Aug 08 2011

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How to Avoid the “SPAM” Label

If you’re in marketing, there’s something that I think you should know:  the next generation doesn’t like you very much. They’re sick of your TV ads, billboards, and full page newspaper ads. They can’t stand your pop-ups and pop-under ads, CPM, CPA, and CPC ads. They’re sick of ads showing up in bathrooms, on their phones, and especially the internet. Oh, and one more thing – they won’t be asked to ignore them. In fact, many people will go out of their way to avoid advertising.

I believe that part of being a good SEO means sometimes hiding that you’re (in fact) doing SEO. This is especially crucial when marketing in the world of social media. Once users get a whiff that what you’re doing serves a marketing purpose, it doesn’t matter what the quality of the content is, they’ll consider it spam.

So, how can you avoid being called a spammer? The first and most important step is to make sure your marketing doesn’t smell of marketing. You must learn what people are wary of. The following are the most common types of spam you’ll find being called out in social media:

SEO/Link Spam

Anyone who’s been doing SEO for a while has seen their share of spammy links. When you spot them, they’re fairly obvious. A good SEO provides links that are (or at least) look organic.

Even before social media links had been part of the major search engine’s algorithms, they were there, usually from SEO wannabes that didn’t know any better. So, let me warn you: if you’re involved in social media solely for the SEO value of the links from your favorite social media sites – you’re doing it wrong.

Unfortunately, too many people have already abused this area, so much so that now increasingly savvy community members are over-sensitive to it. I’ve seen legitimate content called SEO spam simply because the user couldn’t find another marketing purpose to call it.

How to avoid this label: provide GREAT (not just good) content. In general, the better your content = the less likely it will be considered spam.

Comment Spam

This type of spam needs no description. Comment spam is a major annoyance and usually a sub-category of SEO Link spam. Blogs, Forums, Facebook pages, social media bookmarking sites, and the like all have to deal with this kind of spam.

99 times out of 100 the comment is placed by a bot that drops a link back to the offender’s web site. Occasionally, you might find an actual person making a comment to solely drop a link.

How to avoid this label: 1) don’t comment unless you have something to add to the conversation 2) only use links if it’s relevant to the conversation.

Blog Spam and Linkjacking

These are newer terms for me, and there seems to be little difference between the two. Blog spam is essentially when an unknown blog takes high quality content, like a viral video or images, from elsewhere and hosts it on their blog to attract traffic and attention with content they didn’t create. LinkJacking is a term that means essentially the same thing, only this time, it’s well known/high traffic blogs doing it in order to get traffic specifically from social media sites such as Digg or Reddit.

Another difference between the two is that blog spam takes multiple pieces of content from various sources to hide the fact that it’s spam. Linkjacking usually takes content from a single source and simply adds a unique description so as not to be “duplicate” content.

Blog spam serves little purpose but to rob the original content producers of their due credit. Linkjacking is less unacceptable when credit is given especially if the original source gets traffic that they might otherwise not have gotten. If I had to choose whether I’d rather have my article on the front page of Digg with 40,000 uniques in a day or have a link from gizmodo.com that sends 10,000 uniques (because it was on the front page of Digg) the SEO in me might choose the latter link. But if my original post failed to hit, then the Gizmodo post did, I’d be happy that Gizmodo did that for me.

How to avoid this label:  Original content. Also having a professional looking custom blog design/theme doesn’t hurt.

Viral Marketing

Viral marketing is like hitting a “home run” in social media marketing. Having a piece of content go viral gives a number of obvious marketing benefits, especially everyone’s favorite marketing buzz word: branding. That’s why many big brands try to go this route. The problem? It’s becoming harder and harder to achieve. Why? Because it’s been done…a LOT. Not only are users becoming more cautious of this type of marketing, but the content’s becoming redundant.

How to avoid this label: Your content must be or look completely genuine, stir up real emotions, and strive for originality. It’s easier said than done, but not impossible.

Self Promoter

There’s nothing wrong with the occasional self promotion. The problem is when it’s only self promotion with little else to offer, it becomes obviously self-serving and a turn off. When sharing links from your site or blog exclusively and from nowhere else, people consider this spam. Even if it’s super fantastic, neat-o content, you’re spamming people. Even if your blog has no advertising, marketing or business model: you’re still a spammer.

How to avoid this label: Sharing more than your own content not only makes yours better received, but others will be more willing to share it because they trust what comes from you. If you share nothing but your own content, it’s the easiest way to end up in a place like this.

