The Age of Google

5 Tips on How to Stay ahead of the Google wave and not get left behind.

Written Sep 26, 2008, read 3048 times since then.

Marketing a business these days has moved into the land of ultra- techie. To live easily in this realm seems to require genetic software that was not included in my 1947 gene pool!

I consider myself to be a relatively intelligent woman and I even have an ipod that I use regularly. Mind you, I didn't purchase this until last November. Until then it seemed scary. Wow, an ipod is now beyond easy compared to understanding the Google empire. Google has become the Deity of the internet and almost overnight, my business market boundaries have stretched to the ends of the Earth, because even in the farthest corners of the planet, there is internet available somewhere.

I just read about a product called The Question Box that is used in places that are too remote to sustain a live internet link. It works by installing an intercom in a village that is linked to a nearby town where there is a computer with a live operator.

I went to a presentation yesterday by Marc, a 30ish year old geek who talked about how I would be left behind very soon if I didn't get myself set-up correctly. Gone is the simplicity of just adding the right key words to your website. This is now taken for granted. There was a traumatized 68 year old woman in the audience who seemed to grow pale as the discussion continued on. She said, " I can't handle using a computer and don't know how to update my website." She was visibly upset and I could tell she felt a bit like the Neanderthals must have felt when the Cro-Magnons began to evolve on earth. In fact, I remember that bit in the Clan of the Cave Bear when Creb saw his life path stop and Ayla's go on into the future.

I asked Marc to tell me the main five things I need to do to prepare for when Google makes its next mega-evolution, which is supposed to be happening this year. I figure I don't need to understand it all now. I just need to find someone I trust and do what he says. I'm going to share these five things with you, and possibly like me, you won't question it. You will just do it. It's all about optimizing your website and getting the right traffic to your site fast. If you have a non-local business, this is essential now that we are in 2008.

1. Stumbleupon. This is an extension of Firefox that allows people to rate each other's websites and somehow this effects your Google presence. I signed up today and don't really have a clue how it works!

2. FriendFeed. This is actually awesome as it allows you to manage all of your social networking sites at once. This assumes you have created profiles on such sites like Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter. It is a bit overwhelming but it will sink in.

3. Twitter. At first Twitter seemed like a horrible waste of time as I got scads of inane messages from people who had nothing better to do than to let us all know what they were having for dinner. I have now discovered how to use it to promote my business. I have a blog post that explains this and yes, it works. If you want to follow me, my Twitter name is "kayasinger".

4. Facebook. This is the primo social networking site. You add your profile and then get involved in Facebook Groups which helps your Google ranking.

5. Google Profile. If you have a gmail account you already have this, but make sure you add Google Analytics.

I now can breath a sigh of relief that I have completed these five tasks and I won't be left behind. Now I am wondering if I can transform my genetic makeup and actually understand what I am doing and how it all works. It could be that people of my generation who were born before television, have some important purpose right now. We hold the energies of both worlds. Just think about it!

Learn more about the author, Kaya Singer.

Posted by John Huddleston, Bellevue, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Thank Kaya. That's a good summary. It looks like I'll have to check out FriendFeed.
John Huddleston
Huddleston Tax Accountants

CPA tax preparation in Seattle Bellevue Redmond
Posted by Bliss Gurney, Bellingham, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Wow this was great, exactly the kind of info I am looking for...the tech stuff without to much techie lingo. I only new about 2 of the items so it will be helpful to put the other 3 into practice. Thanks so much for the tips. - bliss
Posted by Phil Greely, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Second time today I've had Twitter recommended to me. I'll have to check it out now. But here's my main concern with these social networking sites...no offense biznik, cause I love ya...but having tons of "friends" or linkedin contacts or even being high in google searches isn't that great if it doesn't turn into "leads" or actual business. Any practical ideas to make this happen?
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 26, 2008

Thanks for all the great comments. Phil, your concern is valid. I have found that there is a funnel that does turn into real business. People I never would have met have now visited my website and signed up for my newsletter. They get it every month and like my articles and business tools so eventually a small percentage will decide they want to take me up on my offer of a free strategy call or they buy my ebook. Those people eventually do become customers. So this approach allows you to cast a wider net. Does that make sense? I am still figuring it all out as well, but so far I have had my business increase and I am just getting started, so I suspect the potential is great.
Posted by Scott Aaron Gaul, Vashon Island, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

I have played with twitter enough to feel like it is worthless. But too many people are talking about its benefits. Based on your recommendation Kaya, I am going to try it again and think of it as a place where I can share bits of wisdom.

