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miercuri, 16 ianuarie 2013
Just for You from YouTube: Weekly Update - Jan 16, 2013
Post-Penguin Anchor Text Case Study
Post-Penguin Anchor Text Case Study |
| Post-Penguin Anchor Text Case Study Posted: 15 Jan 2013 12:38 PM PST Posted by Court Tuttle This post was originally in YouMoz, and was promoted to the main blog because it provides great value and interest to our community. The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of SEOmoz, Inc. It's no secret that Google's Panda and Penguin updates caused a lot of panic. SEOs and marketers were FREAKING out and honestly, I got tired of reading about it - I'm sure most of you did too. Although I'm pretty turned off to information about these updates, I've been really interested in the anchor text issues surrounding the Penguin update. If sites that have over-optimized anchors lost traffic due to the update, it seems to make sense that sites can move up with relatively few (or without any) anchored links. I wanted to test that idea and decided that it was time for a good, old fashioned case study. Designing the Case StudyInstead of trying to sound cool and acting like I designed a super professional case study, I'll just tell you how it really happened. I simply wanted to know if I could take a brand new domain (with no links obviously), and get it to rank for a decently competitive term, in an oft-spammed niche by getting links (mostly non-exact match keyword anchored) from relevant pages of relevant sites. Finding the Keyword PhraseSo I wanted to use a semi-difficult keyword phrase that was in a spammy niche. That way the case study would be more conclusive. I looked at a lot of different options for keywords - most of them were in the finance vertical and were based on credit cards, loans, or credit. I decided eventually that I would try to find a credit-related keyword. That way, I wouldn't end up with a ranking for a loan or credit card keyword, without being able to provide the actual loan or credit card the searcher was looking for. Credit keywords, on the other hand, are informational in nature and fit better with the content (which is admittedly ghetto right now) I could produce. The phrase I ended up choosing is '650 credit score'. Using the SEOmoz Pro Keyword Difficulty Tool, the phrase has a keyword difficulty score of 50, which is in the range I wanted. It's difficult enough for a good test but not difficult enough to make getting results impossible. Here's what the phrase looks like: Setting Up the Site On August 14, 2012, I set up the site on a brand new domain - Doctor650.com (not going to link from here because I don't want to compromise the case study). I used WordPress as my CMS and wrote six articles about having a credit score in the 650 range. The content is passable but honestly, not amazing. I do know a lot about credit and have improved my own credit score from under 500 to over 800. I was also personally in the 650 range for a while. On top of that I spoke with a loan officer to get information about getting loans with a 650 score. That said, I didn't take 10 hours to write each of the articles. The site design is horrendous (not my strong point). I'm fully aware that the site is not the 'ultimate resource' on this topic, in fact I wouldn't be surprised if the site had 'Panda' issues at some point. My bounce rate is ridiculously high. The keyword phrase I'm going after is on the home page twice - once at the top in a heading, and once as a label for the comments. I'm not using spammy linking strategy inside the site. All of my articles are linked to from the sidebar but I've used anchors that don't contain the exact phrase, on purpose. Linking StrategyI wanted to get relevant links from sites that either were exclusively about credit or credit scores, or already had a lot of information on one of these topics. I wrote guest posts for sites that I found in the Finance category of PostRunner (a guest-posting community/portal that I co-founded) as the source of all of the links, with the exception of one link that I got from making a cheesy video that I posted on YouTube (not my greatest accomplishment). This link is of course no-followed like all links from YouTube. Here are the anchors for the links that I used in the case study, in the order that I got them:
As you can see, I got only one exact-match anchored link but I did get three that contain some version of the phrase. Results of the ExperimentOn Oct 6 - 53 days after I 'launched' the site - the site popped up at #4 in Google for '650 credit score'. It also ranks pretty high for a lot of related terms. It has steadily climbed from where I first saw it (in the 80s) without any major jumps. It's moved a few positions at a time, for the most part. I found it interesting that the site seemed to drop a few positions each time I acquired a new link, and would then come back stronger than ever after a few days. As of today, the site ranks #2 (it's been moving up and down between #2 and #4). Here's the ranking analysis from the SEOmoz Keyword Difficulty Tool: As would be expected, my domain is by far the weakest in the top six, in fact it's the weakest in the top 20. The site only has 13 links and they are from good sites that aren't exceptionally strong. Probable Conclusions
Things I Wish I Had Done Differently
