Alt Attribute & Search engine optimization

SEO Optimization images is becoming more and more essential in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for websites. The ALT attribute is really a critical step that is sometimes forgotten. This can be a lost opportunity for better rankings.

In Google's webmaster guidelines, they advise the use of alternative text for the images on your web site:

Images:. Use the alt attribute to supply descriptive text. In addition, we recommend using a human-readable caption and descriptive text round the image.

Why would they ask us to achieve that? The answer is simple, really; search engines like google have a similar problem as blind users. They cannot begin to see the images.

Many webmasters and inexperienced or unethical SEOs abuse using this attribute, trying to stuff it with keywords, looking to achieve a certain keyword density, which is not as relevant for rankings now as it was previously.

On the other hand, high keyword density can, on some search engines, trigger spam filters, which might create a penalty for your site's ranking. Even without such a penalty, your site's rankings won't take advantage of this plan.
This method also puts persons who use screen readers at a greater disadvantage. Screen readers are software-based tools that really read aloud the contents of what's displayed on the screen. In browsing the web, the alt features of images are read aloud too.

Imagine hearing a paragraph of text which is followed by repetitions of many keywords. The page would be far from accessible, and, to put it bluntly, would be found quite annoying.
What exactly is an Alt attribute?

An ALT attribute should not be used as a description or perhaps a label for an image, though many people use it for the reason that fashion. Although it may appear natural to assume that alternate text is a label or perhaps a description, it's not!

What used within an image's alt attribute should be its text equivalent and convey exactly the same information or serve the same purpose the image would.

The goal is to provide the same functional information that a visual user would see. The alt attribute text should function as a "stand in" in the event that the image is not available. Think about this question: If you were to replace the image with the text, would most users receive the same basic information, and wouldn't it generate the same response?
Some examples:

 

Some SEO Optimization Tips

If your search button is really a magnifier or binoculars its alt text should be 'search' or 'find' not 'magnifying glass' or 'binoculars'.

If an image is meant to convey the literal contents of the look, a description is suitable.

If it is meant to convey data, then that data is what is appropriate.

If it is meant to convey using a function, then your function is what should be used.

Some Alt Attribute Guidelines:

Always add alt attributes to images. Alt is mandatory for accessibility as well as for valid XHTML.

For images that play only a decorative role within the page, use an empty alt (i.e. alt="") or perhaps a CSS background image to ensure that reading browsers do not bother users by uttering things like "spacer image".

Remember that it is the function from the image we are attempting to convey. For example; any button images shouldn't include the word "button" in the alt text. They ought to emphasize the action performed through the button.

Alt text should be determined by context. The same image in a different context may need drastically different alt text.

Attempt to flow alt text with the rest of the text because that is the way it will be read with adaptive technologies like screen readers. Someone listening to your page should hardly be aware that a graphic image can there be.
Please remember that using an alt attribute for every image is required to meet the minimum WAI requirements, which are used as the benchmark for accessibility laws in UK and the rest of Europe. They are also required to meet "Section 508" accessibility requirements in america.

It is useful to categorize non-text content into three levels:

Eye-Candy
Mood-Setting
Content and Function

I. Eye-Candy

Eye-Candy are stuff that serve no purpose other than to create a site visually appealing/attractive and (oftentimes) satisfy the marketing departments. There isn't any content value (though there might be value to some sighted user).

Never alt-ify eye-candy unless there is something there which will boost the usability of the site for somebody using a non-visual user agent. Make use of a null alt attribute or background images in CSS for eye-candy.

II. Mood-Setting

This is actually the middle layer of graphics which may serve to set the atmosphere or set the stage so to speak. These graphics aren't direct content and may not be considered essential, but they're important in that they help frame what's going on.

Attempt to alt-ify the second group as makes sense and is relevant. There might be instances when doing this may be annoying or detrimental with other users. Then avoid it.

For example; Alt text that is identical to adjacent text is unnecessary, and an irritant to screen reader users. I suggest alt="" or background CSS images in such cases. But sometimes, it's important to understand this content in there for those users.

Most times it depends on context. The same image in a different context may need drastically different alt text. Obviously, content should always be fully available. How you go in this case is a judgment call.

III. Content and Function

This is when the look is the actual content. Always alt-ify content and functional images. Title and long description attributes may also be in order.
The reason many authors can't figure out why their alt text isn't working is they don't know why the images are there. You need to figured out precisely what function a picture serves. Think about what it's about the image that's important to the page's intended audience.

Every graphic has a reason behind being on that page: since it either enhances the theme/ mood/ atmosphere or it is advisable to what the page is trying to explain. Understanding what the look is for makes alt text easier to write. And practice writing them definitely helps.
A method to look into the usefulness of alternative text would be to imagine reading the page over the telephone to someone. An amount you say when encountering a particular image to make the page understandable to the listener?

Aside from the alt attribute you have a couple more tools available for images.
First, in level of descriptiveness title is in between alt and longdesc. It adds useful information and may add flavor. The title attribute is optionally rendered by the user agent. Remember they are invisible and never shown as a "tooltip" when focus is received through the keyboard. (A lot for device independence). So make use of the title attribute only for advisory information.
Second, the longdesc attribute points to the URL of a complete description of an image. If the information found in a picture is essential to the meaning of the page (i.e. some important content will be lost if the image was removed), an extended description than the "alt" attribute can reasonably display ought to be used. It may provide for rich, expressive documentation of the visual image.

It should be used when alt and title are insufficient to embody the visual qualities of the image. As Clark [1] states, "A longdesc is really a long description of the image...The aim is by using any length of description essential to impart the details of the graphic.

It would not be remiss to hope that a long description conjures an image - the look - within the mind's eye, an analogy that holds true even for the totally blind."