Phil, I have been very active on Stumbleupon and at one time was receiving more than 1000 hits a day at my website -- no new business came from it.
Posted by Bea Vanni, Raleigh, North Carolina | Sep 26, 2008

Thank you, Kaya, you gave me another push to update and start using my Facebook and all the other easy tools to make it easier to appear and share. This was an excellent, easy-to-understand article and gave me a short path to follow.
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 26, 2008

Aaron I understand how you feel about Twitter. It was the same for me until I figured out how to use it for my business. Many people use it for other reasons but to make it work for your business its all about focusing on it that way. Thanks to Christian for his advice. Check out my blog post Called Betwixt and Twitter for Business ,that gives a few suggestions.
Posted by John Huddleston, Bellevue, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

I'm no SEO expert, but I've learned a couple things. Where ever you hang out, you can get business. That can be online or at the gym. If you can get your website to show up high in searches, you'll get additional clients. Aaron's Biznik page comes up first when people search "seattle stress relief". I wouldn't think that is entered often as a search term by potential clients (forgive my presumptiveness). I don't know enough about his business to offer more searchable terms. "Real estate (location, broker, etc.)", and other similar keywords could be very profitable search terms. A high ranking from Google for these terms could lead to many clients.

John Huddleston
Huddleston Tax Accountants

CPA tax preparation in Seattle Bellevue Redmond
Posted by Matt Garry, Tacoma, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

This was a great article. I learn something new everytime I read an article on Biznik. I'm going to Friendfeed right now. Thanks for the info!
Posted by Amy Woidtke (woid-key), Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

My client Peter Chee of thinkspace told me his 3rd highest link referral source is Twitter so that got me twittering and I admit, I'm getting addicted cuz it's so easy to just type a line and send...then all your contacts keep in touch so easily and you can see what they are doing too.

I use it as promo for the bizzes I'm working with on projects, just announced a contest I'm a part of and so forth. It's win win for all...and you can respond to people's posts or ask for information, leads, etc.

SWEET!
Posted by Seth Myers, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Thanks for the post. Some interesting new tools to look at. Has anyone here had success with Google Adwords? Seems pretty powerful, but just starting to use it. I'm also another in the line of people that needs to revisit twitter (it seemed like "too much") but it's popping up in recommendations everywhere.
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 26, 2008

Seth I have dipped in to Google Adwords enough to see that it can be very expensive. It is not as easy as it used to be. The options I listed above if used correctly are supposed to be even better than Ad Words with no financial investment. Does anyone else have an opinion on this?

I am loving this discussion and it feels really supportive as I am such a newbie! Thanks to everyone who has commented.
Posted by Christien Louviere, Atlanta, Georgia | Sep 26, 2008

@Kaya @Seth, Definitely do your keyword research before buying adwords. This will help you find the most value for you dollar. If you're an Excel junkie, this will help you on your quest. Feel free to consult me if you need help.
Posted by Joanne Victoria, Silverdale, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Appreciate you keeping us up to date. So much information, hard to get to the essence of it, yet your article appears to have done so.

-Joanne Victoria
Posted by Joshua Lind, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

Thanks for this overview of some of the premier places to get connected if the web is relatively overwhelming. I have an addendum or two for your post.

StumbleUpon Like many sites, this is a way to bookmark and tag what various websites are about. The bookmark itself serves as a link back, which is an extra boost of legitimacy in the eyes of Google, Yahoo, etc.

Any time your site gets a link to it you're getting a little more street cred, which is a chief way search engines evaluate what to point to when someone clicks Search.

Facebook Groups, Google Pages, etc Creating these things, and making a post anywhere, does three things for you-- it simply provides another place for your content to be viewed, it places you inside another network that may provide more clients, and it's another strand in your overall web of online presence improve your online "ranking."

The size of the network you join and name attached to it does determine the boon you will gain, but they're all basically doing the same thing for you. And actually a better chosen smaller network can sometimes be a better move. Exhibit A: Biznik.

