Google Sued by PayPal

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The announcement of Google Wallet back in late May stirred more than interest among the community. Just hours after Google unveiled Google Wallet, PayPal filed suit.

In a 30-page document, PayPal accuses Google of stealing trade secrets and poaching employees. PayPal alleges that Google hired executives from PayPal and eBay who had proprietary knowledge of PayPal’s inner-wokings, competitive analysis and future development plans.

The lawsuit reveals that Google was initially negotiating with PayPal to power payments on mobile devices. Osama Bedier was the PayPal executive in charge of the negotiations with Google. After finally reaching an agreement, the contract was set to be signed; however, Google balked when presented with the deal on October 26th. They refused to sign the deal they had requested.

Unknown to PayPal, Bedier had been secretly meeting with Google senior executives, culminating in a meeting with Larry Page & Jonathan Rosenberg on October 21st. On October 31st, Google extended an offer of employment to Bedier.

The lawsuit notes that Bedier also knew of all future development plans of PayPal’s mobile payments and an internal detailed analysis of Google’s weaknesses in the area. Additionally, Bedier stored some of this information on non-PayPal computers and devices, including the remote computing service ‘DropBox.’

Google’s response? “Silicon Valley was built on the ability of individuals to use their knowledge and expertise to seek better employment opportunities, an idea recognized by both California law and public policy. We respect trade secrets, and will defend ourselves against these claims.”

I wonder what will happen with this one? It certainly seems to me that PayPal has laid out the information in a way that doesn’t look good for Google.

3 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Search Engine Marketing

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If you’re like most small companies, you know Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is a great way to boost business. When executed properly, it helps capture relevant users who are already interested in what you offer, bringing targeted customers right to your product. But what you might not know is how to use this tool most effectively: that’s why a good SEM program, one that is thoughtfully designed and monitored, is vitally important. which is exactly what Brady Mills can offer.

Here are three powerful components of a good SEM campaign:

Make the Most of Your Web Presence
Your competitors have high-tech, extensive websites; why shouldn’t you? Expanding your website into multiple pages helps extend your web presence and truly invest in the SEM experience. Likewise, it’s smart to customize landing pages to keywords, so that searchers are gratified immediately when turning to your site.

Choose & Use Keywords Carefully
Speaking of keywords, the best keywords are both relevant and specific, targeted in a very particular way that’s designed to pull in the most plentiful results. Choosing this kind of keyword can be tricky, but that’s what makes SEM services from a firm like Brady Mills such a powerful resource, as we can use our expertise to identify the keywords best for your company. Then, using these keywords, we’ll help craft relevant ads complete with calls-to-action for higher conversion rates—because, after all, even with “all the keyword research in the world,” according to Search Engine Watch, “if you don’t complement that effort with one to create sound campaign architecture, you may see your campaigns fall flat.”

Align Your SEM Program with your Search Engine Optimization Program (SEO)
Both SEO and SEM work to increase return on marketing investment, ultimately creating a lasting boost in conversion rates. As a recent Mashable article pointed out, “[T]oday, more marketers are realizing SEM and SEO are not separate disciplines. Instead, they are two sides of the same coin — complementary programs that, when managed correctly, can benefit each other to increase conversion rates and share of voice.” By finding a way to blend these two programs together like Brady Mills can do, you make your marketing more efficient and effective.

At Brady Mills, we are always looking for ways to better serve our clients, whether through web design, SEO or SEM. Call us, and we’ll put our expertise to work for your business, constantly working to improve your conversion rates–and thus, your company’s success.

Undeniable Value of SEO

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Promoting your website with SEOSearch Engine Optimization (SEO) is a valuable tool–powerful enough to boost traffic and, by extension, create new business. Through the right blend of strategic keywords, descriptions, content and design, your company moves higher in search results, making it easier for users to find you. And the more users that get in touch with your site, the more business that will result.

