The 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing Blog

Google Speeds Up The Web June 17, 2011 – 12:04 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

In this video above, a Google programmer discusses the enhancements in language to their search algorithm, which speeds up the search query to handle the rise of mobile data transfers. The UI now also includes the ability to search by image pulled from your files or pages. Ad Age also notes of another innovation named Google Instant for Pages. The search giant will pre-load the predicted page in user results based on prior queries, saving approximately 10 seconds. More so than classified advertising, this new technology will drive up the value of banner advertising, as the number of impressions will rise for a user. Unfortunately, the test can only happen on the Chrome server. Holders of that portal should pass along feedback. Here’s another video.

Such an increased speed of a visual search algorithm foreshadows some developments for the future of the query experience. A future where SEO could be rendered obsolete. It should also prove advantageous for producers of video content, as load times will decrease with processor improvement. I also think that access to a wider range of personalized video content will improve, and do not be surprised if Netflix applies these tools to its query dashboard.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Content Marketing, Digital Media, Marketing, search engine marketing, Search Engine Optimization | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency, new york interactive marketing

Internet Week, Day 2: The Afternoon June 9, 2011 – 5:23 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

After an steamy, uneventful lunch break, I’m back cooling off in the main floor.

1:58:  Finding the Keys To The Kingdom:  Getting People To Use Your Product

Again, the din of a jammed crowd is affecting the panelists’ discussion.  It makes it hard to talk about their subjects in an enlightening manner. Those subjects are from startup agencies called HowAboutWe, Hashable, Fashism, and SeatGeek. They are discussing strategies for acquiring a loyal database through venerable publishers like The Wall Street Journal, using display advertising if you are an e-commerce venture, and other standard techniques. Brand partnerships with different stores are also another method of integration.

2:25: Crowd has thinned in the Pavilion a little bit.  This particular topic isn’t too stimulating.  Next year, the audio equipment needs to be upgraded. Wait, did I say that already?

2:35: The Yahoo Studios are a good place to type keywords by the finger stroke. They also have friendly hosts that engage with you about the programming.

2:58:  The Evolution Of Communication

Krystal D’Costa talks about the anthropological trajectory of communication.  She is chronicling the movement with the oracle on a general sense.  In modern times, the application represents the oracle of our human transmission of information.

3:04: First written word was the beginning of communication, etched in the 8th Century B.C.  Today, of course, we tweet each other to death. She is now talking about gesture being a method to direct sight on a primal level.

3:08: Sharing communication and transferring information was very labor-intensive, especially when etching hieroglyphics in stone.  Her argument is that at this point, communication remains a local experience shared by word of mouth.

3:11: Our ability to connect regardless of geography and mine data is still dependent on interjecting personal voice into the equation to have a satisfactory end result.  The written word is also a connecting byline of digital mass communication.  As a result, our permanent record is larger and more public. It has given power to those who would not have a voice without digital tools.  At the same time, those who may not be emotionally equipped could be challenged on their opinions.

3:24: D’Costa mentions that awkward encounters can grow.  As a result, human touch falls out of the context.  She just now quit to take questions. She did a nice job of tackling formulaic issues of the Digital Age.

4:04:  Online Advertising Is Broken. Can We Fix It?

My last panel of the day.  The panel is from assorted small startups with the moderator being from Ad Age.  They are discussing about how brands can engage through the clutter on a qualitative level.

4:07: Ari Jacoby, CEO of Solve Media, talks about his new company, Solve Media, which specializes in TYPE-IN advertising. TYPE-IN advertising is aimed to provide brand awareness and performance-based strategy instead of the murky CAPTCHA signing image.

4:15: JetBlue has delivered memorable rich media experiences in their online advertising campaigns, according to Scott Kumit (AdKeeper).

4:18: Rob Gatteo (PointRoll) feels that the automotive industry has strong vertical potential. He is also waiting for retail and newspapers to take advantage of their wide advertising budgets.

4:28: The panelists keep talking about tears and whether online advertising can grab the primal emotions of the public. Boo hoo, fellas! Cut it out.

4:35: They finally do and begin to take questions off of the Tweet roll.  I mosey on over to take inventory of the Google Digital Archaeology again.  Hey, I’m a sucker for good presentation.

As a presenter, this conference is finito! Thanks for following!

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Business News, Digital Media, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency nyc, internet week nyc, internet week yahoo

Google Adds +1 To Share, Search June 2, 2011 – 5:06 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Google has also rolled out a share content button to rival the premiere social network buttons.  As with other Google software products, the content will be mined in the search result indices.  Depending on its success, you could see a benefit for small businesses that are looking to push a strategy online through local channels.  The button has been available for web developers since March.  You can grab the code here, then affix it to your website.  The search giant also linked up with several partners, including Add This, Mashable, Huffington Post, Nordstrom, and so forth.  According to this blog entry, Google could have learned from their prior failures into social media with Wave and Buzz.

