Alt Attribute & Seo

SEO Optimization images is becoming increasingly more essential in SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for websites. The ALT attribute is a critical step that is often overlooked. This is often a lost opportunity for better rankings.

In Google's webmaster guidelines, they advise using alternative text for the images on your site:

Images:. Make use of the alt attribute to supply descriptive text. In addition, we recommend utilizing a human-readable caption and descriptive text around the image.

Why would they ask us to do that? The answer is simple, really; search engines like google have a similar problem as blind users. They can't begin to see the images.

Many webmasters and inexperienced or unethical SEOs abuse the use of this attribute, trying to stuff it with keywords, hoping to achieve a particular keyword density, which isn't as relevant for rankings now since it was previously.

On the other hand, high keyword density can, on some search engines like google, trigger spam filters, which may result in a penalty for the site's ranking. Even without such a penalty, your site's rankings won't benefit from this plan.
This method also puts persons who use screen readers in a greater disadvantage. Screen readers are software-based tools that actually read aloud the contents of what is shown on the screen. In browsing the net, the alt features of images are read aloud as well.

Imagine listening to a paragraph of text which is followed by repetitions of many keywords. The page will be not even close to accessible, and, to put it mildly, will be found quite annoying.
What exactly is an Alt attribute?

An ALT attribute shouldn't be used like a description or perhaps a label for an image, though lots of people utilize it for the reason that fashion. Although it may appear natural to assume that alternate text is a label or a description, it is not!

What used within an image's alt attribute should be its text equivalent and convey exactly the same information or serve exactly the same purpose that the image would.

The goal would be to supply the same functional information that the visual user would see. The alt attribute text should be the "stand in" in the event that the look itself is not available. Ask yourself this: If you were to replace the image with the text, would most users get the same basic information, and wouldn't it generate the same response?
Some examples:

 

Some SEO Optimization Tips

If a search button is really a magnifying glass or binoculars its alt text should be 'search' or 'find' not 'magnifying glass' or 'binoculars'.

If the image is supposed to convey the literal contents of the look, then a description is suitable.

If it is designed to convey data, then that data is what is appropriate.

If it's designed to convey the use of a function, then the function is what ought to be used.

Some Alt Attribute Guidelines:

Always add alt attributes to images. Alt is mandatory for accessibility and for valid XHTML.

For images that play merely a decorative role in the page, use an empty alt (i.e. alt="") or perhaps a CSS background image to ensure that reading browsers do not bother users by uttering things like "spacer image".

Keep in mind that it's the function of the image we're attempting to convey. For instance; any button images shouldn't range from the word "button" in the alt text. They should emphasize the action performed through the button.

Alt text should be based on context. The same image in a different context may require drastically different alt text.

Try to flow alt text with the remainder from the text because that is the way it is going to be read with adaptive technologies like screen readers. Someone hearing your page should hardly be aware that a graphic image can there be.
Please keep in mind that utilizing an alt attribute for each image is required to satisfy the minimum WAI requirements, which are used as the benchmark for accessibility laws in UK and also the remainder of Europe. They are also necessary to meet "Section 508" accessibility requirements in america.

It is important to categorize non-text content into three levels:

Eye-Candy
Mood-Setting
Content and Function

I. Eye-Candy

Eye-Candy are stuff that serve no purpose other than to make a site visually appealing/attractive and (oftentimes) satisfy the marketing departments. There is no content value (though there may be value to a sighted user).

Never alt-ify eye-candy unless there is something there that will boost the usability of the site for somebody using a non-visual user agent. Make use of a null alt attribute or background images in CSS for eye-candy.

II. Mood-Setting

This is the middle layer of graphics which may serve to set the mood or set the stage as it were. These graphics are not direct content and could not be considered essential, but they are essential in they help frame what is going on.

Try to alt-ify the 2nd group as makes sense and is relevant. There may be times when doing so may be annoying or detrimental to other users. Then avoid it.

For example; Alt text that is identical to adjacent text is unnecessary, as well as an irritant to screen reader users. I suggest alt="" or background CSS images in such instances. But sometimes, it's vital that you get this content inside for those users.

Usually this will depend on context. Exactly the same image inside a different context may require drastically different alt text. Obviously, content should always be fully available. The way you use this example is really a judgment call.

III. Content and Function

This is where the image is the actual content. Always alt-ify content and functional images. Title and long description attributes may also be in order.
The reason many authors can't figure out why their alt text isn't working is they don't know why the images exist. You have to figured out precisely what function an image serves. Think about what it is about the image that's vital that you the page's intended audience.

Every graphic has a reason behind standing on that page: because it either enhances the theme/ mood/ atmosphere or it is advisable to what are the page is attempting to explain. Understanding what the image is for makes alt text easier to write. And practice writing them definitely helps.
A method to check the usefulness of alternative text would be to imagine reading the page over the telephone to someone. An amount you say when encountering a particular image to create the page understandable towards the listener?

Besides the alt attribute you have a couple more tools at your disposal for images.
First, in degree of descriptiveness title is within between alt and longdesc. It adds useful information and may add flavor. The title attribute is optionally rendered through the user agent. Remember they're invisible and not shown like a "tooltip" when focus is received via the keyboard. (So much for device independence). So use the title attribute only for advisory information.
Second, the longdesc attribute points towards the Link to a complete description of an image. If the information contained in a picture is essential to the concept of the page (i.e. some important content would be lost if the image was removed), an extended description than the "alt" attribute can reasonably display should be used. It may offer rich, expressive documentation of a visual image.

It should be used when alt and title are insufficient to embody the visual qualities of an image. As Clark [1] states, "A longdesc is a long description of the image...The goal is by using any length of description necessary to impart the facts of the graphic.

It wouldn't be remiss to hope that a long description conjures an image - the look - in the mind's eye, an analogy that holds true even for the totally blind."

Even though alt attribute is mandatory for web accessibility as well as for valid (X)HTML, not all images need alternative text, long descriptions, or titles.

Oftentimes, you are best just choosing your gut instinct -- if it's not necessary to include it, and if you don't have a strong urge to get it done, don't add that longdesc.

However, if it's essential for the entire page to work, then you've to add the alt text (or title or longdesc).

