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If you don’t tweet, you may want to start. Why? On May 6, 2009  CNET news reported on Twitters efforts to improve their search engine. Specifically the news article reported:

…in a one-on-one discussion, Jayaram [Twitter's new VP of Operations who until recently, was VP of Search Quality for Google] confirmed that Twitter Search, which currently searches only the text of Twitter posts, will soon begin to crawl the links included in tweets and begin to index the content of those pages.

cnet logo

The New Twitter Search

This improvement to Twitter Search will have two effects.

It will keep the existing users tweeting and it will increase the number of new users. The bottom line is, an improved twitter search will make Twitter more valuable at a time when Twitter and Social Networking are seemingly everywhere.

Twitter Search

Tips on Using Twitter

There are a lot of ways to use Twitter. Let us know how you use Twitter. Is it for business or personal? Do you use Twitter for branding? Or, do you tweet your latest blog articles? When you comment on how you use Twitter make sure to include a link to your twitter account and tell us what you think of Twitters new search.

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Submitting To DMOZ – The Open Directory Project

Open Directory Project (DMOZ)

If you are going to submit your site to the DMOZ directory (Open Directory Project), it will require studying the DMOZ rules on how and where to submit your site. When I say study, I mean …STUDY. This is no exaggeration! Sure the DMOZ dragon (Their Logo) looks cute, but don’t be fooled. This little DMOZ dragon will eat you up, spit you out and never look back after rejecting your website.

So if submitting to the Open Directory Project is such a terrible experience, why bother? Who cares? Is it just pride and bragging rights, or are there other reasons? Yes, pride and bragging rights are always motivation, but there are a other (perhaps more important) reasons why submitting to DMOZ is worth your time:

• Search engines, like Google, use it as part of their ranking system that can help grow traffic to your site.
• Organizations take advantage of free access to the directory’s content to populate their websites, providing additional exposure across niche communities.
• A listing in DMOZ will get you listed in the Google Directory.
• And yes, bragging rights.

Is Your Site Listed In DMOZ?

Since it is not my goal to unnecessarily torture you, before you begin this process go to DMOZ to search for your domain. To do this, search from the DMOZ home page for your domain excluding the “www”.

If your site was not found, but you are still interested in getting your site listed in DMOZ, the first thing to understand is DMOZ is a human edited directory. That’s right, a human editor. An editor who I imagine is ringing their hands together as they pick-a-part the submitted website for typos, missing graphics and broken links. These editors are not just glancing at your site, but evaluating the sites content, or lack-there-of. So “take your time” and double check your sites links. Make sure to go through your site, removing under construction pages and symbols. From this warning comes my advice: start by reading the rules on how to submit to DMOZ; and don’t submit unless you have a few hours.

DMOZ Rules To Submit

Free Link Checker

Once the official DMOZ rules have been read, take a moment to reflect on your site and what needs to be done. As you begin to prepare your site for review, do not assume anything. Check you site with a link checker and use a spell checker to review your site’s pages.

W3C Link Checker

Free Browser Checker

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but overflowing text that makes navigating a site difficult will hurt your chances of getting approved. The best way to ensure your website is displaying properly cross browsers is to use a free browser checker. One note on using BrowserShots, select only the primary browsers or it will take a long time to receive your results (screenshots).

Check Website Pages

The Open Directory Project

I’m sure you are beginning to see that submitting to DMOZ is not a 1-2-3 process. However, hopefully any issues regarding your site are addressed and fixed. Once your site is ready, it is time to concentrate on actually submitting your site. As you may have guessed this process is also filled with potential pitfalls, so make sure you are well rested before proceeding.

Bright eyed and bushy tailed, you are ready for phase two -information gathering. Luckily, in the fight to get your site listed I found an online quasi insider who has shared some great tips. Our informant is an editor of DMOZ, whom provides some tips on submitting to DMOZ.

Finally, here are a few other DMOZ resources:

DMOZ blog

DMOZ forum

Lastly, if you have a teen or kids specific site, on November 14, 2000, the Open Directory launched the Kids and Teens directory. DMOZ Kids and Teens

If you have a story about submitting your site to DMOZ we would enjoy hearing from you. Or, if you know of any other resources please comment below.

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“Starting on Saturday, June 13th at 12:01am EDT, Facebook will begin allowing individuals to select facebook usernames. Also, in an effort to thwart squatting, Facebook is providing rights’ holders with the ability to prevent the unauthorized registration of usernames by submitting their brands.”

