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<title>Sphinn / pratt / Voted News</title>
<link>http://sphinn.com</link>
<description>Sphinn</description>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:05:21 -0700</pubDate>
<language>en</language>
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<title><![CDATA[Google Opens Up Bidding on Beer and Champagne]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/81979</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/81979</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 29 Oct 2008 09:05:21 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Google AdWords</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/81979</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A major Adwords policy has been revised, and it seems to be going unnoticed. For reasons that no Googler could explain, you were unable to bid on any beer or champagne related keywords. You could, however, bid on wine keywords. This is no longer true.<br/><br/>34 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[SEOmoz Pro Membership Review]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/51049</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/51049</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:33:08 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/51049</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Everyone has heard about the SEOmoz Pro Membership, but is it worth the price tag? I recently subscribed to their membership and this was my impression.<br/><br/>62 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[3 Unconventional Keyword Research Tools to Improve Conversions]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/50533</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/50533</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 03 Jun 2008 13:37:24 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/50533</guid>
<description><![CDATA[There are a number of great keyword research tools out there (paid tools and free tools, too). Many times, however, I really wonder if I'm doing enough work to get into the mind of the customers. Here are 3 ways you can learn what the customer is saying.<br/><br/>51 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The State of the SEO Industry Address]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/49332</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/49332</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 12:01:59 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/49332</guid>
<description><![CDATA[It seems like over the last year more and more posts have come out criticizing SEO, questioning the use of standards, and all in all, casting a dark cloud over the industry that so many of us have grown to love. I think it's time we take a stand.<br/><br/>54 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[MMA Couture Gets $ to Disabled Vets]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/49307</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/49307</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 28 May 2008 09:35:51 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Water Cooler</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/49307</guid>
<description><![CDATA[This is a great story (with plenty of pictures) about how two Internet marketers (Shoemoney and Purposeinc) raised money for Disabled Vets.<br/><br/>10 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[As Long As There Are Search Engines, SEO Will Survive]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/45071</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/45071</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 08:40:57 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/45071</guid>
<description><![CDATA[SEO isn't a dying industry, it's an evolving industry. Yes, the Search Engines' algorithms are changing, but they always have - and always will. One thing you change today, may not work a week from now. Isn't this how it has always been?<br/><br/>52 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Million Dollar Idea! Send Brownies]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/45029</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/45029</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 08 May 2008 06:50:31 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Link Building</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/45029</guid>
<description><![CDATA[One of the best things about our industry, is how nice the people can be. This is a great example of just that, with a great lesson: instead of paying money for links, send gifts!<br/><br/>50 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Wordcamp 2008 - San Fran - The Original]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/43981</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/43981</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 15:12:54 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Other</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/43981</guid>
<description><![CDATA[dk gives us a brief rundown as to why we should attend Wordcamp 2008. Anyone else going? Speak!<br/><br/>11 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Absolute Beginner Blogging #8 - Those Funny Links called Trackbacks]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/42441</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/42441</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Apr 2008 07:07:07 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Blogging</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/42441</guid>
<description><![CDATA[dk gives a great overview for beginners on exactly what trackbacks are. A great blogging series for any n00bs.<br/><br/>12 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Web Analytics Reports Even Management Can Understand]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/32348</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/32348</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Mar 2008 12:08:01 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/32348</guid>
<description><![CDATA[When you hand an analytics report to your manager do you get that deer-in-the-headlights stare? Here are a few ways to fix that.<br/><br/>44 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Drupal SEO in under 5 minutes]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/28287</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/28287</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 13 Feb 2008 05:50:45 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/28287</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Drupal in my opinion is the most search engine friendly, out of the box, solution in existence today. Brian runs down important installation tips for using this program (including a video!)<br/><br/>20 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Don't Forget to Charge]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/25739</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/25739</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:12:37 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/25739</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Are you making the mistake of giving away too much free advice? Find out why you should be collecting, even if the problem is easy.<br/><br/>40 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Digg Updates Algorithm - Digg Community Revolts]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/24875</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/24875</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2008 06:57:30 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Social Media</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/24875</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Two days ago, Digg went down for a short while while changes were being implemented in the system. Tamar runs down the changes to the Digg algorithm and gives a great recap on how the community is reacting.<br/><br/>9 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Copying Goals in Google Analytics (A Firefox Extension)]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/24249</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/24249</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 21 Jan 2008 11:18:58 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/24249</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Ever need 30 profiles, each with the same 4 goals? Me too. Unfortunately, Google Analytics doesn't include an easy way to manage goals. So, here's the Firefox extension I created to speed up the process of copying goals. We'll just call it &quot;GoalCopy&quot;.<br/><br/>7 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[The Just Do It Philosophy in Search Marketing]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/23410</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/23410</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 16 Jan 2008 06:27:31 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/23410</guid>
<description><![CDATA[&quot;2008 should be the year of less reading and more execution.&quot; Great article about implementing the &quot;Just Do It&quot; philosophy, and taking action rather than just absorbing information.<br/><br/>8 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<item>
<title><![CDATA[SEM Agencies: 4 Local Resources to Bring in New Business]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/23243</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/23243</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 08:17:14 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEM Industry</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/23243</guid>
