Logion Web Design and SEO Blog

The Best Marriage Proposal, to date, of all time

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 16:49:00 +0000

Amazing marriage proposal in Portland - flash mob surprises bride-to-be.
Shared from a friend on Facebook - A must see !
David Brown
Internet Marketing Solutions

Press Releases and SEO

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 22:50:00 +0000

by David Brown, Logion Web Design and Development

We are living in the future of yesterday. It wasn't too long ago that ideas such as carrying computers in our hands, streaming movies from the web, and the "new" trend in social media, were considered far fetched. SEO, or search engine optimization, once an unknown term, has now become well known. Press releases, once confined to a much smaller distribution network, are now accessible to everyone. A recent blog that was also posted on a major press release network had 14,000 impressions and 600 reads within a few days.

The internet now has over 2 million users worldwide. The continuing rapid growth of search traffic combined with the continuing innovations of distribution, are the main reasons why press releases can now be more effective then ever. Because of the search engines such as Google refining their results for keywords, and offering a news search as well as an "everything" search, news releases have a better chance of reaching a target audience directly. Even if one person does not read the news release, the added benefit of a news release published on a high traffic distribution site is that it still has a powerful impact on the SEO of a company's web site. With researched keywords and links to the target site or Facebook page, a press release is an integrated solution for providing fresh updated content, one of the requirements for an effective SEO campaign. Press releases can announce a range of news items, such as scheduled events, personal promotions, awards, new products and services, sales and other financial data, accomplishments, etc. They are often used in generating a feature story or are sent for the purpose of announcing news conferences, upcoming events or a change in corporation.

Content and Links-In
One of the most important strategies in SEO is to have fresh updated content and if it is on a blog or an external source such as a news release, to have a link back to the web site or Facebook page that will benefit from the link. Links are an important part of SEO if they come from a credible source, and if the source is a news release full of relevant keywords that are compatible with the target site, then the dual benefits of content and a link to the site are accomplished. Additional news releases with the same dynamics will stack over time providing a matrix of content linked in to the target site.
Reputation and Social Sharing
Once a news release is published it can add more credibility to a business by promoting the release on their Facebook page, through an email campaign, and by distributing it directly to local media. News releases these days have social sharing buttons next to them, allowing for readers to easily distribute the release to their own network with one click, and creating a geometric potential in distribution opportunities. On this platform of Blogger we use the dynamic templates option and you will see the sharing icons on this page.

Distribution Channels

A strong and reputable distribution channel will promote your news release to a large number of media channels. These would include the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo, and Bing, who have their own news channel, news sites such as CNN, USA Today, Associated Press, BBC, industry specific sites such as manufacturing publications, Amazon, Thomas.net, and others, and news feeds of RSS subscribers to the distribution channel. These subscribers would include journalists looking for a story, bloggers wanting to be updated on specific topics, and other distribution channels. One distribution channel that we use regularly with clients is PRWEB. As a major distribution channel, PRWEB sends out a news release to 50,000 subscribers, 30,000 web sites, and 30,000 bloggers. Other distribution channels channels such as BusinessWire and PRWire.

Case Study : Home Care
The recent release mentioned above that we published for a client on PRWEB, Home Care Industry Shows Strong Growth, had a national focus and also had a link back to their main site. We research and carefully prepare a news release both for reader interest and for SEO keyword integration into the release to provide better SEO for the client. Within a few days there were over 14,000 impressions and 600 reads. A few media picked up the story and ran it including on in Dallas, Texas. The existing Google page ranking of the target site was supported and fresh updated content would possibly be the first thing that the Googlebots would notice as they scanned the site and updated their algorithms.

Your press release can also be shared on Facebook, tweeted on Twitter, and if it is also on your blog, can be updated on search engines by pinging your blog using various free services. With credible content and links as two strong SEO strategies, press releases serve as a powerful weapon in your SEO arsenal.

About Logion Web Design (established in 1999) - Publishers of Likes, Tweets and SEO
We are a full service internet management and marketing developer that offers integration of web-based strategies for small business. Our services include SEO copy writing and news releases to create the best page ranking impact for our clients budgets, as well as creative and innovative ideas for web site presentation and promotions.

Web Site Design - Do It Yourself?

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:41:00 +0000

There's a number of web sites that are published on the internet that have been set up by the owner as a DYI - or do it yourself site. Some are actually presentable and look ok, while others look bad and do not really reflect the quality of services provided by the owner and business. Stanford Research did a study years ago that showed how 50% or more of first time visitors to a web site judge the site based on the look and feel as well as design.

I see so many sites that are poorly designed and outdated. One reason is that the business owner is just too busy to deal with it, Another is costs - maybe it's just not in the budget. Web sites are becoming even more important now than ever as most people browse and search before they drive to a location to do business.

