Out of the Fog Marketing

If you revamping a site or doing on-page search engine optimization, then you know finding the keywords and key phrases for which your buyers is crucial. I recently found Seed Keywords which lets you come up with a scenario question such as "What would you type into a search engine if you were looking for web marketing services?". Once you enter the scenario the site generates a unique URL which can be sent to clients, friends, co-workers, etc.

This is a great tool if you can't afford a full-blown keyword analysis or if you want a starting terms for keyword analysis.

Labels: improve search engine rankings, Internet marketing, keyword analysis, keyword research, seed keywords, SEO tools, web marketing, website marketing

Every business owner or sales manager should read Fran Fisher's post about "being" rather than "doing". There's great advice on how you want to present yourself to the prospect and the frame of mind you are in before you walk into the meeting.

Labels: biznik, business development, fran fisher, marketing pitches, professional, sales theory

Anyone who builds websites knows the scenario: a big launch is inevitably delayed waiting for the content. In a recent article on A List Apart, Pepi Ronalds makes a compelling case for specifically using editors rather than copywriters on web projects, to combat what she calls “Content-Delay Syndrome.” Not only will a trained editor keep the process moving, especially if employed on a project from the start, an editor will also leave the power of developing the content in the capable (and often willing) hands of the client, the presumed subject matter expert.

Labels: copywriting, editing, website development

We all know determining the right keywords for your business' natural and paid search ad campaigns is vital. However, the searchers intent can be quite different when it comes to purchasing your goods or services. For example, the term "Michigan marketing" has a higher volume of searches, but we get more business from searches of the term "Michigan marketing firm".

But how can a business evaluate purchase intent upfront? Enter Microsoft AdCenter's Online Commercial Intent tool. Microsoft claims the tool can evaluate a visitor's intention to buy, sell, or complete a transaction. Simply type in your keyword and select "query". We found the data at least qualitatively compelling.

For example, the probability of commercial query for "Michigan marketing" is 35%, while the commercial intent of a user typing in "Michigan marketing firm" is 65% which is consistent with our historical metric tracking.

Labels: google adwords, keyword analysis, online advertising, pay per click, purchase intent

Check out StomperNet's Adwords Triangulation Video which has some great advice for intermediate to advanced Google Adwords users including a great explanation of how to use "embedded match". The training video also has some great advice on writing Adwords ad copy. Thanks to Andy Jenkins and Dan Theis for the amazing content.

Labels: embedded match, google adwords

In an effort to grow the number of creative jobs in Michigan, the state legislature broadened the definition of "creative businesses" allowing more firms to qualify for the state MEGA tax credits. Businesses meeting certain criteria will be eligible for high-tech or high-wage MEGA credits which are credits against the Michigan Business Tax.

Labels: ann arbor, creative jobs, mega tax credits, Michigan business, michigan state tax, service tax