LotusJump Blog

Search Engine Optimization is a significant way to measure and improve a webpage’s performance. By now, you are probably familiar with basic SEO techniques such as posting quality content, writing full-length articles, adding meta tags, title tags, etc. In reality, there are many different techniques that help users position their web pages ahead of other websites in search engines. During the initial stages of posting articles, quality and relevant content can draw traffic to one’s website; however, using advanced SEO techniques can help users drive traffic consistently for a long-lasting campaign. This article enumerates some of the advanced SEO tricks that would help bloggers to showcase their web pages to a broad spectrum of internet users.

Utilize Internal Linking

Providing internal links is one the easiest ways to rank higher in the search engines. In fact, internal
links help to popularize the other pages in your website which might have poor visibility through search
engines directly. Linking internally will also help you to list several links from your website in the search
pages, thereby increasing the chances for viewers to visit your contents. In addition, the use of anchor
tags in internal links boosts the search engine rankings as well.

Optimize Your Images

As images visually represent the content of a blog post, they too need proper keywords and tags. In fact,
about one-fifth of the daily users search for images related to their needs. You might have noticed the
name of certain images represented as image 1, image 2, DSC002, etc., which are the default names
assigned by the tools used to photograph them. Such default text should be renamed with words
relevant to your content. Only then, these images will be listed in the top pages of the search engines
when users search with keywords related to the content in your webpage.

Another common mistake that most bloggers commit is the use of blank spaces while naming their
images. A blank space in an image will be displayed as “%20″ which looks awkward, especially in the
address bar. Instead, use special characters like hyphens or plus signs for keyword spacing. If you are using
blogger to post your content, add ‘alt’ and ‘title’ attributes to the image tag through its HTML source
code.

Translate Feature

If you think that majority of the internet users make their searches in the international language, then
you are wrong. In fact, certain sources predict that more than 60 percent of the total users perform
their searches using languages other than English. Translating your content to other languages will open
up your web pages to a broad spectrum of visitors, not to mention there is less competition in foreign
search engines when compared to the conventional ones, thereby making it easier for your webpage to
climb higher in the search list.

Optimize keyword phrases

If you are familiar with the basics of SEO techniques, you should know the significance of keywords and where to include them on your site and in content. However, keyword phrases are mutually important as well.

The use of generalized keywords would drive a lot of traffic; but, as several blogs and web pages use
similar keywords, chances for your page to rise amidst the others are less likely. That’s when keyword
phrases help users to boost their content’s visibility and proceed forward in the ranking system as well.
Most content creators target users who make their searches with one or two words. But, you would be
much more successful if you target users who type 3 to 4 words to make their searches that are very
specific to their needs.

Utilize Free Resources

There are several analyzing programs available over the internet. In fact, some of the best tools are
available for free. To mention a few, Google Analytics & GoogSpy are some of the dedicated online services that collects information
about the popular keywords which are used in a popular search engine. Typing the words related
to a website would bring a list of keywords that the particular website bids on. In fact, users can get
information about the best keywords and keyword phrases that have high conversion rates. There are
several other free applications that would help you learn the practical keywords in use.

Examine Log Files

A casual glance at your server’s log files could provide you useful information about the keywords that are being used to find your website through search engines. If you find unfamiliar keywords in these files, optimizing them in your website will boost traffic further. This process should be done periodically to increase traffic consistently.

The above tips have the potential to help you boost your webpage’s ranking and traffic in search engines. However, don’t expect changes to happen overnight. Keep an eye out for potential areas to optimize your website and improve accordingly. After all, learning and implementing SEO techniques requires time and dedication for successful results.

About the author: Alia Haley is a blogger by profession. She loves writing on technology, health and parenting. Beside this she is fond of games and gadgets. These days she is busy in writing articles on nokia lumia 800 specifications and Andrew Lauren.

First of all, happy ‘leap’ day to everyone out there, especially those with birthdays today. To make this day even more special, we are going to start offering a free months credit for every person that you refer to LotusJump SEO software. All you have to do is send us an email at support@lotusjump.com (including the name and email address used by your referral to sign up for an account) and we will credit* that amount to your account. If you do not already have an account with us, sign up for a free trial and we will extend it an extra 30 days. Happy link-building!

