Name: Brian Hawkins (BostonSEO.org Boston SEO Meetup)
Category: High Tech

Media Outlet: BostonSEO.org Boston SEO Meetup

Deadline: 07:00 PM EST – 15 July
Query:

We are looking for speakers & advice from accomplished online
publishers, affiliate marketers and SEO professionals. We have
over 850 members with 75 internet marketers that attend our
monthly Boston event to share SEO knowledge, network and
learn monetization options. We are interested to hear about
your tools and SEO techniques that you use, and anything you
would like to share with the group members as a Fall speaker or
email us your best original SEO tip for a round up guest post on
BostonSEO.org thanks www.Twitter.com/BrianHawkins

1. Google Places

My tip would be to not forget about optimizing for Google Places. These are the business listings that come up next to the map when one searches on things such as [boston lobster restaurant]. These listings require a local address, so they are not as overrun by lead aggregators as the traditional listings are. They also generally come up above the traditional listings, so they really draw the eye.

A couple of years ago, I had a client in the travel industry that saw a 20% drop in traffic Google, and a nearly 25% drop in sales from Google. Meanwhile, all their ranking tools were saying everything was fine. What we determined is that for most of their keywords, Google was now returning the map, and a third place listing was actually below the fold.

This was causing a significant drop in traffic. More worrisome was that it was causing an even greater drop in sales, so it was the best traffic that was going away.

There are similarities between optimizing for traditional SEO and for local SEO. With both, you are attempting to improve the prominence for certain keywords, but with local SEO, you are also working to increase the prominence of the listing’s location.

The potential traffic increase is large already, and Google’s continued focus on local suggests it will only grow. Any company that needs to bring in website traffic, phone calls, or physical visits from people in a particular location should certainly be considering local SEO.

Brian
–
Brian Combs, Founder and CEO
ionadas local LLC
Twitter: @BrianPCombs

2. Link Exchanges Still Provide Value

* A negative connotation exists around link exchanges since it was the first way to really abuse Google’s link based algorithm.
* There are misconceptions about link exchanges including that link exchanges provide little or no value due to Google deprecating the value of the links.
* Link exchanges are natural. If a site has no reciprocal links it actually appears to be _unnatural. _
* The relevancy of the link location is just as important, if not more important, than metrics usually associated with link strength such as page rank, the number of links on the page, etc
* Link exchanges with relevant link partners are a great way to drive traffic to a site because users are already searching for a particular category of products or related products.
* Link exchanges are a valid source of traffic and back links but must be used as _an element_ of an SEO strategy. People who make the mistake of only engaging in link exchanges are those who help fuel existing misconceptions.

Ryan Woolley, who is the vice president, group director of client services at the digital agency Response Mine Interactive

3. Benefits

Make sure to think about benefits first, features second.  Benefits answer the visitors top question, “Whats in it for me?”  Benefits convince the visitor he really needs this product or service in general.  Features answer the visitors question, “Why should I buy this from you?”  If the visitor isnt sold on the benefits, the features are largely irrelevant.
Practice recognizing the difference by listening to radio ads while driving and calling out loud what each sentence represents: benefit, feature, call to action.  My clients struggle with this element of great content more than any other, but the conversion rate impact when implemented is enormous.

Aaron Overton of Heatherstone.

4.  Client Testimonials
Client testimonials are always a great way to validate the declarations of excellence you reverberate throughout every communication channel you use. Although they can seem a little partial, testimonials can have influence over people on the fence about your product or service.
Testimonials can also provide potential customers and clients with more insight into your work and how you do it. If gathered correctly, your testimonials should be relevant, believable, trust-generating, and support your success statements. They should also push a few more hesitant searchers over to your side of the fence. Are your testimonials helping you convert more? Do you know how to get great client testimonials from your raving fans?
Every business with a website has a client that is a raving fan. Someone who reads every one of your blog posts, is always early for your meetings, and is genuinely excited about your business relationship.  A testimonial of glowing words is always nice, but quantitative results are more convincing. Use questions designed to get quantitative answers, but just a starting point. If an effective question comes to mind during the conversation, dont hesitate to ask. Here are two examples, one with and one without quantitative results:

