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	<title>WebFuel &#187; Search Engine Optimization</title>
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		<title>SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-canada-horror-stories/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seo-canada-horror-stories</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-canada-horror-stories/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:54:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google AdWords]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black hat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Helen Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keywords]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5757</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>In the spirit of Halloween, we&#8217;ve compiled a few chilling tales that we have seen over the past several years as a SEO agency. Usually we blog about SEO myths and scams, but this time we decided to share with you real horror stories we have uncovered for our Canadian clients or those targeting the [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-canada-horror-stories/">SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4690" style="margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" title="WebFuel is Canadian!" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png" alt="canada red maple leaf SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective" width="80" height="77" /></a>In the spirit of Halloween, we&#8217;ve compiled a few chilling tales that we have seen over the past several years as a SEO agency. Usually we blog about SEO myths and scams, but this time we decided to share with you real horror stories we have uncovered for our Canadian clients or those targeting the Canadian Search landscape.</p>
<p>As the Search Strategist for WebFuel, I respond to the company’s SEO inquires and unfortunately hear many horror stories. As a result, I work more and more on resolving serious Search issues on behalf of newly acquired clients. Most of the time, what has been done from a SEO perspective (previous to hiring us) is a mystery. So…. like a Search Detective, I work to solve the case.</p>
<p>Here are the top most<em> startling </em>Search issues.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/SEO-pumpkin.png" class="broken_link"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5755" title="SEO-Halloween" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/SEO-pumpkin-300x111.png" alt="SEO pumpkin 300x111 SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective" width="300" height="111" /></a><strong></strong></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Not in the Google Index (at all)<br />
</strong>This sadly happens too often. We have had to resolve this type of Search issue more than any other – and it is <strong>serious</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">. The most common reason is that the client did not have a Search Engine Friendly website built. In other words, the Search Engines cannot crawl their site. This means no indexation – and they will NOT show up in a Google SERP (Search Engine Results Page). You should hear the client’s</span><strong> </strong><em style="font-weight: normal;">blood curdling</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> scream when this is brought to light.</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Disappearing from Organic Search<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is horrifying!!! One day key high-ranking web pages, or even worse, an entire website, no longer appears in Google SERPs. And… even more terrifying, this is often not noticed for quite a while as no one is even monitoring this.</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Wrong Geographic Area (not your target location)<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Yikes!!! We see many variations of this frightening issue. Canadian businesses targeting the United States – Google.com but appearing in Google Canada (Google.ca). This requires lots of expertise to resolve (not simply hiring an American SEO Agency). Or… equally disastrous, Canadian companies whereby the target location is Canada &#8211; and Google displays their search results in the USA on Google.com. At the local level, Search Engine repositioning is required due to wrong city (i.e. Nepean Search rather than an Ottawa Search) or not entire geo-graphic region (i.e. province).</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Stolen Web Traffic</strong><strong>(that should belong to you)<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This issue is rarely known by the website owner (how chilling) &#8211; and only discovered when we audit the account. The most popular perpetrators are the client’s competitors (or the agency that was hired by the competitor), the business themselves (due to a poor online strategy) – and the worst violation, in my opinion, a third party supplier for the client. We have seen a huge increase in this type of scenario over the past year. The 3</span><sup>rd</sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">party vendor steals (and some are big well-known brands) your web traffic in order to improve their results on your behalf.</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Bad SEO (Black Hat Techniques)<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Call it bad SEO practices or unethical standards it’s quickly becoming the norm (now that is </span><em style="font-weight: normal;">scary</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">). In our SEO Audits, we have discovered keyword stuffing, hidden text, duplicate content, cloaking, doorway pages, improper use of redirects and extremely questionable linking strategies &#8211; including invisible links on a page and inbound links from bad neighbourhoods (how creepy!!!).<br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is mostly due to the</span><strong> </strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">inexperience of the Search Engine Optimizer and simply not understanding the complexly of SEO.  But we also see many cases whereby the SEO strategy is based on intentionally “tricking” the Search Engines. This is known as “Black Hat” techniques. The real horrifying story here is businesses most don’t know that they have hired a <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: What is SEO Black Hat" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/what-is-black-hat/">Black Hat SEO</a> Agency.</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Keywords Scams, Myths &amp; Issues<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This list is endless… SEOs selling organic keywords “you can buy these two”, rank for keywords that no one searches for, translating researched keywords from English into French (this doesn’t work) or hiring an agency that also works for your keyword competitors (no non-compete clause or they don’t honour it).</p>
<p></span></span></li>
<li><strong>Google Ban (Organic &amp; Paid)<br />
</strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">This is </span><em style="font-weight: normal;">the</em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> worst horror story from our perspective. Not adhering to, or in compliance with AdWords policies resulting in a permanently suspended account. Yes – this means no Ads on Google. Or likely an even worse nightmare, violating Google Webmaster Guidelines &#8211; and getting banned from Organic Search. As a result, your website no longer appears for branded &amp; non-branded keywords. You are now invisible in a Search!</span></li>
</ol>
