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Beanstalk's SEO News Blog

At Beanstalk Search Engine Optimization we know that knowledge is power. That's the reason we started this SEO blog. We know that the better informed our visitors are, the better the decisions they will make for their websites and their online businesses. We hope you enjoy your stay and find the SEO news contained within this blog useful.

June 19, 2009

SEO On A Friday

I love Friday’s (and who doesn’t). Today there’s a bit of news from the SEO realm for you and I’ll add a bit of humor at the end just to make the end of your day (or weekend) a bit more entertaining.

First let’s discuss Bing (oh God not again). Annoyingly – I have more good news for Webmasters from Bing. For why this is annoying you can reference yesterday’s post. But here we go anyways.

A few days ago Bing released a PDF for webmasters and publishers on Bing the basically outlines some of the core differences between Bing and those “other engines” (read: Google). If you really searched on Bing you’d figure this stuff out fairly readily however it’s a worthwhile read. You can download the PDF from their download center here.

I came across the document when I read Vanessa Fox’s analysis of the document on Search Engine Land at http://searchengineland.com/microsofts-search-engine-optimization-advice-for-bing-21152. Both are recommended reading but if you only have time for one – stick with Vanessa’a take.

And now I get to smile a bit as I have some “bad news” on Microsoft. They’re bribing Australian users to switch from Firefox back to IE with a contest for $10k. Basically, they have “hidden” some money on the web and are giving tips away on Twitter. The first to find it gets to keep the cash but it won’t work if you’re using Firefox.

My tip to Microsoft would be to just build a better browser and I’ll just switch. You don’t need to bribe me.

You can read more about the bribery on the Australian site at http://www.microsoft.com/australia/ie8/competition/default.aspx.

And last but not least – the humor I promised you. So turn down your speakers or slap on your headphone (unless your at home in which case feel free to enjoy over your full surround system if you feel so inclined) and enjoy. The following is a clip from comedian Louis CK from his appearance on Conan O’Brien. You’ve got a very good grasp of this generation Louis.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jETv3NURwLc]

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 3:21 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: bing, comedy, firefox, microsoft —

June 17, 2009

Early Christmas For Bing

Bing Crosby from White Christmas Well it appears that it’s Christmas in June Bing. For the second consecutive week it has “stolen” marketshare from the other two major engines. comScore reports that Bing is now at 12.1% market share which is up from the 11.3% they were at last week which was up again from the 9.1% Microsoft had prior to the launch of Bing.

In search penetration (% of users who have used the engine – this number can surpass 100% as users (like yours truly) can use multiple engines) they’ve seen further gains at 16.7% last week which was up from 13.7% prior to Bing.

So it appears that Microsoft might have finally done something right in the world of search. They’ve built an engine that is far superior to their previous attempts in both function and results. While they still have algorithmic advancements to be made to bring their system up to the level of results of Google – they are well situated to finally take a shot at the search pie.

Personally – I wish them luck but I’ve got to say – it feels odd to cheer for Microsoft as the “little guy” (especially given that that have enough to just buy Google).

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 2:05 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: bing, marketshare, microsoft —

January 9, 2009

Windows 7 Public Beta Launch, and The Trouble With Too Much Traffic

Update 1: Microsoft has now pulled the public beta, and several people that managed to start a download have had the download killed. They have now replaced the text on Technet to “Windows® 7 Beta coming soon!”. This just keeps getting better, I’ve only spent 2.5 hours trying to sign up and start this download and all the MS pages associated with the download now return 404 errors.

I’ll start this Blog post with a disclaimer that if you don’t like rants, then stop here. As some of you may be aware today Microsoft officially launched their Windows 7 Public Beta, which is available to the first 2.5 million people that sign up. Now you might think well I’ll just go over to Microsoft’s website sign up, then download my copy where in reality their servers are most likely nearly on fire! I’ve seen the screen “Server is too busy” well over 200 times, and I’ve seen their error page around 20 different times. I’ve now also seen the signup page twice, however after submitting my data the server was then too busy to process it, and I was redirected to an error page so I can’t even repost my request, and I’m now back in the queue (90+ minutes and counting) to reenter my data.

In my eyes the Windows 7 Public Beta launch is a monster failure because they definitely didn’t extend their planning to making sure that their Microsoft profile website / web server could handle this kind of website traffic volume. I personally find this extremely ironic as Microsoft claims to make the best Web server Internet Information Services (IIS). On a side note this is actual the second failed launch I’ve witnessed within the last 30 days on an IIS server, if this doesn’t say another about its performance under a heavy load I don’t know what does. The other failed launch was for NCIX for their boxing day sale which started on December 24th at 4PM, their website was down with Server is too busy message (if it actually showed up at all) for the first 45 minutes, and even then it took 30 minutes to add 3 items to my cart and complete my transaction!

