If it had grown up, it would have made a dreadfully ugly child;
but it makes rather a handsome pig, I think. ~ Alice in Wonderland

In this social “Wonderland”, some companies will stretch the online marketing to the limits and others will remain small oysters; improved Social Media Marketing STRATEGIES are essential in this 2010 year. Is your Pittsburgh business preparing for the Google’s Social Search Engine? I’m not sure about that … Let me tell you how I know!

I recently started the @leacharlton Twitter.  As I was adding a few friends, it was disappointing to see such a small increase in Pittsburgh Business Twitters from the last time I posted. Meanwhile, have you used Google at all this month? Did you see tweets scrolling in the search results? Maybe I should have explained the importance of Twitter in our native Pittsburghese …

“Ya’ gotsta to use Twitter, Pittsburghers … Yinze need it for Google Caffeine”.

In case you have not noticed, there have been a few changes in Google. They have added the Twitter feeds and PR links to their social search engine. If you type in a person’s name, you can see their Google profile page at the bottom of the page (if they created it). As always, Youtube videos are spotted in plain view …

Since Twitter is still not considered a Pittsburgh Business “need” … I headed on over to Youtube this morning thinking that just maybe Youtube could be your Jabberwocky … ?

While browsing though Youtube, I came across one of my favorite videos and tweeted it in the Beyonce Twitter trend. Who would have imagined that this little @babycory would have 8,152,102 Youtube views since January 26 2009 while a similar video is tagging far behind at 872,852 views since September 28, 2009.  Guess he needed this “Mad Hatter” to sow him how to strutt his tard (10,917,518 views in a a year) and get Beyonce to bring him out on stage, too. None have surpassed the success of the  fresh face at Pomplamoose Music. She is kicking Single Ladies at 3,063,785 views in just 4 months. 

So what does this mean?  1) hit song by Beyonce, 2) Youtube babies,  3) Youtube clowns 4) Youtube talents and Pittsburgh SEO Lady preaching, yet again, about why you need to gear up your “social media marketing” strategies?

Well, first of all, this @PghSEOLady was grinning like a “Cheshire Cat” while watching all of these Beyonce “wannabes”.

Yet, watching a chubby man in leotard proudly flaunting his “stuff” can NEVER compare to watching the diapered bottom baby giving Beyonce a run for her Youtube popularity. It is not quite the same; even when comparing them to the super suave “Caterpillar”, Shane Mercado. He is well over a million views for the year and showing up as #1 (above the Diva herself) as I venture from Google to Youtube with search sting, “beyonce single ladies + youtube”. That is just an incredible “boo boo” by the Beyonce marketing team …

The Queen should say … “off with their heads”!

Regardless … even little single ladies can receive at 10,9973 views in 6 days just for riding off the TOP 10. Although this may not be the most entertaining video, their mama stays on point by protecting these “red roses” by only permitting their own video responses. You have got to see their video titles, “Kat Dennings – OMG We Meet Again!” — This Mugglesam team has it “going on”. Who is their Papa?

PITTSBURGH SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING ENTHUSIASTS & NEWBIES …

I HOPE THAT YOU’RE GETTING THE POINT AND PATTERNS HERE!!!

In social media marketing, it is about whether you are ”to have and have not” when it comes to Youtube video marketing for your Pittsburgh business. Whether choosing the perfect Top 10 song, artist, man or child … you can have video marketing success … start by using someone elses Beyonce video

The following is one of my favorite Youtube Videos / Celebrity Videos.

This particular one is of my son (Jonny MJ Charlton). He is dancing to Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean in the computer / storage room  at “the Florida water front rental” (will have to blog about this monstrosity one day).

What do you think? Should I have him create a Beyonce video, too?

When Matt Cutts anounced Google Caffeine, I was one of the 1st to dance a jig in support of the search engine changes. I am a firm advocate of companies utilizing more social media marketing strategies, therefore their talk of speed and integration was exciting. I had been watching Google and tracking potential changes as we approached the holiday season, though was able to rest assured after finding Matt’s blog post starting that Google Caffeine would launch after the holidays.

I remember what it was like to spend the holiday season making site updates. This was a few years ago and numerous business owners were disappoint by how selfish Google was to hurt their business with updates at that time of year.

Regardless, here we are in the 2010 New Year and I am now realizing that Google was making changes over the holiday season. The obvious was the addition to Google Webmaster Tools …  now webmasters can report duplicate content and keep “tags” as “follow” with confidence. There were also  subtle tests in the SERPS that presented no major disadvantages at that time.

The following are examples of what I noticed at the end of 2009:

• Google Wave sturred excitement and clouded our attention to Caffeine tests.
• Users bumped into Tweets every so often and then they disappeared from the SERPS.
• There were more dramatic cross browser inconsistencies in Google rankings.
• Pages with quality content and excellent Google rank were affected this week.
• Pay Per Click results and rotations were not as refined.
• Some social sites were not proving the same seo advantages.
• Google is reminding users to set up profiles at the bottom of the SERPS.

I am currently switching over a website that has been geo-targeted for the past 5 years. It ranks unaffected for those terms although the site is no longer focused for those keyword. The “best” was when Google read and updated the SERPS with the new homepage Title, Description and rank.