<p>Got your own SEO horror stories? Please share your <em>chilling tales</em>.</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><br/><br/><br/></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-canada-horror-stories/">SEO Horror Stories: From a Canadian Perspective</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>SEO &amp; The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-google-places-canada/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seo-google-places-canada</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-google-places-canada/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:08:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Places]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Helen Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keywords]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5733</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>According to Google, location-based searches and the use of geo-targeted keywords are on the increase. Currently one out of five searches on Google is related to a user’s location. Google’s local services have gained more visibility in the SERPs over the past year. We predict that the importance of Local Search will continue to rise [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-google-places-canada/">SEO &#038; The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4690" title="WebFuel is Canadian!" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png" alt="canada red maple leaf SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="80" height="77" /></a>According to Google, location-based searches and the use of geo-targeted keywords are on the increase. Currently one out of five searches on Google is related to a user’s location. Google’s local services have gained more visibility in the SERPs over the past year. We predict that the importance of Local Search will continue to rise and this (of course) has put local search marketing on the map!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What is a Google Places Page?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/google-places.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-5737 alignleft" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;" title="Google Places" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/google-places.jpg" alt="google places SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="210" height="160" /></a></strong> Formally known as Google Local Business Center, Google Places is like the Yellow Pages of the Internet. Think of it like a Google local web page or an online listing of your business. This local listing can display information about your business in text, image &amp; video format and is tied into Google Maps. According to Google, 97% of consumers search for local businesses online. And… over the past year, the Search Engine’s local algorithm in Canada has resulted in more visibility for local organic search results on Google.ca.</p>
<p>Google Places and Google Maps appear in a Google SERP in the organic section. It’s important to understand the placement. In a previous blog post, we addressed the layout of a <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: " href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-google-canada-serp-search-engine-results-page/" target="_blank">Canadian Google Search Engine Results Page</a> in terms of Organic Search vs. Paid Search as well as where the engine displays Google Maps and Places. It is very prominent. Check it out if you require better understanding.</p>
<p>With Halloween just around the corner, and people searching for pumpkin picking farms in Ottawa, we decided to feature a local Places page.</p>
<p>Here is an example of a Local Ottawa Google Places Listing:</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><br />
<a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/MillersPlacesPage.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5736" title="Places Page Canada" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/MillersPlacesPage.jpg" alt="MillersPlacesPage SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="537" height="500" /></a><strong>Google Canada Place Profile for a Pumpkin Farm in Ottawa</strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p><strong>Business Information Section</strong><br />
This section is ideally provided by the business owner. It includes the name of the business, relevant categories, a short description, address, website and photo number. A web visitor can phone you, visit your website for more information and get directions via Google Maps (Canada).</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Photo Section</strong><br />
Business owners and Google users can upload photos. These photos generally include storefront, products sold and people behind the business. They must, of course, follow Google’s guidelines. Videos can also be uploaded.</p>
<p><strong>Review Section</strong><br />
“What people are saying” about your business in a review format falls under this section. Reviewers must have a Google account to post. Owners have the ability to respond to positive as well as negative reviews.</p>
<p><strong>Related Content Section</strong><br />
Related places that appear in this area of your profile are generated by Google. It’s based on the Google Places algorithm. Google displays other related Places pages in your geographic area. If you are positioned properly in Local Search, you will also appear on your competitor page in this section.</p>
<p><strong>Google Maps Section</strong><br />
This section is also generated by the Search Engine based on your Places listing. Google displays a street view with a map icon to indicate your location. Web visitors can click on the map for a large view and get directions by car, bus, walking or by bike (if applicable).</p>
<p><strong>Google Ads Section</strong><br />
Unlike your listing that is free, this section is for paid ads. This is where Google Ads (known as AdWords) are displayed. While you cannot remove these ads, you can certainly place your text ads on Places Pages.</p>
<p><strong>How does this relate to SEO?</strong><br />
From a SEO perspective, your Google Places profile page can give you visibility in the SERPs beyond your website. Think of it as an additional web property. Depending on your industry, and relevancy from a Google perspective, your Places listing can even outrank your website based on a local branded geo-search. You can also rank in Places for generic searches based on related local non-branded keyword queries. And… your business listing can send you qualified web traffic via the inbound link on your page (SEOs’ love this!).</p>
<p>Your business can also appear on other Places pages under related places and/or in the ads section. From our perspective, this means more visibility in local search!</p>
<p>At least 20% of Canadian searches are local. People search Google.ca and Google Maps to find local businesses. Claim it, optimize it, monitor it -and measure it!</p>
<p>Can you get found?</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube SEO & The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><br/><br/><br/></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-google-places-canada/">SEO &#038; The Anatomy of a Google Places: From a Canadian Perspective</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/google-ethical-seo-not-spam/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=google-ethical-seo-not-spam</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/google-ethical-seo-not-spam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:50:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[black hat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ethical SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Helen Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Keywords]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Site Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[white hat]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5708</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Matt Cutts, Google’s head of web spam fighting team, has publicly stated that Google does not consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to be spam. According to Matt, there are plenty of good SEOs out there (also known as White Hat SEO). He explains that Search Engine Optimization basically means trying to make sure that “your [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-ethical-seo-not-spam/">Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Matt Cutts, Google’s head of web spam fighting team, has publicly stated that Google does <strong>not</strong> consider Search Engine Optimization (SEO) to be spam.</p>
