Wingnut SEO

Hello everyone - It’s been a long time since I have updated thanks, in part, to my Denver SEO and Web design company doing so well, and the birth of my beautiful daughter. It’s been a crazy many months.

I read an article yesterday I just happened to find through following @Viperchill that was truly inspiring. Glen wrote about his successful process of creating affiliate sites. As many of you know I got my start in the internet marketing world with a few funny sites that got enough visitors to bring in a fun Google ads revenue.

I have never tried my hand at affiliate marketing. I have often thought about it but always found reasons not to.  After reading Glens post it’s time to give it a go. I am going to follow his process to nearly the letter and I will write about it here to keep everyone up to date.

Go and check out what he wrote but to sum up the process: Find one of your passions, see if there is a market, find a product that fits, make the site, get ranked, profit

As we all know links are good to have - the question becomes how to get them. A trend has been going on for a long time now whereas unknown bloggers write a post and end up getting a link or two on very well known bloggers sites. How are they doing this? It’s simple really, the steps are outlined as follows:

1. Pick a blogger community (SEO’s, Mommybloggers, lolcats, etc)
2. Write a post with a comparison between X and heavy hitters of above group
3. Profit

That’s all there is too it, really. What you have to remember is that all bloggers, no matter who they are, love being talked about. It’s why they write.  Even if they don’t admit it - all bloggers love the fact that people are reading what they write and likewise love it more when people talk about them. It’s true.

Lets do a sample linkbait post now. For the first step (choosing our community) lets go with SEO’s as I know this group the best. Our comparison will be Pies (to show how random it can be)

(title)Famous SEO bloggers if they were Pies(/title)

Michael Gray - If Michael Gray, writer of wolf-howl.com and SEO superstar were a pie he would be Pumpkin! He’s a pumpkin pie because, just like pumpkin pie, everyone in the SEO industry has heard of him and has probably tried out what he has to say. Love him or hate him he’s he is always at the family gatherings.

Lee Odden - Lee Odden of toprankblog.com would for sure be an Apple pie! Just like apple pie everyone wants a peice, and in Lee’s case all SEO’s want to be on his BigList!

XMCP - Otherwise known as SlightlyShady in pie form would be Rhubarb! He’s would be this kind because like rhubarb not everyone has heard of him, not everyone has tried what he has to say, some people are repulsed by what he does while others simply love it! (/end sample post)

And there you have it (The above is just sample. When you are writing your linkbait post I suggest doing 5+ people of your group to compare to). To really knock the socks off and get more readers you should add pictures to each person you compared - like a before and after to really drive home your point.

Wash. Rinse. Do again every few weeks.

I have always wanted my official title to be Lord of Awesome. I don’t know why, I just have… mostly because it’s awesome. Now that I have my own Denver internet marketing company I had business cards made to read Dave Winget - Lord of Awesome. I think I deserve this title as I do own and run PrettyMuchAwesome.org

I started thinking to myself that if I’m going to have this title I should put some reason behind it - or at the very least rank #1 in google for a search of Lord of Awesome. This is my mission now. I will spend time over the coming weeks to rank myself in the serps as Lord of Awesome.

This is where the SEO comes in - I will rank this page and others for Lord of Awesome as I have for my personal name Dave Winget. A search for Dave Winget comes up as the first 10 results pointing to things I have done and, given a little time, Lord of Awesome will come up as well.

If you want to help me out with this noble mission of branding myself as Dave Winget - Lord of Awesome feel free to link to this post and write about the best title - Lord of Awesome.

As many of you know I have recently made the switch back to freelance SEO from working at an agency.  This change has been great so far and if you’re interested in hiring me check out 10kThings.com and leave me a message - the site is still a mess but we still have bigger fish to fry.

Anyway, now that I am back in the drivers seat of my future and expansion of the company I am working for (myself) knowing how to choose the right clients comes into play.  Do you aim only for the top, bringing in only clients that you can get an ongoing monthly retainer or do you take on the small hourly jobs?

