Good article from Chris Silver Smith on the problems getting listed in Google Local without a physical address. I’ve been keeping an eye on this and will be interested to see how Google address this in the future.
Ask Kalena’s Short History of the Search Industry
For those of us that have been in the search engine optimisation industry from the beginning this is well known. For those that think search = Google Kalena Jordan has put together a great history of the search industry. Enjoy!
Web Design Case Study: Williamstown Psychology
Williamstown Psychology is a psychology practice based in Williamstown, Melbourne.
Brief
Williamstown Psychology needed a website that would provide potential clients with information about their practice and services in an informative and sensitive way. It needed to provide detailed information on the issues they addressed and help potential clients feel comfortable and confident in contacting them.
The website also needed to attract visitors searching for help on a variety of psychological issues in and around the Williamstown area.
Solution
I worked closely with Williamstown Psychology to develop a website strategy that would meet the above brief. We decided to create sections on the services they offer and details of the practice as well as creating a Frequently Asked Questions section to address the more commonly asked questions they receive. In conjunction with Williamstown Psychology we created content on all of the issues they addressed and also ensured it was optimised for the search engines.
I developed a calming colour scheme based on the colours of their corporate identity and use nature photos again for their relaxing feel.
Outcome
The website has been an enormous success and Williamstown Psychology has had to employ additional staff to meet the increased demand for their services which they directly attribute to the website.
Visit the Website
Google Maps Australia Updates Navigation and Interface
Google Maps has improved the directions user interface with the aim of making it easier to understand requesting directions and then following them. Barry Schwartz over at Search Engine Land takes us through the changes with before and after pics.
Have you noticed the changes? How do you find them?
Google Rolls Out Place Search
Google has officially rolled out the new presentation of their local results called Place Search. For all the details read Greg Stirling’s piece New Place Search Shows Google’s Commitment To Local at Search Engine Land.
Google Local To Become More Transparent
Google has said the company is making location more “transparent” or more obvious to users so that you can control your location settings more easily. I can’t see it as yet but apparently they’re rolling it out and it’ll be available in more than 40 languages soon. [Read more]
Happy 12th Birthday Google
Can you believe Google is celebrating it’s 12th birthday. It seems like only yesterday I first gave it a whirl. Back then Alta Vista was the search engine of choice and Google was a spelling mistake when trying to type goggle in a rush. My how things have changed. Happy Birthday Google. Thanks Search Engine Land
13 Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Local SEO Consultant
Andrew Shotland has written a great piece on choosing the right local SEO consultant to work on your website. It’s well worth a read before you take on any Local SEO consultant to work on your site.
Business Blogging is on the Increase
eMarketer reports that the number of companies blogging is on the rise. One-third of U.S. companies currently have blogs and that’s set to increase to 43% by 2012. I’m a huge fan of the business blog. It is a powerful way to communicate with your customers and helps your SEO efforts in the process. Based on my experiences I expect to see similar increases in Australia.
Google Launches Small Business Blog
Google launch their small business blog.