More buzz about Google's upcoming social add-on has arrived, if only in experimental form, and used to be named "Emerald Sea" in its infantile stages. Google has now picked a final name for the experimental phase of the project, set at "Google +1". After hearing about the experimental project, I signed up quickly, as we're always staying on top of the latest and greatest social media marketing and internet marketing news from Google.
One source informed TechCrunch that the name is derived from how the project actually works. It's whispered that the +1 means Google users aren't doing something alone on the web, but it's also speculated that it's Google's version of "Retweet" and "Like." .
It had been reported earlier that Google was considering using the name "@Google" or "At Google." This sounds a bit too close to Twitter, and actually looks like a direct rip-off of Twitter's popular syntax. If anything, the search engine giant needs to stick with the naming scheme used in other services like Google Reader, Google Buzz, Google Mail, etc, etc, just to stay consistent with the Google brand.
Ultimately Google +1 is the best name for the new service. It works much like a 'like' button, and is available in Google's own browser - Chrome. The goal is to get others to incorporate the service into their browsers and websites (copying Facebook much?). The main difference is that the number of '+1's would should up in Search engine results, perhaps giving more weight to one site over another.
Previously it Google +1 was supposed to launch at the end of 2010, but as of today, it's still in experimental phase going into the second quarter of 2011. Google's intention was never to launch a stand-alone social website, but to include social aspects to current services. Very smart. It sounds like Google wants to hit the nail on the head this time, and not suffer a blow below the belt like it did with Google Buzz. Here's hoping it sticks this time.
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Integraphix is a top marketing company in Chicago providing the best in Graphic Design, Web Design, and SEO for small and fortune 500 businesses across the globe.
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Integraphix, a top Chicago Web Design Company, is once again happy to announce a new client: in this case a Lawn Sprinkler and Outdoor Lighting Company from Mundelein, Illinois: American National Sprinkler & Lighting. Integraphix will be designing a new, improved and search engine optimized website for American National to benefit their company, and we're looking forward to setting them up with not simply a great looking site, but one that is functional and will do well in the search engines.
Integraphix includes search engine optimization (SEO) in every one of our new web designs as we want to see our clients be successful right away with their new websites! This means that at a minimum we take a look at the content for marketing and SEO purposes, we install Google Analytics, we optimize the meta tag content , and we submit the site to the major search engines. American National's new website will also be designed with browser compatibility in mind so that it will be functional across Chrome, IE, Safari, and Firefox as well as fast loading for their customer's ease of use.
For more information on how you can take advantage of Integraphix expert Web Design and SEO services, send us a shout-out at info@integraphix.com or call us at 847.537.0067! We'd love to hear from you!
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Integraphix, a Chicago Web Design Company
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If you're looking to get ahead of the Chicago social media marketing game - be sure you're watching the following social media platforms and get involved! Facebook and Twitter are still the kings of the castle, but there are several up and coming platforms that you should keep an eye on. If you've hired a Chicago SEO Company to do your social media marketing for you, make sure they're getting you involved on these websites!
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Quora had a good year in 2010, but 2011 is going to be the year Quora makes waves. Quora takes online Q&A to the next level. The platform is actually the brainchild of two former Facebook engineers Adam D'Angelo and Charlie Cheever. Quora is becoming so popular, it's getting more reviews that even Yahoo! Answers! Eventually, Quora is going to be the internet standard for answers to your biggest questions. Look out Wikipedia!
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Another Facebook brainchild, Diaspora is the alternative to Facebook social networking. It is a more 'privacy-aware' network that offers ownership and simplicity over the entire website. While it won't be anywhere near 500 million members at the rate Facebook gains users, it's certainly a website to watch out for. If you want more control over what you're putting online - Diaspora is the place for you.
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Why is Reddit on this list? Sure it's not a NEW website, but it's had a 300% surge in traffic in the last year (poor Digg) and it had 829 million page views in December 2010 alone. It makes Reddit a viable titan to contend with.
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Strange name I know - but this is about to boot Foursquare out of the running as a highly formidable location-based social media platform. It's also somewhat of a social/mobile gaming platform!
It's backed by Google, so you know it's good, and if offers mobile users of iPhone and Android challenges, 'treks', and rewards for visiting places. The more challenges you unlock, the more rewards you get! There is less emphasis on 'checking in' and more on the fun of the 'challenges' you can do while you're at your favorite coffee house.
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Sigh...we know. Another Facebook entity. This time, it is the creation of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, one of the social media geniuses behind Obama's presidential campaign. Jumo is a social media network that uses the power of its users to change the world. If you've got a non-profit you want to promote - Jumo is the place to go. Its donation services don't work quite yet, but you can find, follow and support causes that you choose and so far there are 3,500 organizations involved today!