Although the alt attribute is mandatory for web accessibility as well as for valid (X)HTML, not every images need alternative text, long descriptions, or titles.

In many cases, you are best just choosing your gut instinct -- if it's not essential to incorporate it, and when you don't have a strong urge to get it done, don't add that longdesc.

However, if it's essential for the entire page to operate, then you've to include the alt text (or title or longdesc).

What's necessary and what's not depends a lot on the function of your image and its context about the page.

The same image may need alt text (or title or longdesc) in one spot, although not in another. If an image provides absolutely no content or functional information alt="" or background CSS images may be appropriate to use. But if the image provides content or adds functional information an alt would be required and perhaps a long description will be in order. Oftentimes this type of thing is really a judgement call.

Image Seo optimization Tips

Listed below are key steps in optimizing images:

Choose a logical file name that reinforces the keywords. You can use hyphens in the file name to isolate the keyword, but avoid to exceeding two hyphens. Stay away from underscores like a word separator, such as "brilliant-diamonds.jpg";

Label the file extension. For example, when the image search engine sees a ".jpg" (JPEG) file extension, it's going to assume the file is really a photo, and if it sees a ".gif" (GIF) file extension, it's likely to assume that it is a graphic;

Make sure that the written text nearby the image that's highly relevant to that image.
Again, don't lose a great chance to help your website with your images in search engines. Use these steps to rank better on all the engines and drive increased traffic for your site TODAY.

Search Engine Optimization

Gather close, dear friends and hear my words of warning. Gird yourself, for my tale would make any enlightened man or woman stagger back in disbelief. I do not share such news with you lightly. It is not my errand to harm or discomfort your mental or psychological wellbeing.

Resist the urge to sever the very Internet connection with which you receive my message. I shall soon relieve your stress with a simple technique that will counter the malevolence that I describe.

I reveal my knowledge only because you may in fact be a person possessing an enterprising mind. If this is true, I know you will see in my tale of woe and tragedy the shadow of immense opportunity.

My Tale

I have, in my professional pursuits been privy to the plans of many a starry-eyed business person. So eager are they to tap the keg of the Web that they have made themselves drunk with anticipation, even before a single sip of the digital elixir has crossed their lips.

They are handy with their search tools, clever in their keywords and pen pay-per-click ads that seem to dance upon the page.

It is all for naught, for the heady traffic pours into vessels so riddled with hole and crack, that from this torrent these businesses can scarcely moisten their lips. The websites to which they deliver their click-through treasure fail in their basic duty of capturing and converting the bounty.

And so, they make changes. They replace the ineffective cup with a bowl and then a pitcher and then a saucer, each equally as impotent; each delivering little sustenance to them.

Take your kerchief now from your pocket, dear friend, for my tale will bring tears to your eyes.

In their quest to find the proper vessel these misguided souls fail to see the true opportunity. It is as if they are blind, and yeah, they truly are.

They stick their inferior containers out into the flood and clinch their eyes tightly closed as if looking upon something abominable. Thus, they see only the result, and not the cause of their famine.

But lift your head now and let the brightness of joy return to your face, for I can tell you now that you need not suffer as they do.

The True Opportunity

The core of the matter is this: the opportunity lies not in the container, but in the holes and cracks.

Yes, each little imperfection offers up a chance to be corrected, each tiny fault a hope of repair. And when enough of these imperfections are discovered our cups will fill with abundance on which our businesses will become sated.

Do not dismiss me now expecting tales of split tests and multivariate monstrosities, for I offer a much simpler way of stripping the blindfold from your eyes.

I offer you: the Serial Test.

Behold, The Serial Test

I chuckle now as I think of the simplicity and power of this trick. It begins with the ability to measure traffic and track the very leads and sales that sustain you.

You may choose Google Analytics or Clicky for its simplicity. Enterprises may prefer Omniture or Webtrends. It is of little consequence to me.

It is only important that you be able to gauge the level in your cup as compared to the visits flowing into it.

Seek not absolute accuracy, but seek instead consistency of measure and no more.

Tread lightly! You must bring change in small steps, patiently and purposefully. Seek to join a crack or fill a hole.

Change a headline, reduce the number of fields in your form or add trust-building symbols to the page. Change but one thing at a time.

Accompany each change with a hypothesis, a thesis for what you expect the change to do for you. Most of the time, your hypothesis will simply be this:

“This change will increase the percentage of visitors who take action; who convert to a lead or a sale as measured by ___________.”

You must fill the blank, my friend.

Will you measure calls you receive from the Web? Will you measure completed forms? Will you measure revenue per click? It is up to you.

All I ask is that you choose a measure for which you know the current value and that will reliably rise or fall as your fortunes change.

Test Duration

Hold fast! Do not rush off to ogle your analytics, for we must first discuss statistical significance. Do not be disheartened. This term, though bulging with syllables simply means that you must let enough time pass before you review the results of your change.

There are ebbs and flows within even a calendar week that must be considered. I say you shall let no less than a week pass before you evaluate any change. This assumes a heady stream of traffic.

To ensure validity, you should let enough time pass for 100 conversions to occur or for thousands of eyes fall upon your change before you harvest your learnings.

Measure your current page, which we call the control for an appropriate amount of time. Then measure the changed page, which we call the treatment for such a time as well. Then will you be ready to glean insights that will fill your cup.

In many cases you will find a difference between the two. The treatment will offer an increase or decrease over the performance of its brother. But, don’t rush to the conclusion, for if the change is small, it is wholly invalid.

Only Big Differences Count

Do not think me foul that I must reveal that a serial test does not control for natural changes in the marketplace. Just as the temperature fluctuates from season to season, so too will your conversion rates and independently of changes to your site.

