PPC… Can It Enhance Your SEO?
June 29, 2009
PPC… Can It Enhance Your SEO?
Can pay per click marketing really work in tandem with SEO? I have found that the most successful SEO campaigns were born from PPC results. What do I mean? Read on…
Just a like a company’s house list, the information they gather from their own PPC campaigns can provide a significant boost to the effectiveness of their search engine optimization efforts. The key is to know what information you’re looking for and how to use it to generate qualified visitors to your website.
Qualified visitors are those that have a higher degree of interest in your products or services and a greater likelihood of purchasing your products. I’ve often seen websites that have reduced their traffic while significantly improving conversion rates. The result is lower costs related to traffic acquisition and higher revenue. With more revenue and less expense, margins reach a new level of success.
The concept that I teach in SEO training is the most effective way to combine pay-per-click advertising with search engine optimization is to focus on conversions. What keywords have you promoted through pay per click advertising that led to conversions? If you’ve been running PPC for a while and you are still unsure, then consider expanding your analytic coding to include Google conversion tracking.
Once you have the answer and know which terms produce the greatest conversions, regardless of ad variation, then you SEO keywords have been determined. You want to generate organic traffic to the same keywords you’re promoting through PPC as long as they are generating your highest conversions.
An example of this might be someone promoting a book on how to fix a car. If the highest converting keyword is, “car repair”, then you should consider car repair as a keyword phrase you must optimize for. Organic traffic to this term will produce targeted web site visitors and conversions for little or no money as you improve your rankings.
The last piece is to take your highest converting landing pages and build in some or all of the elements into your website. Once you’ve tracking and optimized landing pages via PPC, you can duplicate what you’ve learned from a conversion perspective organically. Consider applying the landing page elements that have generated the highest return for you on your pay-per-click advertising.
Whether you’re just getting started with search engine optimization or consider yourself a search engine optimization expert, leveraging your pay-per-click advertising is the best investment you can make. Determine which keywords generate the type of traffic that is most valuable to you and optimize around these terms. They will generate more traffic and revenue.
To learn more about PPC, check out our comprehensive Content Bully Review.
Obama says Italy will take 3 Guantanamo detainees – The Associated Press
June 15, 2009
Obama says Italy will take 3 Guantanamo detainees – The Associated Press Obama says Italy will take 3 Guantanamo detainees
CBS News
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – Italy has agreed to accept three detainees from Guantanamo Bay, President Barack Obama said Monday, as the administration continues its struggle to find homes for the prisoners so the facility can be shut down early next year.
Obama: Italy agrees to take 3 Guantanamo inmates
In Obama's Quest to Save Face, the Italians Up the Ante
Obama 'Troubled' by Post-Election Turmoil in Iran – Voice of America Obama 'Troubled' by Post-Election Turmoil in Iran
BBC News
Voice of America
By Paula Wolfson US President Barack Obama says it is up to the people of Iran to determine their nation's future. At the same time, he says he is troubled by the post-election turmoil there and wants to see an end to the bloodshed.
Video: One shot dead at banned Iran rally – 15 Jun 09
Judge says museum suspect can't appear in court – The Associated Press Judge says museum suspect can't appear in court
CTV.ca
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) – A white supremacist accused of fatally shooting a security guard at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum is in no condition to appear in court, a federal judge ruled Monday.
Video: Victim's Mom: I'm Grateful for Love and Support
Recession fears cripple stocks – CNNMoney.com Recession fears cripple stocks
Straits Times
CNNMoney.com
Worries that the economy is not likely to recover as soon as had been hoped drag on markets. Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq drop over 2%.
US Stocks Close Lower; Economic Data Hurt
CORRECTED – REFILE-US STOCKS-Wall St falls on economy woes …
Improve Your Web site Traffic
June 14, 2009
Improve Your Web site Traffic
A question I’ve been getting recently is how to improve web site traffic. There are a few techniques that I use on a regular basis to improve site traffic. These techniques have helped me to drive traffic to specific sites, promotions, or affiliate products that I’ve sold from time to time.
Tip #1: Start to build a list. Whether you build a list by offering a free download on your website or by using inexpensive PPC advertising, having your own list allows you to encourage users to visit your site again and again. Over time, this can be one of your best traffic generators.
Tip #2: Make it easy to bookmark your site. Include a bookmark button at the very top of your web page. Doing so gives individuals easy access to your site and the content that you offer. You want it to be easy to find your site whenever someone is seeking the information you provide.
Tip #3: Include an RSS feed on your site. When individuals sign up for an RSS feed, they receive updates on a regular basis. This keeps your site and your information in front of them again and again. Don’t underestimate the power of repetition.
Tip #4: Offer original content on your site. Author original content and post it on your site. Doing so results in a higher ranking on search engine results. It also attracts new users to your web site.
These tips seem pretty basic but they build upon one another. Over time you will attract a loyal following and more visitors. My main website now sees more than 100,000 visitors each month and it all started with orginal content that is easy to find, bookmark, and receive with an RSS feed.
