Carbide Construction Website Redesign by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com is proud to highlight the website redesign of www.CarbideConstruction.com.

Carbide Construction provides modular additions, and kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects to Northern Virginia. To take a look at their services, visit www.CarbideConstruction.com.

Get a fresh look, more traffic and better sales. Request a free website design estimate now at www.WebDrafter.com.

Why Twitter Is a Great Search Engine

When companies talk about SEO and search engine marketing, they are talking mainly about getting your site high rankings on the Big 3: Google, Yahoo and Bing. However, as Twitter continues to grow, it will be more than just a microblogging platform, but a search engine that can compete with the current search engine kings.

Twitter is a great search engine for Internet users because you will find only the most pertinent issues of the day. Apple apparently agrees, as it recently made Twitter the official social media service for iOS5, the latest version of the software that runs the iPhone, iPad and its other portable devices. The two will be integrated to the point that many results will come from Twitter, skipping over traditional search engine results.

For example, here's a screen shot of the Twitter search results for "cars":

We get a healthy mix of information, news and promotion, as well as a Dane Cook joke. It might not seem like that much of a change from Google or Bing SERPs, but this is what real people are talking about in real time. Twitter is essentially searching human interaction.

Here is what appears when you query "cars" in Google:

What appears is whatever the search engine robots have deemed most important, taking out the human element.

That's not to say Google, Yahoo and Bing aren't important for great search engine optimization efforts. You can't not focus on them. But, services like Facebook and Twitter are becoming more important for businesses to use to find out what potential customers are talking about, so they too can get in on the action. As more people sign up for Facebook or start Tweeting, you will need to have your business follow suit, lest you fall behind.

Delta Construction Website Redesign by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com is proud to showcase the website redesign of www.DeltaConstruction.biz.

Delta Construction provides general contractor services to areas in Minnesota and Kansas. To view all their offerings, visit www.DeltaConstruction.biz.

Visit www.WebDrafter.com for a free website design quote.

Excelsior Animal Hospital Website Design by WebDrafter.com

For over 50 years, Excelsior Animal Hospital has been serving the Excelsior MN veterinary care needs, but they felt their website design at www.ExcelsiorAnimalHospital.net didn’t properly convey their dedicated to provide “Warm Hearts for Cold Noses.” Needing a fresh look, the animal hospital approached WebDrafter.com to give them a makeover. It’s simple and sleek, and provides the business’ clients with the best possible information.

Need a makeover? Get a free website design quote at www.WebDrafter.com.

Richard S Werner MD Website Design by WebDrafter.com

The one thing Dr. Richard S Werner wanted to showcase on www.RichardSWernerMD.com was his artistic touch when it came to Minnesota plastic surgery. The staff at WebDrafter.com convened and came up with a website design that did just this. We also provided SEO and SEM initiatives.

If you’re looking to highlight online your artistic touch, get in touch with WebDrafter.com today by visiting www.WebDrafter.com.

Backlinks: What Are They & How Do They Work?

You've probably heard the term thrown about.

"Backlinks."

But, you might not understand what they are, what they do and why they're so important. Backlinks are essentially perceived to be the lifeblood in determining PageRank, Google's "grade" of any website. The notion is that the more backlinks you have, the higher your PageRank and your position on search engine results pages.

However, "the more, the better" theory isn't always true. Having more backlinks, in fact, can sometimes get you kicked off the search engine's index.

What are backlinks?
Backlinks, incoming links, inbound links, etc. are all the same. If Page X links to Page Y's website, Page X is giving Page Y a backlink, and a little free advertising. Backlinks are different than deep links. A backlink points directly at the website's main/home page, while a deep links points to a specific page or image on the website.

Why are they so important?
As noted previously, the more backlinks you have, the higher your Internet standing. There are, however, exceptions to this rule. If your link is on a highly recognized industry website, then that will help boost your site's rank and therefore your rankings. However, if your link is on a website that has nothing but hundreds of links on one page, then that's not going to do your rankings any good.

The types of backlinks you want to aim for are:
- Links within the body's content. Essentially having your website associated with a keyword phrase within text.
- Links that stand alone. You don't want to get lost in the pile. That's why it's important to make sure your link stands out. Getting listed on a page with thousands of other links isn't going to do much for your PR or SERPs listings. You want your link to be the one found not only by the search engines, but by potential clients.
- Links from relevant websites. Your business specializes in gardening equipment. You want your Internet presence to reflect your vast gardening knowledge. Getting a link on a site not related to gardening, or not known or well received in the industry will do you little to no good. You want your links to come from reputable websites, sites that are well known by your peers and colleagues.

