Monday, May 12, 2008
Prompt! Teleprompter Software Review
Quite often professional voice talent creating video or audio production use a teleprompter. For small business website multimedia production, there's a low cost alternative to expensive dedicated teleprompter solutions when adding video or audio to your web design or podcast.
After considerable research of teleprompter software reviews, the Prompt! software from DataWay Multimedia Canada, Inc for $44 USD is my recommended choice. A free lite version may be downloaded, also. Here's the list of features from their website, MovieClip.biz:
Prompt! version7.0 is a standalone application that allows keeping multiple windows open during recording. My advice is preparing your audio script in NotePad and then load it into Prompt! with copy and paste. The scrolling text may be adjusted by size, color and background, and scroll speed. The Lite version is limited to 2500 characters, so you may want to do a test drive with Lite before making a purchase.
Using a teleprompter for short clips or full presentations allows readers to focus on content to eliminate gasps, oohs, or aahs during recording. Speaking extemporaneously is very difficult for most small business owners, and a prepared message is more likely to enhance the multimedia production. Reading from an audio script will be faster and more professional when adding audio or video to your website, blog, or podcast. Download Prompt! here.
TAGS: advice audio small business services software review video
After considerable research of teleprompter software reviews, the Prompt! software from DataWay Multimedia Canada, Inc for $44 USD is my recommended choice. A free lite version may be downloaded, also. Here's the list of features from their website, MovieClip.biz:
- Text can be imported and exported
- Simple text editing is available
- Native files can be saved
- User customizable controls
- Macintosh or Windows playback
- Control over font size
- Mirrors text display on screen
- Mouse or keyboard control
- Lite version available
- Multiple resolutions
- Works with most remotes (not included)
- Cheap!
Prompt! version7.0 is a standalone application that allows keeping multiple windows open during recording. My advice is preparing your audio script in NotePad and then load it into Prompt! with copy and paste. The scrolling text may be adjusted by size, color and background, and scroll speed. The Lite version is limited to 2500 characters, so you may want to do a test drive with Lite before making a purchase.
Using a teleprompter for short clips or full presentations allows readers to focus on content to eliminate gasps, oohs, or aahs during recording. Speaking extemporaneously is very difficult for most small business owners, and a prepared message is more likely to enhance the multimedia production. Reading from an audio script will be faster and more professional when adding audio or video to your website, blog, or podcast. Download Prompt! here.
TAGS: advice audio small business services software review video
Labels: advice, audio, podcast, reviews, software, video, websites
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Royalty Free Photos of People
This site includes a directory of royalty free photo websites for small business owners to use for web design or printed marketing material. Royalty free photographs of people require special consideration. Royalty free does not mean free to use without limitations even when offered for commercial production of websites, print, or multimedia.
Creative works are intellectual property, and if a photographer posts photos on a royalty free website, it does not imply transfer of ownership if you download from their gallery. There are sites who charge a one time fee for use in one application, others who charge recurring royalty fees, and then those in my directory that are truly royalty free. If a photo includes people, each person's rights cannot be overlooked.
Anything royalty free has restrictions for use, including those without any fee. Always look for and read the license to avoid any legal copyright issues, and be cautious about using pictures from sites without any license information. They may have accumulated photographs without caring about copyright. Sale or redistribution of royalty free photos whether singles or collections is illegal.
It is your duty as a small business owner to stay within the law when downloading content for fair use. A photo that includes real and identifiable persons is especially tricky, and should never be used without that person's consent including a written model release.
TAGS: advice photographs royalty free small business advice
Creative works are intellectual property, and if a photographer posts photos on a royalty free website, it does not imply transfer of ownership if you download from their gallery. There are sites who charge a one time fee for use in one application, others who charge recurring royalty fees, and then those in my directory that are truly royalty free. If a photo includes people, each person's rights cannot be overlooked.
Anything royalty free has restrictions for use, including those without any fee. Always look for and read the license to avoid any legal copyright issues, and be cautious about using pictures from sites without any license information. They may have accumulated photographs without caring about copyright. Sale or redistribution of royalty free photos whether singles or collections is illegal.
It is your duty as a small business owner to stay within the law when downloading content for fair use. A photo that includes real and identifiable persons is especially tricky, and should never be used without that person's consent including a written model release.
TAGS: advice photographs royalty free small business advice
Labels: advice, artwork, photographs, websites
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Small Business Online Research Frustration
People do online research looking for fast answers to inquiries in search engines. The trail leading to free information for a simple question should not take 5-10 minutes of sorting through sites for a real answer. Here's one case study of small business online research frustration, and the eventual solution.