Best
-Michael
The Futurama Looks Bright as Comedy Central Revives 'Toon – Seattle Post Intelligencer
June 10, 2009
The Futurama Looks Bright as Comedy Central Revives 'Toon – Seattle Post Intelligencer The Futurama Looks Bright as Comedy Central Revives 'Toon
BBC News
Seattle Post Intelligencer
By MATT MITOVICH This, without a doubt, is Bender's biggest score. Comedy Central has ordered 26 new episodes of Futurama, the animated comedy that ran from 1999 to 2003 on Fox.
Futurama to make return on US TV
“Terrible News Everyone” – Futurama Coming Back
Stocks struggle in choppy trading – CNNMoney.com Stocks struggle in choppy trading
Seattle Post Intelligencer
CNNMoney.com
Wall Street is mixed on a spike in commodity prices, Home Depot, Chrysler-Fiat deal. By CNNMoney.com staff Are you cutting back on spending due to rising energy prices?
Oil, gasoline prices move higher
US STOCKS-Commodities, Home Depot to lift Wall St at open
GOP watch: Turning it into a circus – msnbc.com GOP watch: Turning it into a circus
Washington Post
msnbc.com
Dan Balz isn'ta fan of the way Palin and the GOP handled the recent NRCC/NRSC fundraising dinner. “It's a measure of the Republican Party's problems that its members managed to turn their biggest fundraising event this year into a circus highlighting …
Palin Sideshow Spotlights Cracks in the GOP
Republicans See Gingrich, Cheney, and Limbaugh as Their Spokesmen
'Up' takes Pixar to new territory – Atlanta Journal Constitution
May 29, 2009
'Up' takes Pixar to new territory – Atlanta Journal Constitution 'Up' takes Pixar to new territory
New Zealand Herald
Atlanta Journal Constitution
By Mark Feeney “How do you even describe the story?” asked Pete Docter, the co-director, with Bob Peterson, of “Up,” the latest feature from Pixar Animation Studios.
Up (Disney Digital 3D)
Disney without Pixar
That's All You Got? The Attacks on Sotomayor Come Across as Desperate – Huffington Post That's All You Got? The Attacks on Sotomayor Come Across as Desperate
Huffington Post
Huffington Post
I'm not in the habit of giving advice to the Republican Party, which is just as well, because they're not in the habit of accepting it.
Swine Flu in Greek Students May Point to Outbreak in Edinburgh – Bloomberg Swine Flu in Greek Students May Point to Outbreak in Edinburgh
ABC News
Bloomberg
By Jason Gale May 29 (Bloomberg) — Two Greek students who caught swine flu in Edinburgh may indicate the pandemic-threatening virus has become entrenched in parts of Scotland, researchers said.
Video: Two more cases of swine flu in clark co
Fiat Chief, 'Perplexed' on Opel, Skips Berlin Meeting – Bloomberg Fiat Chief, 'Perplexed' on Opel, Skips Berlin Meeting
Times Online
Bloomberg
By Elisa Martinuzzi and Sara Forden May 29 (Bloomberg) — Fiat SpA Chief Executive Officer Sergio Marchionne said he's “perplexed” by financing issues arising in talks to buy General Motors Corp.
Video: Magna and Sberbank await decision on Opel
Chicago swine flu death confirmed: It's the first one in Illinois – Chicago Tribune
May 25, 2009
Chicago swine flu death confirmed: It's the first one in Illinois – Chicago Tribune Chicago swine flu death confirmed: It's the first one in Illinois
AFP
Chicago Tribune
By Carlos Sadovi | Tribune reporter A Chicago resident became the first person in Illinois to die of swine flu, a reminder of the virus' continued circulation throughout the state even as publicity — and fears — about it have waned.
Chicago reports nation's 12th death from swine flu
First Illinois resident dies of swine flu
Lakers outclassed on the glass by Denver – Los Angeles Times Lakers outclassed on the glass by Denver
Globe and Mail
Los Angeles Times
Nuggets center Chris Andersen tries to get a grip on a rebound as he battle Lakers power forward Pau Gasol on Monday night. By Mike Bresnahan Reporting from Denver — The Lakers weren't beaten on the boards.
Nuggets get even with Lakers
Lakers have another bad evening
US military: Iraq attacks down nearly 60 percent – The Associated Press
May 24, 2009
US military: Iraq attacks down nearly 60 percent – The Associated Press US military: Iraq attacks down nearly 60 percent
Malaysia Star
The Associated Press
BAGHDAD (AP) – High-profile attacks in Iraq have fallen nearly 60 percent in the past year, the US military said Sunday, though violence continues to plague the northern city of Mosul, where a suicide car bomber targeting an American convoy killed one …
Female suicide bomber seized in Iraq
Iraqi Officials Expect Moves Amid Inquiry
Apple removes apps after Cartier suit – United Press International Apple removes apps after Cartier suit
Ars Technica
United Press International
The new Apple iPhone 3G is pictured here on display at the Apple Store in Bethesda, Maryland to purchase the new 3G iPhone on July 11, 2008.
