A little impersonal with not much engaging interaction, Google partners representative Alex and Jade Wong dove right into the demo of the Google My Business explaining some of the new features within it’s dashboard.

Jade explained many of the new My Business features we have already seen released such as a new dashboard that allows for easy navigation to any of the applications needed to monitor everything from your Google + insights, Reviews and even your sites analytics.

“A key part of a local businesses success is getting online.” – Jade Wong

Some of the other great features of the new Google My Business dashboard noted are the ability to a storefront image or walkthrough video right to your page.

The new dashboard also shows you your level of completeness your profile has reached. This is a plus for business owners that helps them grow their profile to a point to where your profile is maximized.

The new dashboard also shows you a clear list of the items left to complete in order to reach your profiles maximum potential. A list is shown off to the right side of the screen displaying the list of “to-do” items helping you finish incomplete items.

Previously not discussed in any detail was the mobile application version and web versions of Google My Business. The Google team explained more about how the mobile application works and how business owners can leverage it and get more out of their experience.

Below you can see the synergy pointed out between desktop, mobile and mobile web applications in a single dashboard and the ease of use for business owners.

The new mobile apps are designed to provide easy navigation and use from one touchpoint. As shown below it’s easy to navigate directly to your business editor from any mobile device and make changes as needed.

Although the team did not speculate on an actual release date for the iOS version of the application you can see below in the screen shots that the app is in development and should be released soon.

Even though Google’s My Business webinar was brief, lasting only 30 minutes from start to finish including questions including the ever popular “Bulk Upload”, which still wasn’t answered it did provide some useful information.

The new dashboard is available now at google.com/mybusiness. It is available across 236 regions and in 65 languages.

Also, Google is providing support at http://support.google.com/business

We look forward to more control over our business listings with the new dashboard that is Google My Business. Read more about some of the features in our original blog here.

Google announced today that Google + Local is officially no more and that users upon logging in or creating a new account will experience the new Google My Business.This will now be the default experience for those presently using any of Google’s other business related tools or services.

Google’s new My Business platform aims to be more of a seamless management system for business owners with individual locations. Brands and Service Areas are also supported but the GMB focus is more intent on a one-stop interface to allow for easy navigation and interpretation of data in one location. The new changes won’t affect any external users’ experiences with your Google + page in any way nor will it appear any different. The back end is where the owner will notice a significant change, which is a huge step in the right direction to help keep your brand identity consistent.

It has been rumored that the new GMB is aimed more at people who have not figured out how to “Get found on Google”, and with a button labeled with that same expression it just may in fact, be true.

For new users, upon signing up you will now have your business information dispersed to other Google tools such as Google Search, Google +, Google Maps for any device.

A few of the new tools available in the GMB update are the ability to manage both your Google + Local and Google + Business pages in one integrated dashboard. Furthermore the ability to manage reviews, customer insights, YouTube and even AdWords express are all here in one place at your fingertips.

Another great new feature is the management and streamlined approach to your reviews, a highly critical aspect of your profile. You can not only see reviews from around the web, but their analytics and even a break out of top sites and your average rating on Google + and the rest of the web. This data is easily accessible from the Reviews tab shown above.

A few of the other great tools now offered in the NEW Google My Business dashboard –

• Post to your Google + page and respond to review right from your GMB dashboard.
• More intuitive user insights that include visibility (views & clicks), engagement (posts & actions) as well as audience insights to let you know who is engaging with you!
• Basic Google Analytics that shows All Web Site Data (for a 30 day period) including new visits, unique visitors and overall pageviews as well as the ability to jump right into your full analytics from your GMB dashboard.

A Google My Business mobile application has already been released for the Android operating system (live now on Google Play) that allows you to do all of the same things from your mobile device or tablet. Google plans to release an iOS version within the coming weeks.

Google has also made it easier to distinguish your business type for your Google + page upon setup which now looks like this:

Take a look at the Google My Business introduction video released as well:

As of the present time the Google Bulk Upload tool has not appeared to have been given any attention or updates, which still leaves brands or business owners with multiple locations at a bit of a stand still or at least a disadvantage. With all of the updates we can only expect, or at least hope this will happen soon.

Overall, the new GMB dashboard gives users a much more intuitive and cohesive experience for their brand identity. Google has already begun transitioning accounts to the new dashboard so login and take a look. You may just like what you see.