Example #1 – Without Quantitative Results

Working with the Austin Law Cowboys has been really superb! They helped me get the money from my car wreck that I deserved. Now I dont have to worry about paying the bills and arguing with my wife.
Example #2: With Quantitative Results

Working with the Austin Law Cowboys has been really superb! They helped me get $45,000 from my car wreck and another $50,000 for medical bills two months before I was even out of the hospital! Now my wife and I are enjoying a much less stressful time during my recovery

Since most people dont typically use numbers when giving a testimonial it is important that you ask the right questions in order to get the quantifiable figures you are looking for. One way to do this is to get your clients to elaborate on the benefits they received that addressed their pains.
If you want to see which testimonials are working and which are not, run an A/B test for two landing pages. Set up one landing page with a testimonial and one without. Research shows that the testimonial will beat the competition by 158 percent. But don’t take my word for it, try an A/B test yourself.
SEO testimonials are valuable content and cause increased frequency of content creation and more traffic to your site. They will help convince some of your potential customers to try out your product and service, and back up all your claims of excellence that you reverberate throughout the Internet. If you are using gathering great testimonials, they should be doing work for you.

Ben Finklea is CEO of Volacci, a search-engine marketing firm, and an SEO expert.
Seasoned craftsmen worth a darn have a workshop of tools that help them excel at what they do best. Painters have brushes, carpenters have hammers, and mimes have invisible boxes. SEO practitioners are no difference.

5.  Cross Linking

One very easy way to perform SEO is by including keyword text links in your blog that points to your main website or a specific page of your main website. I have a blog with about 170 postings and within the signature line of each of my postings I include a text link with my main keyword phrase linking to my website home page. This has helped me get and retain top rankings on Google for my #1 search term for over 4 years.

Peter Geisheker, CEO

The Geisheker Group Marketing Firm

Twiiter: http://twitter.com/geisheker

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/geisheker

6. Program Your Title Tags

If you have basic SEO knowledge, chances are you know the importance of optimizing the title tags of your sites pages. However, if your website features its own database-driven search engine (e.g. for products you offer), you may not be optimizing the individual search result pages produced by the engine. Doing so is an opportunity to add potentially hundreds or thousands of pages and relevant keywords for search engines to index.

Come up with a formula for the title tag that pulls keywords from your database and that enables each search result page to have a unique title (e.g. Product Name | Company Name | Product ID #); doing so will help ensure that each page gets indexed. This should be an easy task for your web developer; a little PHP (or similar language) inserted in a single title will result in unique, keyword-rich title tags across your search pages.

Anna Pavlichenko

A internet marketing specialist at Marketade, a boutique Internet marketing and web design company that works with small businesses, mostly in the DC area.

Please comment below to share your best original SEO tip?

Best SEO tips straight from the SEO Pro’s. is a post from: Boston SEO

Reminder that we are NOT meeting in July but have two great events planned for Monday August 2nd in Arlington and September 13th at the Bing N.E.R.D center in Cambridge, MA.

Don’t Miss August 2nd Meetup

Guest Speaker

Brian Hawkins
Co-Organizer of Boston SEO meetup group

Bio:

Brian Hawkins is a veteran in the search engine marketing industry. He brings great experience in creating strategic online marketing partnerships with fortune 1000 clients. Mr. Hawkins is the Internet Marketing Manager for Pingo.com & co-organizer of BostonSEO.org. He’s worked at two leading SEO agencies before being a Dad. Follow him on twitter @BrianHawkins.

Topic: Building an Offshore Team & SEO Link Building

Will cover things like:

- How to build an offshore SEO link building team for less then $4 per hour
- How to train & assign strategic link building tasks
- Where to find reliable offshore talent directly or through freelance sites.
- Learn some solid creative hooks to use as “bait” to attract links
- Review email pitch letters that increase open rates & responses
- See actual successful examples of what works to earn authority links

Finally you’ll at least walk away with 10 creative ways that you can gain quick authority SEO links for your website. Because links our the lifeblood of a sites search rankings.