After receiving a voice mail message from a small business owner, and then getting their answering machine when I returned their call, I decided to search online for more about them. The caller only left their name and phone number and a brief description of the design services of interest.
Without a business name or website URL, my first choice for finding out more about their company was a reverse phone lookup. The results from lookup services were a huge disappointment. Following search engine results was frustrating because each of the first three free lookup sites returned results on their website of "found" with more information available. Following that link took me to a paid service to get what should be publicly available for free.
Finally, I input the prospect's phone number into the Google search box, and instantly the first listing was their website. From viewing their site and doing a search in WhoIs, I was well prepared on the second callback when finally getting through and talking to the owner. Consider various ways of getting creative when it comes to search engines and small business online research to avoid the frustration of following dead ends and finding a surprise shopping cart.
TAGS: advice research search engines small business advice
After receiving a voice mail message from a small business owner, and then getting their answering machine when I returned their call, I decided to search online for more about them. The caller only left their name and phone number and a brief description of the design services of interest.
Without a business name or website URL, my first choice for finding out more about their company was a reverse phone lookup. The results from lookup services were a huge disappointment. Following search engine results was frustrating because each of the first three free lookup sites returned results on their website of "found" with more information available. Following that link took me to a paid service to get what should be publicly available for free.
Finally, I input the prospect's phone number into the Google search box, and instantly the first listing was their website. From viewing their site and doing a search in WhoIs, I was well prepared on the second callback when finally getting through and talking to the owner. Consider various ways of getting creative when it comes to search engines and small business online research to avoid the frustration of following dead ends and finding a surprise shopping cart.
TAGS: advice research search engines small business advice
Labels: advice, general, websites
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Advice for New Small Business Websites
For owners looking for advice for a new small business website, the first 10 podcast episodes of the Small Business Website Mailbag may be the perfect starting point. The audio programs were intentionally presented in a logical order for business owners getting online for the first time.
Each show averages just over 10 minutes, so listening to each provides valuable audio advice for saving time and money with your first website. Listen online or download episodes to hear the expert tips at your leisure.
The 10 podcast programs are like a two hour audio course with advice for new small business websites. Besides paid web design services, I'm more than willing to provide free advice to small business owners without obligation, as well. You are welcome to contact me about problems or questions concerning a new or existing site.
TAGS: advice podcast small business advice website design
Each show averages just over 10 minutes, so listening to each provides valuable audio advice for saving time and money with your first website. Listen online or download episodes to hear the expert tips at your leisure.
The 10 podcast programs are like a two hour audio course with advice for new small business websites. Besides paid web design services, I'm more than willing to provide free advice to small business owners without obligation, as well. You are welcome to contact me about problems or questions concerning a new or existing site.
TAGS: advice podcast small business advice website design
Labels: advice, audio, podcast, websites
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Add Quality Original Content Often
Would you prefer to be number one with Google, or number one with new customers? Making page one for any search in Google is great for small business website owners. Agonize over getting there and you may be wasting time.
Quality content in website design can make the difference. If your company strategy for success is centered on search engines, you need to consider more proactive methods to attract customers and realize SE traffic is just one segment of marketing your small business.
The time spent agonizing over your position in PageRank or Search Engine Results Pages (PR or SERPs) could be better spent on conversion. A ton of traffic is useless if people arrive and don't buy. Track your stats to see landing pages, where they came from, visitor length, and popular pages, and then adjust your content to please the majority based on trends.
You decide. Again, would you prefer to be number one with Google, or number one with new customers?
If I only taught one phrase for search engine optimization it would be "Add Quality Original Content Often". Time spent tweaking and improving your small business site content for a positive shopping experience may be more productive than wasting time trying to figure out page one strategy. Worry about customers first. You may get that new revenue and page one!
TAGS: advice small business advice search engine optimization website design
Quality content in website design can make the difference. If your company strategy for success is centered on search engines, you need to consider more proactive methods to attract customers and realize SE traffic is just one segment of marketing your small business.
The time spent agonizing over your position in PageRank or Search Engine Results Pages (PR or SERPs) could be better spent on conversion. A ton of traffic is useless if people arrive and don't buy. Track your stats to see landing pages, where they came from, visitor length, and popular pages, and then adjust your content to please the majority based on trends.
You decide. Again, would you prefer to be number one with Google, or number one with new customers?
