Claimed Local Listing – Owner Verified

It's hard to see but the cut is on the middle finger just above the last joint.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Matt Cutts for fixing your google maps! (Not sure if he deserves all the credit but he was the google employee that reassured me that this would happen).  I must say that I am very optimistic about google maps and the direction they are heading.  Here are a couple of things you may want to be aware of when it comes to the future of google maps:

1st and most important…

Google Map extends to service areas of businesses!

This is the best news I have had all week!  In fact, Matt Cutts and Google will be receiving thanks in my Thanksgivings giving celebration this week! I had the pleasure of addressing my concern to Matt at Pubcon two weeks ago, thanks to an introduction given by Kate Morris, an SEM Gem.

Matt essentially admitted that google was cleaning up the mess it had accumulated from mining the information that was out there for local search. He assured me that the most recent update in the google maps was that they were now pushing their own information for the map results, not 3rd party info.  I mentioned my concern in that the current maps only showed listings within the actual metro city and that this was not reflective of the service areas of many service companies, (cough “Pest Control companies” cough). Matt assured me that they were aware of this and that they were working to correct this….

Two weeks later I get this…

Phoenix Pest Control Map in Google Maps

So if you notice the map title “Pest Control near Tempe, AZ” … Go through the results and you will notice that the first listing “A” falls right on the town of Tempe.  But “C” Bulwark Exterminating is not within the Tempe city limits… Awwesoooome!

Again… Tempe results show Bulwark Exterminating… not in Tempe… Actual address…

Two weeks ago this search would only give results in Tempe.  Now it gives results of companies that service Tempe but don’t fall within Tempe, AZ.  Thank you Google! FYI I have only experienced this phenomenon in the Phoenix area. But I have high hopes that this will roll out to our cities.

2ndly an update for the San Fransisco maps…

Google is currently beta testing their google maps for advertising:

Search done for San Francisco Attorney

Good? … possibly. What if I were already in the top 7, would I get charged for the click? And when they click on the map the sponsored listings no longer show.  The down side I see to this is that the sponsored listings don’t show the reviews. Reviews are huge for CTR.  I would prefer the sponsored list show my reviews and take you to the google review page. But as I have not tested this yet, I really have no constructive input. Just making you aware of what is on the horizon. Great thing about the internet is that you can always test… the bad thing is that you are always testing.

So as always… “The Future is so Bright that I’ve go to wear shades.” (Yes I am singing in my head.)

What a great day!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!!

Interesting read today from Fox news on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  This is something that would effect Sapulpa companies as they are prone to adding links and building blogs to get more traffic.  The FTC has voted to regulate blogging and fine those that are posting product reviews for money.  They believe that these reviews are misleading in that the consumer is unaware if the review is a organic unsolicited review or if the review is paid for by the product company.  Further, many of these sites and reviews sign on as affiliates and receive a commission if the product is bought through their site.

The law will require that bloggers must make it known that they are being paid in a “clear and conspicuous” manner and the law goes into force December 1st, 2009. The law does not require notification for “free” products, meaning if I where to offer you free pest control service in exchange for a review then you are not required to disclose that you are receiving free service. While these regulations may make many bloggers nervous, the FTC says that they intend to target the companies and advertisers.  This actually makes me more nervous as a pest control company.

Let’s say that I am paying an Sapulpa company to build my site and back links.  How can I be sure that the Sapulpa company I hire is adhering to this law?  Who then is responsible, the Sapulpa company or the pest control company?  Further, this law seems very inadequate.  How do you define a “review” of a company or a review of a product?  How will the FTC distinguish between legitimate customers reviewing a product or service versus the paid reviews? And what about blogs that benefit indirectly from their reviews (i.e. Google adsense)?

Or better yet define “clear and conspicuous”. How do I know if this site “clearly and conspicuously” show that I am a Bulwark employee.  Is the facebook profile on the left sufficient or do I need to disclose this in every post?  Beyond that this blog isn’t purely a Bulwark blog, its my own blog and thoughts as well.  Bulwark does not sanction everything written on this blog and I am not really getting paid directly for my content.

