Several managers from IMI will be in Las Vegas this week for Pubcon, a large internet marketing show. There is a poker tournament on Thursday night at The Mirage and our President Brandon Fishman will be playing.  Any winnings from this event will go towards The Naval Special Warfare Foundation which provides financial support to the families and children of SEALs killed or injured in combat.  Recently we lost several of our Navy SEAL heroes:

On 13 SEP LT Dan Cnossen lost both legs below the knees when he stepped on an IED during a combat operation in Afghanistan.  He is at Bethesda Naval Hospital undergoing treatment for his wounds.  You can learn more at his website.

On 24 SEP Ryan Jobe a SEAL who last eyesight in both eyes when he was wounded in Iraq in 2006 underwent a major operation that unfortunately resulted in a complication that caused him to lose his life.  Since he was wounded Ryan had been a spokesman for the NSW community.  His wife is pregnant with their first child.

For more information on this charity, go to the website here:   http://www.nswfoundation.org/

For more info on the Pubcon Poker tournament  http://www.purposeinc.com/pwp/2009/11/02/poker-tourney-blog-to-register

Google Webmaster Tools have launched some new features. One of the most relevant tools for SEO’s, marketers, and website developers is called Fetch as Googlebot (in the “Labs” section). This tools allows you to chose any URL on a given website and run a test to see what Google sees when it requests that URL from your server. 

For example, if you want to test a home page or new page on your website you can use this tool to obtain the exact HTTP responses that Google receives from your server.  Simply paste the URL into the tool and click “Fetch”.  You will then receive a report showing the page code. 

So how is this different than just viewing the source code?  This tools shows you specific HTTP header info that is no contained in the source code because it comes from the server, not the page.  This allows you to find potential discrepancies in what the server is showing and how the page is coded. 

The Fetch as Googlebot tool is great for:

• Find discepancies in how the page is coded and what the server shows to Google when it requests a page (URL)
• Finding bugs that may exist in the site
• Testing 301 redirects
• Testing the site for potential “hacking”
• Ensuring that your SEO strategy is consistant for page code and how the server is showing Google

As we all know, link building is the bulk of true SEO and one of the most important aspects for authority in Google’s eyes.  There have been many common practices for building link popularity over the years such as directory submissions, sending out optimized press releases, blog and forum posts with links, paid links, etc.  Most of these are a good support element but won’t take your SEO to the next level.  True link building takes time and real effort because it starts with developing great content, being involved in respected organizations, and attending events.  These five tips require more time and work, but will result in “real” links that will improve your search engine optimization strategies.

1. Develop Great Content – This can come in the form of articles, white papers, blogs, or videos.  The point is that it needs to be compelling and informative enough for people to share and distribute it.
2. Distribute Your Content – This is where social media can come into play.  Having good content is one thing but unless you already have a ton of traffic, you need to proactively get it out there.  It is recommended to have a blog and submit it to blog directories.  Utilized social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to distribute content.  If you have videos, get them on YouTube.  Use a “Share This” social media tool bar to allow people to easily submit content to sites like Digg and Technorati.
3. Leverage Your Partnerships and Associations – Link building can have a bit of business development involved so you need to get out there and lobby for some links.  For example, ask for a link on websites of companies that you have business relationships with.  It is optimal to have this on a page with a decent PR and have some supporting content.  If you are involved in any trade associations, ask if they offer links to the companies involved.  Attend trade shows and speak on panels.  Most of the time there are interviews and videos that you can leverage to gain some extra link juice. 
4. Offer FREE Services – You can discount your services or do some FREE consulting in exchange for a good link.  Depending on the value you provide its not much to ask for and costs the partner nothing.
5. Being Involved in Your Community – This strategy can be executed in many different ways.  Your company should get involved in charities, attend events, etc.  You could also throw a cocktail party and give a FREE seminar about Internet Marketing or Legal Advice for example.  Ask the attendies to blog about it of they feel compelled to.  Make sure not to forget the link!

Last Thursday, on 10/15, Internet Marketing Inc.’s New York City office hosted a “Cocktails and Conversations” event for industry insiders, clients and friends.  More than 60 attendees enjoyed wine, hors d’oeuvres, and a quirky presentation by seasoned sales expert, Lisbeth Calandrino, who recently released a new book called “Red Hot Customer Service.”  The event was scheduled to end around 8 p.m., but the last slew of guests didn’t actually leave until after 10 p.m.  If that isn’t a metric of a success, I’m not sure what is!

For those who missed out, check out our video presentation below AND stayed tuned in for next time!

Many thanks to our fabulous speaker and generous sponsor, Select Office Suites.

For more information, please view Lisbeth Calandrino’s blog.

Internet Marketing Inc., a San Diego based Internet marketing agency, recently announced the launch of their new website.  The company has experienced immense growth during 2009, has hired new talent, and expanded their suite of online marketing and consulting services. 

