Keywords

Just took a class from Hubspot's Inbound Marketing University. (See Below). We were discussing keywords and how relevant they are to content. Keywords are extremely relevant but not in the way they used to be. A keyword is basically a search term. So when you type into a search engine a search, you are effectively typing in keywords.
Long-tail keywords are those that are longer in length and more descriptive like 'how to make a paper airplane' as opposed to 'paper airplane'. These keywords have more intent behind them and will actually help you with the more general keyword.

Content is still king and, as a result, you should base your content upon the keywords you want people to search your site for. When writing new content as in a blog post or even using social media to mention content you've written, then you should use the keywords.

Example tweet: This is a great new paper airplane design (insert link here).



Developing a Keyword Strategy (GF202)

Three Best Practices to Incorporate Into My Blogging

Currently,  I'm taking Hubspot's online certification for social media professionals via Inbound Marketing University. The first course, "How to Market Effectively for Business", had a lot of useful information about blogging in general. As part of my homework assignment, I am supposed to write three strategies I will use in my blogging from here on out.

1) I will always respond to comments in an personal yet professional manner. That means I will use your name and treat you like I would want to be treated. I think that's fair.

2) I will not inundate my readers with too much information. That means I will keep my blogs, crisp and clean usually utilizing the two-pane format with the posts and one sidebar.

3) I will post more regularly. Consistency has been an issue for me and that's a no no in the blogging world. You have to be consistent to get readers. My last post was over two months ago and that's just unacceptable.

For more info on the class, check out the video below:

How to Blog Effectively for Business (GF101)

Paul Ryan, Potential VP

When Mitt Romney, the presumptive Republican nominee picked Wisconsin congressman, Paul Ryan, as his running mate, I was scared...for about a minute. I was frightened, just as when John McCain chose then-Alaskan governor Sarah Palin as his VP. I knew Romney was pandering to the conservative base of the party and saying to the independents that he frankly didn't need us.

That's fine. I didn't need him either. I actually thought what if Romney and Ryan win. Would I move to Canada where there's socialist healthcare and a thriving economy? Truthfully, no. I doubt that Ryan will help Romney. In fact, he will hurt Romney with some key demographics ... especially women.

Yes, women. Paul Ryan has voted repeatedly against women's issues. His voting record if here if you don't believe me:

http://votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/26344/paul-ryan/68/womens-issues

Ryan doesn't believe, according to his votes, that women deserve the right to choose. To be pro-life is not to be pro-abortion and anyone who thinks that has real issues. I mean psychological ones that require help and possibly medication. I don't know anyone who is pro-abortion. They are pro, as this article from The National Catholic Reporter states, "criminalizing abortion because they believe criminal statutes are ineffective ways to solve social evils."

Ryan has also voted to limit access to birth control taking choice effectively away from a woman. If he had his way, Roe v. Wade would be overturned and we'd move backwards as a nation.

I don't think this nation wants to move backwards. I don't believe that we, the United States of America, want to oppress women and keep them from lifesaving procedures. I don't believe that people who have any sense will vote for a Romney-Ryan ticket. 

I still have faith in America and that's why I'm not so scared of Paul Ryan anymore. Once you learn more about him, you'll see why he is not fit to be VP.

Constant Fatigue

Lately, I've been so tired all the time that it's an effort to do anything even think. I may actually be thinking too much. I tend to over-analyze life - situations and conversations and all of that. I also tend to personalize things that aren't personal for example my relationship with my teenager. He is a great kid. I love him very much and he gives me little to no trouble.

He wanted to go live with his father. I felt very hurt by that. I still do. I understand he loves his father and this is nothing against his father. I want them to know each other, but I believe my son belongs with me until he graduates high school. He's in a specialized fine arts program and is doing quite well in school. He is in the band and has a rock band that books shows pretty regularly. He's also in a variety of activities that will look good on a college transcript.

I don't want him to start over as a high school sophomore. I told my son this and he agreed, but I tend to feel he stayed to appease me and not because he wants to live with me. I don't think I'm good enough for my son (or daughter either).

I feel inadequate as a person and as a mother.

If that doesn't make anyone tired, I don't know what will. :(

Sometimes, people get stuck in situations that they can't see a way out of. I don't believe in being stuck. I believe you stick yourself. I don't play victim. Certain people who are very close to me do, and it makes me very angry. They act like everything is "God's Will" or up to "fate" when the reality is that you have an active part to play in your life and you have to enact change.

Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is the definition of insanity for a reason. We've all done it in moments of weakness. We all may still do it again. It's what we do when the weak moments have passed that separates us.

I wish these people would see that they have power in their lives, that they can make a change and that change can be and often is good. Yes, change will be hard - it usually is because it forces us to grow - but it is a healing process too.

Fatalism has no place in this world, especially if you want to live a happy life...which I do.

I can't cut these people out of my life. They are too close to me, but what I have resigned myself to do is to not try and fix the situation. I've been doing that for them my entire life. I have offered help and they categorically reject it. It feels personal almost, but I know, deep down, it's their problem, not mine. I am just going to have to watch some people I love go down in flames and that's hard for me.

Really hard.

Halloween is Over

I, for one, am sad that Halloween is over. I look forward to the holiday the entire month of October. I prepare by reading scary stories, decorating my house like crazy and watching horror movies (which I didn't really do this year). I love the dark, the mysterious, the macabre.

My children don't share my fascination for this 'weird' stuff, but at least my little one likes Halloween. My oldest is more hands off to the whole thing. It vexes me.

I feel like I can really indulge in my dark side for the month of October and give it free rein. Now, on November 1st, I feel empty and am awaiting the Christmas rush of carols and feel-good specials to get me out of this funk.

It's the same thing every year.

Pumped Up Kicks

I admit I got hooked on this song before knowing what it was about. My 9 year old and I would sing along without every really listening to the lyrics. My 14 year old finally told me to stop and listen. When I did, I told him I honestly didn't know what the lyrics were. It's not the most clearly sung song. So, he told me the chorus: 


All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you'd better run, better run, outrun my gun.All the other kids with the pumped up kicks, you'd better run, better run, faster than my bullett.
Boy this was not a song I should not be glorifying. Rather, I should have kept my daughter and myself from getting caught up in a catchy tune. I'm not the type that really limits what my kids watch or listen to. Far from it. I let them see South Park and Tosh.0 and Family Guy. We just talk about the stuff. I'm not afraid of comfortable conversations, but I was uncomfortable here. 


I mean I'd been singing along to a song that has the sentiment of killing kids as its message. I'm not the only one. This song has gotten massive airplay and continues to do so. 


Where are we as a society when songs about intergalactic sex and school shootings abound on our pop charts? 


Yes, I'm getting older. I'm also realizing I need to listen more to what my children are listening to and be prepared to answer questions when they have them.