Anything That Makes Money is Spam

This is how most social media users feel. If you get paid to submit links to Digg or Reddit, you’re a spammer, even if the site(s) you’ve submitted make no money from it. If a site has too many ads, too large a call-to-action, or even too prominent a brand message, it might be considered spam. Even well known publications have been known to fall victim to this label. The fact is, if someone has something to gain by content being spread then it probably smells of marketing. And if it smells of marketing, than it probably is marketing.

How to avoid this label: Limit call-to-action and/or advertising. If necessary, hide your main business objective and focus on (first) making sure your content is being spread.  You may even want to consider a second “social promo” design/template for such purposes.  Also, it bears repeating: Great content.

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Anything That Makes Money is Spam

 

Written By:

Todd Heim | Essential Internet Marketing | @ToddHeim

Todd Heim is CEO, co-founder, and SEO manager of Essential Internet Marketing, LLC, an SEM and Social Media Marketing company based in Albany, NY.

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By Dave Fry

NEW YORK (ETF Digest) — Our goal in this profile is to help investors wade through the many competing ETF offerings available. Using our long experience as an ETF publication, and nearly 40 years in the investment business, we can help select those ETFs that matter and may or may not be repetitive. The result is a more manageable list of issues from which to view and make selections.

There is currently an expanding list of nearly 20 ETFs oriented to primarily REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) with more on the way. The following analysis features a fair representation of ETFs available. We believe from these investors may choose an appropriate ETF to satisfy the best index-based offerings individuals and financial advisors may utilize.

We’re not ranking these ETFs favoring one over another so don’t let the listing order mislead you. Although we may use some of these in ETF Digest portfolios it’s not our intention to recommend one over another.

ETFs are based on indexes tied to well-known index providers including Russell, S&P, Barclays, MSCI, Dow Jones and so forth. Also included are some so-called “enhanced” indexes that attempt to achieve better performance through more active management of the index.

Where competitive issues exist and/or repetitive issues available at a fee cost saving we mention those as other choices. New issues are coming to market consistently (especially globally) and sometimes these issues will need to become more seasoned before they may be included at least in our listings.

For traders and investors wishing to hedge, leveraged and inverse issues are available to utilize from ProShares and Direxion and where available these are noted.

Vanguard REIT ETF(VNQ) follows the MSCI US REIT Index which covers about 2/3 of all REITs in the U.S. market. The fund was launched in September 2004. The expense ratio is .12%. AUM (Assets under Management) are approaching $10 billion with average daily trading volume 1.8M shares. As of mid-July 2011 the annual dividend was $1.65 making the current yield roughly 2.68% with YTD return of 10.90%.

Data as of July 2011

VNQ Top 10 Holdings and Weightings

1. Simon Property Group (SPG): 9.12%

2. Public Storage (PSA): 4.66%

3. Equity Residential (EQR): 4.66%

4. HCP (HCP): 4.42%

5. Vornado Realty Trust Shs of Benef Int (VNO): 4.18%

6. Boston Properties (BXP): 3.86%

7. Host Hotels & Resorts (HST): 3.41%

8. AvalonBay Communities (AVB): 2.97%

9. ProLogis Trust (PLD): 2.64%

10. Health Care REIT (HCN): 2.62%

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By Salvatore Friscia, San Diego Premier Property Management

In order to make sure you get your security deposit back when you move out, you have to take steps before you move in.

In today’s rental market, most security deposits are equal to the amount of the first month’s rent and depending on where you live, that can amount to a nice chunk of change. To make sure that the majority — if not all — of that security deposit is returned to you upon move out is strongly dependent upon the request and use of a “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist. Many landlords fail to provide such a checklist and that’s when the responsibility falls in the hands of the renter to guard against unnecessary security deposit deductions.

To accomplish this, each tenant should be provided, or should provide themselves a written “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist. The “Move-In/Move-Out” checklist allows both parties to identify in writing the initial “Move-In” condition and the final “Move-out” condition of the apartment or property. These checklists will eliminate any misunderstandings regarding which party will pay for non-normal wear and tear repairs throughout the tenancy and upon move out.

Prior to receiving the keys from the landlord, the tenant should completely inspect the property and document the existing condition on the “Move-In” side of the checklist. It is necessary to document the condition of the appliances, windows, screens, blinds, doors, walls, lighting, flooring, a/c, heating, toilets, faucets, ceiling fans, and any other necessary interior and exterior areas. During the initial walk-through with the landlord, it is important to review the findings and have them sign and date the document. Even if you initiated this process, be sure that you provide your landlord with a copy of the agreement.

Document Everything With Photos

The use of a digital camera is also recommended upon both “Move-in” and “Move-out” to capture images or video of the property if the condition is challenged at a later time. The “Move-In” checklist also helps to avoid the common “It worked or was that way when you moved in” argument. Furthermore, if an area or appliance shows signs of damage or heavy wear and it is necessary to request a repair, the repair can be justified by referencing the initial condition.