If I only taught one phrase for search engine optimization it would be "Add Quality Original Content Often". Time spent tweaking and improving your small business site content for a positive shopping experience may be more productive than wasting time trying to figure out page one strategy. Worry about customers first. You may get that new revenue and page one!
TAGS: advice small business advice search engine optimization website design
Friday, April 25, 2008
Website Tabbed Heading Graphics in CSS
A novice small business website owner questioned how heading backgrounds with rounded corners are created and referenced a real estate website using the technique. This was a custom website design using css with graphic design of background images, and explains the technique used.
The sample real estate site was done in HTML plus CSS for layout without tables which provided an excellent example of what can be done creating a tableless web page. Before looking at the code my guess was the page was done with tables, so I was surprised (and impressed) with their layout. Here's a graphic of three sets of links with a top heading and text in pure css that only appears to be created using tables.
The headings were done in CSS and each is a background image which consists of just two graphics which allows text headings. For the ones in question, right clicking on the rounded corner at the left and selecting "view background image" in FireFox (on the real estate site... not this graphic here) allows a visitor to view the corner only. In IE you may not have the view option and might have to save-as to see the square with the upper left corner in white.
Next, right clicking on the far right to view the rest of the background image you would see it is a single thin vertical line with shading to match the horizontal highlight at the top of the rounded corner. The "square" is used once, and then the vertical slice butts up against the "corner" and repeats horizontally as many times as necessary to fill the space.
Attributes in the CSS call out "no-repeat" to place the corner once and "repeat-x" for the vertical line which repeats (x = horizontally) until it reaches the end to fill in the background. The outside border was done using the "border" attribute and specifying the color.
After visiting the site, and for such a well designed page, I was surprised the home page had over 100 code errors. The designer mixed HTML with XHTML creating most of the errors, and if they had validated the code at W3C the errors could have been easily identified and fixed.
In summary, the technique for a heading background and box outline requires advanced design methods in HTML with CSS, plus the graphic skills to create the matching corner and vertical repeating graphic. The person making the inquiry mentioned examples used elsewhere with gradient fills. These use the same code technique except a different custom matching set of graphics.
TAGS: advice css graphic design custom website design
The sample real estate site was done in HTML plus CSS for layout without tables which provided an excellent example of what can be done creating a tableless web page. Before looking at the code my guess was the page was done with tables, so I was surprised (and impressed) with their layout. Here's a graphic of three sets of links with a top heading and text in pure css that only appears to be created using tables.
The headings were done in CSS and each is a background image which consists of just two graphics which allows text headings. For the ones in question, right clicking on the rounded corner at the left and selecting "view background image" in FireFox (on the real estate site... not this graphic here) allows a visitor to view the corner only. In IE you may not have the view option and might have to save-as to see the square with the upper left corner in white.
Next, right clicking on the far right to view the rest of the background image you would see it is a single thin vertical line with shading to match the horizontal highlight at the top of the rounded corner. The "square" is used once, and then the vertical slice butts up against the "corner" and repeats horizontally as many times as necessary to fill the space.
Attributes in the CSS call out "no-repeat" to place the corner once and "repeat-x" for the vertical line which repeats (x = horizontally) until it reaches the end to fill in the background. The outside border was done using the "border" attribute and specifying the color.
After visiting the site, and for such a well designed page, I was surprised the home page had over 100 code errors. The designer mixed HTML with XHTML creating most of the errors, and if they had validated the code at W3C the errors could have been easily identified and fixed.
In summary, the technique for a heading background and box outline requires advanced design methods in HTML with CSS, plus the graphic skills to create the matching corner and vertical repeating graphic. The person making the inquiry mentioned examples used elsewhere with gradient fills. These use the same code technique except a different custom matching set of graphics.
TAGS: advice css graphic design custom website design
Labels: advice, artwork, examples, websites
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Preview of Podcast on Cybersquatting
After meeting with an Orlando area recording artist last weekend, I offered to assist them in recovering a domain with their personal name being held by a cybersquatter. More details will be provided in an upcoming cybersquatting case study podcast episode.
Cybersquatting is the practice of registering a domain name strictly for gain without any rights or legitimate interests in that domain. For individuals using their personal name as the trademark for a small business venture, you have options for recovering your domain.
Recovering a cybersquatted site may be successful through arbitration which is usually less costly and faster than pursuing legal recourse. Your name is intellectual property and if used as a trademark in the course of doing business, the chances of success are improved.
