3 Steps to Finding the right SEO Packages

Step 1: In choosing the right SEO packages, consider how much ROI you want to make for your company. Find the product or service that you want to sell and how much money you expect in margin from those services/products.

Step 2: Find out from the best SEO company you can find, how many people geographically per month are searching for your service or product. Multiply those searches by 1% or a conservative  “clicks expected” estimate.

Step 3:  Figure out “clicks expected” in step 2 and customer conversions to sales (maybe your site conversts 50% of your website visitors?). Multiply that by the “margin expected on average for each customer who clicked on your site”.

Usually, companies spend approx 20-30% of their budget on marketing. I would expect that 20% should be spent on SEO if you are looking for the majority of leads via the internet. Typical SEO services for 15-20 keywords cost >$2000.  Expect to pay at least that for a 3 month SEO campaign if you want results!

Final Tip: Make sure your the SEO company you are thinking of employing is an expert in marketing, not just web design, and can work towards step 1-3, before deciding on the right SEO package for your company. There are many companies that claim they can do SEO, but they don’t look out for your ROI in steps 1-3. Think of it this way – You wouldn’t go with a plummer to install your lights necessarly. You get the point.

 If you are looking for a company that is willing to put it’s mony where it’s mouth is. Go with this Toronto web design company that offers a money back guarentee in Google/Yahoo 1st page placement.

Tags: best SEO, seo company, SEO packages, Toronto web design
Posted in Ask an SEO Expert | No Comments »

Launching a website – oversee or overkill?

DIY e commerce websites are time zappers

Trust Toronto Web Design – SEO Packages – See More

Best SEO Company

About five years ago I attempted to start my own e business and thought I was on the “front line” but, after about two years of struggling over my e commerce website, I discovered I was “in the trenches”. As a new business owner, I thought building my own website was cool – a cost and time saver. If I had thought clearly, had a bigger budget and knew then what I know now – I would have outsourced the work.

Concentrate on What You Do Best!

I am a good marketing web designer and I was very good at selling GPS equipment but after five years of working on my e commerce website day in and day out, and, search engine optimizing the site, I still could not figure out how to compete with BassPro for GPS sales. What I do know is I should have concentrated less on cool web design, pretty graphics, the “wow factor”, shopping cart integration and payment gateways. I needed to spend more time understanding my customers’ needs and competitor flanking. I can honestly say I have learned a lot – run, don’t walk to your customers!

First Time Marketing Web Designer Beware!

The statistics prove 1 out of 5 businesses will make it after 5 years of being in business. Today, with the economy in such bad shape, I am sure the stats will be even worse. To be successful you have to ask yourself the question “what am I best at?” If it is not maketing web design, let the experts do it. Stay away from “do-it-yourself” websites, and stop the overkill on web aesthetics – your site needs sales – not “flashy” wow stuff to impress friends.

Fast time-to-market innovations in web include SEO “search engine optimization” and experts are “geeked out” on SEO; and it ‘s not for the faint at heart starting “in the trenches”. Beware of do-it-yourself SEO – by the time you figure it out, Google and other search engines have determined your tactic and are probably spamming 6 months from now.

My advice is: 1. Hire a good small business web designer in your industry 2. Find an even better web analyst to track web phase results 3. Get a fantastic SEO copywriter 4. Find someone that has all the above and who loves web optimization tactics.

Let a small web design business help you if it’s not your “cup of java”! Sit back with a cup of Java and a prospect list – do sales!

About the Author: Dana Labrie is a full services marketing expert keeping an eye on SEO. click here to learn more about web tactics from her website. Agency web designer Toronto.

Tags: best SEO, seo company, SEO packages, small web design business, Toronto web design
Posted in Ask an SEO Expert | 24 Comments »

Bell Portable Internet Review

I had a chance to review the Rogers Rockets Stick in my last post I wanted to do a comparison of the Rogers Rocket Stick and Bell Portable Internet sold here in Canada. If you have not read my “Rogers Rocket Stick” review, please see it on my main blog.

My findings were interesting, since both products are fairly good especially for a search engine optimizer like myself having to work on the Internet quite frequently and using a ton of bandwidth (www.marketinglaunchinnovations.com).

The Rogers Rocket Stick is fantastic if you don’t have access to a wall power cord connection (or DSL/Cable connection) – this means you can travel to client meetings and use your own computer (and show results to client – e.g. like for my business – how well are my client sites optimized for Google on the spot).

