by W. Dyer Vest
Northwest Phoenix – Marketing & Business Development, Inc.

Over the last 12 months, clients and other business professionals have asked me repeatedly about why they have received phone calls from Google regarding their Search Engine Placement. So, what is this and why are they calling you?

The short answer is Google DOES NOT directly solicit search engine placement. Google’s entire philosophy as a “free” search engine is based on unbiased and relevant search engine results. The phone call “from Google” is actually from a third party company inviting you to participate in their Google AdWords campaign.

Anyone claiming to be “from Google” is not being honest and should be reported to Google’s fraud division. Unfortunately, there are a fair amount of companies that make this claim. Out of professional respect, I will not list them here.

What is AdWords?

AdWords – Wikipedia
Google AdWords

Adwords is a direct placement marketing tool allowing any business to “bid” for Sponsored Link placement under specific criteria; Bid Price, Daily Budget, Keyword(s) and Geographic among other options. This is often called Pay-Per-Click or Search Engine Placement (SEP). This differs from Search Engine Optimization (SEO) as you are not relying on Google’s search engine spiders to index your website. Rather, you directly inform Google what keywords you wish to be listed and how much you are willing to pay for each click through.

The ranking within the Sponsored Links are determined by bid price and your Google relevancy score.

Benefits of Search Engine Placement Include:

• Guaranteed Placement Control
• Immediate Placement (SEO can take 6-8 months)
• Budget Control (often a flat fee through a third party )
• No long-term commitments or contracts
• On Demand reporting
• Geographic/Demographic Targeting
• Custom AdText Variations

This is an effective and affordable method to test potential marketing and research demand while generating immediate website traffic.

Is this a profitable marketing strategy?

This is another very popular question and the answer is, maybe. The effectiveness of an AdWords campaign is derived from many factors such as what keywords you select, the ad copy, your product, and the time of year. It is not difficult to setup an AdWords campaign but if you are not diligent in monitoring the account’s performance or use keywords that are too broad, you will find you are spending more than if you had hired a third party provider.

Because marketing experience can be critical to success and the AdWords program can be overwhelming, most business owners find hiring a third party professional will save them a lot of money, increase the effectiveness of the ad, and relieve the stress of constant monitoring.

AdWords should not be used as a stand alone marketing tool. This strategy works hand in hand with standard SEO strategies and should be coordinated with all other marketing ventures.

Questions to ask a potential third party provider:

When considering a third party provider, you should consider the following criteria:

1. Has the firm represented themselves honestly?
   There are many companies that offer Search Engine Placement but only a handful do so in an ethical manner. If you received a phone call from a salesman claiming the are “calling from Google,” it is recommended you should instantly hang-up the phone.
2. Does the company provide “Content Network” solutions?
   Google has an additional option to not only list you on the first page of the search engine, but also on other highly visited sites that incorporate Google’s AdCents program. These sites include newspapers, e-magazines, blogs, etc. This can be a very effective and very inexpensive avenue to reach demographics that are not actively searching for you. Most third party companies do not offer this service because it requires additional monitoring. We feel this is a very valuable component that is not always appropriate, but it should not be ignored.
3. Does the company provide systematic reporting?
   We believe the best feature AdWords provides is the ability to track performance at any given moment. A good company will provide constant contact and reporting.The most common frustration I hear about third party providers is the lack of follow through once the sale has been completed. Most companies are structured as a call center with reps dialing for dollars. At the conclusion of the sale, the account is moved to a customer service department who’s primary purpose is account retention and not account effectiveness. Rarely do you hear from the original salesman again unless you are aggressive about reaching them on your own schedule.
4. Perform Due Diligence
   Before you provide any credit card information, perform your due diligence by Googling the company’s name. The salesman that calls you has most likely been well trained to close the sale in one call. They will tell you they only have one position available. While that may be true within their company, another company will be able to place you with your preferred keywords. Do not allow them to rush or intimidate you. By Googling the company, you will find a vast amount of information, good and bad, about their commitment to their clients. Do not be afraid to ask for keyword bid price(s), expected monthly traffic and for references. This will help you avoid price gouging.

