Contrary to many people’s beliefs, there is more substance to the world of online videos than the following:

Online videos also have the ability to educate and inform consumers, and more importantly, they can motivate these consumers to work with your company.

People spend a considerable amount of time watching videos, probably more than they’d like to admit. According to Arbitron and Edison Research, the weekly audience for online video has tripled in the past five years. Research also showed that the typical respondent spends 3 hours … Continue Reading

Bing announces “Liked Results” shortly after Google’s increased social emphasis

Microsoft’s Bing has followed Google’s example by changing their search results to emphasize social results.

Bing, who recently partnered with Facebook, has created “Liked Results” which will show links that friends have shared or liked on Facebook.

Both Bing and Google are placing more emphasis on social for similar reasons. Social aspects of the internet enhance the user experience and users will want this social data available … Continue Reading

How to Build a Better Banner Ad

Banner ads aren’t always popular with individuals browsing the web. In fact, 43% of respondents to an online AdweekMedia-Harris Poll said they ignored or disregarded internet banner ads more than search and traditional media advertisements.

However, banner ad spending is still projected to increase. eMarketer estimates that ad spending on standard banners will increase 11.4% in 2011, to $6.56 billion, and will continue to grow to $8.63 billion … Continue Reading

Google recently made changes in their search engine results with the launch of Places search. With this launch, Google combined the map-based Google Local listings with its organic search results.

Local searches have gained increasing importance with Google, which has worked hard on improving its ability to predict your location and offer local results without the use of a city name in your query.

The idea is to make it easier to find local information by combining results — presenting a more comprehensive view of a business by pulling … Continue Reading

Social to be featured at center of SEO and PPC campaigns

It’s not surprising that 2011 is projected to be the “year of Facebook.” What’s interesting however is that the “year of Facebook” may also be relevant for search marketers.

Search marketers have discovered how social media marketing can help build their search engine optimization efforts, and respondents to the Covario survey said their No. 1 priority for SEO next year was integration with social media programs.

 According to the report, “leveraging … Continue Reading

Findings show encouraging signs for advertisers 

One of online marketers’ simplest metrics, the clickthrough rate, has been in decline for years. However, the decline appears to have stopped.

Analysis of data from July 2006 through July 2010 shows that annual average click rates have plateaued, at 0.9%.

We’re finally seeing clickthrough rates reach equilibrium; demonstrating that online advertisers have reached a new level in their ability to lure potential customers.

The end of CTR decline is good news for all advertisers, however studies reveal that successful display campaigns shouldn’t focus solely on clickthrough rates.

The chart … Continue Reading

Google has recently announced its newest element to their Places feature; and they’re calling it Hotpot.

Hotpot functions as a Places recommendation engine and is aimed at average customers. Hotpot is easy to use and includes social functions that are not present with the Google Places we’ve come to know so well.

With Hotpot, a user is able to see their friends rated and reviewed places along with the standard Google Place’s information.

Users will be encouraged to rate and review businesses directly from their Google-linked … Continue Reading

The text-based aesthetic of search engines we’ve come to know so well has just been changed. But this time it’s Yahoo, not Google who’s creating new developments. Yahoo recently introduced a new look for search results using display-like inventory which is said to provide more entertainment for viewers.

These changes mean search results will be displayed in what the company calls an “accordion module”. For now most search results won’t display the new interface; however, entertainment, trending news, musicians, movies and similar search topics are currently up and running with the new … Continue Reading

What matters the MOST today with ranking on Google Maps that can help your website traffic? Everything from the content and keywords on your website to your address changes your search results online.

Many factors go into determining your rank with Google Maps, but Stream is here to help you maximize the best results and be well known in the interactive world.

Top 10 Factors to Help in Search Results Online through Google Maps:

1. Your Address

Obviously, being located in the area where people are searching will raise your ranking.

2. Business Categories

Many businesses are … Continue Reading

If your business is looking to take advantage of content marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) should always be involved.

Content and landing pages fit should be consistent with the keywords. Each additional keyword emphasizes the chance of the product being seen.

If you’re one of the many who are looking to optimize your company through social media, a link to your page should be included as well.

Contact Stream Companies today to bring your business up to date with SEO and Social Media.