This is also the case with web design services. In Salem, many people would type in Salem Web Design or Salem Oregon web design (since there is more than one Salem in the country). Some may also type in other search terms such as webmaster, web developer, SEO, internet marketing, web site designer, web site developer, or web services.

When you balance out the costs of not looking professional versus just putting up a cheap looking site it usually weighs more against the DYI site. The better looking sites create a better first impression and have a better chance of response from the site visitor. Costs can be prepared, but experience and skills should be also.

These days, most people do not just want a web site. They expect to be at the top of Google also ! Design of a site and internet marketing to compete for Google page rank are two separate things - however there is a crossover in that the design of a site should be SEO friendly, i.e. proper titles, h1 tags, keyword-rich content, and W3C verification to name a few.

Another area of web site design that is often overlooked in copywriting and SEO copywriting. Catchy titles, and persuasive text usually needs planning and creativity. A well written introduction statement can motivate, establish authority, welcome a first time visitor, and persuade them to click all in one paragraph.

The "wow-factor" is another factor that I feel is important to create a sharp and distinctive impression immediately with the site visitor. The wow-factor would be a combination of an image, a title, and carefully written text, although it may not have all three and still be effective. "A picture speaks a thousand words" is still relevant as most people respond to visual impressions more than text. When a catchy title is combined with a stunning visual, then the impact is even greater. Look at the Superbowl ads as a good example.

Professional web design and development is a combination - a co-creative process - between the site owner and the designer. As a designer=developer, I need to know your business, and need help translating your services and products into a dynamic presentation that has the wow-factor, establishes your authority as an expert in your field, and creates a response from site visitors. You will be involved in the process. However, the combination will be much better than a DYI site and have better results for you.

Finally, integration of your web site into a social media platform such as facebook also needs planning and creative presentation to be effective. We also offer Facebook development as a part of our internet services.

This blog is a personal perspective based on years of web development experience, and ongoing research into the current best standards and trends. Sometimes you just need to write out some thoughts in the early morning and put them out there. Thanks for visiting and reading this if have gotten this far.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend,

David Brown
Oregon webmaster, developer
owner Logion Web Design
503.302.2333
541-953-3360

A Facebook Fan Page With The Wow Factor

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:24:00 +0000

by David Brown

In one recent year, Facebook gained over 200 million users. That number represents a huge potential of visitors to your personal Facebook page. How can you get more visitors to like your page or even become a fan? A Facebook Fan Page is your answer.

What is a Facebook Fan Page?

A fan page is that bright, shiny object that draws the visitor's attention to you or your business. It makes the visitor want to know more and to respond to your Facebook page. A fan page is first seen by visitors to your page who are not fans or have not liked your page yet. It shows up as a visual presentation of who you are and what you represent. The objective of a fan page is to get the visitors to like your page. The visitor may be enticed to like your page by a couple different methods. For example, a special offer can be used. If they like the page, they will receive some special promotional item. They may even want to receive updates about your business on their wall. Whichever methods are used to get that Like button clicked, the page must have a wow factor to guarantee a stronger response of the first time page visitor.

What are the benefits of a Facebook Fan Page?

In general, you only have a few seconds to get the attention of a visitor. A fan page grabs the visitors' attention with a good first impression. If they like the page, they are more likely to share it with others. So it can increase the response to your page. Another benefit is it can establish more Facebook credibility for your page. A high credibility score will help visitors trust the material on your page. In the long term, the trust can promote loyalty.

What happens after the first time visitors likes your page?

A second landing page will appear. This page can have more information and descriptions of the services you provide. An online form can be made available for the visitors to request information directly from you. You can put links to your web site or the second page can have descriptive content from your web site or blog. This information lets the visitor become more acquainted with you or your business.

Do you want to tap into the potential millions of users on Facebook? Logion Web Design will create a Facebook Fan Page for you, guarantee at least 25 fans, and establish a set business name for your page. The cost ranges from free up to $399.00 depending on whether it is packaged with other services that we offer such as custom web site design or redesign, e-commerce sites, content management sites, or internet marketing (SEO). A lot of people try to create their own web sites and maybe their own fan page. When you use a professional, it shows, and increases the credibility, authority, and results from including the "wow factor".

Fan pages developed by Logion Web Design and Development LLC

Facebook business pages
Www.Facebook.com/StarbuildersLLC
Www.Facebook.com/CreativeFanPageDeveloper
Www.Facebook.com/LogionWebDesign
Www.Facebook.com/VTGolden

Www.Facebook.com/AtHomeAssistants
Www.Facebook.com/SweetByenBye
Www.Facebook.com/SharingOurGrief

Www.Facebook.com/LongsMeatMarket

and for fun: Www.Facebook.com/MyDogShaman

Let's Talk Technorati

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:13:00 +0000

by David Brown

Technorati, established in 2004, is the top resource for information on blogs, and applies a series of calculations to give ranking relevance to blogs (known as Technorati Authority). Their "top 100" lists of blogs are followed closely by many fans in the major categories of social media, technology, business, entertainment, and politics.

