Google Panda, first released in February 2011, is an update “aimed to lower the rank of ‘low-quality sites’, and return higher-quality sites near the top of the search results.” This has influenced the way web developers and publishers think of website building because Panda sifts through and penalizes sites with mediocre content. Since its first rollout, the filter has affected 12% of the internet’s content farm that are poorly written or irrelevant. Now on its second year, Panda has gone through major changes and upgrades to ensure quality search engine results to the Google market. Related Searches A bigger coverage […]

Although there are many factors that contribute to how and what people buy online, Color remains one of the strongest and most persuasive visual cues. Web and graphic designers depend on a set color scheme for each of their designs. Color is laid out not only to set out an overall mood for your site, but also to influence your site visitors to do certain actions like view, read, click or purchase. Here are some quick tips before deciding what color scheme to go with for your business website or online store: 1. Know your target market. Identify your target […]

Internet marketing allows businesses of all sizes, no matter how small, to be able to promote themselves online. And it’s a good thing  that today’s ads are not just limited to huge billboards, TV commercials and other expensive campaigns. Here are some quick tips so that you can get your startup or small business website effectively promoted: 1. Got a website? Then know the language. You may have heard all the acronyms: SEO, SEM, SMM, PPC, and the list just goes on and on. But what do they really mean? Search Engine Optimization (SEO), as a whole, is the process of […]

While most businesses now have online stores or business websites, there are many who still haven’t embraced social media to the fullest. If you already have a Facebook fan page for your small business, why not add your Google+ page next. Like Facebook, Google+ allows you to post and share photos, videos, messages, and other information of value to your customers and circle of virtual friends. Create a Page To setup your own Google+ page, you must have a Google Account so register one if you don’t. Once logged in you can now create your Google+ page. Showcase Yourself Sign […]

In the recently concluded PubCon Las Vegas 2011, the premier social media expo, Google engineer Matt Cutts recognized 3 areas online marketers like you should focus on this 2012. Cutts called it SoLoMo: Social, Local and Mobile. This umbrella term encompass a number of effective internet marketing trends that may propel your business this year and beyond.   1. Facebook shouldn’t be ignored, period. Separate your company fan page your personal profile. A fan page allows for better customization and a professional-looking page could also be one your company’s selling points. So build a great-looking landing page and get people […]

In a social world where just about anything has become shareable, people love to talk about great deals and services both online and offline —from excellent restaurants to the hottest product or the latest online exclusive. In an October 2011 study by Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA), survey shows that the typical American drops specific brand names about 60 times in a conversation, may it be online or offline. This is one of the principles behind word of mouth marketing-a common strategy of start-ups, local entrepreneurs, and small businesses. The Association defines word of mouth marketing as any business […]

With more people using smart phones, iPads and other tablet devices, many business websites have moved from the old computer screen to the mobile interface-fusing mcommerce or mobile commerce and online shopping. People with busy lifestyles turn to the convenience of browsing and ordering items through their phones while going about their daily tasks. And business transactions can now be done through the mobile version of websites or mobile apps provided by establishments such as banks, restaurants, retail stores and cinema houses. Let’s take a preview at how top retail companies are leveraging mobile apps, mobile websites and ecommerce web […]

Best practice tip: Write for humans, not solely for search engines.   Site readability is a must when you have a website. Studies have shown that web readers don’t read everything on a page and that we consume content by skimming through chunks of text. As you would have on a physical store, customer experience is key to good business, and your business website should be user-friendly as you can make it. Aside from having search engine-optimized content, you also need to have readable typography, concise text and supporting images on your page.  Some tips: Text contrast. If you have […]