Acquiring your domain from a cybersquatter when their intent is to resell at an excessive price, use the domain in bad faith, or unrelated commercial use will be presented in my upcoming podcast episode. Visit and bookmark the Small Business Website Mailbag podcast, and then return next week to hear the program and detailed advice.
Update: Listen now to the podcast episode on cybersquatting advice released 26 April 2008.
TAGS: advice cybersquatting domains podcast small business advice
Cybersquatting is the practice of registering a domain name strictly for gain without any rights or legitimate interests in that domain. For individuals using their personal name as the trademark for a small business venture, you have options for recovering your domain.
Recovering a cybersquatted site may be successful through arbitration which is usually less costly and faster than pursuing legal recourse. Your name is intellectual property and if used as a trademark in the course of doing business, the chances of success are improved.
Acquiring your domain from a cybersquatter when their intent is to resell at an excessive price, use the domain in bad faith, or unrelated commercial use will be presented in my upcoming podcast episode. Visit and bookmark the Small Business Website Mailbag podcast, and then return next week to hear the program and detailed advice.
Update: Listen now to the podcast episode on cybersquatting advice released 26 April 2008.
TAGS: advice cybersquatting domains podcast small business advice
Labels: advice, general, podcast
Saturday, April 12, 2008
New Podcast Episode on Social Bookmarks
The latest episode of the Small Business Website Mailbag podcast features an updated tutorial for adding blog social bookmarks and matching graphics to blog posts done in Blogger whether hosted by them or hosted on your server. Each version includes a separate tutorial with bonus graphics, step by step instructions, and the actual code to add to your Blogger template.
This updated tutorial replaces one done a year ago that covered revised templates for the old Blogger and new Blogger (beta), and provides advice for alternate formats for WordPress, TypePad, and others. As usual, you do not have to register or give an email address to get your copy of the free download tutorials. Each zipped folder is 12Kb and includes a text tutorial, actual code for revising your Blogger template, and a set of free graphics of my top 12 social bookmarking services.
Readers are invited to listen to the Blog Social Bookmarks Tutorial episode and then download the free Blogger tutorials.
TAGS: advice blog template podcast Blogger small business advice tutorials
This updated tutorial replaces one done a year ago that covered revised templates for the old Blogger and new Blogger (beta), and provides advice for alternate formats for WordPress, TypePad, and others. As usual, you do not have to register or give an email address to get your copy of the free download tutorials. Each zipped folder is 12Kb and includes a text tutorial, actual code for revising your Blogger template, and a set of free graphics of my top 12 social bookmarking services.
Readers are invited to listen to the Blog Social Bookmarks Tutorial episode and then download the free Blogger tutorials.
TAGS: advice blog template podcast Blogger small business advice tutorials
Labels: advice, blogger, podcast, templates, tutorials
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
McAfee Green Website Testing Service
I was surprised recently while checking my site visitor statistics to find a link to a green rating from McAfee. Following one visitor's search in Yahoo returned results including a link to a report about this website at the McAfee online SiteAdvisor green website testing service, so I couldn't resist checking it out.
One report displayed a green rating for JimDegerstom.com zipped downloads plus an overall green rating including links they follow from my site. I'm certain the majority of commercial sites tested by McAfee show positive results, yet it's nice to know they report truly deceptive websites that attempt to appear legitimate.
The green rating for this site was no surprise, yet still important. I offer many free to download resources for small business owners including seo reports, how-to PDFs, free design templates, mp3 podcasts, and more. Each information product for download on my site is original content that I write, design, produce, and distribute.
Unlike some websites, visitors to this site may download without registering or revealing their email address. Offering advice without any strings attached is especially rewarding when those visitors take the time to email me a thank you note explaining how my free resources helped their small business.
You may want to learn more about SiteAdvisor. McAfee has a search function for checking domains for suspicious activity, and most notably phishing, malware, or spyware risks in downloads. In addition, their purpose is to rate websites for safety, so readers may be interested in the McAfee green website testing service and how they uncover spyware, spam, viruses and online scams.
TAGS: advice small business services reviews website advice online scams
One report displayed a green rating for JimDegerstom.com zipped downloads plus an overall green rating including links they follow from my site. I'm certain the majority of commercial sites tested by McAfee show positive results, yet it's nice to know they report truly deceptive websites that attempt to appear legitimate.
The green rating for this site was no surprise, yet still important. I offer many free to download resources for small business owners including seo reports, how-to PDFs, free design templates, mp3 podcasts, and more. Each information product for download on my site is original content that I write, design, produce, and distribute.
