Archive for March, 2010
What’s an RSS feed?
Due to the overwhelming amount of spam on the internet, many users are turning from traditional newsletter subscriptions to RSS feeds to get their information. RSS is Really Simple Syndication. Besides connecting you directly to your customers, feeds are advantageous for several reasons:
• They update automatically. Anytime you publish a new article or blog, your readers receive it with no effort on their part, or yours.
• Unlike an email campaign, they don’t force you to contend with costly black lists and spam filters.
• They’re a 100% opt-in marketing tool. Your documents are transmitted in a mark-up language that requires your subscribers to download a reader, like Bloglines or FeedDemon, to translate them. So all your subscribers really want the information you’re providing.
The Future of RSS
Expect to see individualized RSS feeds gain popularity-customized feeds where a user can choose what kind of content comes through to them.
Another likely change is that news readers will allow you to customize the look of your feed, rather than translating every one alike. You’ll be able to brand your feed, change its style, and differentiate it from every other feed so your customers can recognize it easily.
How Can I Use RSS for my business?
Use feeds to send newsletters, product promos, blogs, and special offers. You can create your content using any blog platform-Type Pad, Word Press, Movable Type. They all generate RSS feeds-your only job is choosing the content. The important thing is to keep your content fresh and relevant to your audience, because with one click they can unsubscribe. Try to balance generating sales with sharing interesting info and useful tips.
How to get your website blacklisted by Google
Here are three ways to get your site blacklisted by Google and the other search engines without warning.
1. Send out spam email
Unwanted spam email is one of the quickest ways to get blacklisted. Instead, email useful and original content your subscribers can use. Use an opt-in list for your subscribers, and display a privacy policy that states you will not sell or rent their information.
2. Use Blackhat SEO Techniques
If you or your SEO team are using blackhat techniques, you may get quick page ranking, but the search engines will catch up with you sooner or later. This is especially true when you use outsourcing from southeast Asia. Google and the other search engines are becoming more sophisticated in detecting blackhat methods, and your site will be de-indexed without warning. Great content will always rise in the rankings.
3. Lace Your Site With Malware
Malware (malicious software code) can get into your website code through downloads of widgets and other programs without your knowledge. The latest way is through images and plugins. Use only trusted widgets and programs. Every site should have strong security measures in place to prevent infections.
Hopefully, by following the above suggestions, your site will not be among the 40,000 sites blacklisted each week.
Mobile marketing is the next Big Thing in local business marketing.
With the number of mobile device users outnumbering laptop and computer users 5 to 1, the potential is enormous.
Google says its’ their primary focus on all new applications…
Apple develops multiple mobile devices and promotes thousands and thousands of mobile applications…
Ford is developing mobile computing technology for its cars…
When Google, Apple, and Ford all agree on something, it’s time to act.
So, what is mobile marketing?
A mechanism for businesses to connect and engage prospects and customers through their mobile devices.
A way for consumers to opt-in to receive updates and information.
A system to provide time-relevant value to potential clients and current customers.
A good example would be a local restaurant offering lunch specials via coupons at 11:15 am, when people are just beginning to think about lunch.
Now’s the time to stop thinking about the future and become part of it.
Say, what’s for lunch, anyway?