What Microsoft should have done for their Windows 7 Public Beta Launch was 1) not to use one of their main websites and used a dedicated website on a dedicated load balanced server setup 2) Put together a queue based system which emulates standing through a lineup so people weren’t constantly refreshing and putting more load on the server 3) Removed that error page so that you can resume from the point in your signup where the process failed instead of having to redo steps 4) Switch to Apache and PHP and actually run an efficient web server and scripting language.

Steve Balmer at CES said “We’re putting in all the right ingredients [to Windows 7]: simplicity, reliability and speed. And we’re working hard to get it right and to get it ready.” All I have to say to Steve Balmer is “Thanks for nothing, and try putting those ingredients into Windows Server and IIS as I’m not seeing any reliability or speed”.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 3:00 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: microsoft, steve balmer, windows 7 —

February 4, 2008

Google Replies

Well the fine folks over at Google have come up with a response to Friday’s bid by Microsoft for Yahoo! Now, believe me – I understand that business is business and that Google has to respond with a negative spin against their competitors but the blog post and press release they put out made me smirk more than think. The official line, put forth by David Drummond, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer for Google, was:

“So Microsoft’s hostile bid for Yahoo! raises troubling questions. This is about more than simply a financial transaction, one company taking over another. It’s about preserving the underlying principles of the Internet: openness and innovation.”

Ummmmm, OK – you’ve got to be kidding me. Now I mean no offense to Google – love them to bits and use them daily but seriously, the two properties search market share combined still only account for slightly over half of Google’s so exactly what is the threat to competition? Google will still have the overwhelming majority of search so really – they can decide how much innovation goes into it. And please – openness !!! When I get my weekly email updating me on the algorithm or when the numbers get put out on searches/day even – THEN that argument might stand. He then writes:

“Could Microsoft now attempt to exert the same sort of inappropriate and illegal influence over the Internet that it did with the PC? While the Internet rewards competitive innovation, Microsoft has frequently sought to establish proprietary monopolies — and then leverage its dominance into new, adjacent markets.

Could the acquisition of Yahoo! allow Microsoft — despite its legacy of serious legal and regulatory offenses — to extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet? In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts. And between them, the two companies operate the two most heavily trafficked portals on the Internet. Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”

Ouch.

Now, they raise decent points regarding the past practices of Microsoft but again – what competition? If anything the deal will raise the bar on competition in the industry – but Google knows that. Whenever Google’s doing something or buying someone everyone makes a big to-do about it. Well now the shoe is on the other foot and Google gets their chance to point the finger.

In the end the likelihood of Google getting their way and the deal being blocked is low. Heck, the fact that Google’s against it probably has some FTC people thinking it’s a pretty good thing and heck – it might be good for Google as well. Let’s consider this – who is the master of search? (hint – it’s Google).

People will choose MSN/Live because it’s easy (part of their browser, etc.) people will chose Yahoo! because it’s part of other services they use or because it’s not Google. Well the former will see their services changed dramatically when Microsoft takes over and the later won’t like being part of Microsoft any more than Google and so they’ll either give up and go to Google or, the company that I view as the true likely winner in this – Ask (come on – give them a chance

Of course only time will tell but I’m looking forward to the journey. This is going to be a very VERY interesting story to follow.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 3:30 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: ask, google, market share, microsoft, msn, yahoo —

February 1, 2008

Microsoft Bids For Yahoo!

In a move that oddly seemed to surprise many, Microsoft made an unsolicited bid for Yahoo! today. How much? – only $44.6 billion dollars. This would pay investors $31/share – a 62% premium over the previous day’s close.

Steve Ballmer is confident that this is the right move for Microsoft. He’s also confident that it’s the right move for Yahoo! But is he right?

Based on the discussed layoff of a thousand employees from Yahoo! (as well as their current financial slump) combined with Microsoft’s huge wallet, inability to get any solid foothold on the search market and control of the desktop and OS makes this an interesting notion. And it comes an an ironic time …

A couple days ago I completed a survey for SEOmoz (you can too at http://www.seomoz.org/seo-survey) and one of the questions was, “how (if anyone) can challenge Google”. My response was Microsoft based on 2 things; their control of the desktop and their ability to simply purchase Yahoo! which they pitched for last year. And it appears that it just *might* happen.

