Blog: Internet + Business + Community


Click-Thru Rates for Google Search Results

Posted October 9th, 2012 in Internet Marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by Matt

MODMACRO has always been an advocate of organic search optimization. That is, working to get your website ranked highly in Google’s natural (or organic) results. We continue to present organic rankings as our primary recommendation to gain long-term, valuable exposure for your business. It usually takes a little patience, but the pay-off is well worth the effort and wait. We’ve developed dozens of techniques for organic SEO, but we also recommend paid search marketing as part of a well-rounded strategy.

Paid search advertising, like Google Adwords continues to be a technique we encourage and use. But it’s important to know that people are less likely to click on paid ads – by a factor of about 7 to 1 in fact. After performing a Google search you’re presented with organic search results, and usually paid results as well. The paid ads, often referred to as pay-per-click or PPC, are presented above and to the right of the organic results.

The latest data shows that 85 – 90% of users will click on organic results, while only 10 – 15% will click on the ads. That’s an important distinction to be aware of. This statistic certainly makes the investment in organic search optimization more attractive, and strengthens the argument we’ve always presented. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that PPC is a bad idea. Given the nature of Google pay-per-click advertising, it’s okay that a smaller percentage of users will click your ads because you only pay when they do click. You’re not paying for the ads to be seen. So yes, much lower click-thru rates are common with PPC campaigns, but they still offer great ROI in most industries.

modMACRO Earns Admittance to Google Engage for Agencies

Posted March 29th, 2012 in News, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by Matt

SAN MARCOS, CA March 29, 2012 – modMACRO, a web design and internet marketing firm, today announced it has earned admittance to the Google Engage for Agencies program. Membership grants modMACRO access to exclusive Google resources and advertising coupons that can be used for client accounts. Continue reading “modMACRO Earns Admittance to Google Engage for Agencies” »

New Website for Ms Sparky Electric

Posted December 6th, 2011 in News, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Development by Matt

We recently completed a new website for Ms Sparky Electric, an Electrician in Encinitas, CA. It’s a completely new design and expanded presence. The site incorporates and extends their brand with appropriate colors, design and messaging. Although the site has only been live for about a week, it’s already doing very well in Google for relevant searches – much better than the original site.

 

Beware: SEO Cold Calling on the Rise

Posted August 18th, 2011 in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by Matt

There seems to be an increasing number of “search engine optimizers” cold calling and cold emailing every company they can find contact information for. If fact, they contact me about once a month!

The pitch is always the same. First they identify themselves as calling from a generic company name, usually something like “Data Movers” or “Search Performance” (however, upon further investigation I’ve found that this is often not the actual company they’re calling from). Then they mention that their company “works for”, “works with”, or is a “strategic partner of” Google. Sure. Then they continue to explain that there’s a great opportunity right now, for your specific business because they have “some openings on page one” of Google, Bing and Yahoo for “your products or services” in “your specific geographic area”. Really? Continue reading “Beware: SEO Cold Calling on the Rise” »

Introducing Small Business Web Packages

We’re known for working with small businesses to create tailor-made websites and information systems. But lately, we’ve had a lot of people asking for pre-packaged, simple web solutions that can be launched in a matter of days. Start-ups and smaller firms sometimes just want to get online now, for cheap, then worry about building a “real” site later.

In keeping with our small business heritage, we’ve introduced Small Business Web Packages. They’re designed specifically for start-ups and smaller firms who need a quick, inexpensive solution to web presence. They are scalable solutions that include everything you need to get started – domain registration, web hosting, and a templated website. These aren’t full-blown custom sites. They’re packaged solutions that meet an immediate need. And they start at just $30/ month. Learn more

If you build it, will they come?

Posted November 15th, 2010 in Business, Culture, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Development by Matt

Well, yes and no. If you build it, they MAY come. I’ve seen great websites that could be a resource for a broad audience, but nobody shows up. Why? Well, usually it’s because nobody knows the website is there. How would they?

Websites generally exist to convert customers, to sell them something. E-commerce sites sell products. Other sites are selling the company, building trust and encouraging visitors to hire their services. Websites are built to convert. But you can’t convert people who never see the site. If you build it, they MAY come. Continue reading “If you build it, will they come?” »

Search Engine Optimization Process

Posted September 7th, 2010 in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) by Matt

We’ve established a simple, repeatable search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Our six step process applies to both existing sites and new builds. More importantly, having a clear, visual explanation allows clients to better understand SEO.

Search engines have purposely made their ranking systems difficult to master. As a result, SEO firms are reluctant to share techniques and successes. However, clients need to be given enough explanation to feel confident that their money is going toward meaningful efforts. Publishing our process is a move in that direction. And it’s a rare occasion in the industry.

Search Engine Friendly (SEF) Websites – Tips for Business Owners

Posted August 21st, 2010 in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Web Development by Matt

Your website must be search engine friendly (SEF), whether you’ve contracted the development or you’re building it yourself. I ask clients everyday, what’s the point in having a great website if nobody finds it?

Search engine optimization (SEO) needs to be considered from the beginning of a web project. Consulting with an SEO professional is a great idea, but often overlooked or just not in the budget. It’s okay if you don’t want to pay for SEO right away. But it’s critical that you’re web developer build an SE-friendly site. This means that upon completion, your site will be in a good state to begin SEO efforts.

Some website development practices will help your SEO readiness, others will have no effect on search performance, while others will hurt your search rankings. If you plan to use an SEO professional after development you simply need to ensure the site is created in an SE friendly way. Avoid mistakes that will hurt your rankings. Remember, you’re not developing for SEO effectiveness, you’re developing to avoid SEO penalties. Here are a few basic elements to consider. Continue reading “Search Engine Friendly (SEF) Websites – Tips for Business Owners” »