Unlike some websites, visitors to this site may download without registering or revealing their email address. Offering advice without any strings attached is especially rewarding when those visitors take the time to email me a thank you note explaining how my free resources helped their small business.
You may want to learn more about SiteAdvisor. McAfee has a search function for checking domains for suspicious activity, and most notably phishing, malware, or spyware risks in downloads. In addition, their purpose is to rate websites for safety, so readers may be interested in the McAfee green website testing service and how they uncover spyware, spam, viruses and online scams.
TAGS: advice small business services reviews website advice online scams
Labels: advice, general, reviews, websites
Friday, April 04, 2008
Royalty Free Photo Directory Update
Small business owners on limited budgets often have difficulty acquiring quality photos for in print or online. The small business royalty free stock photo directory lists websites that provide photographs without recurring royalty fees, and was updated today to add another 5 star directory. Here's the new listing as it appears in the stock photo directory:
Wikimedia.org contains a contributed database of over 2.5 million high resolution media files including photographs, graphics, and multimedia.
The number of 5 star sites is now four. The Wikimedia site contains many photos unrelated to business, yet from over 2 million selections I'm certain small business owners will find this a valuable resource.
In addition, the link action on the directory was revised so photo gallery websites will open in the same window, not a new blank window. Links that launch a new window make accessibility more difficult for diasabled persons, so the design change enhances usability for visitors who prefer the back button function.
Over 3 million photographs and graphics are now searchable from sites in my directory with the addition of this public domain photo site. The Small Business Resource Center royalty free directory resulted from reviewing over 150 websites and selecting 23 websites that offer photographs without a recurring royalty fee. Choices were subjective based on my review of selection, ease of use including terms, and the directory is primarily for the benefit of my small business clients.
TAGS: advice news small business advice photographs photo directory
Wikimedia.org contains a contributed database of over 2.5 million high resolution media files including photographs, graphics, and multimedia.The number of 5 star sites is now four. The Wikimedia site contains many photos unrelated to business, yet from over 2 million selections I'm certain small business owners will find this a valuable resource.
In addition, the link action on the directory was revised so photo gallery websites will open in the same window, not a new blank window. Links that launch a new window make accessibility more difficult for diasabled persons, so the design change enhances usability for visitors who prefer the back button function.
Over 3 million photographs and graphics are now searchable from sites in my directory with the addition of this public domain photo site. The Small Business Resource Center royalty free directory resulted from reviewing over 150 websites and selecting 23 websites that offer photographs without a recurring royalty fee. Choices were subjective based on my review of selection, ease of use including terms, and the directory is primarily for the benefit of my small business clients.
TAGS: advice news small business advice photographs photo directory
Labels: advice, general, photographs, websites
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Small Business Blog Time Management
Time management as a small business owner is a matter of sorting tactical and strategic activities. The value of a blog is really a strategy with future benefits, not a tactical activity like other day to day tasks that require immediate attention. For me, building a reputation for my niche establishes long term traffic worth more than the value of any one post.
The tactical distractions in a small business that are time wasters need to be recognized. If you come across a link or interesting email that has you following an internet trail to oblivion, stop. We all do it, and it may takes hours away from real work. As soon as you learn to recognize those things that are fun yet don't generate revenue, you may find more time to dedicate to a blog.
For blog post ideas I subscribe to Google Alerts which delivers daily news on related subjects, and sometimes I follow my blog tags to view other opinions. A visit to the tag cloud on the Technorati home page may be a good source for what's hot and interests people for a given moment. Client feedback is another source of topic ideas for small business bloggers. I've even taken content from my emails to new prospects with advice that I wrote and use part of that if the advice makes a suitable blog post.
Blogs provide one of the most cost effective ways to promote your small business, and the seo or search engine optimization value is worth making blog time management a priority.
TAGS: advice blogging search engine optimization small business advice time management
The tactical distractions in a small business that are time wasters need to be recognized. If you come across a link or interesting email that has you following an internet trail to oblivion, stop. We all do it, and it may takes hours away from real work. As soon as you learn to recognize those things that are fun yet don't generate revenue, you may find more time to dedicate to a blog.
For blog post ideas I subscribe to Google Alerts which delivers daily news on related subjects, and sometimes I follow my blog tags to view other opinions. A visit to the tag cloud on the Technorati home page may be a good source for what's hot and interests people for a given moment. Client feedback is another source of topic ideas for small business bloggers. I've even taken content from my emails to new prospects with advice that I wrote and use part of that if the advice makes a suitable blog post.
