Is Link-Swapping Obsolete? Algorithms and search engines

Link swapping was once an important aspect of search engine optimization, as search engines based their search results, in part, on how often other pages linked to a website. Over time people found ways to game the system, swapping links with any website willing to do so. Search engines adapted by altering how their algorithms judge incoming links, leading some pundits to suggest that link-building is an obsolete practice.

Actually, link-building still improves your search engine ranking, but the process has become more complicated. Reputable Google SEO services still utilize link-building, but they don't take the "more is better" view that once dominated the industry. Instead, the emphasis is on targeted, relevant links.

One-Way Links Beat Link Swapping

In traditional link-swapping, each site embeds a link to the other site somewhere on their website. Your incoming link could wind up on the other site's homepage, on a secondary page with content that might be relevant to your site, or as part of a link page listing forty or fifty other links.

Search engines prefer one-way links over multiple-page links. In other words, they don’t like to see an incoming link from a site that contains dozens of other links. Nor do search engines like incoming links from pages with no relevant content. If your website focuses on heavy-duty mechanics, swapping links with a crochet website won't improve either site's search results.

Choosing Sites

First and foremost, only swap links with a site that has content that adds value to your existing site, but doesn’t compete directly with your site or duplicate your content. Ideally, both websites show up when users search using the same keywords, or at least similar words.

Sites you link-swap with should also be well-designed. Linking to a poorly-written site with a broken navigation system will only harm your own website in the long run, both in terms of search engine optimization and user reputation. At all costs avoid suspicious sites that may contain malware or viruses.

Swap Content, Not Links

One of the most effective methods of link-swapping, and a strategy used by many Google SEO Services, is to swap unique articles and content with another website. You write a unique article — don’t just copy or rewrite your existing content — and include a link back to your page. Your link-swapping partner does the same.

It's hard to find a downside to this strategy. You get to craft the content, so your content is highly relevant to your website. You only include one link (perhaps two if you link to different parts of your site), and search engines value one-link pages much heavier than a link from a page with multiple links. And for added value, you get a page of content from your link partner that should be relevant to your website's focus. Blogs are excellent for this kind of link-building and guest bloggers are always in demand.

Now that you have become educated on link-swapping, you might find the need to learn more about Google SEO Services. This guest post was written by James.

3 Best Ways To Grow Your Audience Using Social Networks

The Internet offers many businesses and organizations an amazing opportunity to connect and grow their audience. Social media has absolutely revolutionized the way that we do business both online and off. By utilizing certain social networks, both small and large businesses can grow their audience and increase sales through more loyal customer base.

This article will talk about three of the best ways to grow your audience using social networks. After reading this article you will be able to increase the size and loyalty of your consumer base and increase the visibility of your business online.

The Shotgun Approach

The "shotgun approach" is really the first step that a business needs to take if they want to increase their audience online. Many small and large businesses rely too much on the few mainstream social media and networks that exist today.

For example, some businesses are only using Twitter or Facebook. Though Twitter and Facebook have a lot to offer, these businesses are missing out on the thousands of other social networks that offer increased visibility.

The "shotgun approach" simply states that a business should create profiles on as many social networks as possible. Real Connection the "real connection" approach, also known as engaging with users, is when a business acts less like a business and more like a person with their interaction with others on social networks.

For example, instead of talking only about your business within your profile, it may be a good idea to try and learn more about other users that interact with your business.

Some social networks make this easier than others. For example at Mezee.me you are much more likely to connect with real people and interact on a more engaged level then you may otherwise on Facebook.

Social Sharing

The most power in social media comes from its ability to share content with others. Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Mezee.me and others allow businesses and non-businesses to find content, create content and share it with others.

If you remember back from your early elementary school days, the best way to make friends was to share your toys. This is the basic idea behind sharing content. If you find something need, or create something that is memorable or fun, sharing this with other people on the Internet allows you to build relationships.

This does not necessarily mean that you have to always be creating funny, hilarious or bizarre Internet memes. It could mean that you produce a professional paper, or share interesting news related to the industry in which you work. You could also create a group of people that simply discuss interesting topics related to your work.

The point is to share. Just like your elementary school days, the more you share the more friends you have.

By following these three simple ways to increasing your audience using social networks, you can increase the size of your consumer base and increase the business that you do both online and off.

Remember that social media is all about being social. Look for social chat site like Mezee.me that actually promotes being social and you will be well on your way to business success.

