Search on TeachStreet is very similar to searching Google – results containing matching keywords are displayed according to the searcher’s query. However, TeachStreet search is also dynamic meaning that Teacher’s can affect how their listings display in search results by taking certain actions.

There are certain things that will always help a Teacher’s listing display better in search results. These include having listings and available sessions, reviews, prices, accepting enrollments, and being a Pro member.

There are also actions that a Teacher can do on a regular basis to give their listings little, short term boosts in results. These actions include:

• Accept enrollments
• Replying to messages
• Creating and sending invoices
• Adding/Updating sessions
• Requesting reviews
• Writing articles
• Adding photos and other media

By being active on TeachStreet and doing any or all of the above actions on a regular basis, a teacher can keep their listings and sessions vibrant and up-to-date, place higher in search results, and gain more students.

Search engines, such as Google, follow three steps to find and display results

1. Web Crawling
2. Indexing
3. Searching

Search engines store information about web pages which are retrieved by a web crawler (also known as a spider).  The web crawlers or spiders search the web identifying and making connections between the billions of pages on the web through links. After the spiders have crawled the pages on the web, the next step is to analyze each page and determine how it should be indexed.  Search engines use keywords found in titles, headings, or special fields called meta tags, to help with indexing the pages. Once indexed, all the data is stored in an index database for use in later searches.

When a person “Googles” a word or phrase, the search engine examines it’s index database and provides a listing of the best-matching web pages according to its data.  And that is how a search engine works.

SEO or Search Engine Optimization is the process to increase traffic to a website from search engines. The strategy behind SEO is to understand how search engines work and what people are searching for in order to boost a websites ranking in search results thereby increasing the traffic to the site.  There are a variety of ways to increase the prominence of a web page in search results:

1. Cross linking within a website
2. Using frequently searched keywords and phases

Understanding how search engines work and the methodology behind SEO is the first step to increasing traffic and student leads to a TeachStreet Teacher’s listings page. In the next post we will discuss what particular actions a teacher can make to help their SEO efforts on their TeachStreet profile and listings page.

We know that search engines are crawling the web and indexing the billions of sites and pages by keywords and links. So how can a teacher spice up their listings, profile page and articles using SEO?

One tool that teachers can use is Google’s Keyword Tool. This is a free tool provided by Google that allows you to find new key word ideas. This tool is perfect for finding key words by descriptive words or phrases such as “knitting” or “learn to twitter.” Also, you can generate new key word ideas by website. For example:  Joseph Sunga, a teachstreet teacher, wants to find some new key word ideas. By going to Google’s Keyword Tool, and entering his TeachStreet profile’s URL, http://www.teachstreet.com/teacher/joseph-sunga, he can see all the key words generated from information found on his profile in one click of a button.

Now that you have your key words ready, follow some of our TeachStreet insider tips below to find out how best to use key words and other tricks to increase SEO.

TeachStreet Insider Tips:

1. Titles -  Begin with a catchy title to inform the searcher and entice them to read on. Keep in mind key words, using Google’s Keyword Tool to help you decide on what terms searchers are using in their queries.
2. Add a Photo or Video – People like visuals! Add photos or videos to your profile, listings and articles to catch the eye of searchers.
3. Relevant words in content and tags – Include relevant keywords that reflect your topic. If writing about Cycling, include “Biking” and “Riding” in the article, as your reader might be searching for those terms instead. Also add these alternates as “Tags.”
4. Write real content for real people – Be personal and original in writing your content. Searchers want to know you, and who you are. Most importantly, make sure it’s original content. Copied content shows up lower in search results and hurts your reputation.

By following these tips and tricks, a teacher can create a vibrant and searchable profile, listing and/or article that catches the searcher’s attention and pulls them in.

We have several aspects of this page that is unique making it easier for students to navigate to their test prep class they’re looking for:

1. We highlight the Top Test Prep Subjects: SAT, LSAT, GMAT, and GRE
2. We highlight our Top Test Prep Providers with Featured Classes
   (i.e. Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, Knewton, or ManhattanGMAT)
3. You can sort through Test Prep courses closest to you

So when you’re thinking of taking a test prep courses to get into college, business school, medical school, or law school — come to TeachStreet Test Prep for all your test prep needs.

1. Read – everyday. Reading is one of things you can do anywhere  – a book can fit in any size purse, briefcase or sometimes right in a back pocket.  Also, it is easy to read something everyday that interests you – politics, news, novels, the new diet fad – anything that gets you reading is worth the time.

2. Keep a “To-Learn” List. This is different from a “To Do” list. Instead, this is a list of things at some point in your life you want to learn or try. Some items can be  life changing while others can be something small, but fun. The point is to start writing them down, and then begin crossing items off the list. A good list is one that is continuously having items crossed off and new items added on.

3. Try New Things. Try things outside of your comfort or knowledge zone. Doing something that seems completely in left field to you means exploring unknown worlds and could lead to unexpected possibilities and outcomes. This one is more about putting aside all fears, and going for it – you never what could happen.

