May 13, 2010
Thinking of all our students and friends down in Tennessee
Dear people,
Prayer continues to go out from Canada to Tennessee.
Thinking of all our students and friends down south.
John Alexander
http://www.searchengineworkshops.com
Posted by John at 11:33 PM | Comments (0)
April 05, 2010
Here my vote on the Top 3 most accurate SEO Tools for 2010
In my opinion, there are loads of great SEO tools out there (some greater than others.) But for this page I would like to focus on the SEO tools that are the most unique for what they enable you to do followed by the most reasonable in cost for today's economy.
All 3 Tools for 1 Special lifetime Low Cost with no recurring fees or extra charges of any kind. Also includes lifetime upgrades on new versions as they are released.
The Top 3 most accurate SEO Tools for 2010 are here.
Posted by John at 02:04 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2010
2 Brand new seats just added for next week's Las Vegas Workshop
For any folks local to Las Vegas, who may be interested in joining Robin Nobles, myself and Michael Marshall next week, we have just opened up 2 last SEO Workshop seats.
1 X 5 Day Complete SEO Mastery Workshop
1 X 3 Day Advanced SEO Mastery Workshop
http://www.SearchEngineWorkshops.com
Class begins on Monday Feb. 15, 2009 and pre-registration is required
Posted by John at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
December 03, 2009
Part 1 - Introduction to Mechanics to Creating Your Own Best Selling E-book
Here is part 1 of a recent articles series written for Pandia Search Engine News.
An Introduction to Mechanics of Writing a Best Selling E-book
(Part 1 of a 3 part series.)
Posted by John at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2009
The Hidden Meanings in Logos (Can you spot them?)
Welcome back to the observation deck.
Throughout the archives of this blog, I have demonstrated examples of keyword phrase clusters that "tell a story" about user search patterns.
Today, let's shift gears a briefly look at the "hidden meanings" that are cleverly buried within everyday logos. If you think there are no hidden meanings - have a look at this clever display of examples.
25 logos with hidden meanings
From FedEx Express to Via Rail....you'll be amazed if you look closer.
Highest regards
John Alexander
Search Engine Workshops
Posted by John at 07:49 PM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2009
10 Commandments of Customer Service
Although these particular 10 Commandments were originally written by Pat Croce for his customer service team, you can apply these principles to any business and your personal life as well.
This will ensure you create an atmosphere of success. Enjoy!
Visit The Winning Attitude Blog
Posted by John at 10:26 AM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2009
On Superficial Friends Vs. Genuine Relationships
On the subject of
Superficial Friends Vs. Genuine Relationships a partial snippet from Michael Campbell in his recent Internet Marketing Secrets newsletter puts it very nicely:
"WHO you know will always be more important than the How or What.
Cultivate real friends and real long term relationships, because
that's what truly matters in business and life. Everything else is
just an illusion.
The superficial friending of everybody is a waste of time. Helping
people achieve their goals, reliably and repeatedly is better than
all the pretend friends, socializing and networking events."
Michael Campbell - Internet Marketing Secrets
--------End of Quote----------
Another way I like saying it, is this way:
"Business is about making a profit - but life is all about helping
people. Money comes and it goes but in the end we will see that it's
people not money that are eternal. There is great wisdom in investing
in building genuine relationships."
John Alexander - Search Engine Academy
--------End of Quote----------
If you are interested in attending our SEO Workshop September 21-25
in Las Vegas, there is still some availability. Not only will we be
teaching powerful strategic white hat linking in the Workshop, but
many new skills with a focus on exactness and SEO accuracy.
Here is the Las Vegas SEO Workshop agenda:
A few recent student comments about the Workshop
Here is a list of other bonuses reserved for our Workshop attendees
Registration Info for Sept. 21-25 Las Vegas SEO Mastry Workshop
Also remember that for the remainder of the month of August, I am
accepting limited blocks of hours where you can have a personal
consultation with me on-screen or on the phone.
Write to me at john@searchengineworkshops.com for August pricing rates and/or to schedule some personal consulting time. I am currently accepting appointments for openings over the next 3 weeks of August. We can talk, review your Web site issues or I can answer your SEO related questions and help you in specific areas that are of the most importance to you.
John Alexander
john@searchengineworkshops.com
http://www.SearchEngineWorkshops.com
http://www.SearchEngineAcademy.com
Posted by John at 10:09 AM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2009
July 22-24 - New SEO Recon 1/2 Day Training Added
This week just a quick update to our 3-Day Advanced SEO Workshop
on July 22-24 in Orlando Florda.
This month, we've asked Michael Marshall, the creator of SEO Recon
to deliver a special in-depth half-day training camp on all the
ins and outs of working with competitive intelligence.
