417 Marketing Blog

Search Engine Optimization 101: What Is On-Page SEO?

July 16, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Search engine optimization is a lot like an iceberg. From your little viewing boat, the mass of ice (the SEO) looks like a small, jagged island. If you didn’t know any better, you might think that was the entirety of it. But beneath the surface, much of the body is hidden, leaving only that tiny tip to peek out. Similarly, on-page SEO is the optimization technique viewers can see on your webpage. Its prominence can leave viewers thinking that that’s all there is to SEO. They’re wrong, of course, but today we’re going to stick with the tip of the iceberg. What is on-page SEO? Why is it useful? Stay tuned to find out.

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Search Engine Optimization 101: What Are Meta Tags?

July 8, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Search engine optimization is like a puzzle. While there are proven ways to boost your ranking, many facets of SEO rely on trial and error. Different puzzle pieces are involved and their importance fluctuates all the time. Marketers can agree on the importance of some tools and tricks, but there is still a lot of debate regarding others—which are most important? Which don’t really work? Which are worth your time? And what are meta tags?

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Organic vs PPC: Are Organic Search Results Disappearing?

July 2, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Back in the day, Google’s founders were so adamantly against an advertising-funded search engine model that they wrote a research paper about it while they were students at Stanford. Crazy, right?

That was back in 1998, before Larry Page and Sergey Brin realized the potential scope of the dorm room project that would later become Google Inc. Now, Google’s results pages are dominated by paid advertising spots and Google’s advertisements for its own services. Organic search results  (the original reason for Google’s existence) are getting pushed further and further down the page. They no longer hold a sizable portion of the screen’s real estate, and sometimes searchers have to scroll down to even find them. Of course it all depends on the search query, but still—it’s startling how far good old “regular” search results have fallen. In the battle of organic vs PPC, paid advertising space is dominating the competition, sometimes drastically so.

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How to Use Google AdWords Image Extensions

June 27, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Now that we’ve introduced the latest update to Google AdWords, let’s learn how to use Google AdWords image extensions. Although the program is still in the beta testing phase, marketers are thrilled that this long-awaited addition is finally available. With a striking image, you can attract more viewers, increase your traffic, and hopefully strengthen your conversion rate as well. But while Google does allow you to choose your own images, those images must be approved by Google before they’re allowed onto AdWords.

So which images are likely to get a thumbs up? What about a thumbs down? Let’s learn how to use Google AdWords image extensions and find out.

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What are Google AdWords Image Extensions?

June 26, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Which do you notice first—words or images? Unless the words are uncannily striking, your eye will likely be drawn to the image. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps thinking along those same lines, a few weeks ago Google announced the beta launch of image extensions to Google AdWords. It’s still in the testing phase and its results have yet to be analyzed, but one thing’s for sure: the world of PPC marketing is changing once again. So let’s start with the basics and answer the question what are Google AdWords image extensions?

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DuckDuckGo Gets a Big Boost from PRISM

June 17, 2013 by 417 Marketing

It’s hard to imagine anyone surpassing Google in the search engine Game of Thrones. For years now, Google has been the go-to way to search the Internet, even making it into the popular lexicon (I know, I googled it). But as online privacy gains huge momentum in the media (see: PRISM and Edward Snowden), many people are seeking an alternative to the all-powerful Google. That’s where DuckDuckGo is making its small but noteworthy splash.

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What Is the 960 Grid System?

June 10, 2013 by 417 Marketing

If you’re new to the world of web design, you might be looking at the logo above and asking yourself, “What is the 960 Grid System?” Simply put, it’s a design strategy that is based on a grid. Sounds good so far, right? Let’s dig a little deeper . . .

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The Aftermath of Penguin 2.0

June 7, 2013 by 417 Marketing

Who doesn’t love penguins? They’re adorable, sharply dressed, and have the cutest gait as they toddle across the ice. Of course in the world of Search Engine Optimization, the word penguin doesn’t immediately bring to mind a seemingly innocent animal. Since Google launched their site-swiping algorithm Penguin last year, SEOs have been anxiously analyzing its effects. Now, Penguin 2.0, a newly revamped algorithm, has gone live and this swash-buckling penguin’s casualties are once again being examined by SEOs.

Penguin–strange name for a web algorithm, you might say (too sweet!), but perhaps that’s Google’s game. Toddle in, sweet and simple, and then let the bloodbath begin! Well, maybe . . .  Continue Reading

How To Improve Your Google AdWords Campaign

May 29, 2013 by 417 Marketing

There are many benefits to running a Google AdWords PPC (pay-per-click) marketing campaign. It’s easy to create, quick to implement, and analyzing your results is a breeze. Plus, because it’s PPC Marketing Springfield MO services from 417 Marketing, you’ll feel confident that you aren’t wasting your money on tiresome, forgettable, and ignorable advertisements. But while Google AdWords can find you a multitude of new customers, it can also lose you money. Do you know how to improve your Google AdWords Campaign? How do you know that each click reflects the interest of a curious customer? How do you know that the click wasn’t a mistake—that they didn’t do it accidentally or mistake your service for something similar? Especially if you have a modest budget, it’s vital that you know how to improve your Google AdWords Campaign. It’s also vital that you know how to make your AdWords campaign works efficiently, attracting the right customers and translating each click into a sale.

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Best WordPress Plugins for 2013

May 22, 2013 by 417 Marketing

There are countless plugins available on WordPress. Whether you’re looking to organize your sidebar, insert a slideshow, or increase your page speed, WordPress plugin developers have got you covered. The variety is amazing, but sometimes it’s difficult to weed through the masses to find the well-crafted, efficient plugins that will make your website shine. So today we’re going to look at the best WordPress plugins for 2013. Suitable for all websites, easy to use, and beneficial to anyone looking to improve their website, these plugins are not only useful, they’re indispensable to a great WordPress website.

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