Then RSVP now for September 13th Boston SEO meetup

Guest Speaker:

Philip Nikolayev, PhD
President
Search Benefit

& SEO Chat Forum Moderator

BIO:

Search Benefit’s founder and president, Dr. Philip Nikolayev, holds three degrees:a BA (magna cum laude) and an MA, both from Harvard University, and a PhD in Editing from Boston University’s Editorial Institute. He was an award-winning instructor at Harvard in 1995-2000. An internationally known writer and marketing guru, Dr. Nikolayev has worked in the high-tech industry since the year 2000 in the varied capacities of software engineer, project manager, marketer and SEO consultant. He has provided corporate taxonomy training to large corporations, including Deloite Touche and Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Dr. Nikolayev possesses an extensive background in computer science, linguistics and mathematical logic, as well as in several languages, SEO-based content production, and complex editorial projects. He is currently co-authoring a comprehensive textbook on SEO standards, techniques and strategies, which will serve as a basis for professional training and certification in SEO.

RSVP for Aug. 2nd & Sept 13th SEO Meetups is a post from: Boston SEO

BostonSEO.org has bin hosting a well attended monthly event for over 4 years.  We are looking for original posts to share with our members. The topics can vary, but they need to connect to our online SEO marketers.

How to send in an article

1. Think of a great topic

2. Actual do the work & write it!

3. Submit it to Brian in an email to:  pingocallingcard /at~ pingo.com

Terms:

- Needs to be original work

- Your bio can have two links

- You can optionally provide your social media links twitter etc

- 300+ words

- Provide the meta data: Tittle tag, meta keywords, description etc.

Thanks for your content submissions

- Brian Hawkins

Assistant Organizer

@BrianHawkins

P.S. Tip:  Looking for more places to guest post?  TryBloggerLinkUp.com daily email list & MyBlogGuest.com forum

How To Submit A Guest SEO Post to BostonSEO.org is a post from: Boston SEO

Here is a link to the local seo slide presentation

& Check out some of the seo meetup videos and comments like

“”This was an excellent session, a fast, clean set of ‘tips and tricks’ to optimize local search results followed by a brief analysis of one attendees actual web site – very practical and very informative. Thanks to Nick for his time and insight.” – Stevan Vigneaux

Twitter List:

sorry for any spelling errors

Attendees on twitter…

@anharres & @harriscomgroup

@asktheshoelady

@akorly

@TheDDTech

@Cait_Downey

@mwleary

@abhavllc

Here is the previous Boston SEO member twitter list with an easy auto-follow button.

Boston SEO Event Organizers:

@DaveMatson

@PeterTDavis

@BrianHawkins

The next event is not till May 24th. RSVP now!

Boston Local SEO Search Event Recap & Twitter List is a post from: Boston SEO

We are looking for a director of online marketing to efficiently get the word out about our service. This role is responsible for developing online marketing strategy and executing campaigns. We are looking for someone who is capable of developing and executing ROI-driven, metrics-based programs using analytical methods.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate that he/she has solid command of the latest online marketing techniques related to email, paid search, affiliate marketing and social media.

Responsibilities

• Creation and implementation of online marketing campaigns including email, paid search, affiliate and social media
• Development of tracking and analytics procedures
• Provide input into the landing page design process based on analytics data
• Manage agency relationships, including web designers and marketing consultants
• Organize, manage and motivate junior staff

Requirements

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment
• 5+ years of online marketing experience
• BA/BS degree required
• Demonstrable track record of online marketing success
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience using Microsoft Excel
• Attention to detail with a focus on accuracy
• Thorough understanding of best practices regarding online marketing tracking and analysis
• Understanding of video marketing and content marketing strategies

We Offer

• An energetic work environment that values team players and the ability to laugh at oneself
• The chance to make a difference in the early stage of a company
• The best office snacks ever
• Convenient location in Kendall Square, 1 minute from the T

To apply send a resume and cover letter to:  jobs @ pixability.com

Director of Online Marketing is a post from: Boston SEO

Ok so here is the four ways to help optimize your website for universal search as discussed in last nights Boston SEO networking event.

