Too many businesses believe that the people who come to their website are unpredictable. That they’re out of control, entirely irrational and impossible to control. This is nonsense. The people who come to your website can only read the content that you present to them. They can only click the links and buttons that you put in front of them. … Read More
Why AdWords is better than the casino
When I was a student I didn’t have much money. But once in a blue moon, some friends and I would go for a night out at a Casino. We didn’t expect to walk out with more money in our pockets than when we went in, but it was a good night, and we enjoyed ourselves. Broadly speaking, you get … Read More
“Help: 60% of my website visitors are bouncing off my main page”
Yes, this was the subject of an email I received last week. Yes, the person who wrote it gave me permission to quote him. No, I’m not going to name him. Before going further, let’s remember the difference between a bounce rate and an exit rate. An exit rate is the percentage of visits to a page that go no … Read More
How can I measure my SEO success? Start with the basics.
I often come across businesses who want to improve their performance in Google – often through organic search. Most of them use Google Analytics, and all want more traffic from Google. When we begin optimising a client’s website for the search engine/s, the process begins by getting a feel for how they’re doing so far. Apologies for the screenshots using … Read More
Why shouldn’t I trust Google?
I love Google; it has become an integral part of my life. But I don’t trust Google. Especially when it comes to AdWords. The reason? A bittersweet yet subtle mix of cunning and disinformation, fuelled by ignorance and trust.
Google looks different today
Google has changed. At least when viewing results from the US, Finland, Greece, Romania and others: It’s odd that in the UK, France, Hong Kong and other more civilised countries, we’re still seeing the old interface that suddenly looks a little dated: What’s of particular interest is that the URLs are now being displayed above the page excerpts. The same … Read More
How can I measure my SEO efforts?
There are more myths of Search Engine Optimisation than any other field of online marketing. Too many companies follow bad advice, act on incorrect assumptions and miss out on an abundance of Google-originated targeted traffic. Once the optimisation of the website is complete, mistakes often continue, with an astonishing number of businesses and individuals incorrectly measuring the results of their … Read More
The software industry may be a-changin’
I’m starting to feel that we’re about to enter interesting times. This far, the history of the software industry has been relatively straightforward: growth of computer usage, growth of PCs, growth in internet usage. All of which has been very good for software developers, with lower entry barriers, more customers and bigger opportunities. Yet all of this may be starting … Read More
Facebook advertising is a waste of money
What a stupid thing to say. Let me rephrase that: We ran a handful of experiments with Facebook advertising and the results were inconclusive. Background: We do a lot of work with Google AdWords, but Facebook really appealed, mainly due to the razor-sharp targeting. With Facebook, for example, we can target people interested in Software Development in the UK and … Read More
Is your SEO technique dangerous?
If you’re wondering whether your SEO tactics might land you in trouble, then they probably will. SEO tactics aren’t a good idea. It doesn’t matter how clever, original or discrete you think your tactic is, Google have seen it before. At best, whatever you do might work in the short term. At worst, it could get you penalised by Google. Imagine … Read More
