Google Search Gets More (Or Less) Personal
Google's personalization of search results have been getting a lot more attention with recent weights placed on Google+ in search engine results page, or SERPs, especially to those who use Google+. Soon, search will get even more personal -and maybe less- personal. A two-button toggle will allow searches to dive into their social network or two experience a search with minimal personalization.
How big is this greater social weight? Google references a lot of networks in ranking, but the most prevalent are Twitter and, of course, Google+. The weight of social media on SERPs affects those logged into Google (roughly 10% from the looks of Analytics) and who have one or more connected social media accounts.
Is the takeaway for brands to hop on the sparsely populated Google+? Could this raise awareness of real-time social search to the general public -and might that be just what Bing, who ties with the more mainstream option Facebook, needs?
Read more at: Search Engine Watch - Google Launches Search Plus Your World
And from Google’s Official Blog - Search Plus Your World
Roots: The Surprisingly Interesting Marketing History of Potatoes (Abridged)
From dark chocolate to pomegranate to acai berry, adventurous modern palettes drift from one super-food craze to the next – thanks to quite a bit of clever marketing. We love them for their uniqueness, their exoticness, their nutritional promise. –Not-so-much for 18th century Europe. This the (abridged) story of the 'spud' to from dud to European staple.
In the 17th century, an Incan super-food packed with vitamins and energy (starch) began popping up in Europe- where the tuber which fueled an empire was relegated to livestock feed filler. Our lowly potato, with its toxic leaves, heathen origin and admittedly unpleasant appearance, was met with strong distaste throughout Europe. European governments, realizing the importance of the potato, each launched their own programs for promoting the nutritious spud.
Analytics Qualified!
It takes a special kind of geek to call a Google certification "a good time on a Friday night."
Talk to Your Website about CRO
Like every other employee, your website should be striving to better its ability to serve customers and increase revenue.
Some Optimism for Search Optimization – Boost Relevancy
Search engine optimization isn't the turbocharged motor that win's the race, it's the oil that helps that powerhouse run.
Whether you're talking oil or SEO, there are as many variations on the formula as there is conventional wisdom to best practices. Change at 3000 miles or 5000? Keyword metadata or none? With a motor's oil, we can test, measure and scientifically figure out the absolute best mix. With SEO, we're not so lucky.
Amazing Marketing Superpowers: (Brutal) Objective Honesty
The marketing landscape, and expectations of marketers, has changed dramatically over the past decade. A combination of a 'prove-it or lose-it' economy with the in-depth trackability of digital media has brought more emphasis to the science of marketing than ever before. While the 'Four 'P's' haven't yet lost their edge to PPC in academia's chapter one, online is quickly becoming the primary focus –eclipsing more traditional channels.
Cranes Don’t Build Patios – It’s Only The Right Solution If It Solves The Right Problem
Every task has a set of tools that can best accomplish the goal. For each task, there are usually multiple tools offering a solution -and each tool has a few intended uses.
Be wary of the contractor who brings a crane to every job. Don't be the contractor bringing a crane to every job. For tofu's sake, don't ask for a crane for every job.
The Great Content Reset
I'm a firm believer in fresh starts. While agency life at SilverTech hasn't left a whole lot of time for me to share my marketing geek-outs on this channel, I do get a few out on their digital marketing blog.
That said, my geekier and edgier content will start finding its way here, along with some extra commentary on my more 'corporate' posts elsewhere on the web.
Marketing Geek Answers
- I want to apply for @theStartupBus. Will you vouch for me by sending me an invite? via http://t.co/TagozEGL
- My answer to: What is the benefit of custom variable and how can we customize it? http://t.co/ROQUmDhM on @Quora
- My answer to: What is the best approach for tying digital metrics (visits, pageviews, etc.) directly to thei… http://t.co/wWTxAdRx on @Quora
- Congrats @AKQA on the new France office! I hear the place is pretty well lit.
Analytics Content Conversion Rate Optimization CRO Data Digital Marketing history Marketing Superpowers pr roots Sales SEO Social Media
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