Kirkland isn’t your average angler. He’s a little wild, a little edgy and quite the hip guy on the scene.

When he contacted us he said he wanted some of our “wild style” incorporated into his new look. Kirkland wanted to stand out from the other anglers and make a statement. The request was for something a little grunge oriented with bold colors. We began brainstorming and the following materials are the result of our efforts to develop a wild, aggressive brand identity for the “new kid on the scene” and get him noticed.

We started by exploring ideas for the development of his actual logo. Just because he is an angler we didn’t want the typical fishing related icons that most others in the sport use. We opted for a hook specific to his fishing style that actually wraps around his name surrounding it. The sharp hook symbolizes an aggressive angler that contains the name and makes it one entire piece. We decided to keep it a bit broken and grungy with a tattered style font that looks slightly broken apart with rough edges and a little spatter. The hook itself is clean, not rusty or worn while the name itself is very rough. This symbolizes that there is a level of perfection or pristine beauty within this “bad ass” angler who is out to get noticed.

The color palette is simple with a bold water like blue, black and some grey used to represent the hook itself. The blue makes an impact while making you comfortable and not being to over the top.

Once we developed the brand identity for Kirkland we moved on to some other print related materials for him including his business cards and thank you cards as requested. Check out some of those concepts below. As you can see we kept the format and overall brand identity consistent with the use

the same fonts colors, etc. Kirkland wanted the same style of grunge to be applied to the cards and other materials we developed. Take a look at how we conveyed that to these pieces below. We opted to go with the logo and text at an angle to add a little diversity and make his materials stand out from the others with standard alignment.

Of course being a professional angler you simply have to wear a flashy jersey that makes you stand out. We incorporated the colors and general theme into Kirklands 2014 fishing jersey as well. With this project we kept all branding consistent and added in his sponsors logos as requested. As shown you can see the consistency and level of detail we applied while still utilizing the color scheme and paint spatter we developed. We wanted his jersey to pop and get noticed and adhere to his brand identity. The jersey included both the front and back as well as the sleeves, collar and cuffs. All of these items will be printed using dye sublimation and pieced together to create the final product. Here’s what we came up with.

The next project sent to us was a new one for us. Kirkland decided he was going to use a mask, similar to one used in dirt bike riding or paintball to shield his face from the harsh winds experienced while racing down the open water to a fishing spot. What better way to stand out than to don a mask that matches your overall brand? We were up to the task. We worked with one of team members experienced in vinyl application and wrapping to assist us in developing a two dimensional template of the mask to apply the graphics to. The graphics, once designed on the template were printed in 3M heavy duty vinyl and applied to the mask. Instead of airbrushing a design on the mask we chose to use vinyl which will allow Kirkland to remove it at any time if sponsors change and simply reprint and re-apply. Take a look at how amazing the final product turned out and how well it fits with the overall brand identity we have created.

The first thing you have to understand is that reviews should never be about your ranking. Reviews are used to gauge your performance and make improvements where necessary. If you only look at customer reviews as a way to boost your business online you aren’t utilizing them to their fullest potential.

Whether good or bad, a review should be used as an indication as to how well your business is performing and every business owner should be aware of the reviews they are receiving. Responding to reviews is also critical. No matter the context of the review, a response from the business or it’s owner is always beneficial. It’s show’s potential customer’s you are not only in tune with their needs but attentive and willing to take constructive criticism.

So how do you gain more reviews for your business in hopes to better your performance and grow as well as attract new customers?

• Be Available Everywhere Online: What we mean is that not everyone prefers Google or Yelp. By having consistent and robust profiles online in various places (citations) where customers frequent, you stand a far greater chance of gaining the reviews you want. Nothing can be more bothersome to a customer than being asked for a Google review if in fact they are not a Google user. People choose to spend their time in various places, and by positioning yourself where they browse you are more likely to be seen and reviewed. The good news is that with the exception of Yelp (due to pending lawsuit) that Google now shows reviews from various other sources around the web such as MerchantCircle, CitySearch and more.