“The new website is designed to primarily be a resource for our customers, potential clients, industry professionals, and people interested in learning more about Internet marketing strategies.  Over 95% of the website is made up of informative blog articles and videos covering everything from search engine optimization and social media, to mobile search and Facebook applications,” says President and co-owner Brandon Fishman. 

The company has also been aggressively pursuing their own social media strategies by actively engaging their audiences on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.  “The best way to constantly be learning and improving your capabilities as a service provider, is to be actively involved in using these strategies for your own business,” says Managing Director Myles Vives. 

Internet Marketing Inc. offers services such as website design and development, search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click (PPC), social media marketing, and email marketing.  Over the past nine months the Internet marketing company has expanded their services to include software development in the areas of social media applications and mobile widgets, media buying, and behavioral targeting.  To support their growth the company has hired new directors and project managers in each of their core service divisions.  The company has also opened new office locations in Las Vegas, New York, and Miami.

“We attribute the growth to strong management, our highly experienced team, and great strategic partners such as EAG Group, Trimention Advertising, and Avaya.  Prior to re-entering the business world, which I temporarily left to serve in the military, I spent five years as  Navy SEAL.  I wanted to reflect the experiences I gained through combat in Iraq in the company’s management style and corporate culture.  Our team is taught to be proactive, dynamic, hard working, and selfless in their actions,” says Brent Gleeson, CEO and co-owner.

About Internet Marketing Inc. 

The company founded by Brandon Fishman and Brent Gleeson, is a full scale interactive agency and consulting firm.  The company specializes in services such as search engine optimization, pay per click management, and website design.  Internet Marketing Inc. has current clients such as Hilton Hotels, Road Runner Sports, the US Army, Oceania Cruises, and Lincoln Property Company. 

The team at Internet Marketing Inc. is unique in the fact that all senior management positions hold graduate level degrees and even some of the Project Managers have MBAs.  The directors hold various professional certifications in their areas of expertise and some are accredited speakers presenting at popular trade shows such as the Search Marketing Expo and PubCon.  CEO, Brent Gleeson is a speaker for Vistage International and teaches other CEO’s and business owners how to effectively use Internet marketing strategies to grow their businesses.  Their mission is to translate decades of combined Internet and business experience into results driven  marketing solutions for clients large and small.
Internet Marketing Inc. believes in giving back to the community and is actively involved in charitable organizations such as the Naval Special Warfare Foundation which provides financial support for the families of Navy SEALs killed in combat and the breast cancer awareness charity Jacob International.  The company also provides free interactive services for other non-profits and charities.

Internet Marketing and Mobile Marketing are making giant leaps forward each year as our technology grows.  At the current Taiwan International Invention Show, a new cell phone is displayed on the right with a hologram displayed above it. This is the future if I have ever seen it. This was shown at the HoloAD booth.  Other countries already have video conferencing on their cell phones and Asia is a good 5 years ahead of the US with their cell phone technology because their networks are better. It will be interesting to see what new products we see in the states as carriers roll out their 4G networks this year.  Could you imagine your mother calling you and all of a sudden a hologram of her pops out of your phone.  This is what I thought the future would be when I used to watch the Jetsons as a kid.  Very cool stuff.  Could we possibly replace text messaging with hologram marketing. Anything seems possible now.

Marketing is a very important and specialized element to growing a business and differentiating yourself from the competition.  I didn’t used to think so.  My background is originally in finance.  I used to think marketing was just some common sense piece of the puzzle that any intern could handle.  Boy was I wrong.  Much of the “wisdom” I now have comes from making mistakes and following the wrong instincts. 

Being in the Internet Marketing business, I have also spent time analyzing other companies and reviewing their internal strategies from the outside looking in.  This exercise has lead me to gain a more keen understanding of how some of the seemingly “best” mid to large size companies out there completely miss the mark when it comes to marketing.  Here are some basic things that business owners should avoid:

The Good Old Marketing Fallback:  Maybe you used a specific marketing strategy 5 to 10 years ago and it worked very well to drive leads and sales.  Maybe you haven’t even really used “marketing” in years because times have been great and all your business comes to you.  But now times are tough and you realize you need to reach out to your customers more.  Their behavior seems different.  They are price comparing and actually seeking opportunties outside of your brand.  Looks like its time to turn on the marketing again, right? 

In this situation, business owners often revert back to the same strategy they used years ago.  Just because direct mail and billboards did wonders 10 years ago does not mean that you should use the same marketing plan.  Design a plan that will define and address immediate business goals.  If you do not have the in-house expertise to put this together, seek advice from colleagues that have a more current marketing plan to see whats working.  Doing a competitive analysis will also give you great insight into what others are doing to drive new business.  Don’t however make the mistake of assuming your competition is getting it right either.

