tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:23:30 +0000Information on search engine optimization strategies for business.http://www.arteworks.biz/blogger.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)Blogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7235745296483473587Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:48:00 +00002010-01-06T23:53:02.069-06:00search engine optimizationsocial media optimizationsocial mediaMany SEO types today believe the magic bullet to high rankings is links. Ranging from free for all link schemes, to blog links, to natural links to content, to anchor text controlled links.While the authors believe that natural links from relevant pages with good anchor and surrounding text still remains a huge factor in search engine rankings, our research has shown that there are other ways inhttp://www.arteworks.biz/2010/01/controversy-of-mentions-vs-links-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-121882302179476286Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:23:00 +00002009-12-17T03:59:28.316-06:00Here are the general contest rules1. Must include @reply to ArteWorks SEO and hashtag #arteworks. Must also follow @ArteWorks_SEO.2. You must vote for ArteWorks SEO on PromotionWorld's Readers Choice.3. To be be eligible to win, you must tweet and include the following: “@ArteWorks_SEO" and use hashtag "#arteworks”. 4. Cash given away by ArteWorks SEO to random winner selected solely by ArteWorkshttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/11/contest-rules.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-5979255911035606763Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:03:00 +00002009-09-29T09:19:27.407-05:00Business owners in the 1990’s were faced with the fact that in order to compete, they needed to establish a web presence. While the necessity of using search engines to achieve website visibility may be obvious to those in the search marketing industry, only now are many site owners realizing that the establishment of a web presence alone is not enough without search engine optimization. Howeverhttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/09/cross-platfrom-internet-marketing-say.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-4734236691793371581Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:57:00 +00002009-10-15T05:57:25.926-05:00So you want to win this iPod Touch? It's easy. Here's how.1. Must include @reply to ArteWorks SEO and hashtag #arteworks. Must also follow @ArteWorks_SEO and remain following until at least October 20, 2009. Contest ends October 15, 2009 at midnight Central Time (Austin, TX time zone).2. If you are not following @ArteWorks_SEO as of October 20, 2009 then you are ineligible for prize. Must be http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/09/twitter-contest.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-3427768165505980053Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:11:00 +00002009-09-21T16:24:25.389-05:00seoframesWhile the use of websites built upon the use of frames was popular in the 1990's, they have fallen out of favor for a number of reasons, and it is recommended that any site that still uses frames be redeveloped to eliminate their use. There are a number of reasons for this.First, search engines can't crawl a site with frames because each frame is treated as the same url as the home page, at http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/09/why-use-of-frames-is-discouraged.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-8110924448758591516Thu, 06 Aug 2009 18:39:00 +00002009-08-06T13:40:35.501-05:00As the social networking phenomenon has been embraced by the masses as a way to stay in touch with friends and family, many copycats have tried to hop on the gravy train. None of them has been as groundbreaking, however, as Zooloo.com, the newest, easiest to use, and safest social networking site available. And it’s fun!What most sets Zooloo apart from other sites is that it allows users to bringhttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/08/zooloo-more-than-better-mousetrap.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-6796261153801493203Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:23:00 +00002009-06-09T10:53:02.627-05:00seo search engine optimizationbinggoogleI read an article this morning which made the claim that Bing does not produce results as fresh as Google and therefore favors aged pages or sites at the expense of fresh content. I decided to do a side by side comparison of the two engines to test this out myself, using 3 unrelated breaking news queries and the comparison tool Bingle. The queries I randomly chose were "Sonia Sotomayor", "Air http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/bing-vs-google-for-breaking-news.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-3358769217748261386Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:22:00 +00002009-06-03T20:31:41.450-05:00social networkingsocial mediatwitterAs SMX Advanced - Seattle wrapped up today, I noticed something. The new business cards I printed up for the event went largely undistributed. I am coming home with only two business cards from other people. A year ago, at SMX West, I gave out a stack of cards and came home with a stack. What has changed? One word: Twitter. And I'm not the only one who noticed it.I first realized on the http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/changing-face-of-networking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-6943888078459789894Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:30:00 +00002009-06-03T13:19:58.765-05:00Synopsis of the What's Next for the Search Engine Marketing Business at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. What clients are looking for as metrics of success:-Site Traffic-Increase Conversions-ROIWhere is search marketing funding coming from?