Many people took time out of their day yesterday to take action against the passing of two proposed bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property  Act (PIPA). An astounding 4.5 million people signed Google’s Anti-SOPA petition, according to the LA Times. Eighteen senators pulled back their position on PIPA, including Senator Marco Rubio (co-sponsor from Florida), and SOPA co-sponsor Arizona rep. Ben Quayle also changed his stance to opposing the bill on Tuesday.

The goal of these bills is to censor your web browsing which would also potentially impose damaging effects on American business and even our very own Internet Marketing Inc. All of you last minute paper writing college students must be in for a tough week because Wikipedia is officially blacked out in an attempt to dislodge the bills from being accepted. Wikipedia is allowing you to raise awareness by putting up a fancy box that allows you to input your zip code and let your voice be heard. After submitting your zip code, information of your district officials allows you to contact them. Feel free to drop them a line, express your concern and give them your opinion on censoring your rights.

Now there is always two sides to the story. Google understands that combatting piracy is vital, but, “the most effective way to shut down pirate websites is through targeted legislation that cuts off their funding. There’s no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the Internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive, creating millions of U.S. jobs.” Also joining in is Mozilla as they changed their default home page from a blank white background to black.

What are your feelings as to how citizens have reacted to this attempt at censoring your web searches?

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) has recently attempted and continues to attempt to persuade the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to cancel their plans to add up to 1,000 new generic top-level domains or TLDs.  A TLD is the address to the right of the dot toward the end of your URL, such as .gov, .com, or .net. ICANN’s new proposal would allow for the introduction of any kind of TLD, including brand names or different business sectors like .coke or .soda.

IAB argues that the addition of new TLDs will be a major change and not something to be rushed into. Randall Rothenberg, CEO and president of the IAB, stated that, “ICANN’s potentially momentous change seems to have been made in a top-down star chamber. There appears to have been no economic impact research, no full and open stakeholder discussions, and little concern for the delicate balance of the Internet ecosystem.” But, if one did want to register their brand name as a TLD, it would cost approximately $184,000. Large brand name TLDs such as .coke, .cnn, or .facebook will be costly for advertisers and publishers, while “cyber squatters” might also see this as an opportunity to profiting from someone else’s domain registration.

Each generic top-level TLD is predicted to see problems with other trademark-infringing domain names, so the effort to protect a second-level domain name could prove costly. Currently ICANN is still following through with their original plans despite backlash from IAB. Although ICANN opposition is stating new TLDs will cause problems for reputable brand names, on the positive-side ICANN has released that current and future registrars will benefit from this plan by having a larger inventory of names to sell.

Google is always taking steps to distance themselves from other competitors. Google Chrome was developed with the goal to outrank Internet Explorer as the leading web browser, but over time Internet Explorer has kept its popularity and its number one rank as the leading web browser. Microsoft’s Internet Explorer has been and continues to be to be a major benefit for Microsoft and an edge over Google.

Google’s use of Apple’s Safari, Firefox, and Google Chrome combined consists of approximately 48% of all web browser usage, while IE takes the remaining 52%. According to an updated report by Chitika, a company that provides data analysis, 75% of Bing’s traffic is a result from IE users, while only 40% of visitors to Google Search use IE.  Although Microsoft could use Internet Explorer as a weapon against Google, it would not prove beneficial considering they would lose that fraction of web surfers who visit and utilize Google Search. But if Microsoft did ever decided to lockout Google, it would definitely hurt Google a lot more than Microsoft.

People might think that Bing is doing so well because it’s the default search engine for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, but that’s actually not the case. Computer manufacturers typically set up most default browsers themselves, based on who invests the most in buying default browser positioning. Google has been aggressive in this area up until around 2008 when Microsoft took over and led most of the remaining deals. But browser positioning is only one of Internet Explorers attributes. Internet Explorer’s popularity is not only credited to its easy use and brand name reputation, but its ability to remain the way users like it. If updating from Internet Explorer 8 to Internet Explorer 9, Microsoft not only provides the user with an improved browser, but also transfers over old settings from your previous browser. As Internet Explorer’s dominance continues, Microsoft will continue to hold bragging rights over Google in the web browser field.

SEOmoz has collected dozens of the world’s best search marketers to get their opinion on search engine ranking factors. This year, for the first time, SEOmoz presented correlation-based analysis with comments from this 132-person panel.  We also attended the webinar of these findings presented by Jamie Steven, and Matthew Peters, PhD of Applied Math.

Source: SEO Moz

Correlation and Causation Significance in Ranking Factor Analysis

To understand what the difference is between correlation and causation as the SEO Moz study presents see our examples below:

 Correlation and Causation Example:

• In summer, there is an increase in people at the beach and there is also an increase in shark attacks.