• Ask about your performance: There’s nothing at all wrong with asking for the review. If, of course it’s done in the right context. Don’t ask your customers to leave you a “Good Review Online”. Instead let your customers know after the sale you would like them to rate your performance or provide you with feedback to help you grow and perform better in the future. Advise them that you exist in various places online (even providing a list for them) and let them know you would like to hear from them. The key is to making your customers aware that your intention isn’t about your online ratings or even your ranking, rather that you simply want to know how well you did, or didn’t do. Your customers will not only be impressed that you care enough to ask for feedback but be more likely to do so.
• Citation & Website Stickers or Banners: You want your customers to know where you exist online so they can review you, so how better to let them know where to find you online than displaying logos for websites your business exists on. You can find various places online that offer stickers from some of your favorite sites such as Google, Yelp and more. Displaying them in a prominent location, such as the front door or lobby of your business helps customers recognize where you exist online and leave reviews on their favorite sites. If your business doesn’t have a physical location or storefront you can also download logos of the sites you exist on and place them on your businesses website. Most sites offer free banners specifically for this that you can place anywhere on your page to guide customers to the site and gain the feedback you are looking for.
• Send an email blast: Most businesses collect email address in any number of ways (if you aren’t you should be) to reach out to their existing customers or prospective buyers interested in their product or service. Email is not only a cost effective way to reach consumers, but is also able to be tracked. Create a compelling email blast, preferably with a catchy graphic and witty headline that compels users to open the email and click through to leaving you some great feedback. Emails can be set up to link directly to any number of your profiles specifically or provide a list of various resources. Consumers check their email multiple times a day and sending an email is a cheap and easy way to get their attention.



• Create printed review materials: Sometimes customers need a little reminder that you’ve asked for a review of your performance. There’s nothing that says you can’t provide that little hint. A great way to do that is by giving them a take away, such as a business card or mailer that simply asks them to “Rate your performance” to help you perform better. Create a business card with a simple headline and listing of logos of the various places they can rate you. Let the customer decide where they would like to leave the review based on their own personal online habits. The review will find it’s way to you. Many businesses have mailing lists as well. Sending out a mailer is also a great way to let customers know you are looking for their input and where they can send it. People spend some much time online they often block out emails, banners and other requests that are not directly solicited or sought. By sending a piece of mail or handing someone a takeaway card of some sort can sometimes be the perfect way to reach them.

Now that we have given you a few ideas of how to generate reviews for you business lets touch briefly on the do-not’s of online reviews:

• Don’t ask for “Good Reviews” – ask for feedback on
  performance.
• Don’t create fake profiles for the purpose of leaving reviews.
• Don’t buy reviews from any resource online.
• Don’t offer to trade products or services for positive reviews.
• Don’t leave any reviews without a response no matter the
  content.

Follow these simple rules for online reviews and your business will see the impact as you learn more about what your customers want, how they perceive you and what adjustments you can make to improve. A business that constantly makes performance improvements lasts where others often fail.

View your reviews as a learning tool and your success is sure to improve exponentially.

Many people have never heard of it and are completely unaware just how important having fresh content actually is and what it means to the ranking of your website.

Search Engine 125 is an algorithm that scores documents or pages on a website based on content update. What this means is that Google places a greater emphasis on returning fresher web content for it’s search queries.

If you’re curious just how Google scores your documents let us explain. Google measures all of the sites pages or documents and then scores each based on the type of search query performed.

Keywords that require the freshest content are things such as recent events or hot topics, recurring events such as sports or even frequent updates and world news.

A web page is given a freshness score based on it’s creation date, which decay’s over time. A high freshness score can boost a keyword or topic but losses it’s effectiveness over time as the page becomes older. The creation date is when Google actually becomes aware of the page or one of it’s bot’s physically indexes the page or discovers a link to it.

Another factor that plays heavily into the freshness ranking awarded by Google is page changes. By this we mean the amount of content on any given page that changes. Changing a single sentence or adding a keyword isn’t going to cut it here. Significant changes to 50% or more of the pages copy, usually above the fold, headlines and tags all determine a pages freshness score.

The rate of page changes also plays a vital role in the freshness score. Content that changes frequently as opposed to every few years will have a much higher freshness rating that those that don’t. Take for example The Tampa Tribune who’s home page content is changing daily based on news stories. A site like this has a high degree of changes and therefore results in a high rate of fresh content.