Come join us and semantics expert Michael Marshall for a very
detailed, in-depth 1/2 day SEO Recon Training Camp as a special
session this month in Orlando on July 22-24.
The Orlando Agenda update can be seen here:
Read recent student comments here:
Registration Information for the July Workshop is here:
Our most Frequently Asked Questions:
Come get all the latest SEO advantages for your business this month
and remember to ask us about the Alumni Student discount if you
are a past graduate. Save 50% on the 3-Day Advanced class plus get
this one time in-depth half day training with Michael Marshall.
Hope to see you there,
John Alexander
Search Engine Workshops
Like the only REAL magic - the magic of knowledge
Posted by John at 11:54 AM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2009
Dining out with a few Philadelphia Students
Although we originally took this photo back in 2008, Robin and Michael and I joined together last month for 2009 with a few Philadelphia SEO Workshop students.
This week it's on to our Las Vegas SEO Workshop which begins this Thursday and runs over the weekend May 14 through 18th.
Posted by John at 09:55 AM | Comments (0)
May 10, 2009
12 Tips For a New Career In SEO
Are you looking for a change in careers?
12 Tips For the Foundation of a New Career In SEO
By John Alexander
TIP 1. Set your focus on your clients success.
Stop focusing on sales and start focusing on your client's success!
Do all that you can do to make them successful. Pour all of your talents into making their projects work.
So many folks I talk to can never stop thinking about where they will make their next sale, instead of working on delivering results to the clients they ALREADY have. In so doing, you establish "lifetime" residuals.
Make your client successful and they will literally become part of YOUR sales team.
TIP 2. A difference in your performance is a difference in your profits.
If you are NOT up to speed, you better catch up fast. Truely a difference in your performance is a difference in your profits! If you are not up to speed on solid SEO marketing techniques and methods, start learning now. Take a course or study at a live workshop but however you do it, get your SEO career skills up to speed so you can genuinely help get your customers results. If you can show them a strategy that really puts dollars in their pocket, they'll put dollars in YOUR pocket!
TIP 3. Have confidence in your own strategies and explore profit sharing.
How's your batting average with profit sharing? Don't be afraid to explore this one! If your skills are medium to above average, why not share in the profits yourself? I am referring to offering someone a vertical deal. This would be a deal where you own part of the company in return for making it successful with your SEO skills. Don't brush this off. There are some exceptional deals to be had if you start thinking laterally.
TIP 4. Don't forget community and charitable work.
When's the last time you helped promote a charitable work at NO cost. Build a site and promote it for the literacy council or the Easter Seals Society or your local Rotary Group or your Chamber of Commerce.
Don't forget that this work can OFTEN open unusual and even surprising doors. Help make others successful and you will NOT fail. Many important leaders within your local community will be serving on these committees right next to you!
This is a great way to network and meet new people and help the cause too.
TIP 5. Work on Relationship building and position yourself for success to come.
Watch the latest SEO trends and position yourself to quickly take advantage. The study and practice of SEO has been extraordinary. There are so many new things that have occurred even within the last couple of years and if you have not kept up to date then how can your clients benefit. If you have not been enjoying good profits, a rewarding lifestyle and being appreciated by your clients, then you need to consider a plan of action.
Tip 6. Set your course of action and get started.
Consider taking a live hands-on SEO workshop which can kick-start your professional SEO career in just a few days of hands-on training. Or if you cannot travel, consider taking an Online SEO Training Course.
Tip 7. Choose which voices you choose to listen to carefully.
You MUST be able to "deliver" and make a difference. Do whatever it takes to get your SEO skills and lateral thinking skills up to speed. In business there are many voices offering free advice. You need to choose carefully who you will listen to.
Tip 8. Run a balanced business.
Are you charging for what your services are worth? There are some folks who charge steeply and don't even know how to get the results. For goodness sakes, if you're good at what you do, make sure you are charging well for your services. You DESERVE fair reward if you're helping other business owners to prosper.
Note: The ones that charge steeply but DON'T deliver may make a few dollars initially, but they won't enjoy the customer loyalty, the referral business, and the repeat business that you do, and they won't have a "customer for life" like you will.
Tip 9. Don't forget to recognize and be thankful for the progress you've made.
Yes, this is extremely important. How else can you truly measure your progress unless you benchmark along the way. Be sure to benchmark your victories but even more important, celebrate your CLIENTS' VICTORIES too! After all, you helped bring them about.
Tip 10. Give something back to your community (with gladness).
Look for opportunities to help others who genuinely need help and avoid those who are only after your talents to exploit them. (Trust me, when your SEO talents and success stories increase, you'll have strangers coming out of the woodwork to take you to dinner and wine you and dine you and pick your brain). Proceed with wisdom.