If you find yourself needing to meet clients in restaurants and other places that are remote without a WiFi connection or wireless connection, the Rogers Rockets Stick is a fantastic option. Additionally, I find myself in my client’s business offices showing them my computer info, vs the info on their computer. It’s easier for me to show and tell from a laptop vs their “base station” computer and huddling around a laptop is easier than a clients sometimes “cluttered desk”.

In my previous post I had indicated that the Rogers Rockets Stick didn’t work as well in remote locations previous to a hardware upgrade last fall of 2009. Since I received my replacement upgraded Rogers Rocket Stick as fall of 2009 (which most customers received as a replacement upgrade in Ontario) the rockets stick works fantastic in remote locations including the cottage where the Rogers communication towers are very far away (miles – across the Ottawa River) and additionally my cottage is nestled in towering pine trees which could interfere with the Rogers tower signal. However, the Rocket Stick was able to overcome these obstacles and see over the trees (No pundit intended). It now works fantastic at the cottage and in restaurants in rural and urban areas for example.

Bell Portable Internet has been a fantastic option for me as a primary internet connection since it is a less expensive substitute for the Rogers rockets stick (it’s a fixed price per month versus variable price based on usage). My delta with the Rocket Stick is approx $50 more than Bell’s Portable Internet in high usage months. Therefore using a mix of the 2 is good for me and more economical. The Rogers rockets stick charges based on bandwidth use whereas Portable Internet by Bell has a flat monthly fee; and as a bonus for now, unlimited usage at a flat rate of about $50 inc. taxes. This is a fantastic option for somebody like myself that uses a ton of internet.

Since I own an Internet based business, relying heavily on high-speed Internet is key. Since my office is in a rural location – I have been told by the major providers (Bell/Rogers) no cable or DSL infrastructure can be put in place (other internet options). The only option in Canada for rural users like myself is to use either a Rogers Rocket Stick, Bell Portable Internet (until they start building more homes/businesses around me – to make it worth it for Bell/Rogers to build DSL/Cable connection) or Satellite Internet (which is cost prohibitive at least for me).

The advantage and disadvantage of Bell Portable Internet is as follows (see my previous post about Rogers Rocket Stick to get more info on Rogers Rocket Stick)

Advantages of Bell Portable Internet compared to Rogers Rockets Stick

• less expensive than the Rocket Stick’s variable price plan based on usage (up to $50 per month less if high internet user)
• unlimited bandwidth usage (for now maybe – it’s a steal until Bell catches on?)
• faster speeds when weather conditions are optimal, and less “dropped internet”
• faster speeds when “tree leaves” are not blocking signal – e.g. fall/winter
• faster login/Internet and connection (no login for Bell)
• quick delivery of hardware upon sign-up
• less likely hood of damaging unit (since it sits stationary most of the time)
• easier service (replacement) if unit if damaged (not working)
• ability to bring unit to cottage etc. with “electricity outlet”

Disadvantage of Portable Internet compared to the rocket stick

• less reliable in bad weather
• hard initially to configure (to find “ideal” location in house to catch “the best” signal), but once you find it, good for lifetime of unit
• less reliable in spring/summer due to trees/leaf growth blocking signal
• no ability to bring to “non power outlet” site e.g. restaurant/bar/outside
• larger bulky unit and requires cables (Rogers Rocket Stick is as small as 3 inches x 1 inch), for example it’s tough to just throw it in your nap-sack and go since it’s ~1foot by 1 foot and has cables
• can’t use outside if no electricity outlet
• more tedious also to set up if you have to move it regularly since you have 2 long cables: electricity cable and internet router cable (if you go wireless, has to be connected to router all the time; or your computer if you are not plugged into a router). Additionally, you may loose your “best signal” spot to position the unit.
• no US coverage if you take the unit with you to the US

All in all I use a mixture of the 2 for my business. All winter and fall I use only Bell Portable Internet (since my business is in a thick overgrowth forest – spring/summer I get a lot of signal interference). If your home or business does not have much “interference outside” you are going to love it all year round. I believe the signal is based on a visible signal to the tower so should be positioned by a window or facing a window…

I have approx. $300 in savings in cold months (compared to using the Rogers Rocket Stick). In the spring and summer I tend to use the Rocket Stick 50% of the time (especially when the weather is bad – e.g. lots of overcast/rain/fog). I use the Rocket Stick in warm months at a low variable usage, and only on the days where my Portable Internet is not getting a signal. And obviously the biggest advantage – The Rogers Rocket Stick is a good travel internet substitute (to meetings and even travel to the US). Therefore my variable price (the lowest you can get for the stick including taxes) is approx. $50 inc. taxes if I don’t use it full time (5 days a week) for my business. Beware however if you travel to the US, call Rogers first and let them know you are traveling since I got charged a little more for roaming.