There is a correlation here because both items increase and the correlation is directly proportional.  The causation exists because the shark attacks increase since more people are in the water.

Correlation only example:

• In summer, beer sales increase. In summer, ice cream sales also increase. But beer sales do not increase ice cream sales so though there is a correlation between them there is no causation.

Thus, these factors mentioned in the SEO Moz study might be correlated to each other, but there is no proven direct cause between ranking improvement and one of these factors.

SEO Moz Ranking Factors Findings

This research shows several segments of the search-ranking algorithm such as page specific, link level features, and domain-level, keyword features.  Their Search Engine Ranking Factors study demonstrates the power of statistical analysis in SEO. This survey and statistical analysis provides us with a good idea of what the majority of internet marketers believe affects website rankings.

Since search engines do not disclose completely how their algorithm works, SEO professionals rely on each other for the best tips in ranking well. Now, with so much information out there, these tips and conclusions are subject to different interpretations.

One of the items in the study showed that websites that rank higher on search engines generally have a high volume of links or other unique features. This does not necessarily mean that those links are the reason these sites are ranked higher. Rather, it is because higher rankings and links are related or correlated.  Listed below are some other important factors that you should keep in mind when you are marketing on the internet.

Domain Level – Keywords

One of the most successful search engine marketing and optimization factors that you should remember is the inclusion of keywords throughout your website content and structure.  When your domain matches a search term exactly, this increases your chances of having a user click on your website in the results pages.  It’s important to remember, however, the more unrelated characters, especially punctuations, that are included in the domain search, the less chance the users will find your site.

The length of the domain name, the numeric characters, and the number of hyphens included the domain name all could negatively impact rankings. Try to have a domain name that includes keywords without punctuation or numbers, and no more than 3 hyphens.

 Branding

 Branding is also another important element to search engines. It’s essential that many users recognize your site. Having your brand mentioned in nonaffiliated sites, such as social media sites like Facebook or Twitter will increase your search volume. The more you spread your brand in various places on the internet, the more users will visit your website. So, get your brand out there and create your trend.

 Page Level – Keywords

 In the same way as the domain level, keywords are extremely important. When users select specific words and search for something, they will look for those specific words in the result. It’s important to have the correct set of keywords present in title tags and content on your site.  As long as your site contains the information and relevant content, which users are looking for, your site will most likely to be viewed based on the popularity of their keywords. It’s always better to have keyword rich, descriptive tags so that users can easily make out what your website is about and decided if they want to click or not.  Remember users like to read interesting, valuable, unique content.

 Page Level – Social Media

Social media is often correlated with website rankings. Indeed, social media is a great candidate for best website advertising. For example, sharing the domain on Facebook, or having Facebook comments or likes are all influential factors in spreading your brand. Twitter also helps with circulating your brand, products or services. When someone tweets about your brand, it increases varieties of the audience and authority for your brand.  Also, tweet connections attract specific individuals based on their interest and needs. Additionally, when reputable or authoritative users in the social sphere make multiple references about your site through Facebook or Twitter, your site becomes more credible and preferable among the broad audience.

Page Level – Links

Links are also extremely important especially on an individual page level. The quantity of links definitely employs the keyword as part of the anchor text. Those links must be unique and contextual. The overall page authority is of course a necessity in boosting traffic, but root domains, partial match in keywords, and unique linking naturally back up your traffic volume.

In conclusion, just because there is a connection between ranking improvements and for example Facebook likes to a page, doesn’t mean the Facebook likes caused the ranking improvement.  Instead, it could mean the content was good in itself, which contributed to it being deemed valuable to users by search engines and that is why it was ranked higher. Your best bet is to do all of these items well, but always keep the user in mind.

Internet Marketing Inc., an industry leading integrated online marketing agency, recently signed a lease for 8,000 square feet at Cush Plaza Scripps Ranch, a new class A office building in San Diego.

On June 16, 2011, through CB Richard Ellis, Internet Marketing Inc. (IMI) signed a 65 month lease for 8,000 square feet of class A office space at 10620 Treena Street in Scripps Ranch.  This brand new office building is centrally located off Interstate 15 at the Mira Mesa Blvd. exit.

Due to rapid growth and continual recruiting, Internet Marketing Inc. has outgrown its current headquarters in Mission Valley, San Diego.  The company has doubled in size the past three years and is on pace to do the same in 2011.  Internet Marketing Inc. also has offices in Las Vegas, NV and Miami, FL but the majority of the team members are at its headquarters in San Diego.

