Recently, the Internet giant Google made some few tweaks and changes to the Google Maps and Places interface.

As part of a series of more changes to come, Google featured a new layout of Place Pages which put a stronger emphasis on content from Google users, and less review content from third party sites (other web pages that referenced the business).

This emphasis on Google user reviews shows the recent push by Google, and the rest of the web, to increase personalized contents and give users more ways to rate, comment, share… Information from people that are already customers or that a user can relate to is the most meaningful.

To incorporate these changes, Google added two red large and easily accessible “Write a review” buttons. The reviews now have their own single section on the page and push down links to third party sites and external reviews.

Removing these citations or references from third party websites will have a strong impact on local SEO, as these citations are the local version of links. The same way link builders’ look for competitor’s links, local SEO’s use citations from competitors.

Google announced more changes to come as well. Some of the company’s long-term vision for local search includes the increased personalization of local search results and making these upgrades available on other Google platforms and across different devices.

Google just bought high tech facial recognition software called PittPatt. As many of you might have already guessed, it is likely to be used for Google+. According to the articles Google Buys Facial Recognition Company PittPatt by Rob D. Young and How Google’s New Face Recognition Tech Could Change The Web’s Future by Kit Eaton, this new innovative technology could change everything on the web.

PittPatt

PittPatt was founded as spin-off company based on a decade of research project on robot technology at Carnegie Mellon University. Dr. Henry Schneiderman teamed up with fellow graduates, Michael Sipe and Michael Nechyba to start up the company. PittPatt has developed many innovative software systems that recognize people’s faces from images and motion pictures.

What is so special about PittPatt?

Google has already worked with other existing companies such as Image search, YouTube and Picasa. Some people might think that there is no use for PittPatt to step in with other Google products. As a matter of fact, PittPatt is more than facial recognition software. PittPatt analyzes video dates and tracks people and objects. It can evaluate the number of the people on the camera, the movement of people, the popularity of kiosks and other business locations, and potencial resource for security backup for restricted areas. With these advanced technologies, PittPatt probably can adopt into other Google technology and support the accuracy of facial and object recognition.  Overall, PittPatt’s new technology may just bring Google the extra edge over Facebook even though Google has not disclosed their detailed future plan with PittPatt yet.

Google+ featuring with PittPatt?

It is obvious that PittPatt’s facial recognition system will incorporate with Google+. But how? Google+ is likely to stay away from suggesting tagging images with new facial recognition system due to privacy abuse. Rather, Google will enhance their video tool services. With the precise facial recognition system, their video tool will be able to focus on the main speaker during a video conference. Google will also improve the quality of video chat through Gmail, Google Talk and probably Google+. Perhaps, Google could learn a better way to deal with privacy issues and make it more restrictive tagging suggestions. At any rate, we can look forward to an exciting future with this new technology that Google acquired.

Many big companies and brand names that wanted to get an early start on developing their social outlet through the new Google+ Social media website were removed and replaced with a 404 error messages.

Many of these companies were removed earlier than others throughout this week, allowing some brands to develop their Google+ presence but shortly after, brands such as Sesame Street, Mashable, Ford, and Search Engine Land all had their accounts suspended. Google did mention early on that business pages would be coming soon, which was the main cause for the removal of their Google plus accounts.

Google upset many Mashable followers, who had over 103,000 followers and said to be the 4^th most popular account on Google. Many other companies are ready to jump on board with Google+ but are slowed down by Google’s selective business account testing which businesses had to apply for by the end of last week on Friday.  Out of the thousands of businesses that applied for the business account through Google+ only a few will be selected through this week by email.

For the companies that were removed from their Google+ account received a message stating:

Your profile is suspended

After reviewing your profile, we determined that some of the content (e.g. text, images, name) violates our Community Standards or our Names Policy. Please remember that we are currently limiting profiles to real people and will be launching a profile for businesses and other entities later this year.

Google’s Christian Oestlien does mention however with the overwhelming amount of businesses that have applied for the business account, even though they cant accommodate everyone, their interest has got them very focused on accelerating their development plans. We look forward to learning more about this developing topic.

Are you tired of scrolling down through your inbox, deleting about 50% of messages before you even read them? Well Gmail has come up with a solution to rid you of the unnecessary clutter! With their new organization tool, you now have the option to choose to view your inbox in one of three new ways. Read more to find out what these ways are.

Originally, one’s Gmail inbox is sorted based on the date received, known as the “classic” inbox, or chronological order.  According to the official Gmail Blog,  you are now able to choose to view your inbox from these additional options:

• Important First – You may have noticed the yellow arrow option that marks certain messages as “important.” This inbox view will separate those messages you mark as important (both read and unread) to the top and everything else below in its own section of your inbox.
• Starred First – Those messages you star will appear at the top and all other messages below.
• Unread First – The simple version; unread messages at the top, all other at the bottom.

