Learning SEO: Social Bookmarking For Your Site

Social bookmarking is an activity performed over a computer network that allows users to save and categorize a personal collection of bookmarks and share them with others. Users may also take bookmarks saved by others and add them to their own collection, as well as to subscribe to the lists of others. It's a tool for personal knowledge management (Wikipedia.org).

In other words, social bookmarking involves saving bookmarks (web addresses) to a public Web site so you can access these bookmarks from any computer connected to the web. Having your site bookmarked in a number of popular social bookmarking sites you drive more traffic to the content at your site. So if you create a piece of content and title it with the keyword phrase you need, you will get a free external link with the required anchor text.

If you wish to create your own social bookmarks, you must register with a social bookmarking site. The part that takes the longest is probably setting up an account for each site, which includes email confirmations. But remember, no pain, no gain, right?

What you need to continue:

- keyword-rich content that provides value at the page of your site
- an appealing title with selected keywords within the title
- time to monitor your accounts at social bookmarking sites
- regular analysis of how long each link pops up in search engines. At some point you will reach a place where you are no longer drawing significant traffic from your older bookmarks, but that’s OK.

Beware of spamming these sites and making your list of bookmarks appear unattractive or an obvious marketing ploy which will net you very little. The biggest problem with this method is time and the relative effectiveness of the links. You have to make sure the content is good and the title passes spam detection else it will simply be deleted. Don’t abuse this by submitting every page of your site, try to be judicious and think about what pages of your site may be helpful and of interest to other web surfers.

There is an opinion that social bookmarking has limited appeal for a SEO professional. The reason is that you cannot count on it to increase site rankings directly, but indirectly it can increase awareness which may eventually provide additional natural linking. Besides many social bookmarking sites do not allow crawlers to follow links, thus the links do not help the page rank. However social bookmarking is still one of the cheapest and the most effective ways to get sites deep crawled and indexed and attract more visitors.

Even if you are not going to base the SEO campaign for your site on this technique it should be in your SEO toolbox of tasks anyway. And don’t’ forget that having great page content accurate meta tags with a solid web design combined with quality links from other pages of similar content contribute best to the end users experience.

G8 Dead Again

After studying the issue, Bob Lutz says on GM Fastlane Blog that there isn't a business case for the G8 after all, sorry to get your hopes up.

That’s all still true. But I have to say that, with my new “marketing” hat on, upon further review and careful study, we simply cannot make a business case for such a program. Not in today’s market, in this economy, and with fuel regulations what they are and will be.

What was interesting to me was the hint dropped that GM might try to make it a police car. GM currently sells the Impala as a police vehicle, but it hasn't made a very large dent in Ford's Crown Victoria sales. A RWD Caprice might have really gotten some attention, but it was probably too expensive to pull off.

This leaves Ford as king of the police cruisers for now, but it is no secret that the Crown Victoria's days are numbered. According to rumors on the web (such as Blue Oval Forums), the plant that builds the Crown Vic will close in 2011, which means tha that the last cars would be built as 2011 or 2012 models.

Will Ford give up the police cruiser business to the Dodge Challenger, or the expensive and not-yet-existent Carbon? Currently, it is commonly thought that the police want a rear wheel drive vehicle. Ford won't have anything to sell after 2012. Will they perhaps put lights and pusher bars on the Taurus SHO?

Maximum Bob Rides Again

I love Bob Lutz.

From the recent web chat on GM's Fastlane Blog. Italics are my, er, interpretation.

2:13	[Comment From Guest ] What is your number one priority in your new role and please be as specific as possible?

2:14

Bob Lutz: Until I know more about the job I won't be as specific as possible because i might have to recant next month when i know what i'm doing. My top priority now is to enhance the ability of GM to let the public know about what great cars and trucks we build. For all the money spent in the past, this seemingly simple task has eluded us.

Our marketing has been weak. I'm going to fix that.

2:17

[Comment From Mike Ruby ] Bob, will we see in improvment in GM commercials now that you are in charge of them? The new Buick commercial is very embarassing. I've had many family members and friends comment on how dumb it is, plus some of the other poorly done commercials on the Traverse and the "Surprised" commercials that played for about a week over Christmas.

2:18	Bob Lutz: Let me put it this way: That Buick commercial tested very well, which is not the same as saying that it's an effective ad. I think you will very quickly see a drastic change in the tone and content of our advertising. And if you don't, it will mean that i have failed.

It sucked and we know it, but I wasn't asked 'cause I wasn't on duty yet

2:19	[Comment From Tom ] How can we get people as hyped up about small cars? Where's the Aveo SS or the Vibe GXP?

2:20

Bob Lutz: The best way to get people hyped for small cars is to 1) do great small cars instead of mediocre ones and 2) rasie the price of fuel. As long as Americans pay less than $3 /gall vs $7 in the rest of the world, it's a tough sell. Having said that, the Vibe is gone, and the Aveo will be replaced by an all-new and much more exciting vehicle.