The offer from the source piece points out that Google’s +1 allows users and webmasters to be the determinant of which content reaches the top of index results.  This content, as I mentioned, could range from local businesses to music content and personal profiles.  With the advent of Google’s Cloud Music Service (still in beta), marketers can use web analytics for integration of all those users to track consumer behaviors. This author also mentioned that Google’s service portfolio is utilized by many for business or personal lines of communication.  Could the third time be a charm for Google entering the social sharing domain? Here’s a video:

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Digital Media, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, search engine marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Small Business, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency nyc, google +1, google local search, google news, seo media agency nyc

Chrome Gains Luster; 1 Out of 8 Internet Users Emerge June 2, 2011 – 4:12 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

According to CNET, Google Chrome is gaining traction as a browsing application in cyberspace.  In May, usage rose slightly from 11.9% to 12.5%, according to Net Applications.  With a wide palette of social media tools, Google has campaigned heavily online through YouTube video clips, display advertising, and event sponsorship.  

The search giant sees Chrome with the potential to sync loads of content between the desktop and mobile user experience.  The code base for Android mobile software differs, but that is not a hindrance to development.  As more content travels, then the opportunities to generate revenue from SEO will increase. Display advertising also will pick up steam as they are included with video content.  Chrome developers have left the architecture open to allow rival browsers like Firefox and Opera on their mobile platform.

As noticed with Twitter, such a democratic ecosystem can lead to roadblocks as the technology improves with research.  In this particular sector, Internet Explorer 6 remains the dominant browser on personal computers. IE6 has not been able to keep up with the explosion of mobile applications using current HTML5 language.  Therefore, the strategy is smart for the moment.  Word has filtered around that Google is developing a menu of hardware which will carry Chrome as the main browser. Until that point, the desktop browser seems largely tied to consumer knowledge of new software development. The bet is fickle, but must be monitored in order to see a market shift. Those interested in trying Chrome should click on the logo above.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Business News, Content Marketing, Search Engine Optimization | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency, google chrome, seo news

Weekly Blueliner Newsminer May 20, 2011 – 5:15 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

We are back with another edition of the Weekly Blueliner Newsminer.  Some seminal events transpired in the digital world. Let us begin.

1.  LinkedIn Accepts The IPO

LinkedIn went into the stock market this week, representing a watershed moment in social media.  The B2B portal had their shares double on the first day of trading.  After a couple years of technology valuation from leading investment bankers, LinkedIn took the plunge.  Clearly, we do not know how long their glow will last once rival companies enter the marketplace.  LinkedIn is a unique entity from other sites since they have a tiered subscription model for executives and generate revenue from online advertising.   The company will continue investing in new research and technology development over the next year. Management has already said this will jeopardize liquidity.  Many analysts are worried about this last statement becoming the standard protocol that burst this new digital age.  Capital must be reinvested for the link to be in.

2.  Amazon E-Books Outselling Print Editions

We knew that it was coming, but even CEO Jeff Bezos did not imagine the speed of this delivery.  Amazon’s E-Books are outselling the print editions.  The pioneering e-commerce retailer has branched from its roots as simply a book vendor.  But they have done a nice job in reinventing the book as a pleasure commodity.  When the iPad was released, they immediately developed a web application to use on Apple’s OS X platform.  They are also tinkering with a new Kindle that has potential to hold and transfer multimedia content. But as this Forbes writer suggests, print editions will remain relevant for the foreseeable future.

3.  Liberty Media Wants B&N

The news about the trouble book retailer has led to much speculation.  Liberty has ventures in many other forms of digital media, but not books.  They are looking to get into the e-book sector.  These analysts from the WSJ believe that they are interested in the content rights.  Again, time will tell the truth. Similar to Amazon, the race is on from book retailers to gain market share in the content segments first, then later decide on financing. Advertising on these devices can be accomplished through sponsorship.

4.  Sony Still Not Secure With Data

This story from Mashable flew under the radar since Sony was able to fix the encryption breach rather quickly.  It goes to show that companies need to be more assertive with their databases on a management scale.  I read an interesting piece somewhere that outside of the finance industry, few have a Chief Technology Office that reports to the CEO.  As personal information travels in real-time into cloud software and devices, manufacturers will have to place greater impetus on technology security. I’m pretty confident that Sony will make this adjustment after two breaches within a month.  Other firms have to be attentive to this story which still has legs.  Technology is no longer just for the highwater crowd. It is an integral part of our daily experience.

