Category: MANAGED IT Support services Dublin

What if you could publish less often on your blog and get more targeted traffic from Google? This post, by Leslie at Cube, will show you how to do exactly that.

But first how many times have you heard “publish great content and the visitors and ranking will follow”? Google loves new content, so publishing often will increase your rankings and visitors. This strategy has been aptly named the publish and pray approach.

What I am going to show you here is a two step approach to gaining more traffic. In fact you don’t even have to complete both steps; by following the first step only, you will gain more traffic from Google, though both together are a killer.

Write Longer In-depth Blog Posts

I have been blogging since 2006. The word count in a lot of my early posts was low, mostly between 300 and 500 words. Over the years these posts started to have less visitors.

Two years ago I decided to revamp my main website and created a plan that recycled posts year after year, with an occasional new post – usually written by a contributor.

This is exactly what I did – the first step.

I created a spread sheet listing all the web site pages, (I used screaming frog to scan my website). I looked at every post to decide if it was still useful today and would still be useful in the future. If it wasn’t useful the post was deleted, after checking analytics below, and the page redirected to another appropriate page.

On this website I wanted to end up with about 50 useful high quality informative evergreen posts that could be updated every year. I decided on 50 as that website has a large mail list that now expects a newsletter every Monday. If you send out a newsletter one a month, perhaps only 12 greats posts are enough.

I checked my Google analytics analysing the traffic to these posts, firstly to make sure I was not deleting a post that was sending good traffic, and secondly to decide where to start re-writing.

I chose the blog post that was getting the most traffic as my starting place. As I said earlier most of these posts were thin in word count. I wanted to increase the word count dramatically, but only with highly relevant and useful information. Most of the blog posts are now at least 800 words – the highest is 3,400 words.

The blog post in this image was ranking already in the first page of Google. After re-writing it now ranks at the number position in its main markets of the US and UK.

Taking the time to re-write that post has increased the traffic from a few hundred a month to more than 2,500 visitors, and this is only Google traffic – this website gets half its traffic from Google and the other half from social media and referrals from other websites.

The post now is more likely to be linked to from other websites and shared on social thereby creating a virtuous circle. So far that post has been shared more than 1,000 times on Facebook.

Before writing the post again check the keywords it ranks for on Google Search Consol. It is likely that before re-writing there will not be a list of keywords attached to the page.

After a post has had the above writing treatment it is like you will see the small arrow at the left side of the post. Clicking on this arrow lists the many keywords that the post is now ranking for. If any of these keywords are more important than the others, make sure they are well represented in the text. The figures on the right show the total impression for this post. This illustrates that this post is acquiring a 25% click through rate, a high figure, but still one that can be improved.

At this point you can stop. However the second step is perhaps the most important for over all rankings.

Content Promotion

All websites need links to rank well, especially in competitive areas. Ranking one post on your website and having others link to it will increase the ranking of your whole site.

It is likely that your presence on social has increased since you started writing, well hopefully. Promoting the new updated content to your social platforms is the first step in content promotion, (please remember to answer all comments on the post and on social). Many industries have their own social platforms – for example inbound is great for anything of a web or marketing nature.

If your blog blogs are of great quality and you are not getting any comments, you need to start the process off. Encourage comments at the end of your post by asking a question – what do you think – works well.

Guest Posting

I am a fan of guest posting when it is done right, done wrong and you might be kicked out of Google. Just going out and buying some links from a link broker can work in the short term – it has however huge downside risks where you site can be penalised by Google.

Almost everyone I know has a website. I run my own company; most of the people I know run their own company, or are self-employed. I have several hundred, yes fairly low, followers on Twitter, some on Facebook, and hundreds on LinkedIn.

Although I run a digital marketing company I can write for many blogs that are in different industries. Usually these when they are outside of my expertise are my experience in those areas.

The biggest challenge I face on a day to day basic is managing my time. Due to time being so precious I write few guest posts, but still like to write 3 or 4 per month. You can find writer on Textbroker or iWriter – however these will need to be heavily edited. A good writer will charge anywhere between 50 and 100 euro per post.

Content Promotion Done Right

Build your email list

Email your list with every new post

Share on social sites more than once, twitter twice on the day of publish with two hours between 9am and 5pm, then again the next day, the next week, and the next month. Facebook share on day of publish and next month. Google+ day of publish, next week, and again next month.

