Ironvine Search Marketing

Big news from Google about how AdSense ads are displayed.

There are 2 changes.

#1 - Google AdSense has decided to switch the background color of the top ads from blue to yellow. By changing to a brighter color it will help ads stand out more on the page. Personally I liked the cool comforting of blue.

#2 - Instead of clicking anywhere in the box, users now need to click on the link in the top line of an ad in order to be taken to an advertiser's site. Together, these changes help decrease the likelihood that a user will unintentionally click on an ad, while making our highest quality ads more visible.

Now my question is, does this affect all Google ads or just the Premier section ads? And how will this affect performance since it will almost look like a natural result (or like Yahoo's paid placement)?

Good, or bad we will see.

Blue is Out, Hello Yellow

Technorati Tags: Google, AdWords, Search, Marketing, Paid Search, Online Marketing, Sponsored Search, SEO, SEM, Ironvine

Labels: AdWords, Google, Ironvine, Marketing, Online Marketing, Paid Search, Sales, Search

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Inside AdWords: Unexpected Minimum Bid Increases

Official Review Post at Ironvine Search Marketing http://ironvine.com/blog/index.php/archives/google-adwords-bug-response/

Finally, word from Google about what happened.

There are still some high costs being incurred, so I don't know if this fix was supposed to take care of these, or if its just the new quality score generating Google revenue.

Any feedback on what you have experienced vs. what Google says below? Feel free to comment.

Unexpected Minimum Bid Increases

Last Friday, during a routine infrastructure update, we experienced a technical issue that significantly increased the minimum bids for some keywords. Because the maximum CPC for these keywords was not changed, a number of impacted keywords became inactive for search, resulting in fewer leads for some advertisers. This technical issue was completely unrelated to the Quality Score updates that we have planned for later this week. We sincerely apologize for any disruption that it may have caused to your traffic. Below, we've answered a number of questions that we've heard since Friday:

When was this issue resolved?
This issue was resolved by our engineers on Saturday morning (PST) for the vast majority of impacted keywords. The minimum bids for these keywords have since returned to normal.

Will you be issuing credits?
Once we have completed our analysis of the impact, we'll automatically issue credits to advertisers who overpaid due to this issue. As soon as these credits have been applied, we'll email the affected advertisers to let them know.

I paused some of my ad groups because the minimum bids increased and they are still unusually high. What should I do?
If you paused any of your ad groups on Friday due to this issue, we recommend that you unpause them, but do not raise your maximum CPC. Unpausing your ad group should allow the minimum bid to return to normal without taking any other action.

Will this happen again?
Our engineers have been working tirelessly to understand why this issue occurred and to ensure that the proper measures are in place so that this is not repeated in the future.

Does this issue reflect the upcoming Quality Score improvements?
No, this issue is not related to our upcoming Quality Score improvements, which remain scheduled for later this week.

We greatly apologize for this issue. Please let us know if you have additional questions that you'd like us to answer on the blog.



Posted by Sarah, Inside AdWords crew

Technorati Tags: Google, AdWords, Google AdWords, Paid Search, Search, Marketing, Search Marketing, PPC, Ironvine

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments

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Find more GoDaddy Promo Codes at GoDaddy Promo Codes ( http://ironvine.com/GoDaddy )




Technorati Tags: GoDaddy, Promo Codes, Coupons, Domain Name, Domains, Ironvine

Labels: GoDaddy, Ironvine, President's Day, Promo Code

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments

Merry Christmas from Ironvine Search Marketing.

I wish everyone the best and a safe holiday with friends and family.



Cheers!

Steve

Technorati Tags: Ironvine, Christmas

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments

ClearCube's blade PC systems are basically a server rack of PC's running in a single location. They allow the user full functionality of a PC without taking up space in you office or cubicle. Basically you have a terminal connected to the Blade Server
which means no big box on a desk. This is especially good for small work spaces or open areas such as the purchase desks at Sears.
From a technology standpoint, using a Thin Client approach in a large business environment can cut down the cost of keeping a restrictive managed computer network. ClearCube has a good product and method for implementing such a network setup.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 10:28 AM | Permalink | Comments

Just wanting to let everyone know that I have decided to split off a different blog dedicated to strictly programming and web development. This was done in the interest of dedicating specific topics to a specific site and keeping the information relevant.

You can read about web design, programming, Ajax, and web development on the AjaxKnight blog. This should be updated once or twice a week.

For the main search engine marketing blog, Ironvine Search Marketing, you should still receive updates daily during the week.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments

Startup locations for Windows XP where programs can set startup values. You can check these places to see if there is any malware or unwanted items that start every time you boot your computer.