A new tab will soon appear at the top of your inbox that will allow you to quickly choose which option you prefer. Once you are comfortable with a theme for about a week Google will eventually deem it as your preferred choice and this tab will disappear (but you will be allowed to switch back to an alternate theme quickly and efficiently in your mail settings).

Try it out! Go to your mail settings, then to Themes and click on one of these two options: “Preview” or “Preview (dense).” You will find the interface in a scene of white space which allows you to navigate around the clean and modern look that the new update will feature.

Here is a preview of one’s inbox:

And one of a sample conversation:

It will be interesting to see if these changes actually make viewing email a little bit more easier and helps us to sort our mail better.

Starting in 2012, the Web’s set of available domain suffixes will expand from the 22 typical .com, .edu, .net, etc… to .anything.

ICANN, the nonprofit Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers and the group that oversees the Internet’s domain system agreed on Monday June 20^th, 2011 to open an application window for proposing new domain suffixes, which could be almost any word in any language, including those that use different scripts, like Arabic or Japanese.

This change though, comes at a certain price. Today, the standard dot-com registration circles around 15 dollars. ICANN’s application for a new suffix will be accompanied by an $185,000 fee, which ICANN will keep regardless of the outcome of the application.

Also, ICANN will require applicants to prove they have a legitimate reason to make such a purchase. This is solely done to prevent any one person to go out and steal companies’ trademark with the goal to resell them later, which happened when the web started to grow. The fee will discourage scammers, and cover potential trademark issues.

Here is a word by Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN, found on http://www.icann.org:

“ICANN has opened the Internet’s naming system to unleash the global human imagination. Today’s decision respects the rights of groups to create new Top Level Domains in any language or script. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind”.

“Today’s decision will usher in a new Internet age,” said Peter Dengate Thrush, Chairman of ICANN’s Board of Directors. “We have provided a platform for the next generation of creativity and inspiration.”

The recent announcement is already facing some criticism. ICANN’s move is opening the gate for large corporations and brands to drive the future of the Internet. Canon and UNICEF already said they’ll submit an application, and coalitions are forming to apply for more generic terms like “.eco.”

The expansion of the domain name system could turn the URL bar into another place  for in-your-face marketing and branding. ICANN expects as many as a thousand applications, mostly from recognized companies and brands. This will benefit the bigger brands today, but the impact of this change, in the long run is much less predictable.

This could turn very expensive for businesses themselves as well. Instead of focusing on the current 22 generic suffixes (.com, .net, .org, and so on), companies will be pressured to “own their brands” by buying up every custom suffix that might come in handy. If nothing else, they’ll want to buy them simply to prevent someone else from doing so.

The true impact of this new change will be revealed once it is introduced to the web and its users. Most experts are skeptical of the internet users reactions as today, many web surfers do not understand the structure of a domain and assume everything is dot-com.

ICANN will soon begin a global campaign to tell the world about this dramatic change in internet names and to raise awareness of the opportunities available from new domain suffixes. Applications for new domain names will be accepted from January 12^th, 2012 to April 12^th, 2012.

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.

The simplification of the Google AdWord Keyword Tool, as expressed in the article, “R.I.P. Google Keyword Tool. Long Live SEO!“  creates a burning question to marketers who rely on this toolbar:  How does this change our process? Many have been questioning Google’s agenda behind this vast transition and it seems that monetary influence seems to be the driving factor behind it.

How will this change affect marketers?

With other search engines like Bing and Yahoo gaining popularity, perhaps it would make sense for Google to restrict its vast inventory of information. “Commercializing” the keywords available to users may simplify the average users experience, but it greatly changes the way marketers go about retrieving SEO information. With less AdWords data available, advertisers are forced to buy more Adwords and this hurry to buy will undoubtedly cause the cost to increase even more.

According to the Google blog (http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/04/new-approach-to-how-we-work-with.html), the purpose of the newly implemented AdWords Keyword Tool is to help advertisers become more proficient and strategy-focused. Google’s new AdWord Certification Program requires advertisers to display their knowledge and capabilities through more challenging certification exams. These exams will match agencies with Google Certified Partners based on their needed criteria. Finally, Certified Partners have access to the new preferred AdWords API Pricing, which agencies must apply for and be accepted to view the Adwords API. Google emphasizes that advertisers should not be concerned with increased cost, but rather to experiment with new strategies and expand on the resources they already have.

It looks like marketers may just have to utilize other databases as well as Google Adwords Keyword Tool such as  WordStream, Trellian and WordTracker to obtain the information and research they need, since the tool now limits results. Google could be controlling what we, the user, have access to because that way, they will make more profit.  A large concern for a lot of users is the strategy that Google seems to be implementing, which gains control of its users and their capabilities as researchers. Whatever the motivation for this drastic change, it definitely changes the way online marketing will function in the future.