In all posts I write I link out to other sources. I email all these sources and let them know that I cited their work, (also mention them on Twiiter with @), I ask if they would give their opinion on my post. I NEVER ask them to link to it or promote it on their social accounts – the people I cite will all have a more prominent web presence than I have – I am looking for favours.

Share you content on aggregator sites. Site like this are always looking for content that will spark discussion, so if you have written a great fact filled post there are great chances of it being shared.

General business aggregators include:

• Reddit – search for your area here

• Bizsugar

• Boxnutt

There are also paid aggregators sites if you want to go down that route. The downside of aggregator site is time, if you just join and post your own content you will get banned, ignored, or marked for spam. Therefore you do need to be somewhat active, not a huge amount but some.

Post to Groups

• LinkedIn

• Facebook Groups

• Google+ communities

Again just dropping in once a month or week to drop the link to your blog post will get you no-where.

Post to Forums

If you just join a forum and drop a link you will get banned for spam. I post your content on a forum you need to have a history and provide a fairly good synopsis. Again be prepared to reply to all comments.

I understand this appears to be a lot, though this is not simply writing and promotion of a blog post – this is promotion of your business.

Leslie run Cube Online Marketing where he offers Adwords management and SEO services.

Did you find this useful, have I missed something? Let me know in the comments below.

The TOUGHSwitch™ is a 5-port/8 Port gigabit, less expensive switch with 24V PoE support. It is a passive PoE device that provides 10/100/1000 mbps fast connection to Ubiquity devices and other devices in your network. The TOUGHSwitch provides an easily configurable user interface. It is easy to setup and is very user-friendly. The device has 5-gigabit ports to power Ubiquiti devices running on 24V. The device offers reliable performance for longer periods of time.
The TOUGHSwitch is a managed switch that delivers PoE (Power over Ethernet) on 10/100/1000 ports. The device features port monitoring, connection and management services, spanning tree protocol, alerts setup, ping watchdog and virtual local area network configuration. The product comes with a detailed user guide offering installation instructions, use of configuration interface, and how to manage the TOUGHSwitch with a browser-based interface.
Installation
The TOUGHSwitch is easy to install. You can install it on a wall or on a desk. For outdoor installations, a category 5 grounded, shielded cables must be used. The package comes with tools to install the device on a wall. You can optionally ground the wall-mounded device if needed. Connect the PoE device to the power source, and then connect the Ethernet cable into the TOUGHSwitch management port.
Configuration
The TOUGHSwitch uses an intuitive user interface to access its configuration console. The configuration interface provides a browser-based interface to configure and manage the device. Start by connecting your computer to the management port on the TOUGHSwitch device. Configure the Ethernet adapter with a static IP address. Launch the web browser pointing to the URL 192.168.1.20. You can login using ubnt as the user name and password, and start the configuration of your device using the browser interface.
TOUGHSwitch Configuration Functions
The configuration interface provides 5 tabs to configure various functions.
• Status: This tab provides status and statistics details on each port available.
• Device: This tab is used to configure services and system settings for the device.
• Ports: This interface is used to configure settings and services on each port.
• VLANs: This interface configures virtual LANs for each port on the device.
• Alerts: This tab is used to display alerts if alerts logging is enabled on the device.
Pros and Cons
Pros: The TOUGHSwitch PoE is available at a cheaper price point. It is easy to program, comes with a great user interface, offers VLAN functions and provides port security.
Cons: The device is limited to 5 ports and is not 802.3af compliant for 48V devices.

Google Calendar makes it easy for businesses to stay connected anytime and anywhere. Getting started simply means creating a Gmail account, a process that takes less than five minutes to complete. Once set up, users can access the calendar, schedule meetings, and share with anyone they choose.
As an affordable service, it is hard to pass up what Google is selling. The features that Google Calendar offers are more than comparable to Microsoft Outlook (a similar calendaring program), and not only does it promise the essentials of what a business will need, but it also goes above and beyond the essentials.
Google Calendar is easy to navigate because the layout is extremely straightforward and the display can be customized to individual liking. There is one primary calendar, but for organizational purposes, individual calendars can be created for personal, business, or vacation use. Calendars can be shared by simply inviting others through email. Sharing calendars is an invaluable tool in business as schedules are always changing. Calendar sharing allows everyone to be on the same page. Permission levels can be set to control the amount of power granted to others that can access calendars. Granting full permission on a calendar allows someone to see and edit the contents of a calendar, which is perfect for a secretary or administrative assistant who takes care of scheduling.
In todays day and age, the smartphone has become a huge development in technology. Because the world of business is hectic, many people work on the go with their smartphone. Google Calendar is not only for use on the computer, but it is compatible with many different devices across the board. Smartphones can be synced with Google Calendar to perform all the functions that can be executed on a computer; it can even send SMS text reminders to a phone or email. This option is especially essential for scheduling meetings or events when without a computer.
Google Calendar also offers some advanced features that aren’t found in many other programs. When trying to find a time that multiple people are available for a meeting, Google Calendar has a “suggested times” link that shows convenient times for everyone in the group. For a glance ahead of time, Google Calendar has an option to send out a daily agenda by email.
Google Calendar’s service has been hailed a great, cost-effective alternative for a small business to stay connected and organized. Not only does it serve the purpose, but it goes above and beyond with advanced features.