-new marketing funds-allocation from other funds--such as newspapers, other print, other mediaFor 2009:12% will spend less on SEM29% will spend the http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-session-synopsis-whats.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7153310278889901050Wed, 03 Jun 2009 16:01:00 +00002009-06-03T11:43:24.410-05:00bingSynopsis of the Bing.com Keynote session at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. Bing is officially launched as of today, preview labels are off.Bing is intended to make the search experience more efficient and organized. The monolithic search page is a thing of the past.A search for "Seattle", for example, will show attractions, weather, or information on Seattle. Key idea: understandinghttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-synopsis-bingcom-keynote.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-8156267085489670286Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:26:00 +00002009-06-02T18:27:55.110-05:00Synopsis of the Beyond the Usual Linkbuilding session at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. Some Good Link Sources:-Audience-targeted content-Useful widgets/tools-RSS-SERP listing optimizationContent which is attractive to links includes:Public Domain Content (federal, state governments, etc.)Private Domain Content (fair use)Project Gutenberg: contains formerly copyrighted works now in http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-session-synopsis-beyond.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-2473999640287377772Tue, 02 Jun 2009 21:03:00 +00002009-06-02T16:40:23.460-05:00Synopsis of the Proving Social Media's Value session at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. Benefits of engaging in usersupport forums--drive traffic--improve customer service--test new product ideas/get feedback--foster online community retention--visibly provide support--shows you care--engage in significant discussions about your brandSenior Management will always ask: What is the ROI?http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-session-synopsis-proving.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-8608520639362933077Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:07:00 +00002009-06-02T14:08:08.389-05:00Synopsis of the Duplicate Content/Canonical Link Element session at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. Canonical Link Element:-Flag Duplicate Content--HTML tagging--Embedded in head section of web page--Treated as Internal 301 redirect-Announced in 1st Quarter of this year by the "big 3"What is the Canonical Link Element Good For?Its best purpose is to revitalize interna discussions abouthttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-session-synopsis-duplicate.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7666391961756453559Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:02:00 +00002009-06-02T16:51:32.279-05:00social media optimizationSynopsis of the Social Media and Search Marketing session at SMX Advanced. Written in real time format. SMX Advanced Social Media Session - Full PostGoogle is looking for fresh content and "relevancy feedback", especially when tracking real time and social media results. Relevancy feedback indicators include social bookmarking, but not only social bookmarking in and of itself, but ways in whichhttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/06/smx-advanced-session-synopsis-social.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-2595609527951770871Fri, 29 May 2009 01:51:00 +00002009-05-28T22:22:30.041-05:00Yesterday @Burnsie_SEO posted a tweet linking to images of spiders devouring various animals. I posted a reply tweet in which I said "Spider vs. Human - REAL", with a link in it. Burnsie bit. And got Rickroll'd. Little did I know how conniving Burnsie is. She got me back, and got me back good. Full post.If you don't know what Rickroll means, it is a bait and switch game that happens when http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/05/seo-antics-rickrolld-on-twitter.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-6181548735769777266Mon, 11 May 2009 14:43:00 +00002009-05-14T13:43:21.261-05:00What is it about SEO, social media, PR, and new media that attracts such sexy minds? I'm not sure, but there is something going on there. Everywhere you look women are succeeding and making an impact on this industry. I decided to make a list of the 9 sexiest minds in new media. Yes, this has been done before, however was limited to women practicing in the field of SEO. Werebu did it last http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/05/9-sexiest-minds-in-new-media.