Understanding SEO can be quite a task, and making it work is even more challenging. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best free SEO tools to help you understand your site, how it ranks against competitors, and the power of keywords, anchor text and back links. Watch this quick video and start crafting a strategy to boost your rankings on search engines!

SEO Tool #1 Google Keyword Tool
www.adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal

Research is key, this step requires a bit of time, but it’s worth it’s weight in gold. Provided by Google, this tool allows you to research your industry keywords to learn about local and global traffic statistics.

Now, what does your site look like to search engines in terms of SEO?

SEO Tool #2 SEO Website Grader
www.websitegrader.com

SEO Tool #3 SEO Blog Grader
blog.grader.com

SEO Tool #4 Check Backlinks & Anchor Text
www.bluebacklinks.com

SEO Tool #5 Search Engine Spider Simulator
www.webconfs.com/search-engine-spider-simulator.php

SEO Tool #6 Alexa Ranking (Worldwide Rank, Search Analytics, Audience Stats, Etc.)
www.alexa.com

SEO Tool #7 SEO Book – Free SEO Tools (These SEO tools can be used for ongoing website analysis and stats.)
www.tools.seobook.com

Next, it’s a good idea to asses what your competition looks like. (You can use the tools above as well as the tools below for this purpose)

SEO Tool #8 Spy on Your Competitors (Learn About Competitor Keywords & AdWords)
www.spyfu.com

SEO Tool #9 Search Engine & Directory Submission Tool
www.ubl.org

Once your ready to move forward with an SEO strategy, these tools will hep you with search engine & directory submission as well as PR article distribution.

SEO Tool #10 Press Release Article Distribution
www.prnewswire.com

Knowledge is only half the battle! Once you understand the status of your current site and have a better understanding of what you need to do, it’s time to hire experts to handle the workload so you can get back to business.

Overwhelmed with information? We’re here to help. Contact us today for a free SEO quote.info@skyboxseo.com or call 619.865.8881

There has been much discussion and debate around the proposed launch of the revised Starbucks Brand Identity. I’ve been involved in forums and branding groups that have been discussing the topic over the last few months and have heard a lot of conflicting opinions on the topic.

I stepped into Starbucks yesterday to grab an afternoon Mocha and witnessed the brand roll out first hand, from the signage on the door, to the gift cards, mugs, sleeves, coffee packaging and more, the new logo was everywhere (except the cups, strangely enough)… these things take time. As any company knows, the roll out of a re-branding campaign takes time to implement, leaving old logos floating around for months and sometimes years. Think about the overhaul of such a decision in a large corporate entity like Starbucks! On the inside, we’re talking letterhead, corporate binders, internal communication documents, email signatures, etc. On the consumer side, there is each individual store to overhaul (all 17,009 of them) along with ad campaigns, packaging, promotional items, etc. This is no easy task!

Personally, I love the new logo, I think it is a natural evolution of any iconic brand to morph into a more simplified and memorable stamp that speaks for the name. Look at Nike, a classic example of an icon that no longer needs a name, this shows the power of symbolism and brand recognition. It certainly didn’t happen over night though, the powerhouse has been at it for 40 years… longer than I’ve been on this planet!

What do you think of the new brand? Better or worse? Let us know your thoughts below!

Questions? Email us at info@skyboxcreative.com

Skybox Creative, Inc. – Elevate your business with iconic brand + web design.

by Angelina Sereno

Top 7 Inspirational Quotes for Business Success 
for the Week of February 28 – March 6

Skybox Creative’s Exclusive New Inspiration for Business Success
Blog by poet & author Prartho Sereno

Theme of the Week: COLLABORATION & TEAMWORK

Last week ended with the long-anticipated Academy Awards honoring perhaps the most collaborative art form in history—drawing on the expertise of set and costume designers, musical composers and sound engineers, script-writers, novel-writers, directors and actors; not to mention backstage cooks, cleaners, secretaries, grips, stunt men… You get the picture. This week’s collection of inspirational quotes for your business takes its cue from that recognition—the genius that is possible only through collaboration and teamwork. In the words of Hillary Clinton (borrowed, from an African proverb): “It takes a village… ”

Inspirational Quote #1
“I want to thank my team who works with me everyday…”
~Natalie Portman, in her acceptance speech for Best Actress for her performance in Black Swan

Inspirational Quote #2
“No one can whistle a symphony.”
~ H.E. Luccock, Yale professor

Inspirational Quote #3
“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”
~ Henry Ford, Inventor

(And another from Henry since it’s hump day:)
“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.”
~ Henry Ford, Inventor

Inspirational Quote #4
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

Inspirational Quote #5
“It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed.”
~ Napoleon Hill, author of bestselling books Law of Success and Think and Grow Rich

Inspirational Quote #6
“Good design begins with honesty, asks tough questions, comes from collaboration and from trusting your intuition.”
~ Freeman Thomas, an American automobile and industrial designer who has worked for Porsche, Volkswagen Group, DaimlerChrysler and Ford

Inspirational Quote #7
“I think I need some quality time alone.”
~ Colin Firth after stepping off stage from receiving the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in The King’s Speech.

See you next week!

Skybox Creative, Inc. – Elevate your business with stunning brand + web design.