Eircom PPOEPassword:
Default IP url: http://192.168.1.254
Password: broadband1
Basic Modem Config:
Username: eircom@eircom.net
Password: broadband1
Encapsulation: PPPoE
Multiplexing: LLC Based
VPI: 8
VCI: 35
 
Vodafone PPOE Password:

User Name: vodafone@vodafone.ie
(a.k.a. Network ID, PPP Username, Login or Login Username)
Password: broadband
Encapsulation: PPPoE (PPP over Ethernet)
Multiplexing: LLC-based
VPI: 8
VCI: 35
MTU: use default router setting, otherwise use 1492
DNS: set to automatically assigned
If there is a need to be specified use the following
Preferred DNS: 89.19.64.36
Alternate DNS: 89.19.64.164
 

Smart Telecoms:
Connection Protocol: PPPOE
Modulation Type: G.DMT(G992.1/3/5)
Multiplexing: LLC
VPI: 8
VCI: 35
Security Protocol: PAP
Username: Detailed in your welcome letter
Password: Detailed in your welcome letter
Wan IP: Automatically Assigned
Default Gateway: Automatically Assigned
DNS Server 1: 84.203.254.34
DNS Server 2: 84.203.255.34

Lots of calls today from new customers looking to move from Digiweb massive complaints from many users slow websites, emails being slow to send and receive and just a very generic email from Digiweb.
We have been customer of Digiwebs for last 5 years with not a day of bother very quick response but not much help over past 2 months of issues. We have been quite lucky having almost none of our present customers using email on digiweb, another reason to move to Google Apps.
Digiweb you might try communicate your outage a bit more to your customers

When it comes to online marketing, building a list of subscribers is often considered priority one. By building an audience of potential clients who have given you permission to follow up with them in the future, you can capture the attention of visitors to your site that are interested in your services but not quite ready to commit. Autoresponders like MailChimp manage all of the heavy lifting at every stage of managing your list from capturing microconversions on your site to following up with high quality and engaging newsletters.
Creating professional looking email campaigns is a snap with MailChimp thanks to their collection of sharply designed templates that allow users to customise their newsletters to their liking using a very intuitive interface. Unlike some newsletter platforms, MailChimp also makes it incredibly easy to import subscribers straight from other software programs like Salesforce and Highrise, which can be a huge time saver for organisations with a lot of subscribers.
MailChimp is also known for providing users with some excellent analytical tools for tracking the metrics of your campaign and ensuring that you are getting the type of return on your investment that you had hoped for. Their tools will allow you to track how many of your subscribers are opening your newsletters, which links they are clicking on and whether they are forwarding your messages on to their friends and colleagues. There’s even an option for seeing how your stats match up with other users’ campaigns so that you can see how well you are doing against the competition.
The one area where MailChimp receives some low marks is its customer service department. Although they provide support via email and live chat during regular business hours, some users have reported that their technicians are not as knowledgeable of their product as they should be. They have also received criticism for their reluctance to help with technical problems, including ones that are caused by MailChimp rather than their users.
If you are managing a relatively small list of subscribers, you can take MailChimp for a test drive for free of charge with up to six newsletter campaigns per month. MailChimp is perfectly affordable for medium-sized lists as well with a monthly plan that starts at $10 and allows users to manage up to 500 subscribers with unlimited newsletters. Pay-as-you-go plans are also available, and MailChimp will even reimburse you for any unused funds if you decide to go elsewhere.
In closing, MailChimp is generally considered to be one of the best email marketing providers in the industry with a robust set of features for creating and managing effective newsletter campaigns. Although their pricing is very competitive, customers should understand going in that they may need to sort out some technical issues for themselves due to some customer support issues. All in all, however, they have an excellent product that should serve the needs of most businesses without any problems.