What's necessary and what's not depends a lot on the function of the image and it is context on the page.

Exactly the same image may need alt text (or title or longdesc) in a single spot, but not in another. If an image provides absolutely no content or functional information alt="" or background CSS images might be appropriate to use. But if the image provides content or adds functional information an alt would be required and perhaps a long description would be in order. In many cases this type of thing is a judgement call.

Image Search Engine Optimization Tips

Listed below are key steps in optimizing images:

Choose a logical file name that reinforces the keywords. You can use hyphens within the file name to isolate the keyword, but avoid to exceeding two hyphens. Avoid using underscores like a word separator, like for example "brilliant-diamonds.jpg";

Label the file extension. For example, when the image internet search engine sees a ".jpg" (JPEG) file extension, it's going to assume the file is a photo, and when it sees a ".gif" (GIF) file extension, it's likely to assume that it is graphic;

Make sure that the written text nearby the image that is highly relevant to that image.
Again, do not lose an excellent opportunity to help your website with your images in search engines. Use these steps to rank better on all the engines and drive more traffic for your site TODAY.

Search Engine Optimization

Gather close, dear friends and hear my words of warning. Gird yourself, for my tale would make any enlightened man or woman stagger back in disbelief. I do not share such news with you lightly. It is not my errand to harm or discomfort your mental or psychological wellbeing.

Resist the urge to sever the very Internet connection with which you receive my message. I shall soon relieve your stress with a simple technique that will counter the malevolence that I describe.

I reveal my knowledge only because you may in fact be a person possessing an enterprising mind. If this is true, I know you will see in my tale of woe and tragedy the shadow of immense opportunity.

My Tale

I have, in my professional pursuits been privy to the plans of many a starry-eyed business person. So eager are they to tap the keg of the Web that they have made themselves drunk with anticipation, even before a single sip of the digital elixir has crossed their lips.

They are handy with their search tools, clever in their keywords and pen pay-per-click ads that seem to dance upon the page.

It is all for naught, for the heady traffic pours into vessels so riddled with hole and crack, that from this torrent these businesses can scarcely moisten their lips. The websites to which they deliver their click-through treasure fail in their basic duty of capturing and converting the bounty.

And so, they make changes. They replace the ineffective cup with a bowl and then a pitcher and then a saucer, each equally as impotent; each delivering little sustenance to them.

Take your kerchief now from your pocket, dear friend, for my tale will bring tears to your eyes.

In their quest to find the proper vessel these misguided souls fail to see the true opportunity. It is as if they are blind, and yeah, they truly are.

They stick their inferior containers out into the flood and clinch their eyes tightly closed as if looking upon something abominable. Thus, they see only the result, and not the cause of their famine.

But lift your head now and let the brightness of joy return to your face, for I can tell you now that you need not suffer as they do.

The True Opportunity

The core of the matter is this: the opportunity lies not in the container, but in the holes and cracks.

Yes, each little imperfection offers up a chance to be corrected, each tiny fault a hope of repair. And when enough of these imperfections are discovered our cups will fill with abundance on which our businesses will become sated.

Do not dismiss me now expecting tales of split tests and multivariate monstrosities, for I offer a much simpler way of stripping the blindfold from your eyes.

I offer you: the Serial Test.

Behold, The Serial Test

I chuckle now as I think of the simplicity and power of this trick. It begins with the ability to measure traffic and track the very leads and sales that sustain you.

You may choose Google Analytics or Clicky for its simplicity. Enterprises may prefer Omniture or Webtrends. It is of little consequence to me.

It is only important that you be able to gauge the level in your cup as compared to the visits flowing into it.

Seek not absolute accuracy, but seek instead consistency of measure and no more.

Tread lightly! You must bring change in small steps, patiently and purposefully. Seek to join a crack or fill a hole.

Change a headline, reduce the number of fields in your form or add trust-building symbols to the page. Change but one thing at a time.

Accompany each change with a hypothesis, a thesis for what you expect the change to do for you. Most of the time, your hypothesis will simply be this:

“This change will increase the percentage of visitors who take action; who convert to a lead or a sale as measured by ___________.”

You must fill the blank, my friend.

Will you measure calls you receive from the Web? Will you measure completed forms? Will you measure revenue per click? It is up to you.

All I ask is that you choose a measure for which you know the current value and that will reliably rise or fall as your fortunes change.

Test Duration

Hold fast! Do not rush off to ogle your analytics, for we must first discuss statistical significance. Do not be disheartened. This term, though bulging with syllables simply means that you must let enough time pass before you review the results of your change.

There are ebbs and flows within even a calendar week that must be considered. I say you shall let no less than a week pass before you evaluate any change. This assumes a heady stream of traffic.

To ensure validity, you should let enough time pass for 100 conversions to occur or for thousands of eyes fall upon your change before you harvest your learnings.

Measure your current page, which we call the control for an appropriate amount of time. Then measure the changed page, which we call the treatment for such a time as well. Then will you be ready to glean insights that will fill your cup.

In many cases you will find a difference between the two. The treatment will offer an increase or decrease over the performance of its brother. But, don’t rush to the conclusion, for if the change is small, it is wholly invalid.

Only Big Differences Count

Do not think me foul that I must reveal that a serial test does not control for natural changes in the marketplace. Just as the temperature fluctuates from season to season, so too will your conversion rates and independently of changes to your site.

Therefore stake your decisions on large changes. If your treatment causes a drop of 20% or more, you can be comforted that it is an inferior vessel. Cast it aside and restore the control. This is truly an honorable result!

If your treatment brings a bounty of 20% or more in increased conversions, rejoice. You have found a new control.

Otherwise, retain your control and try something anew.

Repeat & Grow

Tarry but a moment, dear reader, as you must prepare for the next test. Choose another change. Create your hypothesis. Select a measuring stick. Launch your treatment at the appointed time and wait patiently for statistical significance.

And as God is my witness, I say that you will have prepared yourself to ease into a more profitable and fruitful pursuit: the split test.

Your new-found skills at selecting what to change, at choosing metrics and knowing how long to test will serve you well. The split test will control for seasonal and competitive fluctuations that plague even the most stalwart of serial tests. Riches will be yours for the taking.

Hark! I offer gifts with my glad tidings. For your pleasure, I offer my very own test planning document to guide you through your most pressing serial test.

