Vancouver SEM New Ning Community

Vancouver SEMs have a new Ning community to ask and answer questions, exchange ideas, and network online: http://vancouversem.ning.com.

Following the success of the Vancouver SEM Meetup Group we would like to invite all of you SEMs, SEOs, PPCs (can you PPCs?) and those who have questions about the topic to join and participate.

The Ning site is being spear headed by Ani Lopez, a Spaniard SEO who recently made the move to Vancouver.

On that note, Ani made a fantastic work making connection and making as smooth of a transition as possible using social media. You can read about his experience on his blog.

Changing Username #TwitterFail – Waiting For Fix

Something's wrong with Twitter.

I made the move and switched names. But little did I know that Twitter users are having problems switching account settings, usernames in particular.

Now I can only sign in with my email, but when I do the username reverts to the old one. If I click “home” to post an update it takes me to the new account with the old username.

This also means I can’t use Tweetdeck (desktop), or UberTwitter (mobile) – big problem. On top of that, when I sign in it reverts my changes (see bellow).

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Do We Need SEO? …um, YES!

...yes, for the hundredth time, you still need SEO if you want to rank for competitive terms!

Have you noticed an increase on articles praising social media and asking, “do we really need SEO?” Well let me answer that for you, YES. Social media is mighty powerful, true, but it’s not a substitute for SEO, it’s part of it.

Here are some of the really, really basics some non-believers of SEO are missing.

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On Vacation, Privacy and Social Media

I tried to hide, but it didn't work.

Privacy is one of the most popular counter arguments to social media.  Your location and current activities are indeed very private pieces of information we might not always want to share.

But what about the times you want to conceal just part of it all? For example, here I am in Boston. On one side wanting to engage with everyone and on the other not wanting to reveal I am not in Vancouver. (Don’t get used to it though, I’m probably in Vancouver as you read this.). What to do, what to do…

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Vancouver Third Tuesday – John Chow

John Chow spoke today at Third Tuesday in Vancouver

I have to blog about this. I’m sitting on the Skytrain heading back home from Vancouver’s Third Tuesday. John Chow, a blogger who has managed to make a six-figure income from a blog about making money online and random ramblings from his “dot com lifestyle” , took the stage this time. And I’m inspired.

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This is a Tweetup (in Vancouver)

Tweetups really are about...

What is a “tweetup”?  Regardless of how I answer this question, tweetups are a terrifying concept to those of haven’t experienced one … a gathering of nerdy people talking about Twitter and iPhone apps – the horror!

Last Friday I went to a tweetup in Vancouver organized by @netchick and… it’s better if I just show you.

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Net Tuesday Vancouver – April 09

Kris Krug showing us cool SM tool to manage our rep.

This week was my second time at the Net Tuesday Meetup, a popular meetup for “social media and Web innovators.” Net Tuesday might be one of the best meetups to learn about social media in Vancouver, from the basics to the nerdy.

This month’s format was rather interesting. Four presenters, each at different corner of the room, and 25 minutes to present. Groups rotated after each time slot and the presenters would go at it again.

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On Calculating ROI for Social Media

Stats are good, results are better.

It’s true, social media is a tough sell for business – and understandably so. Execs want numbers, data, percentages… something other than opinions on how spending time and resources on Facebook or Twitter is worth the money – ROI.

To illustrate, allow me to share a brief conversation I had last week. (more…)

Vancouver Massive Tech Show – Photos and Thoughts

At the Small Business BC booth. We're driving...

This year was my first year at the Vancouver Massive Technology Show. There was a lot of social media going on – courses on Twitter for business, the effect of social media on sales and marketing, BalckBerry tips, social media and corporate responsibility, and more.

I keep hearing people say how different this show was this year in comparison to the last few. Whatever the case, I liked it.

What I liked the most? (more…)

Is it Possible to Pursue Separate Goals with Social Media?

Can't we hide anymore?

Here’s an interesting situation brought to me by my good friend, Jane Doe. She’s an academic pursuing a PhD in political philosophy by day and going after a dancing hobby by night.

Jane wants to start using social media for both;

(a) to follow other academics and help build his reputation as a political philosopher and

(b) to grow her network of salsa friends and build his reputation as a good dancer.

BUT, here’s the problem: (more…)