Sincerely,

Your friends from LotusJump

*Referral bonus only applies to subscribers who continue past any trial phase offered

We’d like to give a special shout-out to Smiledog.ca for taking a few moments to answer some questions for this week’s Friday Spotlight. SmileDog is a small-medium sized business service provider that specializes in virtual answering services, virtual receptionists, as well as helping to create an effective virtual office. Their company has been around for over 4 years now and is looking to increase their success via effective online marketing campaigns. Here is a quick background about their company:

1. What was the inspiration/background behind your company?
Starting Smiledog was a personal challenge to see if I could start and successfully grow a virtual service business from scratch, after having some success with owning two successful franchised companies.

2. What company achievement are you most proud of?

I am most proud of our company name. It is a unique brand in our industry and customers love it since it easily represents the philosophy we are trying to promote. The name is based on Dale Carnegie’s original customer service concept “You should smile when you answer the phone.” The dog part of the name represents a loyal, friendly service.

3. Why do you think internet marketing for your business is so important?

When we started this business most of the web tools available today did not exist. We can service any business in North America and there is only one viable way to reach them, and that is to make sure our website shows up in the search engine results.

4. Would you like to share a creative marketing tip for other small business owners?

I use Stumble-upon to find a lot of technology-related sites that I can use to help grow my business - check it out!

We’d like to thank ShopKirDeVries.com for taking the time to answer a few questions for this week’s Friday Spotlight. Kir DeVries is a unique gift store that specializes in selling products such as kitchenware, serveware,  lunch supplies, and wine totes. This online store has been around for a little over 3 years now and is excited to be featured in this week’s Spotlight.

1. What was the inspiration behind your company?

As a former niche brick and mortar store owner (and current foodie and wine aficionado) I was inspired to combine my skills and interests in the more flexible online e-commerce format. I believe very strongly in the homespun traditions of gatherings, dining and entertaining and wanted to provide a unique collection of goods to inspire people to enjoy entertaining at home.

2. What company achievement are you most proud of?

Kir DeVries has has evolved beautifully in our first three years of operation. As a bootstrapped company with a very limited marketing budget I am most proud of our exponential revenue growth year after year. It shows that we are really connecting with and serving our customers in a fun way that not only keeps them coming back but inspires them to spread the word about Kir.

3. Why do you think internet marketing for your business is so important?

Being an online retail site, we must constantly stay in our customers line of sight. So whether that is through SEO, banner adds or social media, it’s important to constantly remind shoppers of who we are and what we are doing in the medium in which they are spending most of their time.

4. Would you like to share a creative marketing tip for other small business owners?

One marketing strategy that has been working out surprisingly well for me is simply to ask my customers for help in spreading the word. With every customer service or follow up email I ask the customer to spread the word in a way that is unique to him or her. For example if someone bought a certain brand of product I’ll put a PS on the email that says “oh also remind your friends to like our facebook page so they can help pick our next round of Shinzi Katoh products”.  They are excited to be engaged and more than happy to help!

Thanks Shop Kir DeVries for letting us spotlight you this week! Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

We’d like to thank Policehow.com for taking the time to answer a few questions for this week’s Friday Spotlight. Policehow is a career-helper website that teaches people interested in law enforcement jobs the types of things (such as education, experience, useful skills, etc.) they should be working towards in order to successfully land that type of job. Policehow has been around for almost 2 years now and is excited to be featured in this week’s Spotlight.

1. What was the inspiration behind your company?

Ever since I was little I have always wanted to become either an FBI agent or a policeman. Just the thought of being able to run around chasing  bad guys and help make the community a safer place sounded like a dream come true. So I told myself that if I was serious about landing a job in law enforcement, I had better find out everything there was to know about getting hired. I figured since there was going to be a lot of research involved on this topic, why not record this helpful information and share it with others on the web.

2. What company achievement are you most proud of?

I think it’s always nice getting emails from people interested in a law enforcement career expressing thanks towards my site for guiding them in the right direction. As far as a marketing achievement I am most proud of… ranking on my primary targeted search term “how to become a police officer”, which is currently in the 5th position of Google (thanks to LotusJump and it’s endless list of SEO tasks). Ranking this well for any keyword is awesome and drives a significant amount of traffic to my site. I am excited to start using LotusJump for my newly launched sites, FirefighterHow & FBIhow.com, in hopes of achieving the same kind of results.