Use it in good health and growing prosperity as it guides you to online success. With it, you will rise above the blind rabble who would dare to compete with you.

You will have questions, no doubt. Please share them in the comments for a rousing response from me and other smart readers like yourself.

Opinions expressed in the article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land.

Related Topics: Conversion Science

Manufacturers of retails goods need to leverage their Facebook presences to manage product recalls more cost effectively.

Some companies like Johnson & Johnson are starting so see the damage product recalls are costing in the modern age of fast information sharing — the company estimates over $900 million in lost sales and related expenditures last year. The brand is just one example are one of many companies that have undergone recalls in the last year and are still working to regain customers’ trust.

Cautionary tale

Kraft experienced a big debacle last year of moldy kids’ juices — and the problem is still continuing — so the creation of a Facebook tab to help manage the issues started out as very proactive. Alas, the tab moved to the very back of the page within days.

Moms were upset and consumers visiting the Facebook page for moldy juice information (many times referred there by a friend) thought the the tab appeared was missing rather than moved. Kraft learned the hard way that moms and other concerned parties wound up going elsewhere for information. They Googled the issue and stumbled across any pages mentioning it — including the brand-damaging image shown to the right.

Then other moms who were upset looked for information on Facebook and found groups like “I wont buy CAPRI sun till it comes in a clear juice package!!” Such groups had only a couple hundred members and no centralized, authoritative source of information, but instead had lots of unverified information further fueling hatred of the company. Perhaps Kraft should have created a page just for recalls or even just the juice recall, and that would have preserved the brand’s integrity on the site.

Three questions

Here are three important questions for product managers to think about amid recalls:

What does this mean for our search engine optimization?

What about the amplification risk?

What would the newest consumer find about the brand online?

In case the anecdote above hasn’t sold you on why a product recall is best managed on Facebook, below are three reasons.

Facebook is free

Besides a staff or the intelligence behind outbound communications, social media in general is free. Companies have brand pages that were no cost to setup. Tabs are free to setup. Interested consumers generally like products they use. Put together is a stage and microphone, what is your corporation saying? Read 44% of Fortune 50 Brands Show Facebook Icons.

Leverage your fans

If fans and consumers are going to spread seemingly harmful information to keep their friends safe, companies should be the initiator of the dialogue. There could be encouragement to share recall information or even incentives like discounts. Some companies even have Facebook commerce pages for shopping, support for recalls and exchanges could be easily integrated.

Communicate with customers

While silence tends to be seen as the best policy in a real-time updated world, silence immediately is seen as guilt and even worse so, the holding back of information from consumers. Quick updates, even if on Facebook pages is a way to engage and even remind fans as to why they are following you. Even if the news is the most positive to share, consumers would be reminded why they choose to connect themselves with you.

Consumers understand mistakes happen and are happy to get involved. Facebook offers many ways to share information with others and track how conversations travel — that provides one of the best ways to manage a recall.

Ellie Cachette is the Founder of ConsumerBell.

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Lee bounces back, fans 12 as Phillies blank Nats

Back at his best after an unusually brief outing, Cliff Lee struck out 12 in a three-hit shutout, allowing the Phillies to overcome their own problems at the plate in a 4-0 victory over the Nationals.

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Fox <b>News</b> Throughout History: Pics, Videos, Links, <b>News</b>

Fox News Throughout History: History is written by the pundits winners. As long as humans have existed, they've tried to spin historical events to shed themselves in the best light. And their enemies in the worst.

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Obama Exclusive: I Was Born in Hawaii and I Don&#39;t &#39;Have Horns <b>...</b>

I thought the president would take a pass when I asked him about Donald Trump's rise to the top of the Republican field in my exclusive interview today. Far from it. He grabbed at the chance with a big smile... ABC News' George ...

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Apple has reportedly become more aggressive in securing components from overseas suppliers, making moves such as upfront cash payments to both ensure supply and block out competitors.



Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities said in a note to investors on Thursday that Apple began "aggressively attacking" the component situation in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the country. The iPhone maker reportedly sent executives to suppliers immediately to ensure adequate supply of components, and also began offering upfront cash payments.



Separately, White's contacts in Taiwan also revealed that Apple is allegedly securing component capacity using what is known as a "three cover guarantee," referring to capacity, stock and price. Apple's move is seen as one that could potentially block out competitors and prevent them from building ample supply of devices.



The information comes as a separate report out of the Far East suggested that a one-month delay for Research in Motion's PlayBook tablet was as a result of Apple securing most of the available touch panel production capacity. The delay has forced the PlayBook to go on sale after Apple's in-demand iPad 2.



Last month, it was said that Apple could agree to price hikes in order to secure touch panel supply, particularly in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake. Apple was said to be in talks with component makers about touch panel pricing, and allegedly considered some price increases in negotiations.



In the company's last quarterly earnings call, Apple Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook revealed that Apple had invested $3.9 billion of its nearly $60 billion in cash reserves in long-term supply contracts. He declined to reveal what components Apple had put its money toward, citing competitive concerns, but said that it was a strategic move that would position the company well in the future.



Analysts largely believe that the secret investment was related to touch panel displays that are the centerpiece of devices like the iPhone and iPad. One cost breakdown estimated that such an investment could secure Apple 136 million iPhone displays, or 60 million iPad touch panels.



It's a move similar to 2005, when Apple inked a major deal with Samsung to secure longterm supply of flash memory. NAND flash would go on to become a major part of Apple's products, including the iPhone, iPad and new MacBook Air.

Video calls were a mainstay of classic sci-fi films, and even today there’s something almost magical about seeing your friends and family on the screen of a portable device. Video calling has been around for some time, but it’s only really in the past year or so that its got more attention among regular users. That’s thanks in no small part to Apple and FaceTime, as found on the iPhone 4, iPad 2 and other gadgets from the company’s range. Read on as we give FaceTime the full SlashGear 101 treatment!

So Apple invented video calling, right?

No, not at all, though they did do a lot to make it easier to use – just as long as you have the right hardware. Video calling is actually a part of the 3G standard, which – if the carrier and whatever phone you’re using supports it, which isn’t the case in the US – has been available since around 2003. Unfortunately a combination of high pricing, poor understanding by users, mediocre quality and patchy reliability meant this form of video calling has never really taken off.