Another vital way to increase your sites freshness rating is the overall creation of new content or pages, thus a site that adds news pages at a higher rate than another will have a higher score. Some SEO’s agree that upwards of 30% of the pages on your site annually should be new, fresh content.
Keep this in mind but never neglect your old content if it needs attention. It could be just the boost you need.

Changing you important content matters more than just editing insignificant areas of your site. Content that is seen as not as important are items such as the navigation, ads, or content that falls below the fold. Generally speaking content in the main body of your site or page or above the fold is the most significant and warrants changes more frequently resulting in a higher freshness rating.

Another great way to score freshness points is to distribute links to your new pages, blogs and content. A higher rate of new link growth is a signal to Google and can inevitably result in a higher freshness score.

Be sure to be careful not to overdo it as an unusual increase in linking activity can be viewed as spam. Be honest and share your content or information ethically.

Another great way to increase your score and your rank is to share links with fresh sites to pass value to your own site and it’s content. A site such as Reddit who constantly has new content on it has a much higher freshness score than a site who rarely has new content. Links to you from sites such as this also help greatly. Make sure you’re aware of high quality sites such as this when distributing your links.

As you can see there are a number of factors that Google utilizes in it’s algorithm to determine your sites freshness score and in turn your ranking. Not to say that fresh content solely dictates your online rank, however it certainly helps when you’re attempting to climb the ranks within SERP’s these days.

Keep in mind, it’s all about quality content in the end not necessarily quantity. Make sure what you are writing about is what people want to read and you will find more shares, likes and interactions.

EV2 Agency believes strongly in content creation as part of any solid SEO plan. Let us develop and distribute quality content for your site today.

So, what’s the difference between vector and raster and what does each one mean? Let’s start by explaining what each one means.

Vector art itself is defined by Wikipedia® as is the use of geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves, and shapes or polygon(s), which are all based on mathematical expressions, to represent images in computer graphics.

Vector artwork is created with such professional graphics programs as Adobe Illustrator® or Corel Draw®. These applications will traditionally work in a 2 dimensional environment although some have additional capabilities to do some 3 dimensional work or manipulation.

Vector artwork itself is typically more simplistic and devoid of any complex elements such as glows, shadows and other photographic type elements that are traditionally used to style an item. This does not mean that a logo or brand identity can be completely free of artistic design or creativity.

In the simplest terms Vector art is scalable. This means that a vector based piece of artwork, such as your logo can be resized for various uses without losing quality or distorting it’s integrity. This is important when maintaining a consistent brand identity, especially if others may be using it in various applications.

Another great benefit to using a vector graphic is that Pantone® Colors can be applied. A Pantone® Color is defined as a largely a standardized color reproduction system. By standardizing the colors, different manufacturers in different locations can all refer to the Pantone system to make sure colors match without direct contact with one another.

In short, this means that when using this color system you can make certain that the color you have selected to represent your brand remains intact regardless of the printing process used.

We will discuss the benefits of a vector logo over a raster logo later in this article.

Raster art is defined by Wikipedia® as In computer graphics, a raster graphics image, or bitmap, is a dot matrix data structure representing a generally rectangular grid of pixels, or points of color, viewable via a monitor, paper, or other display medium. Raster images are stored in image files with varying formats.

Raster artwork itself is more like a photograph, which is resolution dependent, meaning they cannot scale up to an arbitrary resolution without loss of apparent quality. Raster artwork can be developed using any number of programs such as Adobe Photoshop® or Corel Photo Paint®.

Raster graphics can contain highly complex filters such as glows, drop shadows, 3d effects and a wide variety of other elements used to make an object look realistic. The downside here is that the object is defined by it’s size. Meaning that if you increase the size of the object larger than it’s created at you begin losing quality and the image will distort. This is not true with Vector graphics.

So why would someone want to create a more simplistic, less flashy logo using Vector rather than Raster?

Let’s start by assuming you want to take your brand identity or logo and use it to showcase your business on a billboard or perhaps a large truck. Either of those will be fairly large in size and will need a logo that is quite large to represent clearly to the viewer. If the image is distorted, unrecognizable or different than what your brand identity is defined as you have failed and a viewer will not make the connection. The key to successful brand identity is consistency. Maintaining that consistency everywhere you position your business is critical and often means the difference between gaining or losing a client.