Ludwing Hernandez is a search and social geek who loves tools and blogging on them. Follow @Mezeeme

A girl should be classy and fabulous - Tricia Bertrand interview

Tricia Bertrand:
I have a full time job as a 1st grade teacher and love making unique handcrafted jewelry! Creating beautiful jewels is my passion and a way for me to unwind after a hard day. I love brightening others' lives with beautiful jewelry handmade from the heart. I find that the beads "speak" to me and I love collecting them and discovering new creations as I twist and wrap them into a piece suitable for everyday wear or for that special evening out.My obsession began when my husband bought me a ridiculously expensive necklace and a dear friend said, "You know, you can make that yourself?" So I began fooling around and it turned into a creative outlet I absolutely adore!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelsbyTrish

-Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan although I have lived in my current state for many, many, many years!

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?

I wanted my shop name to include something personal so I included my nick name. I also think of my jewelry as precious jewels so viola! Jewels by Trish was named!

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?

My primary studio is on Etsy.com. I do occasionally sell my jewels at craft markets or special artisan events.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?

I find etsy.com from a friend.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

My jewelry is classy, simple, elegant. My style is all my own. I create what I love to see!

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I have always loved working with my hands. I used to watch my grandmother make beaded ornaments and my mother was always cross stitching. I find it hard to sit still. Even when watching a movie or relaxing on the couch, I love to keep my hands busy creating things.

-How long have you been creating?

I have been creating items in some shape or form for as long as I can remember. I have been specifically creating jewelry for about 3 years.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love the entire process! I love purchasing beads, I love sitting down and playing with them until a design forms, and I love stringing or wrapping it all together to make a beautiful jewel.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

I gain inspiration everywhere. It may be a jewelry magazine, it may be the design on a dress, or may be as simple as the colors in nature.

 

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

I am self taught.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

I find that people feel the need to search for beauty all times of the year.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

I don't think that most people realize that artists sometimes get stuck creatively. When this happens, I don't get frustrated. I wait it out as I know inspiration and creativity will eventually begin to flow again.
Also, music is a big help when creating! I love to sing loud and off key while creating!

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?

Do what you love! If you love it, it will not feel like work. Focus on something that brings you happiness and inner peace while you are creating!

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

Art has affected my life in the joy I see on a customer's face or the great feedback I receive when they purchase one of my pieces. My art makes me feel happy and when others find happiness in it as well, that is very rewarding.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

Oh, that's a hard question! I tend to love everything I make! I did have a hard time offering the below piece for sale. I wanted it for myself! I rarely, rarely duplicate any of my pieces so it was hard to offer it.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/65788746/amethyst-bracelet-swarovski-crystal

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

"I love, love my "Jewels by Trish" jewelry!! I have already worn them many, many days in a row!"

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I love, love animals! One day, I would love to have a huge farm with horses, pigs, cows, dogs, etc. etc.

-Your message for all of us?

"A girl should be two things:classy and fabulous!" -Coco Chanel

5 Jobs Hiring for the Summer where you can find ?

If you’re looking for work this summer, there are plenty of positions that need a little extra help between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Certain industries see a huge increase in demand during the summer months thanks to the warm weather and children being out of school. So whatever your skill sets or future career goals, chances are you can find a position this summer.

Here are five jobs to consider this summer:

1. Construction - In most places throughout the country, summer is prime time for construction work, and construction companies are usually looking for several able bodies to help them keep up with demand. If you can stand a little bit of heat, long hours, and laborious work, then this might be the perfect summer job for you.
2. Landscaping - As the weather gets better and people start mulling about outside, many homeowners start to focus more on how their property looks. Anyone who has summer barbecues, pool parties, or bonfires typically wants their yards to look nice and clean for their guests, but they usually don’t want to do the work - that’s where landscaping companies come in. Performing every duty from mowing grass and trimming trees to planting flowers and arranging stone steps, you can work for a landscaping company this summer to help people clean up their property.
3. Amusement parks - Going to an amusement park is a favorite pastime for many families and summer is the perfect time to take a little family vacation. Amusement parks hire hundreds of people throughout the summer to keep up with demand, and they need everything from food cart workers and bartenders to ride operators and show performers. So whatever your talents are, chances are you could find a job that suits you at an amusement park.
4. Tanning salons - This one is kind of a mystery, as you would think that people would just sit outside during the summer in order to get tan, but many people like to visit a tanning salon before they hit the beach so they look tan upon arrival and can avoid any harmful UV rays coming directly from the sun. If you’re looking for a more comfortable summer job, you can help out in an air-conditioned tanning salon, running the cash register and teaching people how to use the tanning beds or get their first spray tans.
5. Local government - Most local governments provide a number of summer programs for children and adults alike so everyone can stay occupied for a few months. You might be able to find a job at the public pool, for the children’s theater, in the public library, or for a senior citizen’s activities committee.

