THE WEB
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is fast becoming an art that needs all of our attention. SEO is the ability to tweak and re-tweak your website's meta data, links, page content, and graphics to get higher placement in the listings. If you're not on the first few pages of relevant results on a search, then you are not getting the most out of your website investment.

To prove how effective it can be, go to Google or Yahoo and type in keywords "mammoth information". See where the City Concierge comes up. We have been able to raise our own placement to be in position 1, 2, 3 for Google, Yahoo and AOL.

But it doesn't end just after one round of SEO. It is ever ongoing as the search engines constantly change their algorithms (how they compute results). Search engines as used here refer to all search engines, which include indexes (Yahoo & AOL), and other listing services. To be accurate, there are only 10 search engines.

What makes this process difficult however, is that 1) Each search engine uses different criteria for their ratings; 2) Too many of the same keywords, or meta tags actually lowers the results for some, while repetition raises your rank for others; 3) Links from page relevant sites make a difference. Yes, the process can is arduous and time consuming. There are several ways to go including free services, low cost submission services, manually submitting, paid consultants, and software. Next time, we'll look at what works and what doesn't, and why paying to submit to 300 search engines does nothing for you. Just remember you have to do something, or no one will find you.

SECRET SAUCE
Quick name a fast food hamburger chain… Try again; name a family oriented movie studio. The names that come to mind are due to branding. Branding is the art of creating a lasting impression in the customers mind. Every point of contact you have with your customer is part of your brand. This makes the customer predisposed to your services when they need to make a decision. This extends beyond a logo design, the color of paint on your building, or how you greet your customers. Disney is a master. Ever been in one of their stores? Seen the catalog? Every item helps to generate a specific lasting impression so when you think kids and family, you think Disney.

Creating that predisposed persuasion happens when the values associated with a business ring true with your own personal values. The imagery - your logo, an advertisement, brochure, or website tie those values to the impressionable imagery.
For example, what values do you associate with this symbol?
Defining those values for your business and defining your customer is the first step in creating what makes you different from your competition. Make a list of the values your company/customer currently represents. Eliminate generic words such as "everybody", "a skier", and as you shrink your focus, your audience becomes more clear and actually gets bigger. Disney doesn't appeal to everyone, neither does Target, yet their audiences are huge. You will find that once you know your customer, and what they expect of you, growing your business will be easier. Next time, putting the new focus to work.

SHAMELESS PROMO
HAS YOUR FORMER WEB COMPANY LEFT YOU IN THE DARK? City Concierge can make sure your site doesn't go down, help keep your web address from getting stolen, and freshen up your website. It is not expensive, and your website functions as an "online brochure". Don't let your customers look at your website and think "rinky dink" or they haven't changed it in month's so there is nothing new happening. AND CERTAINLY don't lose out because some other provider went out of business. This is your busy time, look professional and gain an edge.

For those that read all the way through this newsletter, we are offering a FREE evaluation of your current marketing plan, propaganda, and some help on gaining an edge over your competition. Over a $1,000 in value. All this just for reading this newsletter. Call us to set an appointment 866-864-6444. Such a deal!