Search Engine Optimization - Whats New

Every year I update how the search engines have changed their algorithm. Though Google has not revealed all their algorithm formulas (the way, they index web pages) due to competition they have been transparent to some.

As I was researching the topic I came across two fantastic articles that will put you in the know. Why re-invent the wheel right! I would make sure and access both articles the first has some explanations on terms and topics on search engine optimization that became valid late in 2011. The second article gives even more up to date changes and how they will affect your website.

In a nutshell – they are giving more preference to original copy and quality fast loading websites with unique attributes. Unfortunately, it is really important to go over your website every year to make sure you keep pace with all the changes – and rank higher in the search engines.

Google Dramatically Changes the Face of SEO in 2012

Google's Latest The "OMG This Isn't Really Happening" Algorithm Change By Lahle Wolfe, About.com Guide

If you have a website you probably know what search engine optimization (SEO) is and the purpose it serves in marketing your website to search engines. You probably also know that more than 80% of all Internet users turn to Google for search. MORE…

SEO Analysis of Google Algorithm Search Updates

There is no doubt that come 2012, Google is sure going to implement the content-to-ads ratio. According to Matt Cutts of Google, the testing for measuring this parameters is been conducted. The algorithm also known as “above the fold”, will be aimed at ensuring adverts do not interfere with reading of content. MORE…

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design Access Portfolio

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

7 Crucial Steps to Creating a Prosperous Business

1. Hire experts to do what you are not good at! If you are an expert in your field and really good at what you do – why waste your time trying to figure out how to do things you

a. Don’t know... b. Are not good at... c. Don’t have time for...

For example, I love designing websites and marketing materials, as an artist, I just love it. I happened to be born with an artistic gene, I am an expert at designing and developing websites that are marketing machines. I have been in this industry for over a decade. I have experience so I am a great consultant. I can draw up marketing plans like nobodies business, but…

Programming is not my talent and it is not my niche…

I tried when I first started as a web developer and found I just am not the programming type – it took me days to accomplish what it takes a programmer an hour to do. Being in this business so long I have some very good connections. When I have to have some heavy programming done I don't do it myself I hire the best… Saves me time, stress and ultimately saves me money.

2. Prepare – have a plan.

I have seen so many people just decide one day to have an online business and they don’t do the preparation needed to really have a solid foundation. You need to write out your goals and then put it into a business plan. Write out what your goals are and a detailed map of how you are going to get to your goal.

When you get to the point you need a website – what type do you need?

a. Do you want to use you website to market your business?... b. Do you have a product or services you want to sell?... c. Do you want to put up a portfolio?... d. Would a blog be what you need or do you need both?...

You get my point.

3. Have the right image!

If you truly want to develop a successful business, a solid foundation is one of the most important things you can do. It will be the springboard where all your success will come from.

What do I mean by “The Right Image”?

Well that will depend a bit on what it is you are doing. First your business does need a website – I may sound like a broken record but – it is true!

People use the internet as a research tool to learn about businesses in their area – or to see who to go to for products and services – so you need to look professional. Secondly the website, your business cards and all marketing materials must be branded and attract your target market.

If you are in a business that deals with children and parents it will look quite a bit different than a business that is for the Adult – Professional world.

Branding means to have all marketing materials, website, ads etc have the same images, colors, flavor, and feeling that you want to portray to your customers/clients.

Last but certainly not least – when meeting people in person make sure you make a good impression – dress so you look like a successful business owner – be polite and always remember you never know who it is you are talking to – it may be the person that will open the door to a flood of clients.

4. Be prepared to work.

Business is hard work – it is fun and challenging as well - but it is not going to be a piece of cake. Be prepared to put the time in especially in the beginning when you are trying to get established. Realize that when you own your own business you and you alone will be responsible for the success or failure of your business.

Failure comes when someone is not ready to put in the work, or does not do their due diligence. Failure comes in when you give up - because things are not going as you thought they would. Failure comes when things are not working, but you still keep doing what you are doing.

