What does PPC stand for? PPC stands for Pay-Per-Click advertising. Pay-Per-Click advertising, includes the sponsored listings Internet users see next to search results and relevant web page content. Each time an Internet user clicks on a PPC listing the corresponding organization is billed; the cost per click is often calculated based on a bid price and ad relevancy (or click through rate). PPC advertising is a powerful marketing medium that allows organizations to quickly generate relevant traffic to their website and track extremely detailed ROI results. It is one of the few marketing mediums where you connect with a target audience that is looking for you.    What is an Organic or Natural Listing? Organic or natural listings are the results a search engine displays on the main screen after entering a keyword phrase and clicking search. They are all of the listings on the page that do not include sponsored advertising. Most commonly, sponsored ads would be displayed on the right side of a screen. Additionally, a few ads are highlighted directly above the natural listings. An interesting fact is that the vast majority of all clicks on search engine results are organic / natural listings.  What is keyword research? Keyword research involves discovering words and/or phrases people type into search engines to find topics related to website content. More advanced keyword research also looks beyond the popularity of specific words and phrases by analyzing how competitive it is regarding other websites ranking for the same term. The objective of keyword research is to optimize a website’s content and pay-per-click advertising, maximizing the ROI related to the available search engine traffic.    What is a conversion? A conversion is simply defined as an organization’s end goal for a result on their website. Samples of conversions on a website include an e-commerce sale, a readership subscription, a user registration, a sales lead, a job application, a document download etc. The primary goal of any Internet marketing activity is to increase the number of conversions that occur on a website.  What is Link popularity? Link popularity is often defined as the quantity of inbound links to a specific website or webpage. The higher number of inbound links means a greater level of link popularity. Some search engines place a high value on link popularity for ranking a website. This is because they recognize a high number of links as a vote of confidence for a website. If many people are linking to a website, then it is likely that it has high quality, relevant content for certain related topics. Improving link popularity is a key element of search engine optimization. What are Key Metrics? Key metrics, when referring to Internet marketing, are measurable data points that can be effectively tracked using web site statistical programs. These key metrics are used to evaluate whether a web site is performing well and meeting business objectives. Examples of possible key metrics are # of visitors, return visits, % of new visitors, time on site, bounce rate, conversion rate, PPC click through rate, PPC ROI, etc. There are numerous key metrics that can be used to measure a web site’s performance; the important thing is to match key metrics to the overall business objectives.  What is SEO? SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. This is the practice of adjusting website content and website architecture to be more search-engine-friendly. SEO allows search engines to effectively navigate through a website and rank its relevancy for the topics presented on the site. Websites that do not implement Search engine optimization practices often have content not visible to a search engine and/or rank poorly for keyword phrases that are directly relevant to their business.  What do I need to have a website?   You need to own a domain name and have a website developed that is hosted by an ISP (Internet Service Provider).  What is a domain name? A domain name is the .com or .ca extension that allows people to find your website, the equivalent of having a phone number for people to be able to call you. Domain names make it easier to find your website. By registering a domain name you also block someone else from getting it.  What is hosting and what is an ISP? A host or ISP is an Internet company that serves (uploads) up your website code to the Internet, similar to how a television show is sent out by a broadcaster. Your site sits on their computer (server) and is available over the Internet at any time for anybody to view globally. For example, you may buy a telephone but if that telephone is not hooked up to your local phone company, you will not be able to speak to anybody. The same goes with a website. We can create you the most gorgeous website, but if your website is not hosted, no one else will be able to view it.  What is a website? A website is a global internet marketing tool that allows you to be able to advertise and have a 24 hours a day, 365 days a year marketing tool. A website is a product that allows you to place your information so that others can access it. Further, it allows you to communicate with people and transact with them. Your website will establish your corporate identity, build your customer loyalty, and increase your sales and profits.  Why should I have a website? A website will increase your sales by providing you with a sales associate working around the clock for you all year. More consumers are using the Internet to research the companies they will do business with. Clients tend to browse in the evenings and on weekends, your website is never closed. Your website will be used for lead generation, therefore delivering qualified leads when they are ready to buy.  What is E-Commerce? E-Commerce is a business of buying and selling goods and services through the Internet. E-Commerce can also refer to the transferring of funds over the Internet. The market for E-Commerce is growing exponentially. It is becoming easier for smaller companies to increase their profits with an Internet storefront.  What is a Search Engine? A Search Engine is a way of finding websites. By entering a few key words anybody can find a number of related sites. Search Engines provide a valuable service by sifting through billions of pages of information and returning results that are relevant.   Why should my website be on a Search Engine? It allows people searching for your product or service to find your business. Search Engines are like the yellow pages of the Internet. The biggest difference being that Search Engines provide results in order of relevance rather than alphabetical order. Having your site listed on the Search Engines is the best way to realize a return on your website investment.  Can you guarantee results? Our team of Search Engine experts can guarantee your website appears on the first page of most major search engines. This is important because users seldom go beyond the first page of Search Engine results.   Want to learn more about Search Engine Placement? Contact us