Geocities has gone into antiquity.  Yahoo! acquired Geocities in 1999.  Geocities ranked in the top 200 websites and contained about 7 million of the Internet’s oldest websites on October 27, 2009 which was the day the plug was pulled.  According to information from Yahoo!, archivists worked hard to salvage as much of this Internet history as possible.

Yahoo! does not plan to offer a new free hosting service.  According to recent Internet chatter, it seems the days of free information and services may be coming to a close.  For instance, several news services are talking about charging a subscription fee to view their information.

For now, you can still find free hosting on several blog sites such as Blogger, Typepad, Wordpress, Homeschool Blogger and more.  You can also find free website hosting and building at Webs.com, Bravenet, BlueVoda and others.

Who knows how long free hosting and web builder services will last?  The prudent would do well to make sure they preserve their information so that they are not met with a surprise one day if it disappears.  Of course, backup is always prudent anyway, right?

More Resources:

http://www.adpulp.com/archives/2009/11/data_destroyed.php

http://www.accuracast.com/search-daily-news/internet-7471/geocities-closed-for-good/

http://news.portalit.net/fullnews_yahoo-plans-to-close-geocities_2268.html

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/geocities-closing.html

http://www.archive.org/web/geocities.php

http://help.yahoo.com/l/us/yahoo/geocities/close/close-01.html

The past 3 posts have covered some excellent websites at AmazingDad.com (formerly mekeliki.com), BlitzLocal.com and ConservativeBent.com.  I thought it was time I should stir things up a bit with a new type of site.

Today’s site is Were Worth It.com.  This site has a lot of issues.  Almost too many to mention, but I will give it a shot.  First of all, when you land on the site, your eyes just go crazy.  The color is terrible, the graphics are terrible and all run together.  It is too busy and even though the guy provides an introductory video with a song playing in the background (which is incredibly annoying and very 90s), you are left scratching your head and wondering what in the world this site is about and what the guy actually DOES to help people raise their self esteem?  He has posted pictures of himself meeting assorted celebrities and such….ok?

Eton (I believe that is his name) seems like a nice enough guy, but he needs some serious help with his website.  He needs to simplify the look, increase substantive unique content, get rid of the automatic music and video upon landing (Do you know how annoying that is if you are surfing late at night and someone else is sleeping in the room while you are surfing?) and clarify his purpose and mission.  At this point it really just looks like he is trying to get people to click on his “store” to buy merchandise and view pictures of him with celebrities.

This is not even mentioning his total lack of any SEO awareness and social media connections. tsk tsk

Eton.. you might be trying to tell people they are “worth it”, but your site needs a serious dose of self esteem.

Ratings for WereWorthIt.com

1. Appealing to the Eye:  -1

2. Easy to Navigate:  8

3. Connected Socially: 1

4. Contains plenty of graphics and media, but not overkill:  1 (WAAAAY too much overkill)

5. Frequently Updated: 1

6. Correct use of the English Language (Grammar and Spelling):  (not much text to evaluate but what is there is correct)  10

7.  Contains unique information: 1

8.  Contain too many conspicuous Ads: (no) 10

9. Appeals to a wide audience: 1

10. Worth a repeat visit:  1

BlitzLocal offers a wide range of Internet Marketing services with an emphasis on LOCAL search results.  As the founder of BlitzLocal, Dennis Yu is professional, intelligent, astute in business and yet trustworthy, down to earth and personable.  If you place your business in the arms of this company, they will work hand in hand with you to achieve your goals, a return on your investment and they will make the phone ring (which is music to any business owner’s ears.)

Dennis Yu from BlitzLocal.com

Their site offers some incredible tools, freebies, articles and tutorials for small, medium, large or corporate sized business owners.  Among them are Blitz Twitterbacks, a Facebook PPC Tool, a Directory Listing App, Free SEO Primer and if your business has not established a website, you can even get a free one page site on the BlitzLocal.com domain! Now .. how is that for generosity?

In their Learning Center you can learn about 12 Deadly Mistakes You are Probably Making with Your Website.  You can also peruse the company blog, so you can keep abreast of events and news from BlitzLocal.