Tip 11. You must be willing to change and take action!
Performing the way you perform now has delivered a certain result. Maybe you're happy with that result. If you're happy with this result, carry on exactly the same way and you should get very similar results. However, if you are NOT happy with your results now, then you must change the way you do things.
Some people go all their life complaining that they would like a better career or a better position in life and yet they continue taking the same actions and getting the same results year after year.
Think of it like this...
Same action = same result
Different action = new results
Tip 12. Surround yourself with the high quality people!
Without a doubt, your SEO interests and abilities will make way for many new working relationships. Be sure to carefully choose the people you want to work with. Look for those with whom you can share synergies and be very observant of the skills and abilities within the others that surround you.
Remember, no single person can operate as effectively as a group of people that work together as a team. Learn to choose the right people to work with and recognize the latent strengths and talents that will sometimes be present but initially hidden within the group. Build to your ultimate potential by choosing wisely, encouraging one another and recognizing the talent in one another.
Are you ready to take your SEO career to the next step?
Is a career in SEO right for you?
We would be delighted to meet with you personally and teach you exactly how search engines work. The beauty of learning new SEO skills, is that it puts you back into the position of having the power to choose and make your own choices.
Check out upcoming local community SEO workshop dates here if you are interested in building an SEO career.
About John Alexander
John Alexander is Director of Search Engine Academy and is Co-director of Training at Search Engine Workshops offering live, SEO Workshops with partner Robin Nobles as well as online search engine marketing courses through Online Web Training.
Posted by John at 01:57 PM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2009
Today's Webinar on Natural Language Processing
New Webinar Today
Webinar - Optimizing Your Content for Relevancy
Thursday, April 9th, 2009 at 11 a.m.EDT
Presented by Michael Marshall
8:00 a.m. PDT; 11:00 a.m. EDT; 3:00 p.m. GMT; 4:00 p.m. BST
With developments like the Personalization of Search influencing organic search results and Quality Score influencing paid search results, it has become more important than ever to write content for your pages that is original and more relevant than your competitors. This webinar will demystify the topic of search engine relevance and reveal the Why and How behind themes.
Presented by Michael Marshall - creator of SEO Recon, SEO Sniper and his new SEM S.C.O.U.T.. He is an innovative software developer, trainer at the Search Engine Academy of North Carolina and Search Engine Workshops, and consultant in the Search Marketing industry.
One thing to keep in mind for today is that the technology you will seem demonstrated in todays Webinar by Michael uses NO LSI at all.
It uses another completely different and very powerful (well-tested) method among the many approaches to NLP.
Our Webinars are free to all Workshop Resource Members.
You must register to attend:
For details please go to:
http://www.sew-wrc.com/hub/special-chat-sessions.php
We have dial in numbers for the US and UK (let me know if anyone wants an additional country phone number added and we'll see if we can accommodate you. In addition to calling in via the phone, GoToMeeting now has internal VoIP capabilities that interface with the phone call. All you need is a headset attached to your computer (recommended) or a mic and speakers to participate on the call.
You must be a WRC Member to attend our Webinars and chats:
For existing or past members enter here.
NEXT WEBINAR COMING SOON:
Thursday, April 30th, 2009 at 11 a.m. EDT
Webinar - Switch on the "Uniqueness Factor" for your Web Presence
Brainstorming Session with Robin Nobles and John Alexander
8:00 a.m. PDT; 11:00 a.m. EDT; 3:00 p.m. GMT; 4:00 p.m. BST
Join Robin Nobles and John Alexander for this interactive brainstorming session. Come to this Webinar and get direct feedback from Robin and John about "Switching on the Uniqueness Factor" for your Web Presence.
Best wishes,
John Alexander
Posted by John at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
April 07, 2009
Tips for putting more time in your day
Here a few suggestions if you are running an online business and feel like you need more time in your day:
--Organize your days into periods of "positive habit" rather than "negative habit."
--Perhaps you want to add new content to your Web site but never feel you have any time to write.
SOLUTION: Schedule Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for 2 hours of writing between 9AM and 11AM.
This means that for 6 hours a week you'll be focused on creating that new content. No answering e-mail, no interruptions or phone calls. Get organized and stay focused. Put away anything that distracts you from being productive.
--Perhaps you want to work on issues concerning your Web site to increase it's performance. Same solution - schedule time out for this to be done. During your site upgrade time, shut off your e-mail, stay focused. Do whatever it takes to have your time organized.
--Examine your hours - can anything be improved by time-shifting?
For errands out of the office can you reorganize to do a number of things while you are out.
