Research

Intel has launched a Facebook application that allows people to donate their PC's unused processor power to research diseases and study climate change.

At the SMX Advanced conference in Seattle this week, Murdok discussed keyword research with nFusion's Taylor Pratt. He discusses his "recipe" for it. Do you have a keyword research recipe? Tell us about your ingredients.

Finding the right keywords to use leads to good SEO. At SMX Advanced session "Keyword Research Artistry" the panel offered tips on effectively leveraging keywords. Coverage of SMX Advanced continues at Murdok Videos. Stay with Murdok for more updates and videos from the event this week.

In the session "Organic Keyword Research and Selection" the panel offered strategies for developing keyword lists for organic search engine optimization. Coverage of PubCon South Austin continues at Murdok Videos. Stay with Murdok for more notes and videos from the event this week. Seth Wilde, Search Engine Marketing Manager, uShip, talked about keyword research methods.

First, let’s tackle competitive analysis. As an entrepreneur, you're no doubt familiar with some of the conventional wisdom about how to handle competitors. Do your research. Check public records and disclosures about big name firms in your industry. Assess your goals, branding plans, and future efforts in the context of the presumptive goals of your industry rivals. Understand why customers choose competitors over your firm -- both why they like your rivals and why they refuse to work with you.

Yank out "The Art of War" or just use common sense; either way, it's plain to see that knowing about your competitors can help your business.  At a session titled "Analyzing the Competition," speakers suggested areas to research and acceptable ways in which you can do so.

Back in October 2004 I launched a series of articles outlining the ten crucial steps to a well optimized website. The steps were:

Over half of Americans (58%) turn to the Internet when they want information about health, educational, financial, legal and career issues according to a new Pew Internet and American Life Project study.