After you have cleaned off a couple malware programs and auto-run-after-you-install programs it gets to be pretty easy to get your computer back in working shape. It will also help your speed increase!

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run

HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows
(In right-pane, Value named "Run" & "Load")

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\Run
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\Userinit

C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
C:\Documents and Settings\{Username}\Start Menu\Programs\Startup


For Search Marketing news visit Ironvine Search Marketing.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 8:27 AM | Permalink | Comments

Just in time for the holiday gift buying spree, here is a link to some super deals.Overstock Coupon has many specials from Overstock.com that will meet the needs for just about anyone on your list.

Are you looking to find a certain special marketed item online? Search overstock and use the Overstock Coupons to sweeten the deals you should already be able to find. Happy shopping!

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments

Search Engine Submission Sites & Links

Most of these places have free web site submission, but some require that you register before you can complete the submission. Personally I create a dummy email address that all my junk mail can be sent to and use that as the registration address.

By submitting your site to lots of search engines you will get a greater chance of exposure and traffic to your site. The main engines are a "must" but to get your rankings higher it takes quite a few other varied aspects to be implemented.

1. Yahoo! Search

2. MSN

3. Google

4. Open Directory

5. ExactSeek


6. ScrubTheWeb

7. SearchSight

8. Buzzle

9. Accoona

10. EntireWeb

11. GigaBlast


12. AbiLogic

13. World Site Index

14. 01WebDirectory

15. Exalead

16. WebSquash

17. IllumiRate


18. SearchIt

19. What U Seek

20. AbiFind

21. Linketeria

22. NetInsert

23. Wikidweb


24. Pedsters Planet

25. Info Listings
26. AMRAY

27. Claymont

28. Qango


29. Info Tiger

30. TowerSearch

31. Sphericom

32. FyberSearch

33. Zeezo

34. Aeiwi


35. Burf

36. Amfibi

37. BigClique

38. Cipinet

39. Clickey

40. BusyBits


41. WebbieWorld

42. SgtSearch

43. SearchHippo

44. SplatSearch

45. TopSites

46. Arakne Links


47. AnyApex

48. AnooX

49. SeekZap

50. SearchWorth

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments

One of the new fads out there on the blogosphere is the system of "pay per post" or PPP. It is also referred to as viral marketing because of the way it spreads out marketing messages throught blogs worldwide. Generally posts are focused by topic and end up on relevant blogs, making them a valuable "plug" that people read about from trusted sources, like me!

Some marketers find these posts to be a alternative method of marketing but it really is the fact of real people telling their stories and sharing marketing messages versus some blind robot who just searches for you by keyword. If you blog try Pay Per Post for yourself!

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 9:25 PM | Permalink | Comments

There are some newer, free JScripts that can use to do some pretty spectacular effects for sites. Huddletogether.com has some great image viewing scripts, Lightbox JS & Lightbox JS v2.0, that have the look of flash, but are solely javascript. Scriptaculous also has some great effects to use for adding some slick effects to your sites.

Technorati Tags: javascript, html, programming, web design, website design, scripts, ironvine

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 9:23 PM | Permalink | Comments

Content is King... With Attention

I recently read an article all about page optimization and what some of the important factors are in developing a search friendly web site. They described all the pieces from the domain name to the coding elements like meta tags, keywords, the description, alt tags, good linking structure, but touted that "Content is King."

Now, I am not disagreeing with that statement. Content is certainly the largest block of the building. But what I felt was missing from their article was the fact that content should not be implemented then forgotten. If you have a great website, but it stays the same for months or even years it grows stagnant and will start to die over time.

Think for a second about www.cnn.com. How well would the site perform if they left news up on their homepage for a year? Now that is a very dramatic example, but the principle is the same even if it is on a much smaller level. Am I saying that everyone has to update their content every day to stay on top? No!

What I am saying is keep updated information on your site. Do you have events, sales, specials, holiday giveaways, or anything that you can add, especially to a homepage, that will show search engines your web site is a living document? How about new products, or asking a question to get feedback from site visitors, anything to show that you are vested in keeping your web site active and informative.

You have to take into consideration your market, your competition, and your own web site focus. Are other sites adding or changing content every 3 days? If they are most likely they are going to beat out any site that has had no changes in a long period of time. Do you run an informative site or e-commerce? Then fresh content, on a regular - frequent - basis is your lifeblood.

One good way to keep fresh content is by starting a personal or corporate blog and making a post or two a week. I tend to post a lot and I have search engines picking up my site every couple hours. Link those post titles to your homepage with some server-side code and see a huge jump in those bot visits!