The Future Of the Case StudyRight now the case study is in a holding pattern. It's still moving up even though it hasn't had any new links since mid-September (that I'm aware of). It might get to #1 on its own but it might not. If it doesn't move up in the next month or so, I'll get a few more links that aren't anchored with keywords. I'm also interested in expanding the site into a more valuable resource, one that can better stand the test of time. To be honest I'm not sure exactly what the searcher who searches for this phrase wants, so I'm going to have to figure that out. If you have ideas that can help me turn this site into a better resource, I'd love to hear them. You and I both know that it needs help. Sign up for The Moz Top 10, a semimonthly mailer updating you on the top ten hottest pieces of SEO news, tips, and rad links uncovered by the Moz team. Think of it as your exclusive digest of stuff you don't have time to hunt down but want to read! |
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Seth's Blog : When a conference works (and doesn't)
When a conference works (and doesn't)
When we get together with others, even at a weekly meeting, it either works, or it doesn't. For me, it works:
...If everything is on the line, if in any given moment, someone is going to say or do something that might just change everything. Something that happens in the moment and can't possibly be the same if you hear about it later. It might even be you who speaks up, stands up and makes a difference. (At most events, you can predict precisely what's going to be said, and by whom). In the digital age, if I can get the notes or the video later, I will.
...If there's vulnerability and openness and connection. If it's likely you'll meet someone (or many someones) that will stick with you for years to come, who will share their dreams and their fears while they listen to and understand yours. (At most events, people are on high alert, clenched and protective. Like a cocktail party where no one is drinking.)
...If there's support. If the people you meet have high expectations for you and your work and your mission, but even better, if they give you a foundation and support to go even further. (At most events, competitiveness born from insecurity trumps mutual support.)
...If it's part of a movement. If every day is a building block on the way to something important, and if the attendees are part of a tribe that goes beyond demographics or professional affiliation. (At most events, it's just the next event).
The first law of screenwriting is that the hero of a great movie is transformed during the arc of the story. That's the goal of a great conference, as well. But it's difficult indeed, because there are so many heroes, all thinking they have too much to lose.
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marți, 15 ianuarie 2013
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis
Mish's Global Economic Trend Analysis |
- Over 25% of 401Ks Tapped to Pay Current Bills; Dead-Fish Housing Assets; Walking Away Yet Again
- "Debt Doom Loop" in Spain; Deficit Target Impossible Once Again; Bond Rally Masks European Macro Problems
- German Economy Shrinks Most in Three Years; Situation Significantly Worse Than Mood
- Obamacare Sticker Shock; Expect Insurance Premiums to Soar; Aetna CEO Says Some Rates Will Double
- Iran Removes Euro and Dollar From Trade Exchanges; More Symptoms of Iranian Hyperinflation
| Over 25% of 401Ks Tapped to Pay Current Bills; Dead-Fish Housing Assets; Walking Away Yet Again Posted: 15 Jan 2013 10:06 PM PST At an increasing rate, even during the alleged recovery, consumers are tapping their 401Ks to pay current bills according to a study by advisory firm HelloWallet as describe in the Washington Post article 401(k) breaches undermining retirement security for millions. A report due out this week from the financial advisory firm HelloWallet found that more than one in four workers dip into retirement funds to pay their mortgages, credit card debt or other bills. Those in their 40s have been the most likely culprits — one-third are turning to such accounts for relief.Mortgage Connection? The Washington Post article failed to note "why" people were tapping their 401Ks. I suspect, but cannot prove, that many low-income households are desperately clinging to their underwater houses, from which they would be better advised to seek council, then walk away. Higher income groups seem to have less aversion to walking away than those who struggled all their lives to get a home, only to get one at exactly the wrong time. Dead-Fish Assets The mentality "My house is the only thing I have" is tough to fight. However, the reality is many homes are worth less than zero because of underwater situations. Unfortunately, the financial industry is geared to giving the worst advice to the least well off. Counseling groups (typically bank-sponsored) encourage people to keep their dead-fish "assets", best flushed down the toilet. There are other possible reasons of course, and right at the top of the list is car loans, another depreciating asset. Lose Your Job, Then You're in Trouble I do not advise tapping your 401K for numerous reasons, but right at the top of the list is the lost-job nightmare. Please consider these problems as excerpted from the 401K Calculator article Everything You Need To Know About Borrowing Against Your 401K.