So, how do you get quality backlinks?
- Provide something people will link to. If you're a company that sells cupcakes, offer recipes for types of cupcakes that you don't offer for sale. Or write a frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cupcakes. Anything informative and interesting is almost certain to get a backlink. This will not only bring in traffic, but increase your PR and SERPs standings.
- Use microblogging and social media marketing. Twitter and Facebook users love to share links. It's part of the reason these sites were created. Increasing your social media marketing efforts will increase the amount of backlinks you receive.
- Submit to free, reputable directories. Directory submissions are great backlinks, if you submit to the right ones. The Open Directory Project (www.dmoz.org) is the best known, but there is a submissions waiting list, and it could take months before you're listed.
- Guest post on other blogs. Is there a great blog read by most of your peers, and maybe your competition? Author a guest post, and use your content to generate backlinks. Other similar methods include blog comments and forum posts.

These are only a few methods you can use to generate backlinks. If you need help with your backlinking strategy, or other search engine marketing methods, contact WebDrafter.com today.

Capstone Medical Associates Redesign by WebDrafter.com

Every patient that walks into the Palmyra PA office of Capstone Medical Associates’ has different needs. Every person that visits its website, www.CapstoneMedicalAssociates.com, which was redesigned recently by WebDrafter.com, also requires unique services.

With this new website design, Capstone Medical Associates, which provides internal medicine care to patients 12 and over, will be able to better serve its clientele.

Want to better serve your clients or customers? Visit www.WebDrafter.com now and request a Free Quote for search engine optimization or search engine marketing.

How to Pick an SEO Company

Nothing can damage your Internet reputation like spam. The Village Voice recently learned that, as Techland reported:

It's like a lesson in how not to use social media. Village Voice Media, looking for more hits for their various web properties, hires some "social media experts" to drive more traffic to their sites. Said experts start spamming Reddit, and then get caught doing so

Read more: http://techland.time.com/2011/05/02/village-voice-apologizes-a-lot-for-seo-fail/#ixzz1LJYfSB00

Many companies will make promises of being able to get you to the top of Google or Yahoo, but they will do this with Black Hat tactics, like keyword stuffing or fake pages for search engine spiders. These tricks do temporarily work, but they cause damage that’s hard to erase.

When you’re ready to hire an SEO company, keep in mind the following tips:

1. Ask around
   Connect with your social media network – if you have one – or ask other business owners who they used. Read reviews to gain a better insight on who is able to be trusted, and who is to be avoided.
2. Get advice
   Seek out the SEO experts to see who they would recommend. There are plenty of great SEO blogs out there, like SEOmoz and SEO Book, which offer recommendations on who to trust and choose.
3. Ask for references
   SEO is about getting the best ROI. Ask prospective vendors for their list of clients they manages, as well as a list of success stories. Contact clients to see whether they’re happy with their SEO vendor.
4. Get in touch, proposals
   You’ll want to have some contact with the companies before you sign any paperwork. Get in touch and quotes from the two or three best picks, and set up meetings. See what they can do for you, and whether they can give you the service you want for a price you can afford.
5. Trust your instincts
   Pick whoever with whom you feel most comfortable. This company will be responsible for your business’ or organization’s Internet reputation, so you’ll want to be able to trust them.

WebDrafter.com has the reputation and know-how to dedicate itself to your company’s online success. Contact us today by visiting www.WebDrafter.com and requesting a free quote for SEO, search engine marketing or web design.

Aabbott Ferraro Website Redesign by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com is proud to showcase the website redesign of www.AabbottFerraro.com.

Aabbott Ferraro provides HVAC maintenance and appliance services to the Twin Cities MN area. To view all their services, visit www.AabbottFerraro.com.

Visit www.WebDrafter.com for custom website design services.

Chimney Safety Authority Website Redesign by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com is proud to showcase our website redesign of www.ChimneySafetyAuthority.com.

This site was designed knowing the business specializes in chimney repair and chimney cleaning, and this theme permeated through the entire conception.

Our clients come first. Whether you're a new or existing WebDrafter.com customer, please contact us today to learn what our website design and SEO teams can do for you.

Yellow Hat Group Website Design by WebDrafter.com

March was a pretty busy month for all of us at WebDrafter.com. From search engine optimization projects to website designs, the staff here had their hands full. No complaints on our end; we had fun with it all and would gladly do it all again.