National business solutions company Shoeboxed wants to make your business run more efficiently so you can stay organized and make more money! Sign up for a membership today, and turn your piles of business receipts into a sleek, simple, organized online filing cabinet. You will have your business data at your fingertips with a just a few clicks on your computer.
Join Shoeboxed and let us take care of all your business paperwork. Scan your business receipts and important documents using the Shoeboxed free online document uploader. Or, mail your receipts to Shoeboxed using your smart phone. Whether your are on the go or in the office, you can get your myriad business receipts to Shoeboxed in a matter of minutes. Then, sit back and let Shoeboxed do the rest of the work for you!
Shoeboxed will verify your receipts for accuracy and then transfer them to your online, personalized Shoeboxed account. There you can access all of your receipt data and export that data to a wide variety of financial and accounting programs or email marketing interfaces.
You also can send or forward all the electronic receipts that you get from the stores you love to shop for your business directly to your Shoeboxed email address. Instead of getting a lot of spam email from that business — which often included coupons — Shoeboxed will filter those receipts and emails and categorize important information in your online Shoeboxed account.
Access your receipts 24 hours a day, every day of the year! All you need is a computer and an Internet connection to access all of the business receipts that Shoeboxed turns into electronic receipts and formulates into categories so that you can see exactly where the money in your business is going.
In addition, you can access your Shoeboxed account via your Gmail account or any Google App on your smartphone. Shoeboxed has a Google App listing that makes logging in to your personalized Shoeboxed account and accessing your electronic business receipts easy.
Shoeboxed makes it easy for Google Chrome users to access their accounts with the new Chrome Web Clipper Extension. Users can clip images of business receipts and other documents directly from their browsers and them submit them to Shoeboxed so that staff can process them. Download the extension on the official Shoeboxed website to get started.
Shoeboxed will keep your business date safe with its secure, SSL encryption. This encryption system is the same used by banks for online services and will keep your information secure no matter where you go. In addition, Shoeboxed backs up your business data on multiple servers to help ensure that once you go paperless, your data will not get lost, deleted, or corrupted.
Shoeboxed will accept scans and transmissions from your computer and/or phone for a wide variety of business documents, including business receipts, bills, expense reports, invoices, business cards, and just about any other business paperwork that you no longer need sitting in a pile on your desk.
Sign up for trial

Introduction
IT managed services refers to the delegation of management duties to an IT specialist to improve the performance of an organization. Organizations can procure IT managed services to reduce operational costs and manage people and resources at work more effectively and conveniently. Companies that require managing their operations with accountability can get a comprehensive package with these services.
Advantage
There are many advantages of using IT managed services in place of the conventional management style. IT managed services can enable a business to enhance its networking capacity and reach a wider audience all over the world. Through the use of technology, one can maximize the utilization of their investments and reduce the risk of doing business, such as effects of industrial strikes, and the sudden change in the business environment.
Fear
There is no fear of another entity taking over the business when one decides to hire IT managed services. IT managed services also protect investments and intellectual property using scientific and time-proven techniques.
Some IT managed services offer a wide variety of services such as computer networking, Internet connections, management of IT infrastructure, operation and management of servers, and so on. Besides these, management of the company’s databases is also part of the process, of course, with the authorization of the company’s administration. If some information within the databases is classified, they can remain out of bounds
Security
In addition, most of the information of the organization that is highly sensitive and crucial to the daily operations of the business needs to be stored safely, and if possible, backed up in case they are destroyed. Accidents do happen in the workplace and a fire might occur, which might destroy all the documents. Likewise, a robbery could just happen and the robbers might decide to take away important documents away.
Selection
When searching for a good company for IT managed services, one must be careful to choose the best. For one, one must ensure the IT specialist is legally registered with the relevant authorities and ensure the laws governing such an arrangement is adhered to. The company must also have experience in dealing with many related issues and provide flexibility in their operations. To be certain, one should ask for recommendations from companies which have used the IT managed services in the past or they can do a private research on the companies offering to provide the services.
Quality
Since smart business entails proper use of available resources, one can look for a company that does not charge excessive fees. However, quality should never be compromised for the sake of saving costs. The best IT managed services provider is one that helps deal with the challenges, and not the cheapest service provider.