Tag: Boston Website Management

What to do about Google algorithm changesJune 4th, 2012

We read about Google algorithm changes with cute names like Panda and more recently Penguin.  Webmasters scramble to change their SEO practices.  Is this wise?  We say no.  We say ignore the changes, and spend your time trying to understand what Google is trying to accomplish. For Penguin, this is what Google is saying:

Google has described Penguin as an algorithm change that’s aimed at webspam and, more specifically, “sites that we believe are violating Google’s quality guidelines.”

Google is punishing you for your SEO practices. They want quality content and accurate search results, not links to crappy sites optimized to the hilt which leave users unsatisfied.    As Ernest Hemingway said, “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen”.   So if you are truly listening to what Google is saying, not trying to outfox them, you will get the point and work on improving quality, and yes ignoring the algorithm.

Here are a few tips that will only help your search rankings and NEVER hurt.

1. Be realistic and specific in your search goals.  The narrower your efforts, the better your results.
2. Continuously add content that benefits your audience through your website, blogs, etc.
3. Abandon web farming, it isn’t going to help and will hurt.
4. Ignore SEO firms with crazy boasts coming from xxx@gmail rather than their own domains.
5. Use Social Media wisely, the links count.
6. Ask yourself, if I wanted to find my company, what would I use as my query?  Then work and make sure your content is reflective of this query. If you want to be found for NY DELI, your content should have content all about the topic including but not stuffing the phrase.

If you need help improving your search results, feel free to contact us for assistance.

Beware of self proclaimed SEO and Social Media expertsMarch 1st, 2012

It seems like every day I get an email from a new social media or SEO expert guaranteeing to make my company the Angelina Jolie’s leg of the new media world. (hey if you watched the Oscars then you would get that joke :)).

The reason is simple, anyone can call themselves an expert. Here is some advice,  follow a few simple steps.

1. Check and see if their email comes from an actual domain. Or do the emails come from ?    If so I delete their emails.  If they truly were experts they would show you their own SEO and Social Media success and not hide behind an anonymous email account.
2. If they do have a website, do the following
1. Check out their Google rankings for SEO, chances are they aren’t in the top 100 for “SEO” or “Search Engine Optimization”.  Go no further. Delete email
2. For Social Media check out their twitter and facebook following.  If they call themselves a social media expert and have 75 followers, go no further. If they have a stale twitter or facebook account, go no further.  As the expression goes, “Physician heal thyself”. In other words, if it was easy, they would do for themselves what they are promising you!
3. Look for black hat SEO tricks.  If they are cheating to get good google rankings, then delete their emails. Temporary success will lead to de-listing in the index. You don’t want any part of that.

Bottom Line:  Craft a good social media strategy, with a reputable company, and give it a chance to work. Combine innovation and automation and you will succeed.  The same goes for SEO, it isn’t easy but you can make continuous improvements and eventually get where you need to be.  Feel free to contact me at any point for assistance. I  have had good success for my clients and can help you as well through one of our management plans, all of which include free social media management.