In summary, you want both in my opinion. They both serve different purposes and compliment each other:

Rogers Rocket Stick – If you want to be truly portable in North America/Rural and Urban/Inside and Outside and anywhere you can get cell phone coverage (even a boat) it’s an awesome little technology wonder. And as a good backup if your other internet goes down. But beware, it can be more expensive if used as a primary internet source if you use a ton of internet usage. If you are a casual internet user – expect to pay minimum $50 inc taxes every mo. (even if you hardly use it).

Bell Portable Internet – If you want an awesome, fast, inexpensive unlimited internet option to Cable/DSL – Bell Portable Internet is great and just as fast (if not cheaper even in Urban locations). Not to mention, you can use it in rural areas, without Cable/DSL and take it to the cottage or places you think you will be for a while if those places have low outside interference (e.g. thick forest and tree leaves blocking signal).

Both Bell and Rogers have a great return policy. So I suggest, buy one or both and try them out – especially in the month you activate the unit (use it for the first time) if you think you are traveling to the cottage. Bring the unit(s) you. Just to make sure they both work in your “temp” location.

Tags: bell portable internet, portable internet stick, rogers portable internet stick, rogers rocket stick
Posted in Internet Reviews | 4 Comments »

Rogers Rocket Stick – Remote Internet – Internet Reveiws

Working in a  rural area I own my own website building business, specializing in Search Engine Optimization has me really needing good internet. I have had the chance to try 2 remote internet technologies: Rogers Rocket Stick (wireless mobile internet) and Bell Portable Internet (electricity wired portable internet). They are both 2 competing technologies for rural locations. In layman terms, the Rogers Rocket Stick transmits internet via a non cable/DSL/Sattellite/WiFi technology and does not have to be plugged into an electricity outlet. It is powered by your USB port, and looks a lot like a memory stick – Bell/Telus and Rogers all have the technology.  It transmits information via an internet digital signal via cell phone technology so it’s not as fast as high speed Rogers. This means, anywhere you get a wireless signal via a blackberry or cellphone for example, you should get a internet signal if you own a Rogers Rocket Stick.  After taxes my bills for up to 3GB is approximately $65 – you can get variable plans up to 5GB. Bell Portable Internet is my backup and just got it in the mail last week. So I will further post after I have a chance to use it a bit in upcomming weeks.

The pros of the Rogers Rocket Stick having used it now for 8 months are: rated 1-10 – 10 being the best

• Loading and download speeds (7)  – note: speedtest internet Sattellite will always win, then Cable/DSL/WiFi
• Price compared to Cable/DSL (8)
• Price compared to Sattelite – (priced at $100/mo.) (9)
• Texting (6) – note: I give it a 6 since you have to be on the internet to see your text messages, and you get a unique phone number which your friends need to remember in order to text you. I don’t use it much.
• Coverage in remote Canadian locations (8), note: before the Rogers infrastructure upgrade in Sept. 09 - was a (3) – so if you owned a stick before then,  it’s so much better.
• Coverage in restaurants and closed areas (3) - however since the upgrade in Sept. 09 I have not tried it in a restaurant yet – will know and update my post when I try it again.
• Coverage in the US (9)
• Travelling to the US pricing plans (9)

The cons of the Rogers Rocket Stick having used it now for 8 months are: rated 1-10 – 10 being the best

• Cost compared to DSL / Cable (7)
• Cost due to bandwith used for streaming music and large files download – e.g. Sirius Sattellite Internet and downloading big files(3)
• Reliability in new areas not tried before (6)
• Ability to use on multiple devices (2)
• Breakability (3) note: due to portability it can be broken especially the USB jack or lost

Summary of pros and cons: in general this is an amazing little compact technology. Especially if you live and work in a rural location where there is no DSL/Cable running to your business/house. It’s next to impossible to convince DSL/cable providers to put a line in just for you unless 100s of people and businesses in your location (e.g. w/in a 5-10 mile radius) are needing it. I’m about to join an internet council for my location to convince the city to convince telecom providers to install cable/DSL infrastructure (but that will be another post topic soon). Rogers Mobile Internet is a good technology for the money and in my opinion can even be used as a replacement for DSL/Cable especially if you travel and work on the road alot – it’s the best value but you might comprimise speed a little. I was impressed with how little it cost for me to get a plan to use it in the US at a $10 upgrade per months.  Upon my return, the bill after using it for 2 weeks was only $10 extra (I thought there might be a catch but no, but as long as I didn’t go over my alloted 3G usage I was good). This is amazing since my Telus Blackberry phone after 2 weeks and paying a $40 US roaming plan was $400 upon my return (shocker).

