Your Host: Jill Whalen [jill@highrankings.com]
________________________________________________________
~~~IN TODAY'S ADVISOR~~~
*Introductory Comments:
----> Yes, You Do Want to Read the Twitter Article!
*Guest Article:
----> Is Twitter for the Birds?
*This Week's Sponsors:
----> SEO Training Class – Oct. & Nov. Classes Now Available
----> Search Marketing Training Videos
*Stuff You Might Like:
----> Save $10 on "Writing With Keywords" (Offer expires quickly)
*Advanced SEO Forum Thread of the Week:
----> Reverse DNS to Find All Your Sites
*Advisor Wrap-up:
----> Google Dance Next Week!
________________________________________________________
SEO Training Class – Oct. & Nov. Classes Now Available
________________________________________________________
Are you struggling to understand which SEO techniques will give you
the biggest bang for your buck?
An in-person training class led by 13-year SEO veteran Jill Whalen
is exactly what you need.
Join 5 of your peers as we sort out your most pressing SEO issues
and explain exactly why your website is not performing as it should.
Reserve your seat now:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-FAVMAeT5k1OF2%403540592-uyWaI.xMLuyJw
______________________________________________________
~~~Introductory Comments~~~
Hey everyone!
I've got a great guest article for you today on the social community that is Twitter. I hear you saying, "I've heard of Twitter and it's not for me." You are exactly who needs to read the article. Seriously. Read it. – Jill
~~~Search Engine Marketing Issues~~~
Today's guest article comes to us from my friend and long-time HRA subscriber Jim Spencer, founder of JBS Partners ( http://m1e.net/c?86763832-qlu9lEfZDsqzE%403540593-f7Y5MkWqvnMSw ) – a website design and marketing firm in Winchester, MA, that serves small business and solo entrepreneurs. I met Jim in person at a SEMNE (Search Engine Marketing New England http://m1e.net/c?86763832-5CcDew37kj/EI%403540594-P1jtCO2rUBg.s ) event. Since then we've kept in touch at other events, including our SEO Lunch and Learn last month:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-1HPhvKJgjpRaw%403540595-3qzYABnA4nnmk
It was at the luncheon where we got to talking about Twitter, as I had seen a lot of "Tweets" from Jim there. As he began to tell the group about his Twitter experiences, I realized it would make a great article for the HRA, because I'm pretty sure many of you have either not tried Twitter yet, or perhaps tried and thought it was "for the birds."
If you fall into either of those categories, or even if you're a Twitter pro, I think you may learn something from this article. I know I did!
So without further ado, take it away, Jim...
++Is Twitter for the Birds?++
I surely thought so after creating my Twitter account back in early 2007. As an entrepreneur, I find that time and resources need to be well targeted and purposeful. I could see no purpose as I stared at the blank screen. This was not a resource for me.
Today, I can confirm both customer and colleague relationships initiated through Twitter as well as many friendships and even money in the bank. Here is how that all changed, after a Twitter primer.
What is Twitter?
Twitter falls into the category of social media applications. This communication tool allows you to keep in touch through short messages that can be sent to many people instantly.
You can update three ways: to all subscribers, directed to one person, or sent privately to one person. Updates are 140 characters maximum. (As a reference, the text immediately preceding this parenthetical note is 139 characters long.)
When you first open your account you are missing the most important component of a useful Twitter account – people whom you follow and people who follow you.
How do you find people to follow?
Below are six suggestions for finding people to follow, but first a little business-focused contemplation. Think about your purpose and motive. This will help you focus on following the right kind of people. Two important business questions are:
Do you want to follow people with similar interests, in the same industry?
or
Do you prefer to develop a group of followers who will benefit from your products or services and possibly hire you?
Most people tend to reciprocate followers, so keep the Golden Rule in mind. Follow the kind of people whom you want to be followed by.
1. Follow a couple of people you know, such as the person who introduced you to Twitter. Follow me @fairminder. http://m1e.net/c?86763832-JmzcZl87yC7PQ%403540596-Oy6/Zu8Lg2frY
2. Follow their friends. Observe conversations and then choose new followers from among the people others are talking with.