A few hours later the website was back in the previous position and with the original geo-targeted tags.

I really thought that I was going to loose my mind after that last one. Perhaps, I am loosing my mind right now because I think that Google needs to “slow their role” and communicate more about what we should expect and prepare for once the Google Caffeine Launch is in full effect. Lets forget about wasting time discussing their upsale Google phones and realize that they are turning this search engine into one of the most incredible social sites at our  expense.

Think about it! Would you rather have consumers access your Twitter, Myspace, Facebook, LinkedIn and reading content from YOUR OWN WEBSITE or from the search engine? Just as there are only 10 organic listings, there are only going to be a certain amount of natural “coffee beans” in the Caffeine SERPS.

So, what is this … Google Caffeine?

This is going to be one  incredible social sites / search engine.

We would not expect anything less from the Google innovators – you better get ready!

You need to have a Pittsburgh Business Twitter & Personal Twitter Account.

1. Create a Personal Twitter that uses your desired keyword / keyword phrase.
2. Create a Business Twitter with your company name or desired keyword / phrases.

* Make sure to use different email addresses per account or you will not accomplish this goal.

The next step is to click on the Settings link at the top of the page.

1. Click the Notices tab and uncheck all of those notices for now. You don’t need them.
2. Click on the Account tab and complete every single field. Make sure to add an image as this is essential in both attraction and social media marketing. Make sure to add your website link.
3. Click on the Design tab. This is where you can play with the background colors – or – add a background image.
4. Go to the links (top right of page) and click on Home.
5. In the status box, make your first Tweet. It can be social or your marketing focus for the Twitter on either.
6. Now, go to the link (top right of page) and click on Find Friends. Connect with (“follow”) others in Pittsburgh and by industry.
7. Market your Twitter links all over the Internet. Integrate it with other social networks, blog, websites, etc.

Log in to your Twitter as frequently as time permits and communicate with your “followers”.

There is much more to Twitter Marketing and Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing, but the fact of the matter is that by just setting up those 2 Twitters and following that little bit of process, you will save money and put your company / website at such an advantage. The Twitters will virtually build themselves if you want to do this passively or you can become as aggressive as you would like by using Twitter Tools and developing business and social media marketing strategies. Combine this resource with Facebook and Myspace (at least), if done correctly, you should experience results from the start.

Remember, this is just one resource and just the tip of Pittsburgh SEO Lady’s social media marketing process and using Twitter.

My name is Lea Charlton, I am an Internet Marketing, Social Media and Organic SEO Expert from AlmcSolutions.com. This is an organic SEO. SMM, SMO consultancy serving worldwide. We do not offshore outsource, though service diverse niche markets. We do not use Pay Per Click or other paid advertising. We do provide clients with long term 1st page rankings on Google, Yahoo and Bing. Learn about http://www.almcsolutions.com and our Pittsburgh SMM, SMO and Organic SEO Services.

I think that social networks that Blogging Communities & Social Networks that pay are just as AMUSING as a first page Google rankings. Many are search engine friendly, easy to use and are filled with members that are eager to make money. I am always eager to participate in a new launch (fun fun fun) … this blog post explains why and which are the top networks that pay.

What is a social network that pays?
A social network or blogging community that pays is exactly what it states. It is a networking site that either pays money, points, prizes, advertising, etc to the members that use it. They often target niche markets.

How can they afford to pay members?

Most networks that pay cash depend heavily on advertising revenue to pay their members. Some use affiliate links and pay per ads. Others sell advertising to their members and / or companies that are outside of the network. They split the profits with the users based on their usage, referrals and other activities. Points have become a popular form of payment. There are even social networks that pay with the focus on helping the members become more knowledgeable on how to manage finances. Most that pay require a certain level of activity in the network.

What are the advantages of social networks that pay?

- Fantastic for recruiting job seekers and opportunists.
- Helps build lists that you can transition to other sites.
- Free advertising / exposure for your business.
- Easy to build a following / rapid online branding.
- Make money from the network and what you market.

What are the disadvantages?

If not properly launched and controlled, social networks that pay:

- Can become saturated with spammers.
- Have good intentions, though never fully launch.
- Disappear from the Internet or fizzle down.
- Some never end up paying cash earned.
- Many require a usage commitment.

Which are the top social networks that pay?

6dgr
This never became the next Mayspace though is a nice community of users that are dedicated to making money online and networking. 6dgr pays to eTrade, Paypal and Debit Card – depending on where you are located in the world.

Sokule
Pronounced “so cool”, this social site that pays is making it’s “claim to fame” as being like Twitter though better … because it pays. This is really a fun environment with lots of advantages. Sokule does pay each month (even if just a few dollars earned) and to Paypal.com.

Which are the best Blogging Communities that pay?

Squidoo

Hubpages

How can I start my own social network?

Social Media Marketing has been a personal interest of mine since 2004. We did not refer to it as social media marketing at that time but there were the same strategies that current processes shadow as well as a series of personal Internet events that are vivid to me:

• Website .WS / Global Domain International business became popular on the Internet.  Their presentation was innovative and vibrant. Their video marketing, flash ads, live broadcasts and automation that is still effective to date.

• Microblogging became more popular amoung household users and marketers. With AOL’s Weblogs and Wordpress as part of the scene, people that could not design websites or preferred the social advantages of blogging were becoming more creative with their automation, monetization and search engine optimization.