In the instance above a vector logo can be increased in size or dimension to fit the application and will retain it’s integrity. Often times because of this a company developing the graphic itself will not accept a logo in raster format because they do not want to be held responsible for loss of image quality in the final output.

Developing a logo in a vector format is always the best place to start as you can always import it into a raster based program and add effects to it if necessary for different applications. Keep in mind that this will cause your brand identity to differ and no longer be consistent.

Raster versions of your brand do have their uses. Most websites do not support vector graphics with the exception of an .SVG file which is a form of vector. Raster logos can be made into a .PNG file with no background allowing you to place your brand over any background you choose. Various other raster files like a .JPEG can always serve their purpose where a low resolution version of your brand are needed. When placing your logo online for branding you want to have a file that’s size is small so the user can download or view it easily with little download time.

We always suggest doing preliminary sketches of your intended logo on paper to get an idea of exactly what it is you intend to create. This gives you a working model to refer to once you have made your final selection.

Both Vector and Raster have their uses however development of a logo in a vector environment is the preferred method for the advantages it provides.

Let EV2 develop a lasting brand identity with an impactful logo design that will establish your brand and clearly convey your message.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vector_graphics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raster_graphics

It seems more and more these days that black hat seo is everywhere. Everyone is in a race to get their site ranked high in the SERP’s to increase visibility and business. Underhanded techniques such as link farming and spamming posts seem to be everywhere. Can the white hat seo’s really compete with all of the practices like quality citations and linkbuilding used to gain status online that are simply not lawful? The answer is they may not have to.

Google recently announced an update to their places guidelines that now allow a local business to add a single descriptor that helps customers locate their business or understand what your business offers.

Examples of acceptable titles with descriptors (in italics for demonstration purposes) are “Starbucks Downtown” or “Joe’s Pizza Restaurant”.

Examples that would not be accepted would be “#1 Seattle Plumbing”, “Joe’s Pizza Best Delivery” or “Joe’s Pizza Restaurant Dallas”.

This new guideline allows a local business to be found even more using this descriptor and gain more visibility online. Local seo is rapidly growing and more often than not Google Places/Plus listing show up before many organic searches ever do.

Consumers can gain a great deal of information from your local profile leading them directly to your site, if they even visit it. Studies show that 86% of users searching locally for a business will call or click on their local listing and read reviews and never actually visit a website.

Here are just a few statistics that support why developing and maintaining a positive and informative local profile is critical, and may be more important that traditional on-page seo for your website.

• More than 54% of Americans now search online for business information versus traditional
  phone books. (comScore)
• 82% of online local searchers follow up via an in-store visit. (TMP/comScore)

Traditional on-page SEO that supports keywords, topics and other relative information has long been the most widely used and abused practice for ranking a site or web page. With more consumers searching on mobile devices than ever before the need for strong local SEO has increased. More businesses are becoming proactive in the use of their local business profiles to drive traffic, however over 25% of online business listings are inaccurate or unclaimed.

As more business owners realize the power of a strong local listing the shift from traditional on-page SEO to rank slowly dies. The movement toward a local listing full of reviews, images and other useful information becomes front and center. Google is well aware of the effectiveness of these listings and is consistently changing the guidelines to make these listing more effective and more desirable to business owners. With each Google + profile that is optimized a little on-page SEO dies and Google takes that much more of a stronghold over how businesses are ranked and viewed online.

Let us develop a strong local presence for your business today by optimizing and maintaining a group of quality local listing that will drive more business to your door.

Source 1: http://blumenthals.com/blog/2014/02/20/google-places-guideline-update-now-allowing-descriptors-in-business-title/

Source 2: https://support.google.com/places/answer/107528?hl=en

Source 3: http://listedlocally.com/faqs/surveys-statistics-on-local-search/

The Bucs have worn two helmet designs since they started in 1976. The original helmet featured a winking pirate logo on a white helmet that came to be known as Bucco Bruce. In 1997, the team switched to a red pirate flag on a pewter helmet. What will they come out with now? Warren Sapp has tweeted a hint saying the helmet will have a chrome grill.

NFL teams regularly overhaul their uniforms for different reasons. The change is generally a 24-month process involving market research, computer simulation, and input from experts with their league partner Nike.