Actually, for some techie type SEO advice you could visit my recent blog post. ReadyDone > Blog > Search Engine Cheat Sheet
Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

I think one of the reasons social networking for business (and Twittering) works is because of what Chris Anderson described in his book, The Long Tail, as "the power of weak connections." It turns out that people who we don't know very well are the ones most likely to refer business to us, to help us get a job, etc. And using social media is a great way to build a lot of these potentially very profitable weak connections.

Follow me on Twitter - @danmccomb
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 26, 2008

Joshua

Thanks so much for dding your expertise. I will definitely check out your blog post. I was also told to do Squiddo and Hubpages. Squidoo lets you make "lens "sites. ( don't ask me to explain what that is) and you create a separate website with your article. I have done one so far but I know people who have done many! Hub pages are a way to do back links to your site. I am hoping now that I have mentioned this someone with expertise will elaborate.!
Posted by Dan McComb, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

@Josh - your italicized comment is spot on - smaller networks that are more optimized for your focus area can be a great move. For example, 93 percent of Biznik's supporting member profiles appear on the first page of Google results for either their name or their keywords.

Follow me on Twitter - @danmccomb
Posted by Barry Hurd, Everett, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

I agree with Josh, smaller networks can often be the best network.

One of the questions I asked many professionals is "how do you maintain your real world network?", I also had a conversation last night saying "if you haven't talked to someone in six months, they are not IN your network!"

Some tools and sites (like Biznik) allow for you to maintain and nurture an existing network of people you know. For instance Xobni.com is a plugin for Microsoft Outlook that tells you if people in your e-mail system are on Linkedin, but it also tells you how long ago you communicated, and to whom else they communicate with. It helps to strengthen your existing network.

The same idea is used by professional salespeople all the time- "going through your rolodex" and making contact with every single last person.

For people who "don't get it", I recommend using one or two services with expert help. Everyone can "get it", but you need to digest things in bite sized portions.
Posted by Joshua Lind, Seattle, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

It's funny that Squidoo can just come up with the name Lens when (it appears to me) you're just letting users create a blog and posts.

But really a blog, composed of posts, is really just a chronological web site anyway; just more chopped up and accessable. All of these things are repackaging the fact that posting quality information, with solid contextual linking, and getting it in front of more people, via more networks... means more readers... more connections.
Posted by Rebecca ODell, Ferndale, Washington | Sep 26, 2008

wow! I have a lot of work to do! thanks for all the great ideas.
Posted by Debra Oakland, Laguna Beach, California | Sep 27, 2008

Love your article. I had some reservations at first in joining all of the above, but the benefits have been wonderful. I have met great business people and am moving forward in different areas with many of them. I love Facebook and Twitter particularly. There are great tutorials for both by people who frequent these networking sites and from the sites themselves. Very enjoyable also. Debra Oakland
Posted by Kelleen Griffin, Berkeley, California | Sep 27, 2008

Didn't know about Stumbleupon! Thanks for that, and Josh, great post as well. I don't Twitter yet, but it seems like many of you do. I'm off to figure it out. Thanks, Kaya. Be well.
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 27, 2008

Josh Thanks for explaining Squidoo a bit more. All I now is that is supposed to provide more links and connections to your website.

Deborah- perhaps you can share some of the benefits you mention.

Kathleen- ask questions because there are lots of people here who have answers. Sometimes it is hard to ask the question and to get the answer in an easy to understand language.

I am learning heaps from all of you.
Posted by Sharon Worster, Spring, Texas | Sep 28, 2008

I'll follow you on twitter so I can find out how to use it. Thanks for the offer of help! It seems useless to me as well. ~Sharon
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 28, 2008

Sharon

Thanks for your vote of confidence! I hope I can continue to give you helpful hints. Kaya
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Sep 29, 2008

Sharon

Make sure you read my blog post on Twitter as it offers some tips on how to use it for business.
Posted by Karsten Vennemann, Seattle, Washington | Sep 30, 2008

