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Google Plus And Google Places Merge

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On June 12, 2012

In Internet marketing, SEO Marketing

June 12, 2012

Google’s recent announcement of merging Google plus with Google Places has come as a shock to many web masters and Internet Marketing specialists. Couple of weeks back, Google launched Google plus Local Pages and integrated the Google Places Business Listings into its Google plus social network. Even though some business owner seems to be disoriented by the change, it is believed that the change will make things simpler for everyone in the long run. Business owners can still use Google Places to manage their business information while users can rate, review and upload photos related to the business through Google plus Local. For web users, the best part about Google plus Local is that they have access to personalized recommendations and can take advantage of the same while selecting a local business.

One of the major changes that will be seen in Google plus Local Pages is the design layout of business listings. In addition to this, the integration of Zagat reviews and a “circles filter” make it all the more appealing. The circles filter helps you find reviews and recommendations from friends/family/colleagues etc while Zagat reviews will ensure that the business reviews are more personal and genuine.

Google plus Local Pages are also integrated across Google properties. Users will be able to discover Google plus Local pages through a search on Google.com, Google Maps, in mobile apps or through a search on Google plus. This will make Google plus a great local search destination with much better content and more user-friendly functionality. Users will be able to sort and filter search results in terms of “your circles” which will instantly let them get in touch with places “touched” by friends and family. The Google plus Local pages are visually more interesting than the ones of old versions of Google Places. Users can indulge in social interactions like on Facebook and Twitter and business owners can take advantage of the same by interacting with their customers at a more personal level. No doubt, people will enjoy the perks of using Google Local Listings as usual with the additional benefits of richer pages and Zagat ratings.

For Internet Marketing, SEO and Google plus Local Optimization, feel free to call us at Centex Technologies (Killeen (254-213-4740) or Dallas (972-851-7878) Office). We provide SEO, Internet Marketing, Web Development services to our client in Austin, Dallas and other locations.

Austin Search Engine Marketing – Internet Marketing Austin

Web Development Tips: How To Create A Well SEOed Website

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On June 7, 2012

In SEO Marketing

June 7, 2012

The key to effective web development is to be clear about the results that you expect from your website, right from the get go. An ideal website is one that is made with a precise vision of the purpose that it intends to serve, grasps the attention of its users, and is search-engine friendly. Discussed below, are the key steps involved in web development-

  • Collect information that is relevant to your site- This is the first, and most basic step that you need to take to get started with web development. “Content is the king”, and with a strong backup of relevant content, you’re all set to get started.
  • Carry out a domain name research- The domain name that you choose for your website is a critical factor in determining its popularity. Choose one that’s simple, easy to remember, relevant to what your website offers, does not infringe on copyrights, and ends with a dot com suffix.
  • Research your competitor websites-Before getting started with your website, look into the top-ranking and most successful websites that turn up for the keywords that you are targeting. Carefully observe what they are doing right, and smartly incorporate it into your website.
  • Choose the right title for your website- Once you have decided on your website domain name, the next step is to choose a title that concisely describes what your website offers.
  • Choose the right website host- Research for the right host for your website, looking for one that is flexible in its server types, has an easy control panel, is available for customer support, and does not have blackholed IP’s in its network.
  • Categorize and tag your website- While this is an essential step to making your website search engine friendly, the main purpose of doing it is to make it easier for your users to navigate.
  • Submit your website to search engines- Once you are confident about the design of your website, and have implemented critiques from knowledgeable friends and acquaintances, you are now ready to take the plunge into the world of search engines by submitting your website on them. Review your submission after 3-4 months to see how you are faring.

Once you are done with the process, you can start with regular SEO tasks for link popularity building. For more information on creating SEO friendly Website Design, call us at Centex Technologies – Killeen (254-213-4740) or Dallas (972-851-7878) Office.

SEO Austin – Web Development Austin – Web Design Austin

Social Media Benefits

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On May 25, 2012

In Internet marketing, SEO Marketing

May 25 2012

Social media has revolutionized the definition of online marketing, becoming a must-have for every SME, as well as individual. Even though some might criticize it as an invasion of privacy and a wastage of time, the bottom line is that of you are not a part of social media, you practically do not exist- at least for the millions of internet users logged in to these networks. Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest are some of the leading names in social networks/ media. Even if you look to promote your business locally in Austin or Dallas, social media can be of immense help. Here’s a look at how having an active presence on these networks can be beneficial to you:

  1. Online visibility– The biggest benefit of social media, from a businessman’s point of view, is the fact that it introduces your prospective clients to your business. It is almost like a free advertizement reaching out to millions.
  2. Customer feedback– The feedback that a customer will give you on your social media profile is likely to be a lot more casual and honest, then if say, you asked him to fill a feedback form. You can make the most of this, by listening to what your target users are saying, and making efforts to improve your business. Specially in closely knit local markets of Austin or Dallas, referencing can be of great benefit.
  3. Visual updates– The impact left by an eye-catching photograph is much more than that created by a block of text. Social media lets you bank on this fact, by serving as a platform where you can regularly update pictures of your latest products or services, and let your users know what’s on offer.
  4. Engaging customers via personal interaction– Once a prospective customer adds you to their social media profile, your battle’s half won. Now, all that you have to do is figure out a way to keep them engaged. This could be via an online poll, contest, or simply a discussion. By encouraging customers to interact on a personal level, you increase the chances of customer loyalty.
  5. Personal profile– Social media is also an immensely useful tool for “marketing oneself”. If you, as an individual, have any special skill that you would like to share with prospective employees, you could use social media as a platform to showcase your work, and reach out to them, which would have been very difficult else wise.

