How To Write Effective And Unique Articles That Are Optimized for the Search Engines

It is a well known fact that writing, distributing and posting articles to various location on the web is an extremely effective way to generate targeted traffic and establish yourself as an experienced marketer in your field. Unique articles that help solve the reader's problems, assists the reader in advancing their marketing acumen, or otherwise generally inform tend to stay posted on many web sites throughout the Internet and usually generate targeted traffic for the writer.

In order to further maximize the benefits of writing and posting unique articles, it makes good business sense to optimize the articles so the search engines list the URL's associated with those articles on search engine results pages (SERP's). Ideally, you'd like to see your article URL on the 1st page of the SERP's so you can capitalize on the free and targeted traffic from these listings.

So, what type of strategy can be utilized to optimize your articles for the search engines?

There's quite a few different ways but here are some tactics that you may want to use:

Article optimization tactic 1: Choose keywords that complement your USP and name your article page accordingly. When choosing keywords that will be the central theme of your article, it is necessary to define what your article will be about, who the information in the article will benefit, and how it will tie into your USP before choosing your keywords. After you've thought through this, then come up with a list of keywords that will be suitable as the central them of the article.

Next, decide which keywords you will center your article around based on the number of searches that keyword gets per day and by assessing how much competition there is for that keyword phrase. Once you have chosen your keyword phrase for the article, name your page.

Example: If 'green widgets' is the keyword you wish to base your article on, you may want to name your web page 'greenwdgets.htm' or 'greenwdgets.html' or 'greenwdgets.shtml'.

Article optimization tactic 2: Utilize keyword in the title tag. Utilize your keywords that you've chosen for your article in the title tag of the web page.

Example: Green Widgets | The best green widgets available

Article optimization tactic 3: Utilize keyword in headline tags. Using keywords in headline tags will increase rankings of your web pages.

Ideally you would use the keywords as the headline, but usually this doesn't look natural.

Keep the h tags before and after the entire headline.

Example:Green widgets: We have the most affordable and powerful green widget available anywhere, guaranteed!

Article optimization tactic 4: Utilize keywords in the 1st sentence of the initial paragraph. This an easily be accomplished and still make the paragraph read well and in a natural sounding tone if read back. Remember that you want your reader to feel like they are being talked with not "at" and you want your reader to not realize that your placement of your keyword phrases might be planned.

Article optimization tactic 5: Utilize keywords in text with appropriate keyword density After you write your article, you can easily edit to try to obtain the best keyword density for the search engines you'd like to target.

Google's optimum keyword density is between 1.5% to 2.5% keyword density at the time of this writing.

Once you have the article written you can use GoRank's keyword optimization tool (http://www.gorank.com/seotools/) to check what the keyword density is of the text of the article so you can edit accordingly.

Remember, you don't want to 'stuff' the page with your chosen and targeted keyword phrase but you do want to make sure that you utilize your keywords when you can up to the required amount for the desired keyword density.

Article optimization tactic 6: Bold or italicize keywords in text. When bolding and italicizing your keywords in your articles, it isn't necessary to bold and/or italicize every keyword phrase. When the reader comes across bolded and italicized words they add emphasis to the text at the time they read those words. So you should use your best judgment as to what looks right and 'reads' right when you edit your article.

One key item to remember to write naturally so you get your message across in a human manner.

You want the reader to click to your link at the end or in the body of the article and the more human and conversational your article comes across, the more likely that the reader will travel to the URL you'd like them to see. Some marketers write their articles without search engine optimization in mind and then go back and edit them for the search engines.

After your article is optimized, do all you can to get it posted to other web sites so the number of relevant links pointing to that article is heightened. If you get your article posted to some of the heavier web sites that post articles and have the correct categories where your article will fit, the faster your article URL will get indexed by the search engines.

Be humble, work hard, work smart.

Karl Augustine Author, "9 Deadly Mistakes To Avoid...",
SEO enthusiast, niche web site builder.
GET preferred status now!

