The Key to Cracking the Keyword Research Nut

As a burgeoning SEO, I spend most of my spare time consuming mountains of information to learn as much as I can about my new craft. I realized very quickly that the key to becoming successful in this business is to stay on top of the latest trends and to learn from the best. That's why I've become a student of John Alexander and his SEO mastery workshops.

I recently read a great article from John that reveals some excellent tips on using Wordtracker to conduct your keyword research. I've put these tips to the test and liked them so much, I thought I'd pass them on in this blog. Enjoy!

15 Keyword Research Tips for Finding the Hottest Niche Phrases Quickly

Undertow:  Wading Through the competitive waters of Social Media Marketing

I had a great discussion with some colleagues on social networking.  The conversation centered around how the blogosphere and social networking sites are quickly changing the way Internet Marketing strategies.  They were quick to point out that a study from Forrester Research shows that, with a recession looming, the time is right to advertise on social sites.  The comparative cost is low, perhaps a ten-fold difference. 

But it begs the question:  Does pay-per-click and banner advertising really work on social networking sites?

Another colleague points o ...

A Son's Note of Apology to His Mother After Feeling Guilty for Pinging his Twitter

Dear Mom. I have a dirty little secret. Sometimes, when I'm all alone and playing with my blog, I have the irresistible urge to Ping my Twitter.  It's so satisfying, I suspect it must be immoral.  I've tried to quit, but the urge is overpowering, especially when I experience the titillation of a really good Twitter Ping.

Oh, I know what you're thinking, Mom, but it's okay. If you'll allow me, I'll Ping your Twitter, too. I'm really good at it and I think you'll like the way it makes you feel as much as I do.

Don't worry, Mom. Pinging your Twitter is perfectly legal, even encouraged by some internet evangelist ...

Web 2.0 Defined

The term “Web 2.0” first defined by Tim O’Reilly in 2004.  Web 2.0 is a term describing the trend in the use of World Wide Web technology and web design that aims to enhance creativity, information sharing, and, most notably, collaboration among users. These concepts have led to the development and evolution of web-based communities and hosted services, such as social-networking sites, wikis, blogs, and folksonomies.

According to Tim O'Reilly:

“Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the Internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform.”

Basic Web 2.0 terms

Social media:   An umbrell ...