Apple’s FaceTime takes advantage of the company’s tight control over the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and MacBook software, which has allowed it to polish the video calling experience to the point where everyday use is possible. Now FaceTime is available to anybody at the touch of an on-screen button.

Do I need an Apple phone to use FaceTime?

Not necessarily a phone, but definitely something with the Apple logo. FaceTime was first supported on the iPhone 4, which was Apple’s first mobile device with a front-facing camera (i.e. one that looks at the user, rather than out the back of the handset). The latest iPod touch and iPad 2 both have front-facing cameras and FaceTime support as well, and Apple has released a FaceTime app for its Mac and MacBook computers so they can join in the fun as well. FaceTime comes free on the mobile devices and the very latest Macs, and is a $0.99 download from the Mac App Store for earlier Mac owners.

Okay, so how do I use it?

It’s pretty simple, just as Apple was aiming for. On the iPhone you make a voice call in the normal way and then tap the FaceTime button on-screen to switch to video. On the iPod touch and iPad 2, you start a video call in the FaceTime app. You’ll need an Apple account in order to make and receive calls, since that’s used as the “phone number” for devices other than the iPhone 4.

Currently, FaceTime video calls can only be made when you have a WiFi connection, not when you’re using the mobile network for data. That’s a limitation Apple has put in place itself, though the company has said it is working on removing it in the future.

I’m not into Apple, can I video call with something else?

You certainly can, though the process gets a bit trickier. Various apps are available for Android and other mobile phone platforms which promise video calls, sometimes over not only WiFi but the 3G mobile networks too. That means you can make video calls when away from your home network or a WiFi hotspot, as long as your signal is strong enough.

Skype, Fring and Qik are all among the companies offering video calling apps, though their effectiveness often varies on a phone-by-phone basis. Not all phones have front-facing cameras, either, though they’re becoming more common on the latest handsets. A future SlashGear 1010 feature will look at the best video calling apps if FaceTime isn’t your thing.

Apple has said it plans to open up FaceTime to other manufacturers, so that non-Apple phones can make and receive calls too, but so far there’s no sign of that actually happening.

More information at Apple’s FaceTime page.

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Editor’s note: This discussion about the superphone platform is one of the five themes we will be focusing on at the VentureBeat Mobile Summit, on April 25-26. We’ve carefully invited the top executives in mobile to discuss the biggest challenges of the day, which, if solved, can lead to much faster growth in the industry. And at our enterprise session, we’ll have top executives around the table from a number of companies, including Verizon, AT&T, Cisco, Salesforce, Box.net, and more. (If you think you should be part of the discussion, you can apply for a ticket.)

Don’t expect to find the core applications that run the pistons of a business as native apps in Apple’s App Store. With a few exceptions, the future is touch-enabled web applications that will bring a more complete version of a vendor’s feature set to any tablet.

I’ll say it more explicitly:  Native apps are for phones, gadgets and games.  Touch-enabled web apps are for tablets and broad business applications.

The iPhone’s size has almost necessitated an alternative user experience for business apps, but the iPad’s screen real estate does not suffer that limitation.

The iPad has been in the market for over one year.  Conspicuously absent from SmartSheet’s Top iPad Apps for Business lists — produced over the last 8 months by 10 industry watchers — are any cross-business operating apps tackling customer relationship management (CRM), accounting, project management and the like.

Smart software companies are building tablet access into their core products by touch-enabling their existing web applications.  For some vendors with form-based solutions, the effort may be fairly simple, for others with rich desktop-class UIs, it is more complex.

Some serious business apps have native tablet versions, but they are either narrow business functions or small carve-outs of their overall solution. Here are some examples:

Some examples of companies with broader business operations applications that are benefiting from the touch-enabled web app approach are:

The key reasons to go native on the iPhone / iPad have been:  performance, access to device features (geo-location, camera, etc….), offline support, and most importantly, an entry in the App Store Directory (this will be the only remaining benefit to building native business apps in 12- 18 months).

But the following dynamics in the tablet ecosystem are predicting the demise of that native apps advantage:

Competition Among Tablets Will Dramatically Improve Performance

Intense competition in the tablet market will drive hardware, browser and connectivity performance closer and closer to parity with PCs.  Note the step up in hardware power from the iPad to the recently released Motorola Xoom and iPad 2.  Vendors do not build native apps for PCs and Laptops any more, and the reasons for that will be just as valid for tablets.

HTML5 Will Erase Native App’s Device Advantage

HTML5 will give browser apps powers that today are only accessible by native apps such as instant on, access to camera, location, and off-line.  And, unless it’s a game, most apps require connectivity to be useful anyway.  (Here’s a good write-up on this.)

Web Apps Will Outpace and Outreach the Natives (adding features vs platforms)

As more tablets come to market on more operating systems, ISVs will become weighted down building redundant apps for each OS.  This will inherently come at the expense of adding more features to a single web app.  Inherent in any application development toolkit are its limitations, and Apple’s is no different.  Richer experiences are possible with today’s browser development tools.

Businesses Will Favor App Stores that Include “Bookmark a Link” Apps

Apple forbids “pointers” or “very thin wrappers” to touch-enabled web business apps.  This benefits Apple, but not business users.  There are a host of good business apps that work on the iPad browser, but they’re not present in the App Store.  This is slowing the growth of the iPad as a business tool.  The marketplace that lists compatible business apps will have a broad audience – one that expects them.

The debate will continue on both the mobile and tablet fronts and it depends on a multitude of factors, but ultimately businesses will choose which approach delivers a more compelling user experience for their specific application.  ZDNet reports on three of the key business scenarios prevalent with the iPad, which includes 1) sales people out in the field, 2) executives on an overnight trip, and 3) warehouse managers, retail floor staff, medical staff, and anybody else that needs real access to apps while on their feet.

A tablet untethers the user categories above from a desk if it can handle typically more comprehensive operational business applications that can cover a diversity of business needs. For example,  this video shows the owner of a 109-year-old lumber operation bringing automation to the mill floor via the iPad. For this company and the millions just like it, the need for rich tablet-ready business apps is real, but native apps aren’t there yet. Thankfully, there is an app for that. But you’ll have to look beyond the App Store.