Make Money With Keywords

What Do Trainers Do When They are Not Training?

In the new corporate environments where everyone wears more than one hat, trainers are often responsible for a myriad of duties beyond just facilitating new training classes. Their job is often that of Maintenance, IT Guru, Subject Matter Expert, Coach, Instructional designer, and Copy Clerk. There is an incredible amount of work that has to happen for a training event to occur. Let's look a little closer at the process.

Training starts with a new tool/ new behavior or a new policy. The training team is brought in at the development stage to work as a subject matter expert. They may be asked to do a Needs Analysis to identify what skills or behaviors will need to be learned or changed. They may also be engaged in the instructional design, so they need to see the project from the ground up. Training is called upon to represent what they think the client responses or questions may be and help the developers prepare to answer those questions.

Once the focus of the training has been identified the trainer will often be involved in the creation of the training materials. This can consist of everything in the instructional design process, from screen shots to learning activities, to knowledge checks. As the training guides are created the trainer serves as guinea pig for the materials, editor, and system tester to see if the material validates the learning. One the materials are complete the training team is often responsible for printing, collating, binding and distributing the materials for use. They are also responsible for long term maintenance of the materials, constantly updating any changes in the process.

The training team then steps into the role of liaison between departments. They discuss calendars, launch dates, business demands and space availability to help determine opportune training schedules. They often take on the role of communication and are responsible for any hoopla that is created around the training initiative.

The trainer is then in charge of preparing themselves and the training room for the training event. They must attend Train the Trainers to make sure that they know how to deliver the material. They must take notes and practice their facilitation skills on anything that they may have difficulty with. The trainer will prepare the room, making sure all the systems work, testing any projectors, sound systems, computers or lights that might be needed.

If the training event is a new computer tool or program the trainer tests access and response times in the training databank and confirms that the students will be able to log into the system and that the system mimics what will happen in the live data base.

If the training involves change management or behavioral skills, the trainer must be able to provide reasons for buy in and examples of successful implementation of the skill. In change management situations the trainer is often called on to act as proponent, counselor and communication liaison. The trainer is often the voice of the client as well as that of the agent.

Once the training event is complete the trainer steps into role of coach or observer and goes back into Needs Analysis to assess the effectiveness of the training event, close skill gaps and provide additional support to the trainees as they practice new skills or behaviors.

Trainers are often considered the point of contact to verify and validate information and are expected to be current on any changes, deals, policies or information in the daily interactions of their clients.

The training team is an integral part in the ongoing growth and development of a company and it takes flexibility, intelligence, personality and the ability to plan, multitask and deliver. They are expected to stay current in training practices, build their own skills and apply new training techniques into their presentations. As the world of training evolves to include e-learning, Web CT and blended learning the trainer must be able to adjust and provide value services in an ever demanding Call Center environment.

If you are interest in leadership theory and practices then you need to visit: http://www.righttolead.com. Carole Sue Jones Pouncey is a contributing writer and thinker for our organization. In addition, as a leader you may be interested in http://www.myleadershipsuccess.com. For more Training information visit http://www.trainercorner.com.

How To Develop Software For Your Business

Software development is a risky business.

Many software developers are barely skilled at their trade, much less at business. They can't understand how your business operates - and their code isn't unreliable.

It crashes constantly.

It isn't professional.

It hurts your business.

If you want software developed for your business, what can you do?

You need a software development professional - a consumate bussinessman, and you need to deal with him on your terms. How can you do that?

First, you need to make sure that you find a professional who understands business - your business. He has to listen, and be cautious before giving advice. If he tries to drop a pre-packaged solution on you, drop him. Make sure he charges by the project, not by the hour - hourly rates are great for developers, but not for clients. Hourly rates mean they get paid *more* for every bug they create - so they create as many as they can.

Once you have chosen a developer, the next step is to come to an agreement on what needs to be done. Don't worry about the particular technology used - the developer should worry about that. Worry about what you need on your end - and stick to your guns! You know your business best, and your developer should respect that.

