Google has changed. At least when viewing results from the US, Finland, Greece, Romania and others: It’s odd that in the UK, France, Hong Kong and other more civilised countries, we’re still seeing the old interface that suddenly looks a little dated: What’s of particular interest is that the URLs are now being displayed above the page excerpts. The same … Read More
How can I measure my SEO efforts?
There are more myths of Search Engine Optimisation than any other field of online marketing. Too many companies follow bad advice, act on incorrect assumptions and miss out on an abundance of Google-originated targeted traffic. Once the optimisation of the website is complete, mistakes often continue, with an astonishing number of businesses and individuals incorrectly measuring the results of their … Read More
The software industry may be a-changin’
I’m starting to feel that we’re about to enter interesting times. This far, the history of the software industry has been relatively straightforward: growth of computer usage, growth of PCs, growth in internet usage. All of which has been very good for software developers, with lower entry barriers, more customers and bigger opportunities. Yet all of this may be starting … Read More
Facebook advertising is a waste of money
What a stupid thing to say. Let me rephrase that: We ran a handful of experiments with Facebook advertising and the results were inconclusive. Background: We do a lot of work with Google AdWords, but Facebook really appealed, mainly due to the razor-sharp targeting. With Facebook, for example, we can target people interested in Software Development in the UK and … Read More
Is your SEO technique dangerous?
If you’re wondering whether your SEO tactics might land you in trouble, then they probably will. SEO tactics aren’t a good idea. It doesn’t matter how clever, original or discrete you think your tactic is, Google have seen it before. At best, whatever you do might work in the short term. At worst, it could get you penalised by Google. Imagine … Read More
Is an idiot handling your SEO?
Most online businesses fall into one of three SEO buckets. Those who have no SEO strategy, those who have a poor SEO strategy and those who trust idiots to handle their SEO for them. If you have no SEO strategy then it might be worth tapping into the greatest source of free, targeted traffic in the history of commerce. If … Read More
The danger of knowing it all
Scene 1 – “been there, done that”: CEO: So what can you do for us? Me: I’ll keep it brief. We bring targeted traffic to your website. Then we make sure that more of your visitors convert. CEO: Hmmm. How do you do bring more traffic? Me: We start with Google. We make sure that your website is optimised both … Read More
The greatest copyright notice – ever
Hyperbole and a Half is as far as you can get from the bog-standard blog (blog standard?), and it’s more or less the opposite of my chosen type of reading. But it’s wonderful. It’s original, inspired, and it makes me laugh. Anyone who has ever had a completely insane dog will relate to Wild Animal (The Simple Dog Goes for a … Read More
Skype Premium? You’re probably not interested.
As a long-term user of Skype, I’ve grown to depend on it. I use it daily for video conferencing (work and family), and for making cheap international phone calls when I’m travelling. I was therefore interested to see what a Skype Premium account would offer. Nothing. I don’t have any need for group video, I already have a webcam, and … Read More
Google remarketing won’t work for you
When I was in Beijing a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the markets that sells a wide range of goods at “too good to be true” prices. Here’s the script of what generally happens. I walk past a stall selling questionably-authentic designer handbags. Seller: [LOUD] Hello Sir, want to buy a designer handbag? Me: … Read More