5. Nielsen purchases Brain Prober

This headline is interesting as it discusses a dynamic shift in Nielsen strategy from quantitative market research into neurosurveillance.  For some, the paranoia can be too much.  NeuroFocus is the principal creator of Brain Prober, which it alleges has an interactive cap called the Mynd which reads electrical wave transmissions. As a result, physical action can be traced to its direct routes, meaning that machines can be controlled with mere thought. Its funny that these devices were imagined in cinema and literature nearly a generation ago. Lead advertisers are brimming smiles with the economic potential. You think?

That’s the Blue News this week. See you next time.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Business News, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency, new york interactive marketing agency

Free Webinar Tomorrow! Optimizing SEO & Social Media May 18, 2011 – 4:47 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Tomorrow at 2 p.m. Eastern time will be a continuing episode in Blueliner’s Spring Webinar Series.  Participants will learn more about the value of social media marketing and search engine optimization in your digital strategy.

Social Media Marketing and Search Engine Optimization are 2 of the “7 Pillars of Digital Strategy”. They are also arguably the most important critical pillars. Many companies have built entire marketing strategies based solely on their methodology.

Social Media Marketing promise of solid ROI remain significant for years to come. It’s instant communication and now available at the pockets of millions of consumers. It allows for a direct dialogue unlike anything businesses had the ability to practice on a mass level in the past. The possibilities begin with web analytics coding metrics like customer retention, lead generation, and reputation management.

SEO is by far the most desired Pillar in digital marketing. It is the difference between a search result index on the first page or the 28th. Every website needs to be optimized for specific keywords to be found on the Internet. With search algorithms always improving, SEO is also changing and getting smarter.  At Blueliner, we take pride in our great SEO work.

Blueliner invites you to an online presentation to learn about setting up marketing plans and best practices for tackling these essential pillars.  Click here or The Black Hat to register now!

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, search engine marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Small Business, Social Media Marketing | 1 Comment »
Tags: 2011 spring webinar series, arman rousta, Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency, riyaad edoo, seo media agency, social media marketing agency

Cut Through The Content Wilderness May 16, 2011 – 5:08 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

The deluge of content in the cyberspace can leave you indifferent. It can seem formless, lacking true properties of matter. Everything can be done with a click of the mouse and return button. The amount of time is impossible to process all content to its purest context. These days, consumers are looking for distributors who have strong credibility. Validation is a key principle moving forward in our digital age.

This slideshow from Edelman is a study about the Internet’s entrance into the Validation era. Mashable Connect 2011 met with Steve Rubel, the EVP of Global Strategy and Insights to observe the shifting dynamics of authority.

The root article from Mashable also contains the Media Cloverleaf, presented as a solution for brands to gain authority. Read here to understand in greater depth the media segmentations dividing into social media, owned media, tradigital media, and traditional media.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Business News, Content Marketing, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media Marketing | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, content marketing news, digital content development, digital marketing agency nyc, new york interactive marketing agency, Social Media Marketing

Weekly Blueliner Newsminer May 13, 2011 – 4:41 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Welcome back to the Weekly Blueliner Newsminer. Let us begin.

1. Digital Partnerships Galore

I mentioned in the headline earlier this week about all the digital partnerships. Some of these include Groupon pairing with Live Nation next to Microsoft’s surprise purchase of Skype.  Microsoft’s integration of Skype bears watching. Will the business software developer throw their new SEO investments into Skype or smoothly blend algorithms?

2.  User Data Corruption

User data corruption has occurred in droves this week.  Michaels, the arts and crafts supplier, reported a hacking of credit card data from their shops this morning.  Facebook has a lawsuit concerning the unauthorized mining of user data for online advertising campaigns.  Playdom settled a lawsuit of breaching children’s data with the FTC. We don’t need to further investigate Sony’s current woes with Playstation.

Over time, it will be interesting to see how the consumer responds to these egregious click frauds. In the Michaels case, some plan to eliminate their ATM card altogether.  The thought sounds impractical, but restraint can be a positive.

3.  Flash Sale Marketplace

I also discussed the flash sale marketplace, which includes Gilt Groupe, Rue La La, and now Amazon’s MYHABIT.  Gilt submitted a valuation, and analysts are skeptical since the company has yet to turn a profit.  To their credit, they continue to invest in more products.  CEO Kevin Ryan is nonplussed at the skepticism. He believes that flash that the flash e-commerce model will only grow despite the rebounding of full-price luxury good sales.   Time will tell if they can sustain.

4.  Amazon Tablet?

This piece in TechCrunch is intriguing since it is all speculation.  The eBook conference in London earlier this week was a convergence where publishers of all sizes talk content. Can it be scaled for advertising? Can content secure copyright infringement? Can authors eliminate agents? Another writer declares The New Yorker iPad mobile application as the end of glossy magazines.