After you have an agreement, you get a contract signed, and then the real fun begins. Insist that your developer give you regular progress updates - including early versions of the software (called 'builds'). That way, bugs can be detected early, and there will not be any surprises when the project is over. Depending on the project, you may be able to get a build every few days, or every week. The more frequent, the better.

When the project is finally over, you get to take a deep breath. Relax. Sip champagne - or Heineken, if that's your thing. Don't get too relaxed, though, because you will have to start the process over again soon. Business is constantly changing, and your software has to evolve with your business. That's good, though, because every project makes your business more profitable, and more profit in less time is always a good deal.

About The Author

David Berube is a software developer and IT consultant solving business problems. He's also a prolific writer and speaker. If you'd like a powerful, innovative developer, check out http://www.berubeconsulting.com.

djberube@berubeconsulting.com

The Stilling of the Storm

Matt. 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25.

General Pericope Distinctions

In the gospel of Mark, the "stilling of the storm" and the whole sea sequence follow the day of parables. In Matthew, this story and the split sequence come in chapters eight and nine; the day of parables comes later in chapter 13. Luke agrees with Matthew in noting the presence of the disciples, Mark has an independent "they" throughout the passage and no mention is made of the disciples. Mark's command in 4:3 is omitted here by Matthew who uses it to introduce the preceding passage (8:18). In Luke and Mark, Jesus stills the storm first and then admonishes the disciples. In Matthews, the action is reversed; Jesus rebukes the disciples and then stills the storm. One of the oddest features in Matthew is that it begins the story with "the disciples" but ends with "the men."

Exegetical Interpretation

None of the synopsis' give specifics regarding the day and time when the stilling of the storm occurred. Mark and Luke simple indicate, "That day." Mark 4:35 shows that the crossing of the lake happened on the "evening" of the day when the discourse in parables had been pronounced. Luke suppressed the mention of the late hour of the day but his verse (22) can be easily harmonized if we view the first gospel as being topological rather than chronological.

When Jesus concluded His teaching, he commands the disciples to cross with Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The reason for this decision is undisclosed and can therefore, only be conjectured. Seemingly, the prevailing view assumes that Jesus was enervated and desired rest from the pressuring crowd. Walter Bundy in his book "Jesus and the First Three Gospels," suggest the possibility that Jesus may have desired seeking a new sphere for his ministry which Mark 8:35-39 seem to support.

The disciples, obedient to the command of Jesus, board the boat with Him. In the Lukan form of the story, the phrase "and his disciples" would mean the twelve and the women of 8:1-3; cf. 8:9. This is in stark contrast to the vague Markan "they" and "them."

The "other side" was the district of Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. This side was more rocky and barren and not as heavily populated with people as the western shore. Thus being, it became a natural refuge from the active life of the western coast.

The sudden "squall" as used by Mark and Luke was not extraordinary. The Sea of Galilee, which is said to be approximately 685 feet below sea level, was surrounded by mountains on almost all sides. Particularly at night ("as evening drew near") a storm could develop quickly.

The Greek word employed by Matthew, "tempest," properly translates "an earthquake," while "squall" as used by Mark and Luke signifies a "hurricane."

Mark add the graphic picture of the waves breaking into the ship and mentions the dangerousness of the predicament. In contrast to the raging sea and storm outside the ship, Jesus is sleeping serenely inside the ship. Luke depicts Jesus' falling asleep before he mentions the squall while Mark mentions it after he discusses the storm. Jesus' falling asleep suggests He was subject to human fatigue and required a human necessity ? rest. There are theologians who propose Jesus wished to test the disciples' faith and others who add that Jesus' weariness may be considered voluntary because it was intended to assist the weakness of the disciples.

According to Mark, Jesus was "in the stern, sleeping on a cushion." Neither Matthew nor Luke mentions Jesus' location on board the boat. Luke omits the disciples' plaintive query about Jesus' nonchalance and apparent lack of concern about His and their welfare. The disciples awaken Jesus.