• Youtube hit the Internet scene with video uploads. Of course, this was not the Youtube video sharing that we know today, but it was a cool concept that launched at that time.

I remember this as if it were yesterday. Just as I remember relaunching this Pittsburgh SEO Lady blog last year and refocusing it for Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing in January 2009. At the beginning of the year, there was very little talk of Social Media Optimization in Pittsburgh search engine results. As watched over the month, it picked up nicely. I have a series of snap shots that you can review to see the Google trends over the 2009 months. As you can see from the search engine snap shots, it was just Pittsburgh SEO Lady and Clicks To my Site holding firm at the beginning of the year. It was not long after – April of 2009 – that Chris Hornak of Eyeflow followed our lead in the Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing scene and the again around September of 2009 to shadow Pittsburgh Organic SEO terms (kudos fellas, one would only expect the best from you). April SEO  was holding for the term in the month of April 2009 (ironic though name relative of course) as well. She hit the scene a while back with PPC and YouTube videos. YouTube provides phenomenal social media marketing advantages which I will break down in another blog post. Regardless, there you have the list of local Search Engine Optimization leaders also specializing in “Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing”.

It makes me smile as I watch Pittsburgh SEO and Internet Marketing Companies getting  ” jiggy with it” over the past few months. I am sure that we all watch one another and this contributes to inspiring marketing campaigns. My pattern is to step back and then switch the strategies a bit. This is what I did with this blog after I flew through testing YouTube and Twitter SEO markting strategies. It wasn’t until I was launching my 5th Twitter that I was followed by the progressive and SUPER talented SMM, Blackball Online. This guy has been “niching it up” with his blacklist SEO concept since hitting the search engines for social media marketing around July 2009. Looks like he’s having a lot of fun and making tracks fast. This man deserves a gold star for sure!

THE POINT IS THAT PITTSBURGH SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IS FUN BUSINESS!!!

Between 2008 and 2009, I stepped back from SEO projects for an entire year in order to develop social media optimization (SMO) strategies. It became another passion of mine (second to organic seo) because SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IS FUN. Don’t get me wrong, it is also extremely competitive and with constant innovations. These make SMM it interesting at all times. As an Organic SEO, Internet Marketer, Social Media Marketer, e-Business Strategist, Marketing Assistant, Virtual Assistant … or whatever your title is in your company …  loosen up your shirt collar and pay attention to what I am explaining here.

I want to make sure that every single Pittsburgh Businesses knows WHY “Social Media Marketing”, “Social Media Optimization” (which some are now calling “social networking optimization”)  AND this long Web 2.0 / Web 3.0 generation overlap has ROCKED THE INTERNET in just about every single industry to date … It is fun, effective and profitable. Although SMM is still always progressing  as new technological toys hit the scene. For example, microblogging platform Twitter and the “social status messages” you use on Facebook, Myspace, etc. There are also widgets, social networking games (such as Mafia Wars), virtual worlds, video bookmarking sites, innovative social media platforms such as The Payer Player and even the new Google Wave is going to knock the socks off of social marketers in the name of “fun” and Google innovation.

Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing is not only effective for your business, but also more FUN and PROFITABLE than you can imagine … The sky is always the limit!

I would say that this is especially true from an organic SEO and / or Blogger’s perspective. The sky is the limit with social media marketing in terms of the exposure, quality connections and lead generation. You can “divide and conquer” or go niche by niche. Viral attraction marketing strategies  pretty much funnel prospective markets that you would like to serve in your business. Even if we analyze just the one facet – social networking – you have to admit that SMM / SMO is just a phenomenial way to do business on the Internet because … it’s fun & it works.

There are some social media marketing shortfalls to keep in mind as well. I do not want to damper the enthusiasm of this blog post, but you can read up on the advantages and disadvantages of social media marketing. Regardless, if you want to increase local exposure for your Pittsburgh Business or compete on a much LARGER scale (nationally / internationally), then you need to understand the overall potential of combining social media marketing (SMM) and organic seo strategies to apply social media optimization (SMO) to your online marketing.

Twitter is always a good start!

Learn why I emphasize Twitter Marketing first:
“Pittsburgh Business Owners, Are You Using Twitter?“.

Want to try your hand at Twitter marketing?

Well, as I previous stated, I like to pop back into this Pittsburgh SEO Lady blog as I see the need to share marketing info and stur up the Pittsburgh SEO rankings.  Check back in the 2010 New year … social media marketing concepts will transition to educating on the Web 3.0 / Web 4.0 overlap as well as more aggressive attraction marketing concepts.

What Is The Payer Player & How Is Shaquille O’Neal Involved?

I had the pleasure of participating in the beta launch of a new social networking platform called The Payer Player.  In case you haven’t read this on my other blogs, this Payer Player is a PAGELESS & PORTABLE  social network that is sponsored by Shaquille O’Neal and programmed by Rocky Wright from California.

The company calls this social site a “communications megahub” … Pittsburgh SEO Lady thinks this widget is HOT HOT HOT and that The Payer Player is going to become a social media marketing tool that has has phenomenal viral marketing potential for businesses worldwide; especially as a resource for connecting your Pittsburgh Business with more local customers.

