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Posts by Peter F.
What is SEO? Executing your blueprint
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Would you build a house without a blueprint? Of course not. The last two articles showed you how to create a solid plan and blueprint for your website. Now it is time to execute your plan and BUILD your foundation.
Did you miss the previous articles? Find them here:
Plan for success
Build a solid foundation
How to use Level 1
Your Level 1 keyword or phrase is crucial. You can see an amazing increase in traffic just by how you use this word. The most important thing is to have this word or phrase in your domain name. I mean, what better way to tell search engines what you’re about than to put it in your .com????
What if you already have your domain name, and it doesn’t include your keyword or phrase? Great question. The next powerful thing you could do is create a page on your site that has that word/phrase in the name of the page, and the URL (or slug). If you don’t have a page with your Level 1 word in it, go do it now.
How to use Level 2
Use these words as pages. You should be able to create at least 2 or 3 pages using your Level 2 words and phrases. As with your Level 1, they must be in the title of your page, and in the URL/slug.
Use them as Categories. Categories are listed in the URL when clicked on, and are usually on Page 1 of blogs. Level 2 words should be broad enough to encompass a series of different articles in your blog.
Use them as Tags. If you can’t use them as a category, use them as tags for your articles. This is a last resort, so as much as possible, use them as pages and categories.
How to use Level 3
Use these as articles and tags. You can get lots of ideas for articles from using the Google wonder wheel. Use them as product reviews or even to create your own products. After using the Google wonder wheel, you should have plenty of material to work with. The best thing is that these are ACTUAL results, so you know people are searching for these keywords and key phrases.
Use them as “alt” and “title” tags. You should be putting photos into most blog entries. Google likes multimedia. The Alt and Title tags are found by search engines, even though they aren’t seen by the public.
Now, we have one last technique to use that will help you create some real zingers in the SEO world. This focused on laying the groundwork. The next will show you how to get that untapped traffic that your competitors are ignoring.
See you soon!
Learn our amazing technique by reading the next article.
What is SEO? Building a solid foundation
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“A building is only as strong as its foundation.” So is a website. When you read this article, you should have completed the assignments in the previous article: Click here to read it.
The technique I’m going to teach in these articles will actually be the foundation of the approach I’ve created. The technique works like a funnel to attract outlying traffic that your competitors aren’t focusing on. This will give you more traffic in your site, and more relevance in the search engines. (Learn about relevance here) Once you gain popularity with the search engines, you will start getting more results for the Level 1 and Level 2 keywords and key phrases you’re using.
How to start building your foundation
Let me introduce you to a wonderful tool called the Google Wonder Wheel. It’s free, and helps you find a wide array of terms related to your site and keywords and key phrases.
Step 1.
Do a Google search for your Level 1 keyword or key phrase. The results should look something like this:
Click on “Wonder wheel” on the left (circled and arrowed in blue). If you don’t see this, click “More search tools” (arrowed in pink).
Step 2.
You should be on this page now:
You see your search word in the center, and arms connecting to other keywords and phrases. The center is your Level 1, and the arms could be your Level 2 (if you are having trouble thinking of Level 2 words). The arms represent real searches that people are searching for on Google, so it’s important to pay attention, and take some ideas as to what approach you might take.
Assignment: Remember that sheet of paper you wrote your ideas down on from the previous assignment? Pull it out, and start writing these down. Some may go in Level 2, the rest will go on level three.
Step 3.
Now it gets fun. Now, click on one of the arms of the Google wonder wheel and see what happens:
It brings up more results. These are your Level 3 results. So on your sheet of paper, write “Level 3″ and start writing these terms down (or typing if you’re keeping notes on your computer). Who knows, they might give you some more ideas! Click on the different arms and keep writing. You should have 50 to 100 Level 3 terms on your list.
You may be wondering how these terms are going to help you, but stay tuned for the next article. I’ll show you how to use all three levels of keywords and key phrases effectively.
Read the previous article: What is SEO? Plan for success
Read the next article: Executing your blueprint
wonder wheel google search
What is SEO? Plan for success
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“If you fail to plan you plan to fail.” More than ever, the content of a website is the basis for establishing relevance. It makes sense, then, to start your plan here.
What is relevance?
When web surfers search for a certain word or phrase, they want to find a website with the most relevant information. Search engines use an array of techniques for determining relevancy. (You may have heard of the Google algorithm.) In this case, content is king. Search engines evaluate the content of your website, then rate it in comparison to other websites.