Blogs provide one of the most cost effective ways to promote your small business, and the seo or search engine optimization value is worth making blog time management a priority.
TAGS: advice blogging search engine optimization small business advice time management
Labels: advice, blogger, general, seo
Monday, March 31, 2008
Browser Popularity Stats Change and Update
Since my January 2008 post of statistics comparing the percentage of users by browser, Internet Explorer IE7 and Safari have made significant gains. Based on visitors to this website, IE7 has surpassed IE6 and FireFox, and the number of Safari browser users went from 1.7% to nearly 8% of my site traffic.
You may view the Cross Browser Website Testing post to view stats from January, or read the Safari Browser Review here.
While my preference is still FireFox because of the FireFox web developer add-on extensions that suit my work in custom web design, IE7 or Safari are excellent choices for everyday users. Otherwise, IE7 seems to overload and slow down my system performance, and Safari has superior rendering but not much third party support for extensions.
The excitement building over the launch of Internet Explorer IE8 bears watching. Microsoft has softened their stance on browser backward compatibility with the aim of the new IE8 to more closely meet W3C worldwide code standards. For web developers, the Internet Explorer IE8 launch later this year is highly anticipated.
TAGS: advice browsers IE7 IE8 Safari browser
You may view the Cross Browser Website Testing post to view stats from January, or read the Safari Browser Review here.
While my preference is still FireFox because of the FireFox web developer add-on extensions that suit my work in custom web design, IE7 or Safari are excellent choices for everyday users. Otherwise, IE7 seems to overload and slow down my system performance, and Safari has superior rendering but not much third party support for extensions.
The excitement building over the launch of Internet Explorer IE8 bears watching. Microsoft has softened their stance on browser backward compatibility with the aim of the new IE8 to more closely meet W3C worldwide code standards. For web developers, the Internet Explorer IE8 launch later this year is highly anticipated.
TAGS: advice browsers IE7 IE8 Safari browser
Labels: advice, general, reviews
Saturday, March 29, 2008
New Podcast Episode on Market Branding
The latest podcast episode of the Small Business Website Mailbag was released eariler with advice for small business websites and market branding. Here's an excerpt from the actual audio show:
Whether you name it market branding, corporate image, or corporate identity, a consistent look that will stand the test of time may depend on your logo which is the foundation of your small business image. A memorable and lasting positive first impression should be your priority.
TAGS: advice corporate image news podcast market branding small business advice
The word consistent is one to remember. If your promotional materials begin with a business card, other print material with a similar logo and varied color scheme, and then a website that's still more varied, you lose the value of a consistent corporate image. Market branding will be more effective if you have a consistent image wherever your company name or logo is encountered by customers or prospects.
My advice is always develop your logo first, and then maintain the same look and color scheme on your website and printed materials.
Whether you name it market branding, corporate image, or corporate identity, a consistent look that will stand the test of time may depend on your logo which is the foundation of your small business image. A memorable and lasting positive first impression should be your priority.
TAGS: advice corporate image news podcast market branding small business advice
Labels: advice, audio, podcast, websites
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Blocked Email and Spam Blacklist Horrors
Spam blacklists, also called blocklists, are actually a network of spam tracking sites that create databases of known spammers. These services list IP addresses and IP ranges known to send unsolicited bulk email, or UBE. One problem of blacklists is the potential for cutting off legitimate users, especially in the case of people who fall into a range of blocked IP addresses shared with a real spammer.
Visit this authority site to test for a blocked IP at mail-abuse.com. Having an IP listed in a database may not mean your email will always be blocked, yet if your outgoing service gets a complaint, it could cause short-term or extended grief. Here's why.
Being in one of the spam databases is a red flag and the decision to block a particular email is not normally made by the outgoing email server, but by the recipient's incoming email service provider. The majority of them filter incoming email for spam. Most internet service providers subscribe to these databases to instantly check email senders to help protect their users and reputation.
The database is only one factor in identifying spam. Normally incoming filtering systems would screen the IP by accessing blacklist databases, and then scanning the content within the message body to determine if it should be allowed, marked suspect, or blocked. As stated earlier, if your IP is within a numerical range of IP addresses assigned to your ISP, you could get caught up and added to a blacklist if a real spammer is within that range.
Once you encounter bounced email coming back from known contacts with any negative reference to spam or blacklists, take action. Don't wait. My advice for correcting the situation is to begin by contacting your ISP, Internet Service Provider, give them the details, and let the experts resolve the issues.
