Category: Internet Marketing

Google Product Ads Available to All Advertisers

As of November 11th, Google Product Ads are being offered to all Adwords advertisers. Up until now they have only been offered in a closed beta test involving about 800 advertisers, but now anyone will be able to take part in the program. Google Product Ads are a way for advertisers to give Google a […]


Google Launches Instant Previews

On November 9th Google launched a page preview feature called “Instant Previews.” This tool offers people a way to quickly view what’s on a web page without leaving the Google search results. With the new Instant Previews, people will likely be able to immediately spot the most promising pages among those listed in the search […]


How Mind Mapping Helps Smart Solutions’ Clients

For awhile now, our team has utilized Mind Mapping, from the tools from a great client, Mindjet.  Mind Mapping has assisted in organizing client’s site architecture while easily and quickly highlighting areas of weaknesses for content structure.    Recently, KM World Magazine interviewed Smart Solutions and posted an article, titled Enriching Web Sites and Engage Customers […]


Choosing the Right Business Name – from an Internet Marketing Perspective

What’s in a name?  Frankly, a LOT.  Any marketing and branding agency can go through the important details of naming a new business or one that is renaming from a brand perspective.  It’s fascinating how business naming research is performed, tested and consumer analysis is created – in fact I totally respect it.  However (and […]


Facebook Land Grab – A Guide to Your Facebook Username

Okay, it’s not exactly a land grab but, hear me out. Local business is gaining ground on the Internet everyday through sites that provide ways for local businesses to get worldwide recognition online. Today, let’s focus on what a local business can do on Facebook. You can “grab” http://www.facebook.com/businessname as a unique pointer to your […]


Linkbuilding Techniques for SEO – June SmartGroup Recap

Thank you to all that joined for this month’s discussion on link building! This is such an important topic as links are the currency of the Internet. Links are like the business referral you get from a networking event and add value to your site from a spider’s perspective and traffic/awareness from a human visitor. […]


Social Media for Small Business – May SmartGroup Recap

It’s been a social media frenzy this week here in Bend, Oregon!  Thank you to all that were able to join for this SmartGroup on practical tips for getting started in social media if you are a small business. Here is the presentation, and recap notes for those not able to attend.  We’ll see you […]


Twitter Background Design Concepts

So, you’re a business and have taken the leap to setup Twitter account, congratulations! One element that often gets overlooked when using Twitter for business is creating a custom background image that speaks to your business objectives.  (See our Smart Solutions Twitter Background…heck, follow us as well!)  If you have questions on the information below […]


Tips For Launching a New Website While Keeping SEO In Mind

We have potential clients call frequently with the intent of retooling their web site. The redesign is brought on typically by a multitude of reasons: “The design is old.”; “We have a new brand.” ; “We want to get found by more prospects.” Businesses and organizations that come with a goal of creating a successful […]


The Importance of Listening…Online

When it comes to communication, listening often gets pushed aside. Sometimes we’re too busy planning our next statement versus listening to what others really need. Some of the greatest tools (and a great way to start a social campaign) is to listen to the conversations around you. From a business angle, getting feedback from customers […]