Why are the Buccaneers doing another change? Is it because times have been hard? The Buccaneers ended 2013 with their third consecutive losing season and sixth in a row without a trip to post-season, went through three coaches, and a MRSA scare involving three players. Now, with a new coach and several other changes, perhaps it’s time for a brand identity update.

There is a major difference between a complete rebrand versus what is known as a brand refresh. The motive of a rebrand is to recreate your company in the eyes of its target market. A comprehensive redevelopment of your brand identity is a multiple-step process that is reminiscent of an Extreme Makeover. This is a time consuming process that involves a great deal of research and is typically based on the public perception of the existing brand. When a rebrand is the chosen path it is usually because the existing brand simply isn’t working. Does it catch the eye? Does it make an impact? And most of all does it stay with the viewer and have you remember the brand? If the answer to these is no, for whatever the reason it may very well be time for a complete rebrand.

Doing some research is critical to this decision. Having the mindset that “we just don’t like it anymore” can be quite dangerous to the brand itself and it’s impact. Find out WHY the brand no longer works and why people may not be connecting with it. Times change, often time your brand has to as well in order to remain relevant.

This is where we discuss a brand refresh. A brand refresh is not changing the brand entirely, but updating or “modernizing” it to fit the times and perhaps even a new demographic. In October of 2012 Wendy’s released a statement saying that they are “in the midst of a comprehensive transformation to contemporize the brand and dramatically improve the customer experience.”

The goal is simple; “We are improving the total customer experience, with bold restaurant designs, fresh product innovation, more engaging advertising and digital media advancements,” said Emil Brolick, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Another recent brand refresh, Mr. Clean. Proctor & Gamble after 50 years wanted to update the look of the Mr. Clean logo. In a new age where consumers connect with a brand for various reasons, the team at P&R gave their brand, the bald Mr. Clean character an updated new look and even added a back story that shares his “coming of age” and his “born to clean” attitude. Similar to Wendy’s the brand did undergo a complete overhaul, just a little fresh life breathed into it to keep it alive for the next 50 years.

Rebranding is more than just slapping on a new coat of paint. Instead, a rebrand is a complete renovation of an already established brand. It’s a shift in brandy strategy and brand positioning to establish a new identity in the minds of consumers, as well as it’s competitors.

On the reverse, a brand refresh is less invasive. As opposed to completely redeveloping your brand, you simply modernize or even update certain aspects of it while preserving it’s integrity. When you think of a brand refresh think of Pepsi, or even the two examples above. These are company’s that have proven their brand identity and brand strategy to be effective over time. However, times change and they have all proven that they can roll with them and stay current and continue to form a bond or association with their intended customers, or in the Buccaneers case, their fans.

Will the third time be a charm for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? Will they decide to go with a complete rebrand or simply refresh Bucco Bruce again in hopes of gaining new fans and a city that will stand behind them, fill seats and buy merchandise sporting the new look?

Do you need a new brand identity or simply need to update your existing one? Want to attract more attention and new customers?

Let us develop a powerful new brand identity that leaves a lasting first impression today.

Contact us today to get started!

All logos are ®Rights Reserved and ©Copyright to their respectful owners.

Article Sources:

https://twitter.com/intent/user?screen_name=WarrenSapp

http://msn.foxsports.com/florida/story/buccaneers-to-sport-new-look-helmet-in-2014-021814

http://www.aboutwendys.com/News/Wendy%E2%80%99s-Transformation-Producing-Positive-Results/

http://brandstrategery.blogspot.com/2013/07/mr-clean-re-stage.html

Image Rights:

Photo 1: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Photo 2: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Photo 3: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best ways to get your business out there is to develop quality citations for your business so that the SERP’s can see where you exist. But where do you list and which sources are the most effective for your business?

Determining that can be little tricky and it can also be rather time consuming. We’re going to give you a little inside scoop on the best way to determine these citation sources locally and how to keep track of everything.

Take a look at what your competitors are doing. If it works for them it can work for you, right? Do a simple search for the type of business you have and see where your competitors are listing themselves. There are quite a few good tools out there to help you, like GeoRanker but a good old fashioned web search can usually tell you a great deal.

One great factor to take into consideration is the MozRank of any given directory or citation source. If you don’t know what a MozRank is read more about it and what it means to you. You can also use a tool like Moonsy to check the MozRank of any give site. Just type in the url of the directory or citation site you would like to check. The higher the score the better the value of the link to your site.