Banned Eucalyptus iPhone App Unbanned; App Store Rules Make No Sense
Eucalyptus for iPhone gets a new lease on life
Airlines Tumble on Concern Swine Flu Will Damp Travel – Bloomberg
April 27, 2009
Airlines Tumble on Concern Swine Flu Will Damp Travel – Bloomberg Airlines Tumble on Concern Swine Flu Will Damp Travel
Reuters
Bloomberg
By Mary Jane Credeur and Mary Schlangenstein April 27 (Bloomberg) — Airline stocks tumbled worldwide, dragging a benchmark US index to its biggest drop since 2001, on concern that the swine flu outbreak will damp travel demand.
Airlines waiving change fees amid swine flu scare
Airlines Drop Penalties for Flight Changes
BofA officially retires Countrywide brand – Bizjournals.com BofA officially retires Countrywide brand
CharlotteObserver.com
Bizjournals.com
The Countrywide brand is no more, as Bank of America rolled out its rebranded Bank of America Home Loans unit on Monday. Bank of America acquired Calabasas, Calif.
Bank of America scraps Countrywide name
Bank of America Targets Image as ‘Countrywide' Ends
Pay-Per-Click Marketing: Is It For You?
April 9, 2009
Pay-Per-Click Marketing: Is It For You?
Most marketers I talk to often tell me that they are losing money with Pay Per Click marketing. I too have had mixed results with PPC. The question I found myself asking was, “who is using PPC and making money?” In my experience, it takes a lot of research to win at PPC, but win you can.
When I started with pay per click advertising, I struggled a great deal. Either I got tons of traffic and no sales or little traffic and no sales. Over time, with the proper tracking, I learned which bidding strategies improved my quality score and click through rates. Once I was driving traffic, the key was to improve conversions.
Improving conversions is not an easy task. Again, the only time I started seeing success was once I began testing – much like I did for years with my direct marketing efforts. The testing was time consuming and tedious. I would only change one element at a time and let it run for 2 -3 weeks before I could draw a conclusion.
The good news however is that once you make these distinctions: choosing the right keywords, finding your top performing ads, and optimizing your landing pages, you’re basically on auto-pilot. So if you’re struggling with PPC, just hand in there. I recommend that you break down the task of PPC marketing into small steps and attempt to make progress one stage at a time.
Best of luck with your PPC. Whatever you do, don’t get discouraged simply stay the course!
Succeed With A Solid Marketing Plan
April 4, 2009
Succeed With A Solid Marketing Plan
In order to succeed with a basic marketing plan you need to focus on some core elements of a plan that targets the right audience and produces a specific result including lead generation or sales. For your marketing to produce results you should consider using multiple media formats.
There is so much competition today that the messages you use need to be one-of-a-kind. The effectiveness of any campaign is directly correlated to the quality of your list and the effectiveness of your offer. Before you even begin planning for your marketing campaign, think about your product and what motivates people to buy.
After spending many years trying new things, I’ve found that marketing results are relatively consistent when sound marketing techniques are applied. These techniques are effective in any industry and any apply to any type of campaign you have. Consider building your marketing campaign using the following strategies:
Set specific goals. Before you begin, think about the specific goals you wish to achieve. Many marketers gravitate towards conversion but you need to define what that means for you and your business. Some individuals are simply looking for a sale, others a lead or download. Before you begin, identify what action you want respondents to take and how you’re going to measure it.
Segment your market. Don’t try to market to everyone. If you do, your campaign will not be successful. On the other hand, if you consider the specific audience you’re looking to attract and find them, your chances of success increase tremendously. Review your current customer and find others like them if you wish to generate a positive return on investment.
Identify key messages. What are the key messages that resonate with your audience? Have you used successful headlines or email subject lines in the past? If you have, use these as a baseline and build from there. You need to speak in the language that resonates with your customers if you are going to get their attention and gain their trust.
Test multiple offers. The only way to run a productive marketing campaign is by testing various offers. Your offer is a critical component for improving marketing results. Your best bet is to test multiple offers and measuring the result. Once you find and offer that works, try to beat its results during th
e next campaign.
Use an integrated marketing approach. Don’t settle for a single email, post card or ad. Rather, discover the media that your segment uses to get their information, do research, and buy their products. This will help you determine the best way to reach them. Once you develop a campaign, tie together as many of these media types to convey your message and offer.
Using these marketing techniques are important for producing a positive ROI. In addition, be aware of your campaign timing. Even if all of the above criteria are met, your campaign could still fall short if you havent exposed your audience to the right message at the right time.
Consider each of these steps before creating your next marketing campaign in print or online. Your marketing is only going to be successful when you set specific goals, segment your market appropriately, use effective messaging, and create a compelling offer. Experiment with different media to get your message across and deliver a winning marketing campaign.