By reviewing the top rated blogs listed in Technorati, you will be seeing blogs that have been given the most "Technorati Authority" reflecting their influence within a specific category. The calculations for this authority include information on a particular blog site such as linking behavior over a six month period, topics in relation to the "blogosphere", all the other blogs in similar categories, and relevant content. The authority is on a scale of 0-1000 with 1000 being the highest. The rank of a blog is the position given among the authority of all sites with 1 being the highest. The authority and ranking will change over a short period of time as the process reflecting ongoing changes in calculations and stats that occur many times every day (and every hour).

The blogosphere has been growing exponentially every year. Here's a few stats from Technorati's 2011 State of the Blogosphere report to give you an idea of what happened in 2011. 60% of blogging in 2011 was from hobbyists who blog for fun, 18% are part or full time bloggers who are professionals that use blogging for partial income, 8% corporate bloggers who use blogging for various purposes including sharing their knowledge, increasing their reputation and attracting new clients. Entrpreneurs account for about 13% of the "blogosphere". They usually blog about their own company and the main focus is either business, sharing expertise, or attracting new clients.

The trends in blogging should see an increase of content-rich blogs as a result of the content-centric focus of Google for page ranking and relevance. I would expect that the percentages of entrepreneurs and corporate blogs will increase in 2012 in relation to the hobbyists and part-timers.

You can add your own blog to the Technorati directory and get a strong content-rich link back to your blog in the free listing. Technorati will need to verify that you are an author of the blog and provides you with a unique code to place inside your blog as a verification that you own the blog. The code must appear in the published blog post and it must also appear in your corresponding RSS feed once published. Once it is published, you need to use the "Verify Claim Token" button on Techorati to verify the claim token and have them do a final review.

I have found some of my favorite blogs and sources of excellent information from reviewing the top listed blogs such as Mashable, Huffington post,TechCrunch, Buzzfeed, and The Next Web to name a few.

Here's some links to several Technorati categories:
InfoTech
Business/Advertising
Social Media

This has been a brief review of one of the most fascinating web sites out there. The code shown below is for the blog claim process described above. Likes, Tweets and SEO is about to be listed in the Technorati directory. Let's get your blog listed next.

- David Brown
ZN3AF4MDFU5H

Developer Notes - 2011 in Review and Services Description

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 16:02:00 +0000

2011 was a breakout year for me with "IMS" (internet management services). I use the term to describe something that is similar to the phrase "the whole is more than the sum of its parts". Various abbreviations are becoming more familiar to business owners such as "SEO" - (search engine optimization). However, there is also SMO (social media optimization), CMO - content management optimization, etc. etc. By using the term IMS for short, I am describing an integrated process that may include a number of strategies with all of the abbreviations.

Example: More than one account that I manage includes website design and development, marketing consulting, programming, blog writing, Facebook marketing and fan page design, SEO, SMO, managed email maintenance and subscriber list, and Twitter setup and marketing. There is a lot of various tasks, changes, new ideas, design, consumer engagement strategies, methods, techniques, and time involved in managing this for clients.

Moving forward, here's how I can basically describe my services. I have various packages of time blocks that are paid on a monthly basis for me to focus exclusively on the top priority of IMS services for a particular client. It may vary, and include multiple projects, market testing and feedback usability, and the continual building of a matrix of links, fresh content, feeder sites, and marketing.

I also started another blog in 2011 - www.LikesTweetsandSEO.com, -you can also see the posts on my home page of Logion Web Design, and you can read about various news items and strategies as mentioned in the description of IMS above.

So many changes have happened and are going to continue to happen that every business owner needs be to current on their internet presence. The economy and trends in consumer behavior demand it. It all starts with a free consultation, where we assess your current internet presentation and marketing and then , if retained for services, make recommendations for whatever changes are needed now and ongoing.

I look forward to another successful year with existing and new clients. I have the resources and staff as needed to provide excellent IMS, and creative ideas for most any type of business or non-profit organization.

Here's to a successful year for you also, as we move forward into 2012!

David Brown
webmaster-owner
Logion Web Design and Development LLC
503.302.2333
info@logion.net

Salem Oregon Web Design Company Launches New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 17:26:00 +0000

by David Brown
Salem, Oregon
Logion Web Design and Development LLC, a Salem Oregon web design company, recently launched a new blog, www.LikesTweetsandSEO.com, for business owners to get a glimpse of the various trends, methods, and ideas going on with SEO - search engine optimization, SMO - social media optimization, and the new "Google freshness" factor that is changing the game for page ranking results - again.