--Can you organize the days of your week better?
--Assign certain large tasks to certain days of the week - so you develop positive multitasking habits.
--Examine and list all of your non-favorite but important tasks
(that need to be done consistently to be successful - and assign weekly or monthly time slots to them)
Example - Cold Calling, Bookkeeping, etc.
--Look at ways to reduce your time answering e-mail and fooling with Spam
--Avoid perfectionism.
When you focus on perfection, you will only end up skipping them.
--If you didn’t do something on time that you assigned yourself, try to reschedule it instead of feeling guilty. Feeling guilty is a waste of time.
--Try to avoid thinking of work issues on weekends. You need some down time.
Remember, that it sometimes seems like years of work to better our daily habits, but with a serious effort and 3 weeks of practice, you can make changes that will stick with you.
I'll close with a thought for the day which is a quote from William Arthur Ward:
"Each of us will one day be judged by our standard of life -- not by our standard of living; by our measure of giving -- not by our measure of wealth; by our simple goodness -- not by our seeming greatness."
William Arthur Ward quotes
(American dedicated scholar, author, editor, pastor and teacher)
Read 10 Actions You Can Take - to Tip Your Scales For Online Success
Posted by John at 05:06 PM | Comments (0)
April 06, 2009
Simple traffic formula that works - stress free
When is the last time you stepped up the value of your content?
Give it some thought. Far too often we are thinking only of those
search engine spiders. The good news is that fresh new content that
is created to be of value for your readers, also makes EXCELLENT
"spider food."
Do a little research and watch for some topic areas that you think
would be in high audience interest reading (based on user behavior
research.)
Then write some brand new, original fresh, content based on:
1. Your audience's "true interests."
2. Something that has a genuine value or "useful quality" for your
readers.(ONLY after you have written your content for readers so
that you are proud of it.)
3. Then do a mild re-write for optimization purposes.
Try creating a series of 10 brand new articles, tutorials,
interviews, FAQs or whatever you feel would benefit your readers
in this fashion based on your keyword forensics research.
Finally, here's an important tip...
Do NOT put all 10 articles online at once.
But begin to put each new article or page up (one per week for 10
weeks.) Pick a specific day of the week and add one new article
each and every week consistently on that day.
Not only will you notice more people finding your Web site, but
watch what this does for improving the regularity of those spider
visits.
You will be stepping up the quality of your content for your
readers, but because of those fresh, original and engaging articles
that you have written, you're giving the search engines a buffet of
delicious spider food.
Steady, consistent updates over a period of time produces frequent spider visits.
Remember, you get hundreds of free SEO Tips from me at a rate of one each day. It's free.
Highest regards,
John Alexander
http://www.searchengineworkshops.com
http://www.SearchEngineAcademy.com
http://www.onlinewebtraining.com
Like the only REAL magic - the magic of knowledge!
Posted by John at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)
April 01, 2009
Examining the "root word" with high KEI for Ingredients
Have you ever wondered about what other aspects of a product that people might be searching for (other than the product itself?)
Today's 5 minute dip into Wordtracker was for the purpose of exploring search terms related to "Ingredients" (or how something is made.)
Here's what we came up with:
"what are the ingredients in a mars bar" KEI 95.5
"smokeless powders ingredients" KEI 100.0
"original coca cola ingredients" KEI 112.3
"what are the ingredients in lucky charms cereal" KEI 113.8
"what are the ingredients in noodles" KEI 162.2
"trident gum ingredients" KEI 173.8
"mcdonalds hamburger ingredients" KEI 250.6
"coca cola ingredients" KEI 644.1
Now things start to jump up a bit....
"what is the ingredients for twix" KEI 1,593.0
"ingredients in sprite drink" KEI 2,520.0
"cheerios ingredients" KEI 7,775.0
"ingredients for pattie melt" KEI 11,010.0
"friendly''s ice cream ingredients" KEI 11,550.0
When ever you optimize your pages, always remember there is much more to researching behavior than just keyword. Watch for keywords that may tell a story about the circumstances in the users life that cause them to search in the way that they do.
What other things are worth exploring?
--Product dimensions
--Color
--Related tools
--words and phrases that form natural dialog
--Questioning terms or reasoning terms
--secondary or related terms (based on what a search engine sees
as being connected)
--"action related" terms that are semantically related
--Descriptive Verbs
Plus for a whole list of ways you can speed up your keyword research in Wordtracker and dig into the behaviorally related terms within just seconds, check out the e-book Keyword Forensics for SEO.
