The Maine SEO Blog

Search geeks are a witty crew. Google is infamous for its April Fools Day pranks, but today SEOs alike have joined the fun.

Here are just a few of the pranks around the Interwebs today:

SEOmoz doubles as RustyBrick.

Google changes its name to Topeka.

Search Engine Roundtable has the best selection of round tables, guaranteed.

Google Maps offers street view in 3D.

Store literally anything at Google Docs…even your house keys.

Watch YouTube videos in text-only (TEXTp).

Google is now in the jailing business.

Google buys ProBlogger.

There’s a ton more over at Search Engine Land.

Nicki Hicks
April Fools!

Last night, I got an interesting letter. Since I bought NickiHicks.com a few months ago (and have since proceeded to do nothing with it), the kind folks at a company called Web Listings Inc. offered to help me list my web site on the 20 major search engines for my 8 best keywords! Rich has received similar letters before, but this is my first.

I feel sorry for this company. They probably didn’t know…I do this for a living. So, let’s break down why this is bogus – and hopefully I’ve caught you in time before you gave Web Listings Inc. $65.

The promise: Domain Name Submission to 20 established Search Engines

Let me be frank. You don’t need to submit yourself to the search engines. If your web site is clean, readable, and doesn’t block the search engines, they’ll find you.

Just for giggles, which search engines would you get submitted to?

Google, Aol, ExactSeek, Cipinet, Netscape Search, Alexa, ScrubTheWeb, InfoTiger, Kazazz, Jayde, Searchsight, Amfibi *

Interesting. I’ve only heard of three. And only one even counts. What’s more?

* Any of the 20 search engines are subject to change without notice

…to start including even more search engines we haven’t heard of?

The promise: Up to 8 keyword/phrase listings

I don’t know what that means. In their FAQ section, Web Listings Inc. talks about meta-tags. But they’re not getting access to your site, so I can only assume they’re using these keywords for tracking purposes for…

The promise: Quarterly search engine position and ranking reports

This is the one piece that may…or may not have value. At flyte, we track rankings, but do they really matter that much? Not so much.

My hope is not to bash this company; but rather to make people aware of the issue before you go spending your precious money on something entirely ridiculous. And for what it’s worth, I’m not the only one talking about it.

Nicki Hicks
At least they say it’s a solicitation

Summer vacation season is upon us; and while it may not be sunny here in Maine, we’re all still taking advantage of vacation. You can plan projects and meetings around your treasured days off as best as possible, but not matter what it always seems like that first Monday back is treacherous.

While I didn’t encounter this after my week staycation (spent entirely of stripping wallpaper, painting, and laying tile at my new house) with projects and the like; I did feel like I was completely out of touch with search news.

In retrospect and subconciously, I did some things that I think helped (somewhat) seamlessly get my working head back on straight. So, here are some thoughts about how to best prepare (before and after) your vacation:

1. Get things done and schedule accordingly.

This may be an obvious step to all those who also suffer from delight in OCD compulsions. But here’s one thing perhaps not everyone has thought of. Finish those projects you’d rather leave until after you relax right now. The problem is, not all of us can leave our work at work. You’ll have a much better chance of relaxing if you’re not stressing about things that have to be done when you return.

2. Let everyone know.

Let customers/clients/coworkers know you’ll be gone; then set your voicemail and email responder to let those trying to contact you that you’ll be gone and for how long. Shout it from the rooftops!

3. Choose whether you still want to be accessible.

If you’re like me and crave the ability to constantly be electronically accessible, make sure you bring your computer home or are able to access your email via your home computer or phone.

Then again, there’s something to be said for having the self control to turn everything off and enjoy yourself. Either way…know yourself well enough to choose.

4. Spend the time to catch up.

You’ve just spent an extended period out of the office and (hopefully) in the sunshine. That Vitamin D has gone to your head, spend the time catching up…most likely in your inbox.

5. Know where to look for news in your industry.

Bright and early Monday morning, I spent a solid hour catching up on the latest search news. Where at? Why Search Engine Roundtable, of course. There is a similar site for every industry – articles that give you a quick glimpse of your world..on a need-to-know basis.

Well, there you have it folks. I hope this helps you relax a little bit more on your well deserved time out of the office. Happy summer!

Nicki Hicks
Back from Staycation and slightly off topic

Photo credit

Nicki Hicks
Green is Good

Two days ago was arguably one of the most important days of the 21st century.  Many of us watched “history being made”.  Interestingly enough though, even with the inauguration of President Obama taking place, the popular searches for that day weren’t entirely in his favor.

I pulled this list from SEOmoz’s Popular Searches tool:

Nicki Hicks
Guess we’d rather watch people who can’t sing..