Citations:

• Image via Microsoft Office

Writer and content creator specializing in everything from job searching and recruiting to social media and technology. Take a look at www.pcrecruiter.net for more.

Six Lines Guaranteed to Ruin a First Date

So you’re going on a first date with a new guy. Do you potentially want to have a second? If you do, don’t say any of these six things, or he’ll probably never call you again.

“My ex is totally crazy. He will not stop calling me.”

Never bring up your ex on a first date. It’s a major turn-off, and it makes it seem as though you’re not over him yet (and you’re probably not if you’re still talking about him). Besides that, who wants to get involved with someone who has unfinished business with their ex? No matter how much a guy likes you, he’s not going to want a second date if one day he might have to deal with a crazy ex.
“I hope to be married five years from now.”

This will scare away any guy quickly – even guys who also want to get married sometime in the not-too-distant future. This statement is putting pressure on him already to be “marriage material.” It also seems as though finding your soul mate is a task with a rigid deadline, not a fun process like it should be.
“I’m not sure that hairstyle is right for you.”

Photo Credit: Tastino0 - www.tastino0.it
Did he ask you his opinion of his looks? No. So why do you feel so compelled to give your critique? Even if he asked you, this is still just a first date. Be nice, and save the no-holds-barred answers for when you’re a couple. Commenting on his looks in any way that’s not positive will make him uncomfortable and hurt his feelings. You would be offended if he said something like that to you, so don’t do it to him.
“I always vote Democrat. What about you?”

Topics like politics and religion are very hefty, personal subjects. They can raise a lot of emotions, and they’re just not things you should be discussing on a first date. Your date’s political leaning shouldn’t matter so much to you, and you don’t want to risk getting into a heated debate when you barely know each other. Stick to lighter topics, and worry about stuff like this later.
“What do you think about me so far?”

This question is like the kiss of death for a first date. Maybe he liked you a lot before you asked him, but now he thinks maybe you’re a little too insecure. Don’t put him on the spot. It’s a first date, so you can’t expect him to have a well-developed opinion of you yet. He’s still getting to know you. And what if he thinks you’re boring or obnoxious? Wait and let whether or not he calls you for a second date tell you how he feels.
“I’m so broke right now.”

Don’t discuss your financial situation on a first date, especially if it’s grim. He doesn’t want to hear about your money problems. If he thinks you’re bad at managing your money, he might think you’re not responsible or mature enough for a relationship.

Michelle Leigh is a self described 'relationship expert' and freelance writer who enjoys blogging about a variety of topics from men to cosmetics brushes. She is an experienced dater and knows exactly what not to say if you want to keep things going!

I love the zen-like focus it takes to create a handbag - Glenda Ganis

Glenda Ganis :
I have been a Screenwriter and Production Designer most of my adult life. Designing handbags felt like a natural extension of who I was creatively.
I've had no formal training but that has never stopped me from pursuing a vision, whether it's the creation of a handbag or a film set. I love using my intuitive skills and appreciate the intricacies of design in all forms.

I use high quality leather, design my own patterns and hand whip-stitch or saddle stitch the finished product.
The collection is one-of-a-kind. It can take anywhere from 4 to 24 hours to make one style. It requires a Zen-like focus and is labor intensive.
My goal is to create designs that are chic, functional and classic with a modern twist. All handbags are signed and made in my Los Angeles studio.

Shop Name
Cosmic Hippo Designs

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cosmichippodesigns

-Where are you originally from?

New York City

-How did you choose the lovely name for your Shop?
The name Cosmic Hippo came out of the blue, put a smile on my face and seemed like a cool visual. The visual has evolved from my first logo.

Do you sell your products in many places ? tell us some of them ?
I sell online on Etsy and have listings on ArtFire, OnFire for Handmade and Zibbet. I also sell privately. Recently, I was invited to sell my handbags, wallets, cases and boxes at Verona Accessories in Studio City, CA.

-How did you find the site who you sell and who it this (name) ? How long have you been selling on this site ?
I've been a seller on Etsy.com since 2009.

-How would you describe your style? Have any other artists etc influenced your style?