TAGS: small business advice spam blacklists
Visit this authority site to test for a blocked IP at mail-abuse.com. Having an IP listed in a database may not mean your email will always be blocked, yet if your outgoing service gets a complaint, it could cause short-term or extended grief. Here's why.
Being in one of the spam databases is a red flag and the decision to block a particular email is not normally made by the outgoing email server, but by the recipient's incoming email service provider. The majority of them filter incoming email for spam. Most internet service providers subscribe to these databases to instantly check email senders to help protect their users and reputation.
The database is only one factor in identifying spam. Normally incoming filtering systems would screen the IP by accessing blacklist databases, and then scanning the content within the message body to determine if it should be allowed, marked suspect, or blocked. As stated earlier, if your IP is within a numerical range of IP addresses assigned to your ISP, you could get caught up and added to a blacklist if a real spammer is within that range.
Once you encounter bounced email coming back from known contacts with any negative reference to spam or blacklists, take action. Don't wait. My advice for correcting the situation is to begin by contacting your ISP, Internet Service Provider, give them the details, and let the experts resolve the issues.
TAGS: small business advice spam blacklists
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Keyword Advice for SEO in Web Design
The latest podcast episode of the Small Business Website Mailbag features free resources for keyword advice for seo in web design. Tools for small business owners linked in the podcast include the websites of Key Word Discovery and DupeFree Pro.
Listen to Optimize Your Website Keywords here to learn about free methods for search engine optimization of key words and phrases on your small business website, and then consider this software review of DupeFree Pro.
The features in this quick review of DupeFree Pro software were not covered in the podcast episode. Besides the value of being able to easily calculate keyword density, DupeFree Pro may be used to test for duplicate content, also. Imagine doing copy and paste to insert content from your website, and then quickly finding out if any other site owner is using your content without permission.
Perhaps you write advice articles published online, and just want to check if others are giving proper credit when they choose to republish your articles. Maybe you have several articles on one topic and want to check the percentage of duplicate content between two versions. DupeFree Pro allows you to do this easily, also.
Duplicate content is a major problem trying to achieve positive seo results, so you may want to test for duplicate content within your site, also.
TAGS: advice keywords podcast review search engine optimization small business advice web design
Listen to Optimize Your Website Keywords here to learn about free methods for search engine optimization of key words and phrases on your small business website, and then consider this software review of DupeFree Pro.
The features in this quick review of DupeFree Pro software were not covered in the podcast episode. Besides the value of being able to easily calculate keyword density, DupeFree Pro may be used to test for duplicate content, also. Imagine doing copy and paste to insert content from your website, and then quickly finding out if any other site owner is using your content without permission.
Perhaps you write advice articles published online, and just want to check if others are giving proper credit when they choose to republish your articles. Maybe you have several articles on one topic and want to check the percentage of duplicate content between two versions. DupeFree Pro allows you to do this easily, also.
Duplicate content is a major problem trying to achieve positive seo results, so you may want to test for duplicate content within your site, also.
TAGS: advice keywords podcast review search engine optimization small business advice web design
Labels: advice, audio, podcast, reviews, seo, software, websites
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Forums and Search Engine Optimization
For small business owners, free methods of web promotion are the ideal way to promote their business. Here are more ideas on search engine optimization, and how joining forums can add backlinks to your site.
Backlinks are links to your website that the major search engines find. Each is like a vote and the more votes may increase the ranking and importance of your site. Avoid link farms or schemes. Those will backfire, yet joining a forum and adding value to the internet is a safe method of becoming known.
Search for online forums for your business niche, and then join to add comments or expert advice to the community. You may want to brainstorm and consider what topics interest your customers, and join a forum that would interest them, and then offer expert advice. Most forums require a certain number of posts to qualify for additional privileges, because some one shot visitors are just spamming to get another link to their site.
In most cases after 5 posts or replies to topics in the forum you are allowed to add a signature block to your posts including 1-3 links to your website, blog, or podcast. My advice is use a text hyperlink about what you do and not your company name. For my business, a link with "web design" as the displayed text adds more value than just your name.
Finally, it's important to understand that your forum signature block links provide the potential for attracting visitors based on the value of your advice. It is NOT the place to solicit business, so keep in mind you are there to help, and by helping you may enhance your reputation as an expert. My advice is joining several forums and contribute freely to the benefit of others, and gain backlinks as you remain an active member.