What You Need To Know About Facebook

Earlier this week I noticed Facebook was going to be starting to allow “vanity” urls. I thought, “that will be nice.” As the story goes, I noted the date, but the time-line did not sink in (I was doing too many things at once) …in other words, it is happening this weekend! So here I am giving everyone a shout-out to make sure they know this will be taking place.

To be clear the rush starts, June 13, 2009 –at 12:01 estern time.There are a few names that have already been reserved (or blocked) by Facebook, but if you have a business, trademark, or custom user name you want to use, you will want to act quickly. Does this mean setting your alarm clock for 11:45pm so you can be at your computer when 12:01 strikes? I guess that just depends, but at least now you know (hopefully you are reading this before the deadline).

In any case here is the article about facebook vanity urls, from the facebook blog.икони

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I laced up my hiking shoes, grabbed my day-pack and hit the trail. I packed my powerbars, trail-mix, emergency supplies and filled two 12 oz water bottles. My goal was simple, to get away from work and enjoy the great outdoors. That also meant no phones, computers, cars or crowds. Just me and nature. Together for six hours on a round trip day hike to the top of Mount Baldy and back. It just does not get much better than that. Fresh air. Sun. Trees. Ahhhh, the good life. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not pretending to be a poster boy for Environmental Heroes. I’m just your average guy, working too much and playing too little. So when I do get some free time I like to spend it outdoors. That being said: I don’t drive a hybrid, I’m not a vegetarian and I don’t own any hemp clothing. I guess my “green-ocrisy” only goes so far, but I’m doing my best to keep the environment clean.

When at home, shopping and working, my wife and I try to do the green-thing. Our trash service offers a small recycling program, so we separate our plastics from the other trash. We also try to support manufactures and products that are earth friendly, just our little way of doing our part.  When I am at work, I try to offer clients earth friendly options. For example, instead of using a vinyl banner, a client might want the option of using a 100% cotton banner. If a client is going to press, I try to offer products like: recycled paper, eco-friendly based inks and soy based solvents.

Going Green Facts

The other day I read an interesting study on the going green topic. It was from greenmarketingcoalition.com –they claim:

• 43% of companies plan to increase spending on green marketing practices in 2009.
• 82% of consumers are focused on buying green products and services.
• 7 out of 10 consumers pay attention to company practices regarding the environment and 35% have a higher interest today than
• 57% of the population is now aware of the term “carbon footprint” up from 38% in 2007

Although the article did not give a “sample size”, my unscientific assumption is that the study is in line with today’s business and consumer sentiments. I’m basing this on present marketing and advertising trends. For example, banks are finding customers like the ease of at home banking. Sure banking at home saves time, but banks are really playing up the environmentally friendly benefits too. There are programs like, Your Easy Branch -a paperless at home banking program designed and developed Marketing Hawks, a bank marketing firm. Through programs like Your Easy Branch, banks are finding that customers like the fact that banking at home is earth friendly. On the other hand, banks like these programs because it reduces their operating cost by lowering the amount of printed material and postage. Furthermore, banking at home means less driving -something I think most of use can agree, the less driving the better.

Companies Going Green

Paperless programs are just the beginning. Frito-Lay is putting out Sun Chip bags that contain plant-based materials. Banner companies are offering 100% cotton banners that are sprayed with a bio-degradable fire-retardant. Printers are using more recycled papers, eco-friendly inks and solvents based on soy. All this in an effort to emit low traces of volatile organic compounds. Deer Park, a bottled water company, brags about their small labels saving trees. Coca-Cola Japan has produced a new bottle that is 40 percent lighter than comparable water bottles; and it can be twisted and crushed when empty.

Examples Of How Going Green Can Save You Money

I think “Going Green” is great. It can save a business money by:

• reducing direct mail cost.
• products can be made lighter reducing shipping costs.
• smaller labels can lower print cost.

Furthermore, customers are becoming increasingly drawn to the various types of going green programs, like:

• going paperless.
• using recycled products.
• using bio-degradable products.
• using low emission products.

I found a good article by The Sierra Club, it is called The Green Life: 10 ways to Go Green. But if you know of a good environmentally friendly product make sure to let us know. Or, if your company is going green make sure to tell us how.

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When I think of marketing I’m reminded of extreme sports.

I have surfed an 18 foot wave -Ya it was a rush. I have sparred with a 260 pound guy who had a left jab that felt like a right hook. I’ve SCUBA dove at 125 feet to watch the gray sharks. I have jumped off a 50 foot cliff into the ocean -and I don’t like heights. I do these things because I want to, not because I have a death wish. Sure each activity carried a certain amount of risk. But with training and practice I can make sure I’m prepared. This risk to reward ratio is also how I approach Extreme Marketing; and when the day is done the reward  is worth pushing the marketing limits.