Therefore stake your decisions on large changes. If your treatment causes a drop of 20% or more, you can be comforted that it is an inferior vessel. Cast it aside and restore the control. This is truly an honorable result!

If your treatment brings a bounty of 20% or more in increased conversions, rejoice. You have found a new control.

Otherwise, retain your control and try something anew.

Repeat & Grow

Tarry but a moment, dear reader, as you must prepare for the next test. Choose another change. Create your hypothesis. Select a measuring stick. Launch your treatment at the appointed time and wait patiently for statistical significance.

And as God is my witness, I say that you will have prepared yourself to ease into a more profitable and fruitful pursuit: the split test.

Your new-found skills at selecting what to change, at choosing metrics and knowing how long to test will serve you well. The split test will control for seasonal and competitive fluctuations that plague even the most stalwart of serial tests. Riches will be yours for the taking.

Hark! I offer gifts with my glad tidings. For your pleasure, I offer my very own test planning document to guide you through your most pressing serial test.

Use it in good health and growing prosperity as it guides you to online success. With it, you will rise above the blind rabble who would dare to compete with you.

You will have questions, no doubt. Please share them in the comments for a rousing response from me and other smart readers like yourself.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.

Related Topics: Conversion Science

Manufacturers of retails goods need to leverage their Facebook presences to manage product recalls more cost effectively.

Some companies like Johnson & Johnson are starting so see the damage product recalls are costing in the modern age of fast information sharing — the company estimates over $900 million in lost sales and related expenditures last year. The brand is just one example are one of many companies that have undergone recalls in the last year and are still working to regain customers’ trust.

Cautionary tale

Kraft experienced a big debacle last year of moldy kids’ juices — and the problem is still continuing — so the creation of a Facebook tab to help manage the issues started out as very proactive. Alas, the tab moved to the very back of the page within days.

Moms were upset and consumers visiting the Facebook page for moldy juice information (many times referred there by a friend) thought the the tab appeared was missing rather than moved. Kraft learned the hard way that moms and other concerned parties wound up going elsewhere for information. They Googled the issue and stumbled across any pages mentioning it — including the brand-damaging image shown to the right.

Then other moms who were upset looked for information on Facebook and found groups like “I wont buy CAPRI sun till it comes in a clear juice package!!” Such groups had only a couple hundred members and no centralized, authoritative source of information, but instead had lots of unverified information further fueling hatred of the company. Perhaps Kraft should have created a page just for recalls or even just the juice recall, and that would have preserved the brand’s integrity on the site.

Three questions

Here are three important questions for product managers to think about amid recalls:

What does this mean for our search engine optimization?

What about the amplification risk?

What would the newest consumer find about the brand online?

In case the anecdote above hasn’t sold you on why a product recall is best managed on Facebook, below are three reasons.

Facebook is free

Besides a staff or the intelligence behind outbound communications, social media in general is free. Companies have brand pages that were no cost to setup. Tabs are free to setup. Interested consumers generally like products they use. Put together is a stage and microphone, what is your corporation saying? Read 44% of Fortune 50 Brands Show Facebook Icons.

Leverage your fans

If fans and consumers are going to spread seemingly harmful information to keep their friends safe, companies should be the initiator of the dialogue. There could be encouragement to share recall information or even incentives like discounts. Some companies even have Facebook commerce pages for shopping, support for recalls and exchanges could be easily integrated.

Communicate with customers

While silence tends to be seen as the best policy in a real-time updated world, silence immediately is seen as guilt and even worse so, the holding back of information from consumers. Quick updates, even if on Facebook pages is a way to engage and even remind fans as to why they are following you. Even if the news is the most positive to share, consumers would be reminded why they choose to connect themselves with you.

Consumers understand mistakes happen and are happy to get involved. Facebook offers many ways to share information with others and track how conversations travel — that provides one of the best ways to manage a recall.

Ellie Cachette is the Founder of ConsumerBell.

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Bench Craft Company on the focus of jobs

Here is a roundup of important small business tips to start out your week on the right track. We’ve tried to collect some of the best resources to get you started but we’d love to hear from readers as well, so if you’ve got some tips or advice to add, please, as always, leave them in the comment section below. Enjoy!

Legal

Legal tips for your small business. From Jeffrey Fabian of Fabian LLC, serving small business and legal professionals, here are a collection of legal issues every small business must look out for. Consulting on legal matters with an attorney can be another important step, but remember that legal issues of all kinds come with the territory in small business, so be prepared. 365 Days of Startups

Ideas for maintaining your professional image. As a small business owner or entrepreneur, your online reputation is becoming more important every day. So what does a Google search say about you? If you don’t know yet, you should find out. Reputation has always been an important commodity in the business world. The Internet has made it more important than ever. Beware! Startup Professionals Musings

Customer Service

Tips for creating a more appealing product or service. You may think you’re giving your customers choices, but, in reality, you’re only handing them indecision. And perhaps an invitation to do nothing? Here’s an alternative. Give them a step-by-step on how to use your product. Tell them what to do and how to do it. And don’t worry if it doesn’t fit every customer’s needs. They’ll create the fit that’s right for them. Chris Brogan

Marketing

How to set yourself apart from competitors. Saying you’re better than your competitors just isn’t good enough (even if it’s true.) The question is what you can offer customers that is different from any one else in the market. Create a service no one else provides in exactly the same way, and you’ll have a marketing strategy that can work in the long run. Duct Tape Marketing

How to use “help marketing” to strengthen your business and brand. You can call this PR instead of marketing if you like, but no matter what you call it, it may be the best thing for your brand and business, if you do it right. Helping others including your customers is really what your business should be about anyway. So don’t be afraid to show your willingness to extend a helping hand. TechLunatic