There are thousands of companies who claim to do SEO, PPC, Internet Marketing and web design; BlitzLocal is different because they offer customized metrics analysis and individual attention from your very own, well trained analyst who stays with you from day one and offers you personalized service any time you need it.

Ratings for BlitzLocal.com

1. Appealing to the Eye:  10

2. Easy to Navigate:  10

3. Connected Socially: 10

4. Contains plenty of graphics and media, but not overkill: 10

5.  Frequently Updated: 10

6.  Correct use of the English Language (Grammar and Spelling): 10

7.  Contains unique information: 10

8.  Contain too many conspicuous Ads: (no) 10

9.  Appeals to a wide audience:  10 (Mostly all types of businesses)

10. Worth a repeat visit:  What? With all of the freebies and info? Of course!  10

The site for today is Conservative Bent.  Bob Vasquez is the webmaster at Conservative Bent.  He is a stay at home, homeschool dad of three kids.  Bob decided to put his love for politics to work and form a niche directory of sites which are of interest to conservatives and those who enjoy politics and practice conservative family values.  He updates his directory daily, adding more and more links for his readers.  He also set up a Facebook fan page and he is networking with people online to keep them informed about current events.  All fans can post news, videos and comments.

Bob Vasquez from Conservative Bent

The site includes a directory, newsfeed from the Drudge Report, videos, articles, forums and featured links.

Directory categories include government, blogs, health, home, financial issues, groups, forums, literature, media, recreation, society, sports and even links from those of the opposing viewpoint in his “liberal bent” category.

If you have a blog or site which pertains to conservative politics or family values, you can submit it here.

Ratings for Conservative Bent by Bob Vasquez:

1. Appealing to the Eye:  10

2. Easy to Navigate:  10

3. Connected Socially: 8

4. Contains plenty of graphics and media, but not overkill:  10

5. Frequently Updated: 10

6. Correct use of the English Language (Grammar and Spelling): 10

7.  Contains unique information: 10

8.  Contain too many conspicuous Ads: (no) 10

9. Appeals to a wide audience: 8

10. Worth a repeat visit:  You Betcha!  10

Bob is passionate about his topic.  Go on over and take a look.  By all means, stop by the forum and strike up some conversation about politics whether you are a conservative, moderate or liberal. 

I have reviewed thousands upon thousands of websites over the past 5 years as a directory editor.  I am just starting to learn some more advanced lessons on website design and backdoor analysis, but I am already quite advanced at the upfront review process.  I decided that is high time, I start using joanvasquez.com as an outlet for this expertise.  Today, we are going to start with a blog which is written by a stay at home dad.

Mekeliki.com is written by Keith Wilcox, who is not only a stay at home dad, but he also homeschools his two sons.  He is obviously very comfortable with where he is in life and what he does and this is evidenced in his writings.  He covers topics such as homeschooling, parenting, social media, kid’s activities, martial arts, video games, adoption, nutrition, fitness and he is the first man I have ever seen who dared to approach the subject of breastfeeding in public.  Yes, Keith is definitely comfortable with his manhood and that is a good thing!

What I enjoy most about Keith’s blog is that he really puts a lot of effort into researching his topic of the day.  He started his blog in June of 2009 and he has consistently written on a daily basis.  One of the most awesome aspects of his blog are his “Friday Stories” which is when his son’s get to use their imaginations to help their dad make up some really cute and creative short stories.

It does not matter if you are a homeschooler or not, if you are still raising kids or done raising them, if you speak English or Spanish, if you agree with men staying home or not… you should take a look at Keith’s blog because his insights would be interesting to most anyone!

Ratings for Keith’s Blog:

1. Appealing to the Eye:  10

2. Easy to Navigate:  10

3. Connected Socially: 10

4. Contains plenty of graphics and media, but not overkill: 10

5. Frequently Updated: 10

6. Correct use of the English Language (Grammar and Spelling): 10

7.  Contains unique information: 10

8.  Contain too many conspicuous Ads: (no) 10

9. Appeals to a wide audience:  10

10. Worth a repeat visit:  You Betcha!  10

As you can see, I am hooked.  I hope you will hurry on over to MEKELIKI and tell Keith I sent you!