Does Northwest Phoenix provide search engine placement services?

Yes, if we feel this strategy is appropriate for your current marketing plan.

Northwest Phoenix – Marketing & Business Development, Inc. is a full service marketing and web development firm.  We excel in coordinating your multiple marketing efforts to ensure the highest level of effectiveness.

For more information, feel free to call Northwest Phoenix – Marketing & Business Development, Inc. or listen to Search Engine Placement interview hosted by Indie Biz Chicks.

Search Engine Placement Interview

October 2, 2008

Crissy Gipson of Indie Biz Chicks interviews W. Dyer Vest

“This club has gained in popularity very quickly,” says owner Dan Saltmarsh. “I really had little choice to meet the demand for a clean and inviting gaming, so we added tournaments.”

In addition to new daytime tournaments, The Player’s Palace will be hosting the upcoming 95.5 The Game Poker Tour. With a $200.00 buy-in and limited to only 100 players, first place wins up to $6,000.00. Second place wins up to $4,000.00 and third place wins up to $2,000.00. Cash prizes are paid to at least 16 spots and special prizes will also be awarded for bad beats, the first player to bust, and celebrity bounties and high hand!

The Player’s Palace is a social gaming club featuring daily Texas Hold’em tournaments 7 days a week. Located on Foster Rd in SE Portland, the Player’s Palace also offers pool, darts, ping-pong, beer, wine and other refreshments. Visit www.ThePlayersPalace.com for a full tournament schedule.

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By Nicole DeCosta

In these weaker economic times it’s important for businesses to stand out more than ever.

“This is when businesses that utilize smart marketing efforts make the most money,” says W. Dyer Vest, business development director with his marketing firm Northwest Phoenix.

Now is not the time to eliminate advertising efforts, but rather advertise smartly and stay in
the spotlight with a strategic marketing plan, new logo or Web site, or updated videos, graphics and photos. Don’t fade into the background alongside other businesses.

An all-star cast of marketing and creative professionals in downtown Lake Oswego is helping businesses achieve their dreams, and keep their clients by thinking outside the box.

“There are so many people out there trying to be the jack-of-all-trades. And you know the jack-of-all trades is the master of none,” said Vest. “We combined the specialized talents of others to achieve our client’s marketing, branding and revenue goals.”

That’s why a handful of professionals — with skills in photography, strategic marketing, video production, Web site and logo design — came together to create an office where they operate independently, but collaborate daily using their specific skill sets.

“If you came to this office and all you needed was a logo or brochure designed, that’s what Troy does. If you need photographs, talk to Bryan,” Vest said of his office mates. “We support each other.”

And they all understand the advantages of having a good Web site.

“The Web site is more important than what’s in this office,” said Dave Bigler, “because in order to get someone in this office we have to have a good Web site.”

The same is true with many businesses, they agreed. Many of their clients have greatly benefited from an updated site.

“It’s the initial impression that counts,” said Bryan Hoybook, a photographer.

Vest said he enjoys sitting down with new clients and establishing a plan to gain maximum exposure.

“I’ve had — time and time again — people complain about having a Web site done out-of-state by someone they never meet. They enjoy the peace of mind found in face-to-face interaction,” Vest said.

So does Bigler with his company Bigler Productions.

He said, “About half (of what I do) is video production for businesses — helping small businesses get video on their Web sites. And the other portion is making brides look fantastic on video,” he said of filming weddings.

Hoybook said that his variety of clients keeps his job exciting.

He said, “I don’t want to have too narrow of a focus. My job is very interesting. This week has gone from product, to architecture, and tonight is a theater shoot.”

Each business operates independently but collaborates depending on a clients’ needs. Let’s say a business needs a revamped Web site, logo, some new photos and help with press releases. Vest said he can serve as point of contact for the client, and pay his associates to lend their skills for the project.

“This provides my clients,” Vest said, “with a better and more efficient result by more qualified professionals and often at a rate less than what they could achieve on their own.”

“This way they only have to talk to me instead of coordinating 17 other professionals,” he said.