Brent Frei is the founder of Smartsheet, an online project management and collaboration tool. He submitted this story to VentureBeat as part of a series leading up to our Mobile Summit later this month.

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One important thing about cities is their sex appeal — their magnetism. Places flourish when they attract people, resources, opportunities, and ideas, and match them to one another. Cities are much more than the built environment of roads and real estate. Cities are about relationships, and whether people have access to opportunities. Cities are one big dating game.

When cities lose their magnetism, the whole population suffers. The deterioration of Detroit began well before recent auto industry woes; its population plunge was confirmed by the latest Census. Some attribute decline to bad urban redevelopment schemes or corrupt politics that failed to improve schools or reduce crime. "A once-great American city today repels people of talent and ambition," a Wall Street Journal columnist wrote recently. A local leader told him, "It's been class warfare on steroids, and ... so many Detroiters who had the means — black and white — have fled the city."

Cleveland is another shrunken city with significant poverty. In the 1980s, Cleveland Tomorrow, a coalition of major company CEOs, sponsored downtown projects, including a new baseball stadium and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This attracted luxury apartment developments, luring the affluent to the center city and revitalizing it. But inner city ghettoes were barely touched, and the region continued to lose high-wage manufacturing.

There's a tale of two cities within many city borders: one rich, the other very poor. Dubai, a gleaming new city of luxury high rises, is ringed by hidden slums for temporary service workers from the underclass of Asian nations. In New York, the middle class, including young families, cannot afford to live in the city. Baton Rouge has affluent areas with some of Louisiana's best quality-of-life indicators and extreme poverty areas with some of the worst. Other divides include racial and ethnic enclaves that vary in opportunities — for example, minority entrepreneurs with promising business ideas who can't access mainstream sources of capital and support.

Cities should be connectors but can have connection problems. Cities are where all parts of life come together: jobs, health, education, environmental quality. Yet, in most cities, businesses, schools, hospitals, and city services still operate in silos. And the political boundaries of cities don't encompass their true extent or the flow of people, as the Brookings' Metropolitan Policy Center points out. IBM's Smarter Cities Challenge supports efforts to use technology for connected regional solutions.

Interdependence among urban issues makes vicious cycles worse. If there is no action on high youth unemployment or poor educational quality and high school dropout rates, then too many African-American males end up in prison. High crime rates make sections of cities undesirable, and neighborhoods deteriorate. Aging buildings and toxic environments then cause health problems, such as lead poisoning or asthma, which disproportionately affect inner city children. Children in poor health have trouble learning, learning problems are associated with school dropouts, and vicious cycles continue.

Pivotal investments can start virtuous cycles. The transformation of Miami from sleepy southern city to international trade hub and informal capital of Latin America was propelled by investments in a world class airport and a flood of immigrants from Fidel Castro's Cuba. Mayors and civic leaders took advantage of this to attract new businesses and tout Latin connections, as my book World Class describes. But progress stalls if benefits don't reach the grass roots, racial divides persist, and major institutions fail to collaborate. The Miami Foundation's emerging leaders program is designed to deploy diverse younger professionals for major civic projects.

Revitalizing cities requires national urban policy investments and social innovations on the ground. Leadership might come from:

• Enlightened mayors who build public-private partnerships or join Cities of Service, which align the city and non-profits around high-impact goals.



• Business leaders, such as former Miami Herald publisher David Lawrence, who rallied Miami-Dade County to vote for a tax increase (Yes to new taxes!) to create the Children's Trust, a fund to improve life for all children.



• Faith communities, such as Rev. Raymond Jetson's community organizing toward a coalition for "A Better Baton Rouge."



• Financiers, such as Tim Ferguson and Ron Walker, who co-founded Next Street to invest in inner city businesses.



• Social entrepreneurs, such as Hubie Jones, who wants to replicate a birth-to-college educational model like the Harlem Children's Zone in Boston.



• Community foundations with a strategic perspective, seeking integrated solutions across issues such as youth employment, education, health, and green plans.

The best social innovations will connect people and institutions, producing an infrastructure for collaboration. That social infrastructure will increase the sex appeal of cities by going beyond initial attraction to build lasting relationships for lasting improvements.

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Roofing Contractors Vancouver - 5 Questions to Really think

Roofing Vancouver - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Repair or Replace?

There's no opinion as an expert opinion. Most contractors will provide you with a totally free estimate. Get a list of a few trusted contractors and contact them well ahead of time of when you want to obtain your homes roof fixed so you can compare costs and opinions.

2. Beauty versus Practicality?

Discuss this together with your spouse or partner. (The kids could care less...at least the children.) The fact is, nobody wants an ugly roof just like nobody wants to be seen with bed hair. If you've got a good quality roof and you just need to repair it, it's worth it to pay the cost of the original shingle instead of doing patchwork. A roof replacement doesn't happen very often (we hope!) and thus make a choice that best suits you and your family well or it'll stand out just like a sore thumb everyday you decide to go home.

3. Must i replace the roof so I can sell the home for additional?

Consider this cautiously before making a decision. Depending on the roofing material you choose, a brand new roof can last anywhere from twenty, fifty, to one-hundred years! This means you need to look into the year from the roof that's currently too deep first. Are you at year 18 of the 20-year warranted roof or year 30 of a 50-year warranted roof? Obviously, the standard is the reason why the roof last longer, but if you're not planning to remain in your present home throughout your lifetime, the higher expense may not be worth neglect the. Although a brand new roof can improve the worth of your selling price, the rise might not be enough to cover neglect the and that's bound to hurt your wallet.

4. Could it be advisable that i can repair the roof myself?

Sure it is. But before you do, consult a specialist first. You can perform it yourself, however, you shouldn't be considered a complete ‘lone ranger.' Depending on the extent of the repair, you might or might not convince you. Either way, it helps to obtain a professional eye on the problem first and perhaps even a free quote so you can do the math later and find out if it's truly worth your time and effort, sweat, and cash to become mister or miss fix-it.