Remember – you may need to change course from time to time that is just the way businesses grow. The difference between success and failure is that the successful person, will stumble and fall at times but they get up dust off the disappointment and figures out a way to solve the problem.

The unsuccessful person stumbles or falls and doesn't get up - decides life is against them "so why try?". I don’t care what you have heard – if you think you will be making big bucks with very little time invested think again.

5. Networking the back bone of any business – network!

I am sure you have heard the saying “it isn’t what you know but who you know” – I believe that is only half true – it is “what you know and who you know”. That is the beauty of going to networking events or accessing web 2.0 sites and getting to know people on-line. It really is amazing what you can accomplish when you are networking with the right people.

6. Money is made and lost through relationships…

If you only have your eyes on you and what others can do for you, than you my friend will find that you will be on the losing end of #5

7. Sell – Sell – Sell

A lot of people really have a negative image of a sales person – it congers up someone that is insincere at best and a crook at worst.

Nothing can be farther from the truth.

A good sales person believes in what she/he has to sell and considers it something that will make that persons life a little better. When you are authentic – then you believe in your product and service. When you believe in what you are doing than it is just natural that you will be excited and enthusiastic about getting the word out to every one that can benefit.

Have you ever heard “Your mouth is your business it should always be opened”? Funny saying but it is really true – please don’t go overboard and bore people to tears by just talking about you and you business – but where appropriate talk!

Find solutions for people that need your expertise. It’s all about balance – and (where appropriate) don’t forget to ask for the sell.

Now get out there and show what you are made of…

To Exciting Opportunities – and Endless Possibilities

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

Mind Mapping - It Works!

How many on your have heard of mind mapping? I love the concept and for my (abstract) brain, there is nothing like a mind map to pull all my idea’s together in one place.

If you are not familiar –Wikipedia give a very succinct definition:

A mind map is a diagram used to represent words, ideas, tasks, or other items linked to and arranged radially around a central key word or idea. Mind maps are used to generate, visualize, structure, and classify ideas, and as an aid in study, organization, problem solving, decision making, and writing.

This definition seems a little dry, it is really a lot of fun and even a little exciting to be able to map out your idea’s – business or other wise on a mind map. It is the first step to organizing your thoughts and putting them into motion.

I learned to do it as a teenager – I just took a big piece of poster paper and put my idea in the center from there I would draw lines to the steps to get to that goal.

It is simple and direct – for the high tech version there are a lot of programs and websites that can cost you a lot or a little, I found one that I love and it costs less than $50.00 a year, in fact – you can share you map with clients, partners, make as many as you want. I love doing it to help my clients plan out large projects.

In creating your business a mind map is invaluable – your can take an idea and break it down. You will find that it will help you in all areas of your life where you have goals but in business it rocks.

Here is a mind map I have created using an online website called mindmeister.com– click around on the map itself take a look you will see how cool this website is.

For complete .pdf - click here

I was doing a little history and found out that mind mapping is really not that old at all (maybe to you twenty something’s it is!)

Mind maps came along in the late 60s – this unique way to tracking and planning was the brain child of Tony Buzan. He found that because of the visual quality of the maps it made it much easier for his student to remember and review things they were learning. The non-linear nature of mind maps makes it easy to link and cross-reference different elements of the map.

Tony Buzan found a business partner in the mid-70’s named Peter Russell together they taught mind-mapping skills in a variety of international corporations and educational institutions.

8 steps to mind mapping…

1. Use just keywords and/or images.

2. Put the central idea in the center of your page and then start placing the keywords around it.

3. Use color to depict themes and ideas

4. Anything that stands out on the page will stand out in your mind.

5. Put ideas down as they occur. Don't judge or hold back.

6. If you get stuck go to another area and start there

7. Think three-dimensionally

8. Be creative have fun – think outside the box

Video of the actual founder Tony Buzan and how to mind map

If you have never done a mind map, there is no time like the present. You may find that you mind will become uncluttered and you will be able to plan out your strategies much easier – and with less stress!

Try it and let me know how it goes!

Pamela Jacob – Artista design

Are You a Professional Student?