As more small business are looking to build their online presence, using social media marketing is essential to getting involved in such a vibrant social media community. For more valuable tips and articles on Social Media Marketing, Chicago SEO and Chicago Internet Marketing, contact Integraphix for a FREE Internet Marketing Analysis.
-- Integraphix, Inc, a Chicago SEO Company
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In the era of BlackBerrys, instant contact lists, and online marketing techniques, the paper business card can be seen by a newer generation as little more than archaic. Are you hopelessly behind the times by carrying them around?
The answer is no. In a world where most communication between business and clients is electronic, the more personable business card is a tangible and powerful way to marketing yourself in person. The key to effectively using a business card is to have one that people remember. It should be informative but contain elements of your brand and sum it up at a glance.
Social Media gets most of the 'press hype' these days, but the real truth is that the vast majority of business interaction in the United States takes place face to face! Most (small) business owners still communicate with customers and partners personally at networking events, clubs or other social events.
In every circumstance, exchanging a business card remains a formal and primary way of interacting in a business setting. It also enabled the person you were speaking with to remember you, the name of your business, and can often seal the deal. How often have you been introduced to a prospective lead and forgot their name within minutes? It is important that have that connection in order to keep the contacts you get.
Getting to the fun part of this post: How do you make your business card memorable? Business cards are a tried-and-true method of marketing, but they've changed drastically since our mothers and fathers handed out their 2x3.5 black on white business card. There are infinite possibilities and stylishly creative examples of business cards that you can choose from that would make your prospective client's eyes pop out of their head. In the end they'll probably choose you because of your business card.
In comparison to the edgy and 'pushing the envelope' type of business cards are the simple, two color business cards that say 'We are classic and professional'. Even so, the card should include modern methods of contacting you including email and website if applicable. A good Graphic Designer can integrate that information with your logo design and other details to make sure your card showcases to the best it can in such a small space.
It is incredibly cool to have a 3x3 square business card with die-cuts and shiny metallics, but please make sure your clients can fit them into their wallets or business card cases with ease or they may get lost or worse, thrown out. Also try to avoid glossy finishes as it is difficult to write notes on.
Lastly, don't horde your cards! Pass them out and get in the habit of handing them out liberally. They don't do you any good hiding in your desk drawer.
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Integraphix, Inc, a Chicago Graphic Design Company
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When writing for your first blog, you imagine having a large community of fans that check your blog every day and interact with you. They, of course, are waiting rather impatiently to read your invaluable opinions and thoughts. If you're like most bloggers, since creating a blog is fairly easy these days, you end up a tad disappointed when barely anybody comments, and your traffic statistics or page hits are leaving something to be desired. Chances are, you haven't found a way to promote your blog other than telling your friends on facebook to follow it. Try one or a few of these techniques and get people reading what you write.
Blog Everyday.
Google loves fresh content, and the more often you post, the higher your rankings will go and the more people will see your website and READ your posts. If you apply a little keyword strategy, you'll end up rocketing to the top of the search engine results pages! Fresh content will also keep your readers coming back for more. If they actually like what you're writing, they'll come back often. If they come back to your site in a few days and there's nothing new, they'll probably move on.
Write Attention Grabbing Titles.
No matter how high you are on a search engine results page, if your headlines aren't eye-catching, nobody will click in your website. Blog titles with numbers, 'How To'lists and 'Tips'usually get the best results.
Go After your Readers.
Not literally. But don't wait for readers to come to you! Send an email blast with your newest post to registered readers. Ask for comments too! Discussion will keep your readers engaged and get them to stay on your website longer. They'll also come back to see replies, especially if YOU are responding. Let them know you're interested and they'll keep coming back.
Make Subscribing Super Easy.
Use an emailing option along with RSS Feeds. Not everybody uses RSS Feeds or knows how to use them. Without this feature, you could be losing out on a large chunk of your reader-base.
Market your Blog!
Back-linking is an amazing way to drive traffic to your site and increase your Google rankings significantly. Search Engine Optimization is a great way to get your name out there quick. If you're not sure how to do this, hire an expert SEO company to marketing your blog for you!
Survey your Audience.
People love giving their opinions, especially on the internet. You have to make it easy and quick. Use a free online polling or survey service to manage this technique. This way, you won't irritate your fans and it won't take more than a minute or two of their precious web surfing time.
Don't Wait for Google.