Cheap gas will kill the mini-car, so Obama had better raise the price.

2:20	[Comment From Neighbor ] Did you sell your jet? We don't see you flying around anymore.

2:21	Bob Lutz: I sold the Alpha jet due to economic worries, and got a good price for it, but have retained the L39 Albatros so i'm still flying regularly. And if i've failed to entertain you recently you have to tell me where you live or work.

I needed to sell one plane so I could afford a Volt. I'm gonna buzz your house, smart-ass.

2:43	[Comment From Nate ] Does GM have any plans for diesel cars in the US? Or are they banking entirely the Volt and Converj platforms? There appears to be customer demand for diesels as well as the Volt technology. Is there room for low production diesels?

2:44

Bob Lutz: For diesels to meet US emissions (US regulations are six times more severe than European) we'd have to increase the diesel surcharge by another $2500 to $3000. The total would amount to about $6000. For that surcharge of $6K, the customer gets a 20% in mpg, but has the privilege of paying for fuel that is 20 cents per gallon more expensive. Show me where this makes sense. Several Europeans and both Toyota and Honda have canceled their US passenger car diesel plans, as have we.

I'm sick of people asking about diesels--there's no way to make money on them right now!

2:54	[Comment From Guest ] Any plans to either filter your comments or perhaps even support the green movement, since you've made such harsh comments against the concept of Global Warming, which upset a lot of people?

2:58

Bob Lutz: I obviously won't go out of my way to upset people but since i have a tendency to speak my mind i will occasionally unwittingly do so. I am totally dedicated to reducing petroleum usage, which is one of the reasons i championed the Chevy Volt. My personal opinion on global warming has nothing to do with my professional performance. By the way we just had the coldest June on record in the East, and are in the middle of the coldest July.

Yeah, sorry about that global warming is BS thing. Hey, is it cold in here?

3:01	[Comment From ETB ] Favorite TV shows? No doubt seen Top Gear. Would you consider going and taking on Jeremy Clarkson for us?

3:02	Bob Lutz: Why would i want to take on Jeremy Clarkson? He loves the CTS-V and has declared Corvette ZR1 to be the finest vehicle of all time. I love the guy.

The New Toyota Venza 2009

Whichever label you want to give it, the new Toyota Venza appears like a winner.

Think of the Venza as a station wagon and you'll probably get the point. Of course, it does not look precisely like any station wagon we've seen before. Unveiled at Detroit's North American International automobile show in Jan, Venza drew heaps of attention. Among vehicles currently available, it reminds us most of the Ford Edge crossover.

There's plenty of the Lexus RX350 in this Toyota, too, though the Venza is pressed down nearer to the ground, and sleeker. Its front end is taller, but definitely molded in the theme of Toyota's current Camry sedan. The Venza's rear glass has a nice, long rake, and its taillights wrap around the rear fenders onto the hatch. Its standard wheels measure 19 inches in diameter, whilst 20-inch spoked alloys are optional. In sum, the Venza is an example of the more hunky, engaging cars Toyota has launched in a little time.

A look at its dimensions brings the crossover label into proportion. At 109.3 inches and 189 inches, respectively, the Venza's wheelbase and overall length match both Bell Road Toyota's Camry sedan and Highlander sport-utility inside fragments of an in. Put simply, the Venza's footprint on the pavement matches both Camry and Highlander closely. Yet with an overall height of 63.4 inches, the Venza slots right in the middle of the Camry and Highlander. It's ride height falls somewhere in the middle, too.

The 2009 Venza seats 5, like the Camry, instead of 7 like the Highlander. Its rocker height, or the lip around the base of its passenger doorways, is low, making it simple to lift feet within, yet the hip point for seated occupants is higher than the typical sedan's. The mix should deliver a mix many buyers seek : straightforward ingress and egress, with a higher seating position for an enhanced view around tall cars on the road.

The 2009 Venza should reach showrooms with the traditional model year changeover in early fall 2008. It'll be built at Toyota's assembly plant in Georgetown, Kentucky.

If you find this article interesting, you should also check out thesupercars.org to read about some of the fastest & most expensive sports cars in the world, also visit Toyota Yaris used.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lowell_N_Winters

BMW X1 the Economical Sport-Utility Vehicle

BMW is leaving nothing to chance when it comes to its line of sport/utility vehicles. Unlike other manufacturers who are cutting back even abandoning this once popular and highly profitable vehicle segment, BMW is introducing its fourth line, the X1, an SUV that is smaller, lighter and much more fuel efficient than most SUVs in its class.

By adding a fourth line of SUVs, BMW is signaling that it believes that customers are still interested in a vehicle that can get the job done on the road and, if need be, be taken off the road. Based on the same platform underpinning its 1-series line of cars, the X1 will be powered by a standard 2.0L I4 gas engine paired with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions. That arrangement should help the X1 break the 30 mpg highway barrier, but it could be that a similar sized diesel engine will have the greatest appeal for customers as BMW estimates that its 2.0L diesel will achieve about 45 mpg on the highway.

