After reading on the Internet, for ten years, everything I ever wanted to know about search engines and how to market to them, I was surprised to discover how much cooler it is to get the new Search Marketing Standard magazine in the mail.
It's glossy. Colorful. With readable fonts that don't need to be resized. The full-page ads are classy and bold. Articles start off on the left page and continue in sequence with little interruption. Featured sections are well labeled. It looks professional. It graces my coffee table.
What Can A Print Magazine Offer?
Published in the USA by Boris Mordkovich, with Andrey Milyan as Editor-in-Chief, this quarterly industry print publication has made its long awaited debut. Articles cover current hot topics such as measurements and web analysis for SEO, demographic targeting for Google Adwords, and a piece by Alexandre Brabant called "Targeting the Tail: How to Get the Most Out of Every Marketing Dollar."
For someone seeking to understand the Search Engine Marketing industry better, and how to choose reputable SEO's, there is an article on myths and scams to avoid.
The product review section features one product, which considering how many products are available to SEO's to help them do their jobs, that was a surprise. In future issues I can see this section being really popular, both for the companies with the products, as well as those who wish to get good reviews. There are few objective places to turn to for reviews on the Internet, or places to get side by side consumer comparisons.
Included are an Interview (this issue was with Perry Marshall, an SEM consultant from Chicago), a page to advertise SEM Radio and SEM Blogs and an Industry Watch section, which discussed click fraud.
My only complaint is that the issue is too thin. It is similar to the quarterly publication for members of the UPA (Usability Professionals Association), that I also look forward to getting. It, too, is thin. Both publications seek out current industry developments and ways to support best practices - and for that, a passionate professional can never get enough objective, well researched information. Can they?
If you seek a cover to cover read, this is worth a subscription and definitely a fine place to see your company logo sparkling on large shiny pages. What struck me the most is how helpful a magazine like this is, especially to beginners or those expanding their skillsets. It's a great reference that you can keep with you and take places your laptop won't go.
I'm very proud of my accomplishments. I think we all have a story, and mine is one of those "single mom kicks a**" ones. I taught myself HTML in 1995 because I was going through a divorce and I had no intention of asking for financial support. I was a (stubborn) stay at home mom with some old computer skills from my pre-kid days, so I bought a cheap 387 PC, stuck it in the kitchen and began copying source code until I was good enough to apply for a job in web design. I got my first job after my first job interview. It was the beginning of my new life. I didn't have a clue where I was going but I knew I was going forward and I was going to be a great independently fiercely stubborn woman-mom on my own terms.
The new picture on the Cre8pc homepage was taken in 1995, when I was embarking on my new career, although I wasn't sure exactly what career that was. I only knew I was going somewhere different and new. The shot of me looking off into the distance (sitting on my kids' wooden playset fort) is very symbolic, especially because I knew that day that my life was going to take a drastic turn.
How many women came with me?
It seemed back then that I was in the minority, being a woman, fasciated with web sites and being glued to the Internet. I would say, "I'm a webmaster" and people would laugh, or look befuddled and ask "You're a what master?". Those were the days when my first boss called me his "web mistress" . He's the same one who also refered to me as his "overachiever."
At Cre8asiteforums, the subject of women and the Internet is still hot. Apparently women are taking over the place, or at least some segments of it.
Kim is a Member of the Usability Professionals
Association
About Kim's Web Site Usability Reviews
"This report exceeded my expectations. After reading it a
few times, I went through and highlighted those parts of your actionable
advice that I want to implement right away... I ended up highlighting
most of the report. Stellar job. I won't hesitate to recommend you
to one of my own clients." -- Andy
Hagans of AndyHagans.com
"I have implemented the most obvious changes and I suppose the fact that we've seen an immediate increase
in sales/conversions is no coincidence. I'd highly recommend your service to anyone running a serious web based business."
-- Steve Clay, Plumeriabay.com
"As soon as we get our hands on one of her usability
studies, my clients and I have a better understanding of what needs
to be done with their sites to make them the best they can be from their
site visitors' perspective."
-- Jill Whalen,
HighRankings.com
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