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-1030721815276266169Fri, 08 May 2009 19:16:00 +00002009-05-08T14:47:11.943-05:00search engine optimization seoAs Internet marketing becomes more competitive, and client budgets become tighter, it has become increasingly difficult to stand out in the industry and offer powerful solutions on a budget. Here are some ideas which I have found useful in persuading clients to choose our firm over other firms. Read the full article on closing SEO deals in a recession.1) Keyword Research and ROI Analysis. Many http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/05/recession-seo-5-free-things-to-offer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-4386420319605553825Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:32:00 +00002009-04-28T14:55:46.738-05:00anchor text search engine optimization seoAs social media and search engine optimization techniques become more complicated and advanced, sometimes we forget about the basics. Yesterday, I had a client ask me what anchor text was, and I realized sometimes it is good to explain to the layperson what many of us professionals take as a given. Click for full article on anchor text optimization.To begin, let's start with a definition of whathttp://www.arteworks.biz/2009/04/back-to-basics-importance-of-anchor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-8711591715782561434Tue, 14 Apr 2009 13:15:00 +00002009-04-15T08:47:32.169-05:00search engine optimizationlink buildingseolinksIt is amazing the mythology which abounds in the field of Internet marketing. Take for example a recent article written by a company called LinkBuilderz which was entitled "Authority Link Building! What and How". In this article, the author explains that you will be "amazed with the results" if you drop links into Wikipedia. Problem is, the author is evidently ignorant of the fact that http://www.arteworks.biz/2009/04/response-authority-link-building-what.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-519658743624811253Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:19:00 +00002008-12-04T12:42:46.712-06:00search engine optimizationpress release marketinggoogleAs part of my research for an article about Google site search, I typed in the search query "ebay" this morning. I was quite surprised when the news results on the first page of the SERPs yielded a scantily clad young woman appearing to be using a Wii with the caption "I Really Should Study". This is an actual screen shot of the search results which were provided on the first page of the Google http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/12/search-for-ebay-reveals-half-naked.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7391988917264305116Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:52:00 +00002008-12-02T11:24:32.837-06:00iPhoneThe iPhone's security settings are great - unless you are not familiar with them and someone is trying to get in touch with you to let you know that your missing pet has been found. This is the story of how the iPhone foiled my attempt to get news of a missing pet to the pet's owner as quickly as possible.My Seattle Project Manager Peter Hamilton is in Austin this week for some training, and http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/12/iphone-security-hampers-news-of.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7224426399349609113Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:34:00 +00002008-11-19T12:26:43.556-06:00search engine optimizationseogeo-targetinggeotargetingcustomized searchCustom search based on user browsing behavior is here. This means that search engine result pages will deliver different results to individualized users based on the past search trends and geographic location of that user. And no, you do not have to be signed into your Google account for this to happen. Clients as well as SEO firms which insist on a rankings-based metric of success are going http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/11/custom-search-death-knell-of-rankings.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-7992517830372456492Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:51:00 +00002008-11-19T10:52:56.947-06:00search engine optimizationsearch engine optimization companiesseoFirst it was Internet Advancement. Now, it is Visible.net. Washington State appears to be on a mission to get rid of shady SEO firms which promise more than they can deliver and give the entire industry a black eye. I personally am glad that somebody is cracking down on firms which make overreaching promises. Here are 5 tips to avoid becoming a victim of bad SEO firms. 1. Avoid firms which http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/11/5-tips-to-avoid-becoming-seo-victim.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-2950835293075752981Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:14:00 +00002008-11-19T10:55:01.518-06:00Bad press about your business can be very upsetting, especially when it is written by a disgruntled customer who posts information about you or your company online for the world to see. Oftentimes, this information is very visible in the search engines and is by its very nature extremely biased and one-sided. Here are six steps you can take which have proven effective in dealing with online http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/11/black-hat-reputation-management-6-steps.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11401594.post-8793732288921875017Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:52:00 +00002008-10-29T08:21:38.795-05:00search engine optimizationseorand fishkinseomozIn order to ascertain whether or not Rand Fishkin, the CEO of SEOMoz, is a superhero, we must first define the term and then put him to the test. Let's do it and see what happens.Variously referred to on the web as "the Wizard of Moz", "Darth Fishkin", "Werewolf Fishkin", "Mastermind", the "Romantic SEO", and many other appellations, his best known pseudonym is perhaps "randfish". With all http://www.arteworks.biz/2008/10/is-rand-fishkin-superhero.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Matt Foster, CEO, ArteWorks SEO)0