5. Just when was a great time to get the roof replaced?

Weather may cause delays from days to weeks. Most people plan ahead to have their roof replaced in the summertime when they have a friend is going to be home throughout the day for any solid two weeks. Once you've this era in your mind, create a call to a trusted contractor months ahead of time to obtain a quote. Some companies get booked up fast and odds are, they're the most reputable. Preparing in advance from the summer also gives you time to discuss with many compare costs...especially if you need to have the roof made by a specified date.

 

The Top Roofing Company In Vancouver!

It is possible to leak in your home's roof? Perhaps you have lost shingles or tiles in a storm? Have overhanging branches caused damage? Is your roof a lot more than 20 years old and showing its age? Are your gutters overwhelmed and draining poorly?

If the answer to any of these questions is "Yes" it's time to call the very best roofing company Vancouver - Crown Roofing & Drainage.

For more than a century Crown Roofing has been the roofer of choice among our Vancouver neighbors. We provide complete roofing services, from emergency repairs and roof restoration, to accomplish roof replacement. All using the finest quality materials, installed with precision and also the highest degree of customer support.

YOUR Vancouver ROOF DESERVES Believe it or not!

The roof of your Vancouver home is the first line of defence against wind, rain, snow, ice along with other weather elements. Make sure it is up to the job. Among Vancouver Roofing companies, only Crown Roofing has the depth of experience and successful track record to make sure your roofing system is going to be properly designed and installed.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS.

One reason Crown Roofing has been the most successful roofing company in Vancouver is our commitment to our neighbors. We treat your home as though it were our own and we were building a roof to safeguard our own family. That's what neighbors do, and you can rely on Crown Roofing being here to support you and back our work. After all, we've been repairing and replacing roofs in Vancouver since 1902!

GET A FREE INSPECTION AND EVALUATION OF YOUR Vancouver ROOF.

Go to the Roofers Vancouver for a FREE inspection and evaluation of your roof. Make sure you get the best roof for your Vancouver home, in the best value. We build roofs to last!

 

Tacoma Roofer: Make your Home Beautiful

Very few people understand the value of a good roof, but your knowledgeable Tacoma Roofing contractor does. From top notch experience, they'll be in a position to let you know the reason why you need a strong, secure, and leak-free roof on your home.

The local Tacoma Roofing company is knowledgeable how important an economic investment your house is for you, especially since it is a long term one. Your house might have been damaged slowly over the years and also you have to take steps to minimize this damage. For a lot of people, keeping their property beautiful is also a matter of pride. There are those too who'd prefer to turn their house into a economical and efficient living place. Your homes roof is an integral part of your house and plays a role in each one of the aspects mentioned previously. Because of this, you need to employ the services of qualified a Tacoma Roofing company.

Types of Roofs installed with a Tacoma Roofing contractor

Among the more prevalent types of roofs are asphalt shingles, steel or metal sheeting, fiberglass, slate and terra cotta tiles.

Each type of roof invites distinct problems, but they can all be easily looked after with a trusted Tacoma Roofer. It's imperative that you nip roof problems within the bud before they become too costly or dangerous. You can schedule an appointment using the Tacoma Roofing contractor to consider a look at your roof to determine if there are any issues or potential problems with it. If you will find, they may be in a position to tell you how to deal with them.

A Tacoma Roofing company Helps to Build Strong Homes

The exteriors associated with a house, primarily the roof and gutters, face the onslaught of bitter and varying climate conditions, day after day. Painting, repairing, and cleaning gutters might be necessary. In some cases you may have to replace them completely. Usually, whenever your gutters show signs of trouble, your homes roof also needs to be inspected for problems. Whatever issues there might be, a skilled Tacoma Roofer can examine them in detail and suggest the remedy.

In case your gutters tend to clog all too often, or you will find leaks along the walls of your house, it might imply that there is debris piled-up on the top. Loose branches, piles of leaves, and other light objects which are swept on your roof during a storm can all contribute towards damaging your homes roof, and these damages could be lasting. An educated Tacoma Roofer will explain that birds, mice, and other types of rodents often build nest within the debris that collects on the roof. While these nests may look rather innocent, they are great at collecting moisture, which can lead to loose shingles, mold, and indoor leaks in your home. In addition, this may also cause vermin infestation. Following a storm, your Tacoma Roofing company will claim that you inspect your roof for just about any signs and symptoms of debris or damage.

Reverse Damages with the Help of a Tacoma Roofer

However high quality the rooftop might be, it is going to wear down with time. You will find shingles that are known as "25 year" or "30 year" shingles, but those numbers are just related to warranty produced by the makers. They seldom require that long. Realistically speaking, "25 year" shingles will not last more than fifteen to twenty years. In an area that's vulnerable to storms, shingles or even the entire roof should get replaced every ten years. Having a Tacoma Roofing company, the cost will be less than what you believe.

If there you lose any shingles, or there's some damage to them, a Tacoma Roofer will be able to assist you to. Damaged shingles can lead to indoor leaks, since the substrate from the roof becomes exposed to the elements. Shingles which are loose or broken can slip off and pose a potential hazard to people standing below. Missing shingles create a gap that allows rain, wind, ice, and debris to develop underneath the adjoining shingles, which results in a "domino effect" that affects other shingles and they become loose or broken. A thorough investigation is going to be produced by the local Tacoma Roofer, if you call them up with your suspicions of loose or missing shingles.

Your Tacoma Roofing contractor come in a situation to tell you what are the best option is perfect for your homes roof. In case your roof isn't in a good condition, it's advised that you have it replaced completely. The Tacoma Roofing contractor may take you through the various roofing possibilities for you which will suit your requirements and your budget.

Tacoma Roofing contractor: Improving your Home's Efficiency

Your homes roof shelters you against storms, sleet, and hail. By providing adequate ventilation, your homes roof protects your home from overheating, by holding in the heat, it keeps your house warm. That's why you ought to ready your roof from indoors as well as outdoors for just about any sort of weather emergency. A Qualified Tacoma Roofer can offer assist in this situation.

First of all, inspect your homes roof thoroughly for just about any and all sorts of type of damage, prior to the beginning of a year. The gutters should be clear, debris shouldn't be piled on or trapped under shingles, there should be no homes of squirrels or birds within the eaves or attic, and also the roof should be structurally sound. For that last part, you will need the help of your local Tacoma Roofing company. It may be quite dangerous to climb to the roof of your property. This is where the contractor from Tacoma Roofer is available in. He will read the strength and security of the roof and shingles, and do a general inspection of the entire roof structure, to make sure that it is in proper working order. They'll be able to point to issues that you have to keep an eye on and problems you may not have spotted.