It was SEO that recently propelled sales for Mrs. Fields, the well-known cookie giant: through SEO marketing, the company saw sales of gift baskets move 20 percent higher and searches for gift baskets rise by 200 percent. “If you can get ranking high in natural search, which is free, I think that is important for any business,” said Chris Kuhn, online marketing coordinator at Mrs. Fields.

The fact is, SEO strategies from experienced agencies like BMG have been proven to change the face of business for clients–in some cases, providing as much as 200% returns on investments.

One CEO remarked, “…A business owner would have to be living in the dark to not understand the benefits of SEO.”

Other Nashville businesses are already taking advantage of this game-changing tool, enlisting the help of strategists like Brady Mills, in order to rank higher and become more profitable. Local surgeon and business owner Dr. Jeffrey Marvel, for example, was interested in boosting business at his medical practices, so he utilized SEO strategies when designing his three websites, each targeted to particular clients. Whatever your industry or area of expertise, SEO can help your business rank higher and be more successful.

That’s because Search Engine Optimization is more than just a web tool; it’s a powerful marketing strategy that can make a measurable difference in your company’s exposure and sales. For more information on how Brady Mills can help your company move forward, contact us today!

Facebook + Skype

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Facebook and Skype Team UpWe have been using Skype for a couple of years now, to communicate with out of state clients, family members and even each other at Brady Mills Graphics. So, we are super excited to see that Facebook and Skype have now teamed up to offer video chat directly through Facebook’s chat service. Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/videocalling

Benefits of Search-Friendly URLs

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Google Friendly URLs

Simple, logical, and designed to be appealing to users, search-friendly URLs are a valuable asset for businesses—because they push sites higher in search engine results, driving more traffic and, by extension, increasing potential business.

Higher Search Results

Search engines gather and organize information from all over the Internet, filtering it in a way that makes relevant information available to users when they search online. Through search-friendly URLs, businesses can boost their rankings in search engines, pulling more users to their sites.

More Traffic

One of the biggest benefits of higher search results is higher web traffic. When you’re able to get your website to users who are already interested and searching in your industry, you’re able to pull targeted users to your products.

More Potential Business

Money Tree

Driving more traffic to your website means driving more potential business—a goal every company can relate to. That’s why search-friendly URLs are a great way to enhance your web marketing plan.

If you’re ready to learn more about search-friendly URLs and how they can improve your business, talk to us! We’d love to make your site more appealing to search engines and potential customers!

 

Ways Nashville Businesses are Capitalizing on Social Media

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In today’s business world, there’s no denying the power of social media–and that’s especially true in a city like Nashville, where there’s such a strong sense of community, both on and offline. Here are a few several Nashville-area people and businesses making headlines recently for capitalizing on social media in their marketing efforts, in diverse industries from music to politics–using it to set themselves apart, distinguish their brands, connect with customers, and promote business.

  1. Nashville Electric Service: Recently named one of the top utilities in use of social media by 2011 E Source Utility Social Media Survey, NES has leveraged social media in a variety of ways, from disseminating flood information in May 2010 on Facebook and Twitter to connecting rodeo fans through a Facebook page for the 2011 Public Power Lineworks Rodeo.
  2. Governor Haslam: Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is the first-ever Tennessee governor to make full use of social media in his own public outreach efforts and also through a push on state departments to do the same. “Social media offers powerful tools that invite the public in and promote discussion,” Haslam said last month at the Tennessee Digital Government Summit. The governor’s online presence currently includes 40K+ Facebook fans, 8K+ Twitter followers, 1+K LinkedIn connections, and close to 100K visits to tn.gov/governor since he took office.
  3. Dolly Parton: With over one million Twitter followers to date, the Queen of Country Dolly Parton recently told The Sunday Telegraph that “you have to roll with the punches or you get left behind. “ Seeing social media as the latest bandwagon, Parton is quick to jump on, promoting her brand.
  4. Metro Nashville: Not only does Metro Nashville have a Facebook page giving info about events involving government, but also, as of last month, all Metro meetings will be available on the YouTube channel run by the city, so the government can encourage openness and transparency in the way it does business. “We are harnessing new technologies to ensure that more Nashvillians have more access to information about how our government runs,” Mayor Karl Dean said. “With access comes engagement, and that is always a good thing.”
  5. CMT: A unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks, CMT is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. Just last month, it launched a social-interaction-based game on Facebook called Platinum Life™: Country, designed to enhance the company’s method of connecting with fans. The game links country music fans with their favorite artists and music in meaningful ways and is the first social network game based on the country music lifestyle.

