http://www.seroundtable.com – Google updates the toolbar PageRank scores yesterday. Bing did yet another search index update. Google launched social search in the experimental labs. Google adds instructions for their simplistic fading home page. Yahoo finally killed GeoCities. Did Bing figure out 301 redirects? Google Sitelinks can take two weeks to be blocked. Google treats 410 status codes differently from 404s. Google tests cost per lead comparison ads in mortgage and refinance industry. Google graduates similar image search. Google Maps to fix a one box mistake. Google warns that publishers should not block the AdSense certified 3rd party network. A new adCenter Desktop beta might be coming November 6th. Google Maps adds navigation GPS tool to Android 2.0 on Verizon Wireless Droid. Should Diller sell Ask.com to Microsoft or donate it to Rutgers. That was this past week in search at the Search Engine Roundtable.

Duration : 0:13:56

Part 1 in a multipart series sponsored by Microsoft Office Live Small Business. The series is designed to help small business owners get on the Web and use their Web sites effectively. This first video focuses on creating impactful online strategies.

Having an Internet presence is vital because of the role it plays in how customers find and research products and services. Many consumers leverage the internet to check the legitimacy of a small business.

A few initial considerations in creating a successful web presence
- Web Site Design Needs
What will be the primary use for my Web site?
- Web Site Promotion
Where will I promote my Web site?
- Web Site Monitoring
How will I maintain my site and monitor performance?

Determine your type of Web site
- Business Showcase Web site – primarily used to showcase your products and services to new and existing customers. Generally supports a physical business location.
- Online storefront – Used if you have products or services you can sell online. Requires an e-commerce enabled web site.
- Action Oriented Web Site – Needs to generate some type of customer action. Doesn’t have to be an online sale – can be a telephone inquiry, online form submission, reservation booking or service appointment.

Measuring Your Success
- Setting Expectations
Having a Web site can significantly fortify your business’s credibility. However simiple creating one won’t automatically increase your business.
- Monitoring Visitor Interaction
Monitoring Web site traffic will give you first hand knowledge of how visitors are interacting with your Web site.

Duration : 0:9:19