I have opted for both.  Naturally I want to expand my business with as many clients as I can, hire folks to handle the heavy lifting, wash rinse etc.  If I only aimed for ongoing larger clients I may get 1-2 signed a month, slowly building the base of the business - I can, however, take on small consulting work 3-5 hour projects at a much quicker rate.  In the past one and a half weeks of working on my own I have taken on 13 of these small projects.

With these small projects I have the luxury to pick and choose who I want to work with.  I haven’t chosen any that would be a once and out deal but rather I have spent this time to build relationships with other small design and development companies that will lead to more work in the future.  While these small projects are not long term contracts they ultimately can provide more value.

As most of you know I have done freelance SEO for a long time and just recently started a Denver/Boulder SEO company of my very own.  It’s going really well and I’m trying my hardest to make time and write on both blogs all while working a 40-hour agency job and  then spending the rest of my time working on building a new company.

That said I started a Twitter account for my new company @10kthings (I’m @Wingnut by the way).

Before I started the company Twitter account it I asked my follwers to see if everyone thought it was a good/bad/lame idea or not - the resounding answer was DO IT.  So far it’s been a great idea.  I really can’t be more happy with it (well, I wish my partners would use it more… but they started to today) With me and 4 other people tweeting (using it the real way and not just shameless self promotion) it’s been fun.  We have a few followers and it’s just nice to know that we have the support out there.  For all the time it takes chatting with people - it’s all well worth it.  It keeps us motivated knowing that there are people watching what we are up to and willing to help support us.

All and all starting a Twitter account for your company is a GOOD THING.  It opens your company up to a whole new range of being social and lets you know that there are people out there that actually do care and wish you the best…. It also it’s awesome free advertising and public relations!

I am pleased to announce the recently registered LLC 10k Things. After being canned from my last job (even after getting a great job 2 hours later) I started to really take things more seriously. The SEM world is always changing and clients come and go – how secure is my new job?

So I did what any Freelancer turned Agency Worker doing side freelance work would do – Took it up a notch with my freelance work. I have always worked with designers and PPC consultants to help with my freelance clients – but now it’s official a company. The launch of the new internet marketing company site, 10kThings.com, should happen later this evening.

It’s pretty cool. We have been working together for a while now and interestingly enough we can do the exact same things any large agency can but for a much lower cost – As we have ZERO overhead.

We will see how things go – we have a few proposals out and a couple clients already signed. Who knows this thing could get huge… here’s to hoping.

To those wondering I will be keeping my full time job - and they were cool that I was working side work when they hired me as they encourage the entrepreneurial spirit. I am really happy where I am with this company and 10k Things will not be a direct competitor with where I am now. The current company I am with is much more large scale than anything 10k Things will be for quite some time.

Right now it’s just a fun project to bring in a little extra money with taking on a few clients and try something new.

Living in Denver and working in Boulder I see a lot of homeless people every day. As an SEO who lives and breathes and dreams search engines I had an interesting thought today inspired by my co-worker Nathan Joynt - What if the homeless needed SEO but just couldn’t afford it? I think it would really be helpful to everyone if I took the time and did my part for the homeless - Free homeless SEO

Lets look at some examples:

Exhibit A

This is the kind of sign that probably worked really well about 10 years ago. This man has been on the streets a long time but has lost touch with what works and doesn’t. He should really consider a redesign as the usability is just horrible, the information is jumbled and the font choices could be better. I’d also suggest that a he write better, less spammy copy - This would not only help usability but he might even be able to get higher SERP positions bringing in more traffic and ad revenue.

Exhibit B

This is a great example of good design but sadly they are not going to get the traffic they deserve. First of all the keyword density is lacking not to mention the fact that “work” and “food” are highly competitive keywords - ranking for these is going to be nearly impossible. With just a little keyword research we see that “Homeless Vet will work 4 food” would be a better choice - You can still get your message across and you find you will get a lot of traffic by putting yourself against less competition.