The only issues I had with the Rogers Rocket Stick were before Rogers upgraded its stick to I believe they told me a Nokia infrastructure/hardware in August of 2009, the internet did go down 1-2 x per day, and didn’t work at the cottage in Rural Quebec. It is a viable option now for vacation internet. Where my friend that had Bell Internet Stick that used it at my cottage did work. After polling the cottage community: some said Telus worked but Bell/Rogers didn’t, some said Bell worked but Rogers/Telus didn’t, some said Rogers worked but Rogers/Telus didn’t. It was rumoured that depending on how many trees block the wireless tower you relied  on, would indicate how well and which branded technology worked (e.g. the Rogers tower might work, but the Telus tower might be too far and blocked by too many trees).  Now our cottage has some of the biggest pine trees in Canada being Norway Pines and the Ottawa river spanning the towers. But now after trying the new upgraded stick  (Rogers did this for all users that had a stick prior to Aug 2009, if you got your stick after then, you are on the new upgraded stick) it works very well at the cottage. So in summary, those that had a stick and a bad experience with it prior to Aug 2009, the bugs are fixed. The only other issue I had was upon going to a restaurant where  I had a presentation, I could not get the stick to work. However this was pre-Aug. 2009 upgrade. I will be trying out the stick over the next week in restuarants to see if the bugs have been fixed with the upgrade and repost my findings. I ended up getting Bell Portable Internet, and am about to activate it as a backup to my Rogers Rocket Stick since I broke my stick a month back. I realized I needed internet backup since my web development business came to a standstill without internet. PS I learned if you can’t get internet – the best places to get it free is your local library  and some coffee shops (but in Canada, it’s harder to find coffee shops with free wireless internet – the US has them everywhere).

In general after the upgrade of Aug 2009, my stick  works very well and I’m impressed with the service. If I were able to give it an overall satisfaction rating, I would give it a (9). It’s still not as fast as DSL/CABLE but I work on websites and am downloading and uploading all day long so I would be called an “above average user” and I still this it works very well. There is a minor delay when trying to access a website (1-2 second compared to DSL/cable) but that’s not bad compared to the fact that the payoff is greater – being able to use it for my own rural home internet 24×7, client sites, for presentations, on the road in my car, at the cottage and really it’s one of 2 options available for me at the moment. The other 2 being Portable Internet which plugs into the wall  (which I will compare in my next post since I just purchased it - check back) and  Sattellite (which is too expensive).

If anyone has other experiences with Sattellite, Portable Internet etc. please share your experience.

Cheers!
Dana

Tags: portable internet stick, rogers portable internet stick
Posted in Internet Reviews, Uncategorized | 312 Comments »

How to Make SEO Sizzle – The Key to Finding Right Keywords can be Daunting to a Beginner

Wanted to share this super nice note from a prospect.  When I asked her how she currently does SEO for her website, she gave me this note. Notes like these remind us of the reasons we started a web design agency (and later an SEO authority blog).  And, she brings up important points:

“a few people have asked me exactly how i made the SEO sizzle throughout my website, so i thought it would be nice to share.

first i put the raw keyword into a pot of cold water, brought it to a boil. simmered it for about 20 minutes.

pulled out the keyword and ran it under cold water until it was cool enough to touch.

used a small algorithm and trimmed the outer layer (i.e. taste buds, etc) and removed competitive words from the bottom.

sauteed HTML code and Alt Images until they were a bit soft, added to keyword to the pan. browned the keyword a bit.

added enough water and stock to cover the keyword and brought it to a boil.

once boiling i removed everything from the heat and transferred it into a covered oven safe dish.

cooked it at 350 for about two hours, turning it every 30 minutes.

sliced the keyword and served it with the broth, carrots, and onions.

enjoy. 

Maddie”

Can you identify what recipe she was attempting to sizzle up? The first correct answer gets dinner on me!

Tags: seo company, SEO packages, Toronto web design
Posted in Ask an SEO Expert | 241 Comments »