On a conference with Shaquille O’Neal, July 29 2009, Shaq confirmed that it is his intention is to make The Payer Player “as huge Google”. I am not sure how this program will advance over the next few months, but once all intended enhancements are programmed and available (per Rocky Wright), great expectations for this communications megahub are certainly in mind; especially to of all that are currently involved in this beta test.

Pittsburgh SEO Lady & Shaquille O’Neal Invite You To Join The Payer Player!

Keep an eye out towards the end of the month as Shaq transitions from his 2 Million Twitter Follower commercials to Payer Player media. The public will be amazed by the publicity that will occur in a few months and the earning potential of this “social network that pays”. This is an optional advantage for all members, though there is no necessary involvement in the affiliate program.

What Is So Special About The Payer Player?

It has all of the traditional features of a social network and more …

Upload videos and pictures, search for content and users, access social other social networks / blog / feeds, text chat with friends, chat via text to mobile devices, watch TV, add RSS feeds … and so much more. PLUS The Payer Player will compensate all paid subscribers for their referrals. They are automatically placed in their Affiliate program, if you choose to participate simply refer other paid subscribers and receive a 25% monthly commission on every personal referral, and benefit from the growth of the network as well! If not, the just use the free version. One thing to keep in mind is that at only $10 a month and all of the technical advantages this social widget will provide, it is inevitable that people will want to take advantage of every facet, as well as the potential for substantial earnings for corporate sale representatives.

Payer Player – Portable Social Network – $9.95

The Payer Player is Shaquille O’Neal & Rocky Wrights mission to assist those who need to make money in this poor economy. I have personally watched our team’s stats increase and I only had a few days (almost 3) of positioning personal referrals in this Payer Player Community … it is an opportunity that is ”doable” with effort and can develop according to how The Payer Player website displays. In other words, our beta team is having a ball a developing residual income with The Payer Player.

The greatest part is that they begin payouts on September 15, 2009.

If you are interested, secure your position today and then develop your network as you are learning how to use it!

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Visit this blog post -> Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing <- to learn why I am presenting The Payer Player to your Pittsburgh business. Numerous advancements have occurred through this beta launch that our team could foresee from the beginning. This widget, along with other advancements like ooVoo and Google Wave, are going to take Pittsburgh Social Media Marketing (worldwide social media marketing) to a whole new level. Regardless, the following is the initial information and my response to the beta involvedment per your review. It has been extremely exciting to work with this company and share the details with you!

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According to Online Shoppers Through Consumers’ Eyes, 70% of shoppers prefer the organic listings opposed to clicking on sponsored listings. Mind blowing, but true. As an organic SEO, this is just wonderful validation to me. I presumed that it was some staggering number of consumers that are tired of clicking on the affiliate links and slick spammers that are saturating the sponsored listing these days, but one never knows if others see the difference or not. It is awesome to know that they do.

As you progress in developing Twitter marketing strategies for your Pittsburgh business, you will find that it can become work. twitter is an enjoyable SEO marketing tool, though time consuming. Twitter is also not like other social networks. It does not have the on-site conveniences of blogs, groups, pictures, video uploads, classifieds and forums. Twitter is a social / micro blogging platform which means that once you post your 140 status messages and / or reply to others, it appears that there is nothing more to do. Lucky for us, many talented programmers have developed applications that we call Twitter Tools or Twitter Applications. These resources provide the convenience and user capabilities that make Twitter an even more effective social media marketing platform. The following is a list of popular Twitter Tools that will help you organize, automate and communicate with Followers. Twitter SEO Marketing & Twitter Social Marketing is extremely beneficial to you.

Twitter Applications That Make Pittsburgh SEO Marketing Easier

Twitwall
When a Tweet is too short and a blog is too long, Twitwall extends that 140 character message for you. You simply login with your existing Twitter user name and password, and create mini blogs that can automatically post as links to your Twitter. Your Tweeple (Twitter Followers) will have the ability to comment on your posts. They can retweet the links for you, too. Twitwall is a very easy to use and helpful Twitter application.

TweetLater
TweetLater is a trusted and popular Twitter  tool. You can add several Twitters to a free account. The service automates some of the functions that become more difficult to manually control when a Twitter has become large or for business marketers that would prefer to schedule Tweets,  immediately follow or unfollow, Direct Message (DM) new followers. You can also track keywords, track stats and manage multiple Twitter accounts.

TweetDeck
This is a your personal browser that connects with your contacts on Twitter, Facebook and more. TweetDeck shows you everything you want to see at once, so you can stay organized and up to date. You can place activity in columns, groups, save searches and get automatic updates. Tweetdeck  helps you keep up to date with your followers and friends lists, tweet, share  photos, videos or links. This is an Adobe Air application.

Huitter
If you have chosen not to automate your Twitter activity with a more sophisticated tool, Huitter has a module called Mutuality. The Mutuality feature helps you keep Follower ratio by helping you to follow all that are following you, unfollow those who are not following you or clear your list completely. Although this Twitter tool is not the most glamorous, it works well and even has a field where you can add certain keywords that filter who you follow or unfollow. Huitter has a few other features: 1) Gtalk2Twitter – post your Google status to Twitter, 2) Message Cleaner – cleans you DMs, 3) Create an RSS of a Twitter users messages and 4) Microsites – build a site that will display the status updates of your Twitter users list.