<p>According to Matt, there are plenty of good SEOs out there (also known as <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: What is SEO White Hat?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/what-is-seo-white-hat/" target="_blank">White Hat SEO</a>). He explains that Search Engine Optimization basically means trying to make sure that “your pages are well represented within Search Engines”. He also acknowledges that are plenty of “White Hat” SEO strategies that can be implemented. They include helping out with the initial <a title="WebFuel Bog Post: SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture/" target="_blank">site architecture</a>, URL structure, making sure the website is crawlable, finding the right keywords, ensuring fast <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions/" target="_blank">website speed</a> and optimizing content to convert.</p>
<p>He did add that there are bad SEOs out there, known as <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: What is SEO Black Hat?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/What-is-Black-Hat/" target="_blank">Black Hat SEOs</a> that can produce web spam. Unfortunately for our industry, this is true.</p>
<p>Here is Google’s first video on the topic: Does Google Consider SEO to be spam?</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/BS75vhGO-kk" frameborder="0" width="560" height="315"></iframe></p>
<p>And… just in case you are wondering, <a title="WebFuel Blog Post: How to Find the Right SEO Agency… And Not the Find the Wrong One!" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/find-right-seo-agency/" target="_blank">WebFuel is an ethical SEO agency</a>.<br />
Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><br/><br/><br/></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-ethical-seo-not-spam/">Google Says Ethical SEO is Not Spam</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/google-canada-expanded-sitelinks/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=google-canada-expanded-sitelinks</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/google-canada-expanded-sitelinks/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:35:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[French SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Helen Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO Industry News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Site Architecture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sitelinks]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5421</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Last week Google launched an update to sitelinks in Canada. These changes have been rolled out in a Google Canada English Search but not yet in the French language version. And… it is important to point out that the expansion of sitelinks can be viewed using the latest web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-canada-expanded-sitelinks/">Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4690" title="WebFuel is Canadian!" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png" alt="canada red maple leaf Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="80" height="77" /></a>Last week <a title="Google Canada New Sitelinks" href="http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/evolution-of-sitelinks-expanded-and.html" target="_blank">Google launched an update to sitelinks</a> in Canada. These changes have been rolled out in a Google Canada English Search but not yet in the French language version. And… it is important to point out that the expansion of <a title="Got sitelinks?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/got-sitelinks" target="_blank">sitelinks</a> can be viewed using the latest web browsers such as Chrome, Firefox or Internet Explorer (Version 7). Sitelinks generation is determined by the Search Engine.</p>
<p><strong>What are Sitelinks?</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Sitelinks are the additional links that appear underneath the first search result. They allow Google searchers to go directly to specific pages that are deeper within the website. They appear in organic search results based on search queries on branded terms.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Sitelinks-one-line-.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5423" title="Google Canada Sitelinks One-Line" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Sitelinks-one-line-.png" alt="Sitelinks one line  Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="497" height="228" /></a>Here is an example of sitelinks in a Google <a title="What’s the anatomy of a SERP " href="http://www.webfuel.ca/what-s-the-anatomy-of-a-serp" target="_blank">SERP</a> (Search Engine Results Page) that have not yet been expanded. You will note that there is a single row of links. In this case, a total of four links to key web pages within the site appear.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Google-Sitelinks-Expanded.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5424" title="Google Canada Sitelinks Expanded" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Google-Sitelinks-Expanded.png" alt="Google Sitelinks Expanded Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="554" height="456" /></a>Here is an example of the new sitelinks layout. The first search result listing remains the top domain and the same in terms of format (title, URL and short description). The new additions relates to the extended listings in this full two-column sitelinks layout. Rather than just a link, it now includes a title, URL and one line of the text <a title="What is a Snippet?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/what-is-a-snippet" target="_blank">snippet</a>. The maximum number of individual sitelinks that can appear per query are now 12 (up from 8).</p>
<p><strong>How does it work?</strong></p>
<p>Google determines sitelinks based on their algorithms. They are generated and ranked based on link structure of your website. Yes – <a title="SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture" target="_blank">site architecture</a> has just become even more important if you are serious about Search.</p>
<p><strong>Why sitelinks?</strong></p>
<p>This addresses the issue that some web searchers still use broad queries such as “government of canada” rather than more specific search keyword phrases in terms of what they are attempting to find. This can also be very valuable for improving the visibility of unique sections of large and complex websites. In addition, a link could send traffic to directly to their portfolio of photos (IE sites with image galleries such as a wedding photographer). As you can see, this goes far beyond the regular results from a few years ago. And… it will, of course, help you understand your web traffic from a Google Analytics perspective.</p>
<p>Like all things Search-related, generating good sitelinks, and optimization thereof can improve your website conversions.</p>
<p>Got Sitelinks? Are they optimized?</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-canada-expanded-sitelinks/">Google Canada Expanded Sitelinks</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 2011 15:08:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Les</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Analytics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5025</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>I am obsessed with speed&#8230;always have been&#8230;always will be. So what better topic then website performance? More importantly website speed. The faster the better! Slow page load times will have a negative effect on website page conversions. There is no question about it. Stick around and I’ll tell you why you should be thinking about [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions/">The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I am obsessed with speed&#8230;always have been&#8230;always will be. So what better topic then website performance? More importantly website speed. The faster the better! Slow page load times will have a negative effect on website page conversions. There is no question about it.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Hare-Tortoise.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5028" title="WebFuel Page Load" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Hare-Tortoise.jpg" alt="Hare Tortoise The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="389" height="192" /></a></p>
