Over the last 10 years or so, the role of a traditional SEO (search engine optimization) specialist has evolved to the point where the original sets of responsibilities no longer apply. The role of an SEO specialist has transformed to that of a Web Presence Specialist; there is much more that has to be taken into consideration for a website to rank properly in search engine results. This is even more true over the last 3 years, or so.  What used to be a small set of responsibilities has grown to a fairly large and exhaustive list of tactical and strategic tasks. 

From about 2004 to about 2009, our SEO specailists focused on 4 to 5 key areas as illustrated by the following graphic:

And now, in 2011, a SEO Specialist, rather a Web Presence Specialist, has to account for a whole lot more, as depicted in this graphic:

For those in the SEO field, this represents a fundamental shift in the thought and implementation process. What used to be a (relatively) simple set of responsibilities has now grown to significantly larger set of tasks.  At Arnima, a Florida SEO company, we strive to continually keep on top of the evolution of search engine optimization and this allows us to continually adjust our SEO services to obtain the best results for our clients.

Please note that the actual list of tasks is much more exhaustive than what is displayed above. The above list is simplified to cover the essential elements of optimization from a macro perspective.

Who can use Twitter beneficially?

1. Online businesses
Once you have created a loyal community of followers on Twitter, you will want to start leveraging them. You can start tweeting about your blog, company or anything you are involved in. Your followers will then start re-tweeting your tweets, bringing more traffic to your website! For example, Dell has successfully leverages twitter to drive sales to its outlet website.

2. Journalists
Twitter is a great way to spread breaking news very quickly and easily. CNN’s Breaking News is already posted on Twitter. It’s all part of the wider move of journalism to becoming more connected with readers.

3. Teachers/Educators
Teachers and educators can access a stream of links, ideas, opinion and resources within seconds from a selection of global professionals. It’s now possible to actively compare what is happening in schools in your county with others on different continents. Twitter is a great medium for sharing ideas and getting instant feedback.

4. Artists/Creative People
Create a dialogue with your audience. Twitter works very well for the creative community including artists. You can use Twitter to help encourage people to visit your blog or your website, promote your work and your activity.

5. Politicians
Use Twitter as a political tool to communicate with people.

6. Sports organizations
Sports organizations can ask questions, get instant feedback from fans, plus save money on focus groups. It’s easy to spread the news and extend sponsor promotions.

In short, Twitter can be used by anyone who wishes to:
-    Keep track of breaking news
-    Monitor their reputation
-    Get quick answers
-    Stay in touch
-    Meet new people
-    “Be” in several places at once
-    Build their authority as an expert
-    Share their knowledge

Learn more about Twitter at www.twitter.com

Lets face it, the Internet has forever changed the way we live and it has become an integral part of our lives. Instant Messaging, Voice over IP and Portals have become critical to life & business – a whole lot of us would have a hard time surviving without the Internet and a whole more could not imagine life without online social networking.

Today’s society is abound with phrases such as “Hey, check out my Facebook”, or, “Connect with me on LinkedIn” or “I will tweet you”. I can understand Facebook, Linkedin and the others, but I must admit that I am intrigued by “Tweet” and “Twitter”.

Online social networking is based on the use of specialized websites, aptly called social networking websites that allow you to directly or indirectly connect with individuals of your choice for various purposes. The purpose is to build online communities of people that share common interests or activities, or people that are interested in learning about the interests and activities of others.

The sheer beauty of online social networking is that it allows you to keep in touch with your contacts across the entire world – there are no limits to the number of friends you can have and they can be located anywhere as long as they have access to the Internet.

The concept is simple. You are either are invited to join a social network website or you join it on your own and you then search for your contacts and then invite them to become part of your network or you get invited to join your contacts' networks. You interact with your contacts and continually grow your network by adding more and more contacts. The main purpose is to share all sorts of information within the network and keep each other informed about your activities, events and in general, life. You can share photos and videos, messages, updates, events and scores of other things.

One word of advice - be careful of who you connect with and how much information you share with them - protect your identity at all times and be sensible about your activity.