“We are basically a multimedia and creative agency. As soon as I don’t have a need for marketing, Dyer doesn’t go hungry; he’s got his own clients. We’re not dependent on our own sales to keep us all busy,” said Troy Stange, a graphic designer with his company Portland Design Lab. “When I need help for placement on a search
engine, there comes Dyer.”

“I have clients from engineers to accountants to Australian fashion designers. At any given moment I have had up to 250 clients worldwide,” Vest said. “Some clients just need Google placement, while others may require a full scope of marketing outsource services. I hand-pick a team that meets the predefined goals and hold everyone accountable.”

“The average customer understands the value of what they’re getting,” Bigler said. “They all understand that money well spent will generate far more revenue than money just tossed at things.”

Brandon Showers is an HTML coder, Web site programmer and “one of our most talented secret weapons,” Vest said.

With strength in specified skill sets, the group agreed that they all complement each others’ business models.

“If there’s a need,” Vest said, “they’re going to have all their needs met in this office.”

The staff is professional and organized and completes each well-orchestrated project like a smoothly running machine. The team emits an energy that’s inspiring and each say they are proud of what they do.

“I love impacting someone else’s life,” Vest said. “I’m very lucky to be one of the few people in the world to say I love what I do.”

“I’d say that’s a commonality between all of us,” Hoybook said.

Bigler noted another similarity.

“These are people’s passions that we’re dealing with,” Bigler said. “They have a heart, an idea and stay up late at night thinking about their idea. We get to make that idea happen.”

“It’s exciting for me to finalize a well-executed project that will be in front of so many of people,” says Stange. “It positions me as a low-level celebrity with that client’s company. As a result, I’ve built a level of stability within these organizations and I find that my name gets passed around as a quality vendor they should use. It puffs up the ego a bit but I am very grateful for the referrals!”

Most recently, Stange was asked to develop a unique Facebook application. This project was a cross-promotion for MTV International, Swatch, and the new film James Bond Quantum of Solace. Swatch had unveiled a new line of watches designed after the villains of the Bond films. Stange developed an application for Facebook that quizzed users, “which villain are you?” Stange also designed a Facebook application for the European MTV Music Awards in which Facebook users voted on their favorite artists. In addition to this application, Stange handled all the branding for the show.

“I am very happy with how far Portland Design Lab has come. I don’t want to compete with the big boys. I enjoy having a small shop where I can control the creative and work one-on-one with the clients. I am looking forward to working with new clients and developing successful projects for them.”

Portland Design Lab is a website design and development company based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Owned by Troy Stange, this organization has worked with top companies including MTV, MSN, Phieffer Vineyards, and the Oregon Wine Industry. Services include website design, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, Facebook application development, and graphic design. For more information, please visit their website at pdxdesignlab.com.

Lake Oswego, Ore. – The economic situation isn’t the only thing stressing people out! Over 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies (according to a survey conducted by the A.A.A.A.I, American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology). Food allergies cause lethargy, depression, weight gain, rashes, gastrointestinal issues, and even death. When things get stressful, some people rely on food as coping mechanism. Many of us are not aware that our intake of “comfort food” is actually intensifying our feelings of depression, anger, and fatigue. Therapy, Lake Oswego’s new wellness center, can identify these food allergies while treating the negative symptoms.

“We take care of many patients, especially women who come in complaining of fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, and depression,” says Dr. Kevin Misenheimer, owner of Therapy. “When we test them, we often discover the hidden cause of most of their symptoms is food allergies.”

There are several ways to treat food allergies such as eliminating allergens, strengthening the body nutritionally, and modifying the immune response. It’s important to identify what specific foods are the causes of the symptoms. According to the A.A.A.A.I, eight foods account for 90% of all reactions. These include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. At Therapy, Dr. Misenheimer pin-points which foods are causing his patients the most distress by conducting a state-of-the-art exam.

Nutrition Response Testing (NRT) is an exam that uses muscle testing to analyze autonomic nervous system (ANS) disturbances. Problems with ANS function will ultimately cause disease and/or a breakdown of organs and tissues. Dr. Misenheimer has extensive experience in conducting these state-of-the-art exams. The majority of his patients experience a dramatic reduction in their food allergy symptoms within two months.

