The whole first page on Google game has gotten a bit harder recently. This is because Google has started showing up to four pages from the same domain on one page of the search results. The reason? Google wants to present the most relevant search results based on a searcher’s intent.  If that searcher is interested in a particular domain or topic they might see up to four results for one domain based on relevance.

Google’s reasoning from their blog: “As before, we still provide links to results from a variety of domains to ensure people find a diverse set of sources relevant to their searches. However, when our algorithms predict pages from a particular site are likely to be most relevant, it makes sense to provide additional direct links in our search results.”

It’s important to note that when more than one page is shown from the same domain, the website descriptions for the additional pages change from two lines to one. This makes the first 10 words of a meta-description tag even more important.

Previously Google would only show up to two pages from the same domain on one page, but in the past two weeks there has been a dramatic change. Showing four results from one domain instead of one or two can create a substantial advantage in the search engine real estate game.  Just like back in the day, the number of times your website is visible on a search page the more opportunities there are to click it.

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There’s no telling what could happen inside Wrigley Field anymore. Brawls? Drama? Defeat? Gasp…Victory? Yes, those lovable losers are at their MOST lovable this year, but the good news is, no matter what’s going on inside the ballpark, you now can always, at any time, see what’s going on outside the park.

Our friends at CubWorld.com have recently added a cool, new, live-streaming Wrigley Field web cam to their site. Perched at CubWorld.com’s brick & mortar location, Sports World, across the street from and with a full view of the front entrance of the ballpark, the camera gives you a live feed of all the action! Visit it the day of a game to check traffic, weather, crowd level, or just to get a taste of the action when you can’t make the game. Oh, the stories it would tell if this camera could only talk….

While you’re on the site, you can of course mosey on over to their great selection of Cubs jerseys, hats, shirts, and other Cubs merchandise (including a Zambrano “Blow Up” sale…seriously). And if you do venture out to support the Cubs (c’mon, they need you more than ever!), be sure to pop into Sports World for some goodies, then wave at the camera on your way out!

For so long, online marketing success was measured by number of clicks.  That measurement of success, however, has shifted over the past 3 years from clicks to conversion rate optimization to increase conversions. A conversion occurs when a user visits your site and takes the desired action.  This action can include making a purchase, submitting a form, subscribing to a service, etc. The rate of these conversions is the percentage of your overall traffic that does what you want them to do, which can be significantly increased when optimized.

Conversion rate optimization is the key to achieving significant ROI in online marketing campaigns.  Who doesn’t like the sound of that?

Contact us to learn how to get more out of your online campaigns.

We all knew it would happen.  It was only a matter of time.  After months of rumors and much anticipation, Steve Jobs unveiled today Apple’s “truly magical and revolutionary” tablet computer.

The iPad, a 10-inch touch screen, offers lightening fast web browsing and works with all existing Apple apps.  With its connection to the iTunes store, the iPad is ideal for downloading and playing movies, music and TV shows.

Apple magic does it again! Click Here for more!

We recently launched a new website for Wrigley View Rooftop, a premier Wrigley Field rooftop experience. Along with a complete renovation of the entire rooftop and interior space, this new website design was meant to shatter fans’ expectations of what an afternoon at the ballgame can mean.

Wrigley View’s approach towards fan friendliness is apparent from the moment you step through their door on historic Waveland Avenue. From the newly remodeled lounge, to the extensive buffet on the rooftop, Wrigley View Rooftop truly is your all-inclusive rooftop experience. The new website allows this all to shine through like never before, and truly communicates the Wrigley View rooftop experience to web visitors long before they ever book a game.

While the verdict may still be out regarding whether or not this will be the year the Cubs finally win the World Series, for Wrigley View Rooftop it is clear that this is their year!

Show your Cubs pride by visiting Wrigley View’s new site at www.wrigleyview.com!

Homewerks Worldwide has just launched its latest product, the TOSCA 5 Minute Faucet supported by a new microsite. The microsite explains the product features and how you can have a beautiful, high end kitchen faucet without the high-end installation price. The 5-Minute Faucet™ installs in just 4 easy steps and features a patented base that enables the faucet to be installed from above the sink. Who knew faucets could be so easy? Now if they could only show us how to do a 5 course dinner in just 5 minutes…

Twist on over to Homewerks’ microsite at www.5minutefaucet.com.

We recently launched a brand new site for Sterling Premium Building Systems to support the company’s new marketing efforts.  Based in Wausau, WI, Sterling Premium Building Systems has been one of the nation’s largest producers of custom homes for over 50 years.  Their expertise, unique building system, and reputation for quality are unequaled and this really shines through in their new site!  Hundreds of Builders rely on Sterling Premium Building Systems for guaranteed pricing, increased profits, shortened building timeframes, recognized quality, and engineering excellence!

Take a look! www.sterlingbldg.com

In addition to the new website, we recently launched HelpingBuildersShine.com, a microsite for Sterling Premium Building Systems builders! This site is a sales tool to help builders communicate the many benefits of Sterling Premium Building Systems.  By working with Sterling Premium Building Systems builders are able to offer their clients highly customizable homes, higher quality materials, the latest technology, and greener construction!

Check out the site at www.HelpingBuildersShine.com

Last (Thursday) when I got home, I sat down and turned on the TV. Everyone’s first move right? Well, while flipping through the channels, I found CNBC had a great segment on.

It’s called “Inside The Mind of Google”. Sounds pretty nerdy, but this segment really caught my attention. If you ever wanted to learn what capabilities are out there for your business that Google can offer, I recommend watching it.

It not only explained how their searches work, but it gave some great insight how to utilize their technology. From Google’s Search Engine, to Google Adwords, to Google Earth, to even their new operating system Android, it explains and demonstrates how we can use these tools for our own professional benefit. The segment dissected exactly what Google has to offer and what we can expect for the future.

If you’ve ever done a Google search, wouldn’t you like to know where that data goes?

Watch it

We recently launched a new website for {new} partners, a strategic political communications group based in Washington, DC. The team at {new} partners have extensive experience in helping a broad spectrum of political groups, nonprofits, electoral campaigns, and fundraising projects navigate the new political and economic landscape facing these groups today. Through a combination of diverse experience combined with their various core competencies including; strategic platform development, thorough research, and creative grass roots campaigns that {new) partners has paved the way for success after success. {new} partners was also instrumental in leading Barack Obama’s election strategy, and have played a part in many other political communications. They have even worked with Bono (cue “One Love” here)!

{new} partners also has offices in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Seattle. Check out their site at www.newpartners.com and see a whole new approach to political fundraising.

This week one of our very own, Michael K., received a coveted invite to try out the new Google Wave. Now, Michael was not expecting the techie angels to be looking down on him and bestowing such a gift. But ever since, his step has had more spring and he’s been idolized by our interactive team. Now if he could only figure out how to use Google Wave, he might have something going!