Make Money With Twitter OR Advertise Your Pittsburgh Business

The following are applications that you can use to make money with Twitter or use for your own low cost advertising.

RevTwt

Magpie

Tweetbucks
Timothy L. Drobnick Sr offers 100% automatic Twitter Marketing system with pre made business opportunity products 2 minute set up and free.
Twitter Toys / Interesting Tweeple

Twitter Toys Applications

k6iejhx3nm

Here is a list of Twitter applications and accounts that I call, “Twitter Toys”. They have no necessity for consistent use; though some you could use to extend your Twitter marketing efforts. Most are just fun and provide information about Twitter, Monetization and Tweeple.

TweeSpeed
Cool Twitter application that shows us the Actual Twitter speed (in tweets per minute) This is what the script looks like:

AMUSING TWEEPLE

@HashTags – This is a groovy way to extend your reach on Twitter. Follow @Hashtags on Twitter and you are automatically connected to the community. Next, write a tweet and place #hashtag in front of a main subject / keyword or two (ex: #Pittsburgh), and your post will show on the Hashtags website with potential for any of the 105,050 users to see. This is perfect for reaching and intentionally connecting with target markets.

@TweetingBar – If cats can tweet, why can’t taps? We created an apparatus that tweets each time a beer is poured – and reminds you when it’s time to refill the keg.

Want to learn more about marketing your Pittsburgh Business on Twitter? Pittsburgh SEO Lady is a “Twitter Addict” and would love to read tweets about your life and company on Twitter, too. Why? This is because Twitter is an incredible micro blogging (short blog posts) and social networking platform. Not only can it drive your business more exposure and search engine popularity, but also assists in branding, customer loyalty, website traffic and sales conversions. You just need to learn how to use Twitter effectively or hire a someone to manage this for you. In this Web 2.0 era of “Friendship Marketing”, “Viral Marketing”, “Social Markeitng”, it is only to your benefit to have at least one Twitter account working for you!

Start with this cute video called: How To Use Twitter As A Twool.

Don’t forget to browse this list of Twitter Tool / Twitter Applications!

In 2007, Rand McNally’s “Places Rated Almanac” ranked Pittsburgh “America’s Most Livable City” for young professionals. In 2009, Pittsburgh was #6 of the “Ten Cities For Job Growth In 2009″ by Forbes.com and are now #29 of the world’s most livable cities (making Pittsburgh #1 Top city to live in the USA) by The Economist (British Magazine). With the casino opening soon, Pittsburgh business appreciates this exposure, though there are ways that we can develop our own exposure. This blog features one.

Speaking of exposure …

How About Twitter Marketing For Your Pittsburgh Business?

Although Pittsburgh is a city that is that has been voted as most “livable” and expect to experience economic growth, Pittsburgh businesses are poorly represented in the social media arenas; Twitter specifically for this post. If you spend just a few minutes on Twitter to see how your Pittsburgh business would compete, I assure you that it would not take long to learn if a particular Pittsburgh business is using Twitter, and whether they are using it to it’s phenomenal social networking capabilities.

Pittsburgh Business Is Poorly Represented On Twitter

It is quite a shocker to see our sports teams bursting with Followers, though at less than the “marketing gurus”. Larger companies have just a few Tweets and followers, and the Marriot Pittsburgh has under 100 followers to date. The Pittsburgh Trib has less than 4000 followers today.

Let me tell you why it is this way … Sports fans will follow without expecting a follow back. Your prospects, general followers and Pittsburgh Business owners are not as likely. Not following is poor Twitter etiquette and stagnates your social media marketing. The fact that Twitter experienced 1,382% growth from 2/2008 to 2/2009 IS HUGE potential for your Pittsburgh business. You should really take advantage of this resource and learn how to reach out to your customers through social media.

I am not saying that you need to follow everyone. In fact, with all of the wanna be porn stars and Twitter spammers it is not to your benefit to “auto follow” from a Twitter application nor add Tweeple that just have one post or are not family friendly. They will eventually get suspended and this does affect your follow ratio and social media optimization. On the other hand, lets go back to the SEO basics and think about quality relevant link exchanges and consider that concept just a bit. It does apply to Twitter as well.

As the friendly and tight knit city we are, one would presume that we would support and network with one another a little more closely online as we would do offline as well. Twitter does expedite that viral networking capability. But the fact of the matter, and what I noticed with my Pgh Seo Lady, it is really hard to develop a Pittsburgh niche Twitter because a lot of the businesses do not find it necessary to follow back or communicate  … What the heck! It is a social media platform – WHY BE A TWITTER SNOB?

Twitter is just one example, but a start at getting more exposure for your Pittsburgh Business and should be part of your Social Media Marketing Strategies. Twitter is the #1 utilized social media platform – Facebook is #4 – you should have this easy to use and quite effective social networking / micro-blogging platform as a notch in your business belt.

Connect with Viral Marketing Mom
(a few months old and my free for all Twitter)

Connect with Pittsburgh SEO Lady
(new Twitter to connect with Pittsburgers).

