How to combat “Pigeon” – the latest Google algorithm update

image: freedigitalphotos.net

The bird is back. However, this time it’s not the Penguin or Hummingbird algorithms of last year. Instead it’s “Pigeon” as so named by SEO blog Search Engine Land for want of an official name by Google.  The search industry is currently trying to understand the full impact of Pigeon, which largely affects local businesses, so stay tuned for further updates.

In the meantime however, there are a few things that both local businesses and local-based SEO firms representing businesses can do to make sure they adapt to this new algorithm. While many of these strategies have been around for a period of time, now it’s crunch time.

Here’s a quick rundown:

Google Local Listing: It’s important to make sure your local listing is claimed and that the data is accurate and the map pin is correct as to your businesses’ actual location. It can also be worth getting on Google+ Local too in order to help ensure that your business will come up in a local 7-Pack, (the results that show your business’ name, address, phone number and map).
Website: One thing that’s key is that your business has a website optimised with local search phrases. As well as this, having authentic, original content as well as a Responsively Designed website for mobile is a good idea.

Relevant Backlinks and quotes: If you come across opportunities to build your website’s authority using guest posting and building links with websites that have good Page Rank statuses then go for it! Make sure you actively seek out all opportunities to boost your business via websites that are relevant.

Local Business Directories: Seek out any and all major local directories that your business will fit into and make sure you optimise this listing. Claiming directories powered by Google Maps is always a good move. If a directory ranks for a relevant term, make sure you’re on that page.

Consistent Data: Across the board it’s vital that your name address and phone number are all the same. 
Initially local businesses should brace themselves to experience some kind of reduction in search visibility when Pigeon is rolled out. However, if you take advantage of these points, you can help to make sure your business is well-placed to take advantage of this new local search algorithm. This update is only the beginning and of course there will be more which will reshape the landscape of local search. There will also be updates of updates (if you get me) so be prepared! Ultimately, the only way to truly combat this is to ensure that your business has a head start – through a well-rounded and developed approach to digital marketing. 

10 tips for using Twitter to increase your blog traffic

  Twitter is often associated with celebrities sending personal gossip or friends posting photos of parties. But the social media micro-blogging site is also a powerful tool for business management. 

We're assuming you all know about Twitter Cards! If not, where have you been? This is the latest tool which has been introduced, it allows you to attach rich photos, videos and media experience to Tweets which then drive traffic to your website. Right, we have given you the low down on that, so we're not going to going into further details.

 

Tweeting within a few strategic guidelines is especially effective for increasing blog traffic. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

Be a Good Member of the Twitter Tribe

Social media is just that, social! Twitter is not a billboard. The huge advantage of social media is that it is interactive, and if you don’t take advantage of its unique properties, you’re missing a huge opportunity to get readers to your blog.

It’s key to interact in at least 80 – 90% of tweets to build credibility. Then when you do post news about a blog post in the remaining 10 – 20%, new cyberspace friends will stop to take note.

Generate Followers but Also Follow Back

Tweeters with large followings are taken far more seriously than those with only a few followers. Potential customers will be more willing to read your blog if you are perceived as gracious and follow back anyone that follows you. It’s good manners.

Twitter puts a cap on the number of accounts you can follow until the number of followers catches up. The easiest method is to follow a group that is in your target market and within a few days, un-follow everyone who is not following back through special software such as JustUnfollow.com or Hootsuite. You have to be ruthless.  Yes, Paul McCartney has three million followers, but he only follows three accounts. There’s a good chance he won’t follow you back. 

Lists to Stay Organized

Lists are a great way to read a specific Twitter stream without wasting a follow on someone who will never follow you back. Good lists might include Twitter Rockstars for those with large followings and celebrities, BBC Stars, or groups specific to your blog’s topic. For example, a blog by moms might have lists of homeschooling or discount kids clothes accounts.

Build Relationships Through Re-tweeting

A great way to build online relationships is by re-tweeting other posts. But don’t just hit the RT button. More tweeple will see the post if you add a short comment. Something simple like “Love this!” can add meaning. 

Create a Dialogue

Experienced tweeters go beyond re-tweeting to start a dialogue with someone new. After re-tweeting an interesting post, ask the poster a question. You’ll be amazed how many people will respond and actually start tweeting with you. Next, follow them and see if they follow back.

Use Hashtags

When used properly, hashtags can be a powerful way to communicate with other tweeters interested in similar topics. But use hashtags that have meaning to a larger group, like #MumBlogger or #education or #indiefilm. Streams using those hashtags will also help you identify potential candidates for lists.

Use Photos

Twitter now has photo capability and pictures increase the visual size of each Twitter post to stand out. Remember the photo link does eat into the 140-character limit.