Spending your time developing links on these trusted sites means greater visibility for your business. Knowing which ones to place your information on is a smart starting point and means there is a greater likelihood of your business being found locally.

Another item that is highly important when determining these sources is Domain Authority. If you are unclear read more about it and understand exactly what it means to you and how your site benefits from it. All sites have one and again, the higher the domains authority the better the quality link to your site.

You can check out citations sources and directory sites here on the Moz Open Site Explorer and check the strength of a url.

Once you have done some research make yourself a list of all the best directories and citation sources you feel are worth the time to invest making profiles for your business on. We suggest you create something like an excel spreadsheet like the one shown here with the listing of all these citations and directories. Name them and also give yourself a spot to input your link (url to the page you created) as well. Also, provide a list of your login, password and other critical data you may need in the future for each of them. We leave a notes section to list things such as the date the profile was created, it’s status or if it has been verified and approved or not.

Once you have developed your working spreadsheet, add in your NAP (i.e. name, address, phone, etc) in a place easily accessible whenever you are working with the sheet. The key here and the element that is of most importance to your business is consistency. You have to make sure that the listings you are taking the time to develop are consistent across the web, so keep that information correct and close at hand.

Inconsistencies in your NAP can not only affect you negatively in searches, but can also cost you business.Learn more about why in this article.

Make sure that your business data is in line with your brand. Write your business description, your UVP and other details that define your business and keep them handy. You may have already done this in a previous branding step but you will need all of this when you are building these profiles.

The consistency of this data says a lot about your business so make sure it is always the same from source to source. NAP consistency on business websites has approximately 18.8% factor in determining the ranking of your site while external sites like Yelp and others account for about 16% of that rank. The most significant yet, is still Google Places which accounts for about 19.6% of your ranking based on title, keywords and more.

These factors make up over 50% of your ranking performance so consistency is key. Let us manage your listings today and drive more traffic directly to your door.

Is Google testing to see what works best? Are they simply not happy with the amount of “live space” you can have, or is more than that? Could it be Google just really doesn’t know what size is actually the best and most receptive to potential customers or friends?

Regardless of the reason, it can not only be annoying but potentially damaging to businesses as the banner won’t display properly and could have the ability to cut off or otherwise distort a marketing message or image that conveys the brand.

This is an agonizing problem for individuals and businesses alike, but consider if you, like myself are in a position where you manage multiple profiles for multiple clients across a wide variety of industries.

Taking the time to review each and every banner and then recreating them to fit the new specifications can be time consuming and also look bad on your part when and if the client notices the banner isn’t looking as it should on their profile.

What’s worse is the fact that Google doesn’t notify anyone that the change is coming nor do they tell you what the best possible specifications are to get the most out of the banner. Wouldn’t you think that Google, of all people who claim to want user experiences across the internet to be their best would willingly provide this information to everyone so that the banners could effectively be created and uploaded and look great on all monitor sizes and systems? The fact is, it doesn’t seem like they care too much as there are no Google updates, templates or supplied information out there for users to recreate the banners and properly upload them.

Through online research, other blogs and my own trial and error I have come to the conclusion that the best solution is to create the largest file in both pixel dimension and file size that Google will accept. The reasoning behind this is that if you use the smallest size accepted is that, while it will upload and appear it will only look clear and unpixelated on smaller monitors – such as 13” laptops and smaller devices like ipads and cellular devices. Google scales the image based on the monitor size the page is being viewed on. In retrospect a banner created at a minimum size viewed on a large monitor such as a 20” monitor or greater will expand and increase to fit and therefor render pixelated and distorted. The key is to aim for biggest common denominator and create.

I have determined that size to be approximately 2120 px by 1196 px. While this size is the best size in my determination there is also another aspect to consider which is that Google will scale the image as needed and that tends to happen from the right side. In other words text or imagery run close to the edge of that size can potentially be cut off and not visible. In my experience the best possible scenario is to keep text on both sides in approximately 40 pixels in from the edge so that it remains centered and does not risk getting cut off. It may inevitably be the best idea not to use any text at all and stick only to imagery, however this can still be cut into depending on placement and viewing monitor size.