Startup

How to seek help from business accelerators. Efforts to get new businesses up and running have increased in recent years and business accelerators in various forms are spreading across the country, according to this piece on the trend. Often these organizations offer “more help than funding” but can still be an important resource depending upon the nature of your startup. Bloomberg Businessweek

Taxes

How to prepare for tax compliance expenses in your small business. Ballooning tax regulations are a huge source of expense for small businesses, especially here in the U.S. It’s important for small business owners to consider the expenses related to tax compliance, since this is likely to be an ongoing burden for small business owners into the foreseeable future. WSJ

Last minute tips for last minute tax filers. If you’re doing your small business tax filings on your own, here are some last minute tips you may want to consider ranging from how to file an extension to how long to keep your tax records and more. If you want some last minute advice as the tax deadline closes in, why not take a few minutes and watch the video? BostoneHerald.com

Self-development

A new persription for stress and overwork: relax! Small business owners and entrepreneurs, like everyone else, experience burnout at times and can easily become overwhelmed with work. After all, when the final responsibility for everything falls upon you, there’s no one else to turn to. But experts now suggest that taking those breaks when necessary can be absolutely essential. Here’s more. The Globe And Mail

Tech

Tips for keeping your business technology up and running. Keeping your business technology alive and kicking is not just a luxury in today’s small business world. It is an absolute and vital necessity! So tips on keeping the critical tools you use to operate your business and serve your customers should always be a priority. Here are some tips you won’t want to forget. Jackrabbit.com Blog

From Small Business TrendsSmall Business News: Best Small Biz Tips Today

A 75-year-old woman was recently arrested by the Georgian police after she single-handedly cut off Internet connections in Georgia and neighbouring Armenia.

AFP reports that the pensioner was digging for scrap metal with the intention of stealing it when she stumbled upon a fibre-optic cable which runs through Georgia to Armenia, forcing thousands of Internet users in both countries to lose Internet connection for several hours. Georgian Railway Telecom, the company that owns the cable, said that the latest damage was serious, causing 90 percent of private and corporate Internet users in Armenia to lose access for nearly 12 hours while also hitting Georgian Internet service providers.

“I cannot understand how this lady managed to find and damage the cable. It has robust protection and such incidents are extremely rare,” Giorgi Ionatamishvili, Georgian Railway Telecom’s marketing head, told AFP.

Apparently, this wasn’t the first time it happened. In 2009, another scavenger damaged a fibre-optic cable while hunting for scrap metal in the impoverished ex-Soviet state, forcing many Georgians’ Internet connections to get interrupted.

The woman has been charged with damaging property and could face up to three years in prison if convicted.

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New York Yankees reliever Pedro Feliciano likely done for season

Yankees lefty Pedro Feliciano will get a second opinion on his injured shoulder, but an MRI indicates he's likely done this year.

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Fox <b>News</b> Reports That GWU Student&#39;s Suicide &#39;Tragically Coincides <b>...</b>

UPDATE: As of 4:30 p.m. EST, Fox has apparently pulled the article in question from their site.

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Former ABC <b>News</b> President David Westin Announces Next Move - The <b>...</b>

He's named president and CEO of the News Licensing Group, launching this summer.

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China is a notoriously tough market for American brands. The last few years has seen tech giants like Google struggle to do business due to restrictive censorship and retail giants like Best Buy and Home Depot have found that heavy price competition makes it hard to gain a toehold. Yet, despite the conventional wisdom, Apple’s business in China is booming and it’s not lower prices but better presentation that’s driving their success.

The Chinese economy is having some of its best years ever due to the rising world demand for consumer electronics, much of which is manufactured in China’s city-sized factories. The Mercury News reports that this has led to the average Chinese citizen being more flush with cash than ever before and ready to spend it on what would previously be deemed as unaffordable luxury.

Paul French of Shanghai-based Access Asia indicates that the increase in middle class affluence is behind the increase in purchasing power. “There is now enough of an urban middle class with enough money to afford Apple products. Five years ago — or even two or three years ago — there weren’t enough of those people.”

Five years ago, Apple didn’t have a retail store in China, now it has four, including a stunning split-level glass and metal flagship store in Sanlitun, an area of Beijing known more for its nightlife than its retail outlets. Those stores aren’t barely surviving either, with $2.6 billion in revenue this year, four times what we saw last year from Apple in China. This should mean that Apple is fighting the price war well in China, offering its products for less than they can be purchased in the US, but that’s not actually true. In fact, Apple sells a comparatively specced 13-inch Macbook Air for $180 more in China than it does stateside.

This success seems to fly in the face of conventional wisdom, typically premium products have not sold well in cost conscious China. Some, like Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, say that Apple will have to eventually compete on price or risk losing the Chinese consumer. “The iPhone is going to be huge in China. That’s a given.” he tells the Mercury News. “But if Apple wants it to flow out across China, it has to come up with lower price points.”

Yet Apple shows no signs of slowing down in the Chinese market, which is projected to account for 10 percent of Apple’s revenue within 5 years.

When asked, locals said that in a country where the people like to try products out before they purchase them, Apple is doing the best job of presenting those products. Apple’s retail stores offer the Chinese consumer a chance to test the products in a beautiful and visually stimulating atmosphere and those efforts are paying off with big sales numbers. This kind of attention to the senses and emotions of the consumer wasn’t pioneered by Apple of course, but they are one of the first major companies to bring that kind of experience to China’s city centers in a big way.

This difference in the way that the products are presented is doing its job in separating Apple’s products from the rest of the pack almost everywhere that its retail stores are located, but nowhere is that effect felt more than in China. A country where consumers are hungry for polished products presented in a stimulating atmosphere and they finally have the cash to afford them.