Once you understand how to use and take advantage of any external Twitter applications that will help you maintain your account / foster relations for your business, you will see why so many companies are turning to Twitter as part of their social media marketing and social media optimization strategies.

Need help starting or maintaining a Pittsburgh Business Twitter?
Contact Pittsburgh SEO Internet Marketing

Straight from Google: What You Need To Know is the presentation that Matt Cutts gave at the WordCamp San Francisco 2009. He expects to have a video soon. For now, you can view the slides at http://docs.google.com/Present?docid=ddvhbrqf_126gc346qdh&skipauth=true

Topic Addressed:

- Reasons For Blogging

- Blog SEO / Page Rank

- Back Links Importance

- Katamari Philosophy

- Gaining Reputation

- Video

- Google Tools

- Feedburner

- Avoid Google Rank Scams

- Wordpress Security

- Automattic.com

No matter where you are at in blogging experience, anything from Matt Cutts is worth a look. It also helps that he creates resources that are not only comprehensive, but presented clearly for all. For those who are just getting started, bookmark this reference. It will be helpful as you progress with blogging and learning SEO marketing.

Again, keep an eye out for the Straight from Google: What You Need To Know video.

There are numerous blog theme styles for Wordpress and Blogger. Simply place a search in Google or Yahoo for “free blog themes”, “blog themes” or “blog templates” to find popular resources. Place a search for more specific keywords such as “free Wordpress themes”, “blogger templates”, “free Blogger themes”, “wordpress theme” to narrow the search results down to the blog service that you are using. The other option is to design your own blog theme with CSS framework & HTML.

When not creating your own theme, it is important to understand the licensing terms assigned to each blog theme style before you move forward in choosing a design template. It might end up that you prefer to create your own blog theme or hire someone to help you. The following are links with information on each blog licensing type.

GNU – General Public License

http://www.gnu.org/licenses

Attribution Types (Commercial & Non-Commercial)

http://creativecommons.org

Here is a list of all Licensing types:

http://www.opensource.org/licenses

Free Template Site That Tell You Which License Each Blog Holds

http://themebot.com

If choosing to use Wordpress, it is best to host the application on your own domain and hosting account. This is a cost effective option that permits you to make your own Wordpress blog (How To Get A Blog). Another option is to register for a free blog service like Blogger or Wordpress. The only problem is that you will not own a blog that is created on a free blog service unless it is a movable type. If using Wordpress.com, they do offer a large selection of blog theme styles from their website. Wordpress.com requires that all of their recommended themes are free and GNU / GPL. Sometimes new blog designers are not aware or ignore this requirement to gain exposure from their templates. As far as I know, they are violating Wordpress terms and should be reported. When choosing a free blog theme from Wordpress, you want to make sure that it is SEO friendly and flexible for your needs. GNU / GPL is the licensing that you prefer for your blog theme style. Don’t use any that have encryption in the footer code or a stylesheet that states that the theme is licensed other wise. Look for those that do not have a lot of links to other websites in the footer (bottom of the page).

Having a blog is not as confusing nor the novelty it used to be. Blogs are available just about anywhere these days. This includes Myspace and other popular social networks. There are numerous free blogging services. Many people micro blog their days away at Twitter. There are also website builders that provide blogging capabilities. This post shares which free blog services to use and why it is important to self host your main blog. This is going to be a longer post, but Pittsburgh SEO Lady wants to make sure that this is clear for you, so that you are not wasting time or energy having to recreate the wheel. The goal is to get your blog set up and share your information as soon as possible. This is in respect to having one solid resource that is considered your main blog.

The following are recommended free blog services:

Wordpress.com

- Wordpress is the #1 ranked free blog service.
- It can be challenging at first, though well worth the effort.
- You can download the Wordpress application and host your own (best choice)
- You can build and host one freely on the Wordpress site (second best choice).
- Wordpress comes with a few design templates.
- You can select from thousands of paid and free Wordpress themes.
- Widgets, Plugins, Flexibility & SEO friendly are the main reasons to use Wordpress.

The best feature of Wordpress is that you can install their software on your own hosting account. This is HIGHLY recommended if you are creating a professional blog; it is best to self-host Wordpress Blogs for business use.

TypePad.com

- Similar to Wordpress but not free (starting at $4.95 a month)
- A few templates at the free level; more paid designs
- Widgets, Plugins, Good FAQ Help
- Has advanced tools like Wordpress.

Squarespace.com

- Starting at $8.00 a month.
- Set up a website or blog.
- Excellent designs and features.
- Tracking available, but not as good at Wordpress.

Blogger / Blogspot

- Great free service for new bloggers – ranked #4.
- Just a little challenging for new bloggers.
- Freedom for content and use; some flexibility.
- Comes with a few attractive templates or you can use your own.

One excellent feature of blogger is that you can use your own domain name / website address for free, and that Google now owns the free blogging service.

LiveJournal.com

- Owned by Typepad’s parent company.
- It is free and has some flexibility.
- Comes with several design template options.
- Not as many stat features, but still good.

Other decent blog services:

Yahoo 360, AOL Journals, VOX, Xanga and Windows Live Spaces.

This section explains how you can make a blog.