Many new bloggers and website owners wait for Google, Yahoo, and Bing to crawl their blog or website for new content. Don't wait! Go directly to Google and various blog directories to enter the information yourself. It guarantees that anyone searching for a blog in your market will find you.
If you need additional information on blogging, search engine optimization or web design, call Integraphix for a FREE Optimization Analysis or Design Consultation at 847.537.0067 or visit our website at www.integraphix.com
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Integraphix, a Chicago SEO Company
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If you're already blogging for your business, you will sooner or later face a decision: How often do you blog?
Blogging is definitely not a once in a while thing and you definitely have to update your blog frequently and regularly. Should you write content daily, weekly or monthly? There isn't a simple answer. Ask a few other bloggers and you'll end up with all different answers.
We're not pretending to have the 'end-all-be-all' answer to this question, but we're offering some things to consider when determining update frequency. If you find these useful, please let us know!
Search Engines
Search engines love fresh content, and this goes back to the old SEO saying 'Content is King'. Your blog will allow your website to be indexed better and more often. By SEO standards, you should make sure your blogs are written well, with appropriate keywords. But don't keyword stuff. It will become unreadable by humans and look spammy to search engines. This is a great way to kill your search engine optimization efforts.
Business Niche
There are some businesses that NEED to communicate with a lot of customers all at once. In this case, frequent blogging can be very useful. If you're in a computer security niche, people expect on-time updates about new security threats and how to avoid them. If you're in social media or gossip - it's a given that you need to update daily. Look at your target market and research what they're expecting. If they're screaming for updates daily or on the hour. Give it to them!
Workload
Blogging, and Social Media Marketing upkeep (Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube ) takes a lot of time and investment. Most companies don't have the man-power to constantly keep up with rapidly changing social media marketing environments and it is necessary to hire an SEO or Marketing Company to do this for you. Writing quality articles, blog posts, and optimized social media updates takes effort, research and TIME. Remember, internet marketing is an investment, not only in time, but money: make sure it's doing what it's supposed to!
Writing Ability
If your writing abilities aren't the greatest, this can determine how often you're updating. Writing one quality blog post a week is ok, but doing it every day is quite another. Be careful that you're not giving quantity over quality - your readers (or former readers) will notice.
If you need help blogging, handling your social media, or if you want to rank higher and get more traffic to your website or blog, contact Integraphix for a FREE Internet Marketing Analysis
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Integraphix, a Chicago SEO Company
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One of your most important business assets is your customer list. You have established a level of trust with current clients, making it easier to get more business from them. But notice that I said easier not effortless. You must make the commitment to market your business to your current customers in order for them to decide to purchase from you again.
Marketing to your current customers has two valuable results: It boosts your sales and builds client loyalty. Maintaining meaningful contact with customers is important to your marketing success. It keeps you in the forefront of their minds so that when they are ready to buy, or when their colleagues need a referral, they think of you, your business, your product or your service.
So where do you start?
Know your customers.
First you need to know your customers. Names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses are obvious pieces of information you must gather. What have they purchased from you in the past and what is the average dollar amount of those purchases? By integrating your business or internet marketing systems with other internal systems such as accounting, point-of sale, and customer relationship management systems, you can track what they purchased in the past and project what they may need in the future. Additionally, information regarding individual customer buying preferences, favorite radio stations and magazines, sports team loyalties and other data are extremely helpful in marketing to your current customers. So capture as much information as possible in a system that allows you to access it easily.
Meaningful contact.
Use the information you have about current customers to send them relevant messages to keep them coming back. What messages are relevant? The answer may be different for each customer but the key is to use the data that you have gathered to respond to their specific product and service needs. Every customer has a distinctive combination of preferences, interests and demands that make them unique. The closer you come to addressing those needs in your communications, the greater the likelihood that you will get additional business from those customers.
Build loyalty.
Another way to market to your current customers is via a rewards-based customer loyalty program. One of the best-known and longest running loyalty programs is the airlines frequent flyer program. The theory behind these programs is that customers will want to spend more money with your company in anticipation of earning their rewards. Your business will benefit most from a loyalty program that entices repeat purchases from customers and encourages them to tell others about your product or service. An added benefit to loyalty programs is that they give you the opportunity to gather additional information about your customers buying preferences and specific needs, allowing you to further target your business and internet marketing efforts.
For more marketing tips follow our blog!
If your business needs Chicago Graphic Design, Chicago Web Design, or Chicago Internet Marketing, give us a call! 847-537-0067 for more information.