Branding and Creating “Awareness”:  I have seen some business owners who seem satisfied with their marketing plan because THEY see their ads and assume everyone else is seeing them too.  Not only do they assume that others take notice but they assume that others are responsive to the message.  This can be referred to as “ego” driven marketing.  A business owner should never assume their big billboard ads and fancy print ads are channeling new business.  This was easier to get away with in a good economy.  Owners did not scrutinize marketing dollars as much and therefore assumed their expensive print ads had something to do with their sales.  Maybe they did, but maybe not…how would they know.  How can you truly measure an ad campaign like that? 

As business owners wise up and move away from startegies that are not measurable, they seek more cost effective methods that can be supported by true analytics.  Enter Internet marketing and online media.  Marketing is much more that creative brand awareness.  Your loyal customers are most likely aware of your competition, but something called them to choose you and something is keeping them loyal to your brand.  Do you know what that is?  You are doing something right, just make sure you know what it is and how to translate that into a marketing plan.

Push Advertising:  Push advertising and messaging is alright as long as it is combined with true inbound marketing.  Inbound marketing, or better yet, inbound Internet marketing, is about getting your prospective customers to come to you.  Consumers are constantly expsoed to media of all kinds and therefore we must stay on top of the methods that are curently working to engage people and build trust. 

Consumer behavior has changed in large part to the economic conditions.  People want to trust the brands they surround themsleves with.  They want transparency and honesty.  They don’t want to just hear your pitch anymore.  They will seek out the truth by asking their peers, going to their online social networks, or looking at rating and review sites.  Great online inbound marketing starts with SEO, blogging and social media.  These elements build online visibility and better yet trust among your audience.

Hiring a Consultant too Soon:  It is common for large brands to have a full inhouce marketing team.  But is the team really on the same page and using the same strategy?  Big companies will sometimes have an Internet marketing team, a PR team, and content team, and a general marketing team.  It is quite common for the PR team to have no idea what the Internet marketing team is doing.  When things are disjointed like this, it is best to put an internal communication plan together before bringing in an outside consultant.  This will ensure that there is a team working towards the same goal when new marketing plans are put in place. 

Planning without Analyzing:  There is no point in putting a plan together that will most likely cost you a lot of money if you haven’t really analyzed the problems.  Business owners need to define the true goals behind what they are trying to accomplish because it will affect how a great Internet marketing strategy is built.  For example, search engine optimization isn’t just about going after keywords you think are relevant to your industry or terms you see your competition showing up for.  It takes many factors into account that include basic marketing, customer behavior, competition, business goals, financial goals, conversions, etc.  Spend the appropriate time analyzing the situation before design the marketing plan.  It will save you money in the long run.

This video is the first in a regular series of SEO segments from our All Things Online video blog. Internet Marketing Inc. SEO Director Michael Martin gives an update about the Search Marketing Expo (SMX East) next week in New York where he will be speaking about Mobile search applications.

As some of you may know, I used to serve as a Navy SEAL.  Now that my responsibilities have taken me on to other projects, we feel called to serve the Naval Special Warfare Foundation which provides financial support to the families and children of SEALs killed or injured in combat. 

Each year, in conjunction with the Navy SEAL warrior fund, we hold two major fundraising events.  The next event coming up is our annual fundraiser at Dick’s Last Resort in downtown San Diego.  The event is open anyone and is attened by active duty SEALs as well as veterans. 

Our friends at Dick’s Last Resort have confirmed that they will once again host an NSWF fund raising event this year.  The date is 19 NOV.  The NSWF provided our active duty force $900,000 in support last year.  We raised $70,000 at our event at Dick’s in 2008.  With everyone’s support we hope that we can once again raise a large sum to help support our troops and their families.  We will have the usual raffle and live auction with tons of great prizes!

I have some bad news to report.  We had two recent tragedies:

On 13 SEP LT Dan Cnossen lost both legs below the knees when he stepped on an IED during a combat operation in Afghanistan.  He is at Bethesda Naval Hospital undergoing treatment for his wounds.  You can learn more at his website.

On 24 SEP Ryan Jobe a SEAL who last eyesight in both eyes when he was wounded in Iraq in 2006 underwent a major operation that unfortunately resulted in a complication that caused him to lose his life.  Since he was wounded Ryan had been a spokesman for the NSW community.  His wife is pregnant with their first child.

I want to thank all of you once again for the tremendous support you have provided the NSWF during the past several years.  I know that this year’s event at Dick’s will be both a success and a lot of fun for everyone who attends.  Mark your calendars!

Here is another great Internet marketing video blog episode of  ”All Things Online” by Ceci and Yashar. Check it out!  The video includes topics on Internet marketing, Bing, Twitter, and Yahoo.