Highest regards
John Alexander
Search Engine Workshop
Like the only REAL magic - the magic of knowledge
Posted by John at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)
March 30, 2009
Traditional TV Remains “800 Pound Gorilla In Video Media Arena
Ground-Breaking Study of Video Viewing Shows Younger Boomers Consume More Video Media Than Any Other Group.
Traditional Television Remains “800 Pound Gorilla” In Video Media Arena
NEW YORK, NY – March 26, 2009 – A pioneering study conducted on behalf of the Nielsen-funded Council for Research Excellence (CRE) by Ball State University's Center for Media Design (CMD) and Sequent Partners dispels several popular notions about video media use, finding that younger baby boomers (age 45-54) consume the most video media while confirming that traditional "live" television remains the proverbial "800-pound gorilla" in the video media arena. (See appendix for more detail.)
The research found that:
--Contrary to some recent popular media coverage suggesting that more Americans are rediscovering "free TV" via the Internet, computer video tends to be quite small with an average time of just two minutes (a little more than 0.5 percent) a day.
--Despite the proliferation of computers, video-capable mobile phones and similar devices, TV in the home still commands the greatest amount of viewing, even among those ages 18-24. Thus, in the eyes of the researchers, this appears to dispute a common belief that Internet video and mobile phone video exposure among that group (and the next one up, age 25-34) were significant in 2008.
Read the full details at the Council for Research Excellence
Web site: Video Consumer Mapping Study
Highlights in brief:
-- 99% of the video people watch is on TV;
-- Only 1% on computers
-- The age group 18-24 years watches 98% of its video on TV
-- Average consumption is 309 minutes of live TV per day
-- Plus 23 min. of watching DVD/videotape and 15 minutes of DVR
-- 2 minutes of watching video on the computer
-- 49 minutes of Web browsing per day and 37 min. of email use
-- people spend 16 times as much time with email as with computer
video.
As old fashioned as newsletters are, they still work remarkably well.
Grab a Free SEO Tip each and every Day
Check out Usability Expert Jacob Nielson's
First Rule of Usability - Don't Listen To Users
Why not?
Because when participants were asked to recall their behavior, the participants in the study underestimated their amount of TV viewing by 25% and overestimated their use of online video and mobile video.
Posted by John at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
March 28, 2009
Stock related keyword phrases - fair to high KEI
Today, let's dip into Wordtracker's comprehensive search feature for a little quick observation of "stock related" keyword phrases from fair to high KEI.
Here we go...
"stock market history graph" KEI 359.1
"bridgewater equity stock information" KEI 400.0
"real time stock ticker" KEI 548.7
"historical chart stock market" KEI 832.0
"long term stock graphs" KEI 2,921.0
"free historical stock charts" KEI 9,281.0
"fltw stock price" KEI 16,280.0
That's what I came up with in just 2 minutes.
I'm sure there is much more.
Do you need help speeding up your keyword research in Wordtracker?
Read Wordtracker Magic 2.0 - Keyword Forensics for SEO
Check out the upcoming April Agenda of SEO Topics being taught
April 20-24 with Robin Nobles, Michael Marshall and yours truly!
Class begins in just 23 more days from now.
Read a few recent student success stories here.
Best wishes,
John Alexander
Like the only REAL magic - the magic of knowledge
Posted by John at 02:46 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2009
Planning Tips for the Fiscal Year of Your Online Business
One of the things to watch in a slower economy is taking time to plan for things that can dramatically improve your online business.
Here are a few tips:
--Review your track record for product sales last year as well as
services. Plan ahead and consider what market there will be for them
for 12 to 24 months ahead.
--Analyze your customer's level of satisfaction.
--Consider carefully how you will improve your traffic. Review past
PPC spending and evaluate whether you might benefit from more
organic visibility.
--Review other types of advertising and plan carefully based on what
you see has worked for you in the past.
--Trim back on spending in the areas that have not proved to serve you
well.
--Plan ahead to meet all your commitments and delegate where possible.
One of the most important aspects of an online business is to analyze how well your business is profiting. Is it moving ahead or falling behind or not changing at all.
If you need for profits to change, consider using slower business as a way to advance yourself and your employees with new skills. A report last month from eMarketer predicted that search engine optimization (SEO) will grow in the next five years with companies spending $3.8 billion by 2013.
In its Digital Outlook Report 2009, online marketing agency Razorfish finds that search engine optimization (SEO) will become an increasingly important part of marketing campaigns - overtaking even pay per click.
For information about attending a Local SEO Skills Workshop in a community near you, check Search Engine Academy.
For Online SEO Skills Training visit here.
Also check this page for more dates in Philadelphia 20-24 in April 2009 and Las Vegas in May 2009.
Posted by John at 12:58 PM | Comments (0)
March 05, 2009
One of the fastest ways to affiliate marketing success
Interested in learning Affiliate Marketing?