One of our favorites was the web site design for www.YellowHatGroup.com. Yellow Hat Group provides consulting and expertise to military and business decision makers, so they needed an online presence. We happily handled a new web design and all the SEO, and we’re pretty proud of how it turned out.

We like keeping busy. Keep us busy by letting us handle your website design and Internet marketing. Visit www.WebDrafter.com now and get a Free Estimate.

H&H Precision Wire Website Design by WebDrafter.com

H&H Precision Wire has been in the CNC machining, water jet cutting and wire EDM industries since 1985, yet never before this year had an Internet presence. The owners recognized they were missing a huge sales platform, so they came to WebDrafter.com for assistance.

The aim for www.HHPrecisionWire.com, like any website designed by WebDrafter.com, is to turn a visit into a sale. This thought was in the back of our staff's minds during every step, from initial design to copywriting. The design and flow is complimented by a subdued color scheme that captures the reader's attention.

We're very proud of this design. We want to be proud of your website design when we complete it. If your company doesn't have a web presence, contact WebDrafter.com today and let us show you how a custom website with proper Search Engine Optimization can provide huge benefits to your business.

The Browser Wars: What Does It Mean For You?

Every time a browser is upgraded, updated or completely overhauled, you can expect the tech magazines to write a “Browser Wars!” article and the blogosphere to follow suit. These articles serve a purpose, so developers and consumers can make an informed decision about the pros and cons of each.

The month of March was a big one for web browsers. New versions of the Big 3 – Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, Mozilla’s Firefox and Google’s Chrome – were released, with new features and retooled user interfaces. We can imagine users experienced a little bit of shock after downloading these, and seeing a completely look different from which they had grown accustomed.

WebDrafter.com’s blog serves to educate and inform the general consumer on all issues related to the Internet, and in this entry, we’ll discuss the updated big three: Firefox 4, Internet Explorer 9 and Chrome 10. What are the big differences from the previous version(s)? What do they mean for you? We’ll answer these questions.

In the first 24 hours of release, Firefox 4 was downloaded 7.1 million times (The Mozilla Blog) while Internet Explorer 9 only saw 2.35 million downloads (Techie Buzz). Numbers for Google Chrome 10 have not been released, but it’s gaining a fast foothold in the browser market, according to StatCounter. Chrome has over 12% of the market, while Firefox remains steady at around 30%. Meanwhile, from April 2010 to March 2011, Internet Explorer dropped from nearly 50% to under 48%.

It’s a bit surprising that IE9 fell behind Firefox 4, considering nearly half of Internet users utilize Internet Explorer as their browser of choice. However, this is probably due to two key reasons: IE9 wasn’t released in conjunction with a new version of Windows (unlike previous releases), and maybe more importantly, IE9 requires Windows Vista or Windows 7, and 41% of users continue to use Windows XP.

Common themes between each:

1. A Chrome influence: One of the unique things about Google Chrome when it first came out was that page tabs were above everything. Chrome’s influence is evident in Firefox and IE, as both browsers have adopted this. Modern web browsers aim to be as simple as possible, making navigation as simple as possible for users.
2. Support for HTML5 and CSS3: Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is the building block for any website, while cascading style sheets (CSS) is a language developers use to describe the look and format of a markup language, like HTML.
3. This doesn’t affect, or maybe matter, to the average user, but as more and more developers continue to adopt new HTML5 and CSS3 elements – like timed media playback, document editing, geolocation and “drag-and-drop” – browser developers will have to accommodate.
4. Increased security: As phishing and malware is sadly commonplace, developers must take this into consideration whenever they develop a new browser.

Differences between each:

1. Memory usage varies. According to a March 25 CNET article, Chrome 10 uses 390 MB of memory, while IE9 uses 195 MB and Firefox 4 only takes 146 MB. The less memory a program uses, the less of a strain on your resources. Additionally, according to the same article, Firefox 4 had the quickest boot time (around 17 seconds), while Chrome took almost 27 seconds.
2. Each browser has its own set of standards for CSS3. Chrome 10 and Firefox 4 support most of CSS3, while IE9 does support some of CSS3, there is much missing, like some background styles and transformation elements.
3. Google and Mozilla are known for offering users the ability to add plug ins (pop up blockers, social media tools, etc.) and themes for their browsers, and there is a wide variety available. Microsoft does offer add ons, but not nearly the volume of Google's or Mozilla's.

