Atlanta Web Design

The New York Times has called it one of the “most effective” online marketing techinques. However, a lot of people still aren’t familiar with what SEO actually is and how it can benefit their business.

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization – and what it can do is naturally put you at top of search results on sites like Google, Yahoo, and MSN – without expensive ad buys. Even the most beautiful sites might not be structured to rank highly on the search engines. It may be due to inadequate keyword use, messy code, or poorly constructed content. SEO is a true art form – and if done properly – it can be a powerful tool.

SEO done incorrectly can serve as a powerful blow to your search engine rankings and as result – your web traffic. Sometimes sites have keyword densities that are too thick – and may suggest to Google that they’re not offering quality content and instead spamming the keyword. Making Google look twice at your site to determine if it’s quality is definitely something you want to avoid.

Businesses should also try to get as many sites linking to their site (with their desired keywords) as possible. But also be alert and make sure these links are coming from “good sites.” What type of pages should you avoid being linked on?

• Pages that are mostly comprised of links (unless a well-know directory)
• Pages that don’t seem credible (you don’t want to be recommend by a site that people are leery of)

At the end of the day – just because you receive traffic from search engines – doesn’t mean that traffic will always be there. Visitors to your site need to be persuaded to return. Make sure you keep your content fresh and simple and also give visitors a way to connect with your business via Facebook or Twitter.

Have more questions? Let us know and we’ll be glad to help you determine if your website is optimized in a free consultation. Give us a call at 404.228.5167.

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Written By LNP CEO/Head Designer Emma Loggins

How Design has a great article up about getting started with social media and using it strategically. We definitely recommend checking it out – Self Promotion The Social Way

Having a Facebook presence is something that is becoming a MUST for large and small companies alike. Being able to keep in touch with your customers and gain new customers is something that Facebook has made extremely easy for businesses. We’ve devised a list of tips to help you acheive the most out of your Facebook profile.

Secrets To A Successful Facebook Page

1- Network With Facebook

Link to your Facebook page from your company’s website. Don’t expect your customers to automatically look you up on Facebook to become fans of your product or service. Make it easy for them. Giving them a link to click on from your website or in your e-newsletter takes out the extra effort and makes it quick and easy for them.

2- Create Incentive

Give your customers a reason to ‘Become A Fan’ of your company. If you have a product or a service that you provide – offer occasional discount codes or free shipping via your Facebook page. If you don’t sell anything, try creating contests on your site .

For example, FanBolt is an entertainment news and community site. They don’t sell a product or a service – they just want to be a site that you visit regularly to talk about the latest entertainment happenings. They provide incentive for fans to join their Facebook page by giving away prizes on their site – some of which require you to be a fan on Facebook. They also keep their fans posted about new contests, new interviews, and even ask for fan input on questions for the celebrity interviews that they host – all via Facebook.

3- Acknowledge Your Fans

They’ve acknowledge your company by becoming a fan. Now it’s your turn to show them that you care about them and their loyalty. Make sure that you reply to comments left on your page, answer any questions asked, ask for the fans opinions – help them feel involved and that their opinion matters. Creating this direct line of communication shows your customers that you appreciate them and that you listen.

4 – Become A Fan!

If you already have a personal profile on Facebook, make sure you also become a fan of your company and have your co-workers do the same. Invite your friends to become fans as well. This is an excellent way to jump-start that number of fans that your company has. Be proud of your company – and promote it on your own Facebook.

5- GROW!

Sometimes, your Facebook page won’t flurish the way you originally invisioned and that may not be your fault. Facebook is continually growing and while your product and service may not have a demographic that is strong on Facebook at the moment – that doesn’t mean that it won’t be there soon. Facebook started out with a target on college kids. However, now 50% of Facebook’s members are over 25 years of age and more than 55% are women. 51% have an annual income of $75K, with 33% claiming to bring home $100K or more.

So stick with your Facebook page and continue to build and market your presence there. The fans will come.

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Written By LNP CEO/Head Designer Emma Loggins

With the world of blogging evolving just as quickly as the social media world it’s important to not only blog on a regular basis to retain a steady traffic flow as well as pull in new visitors – it’s also just as important to build a community around your blog. With the availablity of plugins for applications like WordPress or even customized blogging solutions, a blogger can easily allow for members to become a member of their blog as well as share your information with others on sites like Twitter, Digg, and Facebook.

Purpose & Niche

Your blog should also have a purpose and serve a certain niche. Readers and advertisers are looking for sites that have passion, warrant, knowledge, and credibility. As a blogger, it’s important that these elements come across on your blog. If you’re writing about a service or a product – make sure you’re really interested in it.

Social Bookmarking

You’ll notice our blog we have use the AddThis Social Bookmarking Widget which allows our visitors to bookmark our site easily with over45 popular services, and to share it with their friends via email as well. The button is small, unobtrusive, quick to load and recognized all over the web. If you’re not already using this service – or a similar service – contact us today and let us develop a plan for your business.

These are all important steps in building a more successful blog. Of course your content is important – but your content won’t matter if you don’t make it accessible to the public and give them the means to spread your information to an even broader audience.