As a leading Internet marketing and SEO agency, IMI offers integrated strategies for medium sized businesses that include Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click Advertising, Social Media Marketing, Website Design and Development, Display, Analytics, and Attribution technologies.  The company has been on a hiring spree since late last year in order to fulfill personnel needs in various departments, account management, and sales.  IMI will be continuing the recruiting process throughout the rest of the year and into 2012.  The company is seeking to fill positions for senior account managers, SEO strategists, PPC specialists, and website/software development. 

According to CEO Brent Gleeson, “We are growing quickly and have very aggressive business goals which means we need to continue to recruit the best talent we can find.  IMI has a culture that inspires team members to innovate and seek excellence.  We prioritize our employees to ensure they are driven to excel and provide the best possible service for our clients.  Everyone is excited about the new building!”

About Internet Marketing Inc:  Internet Marketing Inc.(IMI) is a full service Internet marketing agency comprised of 50+ team members with offices in San Diego, Las Vegas, and Miami.  The company specializes in providing client focused and results driven integrated online marketing solutions for medium sized businesses across the world.  The mission of IMI is to provide a holistic and creative approach to Internet marketing, foster customer loyalty through transparent results driven solutions, and to add a distinct and measurable value to the clients’ business objectives.  The company specializes in Search Engine Optimization, Search Engine Marketing (Pay Per Click), Website Design and Development, Display, Analytics, and Conversion Optimization and Attribution.

Thanks to Google, now it’s easier than ever to find the closest burrito to you.  The new Place Search feature changes the way local businesses appear on Google’s search engine result pages.  So if you’re searching for a place in San Diego to grab a bite, Google will recognize this and provide local business locations, based on your search, and rank them higher in the results.

The Place Search results will now include longer descriptions, as well as important contact information. In addition, it will provide a picture and reviews for each local business, building on the previous local map listings.  This feature will compete with local directories such as Yelp and Citysearch, and help local businesses compete for space on that first page of Google, leveling the online playing field.

What does this mean for SEO?

In a recent article from Mediapost.com titled “Google Place Search Emphasizes Local SEO”, David Harry, community manager at the SEO Training Dojo commented on the Google’s new search feature.  “The ability to rank high in the search engine results pages for local search will require SEO professionals to consider domain extensions such as .com .ca .co .uk” .

This change will mean businesses that don’t have a physical location in the city may get pushed down in the results. Also, businesses that have customer reviews are more likely to appear higher in the rankings. The organic results are being merged with the business’ local listing, if they have one.

Google’s new Boost advertising is another way that local businesses can better amp up their online presence.  When Google believes web users are searching for a local business, Boost ads appear in the “Sponsored Links” section and only cost the business owner when the ad is clicked.  A map located in the right hand corner of the page will appear containing various local business locations related to a user’s search.  The map also moves as the user scrolls down the page.

We tested this by doing a search (not logged into a Google account) for “sushi in San Diego”. What we found was that this highly competitive first page of Google empathsized the local listings more than the organic results. It takes quite a bit of scrolling with your mouse before you get to see the rest of the organic results.

It will be interesting to see how this feature changes the way searches are done for local businesses such as restaurants and other attractions. Put yourself in the best position by making sure you have a Local Buisness listing, with a captivating picture and keyword rich description. Also make sure to have people leave positive reviews on your listing on multiple local directories such as Yelp, Citysearch, and InsiderPages. Don’t have time? Ask us about our new local business package.

Simply deleting extra data fields on your website can potentially save you millions, as shown in the article “Expedia on How One Extra Data Field Can Cost $12 M“. Expedia utilizes SAS® predictive analytics, which helps them understand their customer base statistically, based on web traffic and user behavior. They realized from studying this data, they they needed to eliminate ambiguous data on their online form  that was misguiding their customers away from their product.

Expedia realized customers were inputting their bank name in the optional ‘Company’ field and proceeded to enter their bank address instead of their home address in the subsequent field. This was preventing the credit card verification process and consequently driving customers away. By simply removing one misguiding data field, an immediate improvement was noticed resulting in a $12 million profit per year.

We can all learn from this example.  It is essential that the direction on your website is efficient for the average online user. Remember that people do not want to spend extraneous time on a website if they don’t need to.   The information you provide on online forms  must be straightforward and free of misunderstandings. Analytics can only obtain so much information about online users. One way to completely understand your website users’ behavior  is to  physically observe them navigating the website and note their confusions.

According to SAS analytics (http://www.sas.com/success/expedia.html), Expedia applies their resources in three ways: inventory selection optimization, website design and fraud reduction. Each facet of SAS analytics observes data in order to learn and optimize on previous customer behavior. These data collections ultimately prevent issues like credit card fraud and help interpret data that will be useful to a specific customer.