Most commentaries draw attention to the somewhat gentler versions of Matthews and Lukes' statements: "Lord, save us, we perish" (Mt. KJV), "Lord, save us, we're going to drown" (NIV), "Master, master, we're going to drown" (Lk., NIV), Master, master, we perish" (KJV). The most glaring feature is the boldness of Mark: "Do you not care if we perish" (RSV), "Master, carest thou not that we perish" (KJV), "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?" (NIV).

The cry expresses fear, panic and indignation and the disciples seem to hold Jesus responsible. The storm did not disturb Jesus but it obviously did the disciples. Death appears imminent to the "chosen ones" and they resent Jesus for having the temerity to sleep during the crisis. It is at that moment that the disciples' humanity prevailed over their faith and they were overtaken with fear.

Mark and Luke records Jesus' reproach of the disciples following the stilling of the storm. In Matthew, the opposite is true. Opinions seem divided as to the exact order. Paul Ryan in "Gospels of the Sundays" made this observation.

"St. John Chrysostom, preferring the order given by St. Matthew, speaks thus: 'Before Christ would still the tempest of waters, He, by this rebuke, first calmed the souls of His disciples. He did so that they might be in a better condition to witness the miraculous exercise of His divine power, and to learn the lesson which the miracle was intended to convey.'"

Jesus rebuked the wind and the waves and all became immediately quiet. It is Mark alone who gives the actual words Jesus spoke, "Peace, be still," which literally means "be muzzled." Barclay also notes that Jesus uses the exact same words here speaking to the wind as He had to the demon possessed man in Mark 1:28.

Jesus' reprimand to the disciples was sharp and may have been tinged with anger and disappointment. The disciples' faith was insufficient to enable them to believe that Jesus, though sleeping, was still watching over them by His divine power, and could save them.

Rev. Saundra L. Washington, D.D., is an ordained clergywoman, social worker, and Founder of AMEN Ministries. http://www.clergyservices4u.org. She is also the author of two coffee table books: Room Beneath the Snow: Poems that Preach and Negative Disturbances: Homilies that Teach. Her new book, Out of Deep Waters: My Grief Management Workbook, will be available soon.

Look! America Take a Look!

I heard on the news this week how America continues to battle to bring democracy in Iraq. The people of Iraq really don't seem to want a free country governed by their own people. Hmm, why don't the Iraqis want the precious gift of democracy? Well, I request all Americans to take a good look at our own democracy and then maybe we can understand what all the fighting is about, okay.

Just imagine how we must look to the rest of the world. When our soldiers came home from Vietnam we called them baby killers; yet we turn around and kill babies still in the womb in the name of "choice."

How we must look to the rest of the world?

Americans say we are free to worship God anywhere in our country, but the Supreme Court says not in our schools.

How we must look to the rest of the world?

Americans say "we the people" run the U.S. government, yet we let our representatives govern us.

How we must look to the rest of the world?.

Americans say we love this country, but if the price is right we do all we can to sell it to another country.

How we must look to the rest of the world?

Americans pay more taxes for better service, but the more we pay the worse the service. We say in God we trust on our money, yet America as a nation doesn't even know his Son.

How we must look to the rest of the world?

The main question is how we must look to ourselves? Please take a LOOK!!!

Now out of all of this confusion, I still believe that united we stand and divided shall we fall.

If the idea of American democracy doesn't appeal to the people of Iraq, then please understand their fight is against our democracy-not our American Troops.

Peace Out!

Diane Williams, also known as Mrs. Fox is a unique character based from Nevada York's novels, Caught Up and Mahogany's Revelations. [ http://nevadayork.com ] She is an old soul at heart, who loves to tell it like it is! She firmly believes the real war on Earth is a spiritual war: Good vs. Evil. Diane's goal is to make sure that every person is aware that ones spirituality needs must out-weigh one's physical and mental desires. She currently resides in Idaho where she strives to "keep it real." http://nevadayork.com

Train Your Self To Eat Healthy

For some people it is really hard to give up the junk food and sweets and eat a better, more nutritious diet. So let's use the example of eating the 5 to 9 fruits and vegetables we need daily.