 

Twitter Feed on Your Blog

Don’t forget to link your Twitter Feed on the home page of your blog. The dual exposure increases response rates, and Google now uses Twitter as part of the search engine algorithm. 

Find Guest Blogging Opportunities

The infamous guest blogging! Guest blogging with link backs to your URL are a powerful way to increase page rank and drive more viewers to your blog. Often the relationships we build on Twitter open doors to expanded opportunities in other areas.

Tweet Daily

Twitter requires daily activity to be effective. Unlike a blog post that can be updated a few times per week, you must at least participate in the Twitterverse on a daily level, if not twice per day. 

Because the tweets are short, you can do this quickly. At a minimum, scan any mentions of you that come in and respond, and then review your lists for anything that should be re-tweeted or discussed.

Once you have the foundation in place, it will take just a few minutes per day to add social media to your business management practices, driving more readers to your blog, and adding quality potential customers along the way.

Thanks to Sarah Boisvert for this guest post. Sarah is a business writer with special interests in marketing and sales.  She has also written about manufacturing and production management.

Seeing as we are on the topic of Twitter, don't forget to follow Art Division!

How to use hashtags on Google+

Be honest, are you using #hashtags in the correct way? We have found this cool new infographic which shows you how to utilise the hashtag symbol to raise your growing Google+ awareness. Check out the following list of “dos” and “don’ts” for hashtagging on Google+.

Seeing as we are on the topic of Google+, don't forget to add 'Art Division' to your circles!

How do you best utilize hashtags to nurture your growing Google+ presence? Check out the following list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for hashtagging on Google+. - See more at: http://visual.ly/how-use-hashtags-google-dos-and-donts#sthash.0VMe72PB.dpuf

How do you best utilize hashtags to nurture your growing Google+ presence? Check out the following list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for hashtagging on Google+. - See more at: http://visual.ly/how-use-hashtags-google-dos-and-donts#sthash.0VMe72PB.dpuf

How do you best utilize hashtags to nurture your growing Google+ presence? Check out the following list of “do’s” and “don’ts” for hashtagging on Google+. - See more at: http://visual.ly/how-use-hashtags-google-dos-and-donts#sthash.0VMe72PB.dpuf

7 Effective Ways To Engage On Twitter

We here at Mission Imblogable have something exciting for you! We have found this great infographic with some useful ideas to increase engagement with your followers on Twitter.

We are all aware that Twitter is an important tool for building your own community, but are you doing things effectively?

Drive traffic with these tweeting tips…

How to choose a domain name for your business

If you are starting a new business, don't rush into registering it before you have chosen a domain name. It can make all the difference if you are looking to rank your website high in the search results of Google, who despite of all that's been said recently, still counts this as one of the most important factors. Here is an infographic by WhoIsHostingThis to help you further:

How to create a perfect Tweet

Here at Mission Imblogable we are a huge fan of social media, especially Twitter! We have found this cool new videographic which gives you the latest tips & tricks for an effective tweet. We all may think that 140 characters are not enough to express our thoughts, but with the right approach you can convey your ideas if you do things the right way! 

So are you creating the perfect Tweet? 

Parenting Blogs Are a Dime a Dozen: How to Make Yours Stand Out

The competition for attention and respect in the mommy and parenting blog communities is fierce. This is partly because there are some truly terrific bloggers and blogging companies publishing fantastic content. It is also partly because every day, hundreds of new sites turn up online.

How are you supposed to stand out amongst a field of thousands of competitors?

There are lots of articles out there that will tell you things like "use images" and "respond to comments" and "don't forget to tweet about it." Obviously you know these things already. What else can you do?

Let's work with a single example: Let's say you're writing a post that teaches your audience how to shop for car seat boosters.

Your Photos
Using photos is one of the "duh"s of blogging. To take it a step further and help your blog stand out, use your own photos.

For example, have someone take a picture of you shopping for different booster seats. If you're comfortable sharing photos of your kids online (not everybody is, and that's okay), take a picture of your child sitting in the different seats you're reviewing or as illustrations of seats that are too big or too little. This customizes the post to your own site and adds some personality at the same time.

Get Personal
Anybody can Google reviews or use data from consumer reports to figure out which seat they or their readers should buy. Perhaps your post is a sponsored one for a specific booster seat, which also helps. Finding a way to work in a personal story about your own experiences while shopping or with specific types or brands of seats will set your post apart. It adds a personal touch that readers won't find on a lot of the other sites out there.

Remember: People are reading you because they trust your opinion, not just your research skills.

Design Is Important
It's true: The primary focus of your blog should be your content. Still, if your site's design is messy or - worse - generic, people are likely to click away before they read a single sentence of what you have to say.