Start today in your spare time. It's recession proof. Plus you'll get expert advice from a panel of six figure income earners.
Here is one of the fastest ways to become an Affiliate Marketing Expert.
Posted by John at 12:07 AM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2009
More Real Life Success Stories from Our Students
Welcome to the KEI Observation Deck,
Make no mistake. These next few words are not about OUR success
stories where WE have optimized business Web sites.
No, these are the real life success stories of the actual business owners and students after completing our SEO Mastery Workshop
or attending a Local Search Engine Academy Workshop.
Hear the experiences of everyday business people after
their hands-on Search Engine Academy training:
"John, the ideas presented here have me thinking about website
optimization, writing, search engines and research in new ways. I
got much more out of the workshop than I would have imagined. I
also wanted to say that the quality of individuals at the workshop
is a real testament to you, Robin, Michael and the rest of the
Search Engine Workshops team.
Thank you for taking the time to make a personal impact. Your
presentations have a remarkable way of reaching the individual
while still speaking to the entire group. I felt that comments were
for me individually and the group as at whole. With the entire
Workshop...Color Me Impressed."
Joe Finucan - Orlando SEO Advanced Workshop
------------
"Hi John, I wanted to extend my gratitude, and appreciation for all
the valuable SEO information that you presented last week. THE BEST
I HAVE EVER SEEN!"
You guys demonstrate a longer term opportunity, with an expanding
foundation that has a great deal of substance. Again, many thanks
for your time, and attention. It was a very worthwhile week!
Ron Oaks - SEO Graduate
------------
"Mike Marshall is literally one of the brightest minds in the world
of Search Engines and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). With a
degree in Linguistics that allowed him to absorb concepts like
Latent Semantic Indexing and then apply his programming skill,
Mike has a grasp on the science (both theoretical and applied)
of search engines like few others do. Among many unique qualities
Mike has, is his unassuming and open approach to sharing his
knowledge with his clients. He doesn't "hold back" to save
something for the next contract. When you ask Mike a question he
gives you an answer. The right one. I don't know of another person
in the world of SEO whose knowledge I trust more than Mike Marshall."
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
- Gordon Magee
Internet Marketing and Analysis Manager at Drs. Foster & Smith
Rated #83 in the Internet Retailer 500
-------------
John, we set a record day yesterday and had a record month for
January. Great stuff! I hope you are well. I would have been in
touch sooner, but our business has exploded and we have not had
a free second until now."
Best Health & Regards,
Bryce Purvis
-------------
"I just wanted to let you know that I did as you suggested in our consultation and now the site is appearing on a lot more Top pages AND we’re also getting more inquiries from it."
Thanks for the help.
Gil Sery
-------------
Dear John, Robin and Michael,
"Hope things are going well with you all. After the SEO workshop in Vegas, I took on this SEO account that you guys all provided input during the workshop.
They were stuck in #15-#17 forever, and their desired keywords have 11,700,000 competition pages. I used all the good notes that I took during the class, I thoroughly scrubbed their site. And just this week they finally got on the 1st page! T hey are now at #5.
I really enjoyed the SEO class, and meeting all of you. Since we all try to get good at it, I can’t resist to sharing my first little victory with you."
All the best,
Dana Chen Fischer - Las Vegas SEO Workshop Graduate
----------------
"Dear John, a year ago I joined you and Robin in Orlando for the SEO workshop. I was a complete novice to the world of Search Engine Marketing. I had been in direct marketing for 10 years, well-versed
in copy writing, but the online world was a complete mystery.
At that time we had zero ranking on the search engines, and
e-commerce comprised only 12% of our sales.
Thanks to the fine training you and Robin provided, I am thrilled to report that a year later, many of my products have first page rankings. We're outranking some of our toughest competition, our e-mail campaigns are thriving as never before, online sales are now 33% of my total business, and we are only beginning to realize the potential. My time with Search Engine Workshops, with you and Robin, were worth every penny!"
Kevin M. Williams - Orlando SEO Workshop Graduate
---------------------
"The knowledge and enthusiasm of the presenters was exceptional. Superb course – with every penny."
Andrew Davis - WSI Internet Consultant
---------------------
“Before I took the search engine academy training course, I had an intermediate level of SEO understanding. Not only am I now an expert, this course has taught me an entire new way of approaching SEO.”
Annie Ho,
Toronto SEO Workshop Graduate
Read many more student comments here:
http://www.searchengineworkshops.com/testimonials.html
So Why Get Ready for April 20-24 Philadelphia Workshop?