1.    Product

Shopping feeds are a great way to get scene on the page. Set up a Merchant Center account with Google. Then try to send out a completely filled updated data feed out as often as you can.

2.   Local

- Sign up for Google Maps to verify your local business.

- Post the most detailed description that you can to help provide value to the search engine with business profiles, bio’s to coupons

- Put your company’s address at the footer of every page of the site

- Add keywords to your company title. UpwardSEM did this for a local lawyer client to get them rank for “Boston law firm”

- Set up an account with local search directories to earn multiple search rankings. Such as MerchantCircle & Localezze.

3. Video

- Send an XML site map feed

- Take a short text transcript as an object tag. This will help tell the search engine what’s in the video

- Build out an optimized landing page with copy around each unique video

4. News /  Press

- Submit optimized press releases and put http:// + url at the start to help RSS scraper sites pick up your story with your link.

- If you have daily news worthy content. Submit to Google & Yahoo news for inclusion

Thanks for all that attended & Bob for taking the time to help educate the group. for those of you who missed out or want to learn more, Upward SEM will be hosting a one day training event in January.

Author:  Brian Hawkins

Assistant Organizer of BostonSEO.org meetup.

Please follow me at:

www.Twitter.com/BrianHawkins

www.Facebook.com/OnlineMarketingPro

4 Ways to Optimize Your Website for Universal Search Results is a post from: Boston SEO

— Claude Pelanne

“ Great way to connect and share strategies and support for SEO, Affiliate Marketing and Internet Web Marketing !! ”

— Brian Hawkins

“ This is a solid meetup group with experienced leaders. Well worth the effort to join and participate. ”

— Jane Buck

“ Interested in SEO and online marketing, from a more technical standpoint ”

— Suzanne McDonald

“ SEO experts choose this event. ”

— Dale

“ Network with smart local SEO/SEM experts. Learn to help your small business get web traffic. ”

— Dave Matson

“ Join a range of industry new comers and thought leaders for rousing conversation and presentations. ”

— Jim Spencer

“ Excellent information shared! ”

— Beth Sobiloff

“ If you didn’t attend… you’re missing some great advice and people who know what they’re talking about. ”

— Chris Jaeger

check out the dozens of testimonials on our Boston meetup page

Boston SEO networking event has over 750+ members with 50 to 100 members that attend this monthly event.  We look forward to seeing you!

10 Boston SEO Networking Event Testimonials is a post from: Boston SEO

With Guest Speaker & Food Sponsor:

Topic: Universal Search Engine Optimization

Robert Cavilla
Managing Partner

UpWord Search Marketing is a full-service Search Engine Marketing company, formed in 2001 and located in downtown Boston, specializing in Organic Search Engine Optimization (SEO) services and also providing Paid Search / Sponsored Listing Management (SEM) and Comparison Shopping Engine (CSE) Management.

Nov 18th SEO Workshop Seminar
* Boston SEO Meeup members receive $500 off

Twitter: @rcavilla
FaceBook Fan Page

What we are looking for in 2010!

Guest Speaker’s Wanted:

We’ve been working hard to find industry experts and to develop a formal agenda to keep it interesting for all those that attend at this new big meeting room.

Food Event Sponsors:

SEO Pro’s, will work for food! Contact us about sponsoring the next event with goodies and drinks in exchange for publicity. www.BostonSEO.org/Sponsor

We look forward to seeing you on December 7th

- Brian Hawkins

December 7th Topic: Universal Search Engine Optimization is a post from: Boston SEO

Sorry we had to take a break for the month of March. But we are back with a full line up of exceptional guest speakers. 

So please log in and RSVP April & May events. 

April 6th Guest Speaker: 

Michael Briggs 
VP-Search Strategies 
Website Publicity

Bio: 
Formerly a research biologist, Mike honed his technical skills analyzing huge data sets and marketing complex websites before joining @Website Publicity in 2001. Today, Mike establishes the SEM plan that will best benefit each client and oversees its deployment, monitoring, testing and enhancements. Mike is active in industry groups such as Search Engine Marketing New England and speaks on a variety of topics including the technology of SEM. He is the chairman of his local school board.