There is so much you can do, and most of it can be something quick and simple. One or two hours a month even can show that you care about your web site. Write some content, share your news, sell a new product. Trust me, by giving a little, you will be gaining a lot.

About: Ironvine Search Marketing (http://www.ironvine.com/blog/)

Author - Steve Terjeson - Online Marketing Specialist with over 10 years assorted programming, marketing, sales, and computer related experience.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Terjeson

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Terjeson, Steve. (2006, November 02). Content is King... With Attention. EzineArticles. Retrieved November 10, 2006, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Content-is-King...-With-Attention&id=345745

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments

Australia Proposed Copyright Rules » Ironvine Search Marketing

Australia's new proposed copyright laws seem like a very stupid idea and really hamper freedom of speech and freedom of information. I'm standing with Google on this point. However, I do also think that an opt-in method could also work. It would just be a huge strategic nightmare with updating servers on the search engine side and granting access. If you don't want your stuff indexed use robots.txt. Come on people if you're not able to add that you have no business having a web page or content online.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 7:51 AM | Permalink | Comments

Here's a post for those online gamers who need a little extra help. Maple Story Hacks and Game Hacks are resources for just those people. If you needs hacks, cheats, or hints for online gaming as well as specific information about Maple Story then these sites are for you. Take a look today.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 7:33 AM | Permalink | Comments

Ironvine Search Marketing News - October 2006

One of my published works. Yeah my search marketing newsletter isn't much but I thought it would be fun to submit it to a few article sites and see the response. It covers some of the happenings in the search engine marketing and optimization world in October 2006.

You can read the official location at http://www.ironvine.com/blog/

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 3:13 PM | Permalink | Comments

Send It On Organization Support » Ironvine Search Marketing

One of my friends has started a free, no cost, donation or support international charity organizational web site. Send It On is a place where you can go and share good deeds with others.

The goal is to impact your awareness of just how important doing things for others is, or show that you recognize things that have been done for you.

By sending on your experiences you encourage others to do the same thing in their lives. Stop by today and write a quick post about something that has happened recently in your life, then send it on to others!

Send It On

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 4:41 PM | Permalink | Comments

MyEclipse is a software package for the Eclipse platform. They have a nice range of application and language bases. This includes Eclipse AJAX / Web 2.0 Tools. The tools themselves are very well done and offer a great plug in solution for the developer. The Eclipse Plugin can be reviewed and downloaded right away!

Several other comparable applications I have seen range in the hundreds to thousands of $$ but MyEclipse is only running at about$30.

Take a try for yourself with their free download trial of the Eclipse Plugin.

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 5:26 PM | Permalink | Comments

One part of my job includes managing domain transfers. About half the time this is really a seemless process, people have the right passwords, the other host has a good web interface, and things go smoothly.

The other half of the time is usually a complete headache. There are several reasons for this. One, the domain owner usually is not a technically savvy person. Two, the email contact password and user id are generally missing, incorrect, or just MIA. Three, the other host has such a bad interface, customer service, or completely shady procedures.

DRoA (Domain registry of America -gag-) is one of the shadiest and most underhanded domain hosts I have ever encountered. All the time we get advertisements via fax, mail or email saying your domain is about to expire and you owe $99~ to renew. Of course they aren't the host of the domain, they just want you to pay, then they take your money and make you transfer to them after the fact.

Another example is hosts that like to do -some- of what you ask. They send you partial access, make partial or blatantly incorrect changes, turn off service, or forget to answer your 10 emails for a month or two.

Why cant you all just play nice! Try GoDaddy, cheap efficient and generally responsive!

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments

RevenueSource.com is a multi-network forum that discusses affiliate networking in depth. Affiliate network catagories include Commission Junction, LinkShare, Performics, Shareasale, and Independent Programs.

You can find industry happenings, news, events and share your own experiences while marketing online.

Discuss SEO Strategies - RevenueSource.com


Take a look today to see what kind of information you are missing!

Affiliate Marketing Forums - Revenue Source

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments

Ironvine Search Marketing News - October 2006

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments

Hello Fellow Searchers!

Just a reminder to visit our new location and blog/weblog Ironvine Search Marketing here http://www.ironvine.com/blog/ to keep up to date with all the current news and information about search engine optimization, search engine marketing, online marketing, SEO tips, tricks and internet current events.

We strive to bring you up to date information daily with experienced commentary. Please feel free to contact us or leave your own feedback!

Posted by Steve Terjeson at 4:03 PM | Permalink | Comments