KIVA South Africa on Google

While understanding and integrating Social Networks into our Internet Marketing strategy is essential in today’s online environment, the fact remains that Google still holds the reigns quite tightly when it comes to capturing the main traffic – meaning when people look for something specific on the net, punching in a keyword string – eg. ‘KIVA South Africa’ – be it for research, mere interest or to buy, with the credit card between their teeth :)

KIVA South Africa on Google

Designing exclusively on our own sophisticated WordPress based Semiomantics Scripts includes regular monitoring of our results, meaning the visibility and performance of our articles and posts – yes even mere images – on Google Top 10.

Two days ago I wrote a little post about my new venture into a Social Network with a twist that makes sense in that it supports less advantaged people in poor countries (well… not only…) to build and sustain their business by means of loans, especially when times are tough or an accident or natural desaster has brought them to the verge of collapse. The name is KIVA and you are welcome to find out more by clicking on the link here.

However, my main issue here is: How did my article on KIVA South Africa perform on Google?

Well, a picture – or in this case a quick screenshot – talks more than many words.  It did exactly one shot with no help in terms of relating domain names … I had just started this whole journey – and what you see is that even today, 2 days later, my article is still on position 6 on Google Top 10 ahead of 939,000 search returns! Not a big number in Semiomantics terms, but just another proof in terms of efficiency and reliability:

Semiomantics – what else

Get your websites and blogs to Google Top 10 with  Semiomantics – what else?

Best Price Sakai TG41 Vibratory Roller

The brand-new Website for Magnetic Transport Surplus is barely one day old and still in its indexing phase… and already we can see it climbing top positions on Google with its targeted keywords; in this case: “Best Price Sakai TG41 Vibratory Roller”.

Best Price Sakai TG41 Vibratory Roller

When setting up a new website or blog, it’s important to get the beginning right… it demands focus, concentration and patience. The post “Best Price Sakai TG41 Vibratory Roller” is no exception; what is exceptional however is its powerful performance… being Number One on Google Top 10 – that clearly speaks for the right choice: Semiomantics Web Design!

Cut Cost efficiently

If you have a product or service to sell, consider your options. Do your maths and check back with me on http://biancagubalke.com/contact on how to efficiently cut cost and get the best performance and SEO! Contact me anytime; results are guaranteed!

Change with Semiomantics

I am not too sure whether we change with Semiomantics – or Semiomantics changes with us? Or Semiomantics is just that: a magic catalyst for Change in our virtual lives?

However, in a world that explodes with information – not ‘news’… so perhaps I should rather say deformation as we are often looking at what’s already cold coffee or just a meaningless self-expression adding to an ever-growing moloch of cyber-waste… the best thing to do from time to time is to – change. Start from scratch again or almost… open up to new possibilities and thinking away old norms. As such, and following this weekend’s incredibly powerful Ycademy Seminar, it may be the last time we see my Author Blog the way this picture shows it:

Change with Semiomantics

This month’s Ycademy Seminar has certainly made it’s point: Yes! We Can… change with Semiomantics! It just provided this additional kick it needed to dare, rethink, destroy and then to reconstruct what had been so far achieved. We’ll be well in line with what’s going on in the ‘real’ world, where many of our preconceptions are being effectively destroyed – at least for those of us who have been around for a couple of decades reaching back into the past century when Information Technology started to revolutionize the world.

There’s no escape into the past and its old theories and paradigm; the only way is forward through the current crisis towards a new form of thinking where we will be embracing the Unknown. Surely, the Unknown won’t be in any solid form or shape, I expect it to be moving, to be fluid… fluid as constant change happens to be.

So we keep updating Semiomantics and our brains, following the breathtaking acceleration of developments in technology and electronic networks.

As such, the past Ycademy Seminar established what we as website developers and web designers have to understand, confront, live up to and transform according to the requests and needs of our customers … as well as the incredible opportunity for expression this golden script offers being embedded in the dynamic and future-oriented WordPress environment where only one thing is guaranteed: constant Change!

This may not be a journey for everybody, but then not everyone is ready for Change!

2010 FIFA Official World Cup Kickoff Concert

Excitement is growing for the 2010 FIFA Official World Cup Kickoff Concert as more and more fans of the expected 350,000 or so are landing in South Africa right now, most of which are from the USA! Who would have thought that?

The tour of Bafana Bafana through Johannesburg was received with frenetic applause, joy and pride and we hear that our beloved Madiba will be attending the opening match on Friday… see our 91 year old charismatic legend BE where his people are and dance the WAKA WAKA ! Thank you, Madiba!

Madiba at 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup

If you CLICK ON THE PICTURE above you will see stunning Shakira and the dynamic Rainbow Nation performing the official 2010 FIFA Official World Cup Song!

2010 FIFA Official World Cup Kickoff Concert on Google Top 10

From high Sports performance to Semiomantics Performance on Google Top 1o – let’s see where yesterday’s post on “2010 FIFA Official World Cup Kickoff Concert” has taken us in terms of Google rankings… surely a very much “in” keyword these days:

a whopping Google Top 10… actually position 6 within just a few hours – see it here on the screenshot:

Semiomantics Scripts are simply the best!

Semiomantics Scripts

Semiomantics Scripts for high performance on Google are available in various formats at my SHOP HERE.

Make your choice or contact me for a free consultation at Web Design Consulting.

Laduma South Africa

“Laduma South Africa” is what we will soon hear all over the country… and following my recent posts I heard it in many communications from all over the world! We may have written about many ‘kicks’ in the past, however, this one will be the ‘real’ thing, the ‘real’ KICK kicking off :)

Laduma!

If the Soccer World Cup 2010 takes place on days like we had today down here in Cape Town, then the exciting South Africa Event will be truly blessed: sunshine, no wind, a crystal light and smiling people everywhere. Just magic! “Laduma” by “Hot Water” from Noordhoek, South Africa will add dynamics, rhythm and swing – LISTEN TO LADUMA HERE.

Laduma South Africa on Google

As usual, we monitor the performance of “Laduma South Africa” on Google – and within less than an hour we reached Google Top 10 as you can see below. Laduuuuuma!

Meanwhile, positions have changed as there is fierce competition due to the upcoming event and, of course, this is not our main topic – we just demonstrate, once again, the efficiency of Semiomantics Scripts in combination with a skillful editing and publishing.

Semiomantics Scripts

Semiomantics Scripts are set up professionally for success on search engines and reach you only once properly indexed on Google.

Visit my SHOP HERE to make your choice or get in touch with me for some helpful advice and Semiomantics Consulting so you get exactly what you need or are looking for. You will save time, frustrations and money.

Digital Photography 2010

Digital Photography 2010 is the topic we are focusing on this month in our daily calls and workshops as well as in the Ycademy Seminar April 2010.

A crash course on Digital Photography demands a lot of preparation on one side … and preparedness in terms of our seminar participants following each course very attentively and executing the requested exercises – as while theory is one thing and essential for our understanding especially of technical features or sequences, it can never replace one’s own shooting experience.

Portrait of a Parrot - Untouched

What I will do over the next two weeks are short workshop resumes with possibly a personal emphasis on what interests me specifically; I say ‘short’ – as nothing can replace the value of being at the daily workshops  yourself, following the teaching, testing and doing what needs to be done to learn new skills or improve them. You cannot learn to meditate without experiencing what meditation is through meditating yourself. The same applies to digital photography – or anything of real value anyway.

Please also be aware that only Workshop participants and Seminar ticket holders will have access to recordings.

Digital Photography Basics

Digital Photography Basics are fundamental for anyone’s professional visual presence on the Internet and there are only three ways of achieving this:

• BE a good photographer already
• LEARN how to create good quality digital images – or
• BUY digital photos from the many stock sources there are.

Digital Photography 2010 on Google

As we continue to monitor the performance of our Semiomantics Scripts and corresponding articles and posts on Google, here is another astonishing result of yesterday’s article regarding Digital Photography 2010 on Google – an amazing position 5 on Google Top 10 with search returns of almost 55 million :

Get your top performing Semiomantics Script and my guidance HERE.

To be continued soon . . .

March Lilies Wallpaper

After the fiery sunset at the end of February in yesterday’s post on the Polaroid Look, I present you with the first March Lilies – Amaryllis belladonna – blooming in magnificent soft pinks in my garden and spreading a delicate scent.

Here I translated a digital photo into an attractive March Lilies Wallpaper using Photoshop and an Action Script:

March Lilies Wallpaper

Whether it’s March Lilies Wallpaper or any other product – what counts is always an ‘appetizing’ presentation, something that creates empathy and attracts peoples’ attention… and then guides them to the relevant action pointers.

Web Design Consulting with Semiomantics

If the production of Wallpapers were my main business and “March Lilies Wallpaper” one of my products, I would see to it that I publish regularly about this exact topic and grab Googles’ attention and space. As a consequence, I would eventually reach higher Google Top 10 rankings, people interested in Wallpapers would find me under the relevant keywords and would then click through to the relevant points of action embedded on my website or blog, i.e. Salespage and/or PayPal button.

If your main interest is to achieve Google Top 10 rankings with your website or blog, check out my SHOP (Section Web Design)  or get some advice at Web Design Consulting with Semiomantics Scripts used for Author blogs, Business Blogs and others.

Images that Create Empathy

When designing the Web Graphics for our website or blog, we need to focus on Images that Create Empathy.

Although there’s nothing better than starting out with a good original picture – say a sharp photo we took with our digital photo camera – we can make our lives easier and especially save a lot of time when working with filter plugins.

While it’s important to first know the basics of our Adobe Photoshop as it allows us to visualize the effect we actually want… and we should work sparcely with effects rather than going overboard with them – it’s great fun to experiment and play – as I did with the sunbird picture I published in my previous post – here’s just one astonishing version where I used a filter plugin :

Bianca Gubalke Digital Art

For some weird reason, however, my Adobe Photoshop CS4 collapses regularly when I am using a new filter plugin I loaded last Friday… and unless I saved my work it’s all gone. Hopefully, there’s a solution.

Images that Create Empathy on Google

But to come back to our regular monitoring of what our posts are doing on Search Engines, let’s look at our latest result on Google.

Shortly after we published our article on “Images that Create Empathy’ we could see it on Google Top 10… an amazing position number ONE! Here’s the screenshot :

'Images that Create Empathy' Number ONE on Google Top 10

Optimization Website with Semiomantics

There is no secret: the best Website Optimization is with Semiomantics Scripts, which are based on proven WordPress Technology. This requires Knowledge and Skill that we at Web Design Consulting acquired over years of consistent research,  learning, application and experience. All this flows into our Website Development and boosts our customers’ website performance on Google Top 10 – which we proove daily.

]]> http://biancagubalke.com/google-top-10/images-that-create-empathy-2/feed/ 12 http://biancagubalke.com/semiomantics/optimization-website/ http://biancagubalke.com/semiomantics/optimization-website/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:58:06 +0000 Bianca Gubalke http://biancagubalke.com/?p=3378

Optimization Website

Website Optimization is the most important – yet almost invisible – part in professional Web Design and Website Development.

If done correctly, it ensures that our websites and blogs perform well on search engines like Google. However, as things are constantly changing, like for instance Google’s algorhythm – there are no guarantees that what worked yesterday will bring the same results as today. Not at all! We better be flexible and accept that we have to bend to a temperamental online scenario; it won’t happen the other way around. This demands from us to monitor, observe and be aware of how our articles appear once posted – just as we watch how our racing horses and jockeys perform at a derby – and draw the necessary conclusions for possible changes from there.

Google Top 10 for biancagubalke.com on Semiomantics

Optimization Website

This morning, we wrote an article under the headline “Online Communications Market Research Analysis” – and as at Web Design Consulting we focus heavily on ‘Optimization Website’ based on our high performing Semiomantics Scripts as well as Captivating Web Graphics by Bianca Gubalke for the visually attractive aspect, let’s look at our result in Google Top 10 ranking terms after just a short hour!

As you see on the screenshot above, we grabbed position 2 on 14 million search returns within that short period – which is totally amazing!

Ycademy Business Building Seminars

Learn more about Search Engine Optimization Techniques at our monthly Ycademy Business Building Seminars, the next being scheduled for 21 and 22 February, 2010! Diarize and get your ticket soon – a full schedule will follow in due time!

Online Communications Market Research Analysis

A thorough and constant Online Communications Market Research Analysis is fundamental for the success of any website or blog on the Internet, especially where products and/or services are being sold that depend on a high visibility on Search Engines and in Social Networks.

Online Communications Market Research Analysis

Setting up an attractive website and positioning it on Google Top 10 is just the beginning of any project we manage at Web Design Consulting .

The important point now is to keep the position and continuously build and expand the authority and web presence of the website concerned within its targeted online market niche.

This goes far beyond simple Website Maintenance and Support; this is one of the secrets of our high performing Semiomantics Network and based on constant Awareness and Online Communications Market Research Analysis to spot new website developments and trends – and accordingly integrate new features, change scripts or adapt and accomplish whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition.

Awareness

Awareness is the word!

Again, Nature is our best teacher – it’s so simple and we have it all within us! See the incredible ‘look-out’ I spotted yesterday… right amongst the wild proteas in my garden… with three long-tailed sunbirds watching in all directions on a high strategic position … to see and warn the entire clan! You can’t ask for a better example… and consulting with Wiki to get the official explanation: “Awareness is the state or ability to perceive, to feel, or to be conscious of events, objects or sensory patterns. In this level of consciousness, sense data can be confirmed by an observer without necessarily implying understanding. More broadly, it is the state or quality of being aware of something.

In biological psychology, awareness is defined as a human’s or an animal’s perception and cognitive reaction to a condition or event.”

Equally, we as Web Designers  have to always stay tuned and close to what’s happening, where the masses are moving and how we have to adapt to bring our products and services in front of them – if that’s our target.

With Semiomantics Scripts we endeavour to not only ride the wave but be a little step ahead of it. . . just watch what’s happening at our WP Best eShop… a project in development!

Web Content Writing for Web sites

Attention-grabbing Web Content Writing for Web sites in combination with smart Editing and SEO Publishing are definitely key to our online success when it comes to getting our websites or blogs to occupy Google Top 10 positions. Just as the creation of a smart Script like Semiomantics and its knowledgeable setup, configuration and implementation in the invisible background of the website, Web Content Writing for Web sites that make it to the top of search engines and then captivate readers and potential clients and buyers is a special skill if not a profession in its own right.

Web Content Writing for Web sites

Web Content Writing for Web sites differs from normal writing practices as we know them from printed copy… books, catalogues, newspapers, magazines etc … where a lot of emphasis is placed on our literary qualities as authors, writers, journalists…, our writing style, the way we express ourselves and are in command of the language we’re using.

I am and will always be an absolute fan of a good ‘real’ book that I can hold in my hands, feel the precious cover – binding a book is something I did myself long ago – feel the pages and touch illustrations and photos with my finger tips as though they could come alive. . .

However, there are books one loves and wants to keep and there is information one needs when doing research for a project for example – and there it’s just an immaterial, intellectual transfer of data that’s needed … and for this the Internet – and with it today’s brilliant Kindle – are just perfect!

Writing for the Internet

However, as everything on the Internet is fast-paced and rather surface-oriented, few people really read and take contents to the depth it may deserve – Internet readers skip.

So what we need to focus on from a web content perspective when writing for the Internet is to…

• think before you write to start with: what do you want your post to trigger in the reader? And what reader? What target audience?
• be original, concise and succint… and if it’s not important to say, don’t say it… noone has time for that;
• allow readers to scan your posts by providing pulling, clearly defined headlines;
• write in a simple, conversational style;
• personalize it;
• be informative and contextual – always with the readers’ interests in mind (what’s in it for me) and then, most importantly:
• besides writing for the reader, write for the search engine spyders – yeah, that’s tricky but efficient!

Professional Style

A professional style has to do with an

• aesthetic layout,
• good, readible fonts and
• harmonious colors -

which are obviously provided by the website owner in case you are taking on a copywriting job – unless you are doing it all by yourself.

Pictures and Images

We all know… a picture tells a thousand stories… meaning if you can integrate original pictures or images that talk, you can write less with the same if not a vastly better effect or result.

Look at the image above and literally feel the drama… what would you want to add to this?

Also… be inspired by modern advertising and movies: how much is being said? How much is being shown?  The Internet is becoming increasingly media and interaction oriented and you are well advised to reflect this dynamic evolution and trend within your posts and articles.

Web Content Writing Services

Despite a so-called information overflow, there isn’t that much original, good stuff out there, contrary to what one might assume and in relation to the scary masses of individuals writing and posting every single day. Twitter reduces it to a few words – and with explosive success! Is it that little we actually have to say? Ooops, no side-tracking – back to the topic here!

But do the exercise and go to Google Top 10 and see how long it takes you to find something of real content when researching a certain keyword or topic. One has to wade through masses of undigested nonsense until one eventually gets to the real stuff… and then it’s the learner’s or reader’s paradise – right?

There are many Web Content Writing Services out there and there is place for everybody.

So if you have a brand-new Website or Blog – or one that has been around for a while but without much success and probably not even updated and properly maintained… – and writing is not your business as something else is, actually what the Blog should help you with in terms of online presence… who should you ask? Who could you outsource to?

I believe, personal contacts and connections based on a good reputation and authority on the Internet make all the difference – in other words Trust based on facts. And then of course:

• a proven track record of good, solid writing and publishing – including captivating web graphics;
• Reachability;
• Punctuality;
• Reliability;
• Precise targeting;
• Visibility on Google Top 10 and
• Competitive prices.

How can you find out?

Simple… look the writer’s name up on Google and study some Writing examples, eg. on his or her website. See what resonates with you and your project or ambition – and then take up contact and find out more.

At Web Design Consulting you will always get precisely what you need – and much more! Our Semiomantics Team is known for the personal touch and will go the extra mile to fulfill your expectations with care and diligence!

High Performance

High Performance and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) are the first and most important factors to be considered when setting up a new Website or Blog, never mind whether you are a private individual or a corporate company. Getting solid and knowledgeable advice from a professional web designer or Semiomantics consultant will save you money, time and frustration – although the fact is that performance and visibility on Google Top 10 as well as on Social Networks genre Facebook and Twitter do increase if you are prepared to invest more – provided you are in good, trustworthy hands – as at  Web Design Consulting .

High Performance

High Performance is meanwhile an almost abused slogan and promise to any prospect who wants to start a presence on the Internet.

Not long ago, I saw it even in big, bold letters on the rear window of a car driving next to me on the highway. With a juicy price tag to the service, per month that is. I made a mental note of the website and promptly looked it up on Google – and didn’t discover it anywhere.

How to choose a Performing Web Designer

So how does a normal person without too much insight or experience regarding Web 2.0 know how to choose a performing Web Designer?

By doing his due diligence and looking the Web Designer or Web Design Consultant up on Google!

Is he in control of his own name to start with? Look at the website, the performance, the look, the functionalities… now… today! Not a year ago… right now! Look at what comes over, how the images talk to you, the content resonates or looks rather fishy. Is there a proven track record of consistent work and proven results, eg. screenshots as you see regularly on this website, biancagubalke.com? Meaning absolute proof of targets being reached and within which time frame?

Let’s look at yesterday’s example:

Web Graphics Joy

My article on ‘Joy’ as an important element of Web Graphics Design reached a top ranking on Google – position 3 on over a million entries to be exact – within two minutes! See the screenshot below, where I researched the search term “Web Graphics Joy” with quite another thought in mind… I wasn’t prepared for such a smashing result that fast … but that’s the Power of our Semiomantics Scripts in combination with smart Editing and Publishing :

"Web Graphics Joy" on Google Top 10 - position 3 - in 2 minutes

Web Design Consulting

When considering these details, one gets a feeling as to where Web Design Consulting Services sound right, efficient and reliable – and fun to work with! And, as we are talking about High Performance… where a script – meaning the secret engine that drives the performance of a website or blog – achieves its goals, meaning where posts reach Google Top 10 positions on the keywords as delivered by the client and then targeted.

Of course, a client needs to know his keywords; if he’s wrong on that one noone else is to be blamed.

Finding the right keywords should not be taken light-heartedly; getting it right here is fundamental to one’s success online, and it is a Science – a highly paid one. Yes, it pays to invest in proper keyword research – and as the Internet changes daily following the temperamental movements of the masses and of course Google, it’s an ongoing process.

It never ends!

Setting up a website or blog is only the beginning; then the real work starts with daily publishing of good, well-edited content and regular maintenance to keep it alive and building towards its goal in terms of visibility on Google – and then staying there.

With our knowledge, dedication and support at  Web Design Consulting you will!

2010 Noordhoek Accommodation

While I enjoyed Noordhoek Beach watching one of the rare Oyster Catchers. . . our articles about 2010 Noordhoek Accommodation have made their way up to Google Top 10 with the power of Semiomantics and smart Network Publishing.

Oyster Catcher on Noordhoek Beach

2010 Noordhoek Accommodation

Here are the latest results on Google Top 10 for “2010 Noordhoek Accommodation” which show that, within this short period of time and without the keywords within the domain name in any way, we now occupy 7/10 spots on page one on Google:

Amazing results!

However, on the Internet there is no standstill; like on Noordhoek Beach we are constantly on shifting sands with high tide and low tide and lots of surprises inbetween! So we have to be flexible and teachable all the time to work on our continued success.

Semiomantics Seminar 2010

As we are starting with our first Semiomantics Seminar 2010 today followed by our first InfoCall 2010, my entire focus will be there in order to be even better equipped in terms of latest Knowledge and cutting-edge Technology to best serve our customers at Web Design Consulting.

Favicons on Semiomantics

When Branding your website you may want to add a little favicon that appears in the browser when anyone looks at your website.

From the various places that allow us to create such favicons, Ycademy suggests to use this tool here.

However, things may differ from script to script; so I add a little write-up of how to create a favicon when using a Semiomantics Script.

Favicons on Semiomantics

In the case of setting up a little favicon on Semiomantics – meaning your Semiomantics based Blog or Website -, you simply go to the site I indicated above and under “Image to create Icon from” you browse to your picture folder and search for the little picture you wish to use.

Here it is important to bear in mind that that picture will be tiny as you will see in the 16×16 FavIcon preview. It needs to nevertheless be sharp. So think of a simple form or a single letter and create a picture for this in your Photoshop. While I have several variations, the one I use currently is a simple B in the font I am using all over. . . but I created that picture in a much bigger format first. You can use jpg, gif, png and bmp – and if you need a transparency, use a gif or a png – the maximum file size being 150.00 kb.

So once you have browsed to your favorite flavicon on your harddrive, click on “Create Favicon” and if it’s what you want as you can see under “Preview”, then click on “Download Favicon”. I saved it automatically in my Download Folder.

As a next step, I uploaded this favicon straight into my www where I want to use it, a simple copy/paste transfer.

Next you test it – like in my case on http://biancagubalke.com/favicon.ico

Now comes the tricky part as you are instructed to insert a little code in the head section of your pages… right? And now you wonder… and that’s where Semiomantics Scripts come in with their forward planning setup: you do not need to do anymore when using Favicons on Semiomantics Scripts!

Relax… and see your favicon appearing sooner or later…  while you can continue with your day.

Flash Fonts for a Personal Look

Hanging out in Social Networks may be fun, however, more and more people want to stand out from the mass when it comes to their online presence and branding their business.

Frankly, do you want to look like anyone else… or would you like your visitors and readers to recognize your site immediately and be impressed and hooked by what they see?

When creating a Website or Blog one of our prime goals is to customize it – and integrating Flash Fonts for a Personal Look are a great way to do so.

Flash Fonts for a Personal Look

Of course, the choice of Flash Fonts for a personal look is a personal affair on one hand side but it also follows aesthetic rules of  Typography in general and trends that come and go in particular.

In this connection you may remember the articles we posted in connection with “Grunge” fonts and corresponding Photoshop brushes just a few months ago, and in my view this exciting Grunge Design development basically built on a style created by Antoni Tàpies in the 70′s, I remember it well as that’s when I studied Art & Architecture in Paris and I admired his work. He’s a true Master of Arts to this very day.

Fontburner for Semiomantics Scripts

Integrating Fontburner for Semiomantics Scripts is a great way to personalize titles of posts, although it’s tricky and updates delete your settings – so save them beforehand. However, once set up and the colour codes allocated it really makes a difference – as you see here on www.biancagubalke.com or the screenshot I have added.

Besides, Fontburner allows the free download of many good fonts and has good information on site. I can only recommend it.

Working from Monkey Valley

“Working from Monkey Valley” has become the working title to discuss the four main criteria when – or rather before – deciding to either create one’s own business website or blog – or to outsource this important task and expansion in case an offline Business Enterprise already exists, to a professional web designer.

We went into the significance of the hidden part – which gives us Visibility on Google to harvest the Traffic we all are in dire need of in order to become profitable or increase profit margins – and the Look, the Image, the Web Graphics and corresponding features and ingredients that people see when they find our website or blog, that hooks them, puts us on their ‘likeability list’ and triggers their reaction to buy from us rather than from the competition.

That’s the game, isn’t it?

We are all in the Fishing business. . . pretty much the same as it is in the normal world. . .

Working from Monkey Valley on Google Top 10

Before we go into the next criterium and just to complete our little exercise and record the amazing results, here’s the latest as to where “Working from Monkey Valley” went on Google Top 10… in fact, it went to Number One!

Results speak for themselves – that’s for Semiomantics Scripts!

Functionality of a Website

The Functionality of a Website or Blog is the third criterium we have to look at.

Content

First and most importantly, the content in form of articles, posts, images, audios, galleries, videos and the like has to be:

> original content (meaning write yourself or hire a ghost writer, i.e. outsource);

> regular (ideally daily, at least in the beginning until you are well positioned, then maintain);

> keyword-related in function of the website (AutoRentSA is about “Car Rental in Cape Town” and not scooters);

> well edited, eg. with the correct headers, tags and categories;

> well published, ideally with the Support of a Publishing Network (eg. YORGOO Publishing).

Additional Software

Secondly and depending on your product or service, you may want to add special additional software, for instance a Shop. Of course, there is a price tag to this as it includes not only the software itself but also license agreements and integration… and then someone spiffy and knowledgeable has to set it up and maintain it on a continuous daily basis.

If for instance kicks and sneakers are being sold like in the case of our friends, Global Sports US, then the latest items, Special Offers and Promotions have to be in the shop under the right and easy-to-find category…. with all the possible choices as to size, colors and blings. . . and ready to be bought with the click of a mouse and a PayPal button by anyone who wants them exactly NOW.

Speed is everything!

It doesn’t end there . . . a shop has to be maintained and sold products need to be replaced – ideally a person of the company familiarizes himself with the software and funtionalities, or a professional is hired – per hour or per unit placed on the shelf.

Time is Money!

As the owner of such a website I have to make my calculation to see what I can or should invest and how fast or at what point I break even. All this needs is a clear keyword-oriented focus on the product to be sold or the Service to be delivered.

In case of a car rental company I may need car leasing or reservation software to automatically check for availability and allow for quick execution of the orders. If on a shoestring budget, I may save these costs by feeding requests via a Contact Form to my Inbox or mobile phone or by integrating a ‘Call Me on Skype’ button and then take care of them personally myself – until the time where my business expands and the investment into relevant software makes sound financial sense.

Interestingly in this connection: in Japan people already pay via mobile devices instead of using the Credit card. It will become a trend everywhere and we have to prepare ourselves for it.

The fact is that since the Internet we have progressively grown into a ‘connected society’ – thus also the emphasis we put on connecting to Social Networks genre Facebook, Twitter and soon Google Wave in our Ycademy Seminars, the finale for 2009 taking place on 12 and 13 December 2009!

The Budget

Finally, it’s all a matter of Budget. That’s our last criterium.

The fact is that people are sick and tired of seeing the same stuff all over; they want to distinguish themselves from the masses; they want their own websites and blogs.

While finding the right web designer to entrust may present a problem, they are prepared to pay the price if the person has a good presence on Google (remember: control your own name…) and has a good track record within this particular field of expertise, and if the product is efficient and proven. Today’s communities and netpreneurs like the personal touch – however, they not only want the looks as was the case in the past, they also want conversion to cash – and this depends largely on the hidden part of the blog, the magic engine that leads to Google Top 10. At a price – there is no way inbetween.

To establish your starting point on your personal “Path to Profitability” it is important that you or your client know exactly:

> what you want,
>where you want to go,
>what your product/s and keyword/s are,
> what your competition does,
> where your target market is and finally….
> what your budget is.

A good website or blog have their price – there is no way around it – however, the good news is that once set up properly and promoted in the way we teach on a consistent basis, you get the money back through sales – and from there it’s just a matter of time: your online business will grow.

Ask Global Sports US – invisible = non-existent before as to the Internet barometer in terms of Google – everywhere they want to be NOW. Of course, with Semiomantics – what else?!

“In a few years’ time you either have an online business or you have no business.”  Bill Gates

You decide where YOU want to position yourself and be ready for the future.

Monkey Valley Beach Nature Resort

Over the past few days I published a few articles about Working from Monkey Valley Beach Nature Resort – one of my favourite places down here in the Cape Peninsula, more specifically in Noordhoek, South Africa. My emphasis was strongly on what anyone who wants to set up a website should consider in terms of personal reasons or business requirements – and how the web designer creating that website or blog basically looks at it and puts a price tag to it depending on the priorities and budget of the client.

Visibility on Google

From this followed that what is not really important for individuals who just want to have an attractive online presence for Fun…  Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Visibility on Google Top 10 is what counts for any business oriented person. As the Internet changes consistently, following the trends of the masses – what’s in today may be of no interest whatsoever tomorrow – , this is a continuous activity that needs consistent attention and regular posts that are well-edited and well-published in keyword terms – as is taught at Ycademy Business Building Seminars.

Monkey Valley Beach Nature Resort

To make my point I included several screenshot under the search term “Working from Monkey Valley” and we see that our Publishing Network occupies 5-6 spots out of 10 on Google Top 10. I even refrained from posting anything yesterday and while the priorities have shifted, the picture as a whole is still the same.

Interestingly though, “Monkey Valley Beach Nature Resort” keeps its prime position – and the lesson here is that it is extremely important to include the right keyword within the domain name – as HERE.

Of course, we prefer to keep it short – that’s what you see they actually did – however, the most important is included and helps in keeping the prime position.

The more astonishing the performance of Semiomantics Scripts – as we have none of these priorities – nor advantages – and still reach the target.

I took “Monkey Valley Beach” as I love this Nature Resort and its people and we’ve been discussing this issue. It could be anything else.

The next important factor when choosing or designing a website or blog – and calculating the corresponding budget – will be discussed in my next post. . . and I will be doing so from another magic place! Keep tuned. . .

Working From Monkey Valley

While “Working from Monkey Valley” was my chosen solution yesterday when I was forced to ‘outsource’ my working environment, I immediately used the opportunity to demonstrate the efficiency of our unique Semiomantic Scripts in combination with proper Editing and Publishing as taught in our monthly – entirely online – Ycademy Seminars at 50$ a ticket.

Working From Monkey Valley on Google Top 10

Of course, talking about one’s performance is one thing, proving it is definitely another, however, here’s the result of yesterday’s post – within less than 12 hours as I didn’t even check it earlier due to being too busy with other Blogs plus the preparations of the remaining Ycademy Seminars for 2009 … have a look and draw your own conclusions:

Definitely, Working from Monkey Valley on Google Top 10 – and this not only once – interestingly on my Design Blog with spot 6 – but picked up on YORGOO Publishing on spot 5 and followed again on spot 9. That’s a whopping 3 positions out of Google Top 10 – with one shot!

You may notice also the last position is “Thorfynns Restaurant” by dining-out.co.za – this is exactly where I was situated, where I wrote the article under blooming syringa trees, chatting to the new owner and his delightful Team.

Of course, it’s now a matter of staying there – which should not be a problem for anyone focused on his business – and certainly no problem for Thorfynns Restaurant with all that’s on the Plan for the rest of the year and 2010! I’m looking forward to telling you more about Monkey Valley soon. . .

. . .

Cup of Gold

“Cup of Gold” is an interesting search term with a whopping 37,3 million returns on Google. . .  but what I found was not exactly what I was looking for, at least not within the very concise context I was planning for my article to feature my Cup of Gold Image.

Cup of Gold

“Cup of Gold” as to Wikipedia is John Steinbeck’s first novel… some historical fiction which was more or less based on “… the privateer Henry Morgan’s life and death. It centres on Morgan’s assault and sacking of the city of Panama, sometimes referred to as the ‘Cup of Gold’, and the woman fairer than the sun reputed to be found there.”

Reminds me that it’s a while since I read Steinbeck…

“Cup of Gold” is described by Susan F. Beegel as follows: “. . . From the mid-1650s through the 1660s, Henry Morgan, a pirate and outlaw of legendary viciousness, ruled the Spanis Main. He ravaged the coasts of Cuba and America, striking terror wherever he went. Morgan was obsessive. He had two driving ambitions: to possess the beautiful woman called La Santa Roja and to conquer Panama, the “cup of gold.” Steinbeck’s first novel and sole work of historical fiction, Cup of Gold is edgy and adventurous, brash and distrustful of society, and sure to add new dimensions to readers’ perceptions of this all-American writer.”

Finding what you are not looking for and not knowledgeable about is always an exciting source for new ideas… at least for me :)

I will remember this when I write about “Obsession”. . . which of course brings me to fragrances… perfumes… and flowers in my garden! My preferred topic!

In fact, what I was looking for was at the bottom of  that Goolge Top 10 page:  “Cup of Gold Plant”. . . as “Cup of Gold” is the common name for Solandra Maxima!

Solandra Maxima

Solandra Maxima! What an amazing flower! What an amazing fragrance… and yes, don’t eat this poison…

I’m happiest when discovering my magic garden, especially in the early morning hours when the first golden rays glide over the mountain tops and unveil the secrets of the new-born day, accompanied by the busy buzz of bees and birds and the beguiling fragrances of a softly rustling breeze.

Solandra Maxima – with 3,710.000 returns on Google – is a tropical plant that originated in Mexico, was brought as an ornamental to Hawai where it possibly got its common name “Cup fo Gold”…  and somehow this stunning vine with its large, leathery creamy-gold flowers marked by dark purple veins and exuding a strong scent between coconut and chamomile (my personal description), found its way to South Africa. I first saw it in the Company Gardens in Cape Town when I was a little girl… and then I planted it in my own garden!

The surprise of seeing it suddenly in full bloom in my secret jungle was yesterday’s gift – immediately shared in the Ycademy Seminar October 2009!

Ycademy Seminar with Cup of Gold

No Ycademy Seminar without “Secret Garden”; no Ycademy Seminar without flowers from my garden – as such “Cup of Gold” was presented live at the Ycademy Seminar October 2009… and it’s not over yet!

This month’s Ycademy Seminar focuses also on Media: how to firstly create a higher quality of original images for our Blogs and Websites using Digital Photography (mainly Author Blogs and NewsCast on Semiomantics Scripts) and how to obtain a higher visibility on Google and Social Networks through improved Editing and Publishing of the digital images.

Enjoy my gorgeous “Cup of Gold” for YOU!

. . .

Branding your Website

Branding your Website sounds like the grand finale of something elaborated over time… and yes it is! However. . .

Branding your Website

Branding your Website is a prerequisite for building your online business, any business in fact.

As such, it is also a beginning, meaning the start of  ‘YOU’ as you wish to present yourself to the online community, to people you know and people you don’t know, reflecting who you are and what you wish to express – brief: your presence on the Internet.

Once there, forever there – it cannot be erased !

Branding on Social Networks

Branding on Social Networks means that you give yourself the same image wherever you go so people start recognizing you or your brand. On most Social Networks you are given ample opportunity and space to express and present yourself… so you wish to align everything you do in order to be easily recognized – and you can go retro, fun, classy, grunge, jazzy or wild… whatever you want, as long as it reflects a professional image. Your online fingerprint

While I still have work to do in terms of Media, my Author Blog is branded… and if you follow through the various posts and web graphics you see how my preferred colors were always interwoven with what I did and you’ll recognize a personal style that’s independent of colors and fonts.

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It is simply terrific to see the laborious route we’ve taken on the “Path to Profitability” in our sophisticated daily Trainings and exclusive Ycademy Seminars month after month, year after year…. up to a point now where – like any major Corporate Company – we are building our own image online. The Internet levels out the playground between the Davids and the Goliaths and for all those who have been following, learning, applying and implementing with courage and consistency what was taught over the years the image and presence of the business concerned will be built solid and aligned with a longterm vision for success and fulfillment… and this within a fascinating environment: cyber space!

Here’s my Brand look on Twitter. . . although I am not happy with the quality of the screenshots; the red just bleeds…

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Branding your Online Newspaper

Branding your Online Newspaper… where in fact this mysterious journey into the ‘Secret World of Code’ started – in my case Touch Vision Talk on a Semiomantics NewsCast Script – will be part of the Ycademy October Seminar to be held this coming weekend.  Not everybody was ready for even thinking of Branding… thus we now have a second chance to bring everything we do online in line. Including our Online Newspaper.

In the planned Workshop, we will get hands-on expert guidance on following through with the complex Coding and applying our Branding touch in terms of Web Design and Web Graphics to our Online Newspaper.

Another exciting weekend not to be missed – absolutely not!