Archive of Search Marketing Digest Posts

Search Engine Land has a detailed history and analysis of the “infamous” META Keywords Tag, including which search engines still utilize it, proper creation and construction, and some best practice ideas and recommendations. I thought I would use that post as a jumping point for a commonly asked question related to search engine optimization:

Where should you place your strategic keywords on any given web page?

For new websites and web pages in general, here is a quick checklist for places that your strategic keywords should be seen, specific to an individual web page and website structure:

This week, Jane Copeland of SEOmoz offers a nice video tutorial on Social Media Optimization, specifically addressing a few best practices for del.icio.us, StumbleUpon, Yahoo Answers! and Facebook. I would recommend taking the time to listen and review, but here are some of the highlights:

• Social Media Backlash: While the specific reference was related to political opinion (which it is recommended that you leave at the door), it’s important to realize that you may need thick skin when it pertains to social media, more so if you succeed in getting “Popular”. Users can get ugly, very fast, and everyone has an opinion. I recommend following the comment trail, providing constructive discussion if possible, and don’t let “the ugly” get at you too much.

I’ve decided to dedicate this week’s Search Marketing Digest to providing a summary of some of the discussions going on regarding Google, Google’s Supplemental Index, and the changes they have made that have everyone involved in search discussing it. This post is for our clients, whom are sure to have heard something about this or will hear something about this in the near future.

Here is a Summary of What You Need to Know:

• Google has a database of web pages that are known as the Supplemental Index.

Links to articles and information we found interesting this week.

• Search Industry News
  On Monday, Marketing Pilgrim reported on iCrossing’s acquisition of web development firm Proxicom, the latest in a string of purchases by the company this year. The article points to some key ideas on where the SEM industry is going and why the acquisition is a signal for shifting patterns in the marketplace.
• Keyword Research
  SEOBook provides a list of solid recommendations for understanding the breadth of keyword opportunities available or possible in association with core keyword strategies.

Here’s a look at some articles this week that may be of value to your own search engine marketing strategies:

• Web Address Management
  Here’s a recap of Matt Cutt’s presentation at WordCamp 2007. Matt talks about the use of underscores in web addresses, folder structure and dynamic URL’s among other topics related to Google and how Google interprets website URL’s.
• Business Blogging
  A checklist of 10 easy steps to consider when looking to get a blog up and running successfully for a company or business.
• Web Directories
  Rand Fishkin offers personal recommendations for determining the value of a web directory as it relates to link building and search engine optimization strategy

Here is a look at some of the interesting news and posts that we found this week, related to the worlds of online marketing, social media and search engine optimization.

• Search Shortcuts
  I missed this post last week when I was compiling resources, so I wanted to add Seth Worby’s nice reference list of Google Search Shortcuts, from Search Industry News
• Web Analytics
  Avinash Kaushik takes a look at how to measure the success of a website that is not in directly in the e-commerce or direct lead generation business, such as news organizations, blogs and portals.

It’s been a busy week for certain! Here is a look at some of the key articles and blog posts we found this week, related to the world of online marketing.

• Keyword Research
  Doing keyword research? Search Engine Land takes a look at various tools webmasters can use for keyword research.
• Wikipedia
  SEO by the Sea highlights a recent paper that explores the idea of using pages like those found in Wikipedia results to try to resolve confusion in reference when someone performs a search for a person or place in a search engine.

We’re excited about the new blog format here at KoMarketing Associates, and hope that you will find the articles, discussions and material presented here valuable and beneficial as you work through your website’s search engine marketing strategy. As an ongoing series of posts, we’re looking to highlight a handful of interesting and valuable pieces of information found within the search engine-related blogs on a bi-weekly basis (updated - 8/25/2007). As always, feel free to comment, email or contact us if you have specific questions or concerns on these, or any other ideas in search engine marketing.