Topic: “Google AdWords: Cut Costs not Conversions”.

Mr Briggs will also be speaking at VTNH Marketing Group, NEDMA, and NEMOA this Spring

May 4rth Guest Speaker: 

Amit Mehta is a Super Affiliate, speaker, author and blogger. 

He is currently the lead instructor and coach at PPCClassroom.com. 

Amit spent his life studying Physics (not a single course in marketing). 

While in graduate school, where he earned only $1,277/month, he looked into 
affiliate marketing. 

$20,000 in debt and in a job he hated, Amit started building up his part-time 
affiliate marketing venture. 

Today, with just a few hours a day, he makes over $3.5 million a year using just 
PPC and affiliate marketing. 

websites : 
SuperAffiliateMindset.com
PPC Classroom.com 

Look forward to seeing you all next month. 

Sincerely, 

Brian Hawkins
Ast Organizer of BostonSEO.org 
&
Affiliate Marketing Manager
Pingo.com 
Follow me on Twitter

P.S. We are still looking for a food sponsor?

Two Great Guest Speakers Lined Up For Boston SEO Meetup is a post from: Boston SEO

Picking a Domain Name:

Half of your SEO ranking battle can be won, just by picking up a targeted keyword rich domain name. I try to look for a .com only domain that has at least a 100 search a month. But it depends on how competitive your industry is and the cost of buying that domain.

Bustaname.com for quick domain available searches

WebConfs.com has tons of free SEO tools. One helps you compare the monthly keyword search volume and its domain availability.

Social Media Optimization:
Ping.fm will post your twitter like message to about 50 additional sites.
SocialMarker.com posts your link to the top 49 social book marking sites
TwitterDesk.com lets you manage and organize all your twitter peeps.
TwitterHawk.com will auto tweet people back that mention a targeted keyword that relates to your service or product.

Video Optimization
Animoto.com free video creation software or hire someone on digitalpoint.com SEO forum for about $20 to get a basic video or go professional on elance.com for under $200.

TubeMogul.com Video is HOT for traffic & SEO rankings! This tool will submit your video to the top 50 video sharing sites. Then it will monitor all the traffic stats for you. You just need to create the accounts on YouTube etc. If you have the time, its proven to best manually submit each one with a different optimized description & title to earn you multiple search engine rankings.

Press Release Optimization
PressReleasePoint.com for $18, this service will manually submit your release to five free distribution sites for ten days. The 50 pr mentions will help keep your story stay on top of the search engine news feeds. But if you want to ensure the media might read your story. Then cough up the additional $80 bucks to release it on PRWeb.com.

HelpAReporter.com aka HARO is a great service to connect with reporters or submit your publisher request to 50k+ well connected readers.

SEO Outsourcing
Even with all these free SEO tools, you simply can’t do it all yourself. You’ll need a hand to get you the volume of targeted SEO links needed to stay ahead of your competitors.

Odesk.com its not just another freelance site. Odesk has a tool that will help monitor your staffs work with min by min screen shots to build your trust in paying by the hour. Plus they have some tools to help with project management of your freelance team

AgentsofValue.com I meet the founder of this company at Affiliate Summit. He built this virtual marketing assistant business from five to well over 200 agents. You hire a college educated English speaking experienced agent to work full time for you at under $4 an hour. You assign the daily task to your hired link builder, designer or programmer.
The web is filled with several tools to help you save time while earning the most attention that you can for your brand. Just remember to always provide value online and continually network to earn natural links. I look forward to meeting you and providing some additional SEO tips at the next Boston SEO Meetup.
About the Author

Brian Hawkins is an assistant organizer for the Boston SEO Meetup and an affiliate marketing manager for Pingo’s global virtual prepaid calling card service. He provides free Internet marketing support to his phone card affiliate partners that earn up to $35.00 CPA for there referrals. He also blogs a 140 characters daily at Twitter.com/BrianHawkins

Favorite FREE SEO Tools and Services to Outsource Your SEO Work is a post from: Boston SEO