Another problem with this sign is that it’s out there so much - It’s duplicate content. Just changing the “for” to a “4″ isn’t enough to make the spiders think it is different. I’d suggest adding more words and maybe breaking up the content with bullets and H1’s. Even something as simple as changing “work” to “manual labor” would be helpful.

Exhibit C

Clearly this homeless man has some SEO experience. This man knew that he would get hurt in the SERPs if he used spam tactics or duplicate content. This is a great example of how great content will always be linked to and get a lot of traffic. Not only is this a link baiting sign it is a great example of niche marketing. He knew that ninjas are a big market and by by positioning himself for what people are searching for he gets the traffic. Not only that his copy writing and design skills are great. He gets his point across quickly and makes the reader want to buy.

This AGREEMENT is dated and in effect as of the Month Day, Year, between “Company Name” hereafter referred to as “Consultant” and “Client Name”, hereafter referred to as “Client.” This agreement is with respect to the Search Engine Optimization of Company website, hereinafter referred to as the “Work.” Whereas, Consultant is a professional of Search Engine Optimization of good standing; Whereas, Client wishes Consultant to create certain Work described more fully herein; and Whereas, Consultant wishes to create such Work; Now, therefore, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter set forth and other valuable considerations, the parties hereto agree as follows:

CONFIDENTIALITY:

The Client and Consultant may disclose confidential information one to the other to facilitate work under this Agreement. Such information shall be so identified in writing at the time of its transmittal, and shall be safeguarded and not disclosed to third parties by the receiving party. Confidential information shall not include information that:

1. is already known to the party to which it is disclosed;
2. is or becomes part of the public domain without breach of this Agreement;
3. is obtained from third parties, which have no obligations to keep confidential to the parties to this Agreement.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

A separate Proposal will describe the Work that is required of Consultant for the Client.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

The full length of this contract is as follows:

Starting date is Month Day, Year. and estimated completion Month Day, Year for the total amount of $X per month. Payment is due on the 1^st of every month.

DUE DATES:

Consultant agrees to deliver optimization suggestions on dates as agreed upon in the Proposal. Consultant will make every effort to meet agreed upon due dates. The Client should be aware that failure to submit required information or materials may cause subsequent delays in the production. Client delays could result in significant delays in delivery of finished work. The Client also agrees to make any SEO changes suggested immediately and to not second guess the Consultant. The Client acknowledges the fact that he/she knows nothing about SEO and will keep his/her personal opinions to themselves.

FEES & ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

Changes in client input or direction or excessive changes will be charged at $X an hour for any work the Client wishes Consultant to create, which is not specified in the DESCRIPTION section of this agreement, or in the attached Proposal will be considered an additional service. Such Work shall require a separate Agreement and payment separate from and above that specified in this Agreement. If the Client wishes to do nothing with the suggestions and changes offered but still expects his/her rankings to increase the Client accepts that he/she shall allow the Consultant to punch the Client in the throat.

ASSIGNMENT OF WORK:

Consultant reserves the right to assign other designers or subcontractors to the Work to ensure quality and on-time completion.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS:

All rights not expressly granted hereunder are reserved to Consultant, including but not limited to all rights in sketches, comps, or other preliminary materials.

PERMISSIONS AND RELEASES:

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Consultant against any and all claims, costs, and expenses, including attorney’s fees, due to materials included in the Work at the request of the Client for which no copyright permission or previous release was requested or uses which exceed the uses allowed pursuant to a permission or release.

PUBLICATION:

The Client may publish or disclose information regarding the Work and shall acknowledge the support of Consultant in all such publications. The Client will not use the name of Consultant, in any advertising or publicity without the prior written approval from the Consultant. The Consultant will not use the name of Client, in any advertising or publicity without the prior written approval from the Client.

