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May 28, 2010 by

Dallas SEM Is More Than SEO And Pay-Per-Click

Many Dallas business owners and executives are familiar with SEO which stands for “search engine optimization.”  The acronym “SEM” stands for “search engine marketing.”  Most people who explain the difference between “Dallas SEO” and “Dallas SEM” usually explain it this way:

  • Dallas SEM means placement on the search engine, whether it is organic (SEO) placement or paid marketing, such as on Google’s AdWords system

Their rationale is that the average person will not spend much time on the search engine, and that the person will click on the link which is most eye-catching, either based on rank or by the wording in the link title.  Until recently, this definition of SEM was relatively sufficient.
In recent months, however, Dallas SEM requires more from the marketer.  It also gives the business owner or executive more chances to get listed on the first page.  For example, Google has many other ways for a business to get on the first page besides traditional SEO and pay-per-click:

  • Maps listings
  • Being a part of any Dallas page on the local business directories.  You will be “lumped together” with your competition, but there are some fun ways to make your listing stand out on each of those pages!
  • News results, especially if you do a press release on your keyword
  • Thumbnails of your video which has the keyword in the title and tags.  This is not an exact science, but when it happens your thumbnail image stands out on the main search engine results page (SERP)… even if your video thumbnail is ranked at the bottom of the page!
  • Shopping results.  Physical products based on Dallas-related keywords, and sold on third-party sites, may appear on the search engine results page

There are other ways to get possible first-page results for your keywords.  Just make sure that you follow all ethical marketing practices and offer content which is authoritative, relevant, and trustworthy.

Hopefully any professional you hire or contract to help you increase traffic to your website will explain this to you.  It will open your eyes to additional marketing possibilities; and this knowledge will help you play to your strengths to best promote your business.

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May 28, 2010 by

Plano SEO Tips

If you operate business in Plano, Texas then chances are that you would enjoy quality search engine optimization (SEO) placement on the major search engines.  The algorithms for local based terms, such as “Plano restaurants”, require some additional internet marketing techniques than just what you would use for generic/nationwide keyword phrases.

In addition to getting listed on the Plano-specific pages of nationwide business directories (e.g. Yelp.com, Insiderpages.com, etc.), you can do a few other things:

  • Get listed on Plano-specific sites such as Planoonline.com.  Always make sure that the site is getting listed in top Plano-specific searches.  Test out various Plano-specific searches which are generic, and note the Plano-specific websites which keep appearing.  Determine if you can get a free listing, post content, join a forum, or any other opportunity for you to place a link to your web property plus other information
  • If you like Pay-Per-Click advertising, take a look at Plano-specific sites.  Sometimes the site has a section of the site promoting advertisers through “Sponsored Links.”  You may be able to place your pay-per-click ad on the site through the advertising service which the site uses.  An example would be the Content Network of the Google AdWords service, although this is not the only option
  • If sites like the Plano Convention and Visitors Bureau (PlanoCVB.com) or other sites offer advertising or a link if you are relevant business then consider the option.  This is because the site has good rankings in the search engines as it is considered to be an “authority” site by the search engines

In addition, you can use Plano-specific keywords for typical SEO efforts.  Such techniques could include:

  • Article directory marketing
  • Blogging
  • Videos
  • Press releases

If you need any guidance on Plano SEO, or other internet marketing assistance, then you are invited to contact us for more information.

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May 20, 2010 by

Dallas Online Marketing Tips

If you are looking for to improve your internet marketing exposure in the Dallas area, then here are some specific Dallas online marketing tips which you may find useful:

  • Get listed on the Maps listings.  This includes more than just Google Maps.  Consider getting listed on Yahoo Maps, Bing/Live Maps (MSN), Best Of The Web, and other maps listings on websites which your Dallas market trusts.  This tip is for all businesses with a street address, not just retail stores
  • Get listed on the various online local directory sites which have a Dallas category.  There are several types of these sites such as generic (e.g. Superpages.com), the “yellow” sites (e.g. Yellowpages.com), review sites (e.g. Yelp.com or Angieslist.com), GPS directories, 411 directories, and other national sites emphasize local area listings
  • Get listed on the various Dallas-Fort Worth-specific sites (e.g. Dallas.com)
  • Get listed on city-specific Chamber of Commerce sites should you be a member of the local Chamber
  • Get listed on the Better Business Bureau sites in your area
  • Get listed on niche-specific sites which allow for adding local listings (e.g. TripAdvisor.com if you are a hotel or restaurant in the DFW area)
  • Get listed on press release sites if you have local-specific news
  • Get listed on local event calendars if your business offers entertainment to the public (e.g. Guidelive.com)
  • Same for the event calendars on city-specific sites such as the local Convention & Visitors Bureau sites
  • Get mentions from Dallas-specific Facebook pages, MySpace pages, Twitter profiles, etc.

There are many other strategies to get exposure in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.  Nonetheless, the above list will help you get started in the right direction and improve your business’ online exposure.

Should you need assistance with any of these then you are welcome to contact us and ask your questions.

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