You will need all the help you can get from the Tacoma Roofer. You are able to help your roof by installing a gutter guard or leaf cover to assist prevent debris from forming inside your gutters. The extra weight of debris prevents the gutters from draining and may even tear them down. Check the fasteners on your gutters and when they are loose, tighten them. Take steps to alter worn screws and brackets. If you have a chimney in your house, inspect the bricks and mortar signs of wear. A reliable mason could be recommended by your Tacoma Roofing contractor, if you will find any repairs to be done.

Tacoma Roofer: Someone You are able to Rely on
When you realize or suspect that there's a problem, your Tacoma Roofing contractor should be contacted. They are able to use their knowledge and expertise to obtain your house back in ace condition simply by focusing on the roof. Your roof deserves attention. So call them today, to enable them to conclude caring for your roof.

 

What is Difference Between Commercial Roofing Companies From Residential Roofing Companies

If you are considering getting a roofing company to re roof your house or building then you can be wondering what are the differences are between residential roofing companies and commercial roofing companies. To start with, the one big difference is usually that times a commercial roofing company might have signed an agreement with and be obligated to some roofing union in in a position to work on union commercial jobs.

If this is the situation then their labor costs will prohibit them from focusing on non union residential jobs. Beyond that, if a commercial roofing company hasn't signed an agreement having a union they might be outfitted just for commercial jobs which of course means their workers and equipment may not be in line with smaller residential jobs.

Residential roofing contractors in general tend to run smaller companies and therefore, are more in a position to bid competitively on residential jobs, which tend to be small compared to comercial jobs. Actually, quite often residential roofing contractors will run one man operations, where the contractor that you speak with may be the one that actually does the job about the building.

Also, liability insurance for commercial roofing is more epensive and a larger bond is required for any commercial roofing work which can make it not economical for a commercial roofing contractor to do residential roofing jobs.

Still one more factor is the fact that commercial jobs can run on a tighter time frame for any number of reasons, requiring an industrial contractor to train on a larger crew or crews which again makes smaller jobs not as profitable for them.

 

Difference Between Commercial Roofing and Residential Roofing

Did you know that the rooftop of the building includes a huge effect on the whole structure itself? Damage caused to roofs due to natural or another disasters leads to a considerable loss of property everywhere. The kind of materials accustomed to construct the roof which should be sturdy and long lasting, the manner where the roof has been installed and even its timely maintenance are very crucial. There are two types of roofs which are utilized on all of the buildings that we see around us: commercial and residential. Although it may seem that commercial roofing is done just for businesses or offices and residential roofing is done for apartments and houses, the truth is the differences are much more complex than that.

Residential roofing is usually completed by just one hired contractor but commercial roofing usually takes an entire team to complete the job. This is because a commercial roof tends to be larger in terms of square feet than the usual residential roof.
Commercial roofs need to be made carefully keeping the character and reason for your building in your mind. For instance, if there is a restaurant within the building then external components like ventilation systems, smoke stacks and pipes will be required. Residential roofs tend not to have such components other than a chimney or two at most.
Commercial roofs is commonly flat in design to accommodate further changes at a later period, whereas most residential roofs have peaks and other architectural features like roof gardens.
Commercial roofing is much more expensive than residential roofing because of the special tools, materials and safety equipment which are needed onsite. Usually the patching or maintenance jobs are completed in segments unlike for any residential roof where the repair or replacement work can be completed in a short while. This really is one more reason why the gear employed for residential roofs is usually smaller and less costly too.
Commercial roof installations take a extended period to accomplish compared to residential roof installations and therefore are usually constructed in large sections. In this phase however, you should ensure that there aren't any leakages, cracks or other visible deterioration signs as it can certainly cause considerable harm to the entire building.
It is important to install the right roof for any building based on its purpose. Make sure that you hire a construction company that uses top notch materials and has the best equipment to do the job or your investment may turn out to be a huge loss later.

 

Commercial Roofing Contractors: How to Find a Qualified Commercial Roofing Company

If a business is looking to have work done on its roof, you should use commercial roofing contractors which have a keen understanding of any special needs that a business may have. As an example, a roofing job is often disruptive for the operation of business as always. For this reason, it may be essential for the company to become temporarily shut down, or for the roofing to take place after business hours have ended. A roofing contractor that understands these needs can work together with a business to make sure that these kinds of issues are minimized.

First of all , a company must do when it is searching for commercial roofing contractors is to find out who other businesses in the region are working through. Obviously, this information will 't be helpful if it may come as a suggestion from competitors, but there are circumstances by which it is not too difficult to locate these details from suppliers or retailers. Since roofing isn't an industry-specific service, this post is easily available.

It's a wise decision for just about any business to get touching at least three commercial roofing contractors to make bids on the price. In this way, the company could get a better price. It's also important to ensure that each of the roofing contractors is licensed and bonded. This information can be found by permitting in touch with the state contractor's board. This makes it possible to determine whether there have been any claims filed from the company previously.

When looking at bids, it is just as important to look at what services are now being offered and which products is going to be used as it is to check out the total cost. The costs can differ quite drastically, but as tempting as possible to go for the cheapest bid, this isn't always the best option. In many cases, more costs now will mean fewer costs in the long run due to a poor roofing job. To help investigate the caliber of the job, it is a wise decision to check using the Better Business Bureau to be able to find out if the business continues to be accredited, and if it has not, to at least see what its rating is.

 

Selecting a Commercial Roofer

When you are looking for a roofer for the commercial roofing project you have to find a contractor who understands the special needs of a commercial roofing project. For instance it can be harder to work on a business during business hours so either the company needs to be shut down for that repair or replacement or the job has to be done after conventional business hours. Is the roofer you are thinking about for the job ready to work around your schedule constrictions which might involve working weekends or evenings?

When you begin your search for any roofer you don't only need to answer those questions but you also want to find someone that will perform a top quality job without a great deal of time delays. Going about finding someone can seem as an obstacle in itself but there are several ways to make the search easier.