Classic with a modern twist. I'm particularly fascinated by the architecture of handbags and how a simple skin of leather can be transformed into a functional and beautiful accessory.

- How did you first come to art and creativity? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?

I've been creating art since I was old enough to hold a crayon. I can not remember a time when I wasn't creating something, whether it was writing or making dolls clothing or creating food out of clay, creativity has been an integral part of my life.

-How long have you been creating?

My entire life.

-What is it that you love so much?

I love the zen-like focus it takes to create a handbag. The hours pass so quickly I barely notice the time. I feel as though I'm compelled to create by some magical force greater than me.

-What are your main sources of inspiration?

Sometimes music, other times the shape of an object or the smooth feel of a piece of leather. Occasionally, I'll create a handbag in a dream state and attempt to sketch it when I awaken. My sketches are pathetic. I'm much more a doer from scratch.

-Have you had any mentors, or are you self taught?

Self taught. I admire Henry Beguelin's hand crafted handbags and shoes.

-Do you sell more at one time of year than others?

It varies, and never when I expect the sales to happen.

-What is one thing about your creative process that you think most people don't know?

The amount of time that goes into crafting a handbag from pattern to finish is incalculable. If I were to charge for the actual time I expend the cost would be seriously high.

Have some tips and advices for new artisians ?
Trust your gut instincts and don't be afraid to fail. I learn more from my failures than I do from my successes.

-How has life affected your art and art affected your life?

They are inseparable. If I'm in the mood to write, then I'm not in the mood to make a handbag and vice versa. I never want to be doing one when I'm doing the other. I think that would be very frustrating.

-Do you have a favorite item you have made?

I fall in love with most of my designs. Fortunately, I rarely sell my first samples so I use them to determine how well they wear and if the pattern needs to be adjusted.

-What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?

I've received emails with loving praise. Those emails mean a lot to me because I've shared my joy and at the same time made someone very happy.

Something else who you want to tell us about you ?

I enjoy cooking.

-Your message for all of us?

Be creative in all that you do.

Heat and How It Helps Your Health Benefits

It is extremely possible to have a steam room inside of your very own home. Compact versions of usual steam rooms and saunas which are normally found in fitness establishments and spas can now be used inside the bathroom. A new system known as the infared sauna is replacing traditional hot stove saunas. The process uses carbon boards instead of hot stones and penetrates deeper into the skin than regular saunas.

Skin

You may be wondering if infrared is safe for the skin, and it is. This type of sauna has been reviewed by medical professionals and proven to help with certain health problems. Infrared saunas have been deemed safe by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Infrared heat does not impact the body negatively.  It seeps into your skin to permeate deep tissues and muscles, relaxing and increasing blood circulation.

Infrared is found in a number of different places. It is what lies between microwaves and visible lights, used by plants for photosynthesis, and used in incubators for premature babies. Infrared should not be confused with harmful ultraviolet rays, which are used in tanning beds. Infrared is even used daily by those that turn their television off and on with a remote control.  You may use infrared on a daily basis without even realizing it.

Benefits

Researchers have proven that infrared saunas can help with a number of diseases and illnesses. Those with chronic heart failure who used saunas on a regular basis had an increase in cardiac function. The treatment has been deemed both safe and promising. In fact, the treatments proved to show that cardiac function increased after treatment in an infrared sauna.  Similarly, those suffering from arthritis that went under the sauna treatment received a lot of healing benefits. Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in an infrared sauna, did not provoke the disease in any way either.  Infrared saunas have been deemed a useful way to treat certain diseases as well as being an effective means of expelling toxins from the body.

Research is continually being conducted, but so far results are quite promising. Saunas both traditional and steam saunas have been proven to be healthy by increasing circulation and helping in the functioning of vital organs. Research has shown that infrared saunas are safe for humans and can have great benefits for health if used regularly.  While the body can benefit from steam when healing vital organs, it also benefits from the excretion of toxins.  The overall blood circulation increases and helps the liver and kidneys both function on a better level and excrete toxic waste better.

Infrared saunas are also being considered for use as an alternative to medication.  Research is still being done to prove the positive effects of the infrared sauna.  The effects that have already been discovered are more than promising.  Steam has been a positive treatment for all kinds of ailments and infrared saunas are becoming more and more popular.  They are considered to be safe for humans and are a positive health advantage for those that use them regularly.

Article written by Andrew Ellis from www.steamshowersupply.co.uk experts in home saunas and heat therapy