3. Why do you think internet marketing for your business is so important?

Internet marketing is the key to success for any website; without SEO or other marketing efforts, no one will be visiting your site, and that tends to make it irrelevant. The way to move up on the search engine rankings and get more people visiting your website is to continually build high quality links, and fortunately for me, LotusJump makes that part easy.

4. Would you like to share a creative marketing tip for other small business owners?

I think one great way to gain more valuable links from related industries is to simply ask other website moderators if they would be willing to link to your site. When you send them an email, be sure to thank them for their site or a post you enjoyed, point out something you liked or learned by visiting their site, and then ask if they wouldn’t mind linking to your site. Be willing to link back to their site as well so they don’t think you are trying to get something for nothing. This link building technique has helped me to acquire tons of valuable links which have helped pushed my rankings to the top.

Thanks PoliceHow.com for letting us spotlight you this week! Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

A special thanks to BarStoolsandChairs.com for letting us get to know you a little better on this week’s Friday Spotlight.  BarStoolsandChairs.com specializes in custom upholstered commercial furniture - take a look at their site, their stuff is pretty awesome!

1. What was the inspiration behind your company?We come from a background in commercial furniture.  We believe that commercial furniture is far superior to residential furniture.  We decided to team up with manufactures of commercial furniture and sell it online to the general public.  We offer items like custom logo bar stools and floor mounted bar stools that can be hard to find for the typical residential consumer.

2. What company achievement are you most proud of?
We sold 500 logo bar stools to a manufacturer of high end acoustic guitars.  I am really into music so it was a real treat working with one of America’s greatest guitar companies.

3. Why do you think internet marketing for your business is so important?
About 80% of our order come over the Internet.  We don’t believe in waiting for people to come to our website.  We do everything we can to make sure that we are found when people are looking.  Without Intenet maketing, we would have no customers.

4. Would you like to share a creative marketing tip for other small business owners?
I have found that creating blogs and linking blog entries to the products in my retail site really helps my organic rankings.

Thanks BarStoolsandChairs.com for letting us spotlight you this week! Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

We’re excited this week to spotlight perhaps our most delicious LotusJump user,  Brady’s Beef!  Located in a small mountain valley in the Southeastern corner of Idaho, John Brady and his wife Karen are now the fourth generation of Brady’s on the farm and pride themselves on the superior quality and distinct flavor of their naturally raised grass-fed beef.

What was the inspiration behind your company?
The Brady family has been raising livestock in southeastern Idaho for four generations. Animals raised naturally, grazing in open pastures produce healthier meat. BradysBeef.com was started to help us reach urban and suburban consumers looking to improve their diets with healthier food.

What company achievement are you most proud of?
We take pride in educating consumers about the health benefits of grass-finished beef as well as hearing our customers rave about the improved flavor.

Why do you think internet marketing for your business is so important?
Many consumers are looking for healthier options in their diet at an affordable price. Buying direct from the producer provides better prices and consumers can trust their food because they know where and how it was raised.

Would you like to share a creative marketing tip for other small business owners?
With grass-fed beef we have found that beef tasting events (similar to a wine tasting) allow us to showcase the different flavor exhibited by Brady’s Beef versus grocery store products. With product on hand customers can buy right away.

Thanks Brady’s Beef for letting us get to know you a little better and leaving us a little hungrier!   Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

We’re excited about this week’s LotusJump spotlight because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love free things? Check out ILoveFreeThings.com for this week’s loot of free things!

We asked I Love Free Things what the inspiration was behind their company, this is what they had to say:

I Love Free Things was always a hobby to me. The real inspiration began last year when I received feedback from my subscribers saying that they like what I do and my service helps them, especially during an economic depression. It gave me a boost and some new ideas to grow my service into something bigger. ILoveFreeThings.com is still a growing baby to me.

When asked what achievement they were most proud of, I Love Free Things said:

At some point I realized that I was really helping people who wanted to save money or who were going through a financial crisis. Helping others is a great feeling and achievement for I Love Free Things.

We asked I Love Free Things why Internet marketing is so important for their company, this is what they had to say:

Internet marketing is very important not only for I Love Free Things, but for any offline or online company. The wheel will not start spinning without the first push, you’ll also need to constantly give it a small pushes to keep it spinning. Without internet marketing, less people would know about I Love Free Things.

We gave I Love Free Things a chance to give a “Creative Marketing Tip of the Day”, this is what they said:

If you want your business to grow online, then you must use every social networking tool to connect with your customers. For instance, Mr. Bob is always on Facebook, but he just doesn’t get the twitter thing. If your business is on twitter and not on the Facebook, then Mr. Bob will probably never know about your company and/or would not be able to share it with his friends. Talk to your visitors using tools they use.