The combined exposure of these two engines would be roughly 33%, still only slightly past half of Google’s and there are other considerations. Yahoo! has a large hold on a variety of other properties that Microsoft would obviously leverage to increase their exposure and work to further monetize. Sites such as Flickr, MyBlogLog, etc. (these are my two favorites so that’s why they’re the ones listed

The down side, many people use Yahoo! as “the Google alternative”. If Yahoo! is combined with Microsoft it loses the appeal of being an alternative and becomes a cog in a bigger machine. Will users who’ve been loyal to Yahoo! leave? Also in my questions list: which algorithm will they lean towards? Will they keep all the Yahoo! properties or spin them off. What will happen to Yahoo!’s staff? (not that they have a ton of security right now anyways)

I have a different take than a lot of people I suppose, I like it and hope it goes through. As much as I like Google and appreciate their excellence – I’d like to see at least some kind of quasi-competition for search dominance. Heck, with a third of the market share when combined maybe I’ll here something other than (I don’t care about anyone else – I just want to rank on Google) from clients. If the deal goes through then my job gets a bit more interesting and to me, that’s a good thing.

Now I’m not an economist, nor can I predict the future. I’ve given a quick summary here of what it a HUGE issue and could change the search landscape dramatically. I highly recommend reading up on this further and keeping up with it as it progresses. To get you started, here are some great resources on the story thus far:

CNN on the bid
PC World writes about web users concerns over the deal
CNET provides a great walk through on why Microsoft made the bid public this time rather than privately as they did last time (very interesting to learn a little bit about the tactics behind the offers and what we can expect to come)

And as a final note, I find it very funny that this deal is going to be reviewed by the anti-trust folks. How’s THAT for a waste of the tax payers dollars? Two companies merging so they can together be half of what the leader is. This is building competition not eliminating it. But it’ll probably cost a few million dollars for them to sort that out and come to the same conclusion.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 1:49 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: google, microsoft, yahoo —

January 14, 2008

Corporate Branding: Stay At Home Servers

Today while sorting through the daily news I came across a truly bizarre posting about a Kids book written by Microsoft. So what exactly is the message of this “Educational kids book”, well its to promote their new Windows Home Server. And its official if a Dadddy loves a mommy, and wants to get her a special gift, she will love a “Stay at home server”, which he can install himself! But I think thats enough of a spoiler to truly appreciate the book you must read it your self. Mommy, Why is There a Server in the House?

But hey at least now you will know why the kids may be making fun of you, because they’re just jealous deep down and wishing their daddies would buy them a stay at home server…

Congrats Microsoft on some great corporate conditioning branding, and a fine piece of link bait.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 1:11 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: branding, link bait, microsoft —

January 10, 2008

Ask, Microsoft, Google, Aaron Wall & Andrew Goodman

I realized upon setting up to write this post that I need to apologize to you, our valued blog visitor. In logging into Bl0gger I noticed that it was in fact a week ago that I wrote last. Unacceptable. To remedy these delays between posting I’m going to try to post more often AND within the next couple weeks you’ll start reading from some new voices over here at Beanstalk including those of Daryl Quenet and Ken Nichol. This will also provide some different perspectives and topic than just my one lone voice can provide. So stay tunes and don’t forget to Bookmark us (and if you use Google bookmarks or one of the other great social bookmarking sites … all the better .

But now onto the real post:

Today, being Thursday – I did my weekly show on Webmaster Radio. It was a great show with a great guest and, as always, I was joined by Jim Hedger. As we usually do, Jim and I spent the first 15 minutes discussing some of the major goings-on in the search engine world. Today this included:

Jim Lanzone leaving Ask – The Internet Marketing community mourns the loss of Jim Lanzone from Ask. Jim revitalized Ask.com and under his leadership turned the engine into a world leader (if not in market share then in technology). He will be missed but at the same time we’re all excited to see what his successor Jim Safka can do.
Microsoft To Buy Fast Search Engine – Microsoft has made an offer of $1.2 billion for the Fast search engine. This move stands to shake up Enterprise search considerably and will be a “need to watch” issue after the sale completes (likely in Q2 of this year).
Google hits 66% market share – Hitwise has releases their stats for December in regards to search market share. It appears Google is up yet again. The stats are:
Google – 65.98%
Yahoo! – 20.88%
MSN – 7.04%
Ask – 4.14%
Aaron Wall PPC v SEO Debate – Aaron Wall yesterday posted a blog on the SEO vs. PPC debate. Jim and I quickly discussed how one affects the other and how it’s difficult to track what campaign is providing what result when the combination may be increasing overall conversions. We skipped through this section and when we came back we were able to discuss it with …

Andrew Goodman from PageZero.com. Page Zero just launched into organic SEO – a jump from pure PPC Management they have provided thus far. Jim and I pelted Andrew with questions and got some great info. I’m going to be a jerk though and make you visit the Webmaster Radio site and download the podcast or read the transcripts on the Webmaster radio site. They should be available in the next 24 hours (at least the podcast – the transcripts can take a bit longer).

