Website Development, Website Design, Website Hosting, eCommerce and Search Engine Optimization in Bigfork, Montana

Posts Tagged ‘google’

Google Opens Virtual Window Into Secretive Data Center

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

Google is opening a virtual window into the secretive data centers where an intricate maze of computers process Internet search requests, show YouTube video clips and distribute email for millions of people.

googles-data-center

The site features photos from inside some of the eight data centers that Google Inc. already has running in

Even though Google allows anyone with a Web browser to peer into its data centers, they intend to closely guard physical access to their buildings. The company also remains cagey about how many computers are in its data centers, saying only that they house hundreds of thousands of machines to run Google’s services. the U.S., Finland and Belgium.

In 2006 Google opened a data center in my home town, The Dalles, Or.  It was huge for this small community to have the Google name behind them.  Investing $600 million in the facility and establishing a long-term commitment to the region and state. They have created over 150 on-site, full-time jobs and have worked hard to support the community.

Since 2008, Google has awarded more than $4.7 million to Oregon schools and nonprofits, with particular focus on supporting educational initiatives in science and technology. They have actively supported LEGO robotics programs in the Columbia Gorge. They’ve also helped implement a free downtown Wi-Fi network in The Dalles.

Have you seen any of the company’s data centers?  Do you know anyone that has been hired by Google in their home town?

Google’s other data centers are located in: Berkeley County, S.C.; Council Bluffs, Iowa; Douglas County, Ga.; Mayes County, Okla.; Lenoir, N.C.; The Dalles, Or.; Hamina, Finland; and St. Ghislain, Belgium. Other data centers are being built in Quilicura, Chile; Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan.

See Gallery:  http://www.google.com/about/datacenters/gallery/#/all

The Power of SEO

Monday, August 13th, 2012

SEO is an abbreviation of Search Engine Optimization.  This is the process of structuring a web page so that it is found effectively and indexed by search engines.

Why is SEO so powerful?

Think of your website as a physical store or restaurant with wonderful products but no one can easily find the location.  Even if you have a strong loyal following by word of mouth, think of all the potential people you may be missing out on.  Most of us will not survive as long as we want if new customers are unable to find us.

The same exact situation can happen with your website.  You would think existing customers and those who are already familiar with your company should be able to find your site without any great difficulty, but this may not be the case.  Not everyone will directly type your correct company’s name in their search bar.

Here are five tips to consider for increasing your SEO performance so you don’t lose out on sales and potential customers:

  1. Update keyword research. Popular search terms change.  If you’re ranking well for keywords that have lost strategic value, all you’re doing is attracting visits from the wrong prospects.
  2. Update title tags and content. It may be necessary to rewrite pages to make the new keywords completely      relevant.
  3. Add new pages for additional keyword terms. Google loves fresh content.  Add pages or a blog.
  4. Run an SEO diagnostic. Google’s Webmaster Tools is a great, free online resource that itemizes your site’s SEO issues making cleanup easy for you or your developer.
  5. Set up a good internal linking system. The pages you link to most often on your site are the ones Google thinks are most important.

    Google Place Pages are being Replaced

    Tuesday, June 12th, 2012

    Recently Google announced that Google Place pages are being replaced with Google+ Local pages for business.

    Google+ Local pages are new business profile listings which will replace your Google Place page and integrate with Google’s social network, Google+.  Users can access these pages through Search, Maps, and the new Local tab within Google+.

    This seems a little confusing but it will be yet another way to help people discover and share local businesses with Google+.

    I looked at some of the new format pages and found that they are more user-friendly, dynamic, and easier to interact with than pre-existing Google Place pages.  I love the new look!

    You should have already noticed that your Google Place page has already been congoogle3verted to a Local+ page.  If not, prepare, it is coming soon! According to Google, you will still continue to manage your information (basic information, make updates, respond to reviews, etc.) in Google Places for Business.

    As of right now if you have a Google+ Business page you will have two Google+ pages to manage.  However, the time is coming soon for you to be able to merge your Google+ Business page with your Google Local+ page.  It will work similar to how Facebook is allowing us to merge pages.  Check out these businesses that Google has worked with to upgrade their listings early so that we could all see what it would look like:

    What do you think? Do you like the changes?

    Google+ Pages Now Open For Businesses, Brands, & Places!

    Monday, November 21st, 2011

    google-logoDo you already have a Google+ page?  Now you can have one for your business too! Google+ Business Pages have finally been released out into the social networking world.  Google is now allowing businesses, brands and any non-human entity to participate in its Google social network, through new Google Pages.  Businesses have wanted to be part of Google+ from the start.  In fact, many businesses and brands made use of regular Google+ accounts as a way to participate on the service despite their non-human status.  Find out more on how to create your own Google+ page! 

    Google Places - Help your business stand out!

    Friday, October 14th, 2011

    Claim Your Listing!

    Have you heard about Google Places?

    Google Places offers a service that helps your business stand out in local search results and increases your place ranking. 97% of consumers search for local businesses online: you can increase your chances that they find you when they need you with Google Places for business. Using the web user’s  IP address and the advanced search algorithms, Google determines where a web user is located and delivers results that are appropriate for their area first.

    Let’s look at how it works …

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    Why is My Google Listing Wrong?

    Monday, November 16th, 2009

    A client with a new website recently contacted me with a question that frequently confuses many. When she typed her company search terms in Google, her business not only showed up in the natural listings, it also showed at the top of the page, with other like businesses in the Bigfork area, next to a map. Unfortunately, the information displayed when she clicked on that listing was incorrect.

    This is a common question, and easy to fix. In fact, as a business owner you should check this yourself and see if your business info is correct!

    (more…)

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