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	<title>First Impressions Company Bolg &#124; Practical Information to Help Make Your Blog A Success</title>
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	<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog</link>
	<description>practical information to help make your blog a success</description>
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		<title>WordPress &#8211; Beginning Video Tutorials</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/wordpress-beginning-tutorials/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/wordpress-beginning-tutorials/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:04:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Learning WordPress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WordPress How to]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learn to write blog posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[update your website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=109</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The following links to Tutorials are very basic but very necessary if you&#8217;ve never worked with WordPress:
(most are just a few minutes in length and will open in a new window)
(1) WordPress 2.7 Overview
While WP 2.9 is now available the basics of this overview are the same.
View Video »
(2) How to Login to the Wordpress [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-115 alignleft" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 0px 10px;" title="bigmonitor" src="http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/bigmonitor.gif" alt="" width="250" height="236" />The following links to Tutorials are very basic but very necessary if you&#8217;ve never worked with WordPress:</p>
<p>(most are just a few minutes in length and will open in a new window)</p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>(1) WordPress 2.7 Overview</strong></span><br />
While WP 2.9 is now available the basics of this overview are the same.<br />
<strong><a href="http://wordpress-tutorials.ithemes.com/27tutsunbranded/wp27_overview.swf" target="_blank">View Video »</a></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><strong><span style="color: #800000;">(2) How to Login to the Wordpress Dashboard</span><a href="http://wordpress-tutorials.ithemes.com/27tutsunbranded/wp27_login.swf" target="_blank"><br />
View Video »</a></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><strong><span style="color: #800000;"><span id="more-109"></span><span style="color: #800000;">(3)</span></span><span style="color: #800000;"> How to Write a Post</span><a href="http://wordpress-tutorials.ithemes.com/27tutsunbranded/wp27_writepost.swf" target="_blank"><br />
View Video »</a></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><strong><span style="color: #800000;">(4) How to Write a Page</span><br />
<a href="http://wordpress-tutorials.ithemes.com/27tutsunbranded/wp27_writepage.swf" target="_blank">View Video »</a></strong></p>
<p style="padding-left: 90px;"><strong><span style="color: #800000;">(5) How to Use Widgets</span><br />
<a href="http://wordpress-tutorials.ithemes.com/27tutsunbranded/wp27_widgets.swf" target="_blank">View Video »</a></strong></p>
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		<item>
		<title>2009 Search Engine Ranking Factors</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/2009-search-engine-ranking-factors/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/2009-search-engine-ranking-factors/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:44:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization (SEO)]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Internet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=84</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you know how Google and other search engines rank your site? The primary factor seems to be the Algorithms used. These of course change regularly so just when you think you&#8217;ve figured out how to optimize your site—the algorithms change. The following article details how the ranking factors were rated by a panel of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-91 alignleft" style="margin: 0px 8px;" title="google-logo" src="http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/google-logo1.gif" alt="" width="100" height="94" />Do you know how Google and other search engines rank your site? The primary factor seems to be the Algorithms used. These of course change regularly so just when you think you&#8217;ve figured out how to optimize your site—the algorithms change. The following article details how the ranking factors were rated by a panel of 72 SEO experts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seomoz.org/article/search-ranking-factors#ranking-factors" target="_blank">http://www.seomoz.org/article/search-ranking-factors#ranking-factors</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Creating a Realtor Website That Works</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/creating-a-website-that-works/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/creating-a-website-that-works/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:51:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[On-line Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Real Estate News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[by Jim Marks of Virtual Results
After studying the statistics of what consumers are clicking on there are some clear standout strategies that you can take now on your website to give the consumer what they want. The basic concept that you all must be considering is the difference between Traffic Conversion vs. Branding.
 If your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-37 alignleft" style="margin: 4px;" title="posthead" src="http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/posthead.gif" alt="" width="525" height="201" />by <strong>Jim Marks of </strong><a id="c:53" title="Virtual Results" href="http://virtualresults.net/" target="_blank">Virtual Results</a></p>
<p>After studying the statistics of what consumers are clicking on there are some clear standout strategies that you can take now on your website to give the consumer what they want. The basic concept that you all must be considering is the difference between <strong>Traffic Conversion vs. Branding.</strong></p>
<p><strong> </strong><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>If your website is all about you, then you are not giving consumers what they want.</strong></span> They don’t care about you, they don’t care how many designations you have and what they stand for. They Want LISTINGS! They want Information! According to statistics of what consumers click on the most, here are the <span style="color: #800000;"><strong>Top 4 things to do on your website right now</strong> </span>to increase traffic and conversions;<span id="more-22"></span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #800000;">LISTINGS</span>-</strong> Your Home page biggest feature should be <strong>“FIND YOUR HOME”</strong> “call to action” with a basic MLS/IDX function right there. Don’t make consumers look for it, give it to them by framing it into your home page. (DON’T call it “Search the MLS“, as only 17% if consumers actually know what the MLS is”) You can have different levels of search functions. An example would be to have limited basic photos and details, before asking them to sign up or add their email.<br />
<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #800000;">MARKET REPORTS</span>-</strong> Let your consumers know how the local market is doing? What are the stats? Put this info in layman’s terms so that they understand what those stats mean to THEM. What is the information per neighborhood or development? They want to know what their neighbors house sold for and why?<br />
<strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>WHAT IS MY HOME WORTH</strong>?</span> Another popular call to action is offering a CMA so that they can find out for free what their home is worth? Convert these leads by giving them something of value! A free Market Report, a Community Newsletter are some ideas. (ok I added that in…) <span style="color: #800000;"><br />
</span></p>
<p><strong><span style="color: #800000;">Add YOUR BLOG TO YOUR WEBSITE</span>- </strong>How many of you have a static website, and separate blog? That is SO 2006!!! <strong>Your Blog IS YOUR BRANDING! </strong>Remember how putting your dog on your home page was all the rage?? NO more! Your blog needs to be incorporated in your website, and it is there that you are free to share your voice, your personality, your photos..but remember to remain an authority on your community and balance your branding and flair with relevant information for your consumers! Even if your only blog is on ActiveRain, get it into your website!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Improve Your Brand With a Custom Header</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/improve-your-brand-with-a-custom-header/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/improve-your-brand-with-a-custom-header/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:44:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding Your Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[On-line Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=16</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A custom header can greatly enhance the professionalism of your blog. 