There are ways to work with your mind so that it becomes much easier and more enjoyable to eat all those servings of vegetables we need each day.

Did you know that you think in pictures?

You are motivated by the things that you want to move away from that might cause emotions you don't want such as pain, grief, anger etc. Examples: Ill health, overweight, not being able to join your family due to sickness is certainly things you want to move away from.

You are also motivated by the things you want to move towards. Emotions that would go with this are feeling happy, satisfied, loved, forgiven, respected, etc.

Move away from or move towards. These two ways you are motivated are the key to help you get past your dislike of vegetables and fruit if that is the problem .

Decide which type you are. Which are you most motivated by? Do you put moving away foremost in your mind or moving toward?

Ready to Start? Grab some vegetables. Look at them, feel them taste them, Chew on them. Snap them, break them up and hear the crunchiness. Involve as many of your senses as you can.

While doing that, do one of two things:

If motivated by what you are moving away from:

Paint the picture of what you are leaving behind. Accentuate the problems. Make them look really big and bad in your picture. Show your self what the big bad picture would be like a year from now or 5 years from now if you continued eating your bad diet. Put a lot of feeling into this.

If motivated by what you are moving towards:

Paint a big bright picture of what you will look like and feel like when you have better health. Think about who you love, who loves you and what you want to do and could do when you have good health.

Maybe you are not sure where you fit in to this process. Then play both pictures for yourself. Really put some pictures in your head. Use plenty of color. Turn the sound up.

Now which did you feel more motivated to eat the vegetables you need?

Play this picture over and over again as you eat the right foods, especially your vegetables and this will help you stay on track for better food choices.

Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. shares health answers that work, tips, nutrition suggestions and research in her newsletter and health blog. http://www.health-doc.com

The Bigger the Carat the Better the Wedding?

Ahh . . . sweet romance.

The flowers. The chocolate. The late night whispers of "I love you."

For most people in love, the culmination of months of togetherness and special friendship comes down to one single moment: The marriage proposal - - featuring a simple, but elegant, diamond engagement ring.

Of course, if you're a celebrity, a simple ring may not have enough wattage to suit your tastes. Thus, we see many celebrities sporting five-carat to seven-carat diamond studded engagement and wedding rings.

Well, if you can afford it, why not flaunt it, right?

Take for instance the recent marriages of Britney Spears and Star Jones. When Britney Spears got engaged to her former back up dancer, Kevin Federline, she promptly bought herself an awesome-looking five-carat diamond engagement ring. (Does anyone really believe that Kevin bought this for her on his dancer's salary?)

Britney bought herself the ring she felt she deserved ? nothing wrong with that. Then, she and Kevin quickly made the leap to matrimony in a matter of months with a surprisingly nice (no lip kissing of Madonna) wedding ceremony.

As for Star Jones, it's not known whether her stunning seven-carat princess cut diamond ring was bought or donated, but she too happily skipped off to a wedding ceremony with all the trimmings.

So, does all this extra diamond wattage mean that celebrities have a better wedding ceremony than everyone else?

Absolutely, not.

There's absolutely no proof that their multi-carat diamond rings and fancy wedding accommodations gave them any more satisfaction at the alter than Joe and Jane Doe's down right sparse nuptials in a run-down back yard.

Buying the biggest and fanciest diamond engagement ring on the planet doesn't guarantee anything but a nice piece of ice jewelry to show off to your family and friends. Other than that, celebrities have the same odds for a successful, happy union as the rest of us.

And that's the way it should be.

About The Author

Copyright 2004

Donna Monday
One special moment. One special ring.
http://www.1-love-rings.com