It's a 2009 Workshop that saves you 4 to 5 months of trial and error
and "SEO guesswork." Now is the time to gain a new understanding of SEO accurately and take your business to a whole new level.
These skills are worth thousands of dollars in staff hours and
opportunity otherwise lost. Learn how you can maximize your Web
visibility with much more accuracy than ever before possible.
Join Robin Nobles, John Alexander and Michael Marshall in the next
Ultimate SEO Mastery Workshop on April 20-24, 2009.
Make 2009 the year you turn YOUR online business around too.
Here's the latest Agenda of Topics.
Plus SAVE $500 on tuition if you register early before March 6, 2009.
Check other Future Search Engine Academy Dates and Locations
for our courses in locations across North America and Asia too.
http://www.searchengineworkshops.com/workshop_dates.html
Also, feel free to let us know if you would us to consider teaching
a Workshop on-site for you that is specific to your industry.
Highest regards
John Alexander
John@searchEngineWorkshops.com
http://www.Searchengineworkshops.com
http://www.Searchengineacademy.com
http://www.onlinewebtraining.com
Like the only REAL magic - the magic of knowledge.
Posted by John at 07:04 PM | Comments (2)
January 09, 2009
More about the Semantics Mix and SEO
It seems these days that most of the major search engines are looking at ways to improve on Semantic influences. Here is an older article from 2008 on TechNewsWorld about:
Ask.com Taps Semantics for Smarter Search
Coming up in just 14 Days will be a special SEO Workshop Weekend in
Orlando, Florida. Included in the Agenda will be all the latest on SEO skills and Semantics and LSI expert and mathematician, Michael Marshall.
Jan. 14 through Jan. 26 marks the 7th Anniversary of Search Engine Workshops. Special class reunion pricing and details about the 3 Day SEO Advanced Workshop Agenda are here.
Deatails:
SAVE 50% on your Tuition to the Orlando Workshop
Posted by John at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
January 03, 2009
How Much Can We Learn From Our Dreams?
The following dream is a dream that I have only shared with a few friends. It actually happened several years ago, but I have never forgotten it. It really is quite a personal dream but it happened just the way I am recalling it.
How Much Can We Learn From Our Dreams?
How I Won A High Diving Victory in Very Real Dream
By John Alexander
Sometimes when we dream, certain dreams feel like they are more real than others. I'm sure dreams can all be different but let me tell you about this experience.
I was standing in a line up of people which extends single file to what looks like a high diving platform.
As I look across a channel of water, there I can see the outline of a "judges box." I cannot see the judge but I become aware that behind a veil, is where the judge is viewing and grading each persons dive into the channel.
I'm thinking great. Here I am stuck in this line and I don't dive.
There seems to be some very professional and experienced divers and it seems that as each person dives, they are allowed the time they need at the top of the diving board to focus.
But once they dive from this very high board into the water, they must swim to the other side to get the judges score.
If the diver passes the test with a 100% "perfect score," the judge then speaks to him or her and then ushers them into a room to his right side.
But if the diver fails to pass (with anything less that 100% perfect score,) the judge directs them to the left of him into a different room.
I've noticed very few people succeeding since the score required is perfection. As hard as I try, I can not see the judge's face because the veil hides him from the public viewing angle. I think to myself, what chance do I have?
I don't dive.
Suddenly reality snaps in as I realize the line of people I am standing in, is moving forward again. I realize am going to have to take the dive from this great diving board too. But I am more concerned as I approach closer to the board as I am not a diver and I
can swim, but I have never dived in such a contest.
Suddenly I see a stranger is moving down the line and whispering something into each contestant's ear.
The reaction is unusual because once the stranger speaks quietly into the ear some people literally push him away, others just stare in disbelief at whatever he is saying. Many seem to get upset, pushing and shoving each other as they get closer and closer to the base of the long climb upward.
People seem to be getting very nervous and very pushy the closer they approach the ladder.
Now as the stranger stops beside me, he moves close to my ear and says in a quiet whisper, "John, it's nearly your turn to dive soon. Please watch your form, take your time and do not be distracted. Once you make your best dive, swim over to collect your final score."
I thought to myself, how extremely unusual.
I could not understand why anyone would be angry or react badly to this strangers advice. He was more or less just simply telling me to do my best and watch my form. I did not really have any diving experience or form, but that was beside the point.
As I approached the very base of the long climb upward, someone was fighting with some else behind me in line. Now it's my turn to climb the ladder. I am next. Suddenly as I put my foot on the ladder, someone who seemed very angry grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back off the ladder, shouting "you can take your turn after me, I'm going next." So I let him go. I did not understand why so many people seem to be irate or so much at each others throat?