If you have already developed your Blog but lack the tools or graphic design skills to produce a great header please contact us. Headers start at $75 and will blend in perfectly with your layout and color combinations. Most of the blogs we develop [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h5><span style="color: #800000;"><strong>A custom header can greatly enhance the professionalism of your blog. </strong></span></h5>
<p style="text-align: left;">If you have already developed your Blog but lack the tools or graphic design skills to produce a great header please contact us. <img class="size-full wp-image-97 aligncenter" style="margin: 6px 2px;" title="dickensheader" src="http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/dickensheader.jpg" alt="" width="525" height="207" />Headers start at $75 and will blend in perfectly with your layout and color combinations. Most of the blogs we develop include headers, so take a look around the site and you will see further examples of our work.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To get started, just contact us:</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><!--cforms name="Contact"--></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How To Improve Your Branding With Your Content</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/how-to-improve-your-branding-with-your-content/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/how-to-improve-your-branding-with-your-content/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:40:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Branding Your Company]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[On-line Marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=13</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This excellent article was written by Rick Sloboda and published by Smashing Magazine.
Branding experts hit the nail on the head when they say that a winning brand conveys why you are your prospects’ only solution. If you can’t achieve that, you should at least convey why you are your prospects’ best solution. Of course, the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><small><a title="JeanbaptisteM" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/37839628@N08/4056110758/" target="_blank"></a></small><img class="size-full wp-image-103 alignleft" style="border: 0pt none;" title="applelogo" src="http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/applelogo.png" alt="" width="237" height="206" />This excellent article was written by Rick Sloboda and published by <em>Smashing Magazine</em>.</p>
<p><strong>Branding</strong> experts hit the nail on the head when they say that a winning brand conveys why you are your prospects’ <em>only</em> solution. If you can’t achieve that, you should at least convey why you are your prospects’ <em>best</em> solution. Of course, the same logic applies to your clients. So make a compelling claim about your business, product or service, and back it up.</p>
<p>Are you the biggest or most popular provider of your type of product? Do you provide the widest selection of services? Do you leverage strategic partnerships? Create patented technology? Offer convenient locations? Or are you young and small, able to churn out customized solutions swiftly, unlike your much larger and slower competitors?</p>
<p><strong><span id="more-13"></span>Define your strengths and leverage them</strong>. Purposefully written Web copy that effectively tells your prospects why they should buy from you or your client can make a world of difference on the sales front. In fact, if done right, it can actually disqualify the competition.</p>
<p>Here’s an example. A client in the medical X-ray field had Web copy that contained vague statements such as, “We’re dedicated to providing you with the highest level of professional service possible.” That’s not a hook. Any business can state that on its website, and most do. Some basic research revealed that the client is the only business in the region that owns and operates the most advanced medical equipment in the industry. As a result, it could provide the most accurate X-rays on the same business day. No competitor in its market could make the same claim.</p>
<p>That simple fact differentiated our client and became a large part of its selling proposition. That’s conveying <em>real</em> value.</p>
<h3>You Are What You Write</h3>
<p><a href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2009/05/16/how-to-improve-your-branding-with-your-content/" target="_blank">Read the whole article »</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Eric Schmidt on Charlie Rose</title>
		<link>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/eric-schmidt-on-charlie-rose/</link>
		<comments>http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/2010/01/eric-schmidt-on-charlie-rose/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:25:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>JW</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[The Internet]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://firstimpressionsblogs.com/blog/?p=8</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[An hour long conversation with the CEO of Google. Plenty of great information.
Recorded on March 7, 2009 

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>An hour long conversation with the CEO of Google. Plenty of great information.<br />
Recorded on March 7, 2009 <br style="”height: 4em”;" /><br />
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