Seas0nPass jailbreak tool has for both Windows and Mac has been updated with the latest untethered exploit to untether the jailbreak on second generation Apple TV, running on the latest iOS 4.3.1 (4.2.1)

For those of you who don’t know, Seas0nPass jailbreak tool is like PwnageTool for Mac, or Sn0wbreeze for Windows, which can can create custom jailbroken .IPSW files for your second-gen Apple TV.

Before you proceed with the jailbreak, you will need the following:

• A Micro-USB cable


• iTunes 10.2.1


• iOS 4.2.1 (Based on iOS 4.3) for Apple TV


• Seas0nPass

All download links are posted at the end of this article.

Step 1: Download and launch Seas0nPass.

Step 2: Now select “Create IPSW” option to build your own custom jailbroken 4.3.1 firmware for Apple TV.

Step 3: Now wait for Seas0nPass to download all the files required for creating custom firmware.

Step 4: When prompted by Seas0nPass, connect your Apple TV using a micro-USB cable (leave power disconnected), and hold-down both the ‘MENU’ and ‘PLAY/PAUSE’ buttons for 7 seven seconds.

Step 5: iTunes should now open automatically to start the restore process.

Step 6: iTunes will confirm the restore when complete. Once done, your Apple TV will be fully jailbroken, untethered on iOS 4.3.1.

Once complete, remove the USB cable and connect the HDMI cable.

Once you are done with the jailbreak, you can install the following apps on your jailbroken 2nd-gen Apple TV:

• How to Install XBMC Media Center on Apple TV 2G [Guide]


• Plex Has Been Ported to Jailbroken Apple TV 2G ! [VIDEO]


• How to Install NitoTV Weather and RSS App on Apple TV 2G [Jailbreak]


• Apple TV 2G Gets Web Browser and Last.fm Apps via aTV Flash [Video]


• Exposed VNC Server Plugin Enables Remote Access On Apple TV 2G

Required download links are as follows:

Download iOS 4.3.1 (4.2.1) for Apple TV
Download iTunes 10.2.1 for Mac OS X
Download Seas0nPass for Mac OS X
Download Seas0nPass for Windows

You can follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook fanpage to keep yourself updated on all the latest iPhone jailbreaking and unlocking releases.

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In recent weeks we’ve shared articles on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and others. Now it’s time to look at how all these tools are changing the way you do business. By the way, we’d like to learn what kind of social media your business is using and why. Be sure to leave a comment below.

Strategy

How to be a social media leader. How to be a social media leader or authority. It’s a question surely on the mind of plenty of small business owners working to learn the vocabulary of the new online media. In the end, it may be easier than it looks. Check these simple tips. Small Business CEO

How to set up a small realization that business blog. Whether practitioners of small business social media nowadays would describe a format as “old school” as blogging as being a part of the social media is uncertain. We certainly consider it to be. In many ways blogging is the cornerstone of a strong online social presence and establishing a blog as the hub of your social media campaign requires learning some basics on establishing a small business blog. Dazzlin Donna

Marketing

How to use social media to build context. Gary Vaynerchuck is arguably one of the most innovative pioneers of the social media marketing approach, but in this interview he argues using the means open to small businesses today isn’t necessarily about the tools, it’s about the context. Find out why. The Rise to the Top

How to grow your social media fan base. Whether it’s Facebook or another comparable site, social media is about being social. To understand why this is harder than it might at first seem, check out this post on growing a social media fan base for your business. Like other online marketing, social media is about content. This post talks about how to use content and other tools to boost your number of fans. Premium SEO Solutions

Operations

How to create Twitter and other social media content. So, we know that using social media and frequently updating with content are the key to an effective social media marketing campaign. But what in the world can you say. As it turns out talking endlessly and pitching endlessly about your business on social media is NOT the answer. Follow this guide to participating effectively in social media WITHOUT being labeled a spammer. What’s your approach? Blog Godown

How bloggers have become much more influential than celebrities. When it comes to influencing purchasing decisions, people are more likely to listen to a blogger than a rock star. That’s according to a recent study suggesting the increased influence social media is having on purchasing decisions. If you haven’t yet considered social media and particularly blogging as part of your marketing campaign, you may want to read more. Fox News

Research

Why social media may not be your best traffic driving tool. A recent study suggests that as a strategy for driving traffic to your Website, social media may not be the best choice. Then again, the study goes on, for brand awareness its effectiveness may be somewhat higher. In the end, it’s important to remember that the tools you use must make sense to your business, says blogger Cynthia Boris. Don’t look to social media as a magic bullet. It’s a useful tool, nothing more. Marketing Pilgrim

How to create a successful social media strategy. Businesses seeking to take advantage of all aspects of the social media need to apply careful planing to their approach. The possibilities for crowdsourcing, studying of online customer conversation and other factors makes innovation easier as well. But with all these possibilities, where should your business begin? A well defined social media strategy is a good first step. 1 to 1 media

How to listen to social media and gain insight about your brand. Someone is talking about your business out there. But what are they saying and is it something you should even be worried about? Monitoring social media for positive and negative comments about your business can be a great strategy for constant innovation. Here’s more about how it works and how you can get involved. InformationWeek

Final Thoughts

Trying to figure out social media. One of the main issues for small businesses today, surprisingly, is not just deciding to implement social media but trying to figure out all of the possible implications. Social media is, after all, more than just a tool. It is a movement as well. The existence of social media is a hard reality and offers opportunities to small business of all kinds. But there are challenges too. Here are some important thoughts. Business 2 Community

The PPIC study Kolko co-authored sheds light on why historically California’s economy has grown on pace with the national economy even though it usually ranks low in surveys of states whose laws are favorable to business.