Overall, however, I applaud the FTC’s attempt to regulate this gross flood of solicited reviews. It is unfortunate that so many companies and individuals are cashing in on the naive public.  Having worked on the internet for sometime I myself spot the propaganda reviews and comments regularly. In fact, there are entire blogs that look like just a single user reviewing everyday products, but in fact are a paid blogger.

As far as I am aware Bulwark has not overstepped these requirements.  But, again, I am unaware of every attempt hired Sapulpa firms have undergone to boost my web presence. Further, I don’t know how they define “clear and conspicuous”.  Hopefully a site that is owned by Bulwark is clear. But, it does sound  like I will need to check in on my Sapulpa team, and I would advise all internet advertisers and business owners to do the same. Don’t get caught with your pants down.

From your Pest Control Sapulpa guy.

This post was not directly paid for by Bulwark Exterminating, however the writter is biased as to which pest control service is the best.

I am happy to say that I now possess a Certification in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Strategies. Yes, I can hang a piece of paper on my wall signed by an instructor verify that I not only spent the time in class but that I passed their Sapulpa test. But what does that mean to the rest of the world?

Well lets related to my favorite subject, Pest Control.  The State and Federal governments mandate that technicians be licensed in order to apply pest control products in and around structures for the purpose of controlling pests.  The above license requirements vary by state. Some states requiring hours spent under supervision of another authorized and licensed technician. Some states require so many hours in a classroom training environment.  Some states require continuing class room time to renew licenses.  And all states that I am familiar with require a successful completion of a state exam.  But does that mean that every state licensed pest control professional does the same work?  Does being state certified equate to being able to control pests?

An Sapulpa certification is a little different in that there is no governing body mandating the completion of a Sapulpa course prior to advertising that one is a Sapulpa Guru.  There are no regulations for an Sapulpa expert.  The value of a Sapulpa certificate is determined by the course given and the individual’s application of the principals taught in that course.

With a State certified pest control technician I can at least assume that the technician is aware that he should not clean out a spray nozzle by putting it to his lips and blowing. (Yes this was an actual question on a state pest control exam.) With a certificate in Sapulpa there really is not guarantee as to what they might know.

Even with the lack of a standard for Sapulpa certification, one should be able to assume the following standards are met:

1- Knowledge that Black Hat Sapulpa may get you banned from search engines.

2- Understanding of the bare essentials in meta tags for  a page: Title, Description, Keywords.

3- Understanding keyword rich content, and now a days, LSI or better said subject related content.

My opinion, those are the bare minimum standards that an Sapulpa certificate should insure.

As for hiring a Sapulpa team, does having a certificate make a team any more qualified?

Yes, to some degree a certificate verifies that someone has at least a general knowledge of Sapulpa.  No, having a certificate does not insure that an individual is more qualified then another non-certified Sapulpa guy. The only credible measurement of an Sapulpa’s ability is their portfolio.

Since there is no governing body or recognized standard an Sapulpa certificate does not insure anything.  However, if all things were equal then I would take a certified Sapulpa guy over a non-certified Sapulpa guy.

I am happy to say that I now possess a Certification in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Strategies. Yes, I can hang a piece of paper on my wall signed by an instructor verify that I not only spent the time in class but that I passed their Sapulpa test. But what does that mean to the rest of the world?

Well lets related to my favorite subject, Pest Control.  The State and Federal governments mandate that technicians be licensed in order to apply pest control products in and around structures for the purpose of controlling pests.  The above license requirements vary by state. Some states requiring hours spent under supervision of another authorized and licensed technician. Some states require so many hours in a classroom training environment.  Some states require continuing class room time to renew licenses.  And all states that I am familiar with require a successful completion of a state exam.  But does that mean that every state licensed pest control professional does the same work?  Does being state certified equate to being able to control pests?