Kaya, nice that you are picking up many of these new options. Even though I am working a lot with the web (making maps and especially online maps is my business) I don't think either - that it is essential to do all of those (you mentioned) at once, neither that internet is the only place to market nor that your business will go down it you don't have a website at all :) . It really depends on the kind of business you are doing (or products you are selling) and how you get in contact with your customers or how they get in contact with you. For me a website (in my business case at least) is just one way to get potential customers to you - in fact personally I don't expect to generate any business from there directly (I sell my consulting only - not really products), its merely a online prospectus to be able to show my work to somebody I already know usually .... Thus, for me it seems that being on all those networks (I'm on Biznik and LinkedIn only) is another way to connect with people you wouldn't have meet somewhere else. It's like playing the lottery and having bought more tickets (slightly higher chance to win). But in general in my experience the face to face contacts and really knowing customers/people, or having an established network is the most effective way to get new customers (yes some customers really spread the word about you and that's the best, most effective and free advertisement I can think of :) Also - even I'm in the gene pool of 1967 (yes I don't have even one single mp3 song in my possession) I would refrain from following everything or every buzz that Google or others will offer (a buzz is short term and fast over right?) . Especially Google is data hungry and big brother is around the corner...I will for example stay away from their new generation browser "chrome" (even though I'm sure that is will enable "web 3.0") but I don't want somebody to know what I have on my desktop...I rather will wait for Firefox (open source and not corporate) to come up with something similar till I would use something like it. Just like Google maps is not free (only as long as you stick with the terms of use you can use it in the way they want you to use it). Anyway, in short I meant to say its all depends on the way you really want/like to conduct your business. That and passion will make it successful. Karsten
Posted by Tom Gurney, Bellingham, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

Directing website traffic on Google is like directing automobile traffic in a city. The busier the city the more important direction is. You might as well choose a direction. If you can't make a decision ask for directions. Just don't sit around and do nothing.
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Oct 02, 2008

Karsten

You made some excellent points and yes- any marketing plan has to be about "your" business or it's a waste of time and energy. For me it is all about being able to decipher and understand Web 2.0 so I can decide my direction that bests fits my business. However I don't want to miss an opportunity just because I don't understand and therefore don't see the value.

I like Tom's metaphor about directing traffic and I don't want to be directing traffic on Google as much as directing it on my business. To me, Google and Web 2.0 is all a mix of tools that can be very useful depending on your business.

Directing traffic ( marketing) in my business includes some of this now, as my clients are not limited to my local area. Even the ones that are local, I have a few who I have still not met face to face.It's all been on the phone. It's a different world~

Thank you for your ideas and comments as it makes the discussion so much richer!
Posted by Debra Synovec, Seattle, Washington | Oct 02, 2008

Thanks Kaya,

This article was very usefule and took some of the mystery away for me....very useful. When it comes to the tech stuff I really feel like a fish out of water but you have definitely helped give me some guidance!

Seattle Divorce Mediator, Seattle Mediation
Posted by Marc Schilling, Lake Oswego, Oregon | Oct 02, 2008

Hello All,

This is a great discussion and I am really enjoying my time on biznik since joining.

I am Marc, the 30ish geek that Kaya referred to in the article. One of the points I would like to make on the topic is that a Web 2.0 internet marketing philosophy is one part of an overall marketing plan. Not all tools and concepts apply across the board and into everyone's business model.

Where many of the social networking applications come into value is in creating communities like this and methods to share, collaborate and communicate information. Working with twitter is a nice tool. There are hundreds of twitter apps and clients out there and if your twitter network consists of your true customer, then you efforts are directly seen by those who benefit most and in very close to real time.

Where many of us who get to work with our customers face to face to create relationships, facebook, twitter, friendfeed, squidoo and the myriad of other applications allow us to create and develop relationships with current and potential customers we can not meet face to face.
Posted by Kaya Singer, Portland, Oregon | Oct 02, 2008

Marc Thanks so much for jumping in and sharing more. I have really appreciated your knowledge and ability to communicate with me in non-techie language!

What you said here helped me to understand why all this interests me so much. I am all about creating community! Kaya
Posted by Larisa Troche, San Francisco, California | Jan 08, 2009

Hi Kaya - Great info, simply put. Generated lots of helpful comments, too. Thanks for the article.

One tool I recently discovered is useful for tracking the efficacy of your online efforts (shame on me for not noting the source), but you can set up Google Alerts to notify you when someone searches your name (as I did) or your business, etc. (www.google.com/alerts)

It's a little strange to get the email showing me when my name is searched, but on the other hand, it helps to know that all my work isn't wasted - in maintaining the multiple online profiles, that is. Still fine tuning the process, but I find it's been an interesting experiment.
Posted by Elvis Arias, Jersey City, New Jersey | Dec 15, 2011

Thanks Kaya for that brief explanation of how and what we should be doing as business owners in order to stay on top of the tech world.