Amazon could be the superhero running in with a mobile device that would not only streamline their growing video library. This secret device could eliminate the need to develop mobile applications for other platforms (*cough..Apple!).  Supposedly the graphic design applications need time to develop. Interesting indeed.

5.  Google Releases Music Service

Those of us privy to searching Google for leaked music tracks may find this service redundant.  But it ensures stronger security encryption.  The king of search algorithms is an invite-only stage in beta mode. For the technology averse, beta is the development state of a website or application. Google’s Android operating system allows for synching music across your devices.  A cloud storage allows access offline, giving the user time to create and edit your playlists.  Amazon also entered the growing music cloud marketplace, experiencing crashes already.  It’ll be interesting to see if Google can avoid this inevitable issue of data transmission.Click on the headline for an instructional video.

That’s the Blue News for now. Enjoy the weekend.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Business News, Digital Media, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Small Business, Social Media Marketing, web development, Website Analytics | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital advertising, digital marketing agency, weekly blueliner newsminer

Investing In An SEO Piggy Bank May 9, 2011 – 1:00 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

They said that Rome wasn’t built in a day.  They also saw it fall in one. Wealth building through your investment portfolio takes awhile too. The same maxim holds for search engine optimization.  For the past several years, our firm has done hundreds of contracts for venerable corporations looking to rise in the search indices. Here are some recommendations to get you started:

1.  Time Is Money

Again, this timeless axiom rings true with developing your website.  Web developers need to constantly tinker with your keywords in the backlinks as well as the landing page.  You will not receive a top ranking at the start, but your results will rise with the increase of quality content. Content in volume that offers little differentiation is farming. Top search engines have been cracking down on farming, so be wary.

2.  Start From The Top

As I mentioned in the last segment, you cannot reach the top right away if you are selling a generic product like tires. The marketplace is topped with larger corporations that have greater resources, making these keywords competitive.  You must use a set of three to four keywords that captures the essence of your brand.  This will improve your rankings from the jump. You have differentiated yourself in this step, and conversion rates will follow with growth. Once your content steadily increases, then you can enter the fray for higher priced keywords.

3.  Follow The Golden Rules

As search engine optimization gains familiarity with the general public, you have another industry that grows in tandem. These are the false investors who promise exponential rises overnight in conversion rates and premium PPC rates.  Aggressive website developers can fall victim to these tactics.  I also mentioned that algorithms are taking a stronger stance against catching content farmers.  Marketers must be aware of these ethical standards before pushing campaign strategy. Digital marketers must be true to your strategy, and you will build the kingdom.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Interactive Marketing, Marketing, Search Engine Optimization | 2 Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency nyc, new york digital marketing agency, SEO, seo news

Facts About The Digital Boomer May 2, 2011 – 4:34 pm				Abdul Fattah Ismail

Generalizations are often made about the baby boomers.  They are fearful of technology. They do not have the energy or memory skills to successfully navigate the blurry technological advancement of our time.  Parents just don’t understand has been a running phrase etched in our skulls.    

This piece from Direct Marketing News, however, tells us a different story.  This generation makes up 26% of the current population according to the U.S. Census Bureau for a total of 79 million Americans.  They also hold several of the most powerful positions in our global marketplace. Some luminaries include Paul Allen and the President among others, who manage 50% of the country’s discretionary spending.  They feel that the interactive marketing community is ignoring them, and want retribution.

As the writer Anthony Franco asks us, how do we engage this demographic who have such depth of influence? Everything must be kept simple.  Your online advertising campaigns must carry a simple message with clear direction of your business objectives. Your blog or email newsletter can alert your key customers of news updates. Daily tips can be released by the real-time channel, depending on response rates.  Social media portals like Twitter and video sharing sites work great when the message correlates with the product.  Your blog should also have a link that goes straight to customer service for troubleshooting. A labyrinthe website with useless landing pages can really hurt your impression with this demographic. Then the sales do not flow into your business.

Baby boomers will spend time reviewing your site if they know that assistance is available. Web developers must design applications to match behavioral patterns of their customer.  Links with partnerships are always good if your website does not have the answer.

Like any marketer, being prescient is the key to optimizing strategy.  A good website rich in keywords does not hurt either.

Posted by Abdul Fattah Ismail
Posted in 7 Pillars of Digital Marketing, blog, Email Marketing, Interactive Marketing, Marketing Agencies, Mobile Applications, Search Engine Optimization, Small Business, Social Media Marketing, web development | No Comments »
Tags: Blueliner Marketing, digital marketing agency nyc, new york interactive marketing agency, online advertising agency nyc, small business agency new york