas, TX or “Dinner on a budget.” It makes your search results more relevant or specific if you enclose it in ‘Quotation Marks.” This way you don’t get a lot of results with stuff you don’t want.

I remember when Amazon used to come up in every search result: “find books about . . .”whatever you searched for.” They would show up at the very top or on the right side of the page.

The results that come up on the side and at the very top are paid search results. Those results may or may not be relevant but they contained key words close to what you typed in.

In a nutshell, the more specific you can be about what you are searching for, the easier it is to find what you want. When you type in a search phrase, search engines look for web pages that contain the closest match of information or “text” in the pages to what you want. Search engines don’t read pictures, they read words.

With that said, when searching the web, it helps to know how something might be referenced. A photographer friend of mine was looking for the cardboard photo frames to use to enclose 4 x 6 photos in for his customers. He didn’t know how to find them because he didn’t know what they were called so I suggested he use the term “paper photo frames” and it pulled what he was looking for right up. So be specific and you will find what you are looking for.

Until next time, that’s your lesson on searching the web.

Video Tutorial for searching the web

If you have a website and you want to improve your website, you don’t have to wait until you can afford professional help. You can download my free ebook loaded with information and begin implementing 6 strategies that are guaranteed to improve your website.

Just enter your email address to access the information right now.

Instead of using a personal Facebook account, you can set up a Facebook Fan Page, also known as a Facebook Business page.  It is very easy to do.  Instructions are provided below, but first here are the advantages of creating a Facebook page for your business.

• You can post video, photos, and links to your website
• You can interact with your customers via your Facebook page
• You can post coupons that customers can download and print out
• You can hold contests
• You can schedule events and invite people to them
• Take advantage of traffic that is already there

Are you starting to get the picture of how valuable a Facebook page can be?

To Create A Facebook Page

1. Go To http://www.facebook.com/Createapage

after watching the video: