100,000 visitors and counting

Today we reached the 100,000 visitor mark for the "Everything Internet Blog". Thanks to all who view our blog and listen to what we have to say. Hopefully you find our articles on search engine marketing, our clients, and Google interesting and worthwhile. Here's some detailed stats:


Intersting fact: We started the blog on 1/29/2006 and have posted 197 articles. Thanks for visiting!

Are You Listed in Google Local?

Have you searched for a local business in Google and discovered a map with the business locations on the page? Is your business on that map? With Google Local Business Center, you can put your business on the map and not pay a dime.

Google Local is a feature to help find local businesses, even when they have a web site. These listings show companies who have entered business information in the Google Local Business Center, advertised with companies like CitySearch, SuperPages, DigitalCity, or other local portals, or simply have a Yellow Pages listing. Even when you have the top search result listing for a specific phrase, the Google local listings may still show up first, so it pays to be included there as well.

Major Factors
What are the major factors for being listed first in the local results? Currently your business location, local internet advertising and a listing in the Yellow Pages are the top three. Having a well-optimized site also helps with these results.

Location
The distance from a business to what the Yellow Pages considers the "center" of your city can play a big part. Try a search for Minneapolis pizza. The majority of local results are located in the Minneapolis city limits. Physical location plays a big part in many different Google Local searches and it makes sense that they will continue to consider this a valuable factor.

Getting Listed
Adding yourself to Google Local can be done for free by signing up at the Google Local Business Center. You can write your own description, list your business hours, the kinds of payments you accept, and you can choose to show contact information including an email and link to your website.

Getting your business into Google Local Business Center can help with your online advertising. It is still most helpful to have a well optimized site for search engines. Updating and maintaining your site so customers continue to use your business is also a big asset. A listing in Google Local is just one more great way to reach out to new customers looking for your business online.

Site Launch: AdlersSportingGoods.com

Adler's Sporting Goods recently asked CWS to redesign their website. The finished project will allow users to find information easier and includes an updated design.

Adler's Sporting Goods has been in business for over 50 years. They offer quality equipment to area teams and also specialize in custom embroidery and screen printing. Adler's also offers promotional products for businesses across the the area.

It has been a pleasure working with the staff at Adler's Sporting Goods, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on improving search engine rankings as part of our Business Online Solution package.

Site Launch: FAER.org

CWS is pleased to announce a newly redesigned website for the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER). Since 1986, FAER has been a nonprofit charitable and educational organization working to promote the generation of new knowledge in anesthesiology. Its work advances patient care and fosters the development of anesthesiologists who are dedicated to research and education in preoperative, critical care and pain medicine.

Visitors will find a multitude of information both for those seeking grants and for those wishing to donate to this worthy cause. The site also offers valuable links, monthly newsletters, program information, events, and much more.

We have enjoyed working with FAER, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.

Amazing Pumpkins (pics)

As we near Halloween, it's fun to see the creativity that comes out in people. Often times, you don't notice it until your Uncle wears that hilarious costume to a Halloween Party and you say to yourself, "why didn't I think of that?". Even Google gets a little crazy with their custom halloween logos.

In this case, we have some very creative pumpkin creations. A special thanks to my "not so creative" brother-in-law for sending these to me. :)

Site Launch: ByrneLtd.com

CWS is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for Byrne & Company Limited. Byrne & Company is a Minnesota based company in Preston. In 2007, the company expanded and opened an office in Rochester, Minnesota. The Preston office serves as the financial headquarters while the Rochester office serves as the project development headquarters.

Byrne & Company has extensive experience in the grain-based ethanol and biodiesel industries. As new technologies have emerged, they have seen a movement towards the utilization of alternative feedstocks and the development of other renewable energies. In the future they expect expansion in the areas of algae to energy, solar power, geothermal energy, wind power, waste to energy, and cellulosic ethanol.

It was a pleasure working with the staff at Byrne & Company on this project.

Site Launch: AllInStitchesMN.com

All In Stitches has just recently relocated from Rochester, MN to Stewartville, MN. They decided that a change in online appearance was in order to better represent their company, and their terrific new location.

Our goal was to develop an eye-catching, easy to navigate, and informative website that appealed to all age groups. With an extremely tight deadline for their grand opening, we set out and made it our mission to have everything ready to go by the time their doors "officially" opened. The goal was met, and neither of us could be more satisfied with the results of their new online presence.

It was a pleasure working with Sandy and the crew at All In Stitches, and we look forward to working with them on increasing their search engine rankings in the future!

Are you ready to network online?

Yesterday, a "soft launch" ocurred for a new social networking website dedicated to those living in SE Minnesota. SE MN Live! was created as a new source for online social networking (business networking, meeting new friends, searching for love, etc). Think of it as your local "MySpace"-- but for all age groups.

SE MN Live! includes exciting social networking features very similar to popular website MySpace.com. For example, users of the website can have a friends list, join groups, write blog posts, upload photos/videos, customize their personal page, and much more. Users also have the ability to invite friends to join the network.

The new website is 100% free to join and will never have a monthly fee. You can visit the new website at http://www.semnlive.com/ and start neworking today!