3. Upload your contact list to Twitter to find people on Twitter whom you already know. Follow #2 above again.
4. Visit this site: http://m1e.net/c?86763832-MZO0gktQT4Jt.%403540597-fEM1LjK9HUH4%2e
It lists all kinds of Twitter folks according to special interest.
5. Search on Twitter for your city or town name along with the state, and review profiles to find new people to follow.
6. Visit this site: http://m1e.net/c?86763832-DjdYEMU8KNlTQ%403540598-kTptcS7.SiYVI
It's a more advanced twitter search site.
Number 2 above is a successful method because it includes some measure of social validation as you move from friend to friend of friend, rather than guessing whom to follow. You know the old saying, "Birds of a feather flock together"? It really does apply here.
What should you say?
Twitter is a microcosm of life and has the potential for an equally wide range of subjects to be shared.
Feel free to jump in and send an update to someone in response to an update that you read. Or simply answer the question that Twitter poses: "What are you doing now?" Keep it interesting and related to the purpose and motive you established earlier. What you read on Twitter may inspire you to start a new conversation.
Here is a small sampling of what you may find or contribute on Twitter.
* Breaking news – News of the Chinese earthquakes hit Twitter long before traditional news outlets.
* Interesting links to a photo, audio, video, website, blog, forum post and more.
* Local meeting information – I enjoyed many meetings discovered on Twitter.
* Messages of encouragement – Tragic personal news can generate condolences from around the globe.
* Absolute rubbish – Not so interested that there are now three spiders on your wall.
* Tech help – Many have received answers to tech questions right away.
* Friendship – A listening ear, someone who will respond.
* Weather updates – Timely, accurate reports from far and near.
* Affinity groups – For example, fitness groups encouraging each other.
* Sports scores – We love those Red Sox.
* Reviews and recommendations – Comments on books, movies, products, etc.
* Directions – You are likely to get a helpful reply from a local.
* Polls – Simple polls that gather interesting information.
* Discounts and special offers – People and companies send out both.
So what happened with me?
I followed people, wrote updates, joined conversations, offered sports scores and website-related advice, asked for technology help and sought out talented people to help serve the needs of my clients. It was especially fun when I later met Twitter friends in real life. Now the Following and Followers numbers on my account are approaching 1,000.
What most people seem to be interested in is how money was made through Twitter. It began by sending a helpful update that was well received.
Shannon sent an update that said, "Hey, check out this website I just designed." I did and then sent along a few suggestions for improvement. Shannon said he really appreciated these suggestions. Keep in mind that his update was not directed at me and I didn't know him then. It simply went zipping by at a time when I was "on Twitter."
In fact, he asked me to be an advisor on his next project. I agreed and he was so pleased that he paid me 50% more than he had originally offered. He subsequently went so far as to write an unsolicited blog post recommending my services. Wow, all this born out of 140 characters.
As the conversation expands, it is not out of the ordinary for it to move from Twitter to email, IM, telephone and in-person meetings.
Initially Twitter did seem like it was for the birds. I understood Twitter no more than I can understand the birds outside my window right now. Friendly folk on Twitter and in real life showed me otherwise.
I hope that you will also learn that Twitter is not for the birds, but a valuable tool for your business and social tool box. Come join the conversation! I promise to reply.
Jim Spencer
JBS Partners
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-q8WqwcuPhIaaw%403540593-.UbSYrq7ZR7/E
"Fairminder" on Twitter: http://m1e.net/c?86763832-0ibs2FebKB.pw%403540596-UBvRuRbgTrsMk
[Jill's comment: Thanks, Jim! My Twitter experience has been similar to Jim's. I think hardly anyone can grasp its potential the first few times they try Twitter. Most of us had to be convinced by other tweeters to give it another try, as well as to hear some of the ways in which it was useful and valuable. My hope is that you will give Twitter a 2nd or 3rd or 4th try after reading this article and have a better understanding of how you can use it. Oh, and please feel free to follow my Tweets at:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-whzHqE9MteVqI%403540599-DF7nzcGT1YYTA
I'm up past 1,000 followers and it would be cool to hit 2,000! – Jill]
Share your comments and thoughts here:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-r3m9KdvN0KjeY%403540600-pKI38K4jnMtqQ
~~~Stuff You Might Like~~~
++Save $10 on Writing With Keywords++
So, I'm a total toad! In the last newsletter, I mistakenly sent Karon's special discount offer on the latest version of her "Writing With Keywords" book only to the "text-only" newsletter subscribers and not to the HTML ones...duh. Since the HTML readers make up more than 2/3 of the readers, Karon has agreed to extend the offer through this week.