<p>Stick around and I’ll tell you why you should be thinking about this very important SEO tactic. Even more, it is a smart business move to implement on your web presence.</p>
<p><strong>Page Load Speed</strong></p>
<p>In the early days of the Internet, people threw up a website and watched visitors arrive in droves. They just figured web surfers would find them, and buy their stuff. So the quality and load speed of a web presence really wasn’t all that important. In fact it was a matter of “what you don’t know won’t hurt you.”.</p>
<p>The Internet world has come a long way over a very short period of time. Things are going so fast, and technology is developing so quickly, it is hard to keep up. These days, one has to be all over their website in so many ways. Competition is fierce. So it is obvious that a website owner needs to be constantly tweaking all aspects of their web presence.</p>
<p>Enter Google. The good folks in Mountain View (Google’s Global HQ) are constantly tweaking their Search algorithms with the goal of providing high quality and meaningful results to web surfers. It’s not simply a matter of putting up a web page or blog post and having people find it. You need to work at it (At WebFuel, we do – every single day!). Ranking high in Search is a moving target. Site speed is playing an increasingly larger role in how a website ranks in a Google Search.</p>
<p>You may recall that Google announced their intentions of including site speed as a ranking factor as far back as the Fall of 2009. Things have progressed since then – to the point of Google putting in place a tool that will help Webmasters actually see how well they are doing in <a title="Measure Page Load Time with Site Speed" href="http://analytics.blogspot.com/2011/05/measure-page-load-time-with-site-speed.html" target="_blank">Google’s eyes</a>.</p>
<p>The experimental tool is straightforward to use. Simply type in a website URL and Google will come back with suggestions for how to improve that web page&#8217;s speed (You could run the test on every URL of your website). The suggestions are ranked as either High, Medium or Low. You simply work your way through their optimization tips – and watch your score increase as you progress. In addition, Google displays which best practices a website is already following (and those you are not). I like this approach as I can now go into Google Analytics, see which pages are the most popular and start tweaking at the individual page level &#8211; if need be.</p>
<p>Serious stuff!</p>
<p>Google has also upped their game by making a nifty addition to Google Analytics – the ability to measure page load times across your entire website. That is right, you can now measure the performance of each and every page on your website!</p>
<p>You must be wondering how the WebFuel website fares in all of this. We rate a healthy 91 out of 100 in Google’s Page Speed Test.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2011-06-03-at-2.35.42-PM.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5029" title="Page Speed Test: WebFuel" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/Screen-shot-2011-06-03-at-2.35.42-PM.png" alt="Screen shot 2011 06 03 at 2.35.42 PM The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="592" height="339" /></a></p>
<p>This is better than most websites I have tested. The aforementioned aside, am I happy? No! I will only be happy when we rate 100/100.</p>
<p><strong>User Experience</strong></p>
<p>Pop quiz. How long do you hang around a website if the site&#8217;s pages load slowly? A rhetorical question. You don’t. Site abandonment is often times the end result of a website with pages that load slowly. Studies show that surfers start to twitch after about 3 seconds. Then they leave… And will often tell others about their negative experience.</p>
<p>The following graphic from Strangeloopnetworks outlines things very well.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/strangeloopnetworks-consumer-web-behavior.png"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-5030" title="Strange Loop Networks" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/strangeloopnetworks-consumer-web-behavior.png" alt="strangeloopnetworks consumer web behavior The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="547" height="449" /></a></p>
<p>A curious aside on this topic. I see the same problems on almost every website I have tested. This is un-nerving inasmuch as some of the sites I have tested are relatively new. I guess page load times, user experience, and high Search Engine rankings are more important to we &#8220;WebFuelers&#8221; (Should it say &#8220;us WebFuelers&#8221; instead of &#8220;we WebFuelers&#8221;? No) then they are to some web designers (tongue in cheek).</p>
<p>Should one be worried about Page load times to the point of obsession (Like I am)? Probably not as it is one of over 200 factors Google takes into consideration in their ever-changing and and ever-evolving algorithms. That being said, a website owner would be remiss in not remedying anything that could negatively affect Search Engine rankings and user experience.</p>
<p>At WebFuel, we specialize in helping you get found on the web. Our areas of expertise span SEO (Search Engine Optimization), Social Media Marketing &amp; Measurement. How does your website rank in terms of (SEO) page speed performance? If you think there is room for improvement, please contact us. We’ll be able to help you improve your website’s speed – and hence, your end-user&#8217;s experience &amp; SEO.</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/slow-page-load-times-negative-effect-website-seo-conversions/">The Need for Speed – Slow Page Load Times Will Have a Negative Effect on Website SEO and Conversions</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=seo-site-architecture</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:21:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Site Architecture]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=5012</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>If you care about Search and Search Engines, your website should be designed with this in mind. The layout of the site architecture (often referred to as Information Architecture), is key from a SEO perspective. It is a crucial component in achieving high organic Search Engine Optimization rankings. And… this process should be ideally addressed [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture/">SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>If you care about Search and Search Engines, your website should be designed with this in mind. The layout of the site architecture (often referred to as Information Architecture), is key from a SEO perspective. It is a crucial component in achieving high organic Search Engine Optimization rankings. And… this process should be ideally addressed during the build of a new website. Structural changes to a site post launch can be, in some cases, very complex and costly.</p>
<p><strong>What is Site Architecture?</strong></p>
<p>A site architecture in the most basic sense, is the layout of your web pages. This design will impact how web visitors interact with your website as well as the Search Engines. The key web pages, those with the most relevant content, should be easily accessed. In terms of Search Engines, a site architecture can help with crawlability and indexation. This will play an important role in terms of the number of pages in the Search Engines’ web index. As a result, it will impact the volume of web traffic to your site that is generated by the Search Engines.</p>