Rear Or All Wheel Drive Available

Available in either rear or all-wheel-drive, the X1 seats five passengers and will take over the entry level SUV market currently occupied by the X3. For its part, the BMW X3 will be moved slightly upmarket with standard trim levels raised accordingly. The X5 and X6 round out BMW's sport utility vehicle line.

Inside, the X1 will be fully equipped with the most current navigation system offered as standard equipment along with a panoramic sun roof, leather seating treatments, first class audio system and all of the usual BMW safety features including brake assist; lane departure warning; front, side and side curtain airbags; dynamic brake control; and active head restraints. Priced from the upper 30s, a fully optioned BMW X1 will retail for about $50,000 which will be about the same price as the all new Audi Q3 its chief competitor, though slightly higher than the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Styling Shared With The X3 And X5

The exterior of the X1 borrows the same styling cues used in the X3 and X5 with the hallmark long BMW hood and unmistakable bimmer front end. Customers who have already been sold on the X3 will appreciate the X1's generous size doors as well as its huge liftgate and surprisingly abundant storage area. BMW hopes to not only to bolster its conquest sales of other brands, but encourage current bimmer devotees to consider its newest and most fuel efficient SUV line. With a diesel option being made available, the X1 will appeal to both to the customer who want the practical side of a sport utility vehicle as well as the fuel efficiency of a potent, yet economical engine.

By adding the X1 to its fleet, BMW expects that this move will help it hold off Mercedes for luxury brand supremacy while offering a good option to the Q3, which is fast gaining Audi's latest offering. Competition among the German luxury brands is fierce which means that customers win as each manufacturer seeks to outdo each other in building passenger vehicles customers really want.

Max Rossi writes for FCPgroton.com http://www.fcpgroton.com/ a worldwide foreign auto parts distributor. Get European car parts at affordable prices.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_Rossi

The Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype

Building on the success of the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mitsubishi Motors North America today conducted the World debut of a distinctive new model that takes the compact SUV to another new level of performance and sportiness - the Mitsubishi Outlander GT Prototype. The all-new design study is the centerpiece of the Mitsubishi Motors exhibit at the New York International Auto Show, which continues through April 19.

The Diamond white Outlander GT Prototype infuses performance and design inspiration from Mitsubishi's Lancer sport sedans and provides clear indicators of the future of Outlander.

"The Outlander GT Prototype is packed with technology, performance and premium features that are uncommon in the compact SUV class," commented John Koenig, executive vice president of Mitsubishi Motors North America. "Along with its faster heartbeat, we also wanted to quicken pulses by channeling the look of our sportiest cars."

A front grille design inspired by the Lancer Evolution's "jet fighter" look is clearly in play on the Outlander GT Prototype, which sports complementary new design elements, such as a reshaped front bumper, side mirrors, fenders and hood. Reshaped Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, a new rear bumper and side sills, plus a bold polished finish on the already standard aluminum roof panel accentuate the sporty appeal.

The Outlander GT Prototype also benefits from improvements to the all-aluminum 3.0-liter SOHC MIVEC V6 currently found in the Outlander XLS, including a reduction in intake restriction plus optimized camshaft timing and compression ratio. The engine changes raise maximum output by 10 horsepower, for a total of 230 horsepower, with an improved torque curve for more responsive city driving and enhanced fuel economy and emissions.

To further increase fuel economy, the Outlander GT Prototype features an upgraded shifting program and Idle Neutral Logic, which automatically, and smoothly, shifts into neutral during vehicle standstill. It reengages at the slightest lift of the foot off the brake pedal, thereby providing instantaneous response.

About the Author

For more information about Mitsubishi Motors and the new Outlander SUV then visit the website or contact the Senior Manager of Corporate Communications.

The Subaru Impreza

It costs a small fortune to get a garage to look at your subaru let alone tune it for you. What if there was a way to do it yourself, even if your a novice mechanic. Well now there is.

You will learn

The essential checks you can perform to reduce the garage costs on your car. Effective maintenance is essential for making sure that your lovely subaru continues to give long lasting and reliable service.

You will als learn about the subaru intake and exhaust systems - Look at how to improve the stock Subaru intake and exhaust and how an aftermarket exhaust and intake can help put back some of the aural character that is lacking on the standard WRX. Learn the four critical things you can do to improve the intake system on your Subaru.

Now i was no expert on car mechanics, sure i could change my oil and fit new spark plugs the whole thing about engines just seemed to complex for me. Don't get me wrong i'm not saying i'm a qualified mechanic after this course, but i can now get more power and speed from my subaru with a few simple steps.

When it comes to modifying your subaru impreza, I have not found a place online that comes even a close runner up to what you will find here. This information will take you right to the heart of tuning and modifications. Best of all you do it yourself without the hefty garage bill.

About the Author

If you want to get more out of your subaru check THIS out.