Search Engine Optimization isn't just an extra step when designing and developing a website. It is a necessary process that needs to be developed and implemented throughout the entire web design and development process. We go even far enough to say that it should be the first step so that the web design can be developed around the optimization parameters. If you are hiring an Expert SEO Firm, or attempting to do it yourself, there are important steps that cannot be neglected in order to optimize your site the best.
SEO can be a confusing area to understand, and an even more elusive thing to keep track of, and while new websites must optimize their rankings for Google, Yahoo and Bing search engines, most often we find that people have no idea where to start. Luckily, SEOmoz has created a handy checklist that clears some of the confusion about what thorough SEO consists of:
The Checklist:
CRUCIAL!
Target your Keywords
Each page must focus on ONE keyword. It will make it easier for the search engines to figure out what each page is for. Choose one ranking keyword for each page and keep it that way. Each following step should maintain that specific keyword for that page.
Content
The most heard phrase in the SEO world is 'content is king'. Why? Because website content is how people find you! It's also how Google will inevitably rank you. Your content needs to be unique and relevant to your marketing and your focus. Otherwise, your website is getting lost in the fray.
Title Tags
One of the most critical steps of SEO where you need to be very precise in the words you choose. Title Tags appear in search engine results (which means Google is reading them), the tops of browsers, and other external websites. They MUST be under 65 characters (including spaces) and be targeted.
URL
Confusing, long urls are as annoying to Google and SEOs as they are to internet users. URL structure needs to be clear and easy to read for you AND the search engines.
Meta Descriptions
What are meta descriptions? They're the short paragraphic that appears under the website title in a search engine results page. While not especially important for search engine rankings, they are critical in attracting users to your website. They need to grab attention and make the user visit your site while maintaining keyword inclusion and relevancy.
Alt Text
This is helpful not only for disabled users that need help viewing the internet, but also for spider bots that want to read what an image is about. If you've got 'Moms Restaurant' as an alt text instead of 'Chicago Pizzeria', Google is not going to index you correctly and it can hurt your ranking efforts.
Internal Linking
This is a VERY important task. Link building in Ethical SEO is crucial to increasing page rank and it's the task that takes the most time for SEOs (this is why typical seo contracts last for 6 months or more). Internal linking is one of the easiest ways to optimize. One you or your SEO firm has figured out your targeted phrases, figure out which pages will rank for them and use appropriate links for those pages. Do NOT link every single keyword on your site. This looks spammy and is unattractive to visitors.
If you think we forgot any crucial elements, let us know in the comments!
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Integraphix, a Chicago Marketing Company
Through my blog readings, I've noticed some frustrated rantings about how Google is handling 'search snippets' and Meta Descriptions. Depending on what Google is catching from your website, your listing might look something like this schizophrenic result (see above).
Not cool right? Website owners and their SEOs are understandably frustrated when they see META data that they've optimized looking like gibberish. Where does this text come from and can we control it?
Search Snippets Basics
Typical search snippets come from 1 of 3 places.
Meta Descriptions
Content on the web page itself
Open Directory Project Data or ODP (also known as DMOZ)
On the example above, Google is using my query 'intertwingly' and pulling up page content that Google's algorithm things is relevant. Since that copy is really just a fragment, I end up with a strange mashup of onpage copy.
Controlling Search Snippets and META
So...is there anything you can do to control Google and always use your optimized Meta Description? Unfortunately...no. Like much of SEO, though, there are ways to influence Google in the right direction.
Focus Meta Descriptions
Let's say that, for some reason, we really want this Integraphix blog post to rank for 'Google Meta Description'. One solution is to make sure that this phrase shows up not only in our META, but the matching phrase in the onpage copy. If this is present, Google is more likely to leave the meta description as is. It's also just a good practice, figuring out your target keywords and inputting them naturally into your META description (remember to never keyword stuff, of course) and it will help your overall SEO efforts for that page.
REMOVE duplicate Metas
Having multiple pages with the exact Title and Meta can lead Google to rank the wrong page or filter that Meta somewhere else. Writing unique Title Tags and Meta Descriptions is a sure-fire way to make sure each page is being seen as valuable and relevant in Google's eyes.
Block your DMOZ Listing
If you think your search description is coming from DMOZ (more common on the home page than internal pages), you can block Google from using your DMOZ listing with a Meta tag robot like this -
meta name="robots" content="NOODP" (remember add < > on either side)
The problem isn't quite as problematic as it used to be but it can still crop up from time to time.
Block your snippet (CAUTION)
This tag will remove your snippet COMPLETELY, so use with caution.
meta name="robots" content="nosnippet" (remember add < > on either side)
It can also effect caching. In general, I would only use this option if Google is taking liberties with snippets that could cause legal problems or harm your brand name. If not, these issues should be dealt with in on-page content.