With browsers becoming more identical, it doesn’t matter which you use. Personally, WebDrafter.com recommends you download all three. That way, you have an alternative in case a website doesn’t work on your favorite browser.

For more information on what the different Internet browsers mean for your website design or search engine marketing, contact WebDrafter.com today.

Team Building Survey Landing Page for Yellow Hat Group by WebDrafter.com

The first thing visitors see when they visit Yellow Hat Group's new landing page, www.TeamBuildingSurvey.com, is a header that asks, "Is your company ticking like a finely crafted timepiece ... or more like a time bomb?"

When Yellow Hat Group came to WebDrafter.com for a landing page for their ProScan® products, the goal was to give them a Rolex, and not a powder keg.

Our talented staff succeeded. This new page features a short video that illustrates to readers how the company's human resource management, team building and recruiting surveys can better enhance their workforce productivity. It's simple, beautiful and extremely functional.

A workforce is the most important asset to any company. Now, Yellow Hat Group can add this page to its list of assets.

Learn how a landing page can become one of your company's most important assets by contacting WebDrafter.com and requesting a free search engine marketing quote.

Social Media Explained: Blogs

Welcome to WebDrafter.com's blog.

More and more, the blogosphere is a valuable marketing tool, allowing businesses to connect and provide customers information about products and services.

What are blogs?

The term is short for “web log.” Originally used as little more than online diaries, blogs have become very popular in recent years, with over 156 million in existence publicly.

Some of the most popular blog providers include Blogger, WordPress or Movable Type, although the latter two are Content Management Systems (CMS) that can be utilized for blogging.

How do I use them?

Blogging for business can be used in many ways. The main way is for promotional purposes, to spotlight products and services by providing more detailed information than what might be available on the website. A blog can also increase your Google rankings if backlinks are correctly used.

Should I use them?

Yes. In order to keep getting notice for your blog, then you need to constantly update with fresh content. The staff at WebDrafter.com can handle this task for an affordable fee, making sure your blog gets the attention it deserves.

At WebDrafter.com, we can administer your blog and write posts to ensure your website receives traffic. Be sure to keep visiting our blog at WebDrafter.blogspot.com.

Social Media Explained: Facebook

If there's one social network that doesn't get enough credit, it's Facebook. Initially developed for college students, Mark Zuckerberg's infamous creation appeals to everyone. You probably have one, your sister probably has an account and your mother might even have a Facebook profile.
With its many features and ability to access on any device, it's easy to see why Facebook became the King of Social Media Mountain, deposing the previous ruler, MySpace.

Despite this popularity, some have a negative mentality toward Facebook, not understanding how it can benefit their business and increase ROIs. Let's break it down:

What is Facebook?

Facebook is arguably the most popular social network ever. So popular that a movie about it's creation, “The Social Network,” was also popular. Facebook has over 600 million users, and utilizes many different features, from status updates to chat to a user's wall to photos, etc.

How do I use it?

The best thing businesses can do is to have a Facebook page, known formerly as “Fan Pages.” These pages enable to you connect with those who like the page, and your messages will be posted on those fans news feeds. When a person likes a page, his or her friends will see this on their news feeds. By word of posts, more and more people will learn about you.

Many of our clients choose not to stick just to posts, but also upload photos of products and services. This accessibility is appreciated by many consumers, who can easily connect with a business through a Facebook page.

Should I use it?

You cannot afford to not have a Facebook page. Having a page and frequently updating it will result in a better ROI as customers are more likely to visit your website because of this valuable marketing tool. Facebook continues to grow and new users are attracted to it on a daily basis.

Having a company like WebDrafter.com administer your page can mean better prominence and better sales.

Check back next week for an entry about blogs. And be sure to like WebDrafter.com's Facebook page!

Social Media Explained: Twitter

There’s one social network we get more questions about than any other. “What is Twitter?” “How do I use it?” “Should I use it?”

Twitter is one of the most popular – and most misunderstood – social networks. When used properly, it’s a great tool to market your business. When not used properly, you could be wasting your time.

So, let’s break it down and answer the three questions posed earlier.

What is Twitter?

In short, a social networking and microblogging service.

Twitter is essentially akin to a global water cooler. In 140 characters or less, users send out messages (tweets) on virtually any topic. Businesses have utilized Twitter as a way to connect with consumers, and can respond easily to customer feedback (praise or criticism).