The use of the “Move-out” side of the checklist comes into play after notice has been given to vacate. The landlord should advise the tenant in writing that they are entitled to a voluntary pre-move out inspection approximately 2 weeks prior to the move-out date, but if they fail to do so, the tenant may also request the pre-move out inspection in writing. This is a voluntary inspection and participation is not necessary but it would be in the best interest of the tenant to allow both parties to openly inspect the property and compare the condition to the already completed “move-in” checklist on file. The pre move-out inspection is an opportunity for the landlord to revisit the property and advise the tenant, based on the current condition, of possible withholdings, if any, from the security deposit. The pre move-out inspection will also allow the tenant an opportunity to be aware of and make the necessary repairs or cleanings to avoid such security deposit deductions.

If the necessary repairs and/or cleanings are not performed prior to move out, they can and most likely will be documented on the “move-out” checklist as a deductible item and withheld against the tenant’s security deposit funds. Comparing the “move-out” checklist against the “move-in” checklist will help evaluate the necessary deductions. It is important to know that any repairs held against the security deposit should be itemized along with a receipt for services and copies should be given to the tenant along with the remaining funds within 21 days of vacating (check your local laws).

These lists are for the protection of both parties and should be taken seriously. Having the proper written documentation regarding the “Move-in/Move-out” condition of the rental will help offset unnecessary security deposit deductions and can offer peace of mind knowing that if the rental is maintained the majority if not all of the security deposit will be returned. It is a win-win for both parties and is strongly suggested to avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses.

Salvatore Friscia is a seasoned real estate investor and a residential property management specialist, focusing on single-family homes, condos, and small apartment complexes. He is the founder of San Diego Premier Property Management as well as The Friscia Group One, an investment group focused on distressed properties. He is a regular contributor to Buildium’s All Things Property Management blog.

As the temperatures continue to inch upward, my dogs spend most of their time wandering from the deep shade beside the training studio to the enticing cool of the frog pond.

Balder, still young enough to muster some dramatic bursts of energy, expends most of it during our early morning romps. The rest of the day is spent sprawled next to Whoopsie, patiently waiting for the relief of sunset.

I don’t envy dogs during the summer. Trapped in fur coats without the ability to produce a cooling sheen of salty sweat, dogs pant to regulate body temperature. And while I’m not a huge fan of sweating, it certainly beats panting.

Checking the weather for the next few days, it looks like another weekend of sweating, panting and frog pond dipping…temps in the 90s and plenty of scorching sun. Here are a few tips to keep your fur-clad kids safe and comfortable during a summer heatwave.

 

Water Water Water         

Dogs have a rough time keeping their body temperature in check. To help your dog stay comfortable, have water bowls available at all times and if possible fill a small kiddie pool for your dog or puppy to wade in. Hard plastic pools are best; your dog’s nails may pop an inflatable. Look for one with a drainage hole and refill the pool each day— it will double as a giant water dish, so keep it clean!

Air Conditioning     

Humans are not the only ones who love air conditioning. For those blessed with central air, you may notice little change in your dog’s energy level or mood…until you take him outside. The heat will hit your dog like a ton of bricks and he’ll hurry through his routines in order to get back to his air conditioned den.

Not very wolf-like, but there you have it. The only downside to this uniquely modern doggy lifestyle is energy management. Indoors, it feels great and your dog wants to go, go, go. Outside, it’s stifling and he wants in, in, in.

Confined, restricted and a little bit bored, your dog may start to misbehave by barking or chewing. Older dogs may revisit puppyhood issues, becoming overstimulated when people come and go. Plan a few adventures to get you and your pampered pooch out of the house. Be sure to pick a place with plenty of shade and maybe a water feature. Take walks in the early morning or evening, after the pavement has cooled. Lay your hand on the surface to check the temperature.

Two keys please   

All dogs love a car ride, mine included. I love taking them with me. They always jump in the front seat while I’m gone and they always take up the same seats: Balder drives, Whoopsie rides shotgun. For the past few weeks, however, I’ve had to sneak out of the house, carefully cupping the car keys to avoid the telltale jingle that screams “CAR RIDE!!!!”

Cars heat up shockingly fast. On an 85 degree day, your car can reach 125 degrees within 30 minutes. If you must bring your dog, carry an extra set of keys so that you can leave the air conditioning running while you’re gone. But be aware that this is not an entirely safe solution; dogs have been known to press the AC button while they roam around the interior. With the windows shut tight, the consequences can be disastrous. Leave your dog home whenever possible.

For more summer tips, including tips on pool safety, you can download my newsletter online.  Have fun and stay cool—no matter how many paws you walk on!