Interested in seeing how social media marketing can enhance your brand? We’d love to help–contact us today to see what Brady Mills can do for you.

GoDaddy Founder & CEO is Endangered Animal Killer

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GoDaddy founder, Bob Parsons, stands next to elephant he slaughtered

GoDaddy founder, Bob Parsons, stands next to elephant he slaughtered

If you ever thought there weren’t enough reasons not to use GoDaddy for your web-hosting… think again. GoDaddy’s founder and CEO, Bob Parsons, obviously has a “thing” for killing endangered animals.

Parsons has killed 5 elephants in African Villages over the past year. PETA and the people have spoken out to express their disgust with Parsons’ actions. In an interview with CNN, Parsons said, “A lot of the people that are upset about this are animal lovers.”

PETA raised valid points. If Mr. Parsons wanted to help local farmers (which was his excuse for hunting the elephants, who he said destroyed farmers’ crops in Zimbabwe villages), he would use his money to find non-lethal and equally effective remedies. Read the article, then move your hosting to a company who loves our Earth and all Earth’s inhabitants.

Check out the CNN article.

 

Councilman Jameson is Trying to Reform and Clarify Home-Based Business Zoning Laws in Tennessee

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I was interviewed by WSMV News Channel 4′s Cynthia Williams today about Councilman Jameson’s plan to clarify home-based business zoning laws and help small businesses become more compliant with Nashville’s strict zoning requirements.

Councilman Jameson has been a strong proponent of business reform in Nashville. Most notably, his introduction of the anti-gay bias legislation, requiring all businesses who work with Nashville Metro to sign affidavits stating that they will not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Although the final vote is not yet in from Metro Council, if passed through the Council, Mayor Karl Dean has committed to signing off on the bill.

I don’t believe that many people think of any small, home-based businesses as being illegal, and as Jameson points out there are steps that Metro Nashville can take to lift some of the zoning restrictions for home-based businesses. Typically home-based businesses that have employees working at their location and have customers come to their location are illegal.

Although I don’t fall into a category that deems my home-based business unlawful or illegal, due to the nature of my business and services provided, there are many home-based businesses that do. I think that it’s a concept that most people aren’t aware of, so understanding legislations and zoning laws are not something business owners are very familiar with.

Here’s some information I’ve been able to dig up about home-based businesses and zoning. I believe that Jameson is correct in stating that there needs to be clearer definitions of legal zoning and illegal zoning for businesses. Hopefully this information will prove useful for someone:

  1. Zoning laws may be determined by your city or county, depending on where you live.
  2. If you have a home-based business with no employees or walk-up business, issues with zoning may never arise.
  3. If your home-based business disturbs your neighbors, you may be reported for zoning violations. It’s best to discuss anything that may be disruptive to your neighbors in advance and negotiate.
  4. If your business takes up more space in your home than your actual living area, often referred to as “space percentage”, you may be in violation of zoning laws.
  5. It’s important to check that the types of products you are selling or manufacturing are not restricted in a residential area. This commonly refers to businesses dealing with chemicals, etc. Although there are other restricted products as well.
  6. Posting a sign for your business on your lawn may be a breach of zoning laws. Before posting a sign, you should read about signage laws in your area.
  7. There are just some businesses which should never be operated from home. These include medical businesses, tattoo parlors, auto repair and salvage, animal boarding, wedding chapels, etc
  8. You should ensure that you have the proper licenses to operate your business and pay required fees and taxes.