In the past, Blogger.com has been a preferred blogging resource. It still is for some and also a great place to have a complimentary resource. On the other hand, you get more rapid exposure and have more control with Wordpress.com. This is why Wordpress.com has become the choice blogging resource for Internet Marketers, SEOs and other professionals. It can serve as a company website, community with membership and there is an excellent e-commerce plugin that can turn your blog into an online store. If you are self hosting, you can have a main blog from the top domain and install the e-commerce store to a sub directory. You can do the same when building a directory of niche blogs. There is so much flexibility when using Wordpress.

Just keep in mind that Wordpress.com is mighty strict about our using their free blogging service for commercial marketing. It conflicts with their terms and there is the risk that they will shut you down. The perk is that Wordpress.org provides us the option of installing their blog service on our own domains and / or hosting accounts. This option provides you with the flexibility of making a commercial blog and / or marketing how every you choose. Some people go directly to Wordpress.org to download the program and then upload it onto their own servers.

HERE IS A MUCH EASIER WAY TO DO THIS …

1. Go to ALMC Hosting

2. Purchase a domain name (website address).

3. Purchase the cheapest hosting account – around $4 a month

4. Go to the hosting area in your account.

5. Click on the new hosting account link to enter the set up area.

6. Choose which domain you want to attach to the hosting account.

7. You will receive an email when the set up has been completed.

8. Go back to your hosting account.

6. Click the Applications button.

7. Click the blogs link.

8. Choose Wordpress and click install.

9. Follow the instructions to create user names & passwords (write these down)

Give the hosting a few minutes to install the Wordpress and then check back. You will see a link that you should click on to login to your Wordpress website. Start learning the environment and set up your blog

WORDPRESS TAKES A LITTLE TIME TO LEARN; ESPECIALLY WHEN SELF-HOSTED BUT IT IS REALLY MUCH BETTER FOR BUSINESS & SEO INTERNET MARKETING.

One more thing …

You will still want to go to the actual Wordpress website and set up a free blog account.

1) This will provide you with the ability to get an API Code that you can use to connect all personal Wordpress blogs to the main account and is needed for some plugins. This profile will circulate in their community.

2) You can use that as a “personal” blog where you strategically “link out” to any other Wordpress blogs that you create on your own domain(s).

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO LEAVE ANY QUESTIONS IN THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW.

As I browse the web, I am just amazed at how many companies still do not have a website or a blog. When I mention it. They always say the same thing … “Yellow Pages”. I guess that is perfect for those who want to reach the inside of our trash cans. As for the online Yellow Pages, if it wasn’t for AOL, we would rarely see it in the Google search results. That site only launched a few years ago and has always had poor organic placements. Go to Google and type in Pittsburgh Hotels or Pittsburgh Pizza. No Yellow Pages listing. Type in Pittsburgh Schools or Pittsburgh Pools and you will see that AOL’s is paying Google for a listing at the top or right hand side of the page (sponsored results). Doesn’t it makes you wonder how much business they are missing by using the Yellow Pages. It is also interesting to see all of the other directories listed where their company should have positions in the organic listings (10 listings on the left hand side of the page). Meanwhile, wouldn’t you prefer to click on a company website over a directory? It just makes shopping easier. In this sense, having a website or blog helps customers connect directly with you instead of having to sift through a list.

You need to have an online presence. This is why your competitors have a website and many small businesses are starting to use blogs. They are extremely cost effective and blogging helps with your search engine promotion, too. With all of the changes this economy demands of your company, blogging organize your business marketing, too.

All it takes is a branded domain name (website address) and good content about your business. Blogging provides phenomenal self branding and Internet marketing advantages for your business. Blogging helps customers keep up with specials and changes via RSS feeds and reading online. Blogging organizes your business because you need to post regularly to receive the most benefit. This keeps your staff accountable and consistent with plans. Your company information and processes change daily (especially in this economy), if you do not have a website that is maintained well, then having a blog is the next best thing … sometimes better. Blogging organizes your business marketing and helps customers connect with you.

I initially launched this blog for sales and offline marketing tips, though changed the focus because most of my business is online. Regardless, it means that this blog had been sitting WITHOUT any new activity and information for others. That is horrible! It totally dropped in traffic and defeated the purpose of helping others get the information they need. I guess you can say this is one of the pros and cons of blogging: blogging can help people other than you, but you have to keep current with it in order to retain seo rankings, traffic, productivity, etc.

On another note, I have been working online for years and thought that I was managing ALL of my time efficiently … yesterday, I found that this can not always be the case. It was one of the most “out of whack” Mondays that I had in months. I would not say that it was a “bad” day, but certainly unorganized. My conversions and lead generation confirmed this was not one of my best.

I let myself get pulled in all types of directions: giving SEO quotes, immediately replying to every Skype contact, answering work at home questions, sorted through tons of email, calls for two people that I have been sponsoring though have not heard from in weeks, Tweets and messages from tour takers, etc. etc. etc.; and my day was extended from not staying on schedule. Meanwhile, I had a ton of questions that I could have simply referred someone to a blog to review had I been more organized about blogging.

It Promotes Organization Of Information & Blogging Helps People Other Than You!

It made me realize that I have become one heck of a juggler, though not a magician. Also, that I better update my other blog regularly because some of those questions could have been answered by simply providing them links to posts. I understood more than ever that blogging is not just about marketing, it has many purposes but today’s major lesson was that my blogging can help people other than me. This is not only in obtaining the information they need, but also in becoming independent learners.

