Did you notice that your site rankings went up or down right around April 24th? That’s because Google changed things again with their “penguin update.” They are really cracking down on sites built solely for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes. But there is no need to worry. If you follow a few simple rules that [.].

Spring is here, and it’s time to take action before the “slow days of summer” arrive (when you’d rather be outside than behind your desk). With this in mind, what actions are you going to take right away to make things happen with your PR and search engine optimization (SEO) activities? Here are 3 ideas [.].

Your phone rings off the hook. Your Inbox is flooded with requests. Your schedule is packed. When you can’t take on any more clients and you can set whatever fees you want because you are booked solid with work, this is called a “happiness problem.” And while it can be wonderful to have all this [.].

As a small business owner, you’ve heard all about the benefits of having a blog for search engine optimization (SEO) and getting noticed online. But just because everyone else has a blog doesn’t necessarily mean you should write one too. Here are… The Top 5 Reasons You Should Not Write a Blog. You are [.].

Are you writing Website landing pages, e-mails, search engine optimization (SEO) tags, blogs, social media entries, and more on a daily basis? If so, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms: Difficulty turning on the computer to start writing. Endlessly staring at a blank page waiting for inspiration to hit you. [.].

You just finished updating your search engine optimization (SEO) with Google’s Panda update, and now you hear that Google is making another update. What do you do? Well, don’t’ stress out. You have no control over what Google does. But there is one thing you can do to ensure you maintain your top SEO rankings, [.].

If you are actively involved in your social media activities as I mentioned in previous posts, then you may have trouble coming up with new and exciting tweets to share with your customers on a daily basis. However, there is a simple fix for this. Remember, social media is about being social and interaction. When [.].

As a small business owner, you may think it’s impossible to get a big, feature story about your company in one of your favorite publications, especially if you don’t have the money to hire a publicist. And while a publicist has the skills to build buzz and cultivate relationships with the media, it is possible [.].

“Help! Someone is stealing my SEO content and posting it on their site. What can I do?” I’ve heard this a lot lately, and it may be something you are worried about too. They say imitation is one of the best forms of flattery. But you spent time, money and effort crafting the right, search [.].

If you are a copywriter or small business owner researching SEO (search engine optimization) keywords for your business, it can be overwhelming. You’ll find tons of words via the search engines, Google Analytics, social media efforts, and more. With this in mind, here are… 3 Questions to Ask to Avoid SEO Keyword Stress! What [.].

You just spent a lot of time, effort and money creating an e-mail campaign. But when you sent it out, a ton of people unsubscribed, you received complaints and no one purchased your new product. It was a failure. But don’t despair! Use this opportunity to learn from your mistakes, and to create a more [.].

As a small business owner, you are probably inundated with news about the latest, social media trends. There is facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Plus, and more. Do you have this feeling that you should get involved with it but just aren’t sure? Well, here are… 3 Ways to Know Whether or Not You Should Get [.].

Woo Hoo! You just started your new business, and customers are starting to arrive at your door and visit your Website, but you haven’t heard from the media. Why aren’t they calling you? Well, here are… The Top 3 Reasons Why The Media Is Not Calling You 1.    They won’t unless you call them. Have [.].

Overwhelmed with SEO Options? There are many choices available when it comes to search engine optimization, or SEO, and you probably have many questions: Should you do your own SEO or hire a firm? Is SEO worth it? Will you be able to get to the top of the search engines? With all of the [.].

If you are an SEO copywriter, love technology, or just don’t like dealing with people, you may be using e-mail too much and missing out on some important opportunities and communications. If you haven’t picked up the phone in some time, here are… 5 Reasons to Use the Phone Instead of E-mail 1. You have [.].

Are you an entrepreneur handling every aspect of your new, small business? If so, you are probably writing all of your marketing materials and Website copy. While you may not be able to afford a professional, search engine optimization (SEO) copywriter yet, there are some things you can do to improve your copy… and they [.].

Today, the world of public relations (PR) and search engine optimization (SEO) runs at the speed of light. You need to write, optimize, send, and monitor press releases quickly to keep up with news and the competition. In addition, your site needs to have the right SEO keywords and coding in place to be noticed [.].

Today, the world of public relations (PR) and search engine optimization (SEO) runs at the speed of light. You need to write, optimize, send, and monitor press releases quickly to keep up with news and the competition. In addition, your site needs to have the right SEO keywords and coding in place to be noticed [.].