This is why blogging has become so important: By creating new and original content — relevant content — you prove the value of your site to the search engines. This concept gave rise to terms like Keywords and Key phrases*, content marketing, SEO, and Search Engine Marketing (SEM).
Building your foundation
I’ve divided the foundation into 3 Levels. These are the building materials I’ll be teaching you how to use in the next few articles. But before I tell you, do 3 things for me (for you, really):
- STOP
- Get a pen and piece of paper
- Write down these steps, and do them
Level 1 – This is at the pinnacle of your foundation. This is just one keyword or key phrase. It’s the ONE thing that if someone searched for it, you would want your site to come up at the top of the search engines.
Assignment: Think of what that would be, and write it down. Keep it for later reference.
Level 2 – This is a broader base, supporting your Level 1. This level consists of about 6 to 10 keywords and phrases. These keywords and phrases are the most common topics you will be covering on your site, and could easily be used as categories.
Assignment: Think of what these would be, and write it down. Keep them, we’ll be using them later.
Level 3 – These are your key into reaching some level of SEO dominance. You’ll be using these to punch holes in your competition’s defense, and get better search engine ranking — and that means more website traffic. These are very broad topics or subject matter, and should be used as articles, blog entries, etc.
Assignment: Are you ready? You should start with at least 50 to 100 Level 3 keywords and key phrases. So, start writing! Sound daunting? Well it could be if there wasn’t some help out there.
There’s an awesome tool out there you can use for free, and I’ll show you how to use it in the next tutorial. But for now, start with Levels 1 and 2 for your homework assignment.
Read the previous article: What is SEO?
Read the next article: Building a solid foundation
* – A key phrase is just a particular grouping of keywords
What is SEO?
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“No news is bad news.” Heard that one before? The double-entendre is obvious, so I’ve recoined it: “No traffic is bad traffic!” Meaning: if you’re not getting any traffic to your site, that’s a bad thing. If you ARE getting traffic to your site (even if it’s from another country, or maybe not from your target market), it’s a good thing. So that begs the question that every website owner is asking:
“How do I get more traffic to my website?” This series of articles is intended to teach you just that.
So, let’s start by asking some of the important questions, like…
“Why do I need more traffic?”
The answer seems obvious, but it begs answering anyway. Did you know that a reported 94 million people watched as OJ Simpson evaded police in a high speed freeway chase? 94 million people!! There were more pizzas sold that night than any night in history! Can you imagine if 94 million people viewed your website? You’re bound to get some sales. And really, that’s the point of having a website and getting traffic — to make sales of your products and services.
“What’s all the hype about? Really…”
There’s a lot of hype out there, people claiming they made $100,000′s or even millions of $$$. You may have listened to their seminars, read their blogs, even followed their advice… only to find that their techniques didn’t make you boat loads of money overnight. What a let down!
So, what is the hype about? It’s people trying to sell you stuff. That’s all. Their techniques may have worked for them, but they are not tailored to you and your business. Their information may be horribly outdated. Maybe it worked a decade ago, but people are still packaging that information and selling it. So, the first lesson you should commit to memory is: Don’t get caught up in the hype. Immediate solutions and successes are relatively rare. So, we recommend using sound online techniques.
“What is SEO?”
Search Engine Optimization. SEO is a series of techniques you can use to get search engines like Google and Bing to send you FREE traffic on an on-going basis.
Why SEO?
Getting the search engines to rank your site higher than others is like a popularity contest. As with all popularity contests, the rules change often. BUT, there are certain concepts and proven techniques that never change, and can be used by any business.
This series of five articles will focus on using proper keywords and key phrases on your website. By using the right words and phrases, you will tell search engines what your site is all about — what your niche is. Doing this properly is the first step to getting search engines to like your site so they will send you traffic.
“What do I do next?”
Read this series of articles as we teach you how to:
- Create a successful SEO plan,
- Build a solid foundation, and
- Punch holes in your competition’s defenses using proper keywords and phrases.
Read the next article in this series
what is seo, what is web seo, get website traffic, google serach
How to embed videos on WordPress
41025 days
by Peter F.
in WordPress Tutorials
One question lots of people ask is: ‘How do you embed a YouTube video?’