An Sapulpa certification is a little different in that there is no governing body mandating the completion of a Sapulpa course prior to advertising that one is a Sapulpa Guru.  There are no regulations for an Sapulpa expert.  The value of a Sapulpa certificate is determined by the course given and the individual’s application of the principals taught in that course.

With a State certified pest control technician I can at least assume that the technician is aware that he should not clean out a spray nozzle by putting it to his lips and blowing. (Yes this was an actual question on a state pest control exam.) With a certificate in Sapulpa there really is not guarantee as to what they might know.

Even with the lack of a standard for Sapulpa certification, one should be able to assume the following standards are met:

1- Knowledge that Black Hat Sapulpa may get you banned from search engines.

2- Understanding of the bare essentials in meta tags for  a page: Title, Description, Keywords.

3- Understanding keyword rich content, and now a days, LSI or better said subject related content.

My opinion, those are the bare minimum standards that an Sapulpa certificate should insure.

As for hiring a Sapulpa team, does having a certificate make a team any more qualified?

Yes, to some degree a certificate verifies that someone has at least a general knowledge of Sapulpa.  No, having a certificate does not insure that an individual is more qualified then another non-certified Sapulpa guy. The only credible measurement of an Sapulpa’s ability is their portfolio.

Since there is no governing body or recognized standard an Sapulpa certificate does not insure anything.  However, if all things were equal then I would take a certified Sapulpa guy over a non-certified Sapulpa guy.

I am happy to say that I now possess a Certification in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Strategies. Yes, I can hang a piece of paper on my wall signed by an instructor verify that I not only spent the time in class but that I passed their Sapulpa test. But what does that mean to the rest of the world?

Well lets related to my favorite subject, Pest Control.  The State and Federal governments mandate that technicians be licensed in order to apply pest control products in and around structures for the purpose of controlling pests.  The above license requirements vary by state. Some states requiring hours spent under supervision of another authorized and licensed technician. Some states require so many hours in a classroom training environment.  Some states require continuing class room time to renew licenses.  And all states that I am familiar with require a successful completion of a state exam.  But does that mean that every state licensed pest control professional does the same work?  Does being state certified equate to being able to control pests?

An Sapulpa certification is a little different in that there is no governing body mandating the completion of a Sapulpa course prior to advertising that one is a Sapulpa Guru.  There are no regulations for an Sapulpa expert.  The value of a Sapulpa certificate is determined by the course given and the individual’s application of the principals taught in that course.

With a State certified pest control technician I can at least assume that the technician is aware that he should not clean out a spray nozzle by putting it to his lips and blowing. (Yes this was an actual question on a state pest control exam.) With a certificate in Sapulpa there really is not guarantee as to what they might know.

Even with the lack of a standard for Sapulpa certification, one should be able to assume the following standards are met:

1- Knowledge that Black Hat Sapulpa may get you banned from search engines.

2- Understanding of the bare essentials in meta tags for  a page: Title, Description, Keywords.

3- Understanding keyword rich content, and now a days, LSI or better said subject related content.

My opinion, those are the bare minimum standards that an Sapulpa certificate should insure.

As for hiring a Sapulpa team, does having a certificate make a team any more qualified?

Yes, to some degree a certificate verifies that someone has at least a general knowledge of Sapulpa.  No, having a certificate does not insure that an individual is more qualified then another non-certified Sapulpa guy. The only credible measurement of an Sapulpa’s ability is their portfolio.

Since there is no governing body or recognized standard an Sapulpa certificate does not insure anything.  However, if all things were equal then I would take a certified Sapulpa guy over a non-certified Sapulpa guy.

I am happy to say that I now possess a Certification in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Strategies. Yes, I can hang a piece of paper on my wall signed by an instructor verify that I not only spent the time in class but that I passed their Sapulpa test. But what does that mean to the rest of the world?