Recommended Options 401K Calculator writes "Before you take out a 401k loan, it's vital that you explore other options. Using savings or other types of loan may be a more suitable alternative to borrowing against your retirement funds. You should be careful not to jeopardize your retirement just for a quick cash fix now." I concur, while adding ... If the reason for the loan is to make a mortgage payment on an underwater home, or if you are for any reason close to bankruptcy, please consult a bankruptcy/mortgage attorney in your state for other options. "Walking Away" and/or bankruptcy may be far better options than tapping 401Ks. Unfortunately, I highly suspect many have trashed their 401K to keep or buy rotten fish. Most of the rest are likely bankrupt and on borrowed time, wasting their 401K in a futile attempt to prove otherwise. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com "Wine Country" Economic Conference Hosted By Mish Click on Image to Learn More  |
| Posted: 15 Jan 2013 04:55 PM PST Magicians at the ECB have temporarily convinced market participants that Europe is in some sort of recovery. It isn't. All of Europe is now in recession, including Germany as noted earlier today in German Economy Shrinks Most in Three Years; Situation Significantly Worse Than Mood. "Debt Doom Loop in Spain" Bloomberg reports Draghi's Bond Rally Masks Trapping Spain Debt Doom Loop. The bond rally has sent Spanish borrowing That costs to 10-month lows has distracted attention from the nation's growing debt pile.No Credibility There is no credibility and if there is any confidence, there shouldn't be. Yields in Spain, Italy, and Portugal have crashed, but I wonder for how long. Italy and Spain are known basket cases. More importantly, France, the Hidden Zombie in Europe, is about to take a deep plunge. "Confidence" may be robust for now, but it's all a mirage based on low rates that cannot last and the foolish notion that Europe has turned the corner just as Germany and France head down the sinkhole. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com |
| German Economy Shrinks Most in Three Years; Situation Significantly Worse Than Mood Posted: 15 Jan 2013 11:31 AM PST Germany is in recession. It's not a "technical recession", no matter how anyone labels it. And the recession will pick up steam as the year progresses. Please consider Germany's economy shrinks most in 3 years as crisis hits eurozone powerhouse. WIESBADEN, Germany — The German economy was hit hard by the eurozone crisis in the final quarter of last year, shrinking more than at any point in nearly three years as traditionally strong exports and investment slowed, the Statistics Office said on Tuesday.Situation Significantly Worse Than Mood "The situation is significantly worse than the mood. But the eurozone crisis is far from over. It's wishful thinking to expect otherwise," said Clemens Fuest, incoming head of ZEW research institute. I certainly concur with Feust. Note the GDP downgrade from 1.0% to .4% for 2013. Expect another and another. The only thing that Europe has going for it is a recovering bond market but don't expect that to last either. Italy and Spain are known basket cases. More importantly, France, the Hidden Zombie in Europe, is about to take a deep plunge. Finally, the recent pickup in China is not sustainable, and the US is clearly weakening. Since Germany cannot export to itself, its export machine will grind to a halt as I said well over a year ago. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com |
| Obamacare Sticker Shock; Expect Insurance Premiums to Soar; Aetna CEO Says Some Rates Will Double Posted: 15 Jan 2013 09:22 AM PST Consumers are about to find out that the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare is not exactly affordable. The Wall Street Journal says Health-Insurance Sticker Shock is just around the corner. Health-insurance premiums have been rising—and consumers will experience another series of price shocks later this year when some see their premiums skyrocket thanks to the Affordable Care Act, aka ObamaCare.Aetna CEO Sees Obama Health Law Doubling Some Premiums Bloomberg reports Aetna CEO Sees Obama Health Law Doubling Some Premiums Health insurance premiums may as much as double for some small businesses and individual buyers in the U.S. when the Affordable Care Act's major provisions start in 2014, Aetna Inc. (AET)'s chief executive officer said.Fantasyland CBO Projection Obamacare pretty much did what Romneycare did and the results will be the same - higher premiums. Specifically, Obamacare mandated acceptance of anyone, provided insufficient penalties for the young and healthy