Seth & Sitemaps
June 30th, 2006
In an effort to help the many search engine optimisers who are pulling their hair out with indexing issues. I’d bring to light a little tip that may help, albeit very disputed. As many of you know there have been major fluctuations in SERPs and the frequency of indexed pages in Google, even though there are little/no changes on the site. I’m not offering a silver bullet, however I - and many others have experienced a degree of success by removing the Google Sitemap present on our site. I realise this is in direct conflict to the statement Matt Cutt’s made regarding sitemaps being ruled out but I am simply looking at results here. It worked for me, I hope it works for you. Lastly on SEO said Hobbies seems to be solidified at #1 position in Google and #1 in MSN which we’re quite happy with.
This last few weeks I came over two blogs which if you’re reading this, you may find interesting.
Stick Rattling An excellent blog covering all aspects of marketing with incredibly astute commentary on various marketing campaigns that are running globally.
Seth Godin’s Blog I recently watched a Google video of Seth Godin speaking at Googleplex about his work and Google. Seth, for me is a master of translating common sense into today’s mass media. Absolutely gripping commentary on society in general, even if you’re not into marketing that much.
Google Admits “Bad Data Push” Error
June 27th, 2006
Google has publically admitted that a change in datacenter infrustracture has caused serious problems for the search engine, and its search results.
The comments were made by Google employee, Adam Lasnik, on the technology forum Threadwatch, in which he admitted that Google had a “bad data push” error.
They were made in response to revelations that a brand new website had tricked its way into having 5 billion pages indexed by Google.
The comments by Adam Lasnik are the clearest admission so far that Google is and has been having major problems, since overhauling the infrastructure of it’s datacenter network in April.
There has been repeated speculation of technical problems, after a huge section of the web appeared to disappear from Google, along with major internet sites such as the Wikipedia, Digg, and Comparative Religion.com.
Previous comments attributed by Eric Schmidt and Larry Page had suggested there was a problem with the amount of storage space on their server.
However, one of Google’s chief engineers and Public Relations spokesmen, Matt Cutts, had denied there was a problem with information storage - but did admit that Google’s storing of information on websites had been prioritised.
The admission that there is a known technical problem with Google’s search results can only be a comfort to webmasters and website owners who so far have had little information to work on.
The fact that Google publically acknowledges the issue shows that Google are at least aware of the problem and are likely to be addressing it.
However, traditionally it can take weeks, even months, for Google to settle down in the face of previous technical difficulties.
In the meantime, should anyone find their own website similarly affected with disappearing from Google without reason, the recommendation can only be to sit tight, change nothing, and hope that Google can fix the problem sooner rather than later.
Recuitment. Vacancies at zoomzoom
June 26th, 2006
That’s right, again zoomzoom is on the hunt for more people in the fast growning marketing department!
Search Engine Optimisation Consultant
Responsibilities Ability to achieve top rankings on the major search engines through search engine compliant web site optimisation.
Execute all aspects of a search engine optimisation program with emphasis on: Keyword research and analysis.
Strong copywriting skills with ability to research and write original copy that meets corporate style guidelines and reinforces branding goals.
Web Site optimization including technical, HTML, CSS, and internal linking strategies. Ability to use Dreamweaver to manage Web sites. Ability to research and acquire effective one way links.
Qualifications Extensive experience with search engine optimisation. Must be familiar with HTML, CSS and JavaScript, keyword and link building research.
Please email mark at zoomzoom dot co dot uk with your details.
Google Launching CPA Model
June 23rd, 2006
Google is adding another way of generating revenue — in the works is a new advertising network that will complement its current fraud-prone AdSense network.
The new cost-per-action, or CPA, network will pay only if net users perform a specific action such as making a purchase or generating a sales lead; in contrast, the AdSense model pays based on the amount of clicks a page receives and is particularly susceptible to “click fraud,” the act of clicking on an ad multiple times to generate revenue.
CPA networks, also called affiliate marketing networks, attract new customers to merchant websites through an independent “middleman” website.
Google has asked its current AdSense customers to take part in the trial of its CPA network, and a Google spokesperson confirmed that they will be testing the new network.
“We’re always looking for new ways to provide effective and useful features to advertisers, publishers and users. As part of these efforts we are currently testing a cost-per-action pricing model to give advertisers more flexibility and provide publishers another way to earn revenue through AdSense. We’re pleased with how the test is progressing and will continue to gather feedback from advertisers and publishers.”
Google’s new model follows last week’s introduction of eBay’s own CPA network version dubbed eBay AdContext, in which affiliates receive a sales commission.
A number of smaller companies such as ValueClick and DoubleClick already provide affiliate network services.
The buzz about Google’s new offering already circulating on affiliate-network site message boards seems to indicate a mixed reaction from webmasters, but that it will likely be popular with advertisers, in part because of an anticipated low-fee or free sign up.
Kate Burns quits Google
June 16th, 2006
The first person employed outside of the US by Google, Kate Burns has quit as the director for UK, Ireland and Benelux. She is to leave the company at the end of the month after her five years with Google. Burns had an active and key role in the development and rapid growth of online advertising in the UK, a sector that is expected to be worth £2billion this year.
Burns says she is taking a career break and planning to spend more time with her family but indtends to return to the business world in the future. Although not confirmed she will be returning to Google, she stated “the door’s been left open” and that “both sites would like to think it’s a seperation not a divorce.” She has however, ruled out working for a direct competitor.
This is the second major change to Google’s senior managment team this year in the UK. Mark Howe was appointed as its UK managering director at the start of the year, but Google is not expected to name Burns’ replacment. There is rumours of further changing in managment in the near future.