Beginning December 1, 2011 and in 2012 and beyond, the Likes, Tweets and SEO blog will continue to post articles and resources on new changes on trends in Internet marketing. Most business owners are too busy trying to manage their own business to try and maintain an effective Internet marketing campaign. Likes, Tweets, and SEO evolved out of a need for the Internet marketing services of Logion Web Design to be partially described by fresh content and topics in addition to the basic descriptions on their websites. www.Logion.net and www.LogionSEO.com.

Recent blogs include titles such as The Like Button Rocks , Facebook Fan Page Developer Notes, Feed Me, Content Marketing and Social Media, Follow This and Be Engaged (Twitter Updates), Viral Marketing on Steroids (new Facebook insights for business), and Amazon Flexes Muscles Against Google and Apple (the new Kindle Fire).

- David Brown is a webmaster and owner of Logion Web Design and Development LLC.
________________________________________________________________________________

Sitemaps Provide Boost for SEO

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:28:00 +0000

by David Brown

The sitemaps XML file in Google webmaster tools provides a boost for SEO for the following reasons:

Google's indexing of pages are more efficient and they will give more relevance and credit if a site has a properly formatted sitemap.

Every web page from your site is listed in a sitemap, and if the page has a relevant name to the content, then it helps with Google bots recognizing that relevance, and giving it more page ranking "points" in their complex algorhythm system.

To view a sitemap on a site type in the full url http://www.sitenamehere.com/sitemap.xml. You may find pages that have not been updated, or internal pages that are not linked from the home page. The site may not be using an xml sitemap and you may need to dig deeper. Sitemaps of highly sophisticated websites can be a learning tool to develop your own sitemap or to aid your developer in creating a sitemap for you that has the maximum SEO (search engine optmization) potential.

Google has a result for http://www.google.com/sitemap.xml - This is probably only one of many sitemaps that are connected with their domain name.
The Mozilla / Firefox developer network has an extensive reference sitemap:
https://developer.mozilla.org/Special:Sitemap

Not all sitemaps are XML. There are also sitemaps in html, sometimes existing on the same site as an xml sitemap. Sitemaps may also be rendered in various code such as this sitemap on a remodeling magazine site:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/sitemap.aspx

Sitemaps need to be updated when new pages are added or deleted from a website. They can also be timestamped to reference the last time that a page was updated.

Sitemaps are also a great way to start to develop a site when you are redesigning or starting from scratch.
Use an outline format and categories, subcategories, and products/services will all fall into place.

This is an example on one web page listing in the sitemap.xml page for Logion Web Design:
note the folder name corresponding with a keyword search: Portland Oregon Web Design.
We are marketing in the Portland area and are ranked # 1 for a Google search of
"Portland Oregon Webmaster" - The sitemap helps but is only one part of a large matrix of SEO methods.
<url>
<loc>http://www.logion.net/Portland_Oregon_Web_Design/websitewhys.htm</loc>
<lastmod>2011-04-11T12:41:10-05:00</lastmod>
<changefreq>daily</changefreq>
<priority>.5</priority>
</url>

Need help with a sitemap? Contact us .
Logion Web Design
http://www.logion.net/ 503-302-2333

Website Design - Should it Include SEO?

noreply@blogger.com (David Brown) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:11:00 +0000

If you are considering a web design project, you probably are also thinking about Google, especially getting found on Google. SEO, or search engine optimization is a complex matrix of methods involving ongoing development of links and content to increase the page ranking relevance of your website by Google's mysterious algorhythms and Googlebot updates in near real time.

SEO is becoming an expected part of website design and this is a recent trend. It used to be that SEO was a separate service altogether but the general consensus is that if my site cannot be found, why build it? This opens up a whole new level of bidding and giving estimates for website development, as the SEO activity is very time consuming and eats up the hours.

Don't be surprised if the estimate for a full custom website design and development project that includes SEO, and social media setup with SEO runs between $2500 and $25000. With programming added for e-commerce it could be more. Anything less and you may get a partial package.

I get calls and see many sites where people just want to do it on their own. It usually shows, and gives the impression to the site visitor that the business is not as good as they were hoping, in comparison to other sites in the same area. This is unfortunate, and becomes more obvious from this side of the business, as a web developer, seeing the results of increasing web traffic, positive feedback on sites design, and top-of-Google results for many clients.

Website design and development should include SEO, but it needs to be understood for what it is and what is involved. The site itself needs to be SEO friendly including titles, meta tags, and header tags that include keyword phrases relevant to the type of business. Links into the site need to be from sites that have similar relevant content, and the list goes on.

Usually a business owner is too busy to take the time and research and training to develop and optimize their own site. It is an investment in the future of your business.

- David Brown
Oregon webmaster
http://www.logion.net/