Search Engine Workshops, Advanced Strategies – Day Three

Last night was really great. I met up with my friend Daphne for a massage and she worked me over something fierce. Daphne Jean aka DJ, Wow, I wish I lived here I’d get one of those a week. When I got back to the hotel I found Dave with John and Robin hanging out down in the sports bar. (Unbeatable) Dave asked me for a “lesson” on the pool table. So I gave him one and won the match too. Surprise! This morning I had the omelet instead of the buffet. good decision.

Today we started the Workshops with John Alexander, who talked about Media for the Web, including the power of news and an overview of the PRWeb distribution service.

Next, Dave Berry gave his presentation on Solutions for Database Driven Web Sites. Dave showed attendees how to make dynamic content into static Web pages and how to do programmatic rewrites for URLs. Great presentation!

Then Robin Nobles stepped up and gave a great session about the Power of Article Writing, including the the power of syndication, how to avoid and catch plagiarism, how to find publishers and get their attention, how to use creative commons and a bunch of great general tips about writing for your readers instead of writing for the search engines. This was a very encouraging and educational session.

John and Robin and Dave and I had a nice lunch down at the sports bar. Pretty good food coming out of that kitchen.

This afternoon, John led up the session on Analytics. John shared great insights into understanding Web and log file data and how to make calculated decisions based on proper interpretation of the data. Lot’s of cool screen shots. John also taught about newsletter management and the use and benefits of autoresponders. Then he reviewed some of the better analytics solutions such as Webtrends, Hitslink and Clicktracks.

Next we had a breakout session. John stayed in the conference room when the larger group of attendees to discuss many facets of Starting Up an SEO Business. John revealed techniques for finding new clients and selecting a good niche to accompany a new SEO business. John gives this session at the end of every SEO Workshop so I actually went downstairs with Robin and a couple other attendees. Robin did more personalized Web Clinician work while I talked with a prospective partner about potentially opening the Search Engine Workshops Academy Franchise for Colorado.

Finally, we all met up in the main room again where we took our tests and Certificates of graduation where handed out. All in all, another great Search Engine Workshop for 2007.

This is my 6th year in a row attending this Search Engine Certification program and I recommend it to all who are serious about a career in SEO and SEM. Although I also attend Search Engine Strategies Conferences and Webmaster World Conferences annually, I look forward to the Workshops the most each year, like a homecoming event.
If you are following my blog and this coverage has helped you decide to attend a future workshop, please tell John or Robin that you found out about the Workshops from Mr. Web Guru’s Blog.

That’s all for now freinds.

Robert