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 2:37 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: aaron wall, andrew goodman, ask, google, market share, microsoft —

Ask, Microsoft, Google, Aaron Wall & Andrew Goodman

But now onto the real post:

Jim Lanzone leaving Ask – The Internet Marketing community mourns the loss of Jim Lanzone from Ask. Jim revitalized Ask.com and under his leadership turned the engine into a world leader (if not in market share then in technology). He will be missed but at the same time we’re all excited to see what his successor Jim Safka can do.
Microsoft To Buy Fast Search Engine – Microsoft has made an offer of $1.2 billion for the Fast search engine. This move stands to shake up Enterprise search considerably and will be a “need to watch” issue after the sale completes (likely in Q2 of this year).
Google hits 66% market share – Hitwise has releases their stats for December in regards to search market share. It appears Google is up yet again. The stats are:
Google – 65.98%
Yahoo! – 20.88%
MSN – 7.04%
Ask – 4.14%
Aaron Wall PPC v SEO Debate – Aaron Wall yesterday posted a blog on the SEO vs. PPC debate. Jim and I quickly discussed how one affects the other and how it’s difficult to track what campaign is providing what result when the combination may be increasing overall conversions. We skipped through this section and when we came back we were able to discuss it with …

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 2:37 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: aaron wall, andrew goodman, ask, google, market share, microsoft —

December 20, 2007

Google’s Christmas Present = DoubleClick

Today is a good day. As we all look towards a weekend that extends for a couple extra days, as many of us share the opportunity to get together with friends and family and as we ponder all the resolutions we’re going to break in the new year. But for none of us is today as special as it is for the folks at Google – well – perhaps even happier are the folks at DoubleClick.

Today Google, “… welcomed the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s clearance of its planned acquisition of DoubleClick Inc.” This opens the door for Google to purchase the provider of display advertising technology earlier this year (on the last day of SES NY in fact).

Now all that stands between Google and the deal is the European Commission. Eric Schmidt obviously ” … hopes that will soon reach the same conclusion.”

But what does this mean for us? Not a whole heck of a lot really – it means that Google get to get better at targeting ads. Yeah, not something they’d do anyways right?

In this SEO’s opinion, the deal in no way compromises the right or ability of other companies to compete with Google. In fact, it appears to be the companies themselves that are helping Google take more and more market share. Yahoo! focuses too much on communities, Microsoft got in the race too late, Ask dropped Jeeves, etc. etc. Google has yet to make a major misstep and has enough trust and market share at this point to live through one.

I would also argue that the purpose of insuring competition is to protect consumers and to insure that better products get a shot rather than being crushed by larger properties. That fact of the matter is, the product (search) is free to consumers – the advertising side isn’t free but is fixed in it’s cost by what the market will bear (which is the same as it would be if Google did have a monopoly) and let’s face facts – while I’m not happy with every algorithmic shift, Google has the best and most comprehensive search utility ever created. They aren’t crushing their competition unfairly – they’re just producing a better user experience.

Now I’m not trying to say that they’re completely following their “Don’t be evil” motto to the letter each and every day. They’re definitely done some questionable things but overall they’re providing the service they promise and they’re providing it well. And to their favor, when something they do screws up, they can shift the algorithm again a couple days later. If only Microsoft had that same ability when they put out Vista.

If you’d like more information on this purchase you can find a great overview on the Business Week site.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 12:57 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: ask, doubleclick, google, market share, microsoft, yahoo —

December 19, 2007

Grisoft Supoenas Microsoft

I’ve gotta admit, I can’t confirm whether this is true or not and I found this info at TheInquirer.net so it’s worth noting that it’s likely true – but not 100% guaranteed (you know – like our SEO services .

AVG forgery. Microsoft has been subpoenaed by Grisoft, developers of the AVG anti-virus software (great software – I use it at home) for allowing the website www.avg-soft.com to appear in the SERPs.

Well, at least it did. A search as of a few moments ago for the domain by URL produced 0 results – on MSN/Live at least though it can still be found on both Google and Yahoo! engines but not in what any of us would consider to be “prominent positions”.

And if you decide to visit the site in Firefox you get the friendly warning “Suspected Web Forgery”. You can see an image of it above. You know, in case any of you might want to go there to download the AVG anti virus software.

So it appears supoenas work – at least, if the story is true. And to give credit where it’s due – you can read the full story on the Inquirer website here.

SEO news blog post by Dave Davies, CEO @ 5:19 pm

Categories: Uncategorized
Tags: firefox, google, microsoft, msn, yahoo —

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