Social networking, evangelism, community

SUMMARY: MarketingSherpa research has shown that creating content is one of the most effective tactics for improving your site's SEO. Of course, creating content takes time, money and expertise. So, why not ask the true experts -- your audience -- for help?

One e-commerce site increased organic search traffic, conversion rates and time-on-site by encouraging customers to write product reviews. You'll see how the marketers taught customers how to write content-rich reviews and how they got more of them. read the complete case study

SUMMARY: Search engines use a torrent of factors to rank your pages. Marketers have guessed at which are the most important for years, and one continues to top the list: inbound links.

We interviewed three SEO experts to get their best tactics for attracting valuable links. Find out how to uncover competitors' search marketing tactics and how to keep links pouring in for years. read the complete article

SUMMARY: "Advertising on blogs or social networks" was rated the most accurately measured (32%), and was also rated the least effective (16%). More than 90% of companies believe that social media is the most effective in accomplishing brand building goal, followed closely by goals for attracting website visitors. view the complete research record

SUMMARY: Potential customers want to hear how you can solve their problems in simple, understandable language -- not empty marketing clichés. Social media can help teach you that language.

Read why marketing strategist David Meerman Scott thinks phrases such as “robust” and “mission critical” can do more harm than good to your marketing, and how you can use social media to move past them. read the complete interview

SUMMARY: In preparation for this week’s MarketingSherpa Email Summit, we asked CMOs what new developments they anticipate will most affect their email marketing programs in 2012. This week’s chart explores their answers. read the complete article

By Anne Holland, Founder

This year, I suspect that marketers are considering becoming consultants more than at any other time in history. It's due to a confluence of factors, including recession layoffs and insecurities, boomer demographics, and the work-from-home fad.Is consulting for you? Take this quick quiz:

#1. Networking
Are you the sort of person who instinctively networks with other professionals? Do you actively participate in industry associations or clubs? Do you... read the complete blog post