Here's what Karon wrote, for those 2/3 of you who missed it:
"I have a very special offer for your subscribers. Remember my ebook 'How to Increase Keyword Saturation (Without Destroying the Flow of Your Copy)'? Well, I've changed the name! It's now titled 'Writing With Keywords.' Why change the title? Because too many people mistakenly thought this ebook was about how to cram keywords into every possible part of your copy. As you know, that's not what it's about at all! It delivers 11 legal and easy strategies when you're writing with keywords (and thus, the new name).
"It's the same content as the original Keyword Saturation ebook, but I've added a very important chapter that I've never seen covered before. The new chapter is about the effects of punctuation and stop words on copy. You'd think the answer would be 'There is no effect.' You'd be mistaken.
"The price to everyone else will stay at $39, but for High Rankings Advisor subscribers, I'll reduce that cost to $29 from today (Wednesday, 8/13/08) until Friday, 8/15/08, at midnight, Eastern time." – Karon
So there you have it! You'll need to use the official High Rankings Advisor affiliate link to receive your discount, plus click the red link at the top of the page that says "High Rankings Subscribers Click Here."
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-3rzEYP57BRzC6%403540601-XcH40SakR.oMY
Don't forget to click the special HRA link at the top and also to act fast, because this time the deal really does end on Friday!
______________________High Rankings______________________
Search Marketing Training Videos – Available as DVDs or Download
_______________________________________________________
Can't get away for an in-person SEO training class? No worries!
Learn search marketing in the comfort of your own office via 8 full-
length SEM Training Sessions taught by the leading experts.
Receive the full 4-DVD set or download only the sessions you're most
interested in.
Sessions include SEO tips and techniques, keyword research,
copywriting, link-building, PPC, social media, analytics and more.
More info here:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-UBJfaTIbeYhQw%403540602-.P7xd.ehe8XXY
_______________________________________________________
~~~Advanced SEO Forum Thread of the Week~~~
++Reverse DNS to Find All Your Sites++
Forum member "doogie88" was looking for a website where he could do a reverse DNS lookup. See what the other forum members posted here:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-j44CPNDKedOsw%403540603-zQ/zeirQIZj16
~~~Advisor Wrap-up~~~
That's all for today!
Been busy around here still. We have our August SEO training class on Friday and are looking forward to that. Each group of 6 online marketers always brings a new perspective on things.
Then next week I'm off to San Jose for Search Engine Strategies. I'm looking forward to another Google Dance. Haven't missed one yet! If you're heading out there, I'm speaking on 3 panels on Wednesday. Hope to see you in one or more of them. Please come over and say hi, and let me know you're an HRA subscriber. It's always great to meet you!
Catch you in 2 weeks! – Jill
Looking for SEO Services, Consulting or Training?
See what High Rankings has to offer:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-HEtj.RdIkHpOQ%403540604-aeAfpE9czHS3c
Today's issue is also available online in the newsletter archives:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-hIRYSAjf4r1eA%403540605-zIB4BhI4BfrLo
If you prefer RSS/XML, please feel free to use our newsfeed here:
http://m1e.net/c?86763832-VF0L29/venM8E%403540606-QsSyavA6NicnQ
Paid sponsor ads are clearly marked as advertisements and neither High Rankings nor Jill Whalen take any responsibility for the claims made within these ads, nor the websites they point to. Paid ads do not constitute an endorsement for the products, services or companies advertising in the newsletter. Please visit our sponsors and use your own due diligence for any purchases you make on the Internet.
Switch to the HTML version, change your email settings or unsubscribe here:
http://www.listcast.com/x?u=86763832j-666875d8
--
Email list management powered by Listcast
No comments:
Post a Comment