<description><![CDATA[4 local resources you should be taking advantage of to grow your business.<br/><br/>16 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Social Media and Conversion a4 Whata4s the Deal?]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/22200</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/22200</comments>
<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2008 09:41:08 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Social Media</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/22200</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Finally, you're on the front page of Digg! You're server is hopefully prepared to handle the ridiculous amount of traffic it is about to see today. You check back in the next day to see how many new orders you have...0!<br/><br/>4 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How to Lose Clients: Recovering from a Mistake]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/22086</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/22086</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2008 19:02:47 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Other Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/22086</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Making a mistake in your search marketing strategy can be a disaster, but if you handle it correctly, you can come out on top.<br/><br/>18 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[L.E.A.D. - Your Complete Guide to NOT Losing Employees]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/21351</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/21351</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:10:01 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Other Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/21351</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Not only are we all in high demand, but there are a ton of ways to make a lot of money online. With all of this working against you (the business owner), what could you possibly do to keep your employees happy? The answer is to L.E.A.D.<br/><br/>11 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[2008 New Yeara4s Resolution: Choose Your Clients Wisely]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/20905</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/20905</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:03:08 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Other Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/20905</guid>
<description><![CDATA[There are numerous warning signs that you should be able to pick up on. If someone sounds like a jerk during the pre-contract meetings, chances are they are a jerk. It is up to you to decide what level of frustration, irritation, rudeness, and pressure you are willing to handle.<br/><br/>31 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How to Lose Your Clients: Not Educating Your Clients]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/19259</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/19259</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:36:12 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Other Search Marketing</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/19259</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Yet another way consultants are losing clients: not giving them a full understanding of how you are helping him and what they can expect.<br/><br/>12 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How to Catch the Great White That Will Eat Your Competitora4s Whale for Breakfast]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/18830</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/18830</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2007 13:10:04 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEM Industry</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/18830</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I just got back from an important meeting with a potentially large client, and as I was sitting there I started picking up on so many things that we did perfect, and other things that would have made an even better impression. It occurred to me that there is a formula for winning such a big client, and showing them how badly they need you.<br/><br/>12 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How To Identify Query Parameters With Google Analytics]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/18585</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/18585</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 09:13:18 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/18585</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Tired of seeing &quot;other&quot; in your Top Content report? How about knowing how many times a page was viewed without having to wade through query parameters? If you've had enough of irrelevant query parameters making garbage of your Top Content report, read on!<br/><br/>4 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[How to Lose Your Clients: Team Communication]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/18561</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/18561</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:05:29 -0800</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>SEM Industry</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/18561</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I've seen a lot of mistakes made in client management over the years, but communication is one of the worst mistakes you can make.<br/><br/>13 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Avinash Kaushik answers my questions about his book (Web Analytics - An Hour a Day)]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/3393</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/3393</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2007 06:22:45 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/3393</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Did you have questions when you finished Web Analytics: An Hour a Day? I did. The book was truly amazing. But when I was done, I had written all over it. Sometimes my notes read, &quot;This is awesome, we have to try it.&quot; But sometimes they read, &quot;I don't understand.&quot; And other times, they read, &quot;I really disagree.&quot;So I got an interview with the author.<br/><br/>3 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Google Universal Search Means Looking For Raccoons Is No Longer Family Friendly]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/2093</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/2093</comments>
<pubDate>Fri, 03 Aug 2007 11:04:49 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Google Other</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/2093</guid>
<description><![CDATA[I didn't know a dog and a raccoon could, well...<br/><br/>14 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Regular Expressions for GA, Bonus II: Minimal Matching]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/1727</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/1727</comments>
<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jul 2007 05:22:33 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/1727</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Here it is a4 a straggling installment on my year-long saga to bring Regular Expressions (RegEx) to regular people. Today, I want to write about how to make your expressions less greedy. It's a feature called &quot;minimal matching.&quot; Unfortunately for you advanced learners, you have to wait until the end of the article until you see the application.<br/><br/>4 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Getting the Most out of your Google Analytics with Regular Expressions]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/633</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/633</comments>
<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jul 2007 05:41:07 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Web Analytics</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/633</guid>
<description><![CDATA[This post sums up a 14 part series on Regular Expressions (RegEX) for Google Analytics. So why use them? The first reason that RegEx are worth caring about - if you use Google Analytics - is that Google cares. There are certain tasks Google just won't let you do correctly without using RegEx. Examples that come quickly to mind are: take yourself out of the data using an IP address, creating a custom filter, creating a filter that enables you to see both your subdomain and your domain in the same profile.<br/><br/>5 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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<title><![CDATA[Yahoo! Allows Banned Sites in Search Submit Program]]></title>
<link>http://sphinn.com/story/196</link>
<comments>http://sphinn.com/story/196</comments>
<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:15:30 -0700</pubDate>
<dc:creator></dc:creator>
<category>Yahoo SEO</category>
<guid>http://sphinn.com/story/196</guid>
<description><![CDATA[A Search Engine Watch Forums thread has a member stating that although his site was banned from Yahoo! Search and was denied re-inclusion into Yahoo's index, he was still able to guarantee inclusion through Yahoo's paid inclusion program.Now that's gaming the system!<br/><br/>4 Vote(s) ]]></description>
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