Ignore it
Google's attempt to match descriptions to searches don't always work the way we like them to, but they are a good thing. Matching, bold keywords mean click-through traffic as people rarely ready the entire sentence you've labored over. If it's not causing a drop in traffic, don't stress about it.
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Integraphix is a Chicago Marketing Company that specializes in Graphic Design, Web Design, Internet Marketing/SEO and Brand Identity Solutions.
www.integraphix.com
Graduation day is the pinnacle of every student's college career. It's also a very crucial day for every graphic design student. It's the point where you make a final decision in your graphic design career - believe me: the time is NOW to start thinking about where you want to be headed. Having spent quite a bit of time in the graphic design field, I believe it's my duty to spread the knowledge and guidance about practical world lessons that every young, aspiring designer needs to know. Below are a few pieces of advice for graphic design students just starting out or about to graduate. Remember these for the rest of your career!
Never stop learning.
Just because you've graduated doesn't mean you need to stop learning. Learning in the design field (or any field really) is a continuous journey that should never have a ending point. To stop learning is to let your skills become stagnate and a great way to fall behind the times. On top of that, don't limit yourself to one skillset - expand your horizons and learn something you weren't taught in school. The more multi-talented you are, the more job offers and interviews you'll get. Business owners don't want to hire people who can only do one thing, especially in the ever changing and expanding world of design. Be creative and don't lag behind!
Design Theory is simple. Designing is not.
The first thing I learned after leaving school is that actually practicing design is not what textbooks teach. Also the situations they speak about in the classroom don't apply in real life. Talent is more essential than a degree in most cases, though getting a degree will give you a leg up on the applicant who doesn't have one. Don't take this the wrong way, reading design books and learning new things should never cease, but take those lessons with a grain of salt and don't be afraid to break some of the rules and always remember: Throughout your four years of design school, you've only learned the basics. When you enter the playing field, the whole game changes.
Be active in your social circle.
Many students I've spoken to who are about to graduate have this perception that when they get a design job, they won't be able to hang out with their friends anymore. What? Networking and using social media is one of the most important thing for Designers! If you've made friends with teachers or classmates - don't let those go by the wayside. Frequently visit design seminars and join the AIGA.
Build a Graphic Design Portfolio.
More and more I am hearing that graduates coming out of school don't have a professional portfolio and I have to wonder what these schools are doing that they aren't requiring this. A must-have for any design student, whether you are interior design, graphic design, or web design, is you MUST have a portfolio that showcases your talents. Get out of the mentality that 'I have nothing to show' and show off your best projects. Do some work for your friends or a business for free and build up your portfolio. With time, you'll have something to show for it.
Polish those core skills.
Although I just said you should be skilled in more than one area, I didn't mean be average at everything. The saying goes "Jack of all trades and master of one". While acquiring know-how of several bits of the design world, make sure you remember to keep polishing the skills you already have so they don't get rusty. For example, if you want to become a web designer, don't spend all your time creating beautiful websites in Photoshop. Cultivate your CSS, HTML and other web developing skills. If you're a graphic designer, don't forget to hone your sketching skills; not everything is done on the computer.
Gain valuable experience as an intern.
While some schools don't require an internship for graphic design students to graduate, it's one of the single most important things you could do for yourself. It also helps to boost your credentials in the future. If you're thinking that evading the internship because you're not getting paid, think again. Internships give you a chance to gain real-world experience and build upon skills you didn't know you'd need in the professional field.
Never ever say 'I can't'.
Use this as advice or a simple motivational pep talk, but don't ever lose faith in yourself or your abilities as a designer. Seeing someone else's wonderful work, or encountering a harsh critic is life. When you enter the professional world, you will be surrounded by people who have more experience and more credentials under their belt. Don't let this get you down and don't get discouraged! Be confident in what you know and take satisfaction in the designs you create. This is the key to success.
Make your personality attractive.
A strange one I know, but what comes to mind when you think of a graphic designer? An 'eclectic' mix of clothing, pierced ears or nose, un-brushed hair...right? My advice is to not go that far - yet. Appearance is only skin deep, and your real personality is what matters. Develop your personality into an appealing and interesting one; the kind of person that potential employers will find hard to resist. Keep up to date on design news, trends and things besides basic graphic design. That way, when you're speaking with professionals, they won't look at you as an 'art kid' and see you as someone on their own level.
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Integraphix, is a Chicago Marketing Company that provides the best in Graphic Design, Brand Identity Solutions, Web Design, Print Design and Internet Marketing/SEO. Stay tuned for more!
www.integraphix.com