<p><strong>What does a bad site architecture look like?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/bad-architechture.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5014" title="Bad Site Architechture" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/bad-architechture-282x300.png" alt="bad architechture 282x300 SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" width="282" height="300" /></a><br />
</strong></p>
<p>This is an example of a deep site architecture.</p>
<p><strong>Note:</strong> The number of clicks required between the home page and the deepest layer of web content. Page authority starts at the root and decreases each level down. Generally this linking structure results in low indexation and poor long tail search results.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>What does a great site architecture look like?</strong></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/good-architechture.png"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-5015" title="Great Site Architechture" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/good-architechture-300x97.png" alt="good architechture 300x97 SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" width="300" height="97" /></a></strong></p>
<p>This is an example of a flat site architecture (or semi-flat site architecture).</p>
<p><strong>Note: </strong>This layout will benefit from link juice from the Search Engines. It also helps improve the page rank<em> </em>algorithms and inbound links to key pages.</p>
<p>And it is important not just for SEO, but also for web visitors in terms of usability and user experience. Always remember it is the web visitor that converts not the engines.</p>
<p>It likely goes without saying, but this architecture type is easier to accomplish for small websites. However for large or ecommerce sites it is even more important.</p>
<p><strong>What impact do major changes have on an existing site architecture?</strong></p>
<p>If your website was built without SEO considerations, you may require major changes to the architecture and content structure. This can cause a temporary drop in rankings. Making these changes gradually will limit the overall impact to your Search Engine rankings.</p>
<p>Check out your site architecture from a top down perspective. Does your website have few click levels? In other words, is it a SEO friendly architecture?</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/seo-site-architecture/">SEO and Site Architecture: Why is it important?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/director-technology-les-faber/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=director-technology-les-faber</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/director-technology-les-faber/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 May 2011 12:19:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WebFuel News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Les Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ottawa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=4960</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Senior Executive Comes On Board To Help Address Increased Demand For Search Agency Services And Lead Technology Infrastructure Development. May 30, 2011 &#8211; Ottawa, Ontario, Canada –– WebFuel Inc. an Ottawa-based, full-service Search Engine Optimization (SEO) agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Information Technology industry veteran Les Faber to the position of Director [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/director-technology-les-faber/">Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Senior Executive Comes On Board To Help Address Increased Demand For Search Agency Services And Lead Technology Infrastructure Development.</strong></p>
<p><em>May 30, 2011</em> &#8211; <em>Ottawa, Ontario, Canada</em> –– <a title="WebFuel" href="http://www.webfuel.ca" target="_blank">WebFuel</a> Inc. an Ottawa-based, full-service Search Engine Optimization (SEO) agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Information Technology industry veteran <a title="Les Faber" href="http://www.lesfaber.ca" target="_blank">Les Faber</a> to the position of Director of Technology, effective immediately.</p>
<p>With over 25 years of consulting experience garnered primarily with global technology and information management service providers, Les Faber joins WebFuel at a time when the company is experiencing increased demand for its core SEO agency services which help companies increase their visibility on the Internet.</p>
<div id="attachment_4969" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 260px"><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/faberbio.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-4969" title="Les Faber" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/faberbio.jpg" alt="faberbio Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology" width="250" height="281" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Les Faber, Directory of Technology, WebFuel</p></div>
<p>In his new role with WebFuel, Les Faber will take the lead in shaping the firm’s sustainable technology infrastructure and platforms, which will be expanded to support continued company growth and enhance the delivery of ethical search services. WebFuel’s core services include &#8211; a comprehensive range of <a title="Canadian SEO" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/search-engine-optimization" target="_blank">SEO Services</a>, <a title="Google AdWords Services" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-adwords-services" target="_blank">Google AdWords Services</a>, <a title="Google Analytics" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/google-analytics-support" target="_blank">Google Analytics Services</a> and <a title="Social Media Marketing" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/social-media-marketing" target="_blank">Social Media Services</a>.</p>
<p>“WebFuel has always been singularly focused on working with companies who are serious about search,” says Les Faber. “What I think my appointment shows is that WebFuel is also very serious about implementing the kind of technologies that can drive solutions for our clients. While what we deliver to customers are comprehensive search agency services, the technologies we employ are an integral part of powering successful and seamless SEO service delivery.”</p>
<p>In addition to developing the strategies behind WebFuel’s core technologies, Les Faber will draw on his years of consulting and project management experience to provide guidance to WebFuel customers. Increasingly WebFuel clients are facing more complex choices and issues as they manage expanded web properties.</p>
<p>“Just a few years ago, WebFuel customers were likely only concerned about the visibility of a single website,” Les Faber says. “Today they are likely still managing their main site, but also could well be responsible for a mobile site, a growing number of social media properties, online advertising programs, custom landing pages, web analytics and much, much more. When our customers need us, WebFuel will be there and happy to help.”</p>
<p><strong>For more information contact:</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p>Helen Faber<br />
President &amp; Search Strategist<br />
WebFuel Inc.<br />
Telephone: 1.613.302.1057<br />
Email: <a href="mailto:helen@webfuel.ca">helen@webfuel.ca</a></p>
<p><strong>About WebFuel Inc.</strong></p>
<p>Founded in 2004, WebFuel is an Ottawa-based, full service Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Agency that specializes in Canadian Search. WebFuel search agency services include Organic Search, Paid Search, Local Search, Social Search and Search Analytics. WebFuel services are driven by the latest SEO knowledge, developed using ethical strategies and delivered by employing industry best practices. With experience in a wide range of vertical markets, WebFuel is committed to empowering both domestic and international clients who want to improve their search engine rankings in Canadian searches.</p>