On your mark, get set, go! The alarm clock buzzes. You do your morning ritual, and it’s time to get back to work… but hold on just a minute… Are you starting off where you left off in 2011, or do you have new and specific, public relations (PR) and search engine optimization (SEO) goals [.].

If you put time, money and effort into your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts, and they are not working, it’s time to make some changes. When I was a small child, I was taught several lessons to cross a road safely, and these same tips apply to your SEO program: 3 Things to Do Right [.].

It’s been months since you did extensive, search engine optimization (SEO) keyword research and added the appropriate tags to your site. Lately, you’ve been focusing on other things like landing pages, newsletters, case studies, and more. But as you scan the Web one day, you notice that your site is not showing up in the [.].

You have worked months on preparing your new product and are ready to announce it to the press. Your press release is ready to go, complete with search engine optimization (SEO) keywords. That’s fantastic… but don’t expect a lot of publicity just from sending out your release. Don’t get me wrong. You need to send [.].

If you are just starting a business, you are probably overwhelmed with information and a huge, “To Do” list. If you are like me and have been in business for several years, you are probably swamped right now with end-of-year activities. Well, whether you are a new entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, it can be [.].

“Melanie, I’d like to add you to my professional network on LinkedIn.” Of course you would. But who are you? How many of these invitations do you receive? Well, LinkedIn, [link] is a great, social-media tool for networking, staying in touch with key contacts and more. But if you just send out random invitations, [.].

just had a long conversation with another small business owner who was ripped off by several, search engine optimization (SEO) firms. hear this all the time, and it breaks my heart. As a fellow entrepreneur, I know how important it is to get value out of all the services you purchase. How [.].

Happy Halloween! Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is essential if you want to get the most traffic possible to your site. However, you may be a little fearful of spending too much and seeing little results from your efforts. To avoid any scary surprises, here are three tips to help you keep your SEO program [.].

Are you getting ready to launch a big, Google Ad campaign just because you think it might work? Well, it may be just what you’re company needs to boost online awareness. But before you begin your pay-per-click (PPC) campaign as part of your search engine optimization (SEO) process, there are three main questions to ask [.].

You post interesting tweets every day and add to your Facebook pages up to five times a day. People seem to like your posts, and you are obtaining a following. Good for you! But it may be time to take a closer look at your social media efforts. After all, you may be forgetting one [.].

Have you added search engine optimization (SEO) keywords to your site but aren’t seeing results? Did you send out a press release to hundreds of reporters without receive one phone call? Are you ready to “throw in the towel”? Don’t Stop Now! While you may think you have done what it takes to get noticed [.].

I have been on the phone since 5:00 a.m., and it’s now 11:00 a.m. just got a major media-venue to agree to an exclusive story about my client. But, it’s been one hour since I spoke to him, and I haven’t heard back… what gives? call him up, and he says he has [.].

I can’t do that! don’t want to! Sounds like a small child not getting his or her way, doesn’t it? Well, believe it or not, I’ve heard plenty of adults saying these exact same things recently and felt the need for a little pep talk via this blog. Whether it’s a [.]. Motivation economy finances job loss search engine optimization SEO

Don’t have much time and need to update your Website? No worries. Here are three things you can do to add valuable information to your Website in 30 minutes, or less: 1. Offer a Link to Cool Information. Did you just read an interesting article in the newspaper, a news item on an industry site [.].

Are you a new business owner struggling to increase sales, handle public relations and get new customers to come to your site? Well, here are three, free tips to help you get noticed by the media and the search engines… fast. Write An Article. Want to share some valuable information with potential customers?  Write [.].

What do you know about your site visitors? If you are regularly monitoring site analytics as part of your marketing efforts, you are way ahead of the game. However, if you are a small business owner who has no time and no idea what your site visitors are clicking on, it’s time to… Spend Five [.].

Be honest. When is the last time you updated your Website? I know that you have many, other priorities. But, if your Website is old, you are losing customers! After all, who wants to look at the same old data all the time? And I’m not talking about drastic, expensive changes. m talking about [.].

Are you staring at a blank screen ready to write some search engine optimization (SEO) copy for your Website? Hold on! You need a call-to-action for your SEO copy first! Before you start writing, you should know exactly what you want site visitors to do on that page of your Website. Do you want them [.].

Recently, I focused on how it’s important to provide value to your customers in your search engine optimization (SEO) copywriting efforts. You can ask your customers what they want via surveys to get some good information, but there is also another way to get information from your customers. Uncover SEO Secrets with These 3 Social [.].