Blogging can help people other than you.

Lets start the 2009 New Year off right with fresh new SEO marketing strategies, fresh new attitudes about recession proof business plans, and this FRESH NEW WEB 2.0 SEO INTERNET MARKETING BLOG. I am all about learning and sharing. Blogging is a great way to educate one another. Despite the state of the economy, 2009 is going to be an exceptional year for online marketers. With Social Media Marketing, Organic SEO and Internet Marketing, there is so much potential for growth and creative freedom. It is time to plan, tackle goals and share the processes of how to “make it work” with people in who are new to the Internet – especially all of my online friends and Pittsburgh businesses trying to get a jump on Internet Branding Success & Marketing concepts before the current state of the economy really begins to set in. Thankfully The Rivers Casino is coming soon – right?  They say that the recession has not hit Pittsburgh as badly as in other areas, though the launh of this casino will help. I have already seen the toll on many businesses and households worldwide. It is said that this not the depression of the 30s, but it is getting worse. Those who have lost jobs RECESSION PROOF YOUR LIFE before it catches up with you! This is an excellent time for Pittsburgh Businesses to learn how to better position your company in Google.  It is also the perfect time for families to learn how to make extra money by working on the Internet. You can still experience the life abundance and fulfill dreams.

With this said, I hope that you are ready to share and implement fresh Web 2.0 Marketing Strategies by Pittsburgh SEO. I am an organic SEO expert that specializes in Social Media Marketing and Aggressive Internet Marketing Strategies. DON’T LET ANYTHING STOP YOU IN THIS  2009 NEW YEAR!

Subscribe To This New Blog & Fresh Web 2.0 Marketing Strategies. Pittsburgh SEO, Internet Marketing & Social Media Optimization.

HOW TO GET FREE ORANGE LEADS & ADVERTISING

Check out this Orange Leads video for an example of how one facet of the service works.

Why Orange Leads Is One Of The Best Free Leads & Advertising Networks?

A few months ago, I was invited to join a website called Orange Leads. At that time, I was just getting re-established in the WAH industry and playing around with off site SEO strategies that could expedite exposure for people marketing mirror sites. Regardless, I joined and Orange Leads is now one of my favorite viral advertising and business leads resources. In fact, I think it is the best free leads and advertising communities for marketing products, services, affiliate programs, direct marketing and even representing clients that service these industries. Recruiters and Entrepreneurs worldwide are starting to juice up on the fresh Orange Leads concept.

ORANGE LEADS HELPS PEOPLE WHO ARE …

- Struggling to make money online?

- Need to advertise affiliate affiliate programs or home business?

- Want to give their team free leads to get started in their business.

- Tired of paying a lot for leads, PPC and other online advertising?

Orange Leads is a SEO friendly Internet marketing site that can help you improve business from the day you start.

THIS IS HOW ORANGE LEADS WORKS

How To Get Your Free Orange Leads:

• Register for a free Orange Leads membership.
• Check your mailbox for the confirmation email.
• Login to your Orange Leads account.
• You are now on the Control Panel page. Scroll about 1/4 ways down the page.
• Click on one of the two free leads buttons or the Orange space in between.Clicking on either one of the buttons will provide you with 7 free email leads or 1 free phone lead every 2 minutes. Or you can click the orange shaded area between the 2 button and get 30 free leads an hour. You can store them in a contact manager that is included in the service.

NOTE: As a free member, you can store up to 30 leads in your contact manager. As an Orange Leads Premium Member, you can store an unlimited amount of Free Leads in your contact manager. Either way, this feature permits you to keep notes on the details of your leads, schedule call backs and you can search for leads by name, gender and geographical location.

How To Get Your Orange Leads Free Advertising:

There are several ways to get free advertising with Orange Leads.

• Each day, you will submit a text or graphical advertisement to the entire network.
• Each day, you can submit an image or text ad to your personal network. (Your personal Orange Leads referrals).
• Your website, Twitter and Orange Leads blog link will display on your profile in both the Public Chat Room (24 hours a day access).
• You will have a personal profile page to advertise your business, service or product. The members of Orange Leads can find you by keyword and search phrases that you have in your description.

THERE ARE EVEN MORE EXCEPTIONAL FEATURES OF ORANGE LEADS! (Videos Coming Soon!)

How To Set Up Your Free Orange Leads Blog

How To Use Orange Leads Free Text Ads Service (Like Google Adsense But Free & Viral)

How To Make Money With Orange Leads (Get Paid Cash Daily)

Why Orange Leads Is One Of The Best Free Leads & Advertising Communities

No Longer The Limousine Lady … Always The Pittsburgh SEO Lady

Like Limousines? I met a lot of great limousine company owners of the years. Unfortunately, the 2008 market crash, has the limousine industry suffering. Some are still doing well, though many were forced to go out of business, too. Just a mess.

I have received quite a bit of calls and emails since my stepping away from the network.

I do apologize to all limousine companies, I am now taking time for further development and just working with a few companies.

BIG HUGS to all of you. Thank you for keeping in touch.

I will certainly make direct referral to the limo rental companies that ROCK.

Don’t forget to tell them that Pittsburgh SEO Lady sent you!