What is Extreme Marketing?

Extreme Marketing is about creating new and imaginative ways to use the latest marketing tools to promote your brand or service. But before I go higher and faster I’m going to make sure to DO IT RIGHT! Sometimes bigger is NOT better. It is NOT about crashing …or failing. It is about correctly using every marketing tool available. This translates into:

• Search Engine Optimization -Being above the competition in Google.
• Social Networking -Using sites like Twitter to promote a brand, promotion or event.
• Traditional and Online Marketing -Coordinating a direct mail campaign with a landing page.
• Creative Promotions -Attract customers with a text messaging campaign.
• Email Marketing -Knowing how to contact customers using an email campaign.
• Logos and Branding.
• …and more

The owner of Caliber, Dan Ryan, has a quote he likes to say,

“If you always do what you have always done …you will only have what you had before.” -By the way Dan is the king of extreme automotive marketing.

This saying is what Extreme Marketing is about. It is why I keep pushing myself to stay ahead of the competition. I will not lie, it is not always easy to motivate myself. There are many days I don’t want to develop a new technique, or learn the latest marketing tool. But something in me will not rest and I’m always searching for the next best marketing technique.

The First Step To Extreme Marketing

Extreme Marketing means being in front. Blazing the tail and cutting a path “…being ahead of everyone to enjoy an unspoiled view.” For some clients the “Extreme” part starts with taking the first step on that untraveled path. For the conservative business owner who is still trying to learn how to email, I might start with a website. Later we might talk about a landing page for a pay per click campaign? However for the client that is ready to take their marketing to the next level, I can also create a marketing campaign that uses all the latest tools. This might include: designing a website and blog, create a promotion that uses text messaging and an online contest. Or, a client might want to coordinate a direct mail campaign that uses an online sweepstakes to generate a buzz around their product, service and brand.

The possibilities are endless. The point is that marketing does not need to stop at a direct mail postcard …at least not if you are into Extreme Marketing.

If you have a marketing technique that has worked for you make sure to share it with our readers.

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Facebook can use your photos in ads. Specifically, facebook has the default set to use your friends photos in third party advertising -Yikes! To prevent facebook from using your photos follow the instructions below:

1. Log in to facebook
2. On the top right (in the blue bar) roll over “settings”
3. The fly out menu, click “privacy settings”
4. Click, “News Feed And Wall”
5. Click the “Facebook Ads” tab
6. There is a drop down menu next to “Appearance in Facebook Ads” -click “no one”

Please pass this information on.

thanks

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The internet is getting bigger and social media has become a powerful marketing tool. While the future seems to be clear -the internet is not going away and social media will continue to grow- many business owners are still unsure how to use social media to promote their brand and generate sales. The good news is understanding how these new marketing tools are used does not have to be difficult. Although developing an online social network takes a lot of time and a decent understanding of social media tactics, the role social media plays in today’s marketing plan is a relatively simple concept to grasp.

A Websites

1. A website is similar to a store-front that is open 24/7.
2. A website can also be described as an online brochure.

Google:

1. Google is like the Yellow Pages (Phone Book)
2. A search engine can also be compared to the Library. Remember that place?

LinkedIn:

1. LinkedIn is similar to using a Chamber of Commerce to network with other business owners.
2. LinkedIn can also be described as a modern, Referral group (like BNI).
3. All the old timers out there will appreciate this comparison, LinkedIn is like the Rotary Club.
4. LinkedIn can be thought of like the White pages of the phone book.

Twitter:

1. Twitter is like a cocktail party -Lots of short conversations flying around the room.
2. Or, tweeting is similar to driving by a billboard on the freeway. You only get a glimpse to get the message.
3. For all those raised when newspapers dominated, tweets are like headlines. The goal is to get the reader to stop and read the story (click your tweet if there is a link ..etc.
4. For those who like videos, here is a classic video about twitter. It is from the Late Night Show with David Letterman interviewing Kevin Spacey. Great video. Lots of fun.

Facebook & Fan Page:

1. Facebook is like hanging out at the Barber Shop or Beauty Salon, only you can’t get a perm or color with facebook, yet -maybe there’s an app for that???
2. Coffee shop or Diner. I’m not just talking about Starbucks.

Email Signature:

1. Adding a signature at the bottom of your email with links to your social network accounts and website/blog is like a modern day business card.