Videos are a great way to share interesting content with your readers: they are entertaining and keep people’s attention better by engaging more of the senses. The problem is, how do you get a video from the net to show on your blog? This tutorial will show you how to embed videos on WordPress. In this example, we show you how to embed a YouTube video. (more…)
How to block your IP address in StatCounter
21033 days
by Peter F.
in WordPress Tutorials
For those of you who use StatCounter, we recommend you block your IP address* so your visitor stats are not artificially inflated.
To do this:
1) Log in to your StatCounter account. related here
2) Next to your chosen Project, click the wrench icon.
3) Click ‘Edit settings’.
4) Under ‘IP Blocking’ enter the number you see on the left.
5) Click the ‘Edit Project’ button. That’s it!
I recommend you check this on a monthly basis, as your IP address can change without you knowing it.
Happy Blogging!
* – What is an IP address used for? To give each computer network an identity, kind of like an address. Just like you want your mail sent to the right location, you want your web information sent to the right computer. IP addresses help with this function.
tags: how 2 block ur ip, statcounter topics here, what is an ip address used for
How to Get Blogging Inspiration
01040 days
by Peter F.
in WordPress tips
One of the toughest things about maintaining a blog is — you guessed it — coming up with content. Content generation can be a constant struggle. However, you can get blogging inspiration from many sources. If you are wondering “What should I blog about?” my first suggestion is to write about what you know.
Sit down and have a brainstorming session. Grab a pen and paper. No idea is a bad idea. First, write down any topics you can think of. Second (this one may not be so obvious), write down a list of resources that could provide blogging inspiration. I personally have a list of favorite blogs for my industry. When I feel low on article ideas, I open up my reader and see what they’re writing about. It keeps me up to date, and gives me ideas of my own.
Write about your career in general. You might be an expert in your field, but the people you’re writing for probably are not. Even if you think your career is boring, others may find it interesting. blogging for money
You could also write about the things that happen in your office every day. Writing about the latest office gossip might be a bad idea, unless you write anonymously. But, there could be some funny stories or interesting tidbits in your workplace. Depending on your blog’s readership, general goings-on like births, marriages and success stories might be appropriate.
News stories often serve as blogging inspiration. You can express your opinions about current events and how they relate to your industry, or to your readers personally. Write about favorite celebrities or report on television interviews (people like to be informed, but it’s tough to pay attention to everything).
The environment is a hot topic. There are dozens of green blogs with tips ranging from fuel conservation to choosing a low-flush toilet. Sustainable gardening, landscaping and general living are other topics. How might environmental concerns be impacting you, your readers, or your industry? blogging for money
You may be asking, “What should I blog about if I find none of these subjects appealing?” My first question is: “What do your readers find interesting?” You don’t have to be interested in a topic to write about it.
My second question is: “What do you like?” You might like to play video games. You may be good at knitting. Your passion could be books or art. Whatever you enjoy, write about it. Readers connect with the human element, so throw some of that into your articles.
Internet users like review-type blogs. You can write about products that you have purchased recently. Whether they were good or bad, just write an honest, unbiased review. You will be helping people and you might even make some money.
So, now you’re asking, “What should I blog about if I want to make money?” Many bloggers make money by attracting advertisers or signing up for affiliate programs. Others create and promote their own products.
I and other affiliate marketers get their blogging inspiration directly from product manufacturers. Their blogs provide details about the products they are promoting. Many manufacturers provide this info on purpose — they WANT you to promote and sell their products. If someone buys the product as a result, you could make a small commission. blogging for money
Are you still asking what should I blog about? Gambling, investing, saving money, raising a child, religion, the economy, DIY projects, getting a loan, building good credit, etc…the list goes on and on. Ask your readers what they want to hear or learn about.
Your blogging inspiration could be anything in the world. Just start writing.
How to use Twitter for your Business
01057 days
The market is constantly changing. You will find that things that worked for you before no longer do. So you must keep tabs on your market, and adapt.
Twitter is a great tool for helping you do just that. Research has shown that more and more people are turning to online social networking, even people 50 and above (Reuters). Beyond that, many people are connecting with brands through online networking (eMarketer).
What does this mean for you? It means you cannot ignore online networking as a means of reaching your market. But, you already knew that, right? You’re probably wondering, “Where should I go?”, “Which network should I use?”, and “How do I use it?”
Well, if you ever wondered about Twitter, hopefully this article will help you decide whether Twitter is for you. First, go to search.twitter.com. Do a preliminary search for keywords or phrases that pertain to your industry (self-help, public speaking, life purpose, whatever). What are people saying about your topic?