to drop out, and mandated an increase in things that are covered. The CBO added all of that up and concluded prices would go down by as much as 60 percent. I wonder what alternate universe the CBO lives in. How Much of an Increase? Expected increases depend on existing state rules as well as company size. States foolish enough to already have Obamacare-like mandates will be impacted the least. Big employers will fare best, small companies and individuals will be hit the hardest. Wasn't Obamacare supposed to fix that? The Journal notes that residents of New York, New Jersey, and Vermont already pay twice what others pay. Those in Massachusetts (the home of Romneycare) shell out almost as much. Residents of Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming and Virginia will likely see the largest increases — somewhere between 65% and 100%. Another 18 states, including Texas and Michigan, could see their rates rise between 35% and 65% says Journal writers Merrill Matthews and Mark Litow. Mr. Matthews is a resident scholar with the Institute for Policy Innovation in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Litow is a retired actuary and past chairman of the Social Insurance Public Finance Section of the Society of Actuaries. Aetna Overstating Increases? It's possible, if not likely, that Aetna is trumping up the increases so when they do happen, a mere 35-50% will not seem so large vs. the projected 100% increases. Then again, Aetna may fully intend to hike some rates by 100% over the course of a few years. It's also possible that some individual policy-holders in high-cost states may benefit slightly, but if so it will be at huge expense to everyone else. Thank Obama and Romney Thanks Obama, and while we're at it, thank you too Romney because Obamacare and Romneycare are for all essential purposes, one and the same. If you get a raise this year, don't be surprised if all of it (if not more than all of it) is eaten away in higher health-care premiums. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com |
| Iran Removes Euro and Dollar From Trade Exchanges; More Symptoms of Iranian Hyperinflation Posted: 14 Jan 2013 11:53 PM PST Inquiring minds note that Iran removes euro and dollar from its trade exchanges. Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Shamseddin Hosseini said Monday that Iran would no longer use euro and dollar in its trade exchanges according to a decision made by the government's economic working-group. Iranian state news agency IRNA writes about this.Symptoms of Hyperinflation Iran removed the Euro and dollar from its foreign trade patterns not because it wished to do so, but rather because it has no euro or dollar reserves it can use. Regardless of its official statements on trade, euros and dollars are hoarded by Iranian consumers in the black market. I spoke about the inflation nightmare in Iran on October 4, 2012 in Hyperinflation Hits Iran; Monthly 70% Inflation Rate; Reflections on Economic Warfare. Here are a few snips: The oil embargo against Iran has worked, assuming one defines "work" as a destruction of the Iranian riall which has fallen 33% in a week, 57% in three months and 75% in a year vs. the US dollar.Iran's Lying Inflation Statistics As soon as I saw trade exchange news I looked for an update from Steve Hanke. You can find one written January, 9 on Cato: Iran's Lying Inflation Statistics Today, the Central Bank of Iran released its inflation statistics for 2012. Remarkably, despite all of the international notoriety surrounding Iran's outbreak of hyperinflation in October, the Central Bank claims that Iran experienced an annual inflation rate of only 27.4%.Official Exchange Rates and Clouds of Secrecy One way to hide in a cloud of secrecy is to prohibit trades in other currencies. Iran did just that. Officially, trade is in the Iranian rial. Unofficially, euros and dollars are precious on the black market. By the way, anyone remember the silly claims the US went to war with Iraq because it was about to price oil in euros? If not, here is a refresher course.
Iranian oil is no longer available for either euros or dollars. Yet hyperinflation hit Iran, not the US, not Europe. Iran's biggest problem is the embargo, of course. However, it is still humorous to read the silly pontifications regarding the demise of the dollar if oil was not priced in dollars. Oil priced in euros did not matter then, and it would not matter now, embargo or not. Mike "Mish" Shedlock http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com "Wine Country" Economic Conference Hosted By Mish Click on Image to Learn More |
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