“I consider Nutrition Response Testing to be the pinnacle of natural healing,” says Dr. Misenheimer. It consistently delivers astonishing results on even the toughest chronic cases. We find hidden food allergies and heavy metal toxicity in more than 90% of the chronic patients we treat. Nutritional Response Testing is simply the best and most efficient way to clear the allergies and get the patient well.”

Therapy is a new state-of-the-art wellness center based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Dr. Kevin Misenheimer provides his clients with advanced healing services including nutrition healing, cold laser therapy, oxygen therapy, and chiropractic therapy. For more information, visit their website at therapy-lakeoswego.com or call (503) 305-6135.

Lake Oswego, Ore. – On October 20, 2008, an innovative new wellness center called Therapy opened its doors to the public. Specializing in nutritional healing, oxygen therapy, cold laser therapy, and chiropractic services, this new business provides clients with state-of-the-art healing techniques.

“This practice is really the culmination of a dream for me,” says Dr. Kevin Misenheimer, owner of Therapy. “There have been so many breakthroughs in the world of nutritional healing over the past few years and we can’t wait to share these new possibilities with our patients.”

Therapy is one of the few clinics in the United States to utilize an innovative, new machine called the ATM2. This provides a new healing concept for clients suffering from neck, back, and shoulder pain. Created in Australia, the ATM2 provides the same pain relief in one visit than that of over 30 visits to a traditional chiropractor.

“I consider the ATM2 to be a quantum leap over other spinal pain therapies that are available,” says Misenheimer. “It is even more effective when combined with the laser and nutrition response testing that we offer. What I like best about it is that it relieves pain very fast, sometimes in minutes, and the benefits are long lasting.”

Therapy also offers clients Nutrition Response Testing, a powerful new method of analyzing the body’s level of harmful toxins. Symptoms of Chronic Toxicity include weight gain, low energy, forgetfulness, depression, sleep difficulties, constipation, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and allergies. Oxygen therapy is also available in which clients relax in state-of-the-art massage chairs while inhaling pure oxygen. An increase of oxygen can lighten spirits and increase the speed in which the body heals. All of these services allow the client to feel dramatically better.

“I really look forward to the relationships we’ll have with our patients,” says Misenheimer. “I really believe we’ll be able to help people like never before.”

Therapy is a new state-of-the-art wellness center based in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Dr. Kevin Misenheimer provides his clients with advanced healing services including nutritional healing, cold laser therapy, oxygen therapy, and chiropractic therapy. For more information, visit their website at therapy-lakeoswego.com or call (503) 305-6135.

Crissy Gipson of IndieBizChicks interviews W. Dyer Vest of Northwest Phoenix about the dynamics of Search Engine Placement.

Search Engine Placement Interview

IndieBizChick - Crissy Gipson

Lake Oswego, Ore. – In a time of economic uncertainty and financial turbulence, a Lake Oswego based marketing agency has risen to the challenge. Northwest Phoenix specializes in a new form of advertising called search engine marketing (SEM). By working with popular search engines like Google and Yahoo, SEM is an effective, affordable, and fast way for companies to increase their sales and retain customers.

“In this economy, business owners need to be smart with their marketing budget,” says Dyer Vest, owner of Northwest Phoenix. “When people are interested in a particular product or service, they use the internet to find it. SEM is an effective way to drive these people to your website.”

In addition to SEM, Northwest Phoenix also offers promotional services including public relations, event planning, and media purchasing. Unlike other agencies, all of these services are delivered “a la carte,” which means clients only pay for what they need.

“Traditional marketing firms will present their clients with convoluted marketing plans that lump all their services together,” says Vest. “We always operate on a per-project basis without any contracts. Our clients will never receive any billable surprises which makes them extremely happy.”

Northwest Phoenix is a new marketing agency based in Lake Oswego, Ore. Owned by W. Dyer Vest, the company specializes in search engine marketing, public relations, event planning, and media purchasing. Visit their website at northwestphoenix.com.