TAGS: advice small business advice search engine optimization forum
Backlinks are links to your website that the major search engines find. Each is like a vote and the more votes may increase the ranking and importance of your site. Avoid link farms or schemes. Those will backfire, yet joining a forum and adding value to the internet is a safe method of becoming known.
Search for online forums for your business niche, and then join to add comments or expert advice to the community. You may want to brainstorm and consider what topics interest your customers, and join a forum that would interest them, and then offer expert advice. Most forums require a certain number of posts to qualify for additional privileges, because some one shot visitors are just spamming to get another link to their site.
In most cases after 5 posts or replies to topics in the forum you are allowed to add a signature block to your posts including 1-3 links to your website, blog, or podcast. My advice is use a text hyperlink about what you do and not your company name. For my business, a link with "web design" as the displayed text adds more value than just your name.
Finally, it's important to understand that your forum signature block links provide the potential for attracting visitors based on the value of your advice. It is NOT the place to solicit business, so keep in mind you are there to help, and by helping you may enhance your reputation as an expert. My advice is joining several forums and contribute freely to the benefit of others, and gain backlinks as you remain an active member.
TAGS: advice small business advice search engine optimization forum
Monday, March 10, 2008
SEO Consultant or DIY Website Promotion
Search engine optimization of your small business website does not have to be mysterious. Learn the basics and surprisingly most SEO strategies can be successful using free promotional resources. Your only investment is time.
Consider the 80/20 rule when it comes to SEO consultants. They're all expensive, yet only 20% truly understand proven long term methods for optimizing for search engines. Some of those 80% use deceitful methods to boost site ranking that fail long term because they get caught and punished by Google.
Others charge recurring annual fees to optimize your site, and some owners pay thousands per year while left scratching their head because of poor performance. You may want to consider do-it-yourself DIY website promotion.
If you can't make time to climb the learning curve for search engine optimization of your small business website, then hiring a service may be the answer. Beware of the razzle dazzle consultants who mystify seo. They should be willing to detail what they will do for their fee, how it is done, a time estimate, and the target results.
TAGS: advice small business advice website promotion seo search engine optimization
Consider the 80/20 rule when it comes to SEO consultants. They're all expensive, yet only 20% truly understand proven long term methods for optimizing for search engines. Some of those 80% use deceitful methods to boost site ranking that fail long term because they get caught and punished by Google.
Others charge recurring annual fees to optimize your site, and some owners pay thousands per year while left scratching their head because of poor performance. You may want to consider do-it-yourself DIY website promotion.
If you can't make time to climb the learning curve for search engine optimization of your small business website, then hiring a service may be the answer. Beware of the razzle dazzle consultants who mystify seo. They should be willing to detail what they will do for their fee, how it is done, a time estimate, and the target results.
TAGS: advice small business advice website promotion seo search engine optimization
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Article Review of IE8 Internet Explorer 8
The latest website advice article for small business owners was published earlier today, and you may read the full review Internet Explorer IE8 Doom or Joy for details.
Last year Microsoft announced an updated browser scheduled for release by the summer of 2008 with Internet Explorer 8, IE8, and the news was met by most web developers with apprehension. After following the news releases from Microsoft and an announcement earlier this week on March 3rd, it was time for an article and preliminary review of IE8.
Backward compatibility and cross browser compatibility are important to site designers and owners. One of the resources mentioned in the review and article is a website for testing page display in current and older browsers from BrowserShots.org. Visit their site to see what your website looks like in more than 50 browsers including Mac and older revisions of major and lesser known brands.
To the joy of web developers worldwide, Microsoft reversed a previous decision from December 2007 and announced that IE8 will incorporate the most standards compliant interoperability possible. This should be good news for small business website owners, as well.
TAGS: advice article browsers IE8 review small business advice website design
Last year Microsoft announced an updated browser scheduled for release by the summer of 2008 with Internet Explorer 8, IE8, and the news was met by most web developers with apprehension. After following the news releases from Microsoft and an announcement earlier this week on March 3rd, it was time for an article and preliminary review of IE8.
Backward compatibility and cross browser compatibility are important to site designers and owners. One of the resources mentioned in the review and article is a website for testing page display in current and older browsers from BrowserShots.org. Visit their site to see what your website looks like in more than 50 browsers including Mac and older revisions of major and lesser known brands.
To the joy of web developers worldwide, Microsoft reversed a previous decision from December 2007 and announced that IE8 will incorporate the most standards compliant interoperability possible. This should be good news for small business website owners, as well.
TAGS: advice article browsers IE8 review small business advice website design
Labels: advice, articles, reviews, software, websites