Thanks I Love Free Things for letting us get to know you a little more! Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

After doing a little research on OnlineChineseAstrology.com I discovered that LotusJump, launched in 2008, was “born” in the year of the Earth Rat.  The Earth Rat you say? This is what Online Chinese Astrology has to say about the Earth Rat, “The combination of Earth and Rat is extremely positive when it comes to achieving results. The Rat tends to take a lot of risks, while Earth is associated with practicality and stability. This creates balance and can lead to good profits, increased productivity and all sorts of accomplishments.”

So, here’s to LotusJump, the year of the Earth Rat, and our LotusJump spotlight of the week OnlineChineseAstrology.com:

We asked Online Chinese Astrology what the inspiration was behind their company, this is what they had to say:

My father, Bill Hajdu, began learning about Chinese Astrology 20 years ago on a trip to Korea.  Since then he has devoted a lot of time studying the practice. As the internet came about, he registered as an expert on AllExperts.com where he is currently the top rated astrology expert. When I started looking at what he was doing by hand in creating and calculating charts I realized I could help him a lot by building some computer applications.  We built our first site, www.firepig.com and then subsequently, www.onlinechineseastrology.com.
When asked what achievement they were most proud of, Online Chinese Astrology said:

Two years ago we signed a deal with www.ivillage.com and now provide reports and horoscopes to ivillage, astrology.com, yahoo, and friendster China.

We asked Online Chinese Astrology why Internet marketing is so important for their company, this is what they had to say:

We are purely internet based so getting found by curious internet browsers is critical to us continuing to grow our own traffic and sales. We have a mix of internet marketing and affiliate marketing where we sell through other companies.

We gave Online Chinese Astrology a chance to give a “Creative Marketing Tip of the Day”, this is what they said:

Avoid too much creativity!  It’s important that your messages are clear and consistent.  Every now and then you hit a home run with a quirky idea, but, more often than not, you end up confusing the typical internet customer who’s attention span is low. Use landing pages to convey a clear message and call to action off of every email blast and internet ad you buy.

Thanks Online Chinese Astrology for letting us get to know you a little more and giving us some insight into LotusJump’s exciting future!  Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!

Today we’re spotlighting the LotusJumper Dynamic Data Design, a small business and non-profit web design company located in Boston:

We asked Dynamic Data Design what the inspiration was behind their company, this is what they had to say:

Helping other small businesses. There are a lot of designers and web developers out there, but there seems to be a disconnect between the services available and the small business owners who need the services. Many small business owners believe they can’t afford to hire a professional designer. It may not be cheap but it’s affordable, and in today’s competitive marketplace, it is a necessity.

When asked what achievement they were most proud of, Dynamic Data Design said:

Though I have been consulting for years, I took Dynamic Data Design full time in January 2008. I have learned so much over this past year. I would say my most important achievement is the relationships I have developed with clients. Clients aren’t just a paycheck to me, I have become a sort of business partner with many of my clients. In this relationship, we both put our best efforts together to improve their business. I would never attempt to sell my customers products or services that would not benefit them. They know this and therefore have come to trust my advice. At the same time, I couldn’t possibly know everything about their businesses so I must listen to their advice. The result of this is something both me and my clients can be proud of.

We asked Dynamic Data Design why Internet marketing is so important for their company, this is what they had to say:

Internet marketing provides unique opportunities when it comes to tracking and tweaking. No other form of marketing provides the ability to track and tweak so quickly. This makes it easy to see what is working and what is not. You can test just about anything over the internet.  People have tested book titles using pay-per-click ads. It makes it very easy to test what words appeal to people and what doesn’t work and what converts and doesn’t convert.

We gave Dynamic Data Design a chance to give a “Creative Marketing Tip of the Day”, this is what they said:

Track everything you do! The days of throwing dollar after dollar at your online marketing and hoping it works are over. Track results, tweak, keep what works and throw the rest away. Keep in mind that your marketing campaigns may not be successful the first go-round, but don’t give up. Use the advantages of the web: speed, traffic and statistics.

Thank you Dynamic Data Design for giving us the opportunity to learn more about your company.  Leave a comment if you think you’re worthy of a Friday spotlight, and tell us why!