4. Play. Have fun, and enjoy yourself. Just like laughter is some of the best medicine, having fun and playing around adds to the learning experience.

5. Start a Project. Find something you have always wanted to try or create ( it can be from your “To-Learn” list), and start doing it. Add time to your weekly schedule to focus only on your project, and see it through to the end. By the time you  finish you would have learned a whole set of new skills and knowledge, and will have something you can be proud of and show off to friends and family afterward.

6. Challenge yourself. This is important – challenges add knowledge and keep things interesting. Try learning something that challenges you either physically, mentally or emotionally- and keep at it. Keep yourself motivated to overcome the challenge, and when it’s over you will have learned new skills and new things about yourself.

7. Meet New people. Not all knowledge is found in books, in fact some of the most interesting things come straight from the minds of our friends and family. Just imagine the world of possibilities each new acquaintance or friend could hold. People love to share their knowledge, so tap into the possibilities and see what others have to offer and what you can offer in return.

8. Teach Others. It’s pretty easy to read a book on knitting, but putting your knowledge into action is one of the best ways to learn what you know and pass it on to others.  Not to mention that teaching is fun! Try teaching a couple of friends or family members, start a blog (like this one), or join TeachStreet as a Teacher!

9. Reflection. So you have learned some new things, maybe have read something profound or took a class by an amazing teacher who showed you a completely new world. Spend some time digesting  and soaking in this new information through meditation, journaling or having an in-depth conversation with a friend or family member.

10. Never Stop. This might be last, but its very important. Always continue to grow and learn, there is never a reason or excuse good enough for stopping.

Several of you have told us about the problems with the blog — we’re aware of them, and working with out blog’s hosting provider — we hope to have them fixed in the next few hours (but, we hoped that last night as well!)

If you want an easy way to return to the TeachStreet homepage, click here.

UPDATE – It seems like all of the issues are resolved. If you still see any problems with the blog, let us know in our new TeachStreet help section.

Profile Example: Bridget Benton

New Changes to Teacher Profiles!

1. Cleaner Profile: We make it easier to scan teacher profiles and understand who they are.
2. Prominent Listings: Quickly see the classes, events or workshops teachers offer.
3. Better Visuals: Less clutter and more visually appealing, with bigger photos!
4. Consolidation: Contact and reputation information are grouped together.
5. Navigation: Tabbed navigation to highlight teacher offerings

We’re excited about these upgrades and we’re hoping you’re excited too. We know there may still be some kinks, so if you have any questions about the improvements on the profile page, feel free to visit our Profile Help Page or Known Issues Forum. We’re eager to hear your feedback!

Another week in a row, we have a special guest teaching us something new. One of our software developers, Scott Windsor, brought in his wife, Jane-Anne Egerton, to teach us how to make beer bread. Doesn’t that just have a good ring to it? Beer bread — the best of both worlds. Along with teaching us how to make bread, she’s also taking some photography classes at Photographic Center Northwest. If you want to take a look at her current work, check out her site at Venomous Swan.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups white flour
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 warm 12oz bottle of warm (room temperature) beer
• 4+ tablespoons butter

Instructions:

1. Mix all the dry ingredients
2. Pour in the bottle of beer
3. Mix the ingredients together until the batter is wet
4. Pour the mixture into a greased pan
5. Pour melted button on top of bread
6. Bake for 30-45 minutes at 375 degrees

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Do you want to teach us something? We’d love to invite you on one of our Fridays to help us learn something new! E-mail me at joseph@teachstreet.com.

Here’s What’s New!

1. Search Now you can search all of our Help information by keyword or question to get what you need quickly.
2. Top 10 Questions Check out these common questions to find answers easily.
3. Help Resources The place to find all your answers and make your own comments including:
   • FAQs for teachers and students;
   • Tutorials and how-to presentations;
   • Troubleshooting and Known Issues to solve common problems;
   • Ideas where you can make suggestions and tell us what you think.
4. Submit  Requests Create and track your support inquires.

Come see for yourself today!

We would also like to give a shout out to Zendesk for providing a wonderul platform that was easy to implement and looks beautiful.

Getting ready for Halloween? We were lucky enough to have a guest teacher come in today to get us in the mood for Halloween. Elizabeth Romatz, a Psychology graduate student at Seattle University, taught us how to make entertaining brain shots for your upcoming Halloween costume party. It was great to learn bartending skills at the office, even only for just one shot. Here’s how to make this tasty concoction below:

Ingrediants:

• 1 1/4 oz. Peach schnapps
• 3/4 oz. Irish Cream
• Splash of grenadine

Instructions:

1. Chill all of your liquors before making this shot
2. Pour in your peach schnapps into a shot glass
3. Slightly tilt the shot glass and pour the Irish Cream so it hits the glass before touching the schnapps
4. Splash the grenadine on top and watch the braininess ensue

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Do you want to teach us something? We’d love to invite you on one of our Fridays to help us learn something new! E-mail me at joseph@teachstreet.com.