Next, consider the characteristics of Twitter and its users.
Twitter is fast-paced. You might say Twitter is Facebook on ADHD. It has a VAST number of users. So depending on how many people you’re following, posts could come and go like greased lightning. Some find this discouraging, but read below, there’s plenty of solutions.
Messages are very short and to the point. The maximum length of a tweet is 140 characters. Some refer to this as mini-blogging. And while it will never replace blogging, it allows you to get in there, say your piece, and get out without having to spend lots of time agonizing over content. BUT, if you’re loquacious, you’ll have to be creative about how you say what you want to.
Posting is real-time. As soon as you or someone else posts, that post is made live to everyone in the Twitter community, and anywhere your feed may be posted.
Users are listable. This means you can follow as many people as you want. But if you follow a lot of people, and want to follow just a few, you can categorize them into lists. It’s a great way to clear the clutter, and zero in on the people you want.
How do I use Twitter?
For me, it depends on the type of site and product. Most often, I use it like a news feed, and embed the feed on my site. Anyone following me on Twitter, or visiting my site(s) will see recent updates pertinent to the topic of my site. What’s the value? Well, first, people see what I’m all about in a glance. Second, I do the work of “weeding out” bad or unintresting articles so my followers don’t get bogged down with useless information.
On some sites I also use the news feed to recommend products that I am promoting. Sometimes I do this in a general manner, other times I feel the pulse of real-time tweets, and recommend my products to specific users. You can’t understimate the power of talking to people around the country in real-time. Another value is that when people visit my site, they are also presented with my offerings and see that I am actively engaged in my community.
When listing people, I have two main categories: People to whom I can market to, and People from whom I can learn. The first is for obvious reasons. The latter keeps me up-to-date, ever learning, and ahead of the game for my clients. Hey, I owe it to my clients, and to my own business! how to use Twitter for your business
Social conversations. Ask yourself, Who doesn’t like eavesdropping? Who doesn’t have an opinion? Twitter’s a great way to start some buzz about a topic. Or, join someone else’s buzz. While people are clicking around, they will see your ID on other people’s feeds, and may become curious. What’s that translate into? More traffic for you!!
Why is Twitter so great? how to use Twitter for your business
1) It allows you to constantly be in front of your market’s faces with marketing nuggets or networking.
2) You can recommend products, and people don’t feel threatened, because of the relationship of trust you’ve built.
3) There are plenty of tools out there to let you manage your tweets and time wisely (Tweet while you sleep!)
4) It is a real-time tool that let’s you see what is going on in the world and market — right now. how to use Twitter for your business
To spam or not to spam?
0seo placement
My thoughts on the subject?
1) Yes, these are spam messages. keyword seo
2) If you approve them, it won’t help with your SEO*, but it can make it look like your site is getting traffic, which encourages others to participate (the point of a blog). But it won’t fool seasoned bloggers, so it’s a judgment call. keyword seo
3) Be aware that you can edit your comments before you approve them, so take advantage of this fact. There’s no shame in editing these anonymous comments to look a little more legitimate. But only do this until you’re getting a steady flow of real visitors and real comments. Caveat: If you approve these types of comments, REMOVE ALL LINKS IN THE HYPERLINK AND MESSAGE FIELDS.
Another question was: stop spam comments
Well…
Some spammers are really good mimickers. But you can usually recognize them by the generic nature of their town, and the linkbacks are often to products, not a “real-person” type website. spam blog comments
So, why don’t ALL the spammers take this more subtle approach? Spam is like throwing a pot of spaghetti against a wall and seeing what sticks. Spammers have no respect or regard for others, so they don’t care if they throw their spaghetti on you! Some bloggers don’t have any regulation on their comments, so the less subtle spammers are hoping to get posted on some of those blogs. If you are monitoring your comments (as you should), then you’re less likely to fall victim to these guys.
Finally, be sure you’re using Akismet. Using Akismet helps you filter the spam, and save you loads of time. Do keep an eye on Akismet, as a few legitimate comments may slip through now and then and be mistakenly filtered.
Happy Blogging!
* – SEO has become a grossly misunderstood concept. I’ve encountered countless people chasing after the ‘Golden SEO Egg’ thinking it guarantees them loads of traffic and free money. To help dispel this myth, we’re constructing a series of SEO articles. Stay tuned!