Termination:

Either party may terminate this Agreement by giving 30 days written notice to the other of such termination. In the event that Work is postponed or terminated at the request of the Client, Consultant shall have the right to bill pro rata for work completed through the date of that request, while reserving all rights under this Agreement. If additional payment is due, this shall be payable within thirty days of the Client’s written notification to stop work. In the event of termination, the Client shall also pay any expenses incurred by Consultant and the Consultant shall own all rights to the Work. The Client shall assume responsibility for all collection of legal fees necessitated by default in payment.

The Client and Consultant are independent parties and nothing in this Agreement shall constitute either party as the employer, principal or partner of or joint venture with the other party. Neither the Client nor Consultant has any authority to assume or create any obligation or liability, either express or implied, on behalf of the other.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of STATE applicable therein.

The undersigned agrees to the terms of this agreement on behalf of his or her organization or business.

On behalf of the Client: _________________________________ Date _____________

On behalf of Consultant: __________________________________ Date ____________

So this isn’t what I was going to write about today.  I was going to write a piece on “Social Media Karma and how down voting your friends that you ask to vote you up is a bad idea” so as I do, I go out to find a fun image to edit slightly and then throw up as my little teaser image.  I get on Google and search images for the word “karma” at least 4 of the images that showed up on the first page were porn.  Not just classy stuff either - I’m talking hard core porn.

Where the hell was this when I was 14.  Finding free porn on the internet was a difficult thing… now all you have to do is type in any word on the Google and blam… Plenty of high quality free porn.  There is no “are you 18″ buttons to click, no credit card info to give away…  This has got to be illegal… Right?  Or since there is the preferences section… it isn’t?

On one hand it’s great - Freedom of search of something - things not being censored… On the other hand THINK OF THE CHILDREN!

Maybe there is a way to lock this on your computer… I’m not seeing one.  All a horny teenager has to do is sign up for gmail… sign in… go back to search and he has his own preferences to set.  Good times.  I hear there are some 3rd party things out there that can lock it… but what average parent/gardian is going to know about these, or know even what to search for?

There is some talk about “SEO Fame” going around started off by Lee Odden and then continued today with a post over on SEOmoz by Rand Fishkin - they both seem to be saying the same thing… It’s not an end in and of itself. Well, yeah, duh… But it sure doesn’t hurt… Both Odden and Fishkin are “famous” - How many people do they have reading every word that they write? Well, just looking at subscriber stats 40k+ between the two of them. How much ad money is brought in, how many clients actually find them because they are famous? Sure does make sales a little more simple when people are searching for you by name.

They do make a good point though - Fame is not your end game. So then, why chase it? For me it is not fame I’m seeking but just powerful networking. The fruits of my social media and SEO network labor are already starting to pay off.

Case in point: I was downsized last Monday from my agency job - Two hours later I had a better paying agency job and started Tuesday thanks to my interviewers knowing who I was because they had seen my blog on Sphinn a few times. Awesome. I’m totally famous, well… not really. BUT I AM KNOWN BY SOME. Cool.

Example 2 of my awesome power of networking: I’m looking to buy some kind of rad 4×4 for escapes to back country mountain camp sites. I get on Twitter and ask “Anyone know what car is good to get for offroading? I’m thinking about a Jeep Wrangler” A couple hours later Dan Perry who works SEO and Online Marketing for Cars.com calls me up and gives me a rundown on what’s good and what’s not - Now that is just straight up cool… I’ll be getting an FJ Cruiser, by the way - Thanks Dan

Becoming “famous” is really just a side bonus of networking. The more people you are nice to and know… the more people will be nice to and know you. That’s what SEO fame is good for. It’s so helpful being known by all the other great SEO’s out there - being friends with - friends help friends out - they will answer questions and help you meet other people… Social networkers are social people… social people are generally good to have on your side.

Well, that’s all I have to say about that. Fame would be nice to have - Do I want it? Sure, who doesn’t. If it helps me reach my goal of not being someones grunt and either running my own agency or just being happy doing freelance because I’m known great… You just have to understand what Lee and Rand both said - Fame is not an end game in and of itself, but it’s one hell of a helpful thing for any career.