While the research suggests many factors that determine long-term economic growth lie beyond the reach of policy makers, Kolko cautioned that policy could still someday trump warm, sunny days on the Pacific coast.

“If California loses its ability to incubate and encourage fast growing industries to be here, that would be unfortunate” in the long term, she said.

Kolko identified two policies in particular, a simpler tax structure rather than a lower tax rate, and a lower share of government expenditure on welfare and transfer payments, as means of hastening economic expansion.

(© 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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ABC <b>News</b> Exclusive: Pat Tillman&#39;s Mom Wants General Stanley <b>...</b>

ABC News' Jake Tapper reports: President Obama named retired General Stanley McChrystal to co-chair a White House commission on military families this week, but according to perhaps the most prominent military family of the last decade, ...

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Small Business <b>News</b>: Small Biz Social Media Tips

In recent weeks we've shared articles on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and others. Now it's time to look at how all these tools are.

Roofing Contractors Vancouver - 5 Questions to Consider

Roofing Vancouver - Faq's

1. Repair or Replace?

There's no opinion as an expert opinion. Most contractors provides you with a totally free estimate. Get a summary of a couple trusted contractors and contact them well ahead of time of when you want to get your homes roof fixed to help you compare costs and opinions.

2. Beauty versus Practicality?

Discuss this together with your spouse or partner. (The kids could care less...at least the young ones.) The fact is, nobody wants an ugly roof the same as nobody wants to be viewed with bed hair. If you've got a good quality roof and you just need to repair it, it's worth it to pay for the cost of the original shingle instead of doing patchwork. A roof replacement doesn't happen very often (we hope!) and thus make a decision that suits you and your family well or it'll stick out like a sore thumb everyday you go home.

3. Must i replace the roof in order to sell the home for more?

Consider this cautiously before making a decision. With respect to the roofing material you choose, a brand new roof lasts anywhere from twenty, fifty, to one-hundred years! This means you have to look into the year of the roof that's currently over your head first. Are you at year 18 of a 20-year warranted roof or year 30 of a 50-year warranted roof? Obviously, the quality is the reason why the rooftop keep going longer, but if you're not likely to remain in your current home for the rest of your lifetime, the higher expense may not be worth your investment. Although a brand new roof can improve the value of your value, the rise may not be enough to pay for neglect the and that's bound to hurt your wallet.

4. Is it a good idea for me to repair the roof myself?

Sure it is. But before you do, consult an expert first. You can perform it yourself, however, you shouldn't be considered a complete ‘lone ranger.' With respect to the extent of your repair, you may or might not change your mind. In either case, it will help to obtain a professional eye on the problem first and perhaps a free quote so you can do the math later and find out if it's truly worth your time, sweat, and cash to be mister or miss fix-it.

5. Just when was a good time to find the roof replaced?

Weather may cause delays from days to weeks. Most people prepare yourself to have their roof replaced in the summer once they know someone will be home during the day for a solid fourteen days. Once you've this period in your mind, make a call to a trusted contractor months ahead of time to obtain a quote. Some companies get reserved fast and chances are, they're the most reputable. Preparing in advance of the summer also provides you with time to ask around more and compare costs...especially if you need to have the roof made by a specified date.

 

The very best Roofing Company In Vancouver!

It is possible to leak inside your home's roof? Perhaps you have lost shingles or tiles inside a storm? Have overhanging branches caused damage? Is the roof more than 20 years old and showing its age? Are your gutters overwhelmed and draining poorly?

When the answer to any of these questions is "Yes" it is time to call the very best roofing contractor Vancouver - Crown Roofing & Drainage.

For more than a century Crown Roofing continues to be the roofer of preference among our Vancouver neighbors. We offer complete roofing services, from emergency repairs and roof restoration, to accomplish roof replacement. All while using finest quality materials, installed with precision and also the highest degree of customer service.

YOUR Vancouver ROOF DESERVES NO LESS!

The roof of the Vancouver home is the very first line of defence against wind, rain, snow, ice and other weather conditions. Make sure it is up to the task. Among Vancouver Roofing companies, only Crown Roofing has the depth of expertise and successful track record to make sure your roofing system will be properly designed and installed.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS.

One reason Crown Roofing has been the most successful roofing contractor in Vancouver is our commitment to our neighbors. We treat your home as though it were our own and that we were creating a roof to protect our own family. That's what neighbors do, and you will rely on Crown Roofing being here to aid you and also back our work. In the end, we've been repairing and replacing roofs in Vancouver since 1902!

GET A FREE INSPECTION AND EVALUATION OF YOUR Vancouver ROOF.

Visit the Roofers Vancouver for any FREE inspection and evaluation of the roof. Give you the very best roof for the Vancouver home, in the cost effective. We build roofs to last!

 

Tacoma Roofing contractor: Help your house be Beautiful

Not many people understand the worth of a good roof, but your knowledgeable Tacoma Roofing company does. From top notch experience, they will be able to tell you why you need a strong, secure, and leak-free roof in your home.

Your local Tacoma Roofing contractor is knowledgeable how important a financial investment your property is for you personally, especially as it is a lasting one. Your home may have been damaged slowly through the years and also you need to take steps to minimize this damage. For a number of people, keeping their property beautiful is another few pride. There are those too who'd like to turn their property into a cost effective and efficient living place. Your roof is a valuable part of your property and plays a role in each one of the aspects mentioned previously. Because of this, you need to employ the expertise of qualified a Tacoma Roofing company.

Types of Roofs installed with a Tacoma Roofer

Among the more common types of roofs are asphalt shingles, steel or metal sheeting, fiberglass, slate and terra cotta tiles.