Around the base of the high diving ladder the scene had become like a mob of people. Pushing, shouting acting rudely and angry, many seemed afraid, some were fighting with each other but nevertheless, everyone was eventually taking their turn to climb the great ladder and dive.
It was my turn now to climb to the diving board. It was a long way up to the top and as I reached the top diving elevation, I stood back to watch as the diver (obviously a professional with excellent form,) poised himself and made ready to do his dive. As I looked downward, I could see the outline of the judge who did not seem to be watching that closely.
After a minute, off he went into what looked to be a very pretty impressive dive down into the channel below, as I waited for my turn next. Once he swam over to the judge he stood for a minute when I saw the judge motion for him to stop. Unfortunately he had failed and the judge motioned for him to move off towards the doorway to the left.
Now I was really concerned as it was my turn next.
It bothered me that after all of this effort to get to the point of making the dive, the judge really did not seem to be watching even half the time. Then I thought, if the judge failed the excellent diver I had just witnessed (and he was in far better form than I could ever be,) I wondered what chance I would have. I would never make a "perfect dive."
I glanced down at the water below from the edge of the board. There I stood frozen in fear, knowing that I had very little chance.
But I closed my eyes and waited for a few seconds...then I took the plunge. As I left the board, to my shock I noticed the judge look away for a minute. I can remember feeling my position rather awkwardly shifting on the way down and hitting the water at a frightening speed, feet first.
But as I surfaced, I swam over to the other side of the channel and stood in a small circle facing the judges shadow. I stood amazed at who the judge was and then He spoke these words to me with all
authority, "You have done well and you may now enter into the victory
gate to the right of me."
"Very well done!," the judge proclaimed. As I approached the room to the right, there was great light radiating from the entrance and great sounds of excitement coming from this "victory room."
But then, I stopped again just for a second. Now standing beside the judge and turned to ask him one more question saying, " Thank you for your decision Sir, but I have to know why my performance had been judged a winning performance by you, when my actual performance in the dive was such a failure (to me?)
I have noticed far better divers than me which you have not received and as I took my dive I noticed that you even glanced away. The judge replied, "The reason I glanced away was that I did not need to see any
more."
"Don't you yet know that you were not judged on your performance in the dive?" The Judge continued to explain, "By the time you stood to make the dive, you had already been judged a winner because the actual contest had nothing to do with the dive. The real place you won the contest, was at the foot of the diving board ladder on the ground."
The judge showed my that I had only assumed I was in a diving contest and that this was my perception, but it was incorrect. He continued to explain, "Remember when you were surrounded by people and standing in line for the longest time?" The contest was actually based on how you treated other people around you in the midst of difficult conflict or circumstances. The fact that you did not become distracted by all of the turmoil. You chose to hear the message whispered to you by my messenger which was, "to watch your form." And watch your form you certainly did. It was indeed perfect and you have shown yourself to be caring towards even against those people who did come against you. The people who spoke against you or even those who were just distracted and confused by the violence were the ones that lost points. This is because they were all assuming they were being judged in their diving form and did not perceive the truth."
His final words to me before I awoke was, "Well done good and faithful servant enter into the doorway to my right where I will join together with you shortly."
----- The Dream Ends Here---------------------
Sometimes life seems just like this in a way, don't it?
We assume our performance is important in one area or another only to get an eye-opening wake up call.
We may deem the definition of "success" as being connected to things like finances, relationships, owning the best of everything, the pursuit of wealth, how good we look or how well we perform, but we can end up making many assumptions that in the end, we may find won't really matter in the long run.
I believe God is often trying to get our attention and tell us about the things that are most important to Him. The bottom line is that we are all supposed to be dedicated to caring for each other.
Taking action on behalf of someone else, ahead of your own putting your interests firsts may sound strange to some who are in fear or in panic mode or to some that just have no peace of mind about their recent circumstances. Things and perceptions around us can make this world feel upside down sometimes and yet I always remember this dream.
I guess that's a good enough place to start this thought as we enter into 2009. My friends and readers, may we more mindful to watch for new opportunities to serve one another and may God grant us the
ability to recognize "His opportunities" to care for those that He
places around us and help make a lasting difference for someone besides ourselves.
This is a break away from my normal chats about keywords or search engine marketing, but I felt impressed to share something extra as we start off this New Year. There are good reasons to watch for the opportunities that are presented before us in 2009.
Let's especially watch for opportunities to care for one another in a time when it seems so many just don't seem to care the way they use to.
Alright, so it's back to more Keyword Research and sharing of informational resources and in the meantime, I wish you the very best of success in 2009.
Highest regards,
John Alexander
Search Engine Workshops
Search Engine Academy
Posted by John at 03:35 PM | Comments (0)