<p>WebFuel is a <a title="Google AdWords Certified Partner" href="https://adwords.google.com/professionals/profile/org?id=07719805577906566972&amp;hl=en" target="_blank">Google™ AdWords Certified Partner</a> and a strong supporter of <a title="SEMPO Canada" href="http://www.sempo.ca/" target="_blank">SEMPO Canada</a>, a non-profit professional association working to increase awareness and promote the value of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) in Canada.</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><br/><br />
<br/><br />
<br/></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/director-technology-les-faber/">Les Faber Joins SEO Agency WebFuel As Director of Technology</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/search-marketing-expo-toronto-recap/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=search-marketing-expo-toronto-recap</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/search-marketing-expo-toronto-recap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 15:35:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Internet Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Local Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Organic SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Paid Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEMPO Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO Conferences]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO Industry News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yahoo Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YouTube]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=4882</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>SMX Toronto is a conference held annually for Search Engine and Social Media marketing and professionals of all skill levels and experience. This conference features a star-studded cast of industry experts and pioneers who share their tips, ideas, solutions and insights about marketing in the new digital space. Topics included Search, pay per click campaigns, [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/search-marketing-expo-toronto-recap/">Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4690" title="WebFuel is Canadian!" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png" alt="canada red maple leaf Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap" width="80" height="77" /></a><a title="Search Marketing Expo Toronto 2011" href="http://www.searchmarketingexpo.ca/" target="_blank">SMX Toronto</a> is a conference held annually for Search Engine and Social Media marketing and professionals of all skill levels and experience. This conference features a star-studded cast of industry experts and pioneers who share their tips, ideas, solutions and insights about marketing in the new digital space. Topics included Search, pay per click campaigns, online reviews, the emergence of mobile and Social Media marketing techniques and best practices. Helen and I attended this two-day conference which promised education, networking and inspiration. The conference was split into two sections &#8211; Helen attended the SEO driven portion of SMX Toronto while I was drawn to the Social Media side. Here are my favorite quotes, stats and takeaways from the conference.</p>
<p><strong>Search</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a title="Google" href="http://www.google.ca" target="_blank">Google</a> makes 200-300 changes every year – and they kill off 2/3 of their initiatives.</li>
<li>Google’s efficiency with Search saves us about 350 million hours per year.</li>
<li>BING stands for “Bing Is Not Google”</li>
<li>There are more searches made on <a title="Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com" target="_blank">Twitter</a> each month than <a title="Yahoo!" href="http://www.yahoo.com" target="_blank">Yahoo!</a> And <a title="Bing" href="http://www.bing.com" target="_blank">Bing</a> combined</li>
<li><a title="Google Instant" href="http://www.google.com/instant/" target="_blank">Google Instant</a> isn’t changing the way people Search, but the way they read the results. With Instant, searchers rarely look past the top 5 results.</li>
<li>Google Instant decreased time to click by 50%</li>
<li>SEO is not just about rankings, it’s about conversions</li>
<li>3 key success factors for Search: Relevance, Speed and Usefulness</li>
<li>The average search query on Google today is 4.3 words</li>
<li>Over 50% of queries are over 3 words in length – and 2/3 of them yield no exact match</li>
<li>Local Search queries are up 54% year over year.</li>
<li><a title="YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com" target="_blank">YouTube</a> is the 2<sup>nd</sup> most popular Search Engine on the planet</li>
<li>When optimizing videos, follow similar SEO practices – links always matter!</li>
<li>Multi-lingual SEO is a whole other ball game. Adidas faced many challenges with international campaigns which included SEO for 19 languages and the use of slang terms</li>
<li>With multi-lingual SEO, you can’t just translate keywords. You need to consider different dialects of languages in different regions</li>
<li>Your homepage is not a consumer’s first impression of your brand online. It’s what they see on a Search Engine Results Page.</li>
<li>Go after those who are actively searching for you, stop searching for them.</li>
<li>Are you optimizing your landing page? Bring users to where they want to be. Stop sending them on a wild goose chase.</li>
<li>Always add negative keywords into your PPC campaigns.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Social Media</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>There are over 1 billion Social Media users worldwide spending 2 billion minutes a month</li>
<li>25% of activity on <a title="Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com" target="_blank">Facebook</a> is from a mobile device</li>
<li>Facebook is becoming a bigger enemy to Google than Microsoft is.</li>
<li>Three often overlooked YouTube Ranking factors: 1) Increase of views over time 2) Quantity of inbound links 3) Inclusion of video in playlists</li>
<li>When it comes to Social Media don’t ask What – ask Why? “What” is a tactic, “Why” is a strategy.</li>
<li><a title="Foursquare" href="http://www.foursquare.com" target="_blank">Foursquare</a> experienced 3400% growth in 2010</li>
<li>When creating a <a title="Facebook Deals Canada" href="http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=160818640634482" target="_blank">Facebook Deal</a> consider the “What if’s”. What if 500 people claim a 50% off deal? Can you support your deals?</li>
<li>The 4 pillars of Location Based Strategy: Context, Location, Social Interaction and Platforms</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Mobile</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>101 million smartphones were sold in Q4 of 2010 compared to only 94 million PC’s</li>
<li>2011 will be the year of mobile – expect for it to really take off</li>
<li>A major difficulty faced with mobile advertising is the discrepancy between a user’s location vs. their destination.</li>
<li>Is your website optimized for mobile? If not, do it.</li>
<li>All 5 of Google’s strategic initiatives for 2011 revolve around mobile</li>
<li>544.6 million text messages were sent in Q2 of 2010</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Online Reviews</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>62% of consumers read reviews online before making a purchase</li>
<li>62% of people trust online ratings and reviews of people they don’t know</li>
<li>18% of people who were contacted by a company after they had left a negative review ended up buying more from that company in the future</li>
<li>33% of those mentioned above removed their negative review, and 34% went on to write a positive review about their experience.</li>
<li>A bad review online shouldn’t be seen as a threat. It is a great opportunity to address the problem, satisfy that customer, and show others that you care.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Quotes</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>“How do you demand innovation, creativity and radical rethinking if you can’t imagine it?” – <a title="Avinash Kaushik" href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/akaushik" target="_blank">Avinash Kaushik</a></li>