Even if you don't know how to design a site from scratch, the bigger blogging platforms like WordPress, Blogger, and even TypePad will let you muck about in your CSS and HTML and customize it however you like. With a few minor changes, you can take a free theme and make it your own. Or, if you have the money, you can hire someone to design a site for you.

URLs Matter
Sure, you could set up a site for free pretty much anywhere, but buying your own domain name and using that shows conviction and commitment. It's also easier for people to remember and looks better when printed on business cards and in social media profiles.

Carve Your Own Niche
It may be tempting to write about everything under the sun relating to parenting, but it’s actually best if you can carve your own niche and be as specific as possible. As DavidKiger, CEO of Worldwide Express, says, “Stick to your knitting. Really focus on that one thing that you think you can do well, and do it really, really well.” Are you best at product reviews and not all that great at writing more emotional posts? Then focus mainly on products and reviews, and don’t worry about writing a post when your little one says his first word or first tells you he or she loves you.

Get Away from Your Blog
If the only place you ever publish content is your own blog, you're going to have a tough time building an audience. Remember, self-promotion via your social media feeds and email will only get you so far. Devote some time to guest posting for other blogs. This way you can introduce your style to new people who might never have found you otherwise.

This goes both ways. In addition to publishing elsewhere, invite others to publish with you. They'll promote the posts on their own blogs and will bring fresh eyes to your site where, hopefully, your own great content will keep them coming back.

The best way to figure out how to be the blogger you want to be is to pay attention to the bloggers you admire. What have they done? What do you agree with? What would you do differently? Use your answers to those questions along with these tips to help you create a blog with the potential to be bigger than Dooce!

Erin Steiner is a blogger and vlogger living in Portland, Oregon. In addition to maintaining her personal sites and social media feeds, she writes about small business, finance, and a bunch of other topics for her freelance clients.

Images from: http://uk.photos.com/

10 tips for a Mobile Friendly Website

Here at Mission Imblogable we are passionate about responsive design - so be honest, how many of you have a website which is optimised for mobile? For those that don't, where have you been? You better get a move on and make your site mobile friendly. It's no secret that the mobile web is growing, so here's an infographic which outlines the 10 tips for a perfect mobile website. 

How does your mobile site score on this checklist?

Increase sale revenue through online marketing

We all know how much online marketing has changed over the years and how it WILL continue to grow, right? We think it’s important to make your business noticeable (not saying that it’s not already). So we have outlined some useful tips on how to increase your sale revenue through using a variety of online marketing strategies.

Pay Per Click

One of our favourite marketing strategies is Pay Per Click, also known as PPC Marketing. This is a collaborative, an easier and more cost-effective form of advertising and delivers strong results. You’re probably wondering why you should be using PPC? Well, Pay Per Click can grow your customer base, this will allow people to connect with one another as well as increase customer popularity.

Remarketing

Another type of online marketing strategy is Remarketing. This approach lets people show ads to users who've formerly visited a website as they browse the web. Remarketing is used as it’s a great way to stay in touch with your target audience. With this tool, you can reach customers who have shown an interest in your product or service by visiting your site, and show them significant ads across the Google Display Network. Using the remarketing tool through Google is beneficial, this is because Google is the largest, most popular and most utilised search engine on the web (bet you weren’t aware of that), therefore Google Remarketing enables you to reach the maximum amount of potential converters.

Did you know Google Remarketing is the most recent form of PPC advertising to focus on conversion increase? - Yeah didn’t think so!

SEO

Hooray! Another one of our favourites! Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) marketing is the technique of getting a website to work better with search engines such as Google, Yahoo and Bing etc. Sounds oh so simple, right? Well the good thing about SEO is that it improves the quality and volume of web traffic, which is what we all want! SEO has a duty to increase visibility in search engines through domain trust, social popularity and search engine connectivity. Gaining traffic from Google is all about keywords and links, it’s important to use the right words for a specific keyword search.

Mobile Marketing

Mobile marketing is pretty self explanatory, it’s the process of marketing to people through their smart phone devices, it’s also an extension of internet marketing. The competence and real time tracking of information makes mobile phone marketing less demanding than other advertising strategies. With people spending more time on their mobile devices and less time on their desktop, it’s the strategy to watch in 2014.  Let’s face it, we knew this was going to happen as soon as BBM, Whatsapp and Twitter came into existence!

You should expect marketing to evolve a little this year. New social media websites and services could potentially become popular. This is due to the amount of mobile devices which will enter the market and continually grow, just like the IPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

We all know there is going to be competitive pressure from every corner; but ideas like the ones mentioned can improve your marketing and have a rapid affect on your business. 

Image credit: www.freedigitalphotos.net

SEO vs Social Media

SEO and social media are put head to head to find out which online marketing tool is more successful. Is one better than the other? Well, you'll just have to take a look at this infographic to find out who is crowned winner...