Although the primary purpose of using analytics is not eliminating problems such as these, it has proven to be useful in removing glitches to optimize a website’s performance. Analytics only provides statistical information which is why it is crucial to understand your customer in order to make your website as efficient as possible. Who knows, maybe removing a couple of optional fields on your website’s  online form could result in similar benefits.

When writing content on the web, a good rule of thumb is to use the inverted pyramid technique, also known as Bottom Line Up Front.  This entails putting your most important point as the title and first paragraph of text in your article, and the supporting details towards the end.  Be sure to capture the attention of your users’ right at the beginning of your page, so that way they don’t need to scroll down to get the main points of your article. On the web, people tend to jump from page to page on websites, so you want to catch their attention right away.

Benefits for Readers

If a user likes what they see in your article from the beginning, they are more likely to bookmark it and read the rest of the article later. Or, if they are using a mobile phone, they can see the main point of the article and email it to themselves to read later on. (more…)

Information Architecture Optimization involves the global navigation of your website. It will be helpful for users and search engines. Basically, it is a way to get the keywords you want to rank high for within the link text. The users experience should always come first before the search engines – so, you don’t want to cram a bunch of keywords on the buttons at the top of your website, because it might confuse users, it may not fit within the space you have, and could disrupt the look and feel of your website.

For example, most people have very general terms like “about us”  “contact us” and “customer support” as their navigation pages. With information architecture, you would make these more specific and keyword focused, so if we were to implement in our about us page, we could say:

“About Us – We are an internet marketing firm in San Diego”

The ways around actually displaying all of those words on the page, but still having them there, is by using one of four different strategies listed below:

Code Order

Within the code of the website, you can rearrange the order so that the first thing listed is the content of the page, then the side bar navigation, and then the header information.  This way, your website will be more optimized so that the links with the keywords are prioritized.

CSS Status Tip

The CSS Status tip is what appears in the bottom left hand corner of your screen. If you use this technique, your keyword rich sentence will show up at the bottom of the page when someone hovers over one of the buttons in the navigation.

CSS Tool Tip

This strategy is most commonly used and would display the longer keyword phrase right at the same place you are scrolling over. So, it will appear as a text balloon right next to the link.

Image Based Navigation

This way you would use images as the actual buttons and add alternative or ALT text to these images as the keyword phrase you want to use.

All in all, information architecture optimization is a more advanced technique, but if you are willing to put the effort into it, it will make a big difference. Have any questions? Let us know!

You need to be selective when choosing inbound links to your website.  Just having random websites link to you is not enough these days. You need to take a close look at them and understand that there are some important SEO factors and criteria to consider first. Read on to learn how to  improve your link building strategy overall.

Visit the link – how does it look?

First, visit the actual website. Does it look like a natural website that web visitors will enjoy reading? Does it provide good information or are you bombarded with spam-like images and banners when you visit it? If it looks like the website only exists to spam users or solely to provide a back link for many websites, reconsider using it.

Is the content relevant?

Now, if the link passes that test, the next thing to look at is if it is relevant to your website. Is the topic of that website related to your website?  Does it mention the targeted keyword terms that you want to rank high for in search engines? For example, if your business is a Casino, you want to partner with websites about the gaming industry and casinos, not football. Try to get inbound links from websites that are within your industry or field of expertise.

You don’t want a site that is overly saturated with keywords either, as this will make it difficult for users to read, and may lead to having a keyword density number that is high.  Search engines look upon this negatively.

What is the Page Rank of the URL?

Take a look at the Page Rank of the website. If the site is not related specifically to your website topic, but has a Google Page Rank of 5 or higher it may still be good to include it. For example, a local news station that has a link to your website is very helpful. Not only will a lot of people see this, but it will show search engines that you are connected to a high quality website.

Additionally, a website that has a link to your website on it and the domain ends in .edu, .org, or .gov is beneficial, because these websites are seen as authoritative and generally have higher Google Page Ranks.  Keep in mind just because the website extension ends in .edu or .gov does not mean necessarily it has a high Page Rank. A good rule of thumb is the closer your website link is to the home page of that .edu or .gov site is the better. If it’s hidden within a blog or forum, it won’t help as much.

Is the link set as a No Follow?

The link will not help your search engine rankings if the URL is set to “No Follow” and its page rank will not carry over to your website. “No Follow” discredits the link for search engine robots. A website may use the “no follow” attribute value if it is a blog or forum and gets a lot of spam.

How many outbound links does the website have? (more…)