<li>“My three year old son will look at a keyboard the a same way I look at a rotary phone” – <a title="Mitch Joel" href="http://www.twistimage.com/blog/" target="_blank">Mitch Joel</a></li>
<li>“Plugging your computer into a phone line to get Internet ten years ago was so barbaric. Look how far we’ve come.” – Mitch Joel</li>
<li> “Your brand isn’t what you say it is, it’s what Google says it is.” – <a title="Chris Anderson" href="http://www.thelongtail.com/" target="_blank">Chris Anderson</a></li>
<li>“Never do anything in marketing that doesn’t add economic value to your company.” – Mitch Joel</li>
<li>“Incorporate your digital marketing efforts into your marketing mix. Think “with” not “instead of”.”</li>
<li>“Just because someone is on Facebook all day it doesn’t make them a Social Media Marketing expert. I turn the lights on when I walk into a room, am I an electrician? No. “ – Mitch Joel</li>
<li>“Display will grow into a $200 billion market” – Eric Schmidt</li>
<li>“Search is the connection between intent and content.” – Bill Barnes</li>
</ul>
<p>That&#8217;s all folks! Two days of intense sessions with lots of great insights and takeaways. Have you considered these strategies when it comes to marketing your business online?</p>
<p><strong><br />
</strong></p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1287" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1307" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1313" style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/search-marketing-expo-toronto-recap/">Search Marketing Expo Toronto Recap</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/canadian-search/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=canadian-search</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/canadian-search/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 10:26:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Helen</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google Analytics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canada]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canadian SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=4858</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>Having a web presence is only the first step in getting found in a Search. The next step is appearing in a SERP (Search Engine Results Page) in Google or one of the other major search engines. If you are a Canadian company and/or you are targeting the Canadian market, you will need to get [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/canadian-search/">Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4690" title="WebFuel is Canadian!" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/canada-red-maple-leaf.png" alt="canada red maple leaf Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="80" height="77" /></a>Having a web presence is<em> only </em>the first step in getting found in a Search. The next step is appearing in a SERP (Search Engine Results Page) in Google or one of the other major search engines. If you are a Canadian company and/or you are targeting the Canadian market, you will need to get found in a country-specific search.</p>
<p>Not sure if you are? Here are two very simple tests:</p>
<p><strong>1. Country-Specific Search Engines<br />
</strong><br />
Using <a title="Search Engine: Google Canada" href="http://www.google.ca" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Google Canada</span></a>, try a brand name search for your “business name” (use quotes if your company name is more than one word). Google.ca also offers searches in the French (français) language. Test this option as well,<em> if applicable</em>. You can also conduct this test by using <a title="Search Engine: Yahoo! Canada" href="http://ca.yahoo.com/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Yahoo! Canada</span></a> and <a title="Search Engine: Bing Canada" href="http://www.bing.com/?cc=ca">Bing Canada</a> (be sure to select the “only from Canada” option).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/GoogleCanadaTest.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-4860" title="Google Canada Search Engines" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/GoogleCanadaTest-300x138.jpg" alt="GoogleCanadaTest 300x138 Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="300" height="138" /></a></p>
<p>Does your website appear in the search results? And… are you getting high rankings? We recommend first page results.</p>
<p><strong>2. Country-Specific Search Traffic<br />
</strong><br />
Using Google Analytics (or another web analytics program), check which countries your search traffic is coming from. If you want to get found by Canadians, you should see these results in your Map Overlay and country-specific data. You can even drill down to find out the language used in the Search (Canadian English or French).</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/googleanalyticsmapcanada.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/googleanalyticsmapcanada.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-4863" title="Google Analytics Map Canada" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/googleanalyticsmapcanada.jpg" alt="googleanalyticsmapcanada Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="290" height="144" /></a></p>
<p>Are your site visitors coming from Canada? And… what language are they using to search (if applicable)?</p>
<p>Geo-targeting is at the core of local search engine optimization. It is also known as country-specific search engine optimization. This is an important, not to be overlooked, aspect in both the build of your site &#8211; as well as when you optimize for Organic Search.</p>
<p>Stay Connected with WebFuel!</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><a title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" href="http://www.facebook.com/WebfuelCanada"><img style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Like WebFuel on Facebook" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/facebook.png" alt="facebook Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="64" height="64" /></a> <a title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" href="http://twitter.com/WebFuel_Canada"><img style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Follow WebFuel on Twitter" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/twitter.png" alt="twitter Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="64" height="64" /></a><a title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" href="http://www.youtube.com/webfuelcanada"><img style="margin: 0px 3px; border: 0pt none;" title="Watch WebFuel on YouTube" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/youtube.png" alt="youtube Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?" width="64" height="64" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/canadian-search/">Can Your Business Get Found in a Canadian Search?</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The Intersection of Social Media Marketing and SEO</title>
		<link>http://www.webfuel.ca/intersection-seo-social-media-marketing/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=intersection-seo-social-media-marketing</link>
