Tuesday, July 07, 2015

Voice Search Optimization

When search engines first appeared on the world wide web, searchers used short phrases to find the information they wanted. Until as recently as 2007, the average number of words entered into search boxes was 3. Since then, the average number of words has steadily increased as searchers started asking questions of the search engines.

With the advent of Apple’s Siri, Google Now (sometimes called “OK Google”) and Microsoft’s Cortana, asking questions to search engines is becoming a natural part of interacting with them. Instead of typing, we can ask for any information and it is returned almost instantly. When you add the fact that most searches are now done on mobile devices, the importance of voice search and optimizing content for it is clear.

Google Voice Search
Google Voice Search is the search giant’s strategy for integrating voice commands across all Google products. With mobile devices overtaking all other platforms to access the Internet, Google search is evolving quickly. Search results are changing based on the way we speak, not the way we type.

Google is changing in response to the new ways humans interact with it. When we talk to Google to let it know what we’re looking for, we may ask about an item we want to purchase along with modifers like pricing, coupons orspecial. Google has learned these modifiers that often accompany product questions. It has started showing comparative pricing information and the closest location where the item can be purchased—even when that information is not specifically asked for. All the while, Google is listening for complete sentences and actual questions so it can provide specific information in response to more specific, longer-length queries.

Why is Google Voice a Big Deal?

Read More on Rockfish Blog

Friday, September 05, 2014

PLEASE VOTE #SXSW Panel Picker

Online Music Revenue Optimization

What are the differences between tablet and mobile in terms of how users listen to music and where are the revenue optimization differences? Where is your best bet for spending time in social media to generate Music sales? SoundCloud? Beatport? ITunes or Google Play. How can online Music on FaceBook, ITunes and the Google Play Stores be optimized within the digital ecosystem. - See more at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/39484#sthash.mancA2MZ.dpuf

When Good Enough to Launch Isn't Good Enough

Creative professionals no longer live in a studio bubble. In the digital age, what we do is deeply integrated with the pressures and limitations of our technologies, partners, and investors. Many of us work with or for startups, teaching us crucial skills about perfectionism on quick turnaround, and how to embrace the minimum viable product. As a result, things like deadlines, launch dates, and speed to market are often the measure of success.

At the same time, increasing pressure to perform has made craftsmanship more important than ever. Because in a world with democratized creative, great work is a weapon in and of itself. See how to balance the competing interests of craft and urgency, and how to avoid the trap of “good enough for launch."

- See more at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/40335#sthash.k2iD3WxN.dpuf

Brands, Games and Music Revenue Optimization

Online Optimization... Optimize your Brands, Music and Gaming assets.
Apps, Games and Music are the top items purchased on Social Networks, in Search and In-Game. What are the differences between tablet and mobile in terms of how users play games, listen to music and where are the revenue optimization differences? Where are you best bet for Music sales? SoundCloud? Beatport? ITunes or Google Play. How can online games and Music on FaceBook, ITunes and the Google Play Stores be optimized within the digital ecosystem. How can games be used to promote business? How can advertisers judge in-game advertising? How can game and apps companies provide a better user experience and optimize game play to increase loyalty and user numbers? How can these numbers be used to determine advertising rates? How can ROI be shown to brands that wish to participate? What Tools are available for Music purchases, game downloads and user beahviors within online games and music purchasing.

- See more at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/38730#sthash.ly5YV4Fv.dpuf

What's Up With Your Online Rep?

In today's marketplace, consumers have a myriad of online sources to learn about brands. The information they find online will greatly affect their decisions about how and where they spend their money. It is imperative that brands understand their online reputation and formulate a systematic approach to improving how they are viewed by current and potential customers, business partners and even current and potential employees. This session will show you the importance of maintaining a good online reputation, a 3-pronged approach to monitoring and improving your online reputation from domain defense, search and social reputation defense and content defense. - See more at: http://panelpicker.sxsw.com/vote/39579#sthash.aXuXFh6P.dpuf

How the Cool Kids Attract and Retain Talent

A shortage of the smartest and most creative thinkers continues to challenge key sectors like software development, design, marketing, and engineering. In a highly competitive, highly skilled labor market, how are the coolest and most creative companies using processes, technology and a culture of innovation to attract and retain these people?

In this session, two experts on company culture help navigate company cultural differentiators and open up a discussion about what companies can do to appeal to current and future job candidates. When all else is equal, what works to persuade top talent to join your company vs. the one across town? What cultural expectations are we seeing from Millennials that differ from previous generations?

The session will be framed around key themes including physical space, community impact, meaningful work, connectivity, and appreciation.

Active audience discussion will be encouraged and all attendees will receive a best practices takeaway.