Each kind of roof invites distinct problems, however they can all be easily taken care of with a trusted Tacoma Roofing company. It's vital that you nip roof problems within the bud before they become too expensive or dangerous. You are able to schedule a scheduled appointment with the Tacoma Roofing company to consider a glance at your roof to determine if you will find any issues or potential problems with it. If you will find, they may be able to let you know how to deal with them.

A Tacoma Roofing company Helps to Build Strong Homes

The exteriors of any house, primarily the roof and gutters, face the onslaught of bitter and varying climate conditions, every single day. Painting, repairing, and cleaning gutters may be necessary. In some cases you may have to replace them completely. Usually, when your gutters show signs of trouble, your homes roof must also be inspected for problems. Whatever issues there may be, a skilled Tacoma Roofing company can examine them at length and suggest the remedy.

If your gutters often clog too often, or there are leaks across the walls of your home, it might mean that there's debris piled up on the roof. Loose branches, piles of leaves, along with other light objects that are swept on your roof during a storm can all contribute towards damaging your homes roof, and these damages could be lasting. An educated Tacoma Roofing company will explain that birds, mice, and other types of rodents often build nest within the debris that collects on the top. While these nests may look rather innocent, they're great at collecting moisture, which can lead to loose shingles, mold, and indoor leaks in your home. In addition, it may also cause vermin infestation. After a storm, your Tacoma Roofing company will claim that you inspect your homes roof for any signs and symptoms of debris or damage.

Reverse Damages by using a Tacoma Roofing company

However high quality the rooftop might be, it will eventually wear down with time. You will find shingles that are referred to as "25 year" or "30 year" shingles, but those numbers are only associated with warranty produced by the manufacturers. They seldom require that long. Realistically speaking, "25 year" shingles will not last a lot more than fifteen to twenty years. In an area that is prone to storms, shingles or the entire roof should be replaced every 10 years. Having a Tacoma Roofing company, the cost will be lower than what you think.

If there you lose any shingles, or there's some damage to them, a Tacoma Roofing company will be able to help you. Damaged shingles can result in indoor leaks, since the substrate from the roof becomes subjected to the elements. Shingles that are loose or broken can slip off and pose a possible hazard to individuals standing below. Missing shingles create a gap which allows rain, wind, ice, and debris to develop underneath the adjoining shingles, which creates a "domino effect" that affects other shingles and they become loose or broken. A comprehensive investigation is going to be produced by your local Tacoma Roofing contractor, should you give them a call up with your suspicions of loose or missing shingles.

Your Tacoma Roofing company will be in a position to inform you what the smartest choice is for your roof. In case your roof is not inside a good shape, it is advised that you have it replaced completely. The Tacoma Roofing contractor may take you through the different roofing possibilities for you that will fit your requirements as well as your budget.

Tacoma Roofing contractor: Enhancing your Home's Efficiency

Your homes roof shelters you from storms, sleet, and hail. By giving adequate ventilation, your homes roof protects your house from overheating, by holding in the heat, it keeps your house warm. That's why you need to prepare your roof from indoors as well as outdoors for any sort of weather emergency. A Qualified Tacoma Roofing contractor can offer assist in this case.

First of all, inspect your homes roof thoroughly for any and all sorts of kind of damage, before the beginning of the year. The gutters should be clear, debris shouldn't be piled on or trapped under shingles, tthere shouldn't be homes of squirrels or birds in the eaves or attic, and also the roof ought to be structurally sound. For your last part, you'll need the assistance of your local Tacoma Roofing contractor. It can be quite dangerous to climb onto the roof of your house. This is when the contractor from Tacoma Roofing contractor is available in. He will read the strength and security of the roof and shingles, and perform a general inspection from the entire roof structure, to make certain that it is in proper working order. They'll be in a position to point to issues that you have to keep an eye on and problems you may not have spotted.

You will need all the help you can get in the Tacoma Roofer. You are able to help your homes roof by installing a gutter guard or leaf cover to assist prevent debris from forming inside your gutters. The additional weight of debris prevents the gutters from draining and may even tear them down. Look into the fasteners on your gutters and if they are loose, tighten them. Do something to change worn screws and brackets. For those who have a chimney in your house, inspect the bricks and mortar signs of wear. A reliable mason could be recommended by your Tacoma Roofing company, if you will find any repairs to become done.

Tacoma Roofing company: Someone You Can Count On
In the event that you realize or suspect that there's a problem, your Tacoma Roofer should be contacted. They are able to use their knowledge and expertise to obtain your house in ace condition by simply focusing on the rooftop. Your homes roof deserves attention. So call them today, so that they can get down to working on your roof.

 

What is Difference Between Commercial Roofing Companies From Residential Roofing Companies

If you are getting a roofing company to re roof your home or building then you can be wondering what the differences are between residential roofing companies and commercial roofing companies. To begin with, the one big difference is usually that times a commercial roofing company may have signed a contract with and become obligated to a roofing union in in a position to work on union commercial jobs.

If this sounds like the case then their labor costs will prohibit them from working on non union residential jobs. Beyond that, if your commercial roofing company has not signed a contract having a union they might be outfitted simply for commercial jobs and that means that their workers and equipment might not be consistent with smaller residential jobs.

Residential roofing contractors generally tend to run smaller companies and therefore, tend to be more in a position to bid competitively on residential jobs, which are usually smaller than comercial jobs. In fact, often times residential roofing contractors will run one man operations, in which the contractor that you simply speak with may be the one which actually does the work about the building.

Also, liability insurance for commercial roofing is more epensive along with a larger bond is needed for any commercial roofing work which can make it not cost effective for a commercial roofing contractor to complete residential roofing jobs.