With over an estimated 190 million users, approximately 65 million tweets and more than and search over 800,000 search queries are sent per day, worldwide.

How does Twitter compare to Facebook?

Some think of tweets in the same vein as the Facebook status update, but status updates don’t offer the same kind of marketability as do tweets. Here are few of the benefits to tweeting:

• Hashtags
• Hashtags are used to mark keywords or topics in a tweet. Users can click these terms and be taken to a page of tweets with that hashtag used.
  Example: Say you want to find tweets about jobs. If you search for “jobs” in Twitter, it will show you a list of tweets containing “#jobs.” Or, say you see “#jobs” in a tweet and find it interesting. You can click that and be taken to the search results page.
• Better promotion
• Facebook doesn’t feature status updates on its main page. Twitter does feature tweets on its main page in a “Top Tweets” feed.
• Direct connectivity
• You can’t hide easily on Twitter. While Facebook’s privacy settings can be set to the user’s comfort level, all you can do on Twitter is hide your tweets. These can be seen, however, if someone decides to follow you and you decide to allow this access.
  With Twitter, you can direct (publicly or privately) a tweet at another user and they will see it the next time they log on. A back-and-forth conversation can then ensue.

Should I use it?

Before you ask yourself this question, you should ask yourself, “Am I ready for a dramatic influx of customer interaction?” If so, then Twitter may be a good choice to add to your business’s marketing campaign. If you want the benefits and advantages of marketing through Twitter but don’t have the time to do it yourself, a credible search engine marketing (SEM) company like WebDrafter can manage and administer your campaign for you.

But, it should be something you think twice about. Twitter has become more than just about messages. It’s become a search engine of sorts, where users can access information quicker and easier than traditional browsing. Media outlets heavily used tweets as a source during the recent protests in Egypt. It was the only way, in some cases, that news was getting out.

Twitter users also love to search for good deals. With the right tweet and the right hashtags, your sales, specials, products and services can spread like wildfire. If a user with many followers mentions you (by referencing "@username"), those followers can become your followers and, potentially, your customers.

Don’t underestimate Twitter as a "hard concept with dumb slang" or as simply a passing fad. With the right utilization, like that offered by WebDrafter.com, your next sale could very likely come from Twitter.

Check back next week for an entry about Facebook. And be sure to follow @webdrafter on Twitter!

Explaining Social Media

Social media has become a necessity in today’s business climate. Your business essentially doesn’t exist if there is no Facebook page, Twitter account or a blog. Businesses are utilizing these resources daily in order to attract new business – and keep existing customers.

Many, however, don’t understand to properly use these resources or know the benefits of these tools. Thinking of Facebook as a place where college kids go to spout about the joys of waking up at 2 p.m. isn’t the right mindset in succeeding in the Internet market.

Over the next three weeks, WebDrafter.com will explain the “Big 3” of social media – Twitter, Facebook and blogs. We’ll break it down and by the end of the third entry, you’ll hopefully know whether these tools are right for you.

Is Social Marketing Right For You?

It seems these days like everyone is on a social networking website. It’s almost true. According to a New York Times article from July, Facebook had over 500 million members, while Twitter boats more than 145 million users, Mashable reported in September.

These popular Web 2.0 technologies have provided businesses with a new outlet in which to promote and market themselves. Still, many companies don’t take advantage of this ever growing medium, choosing instead to opt for the more traditional “advertise and they will come” approach.

Can your business afford to miss out on attracting potential customers from sites like Facebook and Twitter? We don’t think so at WebDrafter.com, Inc. Our team of talented marketers will help you decide if marketing your products via social networking is right for your business. Too busy to handle updating statuses or tweeting? WebDrafter.com can handle those tasks, for an affordable fee.

The world and technologies are ever changing. The Internet has quickly grown into a virtual necessity in this day’s economic climate, and you don’t want to miss out on any potential customers. Call WebDrafter.com Inc. today at 866-421-3723 or visit our website to get a free quote!

Boston-Architect Website Design by WebDrafter.com

WebDrafter.com is proud to showcase the Boston-Architect website.

Boston-Architect is comprised of experienced residential architects and can assist you in all your home design and renovations needs. Boston-Architect's fees are very affordable, extremely competitive and fixed prior to the start of work so you know the cost before Boston-Architect starts any work.

Visit Boston-Architect to learn more about their services!

Contact WebDrafter.com today at 866-421-3723 for a free quote to design your custom website.