Posts Tagged ‘Business’

I enjoy reading many local Utah business blogs. Here’s a list of the ones I’d recommend. Feel free to add yours in the comments and I’ll add it to the list when I find the time.

Paul Allen’s Blog - Actually, I’ve been reading this one for some time. Paul has a history of success and continues to start new ventures.
Cameron Moll - Marketing guru
Phil Windley - Former CIO of Utah
added 12/8/2005 UtahTechJobs.com - Utah tech recruiter blog.
added 12/20/2005 Jona’s Blog - Yeah, work from home John Jonas…that’s me.
added 12/23/2005 Smooth Harold - “Swing for the fences”
added 1/5/2006 Jimmy Zimmerman - Tech & biz blog
added 4/6/2006 Jeff Jordan - COO of FundingUniverse.com
added 4/6/2006 Jordan Gunderson - member of the Provo Labs team
added 4/6/2006 Ryan Money - Money talks
added 2/19/2007 Janet with Affiliate Flash
added 2/19/2007 Michael Eagar
added 2/19/2007 Joshua Steimle from MWI. Josh has another great blog on SEO called The Organic SEO

*If any of the above come across this site I’d be happy to allow a link to AlexMcArthur.com on your site. Really. Please!

I picked up Web Analytics Demystified by Eric Peterson the other day. This book came highly recommended and although I have not yet completed it, I strongly advise it to anyone interested in the field. I believe web analytics is a field that is mistakenly overlooked by small and mid-sized companies. Many businesses pay big bucks for search engine marketing. However, they have no plan once a visitor has entered the site. MidScape has recenly added web analytics services and can improve your ROI success.

*More to come on web analytics as I come across topics of interest.

Within the past year I acquired the domain SwapWay.com. I just happened to come across it and liked it’s potential so I grabbed it. The name gives the impression of some sort of trading site so at the moment I am comtemplating that. However, I am open to any ideas. Do you have anything in mind?

Name Recognition:
I have come across numerous trading sites in my searches, but there are none marketed well enough to dominate the market (*Maybe this is a clue that there is no market whatsoever). Personally, I think SwapWay is a marketable name that is easily remembered. Would you disagree? If so, why?

The Marketplace:
Honestly, I have just begun to look into the trading market so my knowledge is limited. I don’t know how many people would be willing to trade online rather than sell items on ebay. Would you ever trade an item online?

Profit:
Presently, I imagine SwapWay’s business model focused on advertisments and add on features such as pictures showing the product or priority placement. The standard listings themselves would be free. I think it is fair to say that the vast majority of successful online ventures offer free services to appeal to the masses and keep them coming back.

Yes, I’m just babbling as I’m building this plan from scratch and at the moment have no direction. Any comments would be much appreciated.

Search engine marketing has continued to be a hot topic over the past few years and won’t be slowing anytime soon. I come across tips and discussions constantly on page rank, reciprocal links, and back link strategies. What does it all mean and what should be given precedence?

SEO Misunderstandings

1. I’ve improved my search engine results and now I can call it a day. Wrong. If you are committed to remaining at the top it is a never ending process. Internet marketing practices must be ever present in your plans for a successful online presence. This means monies should be allocated to your businesses budget and resources/employees assigned to the task.
2. I can work the system with unapproved techniques. Wrong again. Yes, I’ll admit there are some minds out there that are able to crack the system successfully. You, however, are not one of them. You may be bright. You may even know of a proven black hat technique, but is it really worth it? Your business ethics will reflect upon your continued success and scars are very difficult to remove. Also, the threat of being banned from search engines altogether is real. Just stay away from link farms, spamming, etc.

Practical SEO Techniques

1. What are the search engine results above you doing to stay ahead? Take a look at the source code of your competitors. Do they have specifice keywords spread more prevalently through their content? How many link backs do they have compared to your site? This research is extremely valuable as they are doing something more effectively than you.
2. Submit to every directory you come across.
3. Place your link on websites found in the same category of search engine directories.
4. Choose your domain name wisely. This actually does not pull as much weight as many think so don’t stress too heavily. Your content and back links are much more important.
5. Add fresh content frequently. This is key to your positioning. Update news on your industry or new clients. You get the idea.
6. Don’t give up. Your results will improve with your continued effort.

Contact MidScape in the Utah area if you are looking for professional SEM services. Sorry, I’m forced to solicit our services at any opportunity. The SiteManagement package includes search engine marketing management.