Still one more factor is the fact that commercial jobs can operate on a tighter time period for just about any number of reasons, requiring a commercial contractor to employ a larger crew or crews which again makes smaller jobs not as profitable on their behalf.

 

Difference Between Commercial Roofing and Residential Roofing

Did you know that the rooftop of a house or building includes a huge impact on the entire structure itself? Damage caused to roofs due to natural or other disasters causes a considerable lack of property everywhere. The type of materials accustomed to construct the roof that ought to be sturdy and long lasting, the way where the roof has been installed as well as its timely maintenance are very crucial. There are two types of roofs that are used on all of the buildings that we see around us: commercial and residential. Although it may seem that commercial roofing is done only for businesses or offices and residential roofing is performed for apartments and houses, the truth is the differences tend to be more complex than that.

Residential roofing is usually completed by just one hired contractor but commercial roofing typically takes a whole team to accomplish the job. The reason being a commercial roof tends to be larger in terms of square feet than the usual residential roof.
Commercial roofs are necessary carefully keeping the character and reason for the building in your mind. For instance, when there is a restaurant within the building then external components like ventilation systems, smoke stacks and pipes will be required. Residential roofs tend not to have such components apart from a chimney or two at the most.
Commercial roofs tends to be flat in design to support further changes in a later period, whereas most residential roofs have peaks and other architectural features like roof gardens.
Commercial roofing is much more expensive than residential roofing because of the special tools, materials and safety equipment which are needed onsite. Usually the patching or maintenance work is completed in segments unlike for a residential roof in which the repair or replacement work could be carried out a short time. This is one more reason why the equipment employed for residential roofs is often smaller and less costly too.
Commercial roof installations have a longer time to accomplish in comparison to residential roof installations and are usually constructed in large sections. During this phase however, you should make sure that there aren't any leakages, cracks or other visible wear and tear signs as it can cause considerable harm to the entire building.
You should install the right roof for a building depending on its purpose. Ensure that you hire a construction company that uses first class materials and it has the best equipment for the job or neglect the may turn to be considered a huge loss later.

 

Commercial Roofing Contractors: How to purchase a Qualified Commercial Roofing Company

If your clients are seeking to have work done on its roof, it is important to use commercial roofing contractors that have an enthusiastic knowledge of any special needs that the business might have. For example, a roofing job can often be disruptive for that operation of economic as usual. For this reason, it might be essential for the business to be temporarily shut down, or for the roofing to occur after business hours have ended. A roofer that understands these needs can function plus a business to make sure that these kinds of issues are minimized.

The first thing that a company should do when it's searching for commercial roofing contractors is to discover who other businesses in the region are working through. Obviously, this information will not be helpful if it comes as an indicator from competitors, but there are circumstances by which it's not too difficult to locate this information from suppliers or retailers. Since roofing is not an industry-specific service, this post is easily available.

It's a good idea for just about any business to obtain in touch with a minimum of three commercial roofing contractors to make bids about the price. In this manner, the company can often obtain a better price. It's also vital that you make sure that each one of the roofing contractors is licensed and bonded. This information can be found by permitting in touch with the state contractor's board. This assists you to determine whether there have been any claims filed against the company in the past.

When examining bids, it is just as important to look at what services are being offered and which products will be used as it is to check out the total cost. The prices can differ quite drastically, but as tempting as it can be to go for the lowest bid, this isn't always the best option. In many cases, more costs now will mean fewer costs over time as a result of a poor roofing job. To further investigate the caliber of the job, it's a wise decision to check on with the Bbb to be able to find out if the business continues to be accredited, and if it has not, to at least see what its rating is.

 

Picking out a Commercial Roofing Contractor

When you're looking for a roofer for your commercial roofing project you have to find a contractor who understands the special needs of a commercial roofing project. For example it can be harder to work on the business during business hours so either the company has to be turn off for the repair or replacement or even the job has to be done after conventional business hours. May be the roofer you are thinking about for the job willing and able to operate around your schedule constrictions which might involve working weekends or evenings?

When you start your research for a roofing contractor not only do you need to answer those questions however, you also want to find someone that will do a high quality job with no lot of time delays. Going about finding someone can feel as an obstacle by itself but there are several ways to result in the search easier.

Ask friends and family for referrals and try to find at least three contractors to provide you with written bids on your job. Prior to going any further you have to make sure that the contractors you are considering are fully licensed and bonded. A simple search using the state contractor's board will verify in case your roofer is licensed and when there are any past judgments or claims against their license.

Once you select 3 or 4 roofers to place bids, you need to prepare yourself for the bids to be widely varied. Roofers may have brand preferences that will vary and could element in pretty much than the next guy for a labor estimate. The greater detailed an itemized bid is the more helpful it will be to focus on in which the cost will be incurred. Don't, however, select a roofer based solely on the bid price. Any low ball bids may be tempting to consider, but when they're low because of low quality workman ship it may not be worthwhile ultimately.

As the saying goes, you generally get what you purchase, if you can afford a mid-priced bid it's always a good idea to go up in your price range rather than down. You also should select your roofer based on how professional they were and just how comfortable you anticipate you'll be dealing with them.

Finally your cost will be different depending on what type of roofing material you select along with the cost to haul your old roof towards the landfill. Should you be looking for places to cut corners in your roof, instead of cutting labor set you back might want to ask about a metal roof option. Metal roofs could be cost effective and efficient which makes them overall money savers for that long term, as well as on commercial buildings they may be really low maintenance. Plus given that they can be put along with an existing roof, you don't need to have the old one removed and hauled away, that make a large impact on your cost.

Selecting a comerical roofing company in your local area, doesn't have to be a difficult task. For more information, visit http://www.vancouverroofers.net