		<comments>http://www.webfuel.ca/intersection-seo-social-media-marketing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:10:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jason</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Social Media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flickr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jason Faber]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LinkedIn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[SEO]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Twitter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[YouTube]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webfuel.ca/?p=4710</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>So you&#8217;ve embraced Social Media. You have a Facebook Page for your business, a YouTube channel and you even Tweet. Great! But can anyone find these pages? Or are they just being lost in the clutter? For too long businesses have believed that Social Media and SEO are two separate things, when in fact they [...]</p><p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/intersection-seo-social-media-marketing/">The Intersection of Social Media Marketing and SEO</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So you&#8217;ve embraced Social Media. You have a <a title="Facebook Pages" href="http://www.facebook.com/FacebookPages" target="_blank">Facebook Page</a> for your business, a <a title="YouTube Channels" href="http://www.youtube.com/channels" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a> and you even <a title="Twitter" href="https://twitter.com/" target="_blank">Tweet</a>. Great! But can anyone find these pages? Or are they just being lost in the clutter? For too long businesses have believed that Social Media and SEO are two separate things, when in fact they are very much intertwined. And the biggest problem is that most companies know that they need both, but only invest in one or the other.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/SEO-SM.jpg"></a><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/SEO-SMred.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-4847" title="Social Media and SEO" src="http://www.webfuel.ca/wp-content/uploads/SEO-SMred.jpg" alt="SEO SMred The Intersection of Social Media Marketing and SEO" width="272" height="188" /></a>You&#8217;ve decided that Social Media is right for your business. You&#8217;ve determined your goals, developed a strategy and implemented it. You&#8217;ve created interesting, creative, and engaging content that gets shared through your Social Media profiles. Stop &#8211; you&#8217;ve already missed a step. Optimizing. Think of your Social Media Strategy as a party. You&#8217;ve decided that the best location for this party is at your friend&#8217;s house (Facebook). At your party you are going to have decorations (Photos), a DJ (Videos), an open bar (Events) and snacks (Blog Posts). Everything looks, sounds, and tastes delicious. But oh no&#8230;nobody has shown up to your party. No one has had the opportunity to enjoy all of these amazing things that you are offering. Why? Because you forgot one key element &#8211; the invitations &#8211; you forgot to optimize your Social Media.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ve essentially wasted a lot of time, effort and money planning and executing this unbelievable party that no one will get to enjoy because you failed to let them know that it existed and where to find it. How stupid do you feel standing there alone at your own party? See my point? It&#8217;s the same way with Social Media. It doesn&#8217;t matter how amazing your Facebook Page is, or how beautiful your Flickr photos are, if no one can find you, or even knows that you exist, you will be standing alone feeling stupid.</p>
<p>In order to leverage Social Media and SEO together, you must develop a roadmap with clearly defined goals. Begin by determining who you are going to invite to your &#8220;party&#8221;. Who is your audience? What do they like? What do they search for? What Social Media platforms are they present on? Deciding who you are going to &#8220;invite&#8221; is essential in beginning the whole process of integrating Social Media with SEO. There are many tools (free and paid) out there that can help you track, analyze, measure and understand your audience.</p>
<p>Next, determine the location of your party. Is it going to be a backyard BBQ, or a dinner and dance in a ballroom? In other words, are you going to be on Facebook? LinkedIn? Twitter? Flickr? You don&#8217;t need to limit yourself to just one. It all depends on your business, and your individual goals. There is no one-size-fits-all Social Media solution. Once you have determined which &#8220;venue(s)&#8221; is right for your business, you can begin to create your content.</p>
<p><em><strong>“Produce great stuff, and your customers will come to you. Produce great stuff, and your customers will share your story for you. More than ever before: Content is king! Content rules!” &#8211; <a title="C.C. Chapman" href="http://www.cc-chapman.com/" target="_blank">C.C. Chapman</a>, Author of &#8216;Content Rules&#8217;</strong></em></p>
<p>Chapman is 100% right &#8211; Content Rules, and Content is King. We live in an amazing time where we all have the ability to create content, and share it with millions of people with ease. Old-school marketers would advertise their business by interrupting people with full page newspaper ads, TV commercials and telemarketing phone calls during dinner. Today&#8217;s marketing world is all about permission marketing. The customer is coming to you and saying &#8220;Hey, I like you, I give you permission to talk to me.&#8221; So stop interrupting them! Talk to them, engage them, entertain them. This is where content really does rule.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s almost party time &#8211; but where are your decorations? Your DJ? Your caterer? Your bar? You&#8217;re missing the content of your party, the things that really make it worthwhile for people to attend. Write an awesome blog post, post some photos, create a video, record a webinar. But don&#8217;t stop there. Entice your audience to share them with their network&#8230;and their network&#8217;s network. You&#8217;d be surprised by the ripple effect it can have. Increased social interactions within your network, and their network will improve your brand&#8217;s visibility in a search result. Remember, all of those inbound links provide you with excellent <a title="WebFuel Blog: Got Google Juice?" href="http://www.webfuel.ca/got-google-juice/" target="_blank">Link Juice</a>.</p>
<p><em><strong>&#8220;Content + Links = Search Engine Success&#8221; &#8211; <a title="Lee Odden" href="http://www.toprankblog.com/lee-odden/" target="_blank">Lee Odden</a>, CEO TopRank</strong></em></p>
<p>Now for the invitations. If anyone is going to attend your party they need to know it exists &#8211; where it is and when. Build your networks, establish trust and engage in conversations. Reach out to them. Invite them to your party and to try the food. Listen to the music. Look at the decorations. Make it memorable and valuable enough for them to tell their friends about how awesome my party is! Getting it? And it stretches far beyond your current community. What about all those people not in your network that you want at the party? Let&#8217;s say Peter and his friends are searching for a BBQ party in Ottawa playing Classic Rock music and serving mini burgers; will they find your party? You better hope they do.</p>
<p>Developing an online strategy that focuses on your audience&#8217;s wants and needs that is keyword optimized and easily shareable will make your party a hit. Track how your content is being shared. Who is consuming it? Who is passing it along? During this process however, don&#8217;t lose track of your ultimate goal. If you have a great party, but XYZ isn&#8217;t being accomplished, then you need to rethink your strategy. <em>Always</em> keep your goals in the front of your mind, and measure success continually throughout.</p>
<p>By integrating SEO techniques into your Social Media efforts, and vice versa, you will begin to see increased search traffic and interactions with your audience. While Search Engines such as Google have begun integrating social functions into their search results, Social sites such as Facebook have started improving their internal Search functionalities. The two roads are no longer parallel, they are beginning to intersect. Have you optimized your Social Media?</p>
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<p><a href="http://www.webfuel.ca/intersection-seo-social-media-marketing/">The Intersection of Social Media Marketing and SEO</a> is a post from: <a href="http://www.webfuel.ca">SEO Ottawa | Search Engine Optimization and Internet Marketing Agency | WebFuel</a></p>]]></content:encoded>
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