Top Search Result Blog

I just recertified as a Google Adwords Qualified Individual.  Professionals looking to update and demonstrate search skills to employers can study and certify to become Individually Qualified in Google AdWords. To gain qualification, exam takers must pass both the Advertising Fundamentals exam and one advanced-level exam.

<!--break-->

Certificate of qualification below.  

Once qualified, individuals receive a Google-branded certificate and can add their Individually Qualified status to their CV to showcase their AdWords skills and knowledge. 

There is not a lot of formal education available for individuals in the online marketing industry especially when it comes to search engine marketing.  The Google certification is a great start but it would be nice to have various other degrees/certification etc. available to protect consumers from search marketing companies who are misleading people to make a quick buck. 

There is a lot of debate on whether this qualification is necessary.  Like anything it does not replace "real world experience" but it does demonstrate professionalism and willingness to stay educated on the Adwords system.  I am a little disappointed  they have removed the minimum managed spend requirement as it ensured you had at least managed some real money before getting certified.  

Do you think it is important to have industry standards for Google Adwords?

Very good starter guide for local SEO. It is very important for businesses to optimize for search results.  According to Google, 20% of all searches are related to location! (Source).

This time it's personal...cue action trailer.  Search, plus Your world is rolling out now on Google.

"Search has always brought you information from across the web. Now, search gets better by including photos, posts, and more from you and your friends."

SEO services are now dealing with the reality of more social inputs into Google's Search algorithm.  Not to mention search results are not displaying websites any more but photos, videos, maps, tweets and more.  

Craving more info? Check out Google's own blog post on Search, plus Your World.  

This is only the start according to Google. What are your thoughts? Will this be beneficial? What are the security concerns for people?

Google has been pushing a new way of thinking in the online marketing world.  A "New Mental Model of Marketing" as Google states.  You can download a very comprehensive book at their website zeromomentoftruth.com

In essence: "Today we're all digital explorers, seeking out online ratings, social media-based peer reviews, videos, and in-depth product details as we move down the path to purchase."

If you're lazy (or just busy) you can watch their Youtube channel which gives you a great overview.  

The reason ZMOT really interests me is that I can relate a lot to it.  I research everything to a point of overkill before I make a purchase.  

Having just moved to a new place, I'm constantly relying on the internet and increasingly my smartphone to provide me of the best places to shop, eat and of course drink.  

Question is: Are Canadian Small Businesses ready for this new consumer reality?

What do you think?

Companies have apparently been jumping on the Google + social network bandwagon lately in hopes of increasing their search engine rankings in Google.  

This is a good video demonstrating what all the Buzz is about.

Will Google + shoot you to the top for your SEO goals? Probably not...

Will it hurt?  Heck no.  

We recommend securing your Brand page name even just to have so your competitors don't snap it up. Better safe than sorry.  

Checkout Top Search Result on Google Plus.  Got to start somewhere right?

Also this might give you a better idea of what Google+ can mean for your business.  

Are you planning on signing up your business for Google + pages?

Do you think Google+ pages will affect your SEO rankings?

Google recently released a year in review in terms of search. There are a lot of brands and celebrities that made the list.  See how the World Searched with Google's 2011 Zeitgeist below:

For more cool insights check out the Google Zeitgeist website. 

This is an interesting video on how Google has progressed in the search engine field and their plans for the future.  It is important to see how universal search (images, video, etc.) are becoming increasingly significant part of the search engine results.  When doing search engine optimization, it is important to realize that not only is every individual page on your website ranked but also your videos, images, and content not even located on your own website. 

It's kind of scary how intuitive Google is getting...

I'm still amazed out how many companies I talk to who do not have Google Analytics (or alternative) installed or they think they do but they are not sure who (if anyone) is receiving analytic reports. 

This video takes a humorous look at experiences your customers may be having using your online checkout.  Without proper analytics installed you will not know if you're losing customers in your checkout process.

Video Link: http://youtu.be/3Sk7cOqB9Dk

"Google Analytics shows you how people found your site, how they explored it, and how you can enhance their visitor experience. With this information, you can improve your website return on investment, increase conversions, and make more money on the web." - Via Google Analytics.

Is your organization tracking your website statistics?

Is your organization receiving analytic reports at least quarterly?

Let me know in the comment box below.  

For presentations I often like to showcase my own personal social connections. Saying how many connections you have is just straight up boring and serves little point.  But by mapping it out you can really demonstrate the importance of your online network. 

This is a very cool LinkedIn feature that shows you how your LinkedIn social connections are mapped out. LinkedIn - InMaps.

"InMaps is an interactive visual representation of your professional universe that answers all of the above questions. It’s a great way to understand the relationships between you and your entire set of LinkedIn connections. With it you can better leverage your professional network to help pass along job opportunities, seek professional advice, gather insights, and more."

Explanation from LinkedIn:

The creator, DJ Patil explains it in a less formal manner:

Here's my LinkedIn Map for example. The one connection they all have in common is to myself.   

The map on the Linkedin site is dynamic unlike this picture below. Clicking on or hovering over various points reveal the people behind the dots and their links to the people in your circles. The program attempts to group your connections, and you can then label these groups however you please.

Like to see a rollodex do this...

Besides looking cool, you can also pinpoint who are the "big fish" in you network.  Big circles are essentially the bluefin tuna in the social network pond. (I recently had a client who does tuna fishing tours...) 

The more connections you have the more interesting your LinkedIn Map is...so feel free to add me.

Note: To create a map you need a minimum of 50 network connections and a profile at least 75% complete to use it.

Connect with myself, Robert Dawson on LinkedIn.