Blog:

1. Blogging is like giving a presentation.
2. Blogging is also like a press release (depending on the content.)
3. Some people might compare blogging to sending a letter to the editor of their local newspaper. Imagine that, sending a letter by mail.

When social media and the internet are described in these terms, confused business owners might get a better idea of how modern marketing tools are similar to traditional methods. If you have any comparisons you would like to share, be sure to  comment below. I would really like to read your ideas.

See Ya Read ya soon,
Gary

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You’re starting to gain traction in your quest to build a social network, now it is time to think about, how to be a great social media friend. The definition of a friend is, “A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard …a person who gives assistance; patron; supporter…”. The important thing to remember is the social media friendship just begins at the acceptance or friend request. Once the lines of communication are open, it’s what you say and do that counts; and a social media friendship is about communication: liking, commenting and sharing with others. To be a great friend you have to have a good balance between listening and talking. My friendship formula is: two-thirds my time is spent promoting my friends; and one-third the time promoting myself.

I like the two-thirds to one-third formula because it allows me to learn about others and share their interest with my friends, while giving me time to talk about my interest; and that is what a friendship is about.

Twitter -

• Re-tweet the things you find interesting.
• Mention and thank new followers.
• Mention or Direct Message a friend that has shown “a lot” of support. You don’t need to do this after every re-tweet or mention, just special occasions.
• At least one or two times a week, “go beyond the re-tweet.” Get to know a friend better. Visit their site or blog and tweet what you find with others.
• If a follower, friend or fan are active on another social network, tweet a link to their “public profile.”
• Watch for specials or events friends are promoting and do your best to tweet the news. If you know someone in your network is hosting a radio show (or going to be a guest), tweet the show.
• If a twitter connection uses LinkedIn, tweet their public profile.
• Tweet friends Facebook Fan Pages.
• Use hash tags to help tweets get found on searches. The hash tag is the number sign on the keyboard. This is important because a lot of people use Twitter search to find subjects/people they are interested in finding/meeting. If you are not familiar with Twitter Search go take a look and search for something you are interested in. click here >> Twitter Search

Facebook-

The coveted Facebook Fan! Wan’an be a good fan …or a GREAT FAN! Come on don’t be shy. Get involved. Share. Comment and like what you see. This does two things:

1. Fan interaction makes a page interesting and fun.
2. Facebook’s live feed algorithm loves to see comments and likes on a fan page. The more the better.  And (not everyone knows) that when a status update is posted on a fan page, not all fans will see the update. To determine what fan page updates will be posted to a fan’s news page, Facebook first must determine if the content is something “the fan” will be interested in. The fan pages with a large number of fans will get priority. But, the more comments and likes a post receives, the better chance that update will be seen on a fan’s wall. So commenting and liking status updates is very important.
3. Also, if the situation is appropriate, make sure to use the Add to My Page’s Favorites. This is very easy to do: When you are on a fan page you like, in the left sidebar is a link, Add to My Page’s Favorites. Here is a screen shot for those not familiar with the link:

How To Be A Great Social Media Friend -

Do you have a GREAT social media friend you want to brag about. Give us a little professional background on them and why they are such a good friend. Make sure to post a link to their profile so we can get to know them too. Please, keep it to one link. Thanks for sharing.

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Using Audio In Your Social Media

Tell YOUR VISITORS what YOU want them to hear!
I’m starting to play with a free online voice recording tool called, Cinch. Basically, Cinch that lets you call in from a phone and record a short message. Business owners might find this useful since it could be used to easily record: specials, upcoming promotions and announcements. Once a recording is made, distributing the snippet can be done using the social media features provided in each account; including ways to embed, link and download the recorded message.

Blog Talk Radio & Cinch

Anyone hosting a Blog Talk Radio show will also find the option to downloaded very handy. Once the recording is downloaded it can then be uploaded into a Blog Talk Radio account and used in a variety of ways. Specifically, BTR hosts could use the Cinch recording during their shows, or create a recording that promotes a future show.

The Future Of Cinch

Cinch is new to me, but some of the features might prove to be valuable and a fun way to help get any message out.

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I’ll be the guest on The Best People We Know Radio Show (Motivational Radio Show) on: February 3, 2011 and at 7pm (EST). We will be talking about:

• marketing
• search engine optimization
• website design
• graphic design
• social media
• …and more

Host Deb Scott

Deb Scott is an award winning author of, The Sky Is Green & The Grass Is Blue -self help book- and a certified professional coach and motivational speaker. She is a terrific host and an incredible person. If you have not meet Deb, make sure to visit her site (motivational website).

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