Google’s Panda Update has caused quite a stir in the search engine optimization (SEO) world. Basically, Google changed it algorithm so that the Websites that provide value rise to the top of search-engine listings. And the content farms posting articles, Website pages, blogs, etc. filled with massive amounts of will be penalized.

Woo Hoo! You are finally done with your search engine optimization (SEO) research and have a great list of keywords to use in your copy. You add all of your coding to your Website and write all of your online copy. Then, you wait to see your site traffic increase… and you wait… and you [.].

When you think of public relations for your business, the first thing that probably pops into your mind is to write and post a press release. Well, if you want to build attention online, a press release with search engine optimization (SEO) keywords is a great place to start. However, if you are a new, small [.].

In past entries, I’ve talked about how SEO (search engine optimization) copywriting is all about providing value to your customers. Well, the number one way to do that is to give your customers what they want. And how do you do that? Ask them! Find a free and simple tool like Survey Monkey, Zoomerang or [.].

You are finished with your search engine optimization (SEO) keyword research and ready to write. You turn on your computer and stare at the monitor. You write a few words. That doesn’t sound right.” Delete. You stare at the monitor a little longer. You’ve got nothin’. Then, it hits you. Writer’s block! [.].

Are you using some search engine optimization (SEO) keywords on your site but not seeing results? Well, how much research did you do in advance? Research is the Secret to SEO Success! As an entrepreneur, the last thing you want to spend time on is search engine optimization on your site so you:  Develop a [.].

I just finished speaking at PINK’s big, “Spring Into Ownership” event  in Atlanta about search engine optimization (SEO) copywriting and social media, and one of the biggest questions I received was… “How many search engine optimization keywords should I use on my Website pages?&#

You receive hundreds of e-mails, calls, Webinar requests, and more each month about how someone can get you better search rankings on the Internet. Most of these messages go into your trash with a simple click of the delete button. After all, all this data is overwhelming, and you need to focus on your work [.].

Ok… you worked for hours researching keywords, and you have a good list of SEO keywords to use. Now, what do you do with your list? Well, it’s time to get organized. Create an Editorial Calendar. You’ve probably seen the editorial calendars that media venues use to organize their publications for the upcoming months. It’s [.].

Now that warmer weather is upon us, you may want to increase sales now so you can enjoy more time away from the office this summer.  With this in mind, here are three actions you can take right now to start making more money from your business: 1. Update Your Website. Now, I’m not talking [.].

I don’t know about you, but I’ve talked to many small business owners who are really watching their budgets closely and saving as much money as possible. With this in mind, it can be more difficult to get to customers  to use your products and services. Yes, competition may be tough, but if you know [.].

As Memorial Day approaches, I thought it would be nice to post a little, inspirational message. After all, it’s almost time to celebrate grads, dads and the arrival of summer. However, many of you may be dealing with tough times or financial difficulties with your business and unable to truly celebrate anything. Hang in there. [.].

As an entrepreneur, you are probably bombarded with e-mail messages every day with someone telling you how they “get your site to the top of the search engines.” Well, if you’re like most business owners, you don’t have the money to pay for a search engine optimization (SEO) service. Well, SEO does not need to [.].

You realize that your site is not showing up in the search engines for your top keywords, and your competition is stealing your sales. It’s time to hire a search engine optimization (SEO) specialist to help you rank higher online. But before you hand out your hard-earned cash for SEO services, beware! There are many [.].

Check out my exclusive interview with the author of “Rich Dad Poor Dad&# and “Unfair Advantage&# at [link] Recently, I attended a book signing for Robert Kiyosaki’s new, best-selling book, “Unfair Advantage – What Schools will NEVER Teach You About Money.” The author of the number one personal finance book of all time, “Rich Dad [.].

Congratulations! You turned your idea into a business, and it’s time for the big launch. Now, you have public relations activities, SEO copywriting, marketing, social media, and other, activities to handle. It can be overwhelming… especially, if you are working with a small team. Well, don’t worry. All you need is some organization and to…  [.].

Your Website is up and running, and you love it. But, what do your customers think? If your site traffic is low (check your Google analytics to find out), it’s time to take a closer look at your site. The good news is, you can make a few, free changes that result in drastic improvements. [.].

You spent hours researching, writing and optimizing your site for the search engines, and it’s finally up and running. That’s finished, and you can sit back and relax. Not so fast… As many of you know, this is just one piece of your overall marketing strategy, and your work has just begun. Now, you [.].