Overall, social media is a necessary evil, which can be as good or as bad as you make it to be. Use it smartly, ethically, and most importantly, regularly, and you’re on the highway to success!

We at Centex Technologies provide social media marketing services which include managing social media profiles and placing advertizements according to demographics of target users. For more information on our SEO, Internet Marketing, Web Development and Website Designing services call us at Killeen (254-213-4740) or Dallas (972-851-7878) Office.

SEO Austin – Web Development Austin

How To Prevent Web Spam And Avoid Being Penalized By Search Engines

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On May 18, 2012

In SEO Marketing

May 18, 2012

Google’s updates to its organic search algorithm namely panda and penguin are an answer to the menace of web spam. It’s an effort by Google to improve the search results and attract more people to the search engine. Google generates a bulk of its revenue from its pay per click ads. These ads will be of use to it only if it able to fetch a good number of people on Google. Web spam destroys the credibility of a search engine by producing duplicate content on various websites.

Google’s penguin update focuses on removing web spam from the search engine. It specifically targets those websites which use Black Hat SEO techniques to rank high in search engines. Such techniques involve lots of keyword stuffing and using various softwares to promote a website. Penguin’s adverse effect on such sites is loss in rankings which affects the traffic directly. The direct impact of this will be on the users as they will end up getting good original content.

For those who want to avoid getting penalized and losing the ranking of their website, a few guidelines can help you retrieve your lost glory. To start with, take out some time to view Google’s Webmaster Quality Guidelines. Stop engaging in any form of software generated spam engines whatsoever. Steer clear of any unscrupulous shortcuts that intend to improve the search engine rankings. Focus on creating quality content for your website. Your pages should be for the users and not for the search engines. You need to create content that’s in the best interest of the people who view your website. It should help them do what they do better. By following these guidelines, you will be successful in adding value to the people who visit your website and you can avoid getting penalized.

Creating a top position for your website is an investment that greatly demands time, hard work and money. Good content and right strategy is all that matters when it comes to SEO. With each passing day, Google is getting smarter and better at identifying web spam and websites that have been trying to outsmart the system. To make sure you stay on top, you need to adjust your SEO strategy according to the latest updates. You can hire a SEO company that is familiar with the process and can manage your SEO campaign.

We at Centex Technologies, Dallas provide SEO solutions to our clients. To know more about our SEO plans, feel free to call us at Killeen (254-213-4740) or Dallas (972-851-7878) Office.

Austin Search Engine Marketing Firm – Internet Marketing Company Austin

Engaging Your Online Customers For Better Sales

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On May 11, 2012

In Internet marketing, SEO Marketing

May 11, 2012

It is becoming increasingly important for businesses to engage their customers online. Blatant online advertizing is not likely to work as well as interacting with the online community of your customers. Enlisted below are some of the most effective ways to take your marketing strategies to the next level by using your prospective and existing customers as a marketing tool.

  • Social networking-It goes without saying that social networking is the single most effective way of engaging your customers. The three top social networking sites with the most active user bases are Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Make sure that you have an active profile on each of these sites, and keep posting pictures and updates that would appeal to your target audience. Creating a profile on these sites and making no effort to keep it going does not make a lot of sense, and will do nothing for your business.
  • Encourage user-generated content on your website- Create a blog that is relevant to what you sell, and allow users to submit their own articles to be posted on it. This will create a feeling of belongingness, and is a great way to keep them coming back to your website.
  • Create a forum for your users- Having a forum on your website, where users can discuss your products and services is a great way to create an online community, and encourage inter-customer relationships, which will translate into increased customer loyalty.
  • Send personalized mails- Shooting across a duplicate promotional mail to all your customers is not going to work, considering that just a fraction of these mails get opened, thanks to increased consumer awareness. A better idea would be to send a personalized mail that starts with Dear (Customer’s name), and actually conveys something that the customer would be interested in. It definitely is worth the effort.
  • Reward your customers- Sending out special offers and discounts that are only applicable for existing customers is a fantastic way of telling them how much you value them. Go that extra mile by devising thoughtful rewards that the customers will truly value.
  • Lastly, remember that the first person who needs to believe in your strategies is you! These words by New York sales trainer Wendy Weiss, author of Cold Calling for Women say it best- “Fear of rejection is the biggest thing that holds people back but you have to take it out of the realm of the personal.”

For effective Online Marketing, SEO, Web Development Services in Austin, Dallas and Killeen Texas. Call us at Killeen (254-213-4740) or Dallas (972-851-7878) Office.

Austin Search Engine Marketing – Internet Marketing Austin

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