Currently, a home-based business is not allowed to ever have any customers on premises. Jameson’s new bill would allow up to 2 customers on premises per hour. Although I rarely have customers on premises (in fact, I’ve only had one in the past couple of years and that was a social visit), many home-based businesses cannot survive without this type of legislation. For instance home-based hair stylists or music/dance teachers would have to pay for commercially zoned space just to teach, thus putting a lot of music instructors and beauty professionals out of business.

I believe that Jameson will continue to help make Nashville a better place for businesses and citizens. My only hope is that in “correcting” what he feels to be an issue, he doesn’t unintentionally hinder the progress of the home-based business and entrepreneur. It has happened more than once that what starts out as a good thing, gets ripped to shreds throughout the legal process and becomes much worse in the end. Look at our healthcare reform bill, for instance!

Without home-based businesses, many of the major inventions and technological advances of today would not be possible. Dell, eBay, Apple, Mattel are just a few of the major industry players who started as home-based (or dorm-based) businesses. In fact, the founders of Whole Foods Market were kicked out of their home for storing food in their garage upon startup in 1978.  Since most of these companies started out with very little money, it is almost a given that they wouldn’t be here today if they had not been able to operate from their residence in the beginning. In 2010, these companies’ revenue exceeded $142 billion. Imagine the positive impact that amount of business has on our economy.

If your neighbor’s home-based business is interrupting your quiet and peaceful enjoyment… talk to them first. Perhaps you can come up with some sort of arrangement. Remember that they too are just trying to make a living.

Great SEO Tools

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Successful business owners are constantly researching ways to reach more people through their website and online marketing campaigns. This process can take tons of time, which is why most companies outsource their online marketing and Search Engine Optimization. There are several great tools out there to help get you started optimizing your website for optimal placement on search engines.

Check out these favorites:

  • Open Site Explorer – Open Site Explorer is a great way to analyze your reciprocal links and link popularity. This tool also allows you to monitor your competitor’s sites and see why they are ranking higher than you, allowing you to optimize your reciprocal link campaign.
  • SEO Toolbar – SEOmoz’s toolbar allows you to view important SEO metrics about a website while browsing the web. It’s a quick and easy installation on your Firefox or Chrome browser.
  • Ranking Tracker – Track your website’s rankings in Google, Yahoo, and Bing automatically over time.
  • SEOmoz – SEOmoz provides the tools above and several other paid tools for optimizing your website. We highly recommend checking them out.
  • Wordtracker - It’s not free, but I’d be remiss in not mentioning Wordtracker. Analyze search patterns and search phrases that your customers are searching for. The best part is that you can also see which of those search phrases are being targeted by your competitors and which are not. Pick up valuable, untapped traffic using this amazing keyword research and SEO tool.
  • WebPosition – This invaluable SEO tool allows you track the success of your online marketing efforts. This online application offers you easy access from anywhere to view key, in-depth data about your online marketing campaigns. Easily track keyword performance, position changes, competition and trends. Even set up scheduled reporting.
  • Page Comparison Tool – Enter several domains to analyze your site against your competitors.
  • Google Webmasters Console – A great tool by Google to help webmasters (or website owners) submit, track and review their website on Google Search. Check robots.txt files, submit sitemaps (or dynamic sitemaps), see when your sitemap has been indexed and view search traffic. Use in combination with Google Analytics for more detailed website traffic analysis.
  • Google Analytics – View detailed site traffic information and analyze your marketing effectiveness with this professional enterprise solution from Google.

If you know of other great SEO tools, please feel free to add them in the comments.

Thanks for reading and good luck optimizing your website! If you have any questions, don’t be a stranger… Give us a call at 615-823-1234.

The Great Smoky Mountains

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I recently returned from visiting my family in Charlotte, NC. Although the drive there was long, it was a great visit and the drive was beautiful. So, I thought I’d share a few photos from the road, taken with my Hipstamatic iPhone App (Apple’s Mobile App of the Year).