Your phone stops ringing. You don’t get a response for your proposals. The competition steals your business. We’ve all been there. It’s not fun, but frustration is a part of business. Instead of taking it personally, you need to move on to the next opportunity. And this can be easier said than done so [.].

You have your cup of coffee, your laptop and a quiet space to work. You are ready to write the copy for your Website. But then, the white screen stares at you. You have a thought…. No, that’s not good enough… more staring at the screen… Ugh… writer’s block! Well, most of us have been [.].

Congratulations! You just spoke to a top reporter with a major publication, and the feature story is due out in one month… so what do you do now? Well, I’m sure you would like to yell it from the rooftops and tell everyone you know. But before you do, here are three things to keep [.].

Have you been ripped off by a search engine optimization copywriter (SEO)? Well, I just heard from another entrepreneur who hired a big, SEO research firm. Unfortunately, things did not go well, and this new business owner needed some help. With this in mind, I thought it was time for a quick review so here [.].

If you are a new entrepreneur, one of the best ways to start building buzz is with small business public relations and contacting local media-members. This way, you can practice your pitching skills with a smaller venue and begin creating media relationships to help your business grow. But how do you start your small business [.].

Yes, the economy is ugly. Yes, customers are tightening their purse strings. Yes, it’s harder to bring in new sales. Things are tough for many people right now, but that’s no reason to just sit back and wait for things to get better. It’s time to take action! No one said being [.].

What’s the Secret to Financial Independence and Entrepreneurial Success? Rich Woman’s Investor, Entrepreneur and Author, Kim Kiyosaki, Provides her Exclusive Insights.  Are you tired of being strapped for cash? Is your partner supportive of your aspirations? Have you set goals to make your dreams of financial independence a reality?

You have a newsletter registration on your home page, and people have started to sign up. Great! Now, what do you do? A.     Sit back and watch who signs up. B.     Communicate with your new registrants right away. C.    Send valuable information to your list on a regular basis. If you answered B and [.].

Finally! Your new small business is up and running, and you put up the “Open” sign. The only problem is, no customers are waiting to buy your products and services. What do you do? Small Business Public Relations to the Rescue! It’s time to build buzz by contacting the media, posting SEO press releases, using [.].

Small Business Public Relations – What Is It? When many entrepreneurs think of public relations (PR), they think about sending out a press release. But PR is so much more… It entails all of the communications you have with the media, customers, employees, partners, etc. Why Do You Need It? By communicating with your customers [.].

You have your new Website up and running, and are ready to start bringing in sales. Perhaps, you spent hours writing the copy yourself? Or maybe you hired a big, Web company to design a site with all the bells and whistles? Either way, you are not finished…. unless, you did this one, key step… [.].

Is your site optimized for the search engines? If not, does one of these statements sound familiar? I don’t need SEO. It’s too expensive. I was ripped off by SEO in the past. Well, here’s the cold hard truth about SEO: You need search engine optimization to compete. What happens right now when potential customers [.].

Welcome to our site. We are the leader in widgets. Our widgets are the best. We use innovative technology. You should buy our widgets because blah, blah, blah. Yes, this is terrible copy for your site. But look at all the businesses out there that use this kind of language. And while you may not [.].

Woo Hoo! It's the New Year. Did you make a resolution to lose weight, stop smoking, or get in better shape this year? Maybe you want to start your own business? Well, as most of you know, it can be very difficult to keep a resolution

Woo Hoo! It’s the New Year. Did you make a resolution to lose weight, stop smoking, or get in better shape this year? Maybe you want to start your own business? Well, as most of you know, it can be very difficult to keep a resolution. always like to think of resolutions as long-term [.].

Since this year has been crazy with new business, Websites and all kinds of creative work, I’m going take a break for the holidays. And I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading my blog and being part of my business. hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday and [.]. Business

So I just got off of a publicized teleseminar with one of the top gurus in the information marketing industry. But get this… there were only three people on the call! couldn’t believe it! Here I had access to free information and answers that could make me money… so I asked question after question [.]. Business Copywriting Increase Sales Marketing

So I just got off of a publicized teleseminar with one of the top gurus in the information marketing industry. But get this… there were only three people on the call! couldn’t believe it! Here I had access to free information and answers that could make me money… so I asked question after question [.]. Business Copywriting Increase Sales Marketing

If you need to bring in new sales immediately and are overwhelmed with all of the Webinars, books, program, services, and other “opportunities” that come across your desk on a daily basis, stop for a moment and take a breath. Here are three tips to help you simplify the process and actually see an increase [.]. Copywriting

If you need to bring in new sales immediately and are overwhelmed with all of the Webinars, books, program, services, and other “opportunities” that come across your desk on a daily basis, stop for a moment and take a breath. Here are three tips to help you simplify the process and actually see an increase [.]. Copywriting

It’s time for holiday fun, sales… and scams. I got ripped off! Can you help?” I’ve heard this so many times… good business people spending a lot of money on big companies or agencies and seeing little results. As a business owner who started her business with nothing, I HATE to see other business owners [.].

