Microsoft to give users a choice over default browser.

Feb 24, 2010

Your friend and mine; Microsoft, have been forced by the European Competition Commission (ECC) to offer users a choice of their default web browser.

The ECC have been gunning for Microsoft. They think the idea of wrapping Internet Explorer into the worlds most popular OS is restricting the ability of alternative browsers to flourish – they’re probably right.

In December 2009, the commission ruled that Microsoft was too powerful in the browser department and in an agreement with the commission, Microsoft will start offering the choice no later the the first of March. So, keep a look out for a screen that looks a bit like this:
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How to delete all direct messages from Twitter automatically.

Feb 21, 2010

If you have many followers – or don’t keep up with your housekeeping – direct messages can build up in your inbox and it can be difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.

Twitter provides a tool in the form of lists to help with your timeline, but offers no help with direct messages.
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Look out Twitter. Here comes Google Buzz.

Feb 10, 2010

Avid Google watchers will have been keeping an eye on the latest releases from Google such as Wave, Chrome OS, Android  etc and have been watching Google Labs for the rumoured Twitter style application.

Well; nothing appeared in Labs but that’s not to say nothing has been happening.
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How important is site speed?

Feb 3, 2010

There has been a big buzz about site speed lately. It is now part of the ranking algorithm since the Caffeine update.

Why the buzz? Well Google has added a site speed section to their Webmaster Central and have developed a plug-in for Firefox. Continue reading

Does your choice of host have an effect on your SEO and rankings?

Feb 2, 2010

In a word; yes, but don’t worry there are a few simple rules and if you get stuck, there is a fix.
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The Best Ideas are Often the Simplest

Jan 31, 2010

Many if us Twitter types spend quite a lot of time building and tweaking our on-line following. I know I do – well it is part of my job to grow our Twitter following – but some people have the simplest idea and have grown their following exponentially. Continue reading

Google to drop support for IE6

Jan 30, 2010

Coming roughly 2 weeks after Google reported attacks on their servers originating from China, Google announces the withdrawal of IE6 support. The attacks used a security flaw in IE6 which has been a godsend to hackers.
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How to use Twitter for Business. Part 4.

Jan 15, 2010

OK – Now you have set up your account, have sent your first couple of tweets live and started to get your head round the way it all works, it’s time to find out how to tailor your Twitter activities towards business use, specifically:

Use Twitter for Marketing.

Use Twitter to drive visitors to your website. Tweet about interesting posts on your blog, about any special offers, product reviews etc. Are there any free tools, vouchers or ebooks that can be downloaded? Any of these things should be tweeted with a link to your site. If you are sending tweets out via the Twitter interface, you may need to use a URL shortening service to save space – shorturl.com for instance – if you are using our social media hub, the shortening service is included and the tweet will be handled automatically by the CMS.
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How to use Twitter for Business. Part 3.

Jan 2, 2010

Step 3. Start Tweeting.

It’s important to get a few tweets out straight away.  It will help people you follow to decide whether or not to follow you back. Start with a personal tweet about yourself and what people are going to find in your tweets.

As an example my first tweet was:

This is the new Twitter account for CaptainSEO. Please follow me for daily SEO tips and advice.

Typical types of tweet are: Continue reading

How to use Twitter for Business. Part 2.

Jan 1, 2010

Setting up your profile correctly.

Step 1. Sign up for Twitter

Before you set up your account, you will have to have a little think about your strategy. Whether you want to set up as a company or an individual. You could of course sign up for one of each. Continue reading