Persuasive ability is a trait every marketer seeks to master. However, there is one thing which will persuade people every time and if this one element is missing… you will NEVER persuade them! What is it? It is the expression of genuine interest in them! It is being a good listener, truly hearing and trying to understand them so you know what you can do to help them. People do not want to feel as though they are on a shady used car lot with some salesperson getting ready to devour them like a buzzard.

One of my mentors, Dennis Yu, has been telling me this for quite some time. I have seen him live it out. First of all, he showed a genuine interest in me… as a person.. not just as someone who was going to do business with him. I have watched him over and over taking an active interest in potential business partners, employees, employees’ families, clients and just about everyone he meets. One of my other mentors, Jeff Behrendt, lives this out as well. Both of these guys, are astute business men, but they know how to balance a sense of genuine human touch with the bottom line.

A famous psychologist by the name of Alfred Adler said, “It is the individual who is not interested in his fellow men who has he greatest difficulties in life and provides the greatest injury to others. It is from among such individuals that all human failures spring.”

Jesus even addressed this issue when he said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

An interest in other people must be sincere and not contrived. People in our communities have needs. Small business owners have needs. We should be sincerely interested in meeting their need and we should convey this interest.

So, if you want to be truly successful in marketing or any other relationship, then express a true interest in others and by all means, while you are doing that… SMILE.. because a genuine smile goes a long way toward showing your sincerity and humanity.

References: Alfred Adler in the book, “What Life Should Mean to You”
Jesus: Mark 12:28-31 New American Standard Version of the Holy Bible

Wow.. It is snowing in Houston today. Annual snowfall in Houston averages .8 inches per year and this is counting sleet and ice pellets. Sometimes the unexpected happens. A lot of people did not expect the recent economic downturn. People are tightening their belts and turning to frugal habits to counter a recessive economy. Here are some books to help consumers save money and get out of debt.

In the coming days, I will feature great books for those who are trying to save some money in today’s economy.  The Economides have lived debt free and fed a family of 7 on $350 a month for years.  They also offer many other household budgeting tips.  They dispel the myth of a two income society, proving even a larger than average family can live on less comfortably if they are conscientious and disciplined.

Brick & Mortar Stores

T.J. Maxx

K-Mart

Burlington Coat Factory

Marshalls

KB Toys

Sears

Ask at local stores: I have even found consignment stores who will do LayAway

Online LayAway

http://www.elayaway.com/

https://www.lay-away.com/

http://www.layaway-travel.com/

http://www.babysabode.com/

Please add those you know about in your comments.  I am headed to KMart!

The World Wide Web denotes a world wide or global reach. Product oriented merchants and even some service related businesses have been afforded a national or even international audience with the expansion of Internet popularity and marketing.

Despite global possibilities; high gas prices, postage costs and the need for a community comfort zone have brought about trends toward local search and loyalty. Business owners used to be able to rely on the Yellow Pages and other traditional print modes for effective advertisement. However, more and more consumers have tossed their phone book aside in favor of Internet search engines to find what they need. It is the new way to let one’s fingers do the walking.

Most people search for information about schools, real estate agencies, lawyers, physicians, local merchants, restaurants, religious institutions, mechanics, car dealers and much more by perusing Internet search engines rather than print media. Because of this shift in consumer focus, businesses need to be willing to invest in expert search engine optimization and Internet marketing services.  If a small business owner is willing to invest, they can effectively level the playing field so they can even compete with larger corporations.  With the correct SEO techniques, people will be able to find them just as readily and most customers prefer the face to face, personal experience they can get from a smaller entity.

Personally, I rarely use the phone book or any other print media to find what I need. I have people who are not as Internet savvy as I am, who call me and ask me to look for local businesses for them online. I use the Internet when I need a new doctor, an attorney, real estate information, a new church, lodging, products, repair services, local events and resources and much more.  

Do you utilize Internet search to find what you need locally? Leave a comment describing how you use the Internet to find things in your local area or advertise items for those in your local area. When you use the Internet for local searches are you usually successful or do you wind up pulling out the Yellow Pages?