Once you start pitching the media, you may find yourself sucked into the fast world of deadlines and being connected to your “Blackberry leash” almost 24/7. And even though you are working like a dog, you still may have to deal with… “Why are we not seeing more sales?” Why did that reporter misquote me? [.].

The plane drops and rises suddenly. It feels like I’m on a roller coaster thousands of feet in the air. Some passengers squeal every time the plane goes up and down. baby cries. Finally, we land safely in Detroit. And what do you know? It’s not even raining. After the flight, I’m anxious to [.].

Do you need publicity right away to build some buzz for your products and services? Well, here are three things you can do right now that will help you get the word out… fast: 1. Write to your local paper. Check your local paper to see if they have an “Opinions” or “Letters to the [.].

I’m swamped with new client work, optimizing Web sites and SEO copywriting this week, so I’ll keep it short. But I wanted to share a question with you that I’m asked often: How often do I need to update my website? Well, the answer is, if you have not updated your website in the last [.].

“My site is optimized for the search engines, and it’s not showing up online.” hear this a lot. And unfortunately, I have to tell a lot of entrepreneurs that they just wasted money. And maybe you are going through this too? You just spent a lot of time and money on a search-engine-optimization [.].

The new Google Instant promises to make searches faster and easier, and you’ll be able to see results as you type. But what does this mean for your search engine optimization (SEO) efforts? Well, first of all, if you are overwhelmed with all of the information you hear about search engine optimization and have stopped [.].

With Labor Day comes back-to-school and back-to-business. With this in mind, are you dreading your old routine and the cooler months ahead? Well, here are a few things you can do now to make a smoother transition and have more business success 1.      Check Your PR Action Plan. Review your plan of action for the [.].

“I just paid a small fortune to a big, PR agency and have nothing to show for it!” We hired a freelance copywriter, and he took our money and ran.” I paid a lot of money for media placements. Isn’t that how it works?” Yes, folks. These are just some of the unhappy questions I [.].

You may think I’m nuts, but I’m writing this at 4:45 on a Tuesday morning. just put three loads of laundry into the washing machine, and I’m now tackling several, SEO writing assignments in addition to this blog. Don’t hate me because I’m a morning person. had to train myself to get [.].

Summer. You sit back in your lawn chair with a cold beverage in one hand, and your favorite book in another. Enticing barbeque aromas waft past your nose, and your stomach grumbles with anticipation. You catch the sweet scent of roses in the garden and the fresh cut grass from next door. But wait [.].

You smell the freshly cut grass and the tangy barbeque sizzling on the grill. You sip a nice, cool beverage by the pool and start to fall asleep. Ah…summer. It’s time for rest, relaxation and fun. But wait a minute…Wake up! It’s also a time to be aware of your business. Well, while you’re [.].

You smell the freshly cut grass and the tangy barbeque sizzling on the grill. You sip a nice, cool beverage by the pool and start to fall asleep. Ah…summer. It’s time for rest, relaxation and fun. But wait a minute…Wake up! It’s also a time to be aware of your business. Well, while you’re [.].

As a new business owner, it’s easy to rush through publicity efforts in order to concentrate or core business activities and priorities. But before you contact the media or post a press release, ask yourself if the information you’re about to send is really newsworthy. Will a reporter really care about what you have to [.].

As a small business owner, getting the media attention you deserve is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it’s just a matter of picking up the phone and being a good sales person! Here are five tips to help you get started. 1.      Research.Before you contact reporters, be sure you know what [.].

You have your business up and running and are ready to announce it to the world. Hold on! Before you send out that press release letting everyone know about your services, there are three things to keep in mind: 1.      Is your site ready? If people see your press release and visit your site, what [.].

After optimizing your site for the search engines and pursuing other marketing-efforts, it’s time to use the “power of the press” to boost sales, awareness and credibility cost-effectively. But how do you pitch your story to a reporter? Here are eight quick-tips to help you through the media process: 1. Know Your Targeted Media-Members. Before [.].