Going through my emails today – tons and tons I might add. The thought came to me if I get bogged down in all the information coming into my inbox and stressed over what to save or what to throw away. How do you feel!!! Overwhelmed, anxiety ridden – I am sure to say the least!

Quite frankly, going through all the (junk) email is a big part of my job. Going through all my emails to find the gems – new resources and idea's, that is why my clients pay me, to stay on top of revolving technologies and thing that work to explode their businesses.

However, that is the exception rather than the rule… I see so many of you who (for lack of better terms) waste days and days filtering through information that may or may not be beneficial to your business. I remember my father telling me about what he called professional students.

These were students who loved learning so much they just stayed in the university and would go for years and years, never really getting out in the real world and applying what they learned – and we all know that is where the real education begins!

Think about it. Are you a professional student?

Do you spend hours – days just going through and learning everything you can – not really developing an action plan to put into place? Are you feeling disjointed and the information you are collecting seems abstract? Are you having problems just Connecting the Dots? I will tell you everything is not for everybody.

Affiliate marketers need different skill sets and tools than people who are building an e-commerce site. A service oriented professional will need different knowledge than an online widget store. Taking action is essential, and outlining that action making sure that what you are doing and or learning is going to directly impact your goals for the better, that is the key.

Let me explain – first of all you need to have your goals and plans written – what is it, you want to do? What is the ultimate out come (dream a little) in a perfect world you business would be xyz – and making, fill in the blanks_________, _________ .

(lots of money, Helping people that need help? Etc) IF you are stressing over marketing, SEO, and you don't even have a website… What is the point!

Take action – Learn what you need to do step by step. Do you want to start with a blog or website? I believe you need both, but what do you start with and why?

What is the difference between a blog and website and why do I need both? To some of you this is very basic stuff but to a lot of people starting out it really isn't – you don't have to be an expert at everything to be successful.

Let me repeat – you don't have to be an expert at everything to be successful. If that were the case we would all be complete failures! You see I learned a long time ago that what you do well do it, what others do well hire it done. The adage time is money is really true. If I am struggling to put together a widget (taking me hours) for my store, and I know I can be out selling this widget and making twice the money – I should hire it done. I will have it built – make money and be able to pay the widget maker as well.

A personal example: I know that my talent lays in my artistic ability to design. I am not shy at saying I am a talented graphic designer / web designer. Through the years I have become a successful consultant and project manager and learned from the best on how to market on the Internet. I may be able to do some minor programming – but I do know that I am not a programmer per say. When I have a job that needs to be done – shopping carts – .asp pages etc, I don't even attempt to learn the programming language. I would be miserable (I hate that stuff) I would be wasting my time and pulling my hair out both of which I don't have enough of. Moreover, in the time it would take me to begin to understand the language, I could have made a lot of money.

What do I do when I need this done – hire a programmer (I trust and know). This is my business, and my reputation is at stake, so I don't just trust anyone to work with me, they have to live up to my standards as well. My reputation is all I have – it doesn't matter how wonderful the work is or how beautiful the design is – if people are unhappy with how something functions or your customer service stinks its all over for your business (,but I digress!).

The moral of this long, long story? You must start putting together an action plan that will get you results - instead of spinning your wheels. Are you going to tackle putting together you own website? Do you have the knowledge to do a professional website, what about artistic ability to design something that will attract you target markets? If not find a professional that will work with your vision – let them create, and you do what you do best. This can go for anything you are doing in your business.

Synopsis: Have a vision – put it down on paper. Decide what action steps need to be taken – pull together the players to make it happen. Learn, what will work for your type of business and/or find a professional you trust that will be honest and tell you the truth, what you really need to do to get your business off the ground.

If you have a floundering business – don't keep doing what you're doing, or it will keep floundering. Find a professional, not the neighbor or you best friends (unless they are experts at what you are looking for) – someone you know you can trust to give you truthful advice.

Someone who will be completely honest with you – and has your interest at heart not someone who only has their eye's on the bottom line (you money!)

If you need help with your website or would like a free consultation contact me: pamela@artistadesign.com and don't forget to check out my website, Artista Design

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results