Well lets related to my favorite subject, Pest Control.  The State and Federal governments mandate that technicians be licensed in order to apply pest control products in and around structures for the purpose of controlling pests.  The above license requirements vary by state. Some states requiring hours spent under supervision of another authorized and licensed technician. Some states require so many hours in a classroom training environment.  Some states require continuing class room time to renew licenses.  And all states that I am familiar with require a successful completion of a state exam.  But does that mean that every state licensed pest control professional does the same work?  Does being state certified equate to being able to control pests?

An Sapulpa certification is a little different in that there is no governing body mandating the completion of a Sapulpa course prior to advertising that one is a Sapulpa Guru.  There are no regulations for an Sapulpa expert.  The value of a Sapulpa certificate is determined by the course given and the individual’s application of the principals taught in that course.

With a State certified pest control technician I can at least assume that the technician is aware that he should not clean out a spray nozzle by putting it to his lips and blowing. (Yes this was an actual question on a state pest control exam.) With a certificate in Sapulpa there really is not guarantee as to what they might know.

Even with the lack of a standard for Sapulpa certification, one should be able to assume the following standards are met:

1- Knowledge that Black Hat Sapulpa may get you banned from search engines.

2- Understanding of the bare essentials in meta tags for  a page: Title, Description, Keywords.

3- Understanding keyword rich content, and now a days, LSI or better said subject related content.

My opinion, those are the bare minimum standards that an Sapulpa certificate should insure.

As for hiring a Sapulpa team, does having a certificate make a team any more qualified?

Yes, to some degree a certificate verifies that someone has at least a general knowledge of Sapulpa.  No, having a certificate does not insure that an individual is more qualified then another non-certified Sapulpa guy. The only credible measurement of an Sapulpa’s ability is their portfolio.

Since there is no governing body or recognized standard an Sapulpa certificate does not insure anything.  However, if all things were equal then I would take a certified Sapulpa guy over a non-certified Sapulpa guy.

I am happy to say that I now possess a Certification in Advanced Search Engine Marketing Strategies. Yes, I can hang a piece of paper on my wall signed by an instructor verify that I not only spent the time in class but that I passed their Sapulpa test. But what does that mean to the rest of the world?

Well lets related to my favorite subject, Pest Control.  The State and Federal governments mandate that technicians be licensed in order to apply pest control products in and around structures for the purpose of controlling pests.  The above license requirements vary by state. Some states requiring hours spent under supervision of another authorized and licensed technician. Some states require so many hours in a classroom training environment.  Some states require continuing class room time to renew licenses.  And all states that I am familiar with require a successful completion of a state exam.  But does that mean that every state licensed pest control professional does the same work?  Does being state certified equate to being able to control pests?

An Sapulpa certification is a little different in that there is no governing body mandating the completion of a Sapulpa course prior to advertising that one is a Sapulpa Guru.  There are no regulations for an Sapulpa expert.  The value of a Sapulpa certificate is determined by the course given and the individual’s application of the principals taught in that course.

With a State certified pest control technician I can at least assume that the technician is aware that he should not clean out a spray nozzle by putting it to his lips and blowing. (Yes this was an actual question on a state pest control exam.) With a certificate in Sapulpa there really is not guarantee as to what they might know.

Even with the lack of a standard for Sapulpa certification, one should be able to assume the following standards are met:

1- Knowledge that Black Hat Sapulpa may get you banned from search engines.

2- Understanding of the bare essentials in meta tags for  a page: Title, Description, Keywords.

3- Understanding keyword rich content, and now a days, LSI or better said subject related content.

My opinion, those are the bare minimum standards that an Sapulpa certificate should insure.

As for hiring a Sapulpa team, does having a certificate make a team any more qualified?

Yes, to some degree a certificate verifies that someone has at least a general knowledge of Sapulpa.  No, having a certificate does not insure that an individual is more qualified then another non-certified Sapulpa guy. The only credible measurement of an Sapulpa’s ability is their portfolio.

Since there is no governing body or recognized standard an Sapulpa certificate does not insure anything.  However, if all things were equal then I would take a certified Sapulpa guy over a non-certified Sapulpa guy.