Ask people around you for referrals and try to find a minimum of three contractors to provide you with written bids in your job. Before you go any more you have to ensure that the contractors you are thinking about are fully licensed and bonded. A simple search using the state contractor's board will verify in case your roofer is licensed and when you will find any past judgments or claims against their license.

Once you select three or four roofers to place bids, you need to get ready for the bids to be widely varied. Roofers will have brand preferences that will vary and may factor in more or less compared to next guy for a labor estimate. The greater detailed a written bid may be the more helpful it will likely be to focus on where the cost will be incurred. Don't, however, pick a roofer based solely about the bid price. Any low ball bids might be tempting to consider, but if they're low due to low quality workman ship it may not be worthwhile in the end.

As the saying goes, you generally get what you pay for, so if you are able to afford a mid-priced bid it's always a good idea to go up within your budget instead of down. You also ought to decide your roofer depending on how professional they were and how comfortable you anticipate you'll be working with them.

Finally your cost will vary depending on which kind of roofing material you select as well as the cost to haul your old roof to the landfill. If you are looking for places to chop corners in your roof, instead of cutting labor cost you might want to inquire about a metal roof option. Metal roofs can be cost effective and efficient making them overall money savers for that long term, as well as on commercial buildings they can be really low maintenance. Plus given that they can be put on top of a current roof, you don't have to have the old one removed and hauled away, that make a large impact on your cost.

Selecting a comerical roofing company nearer your home, does not have to become a struggle. For more information, visit http://www.vancouverroofers.net

 

Seattle Roofing Contractors - How to locate The very best

In your home of rain and sleet, commercial coffee and grunge, and the famous space needle, you'll find a house that will suit you. Seattle, Washington can be a great place to construct a house, however, you need Seattle roofing contractors to assist you. Your roof is, after all, the crowning glory of your home, as well as your strongest type of defense from the elements. You must have something which isn't just created to last, but created to attract and make your home more beautiful

Harsh Weather

How come roofing contractors essential in this part of the country? Because Seattle is usually bombarded by rain along with other harsh climate conditions, you need a roof that can withstand all of the forces of nature. With this in mind, you'll need people who know the Seattle weather best, and who know what materials can best get into your roof for it to last far longer in the area. In addition to all this, you have to blend with the remainder of the houses in your living area, so you cannot simply get whatever roof you please.

In all these aspects, a Seattle roofing contractors should be able to assist you. All you need to do is search for Seattle roofing contractors online so that you can obtain the best value for your money without wondering if the contractor will suddenly run away with it and then leave you roof-less.

Why the Contractor Model Works

If you want to set up your homes roof by yourself, you will have to purchase a good deal of materials, secure permits and licenses, and get materials which are suited to keep you safe against harsh extremes of Seattle weather. Which means that if you are a DIY sort of guy or gal, you will have to undergo a good deal of legwork to get the task done.

On the other hand, a Seattle roofer can perform all the jobs for you and provide a package that can help you save time and money. Because contractors operate under licenses and buy materials in large quantities, they are able to get discounts on building materials that you'd not otherwise get if you were buying merely for your own personel home.

Roofing Associations

Most roofing contractors also fit in with roofing organizations that are bound by strict guidelines and standards. If they do well on their roofing job, they can showcase their roofing contractors association; when they do poorly, they can ruin the reputation of their roofing contractors association and keep other contractors inside the association from getting good roofing jobs. There is lots of pressure to do well, so you can be confident that prefer a roofing job completed in Seattle, you can aquire a contractor from a roofing association to assist you.

For example, Seattle Roof Brokers operates with over 500 roofing contractors within the Puget Sound. This group has over fifty years of roofing experience and experience working with Seattle roofing contractors, therefore it knows what type of roofing you would like. The Roof Brokers group can put you in contact using the contractor that you'll require so you do not have to search for contractors individually.

What Should You Demand out of your Contractor?

Whenever you finally get a contractor in the Seattle area, you must do a lot of background research about the roofing contractors themselves. Ask for a list of previous companies or persons the contractor caused to get a clear view of the roofing contractor's work ethics and roof quality. Your roofing contractor should also have the appropriate working licenses and city licenses required by the Seattle city government.

Pick a Seattle roofing contractors that insures its employees, which has courteous workers who will respect your opinions and ensure that the needs are met. Make sure that you get the best value for your money: if you are not satisfied with the job, you need to be guaranteed either money back, or a free, new roof. Moreover, you also need the workers to get the job done promptly, so be strict together with your deadlines - and find a contractor that's as strict as you are.

You'll need guarantees and warranties in your roof, so locate a contractor that may meet your budget and roofing needs. If you achieve in touch with good Seattle roofing contractors, you may be guaranteed a great roof and a better house right in this fantastic city.

Selecting the Right Roofer Company for Replacing Your Roof

The shingles in your roof need replacing and you are minded to locate a roofer to change the them. Perhaps you have already known as a few and are evaluating which contractor for your upcoming roof repair. How do you choose the best contractor for caring for your roof? Listed here are a number of things you should consider when looking for the best roofing contractor.

Where is the roofer located? It is important to hire a roofer that's local. Chances are you will receive the next step of service if the roofing company can be found near your home or comes with an office near your residence.
References. To look for the toughness for the contractor, references ought to be provided of the previous customers who are prepared to vouch that excellent service was received. This will not be the only real element in deciding upon your future roofing contractor as some may claim they value the privacy of their clients and do not wish to bother them. If this sounds like the case, ask for business related references. The locations that supply the contractor with supplies can reveal the quantity of materials and regularity of supplying the contractor to assist determine their stability.
So how exactly does the roofing contractor company handle complaints? There's a large number of problems that can arise throughout the progress of a roofing replacement. Ask what their process is for handling complaints when they arise. It's also a great idea to get a past client reference who had a complaint which was resolved to the satisfaction from the client.
Terms of payment. Do you know the the payment schemes for the job? What's the down payment and amount due upon completion? While it is certainly reasonable that the substantial payment be produced before a contractor begins work on a project, it is highly recommended that full payment isn't made until after the entire job is completed.
Written contract. All the roofing replacement should be put in a written contract. No the main contracting job should depend on verbal assurances.
Bonding. You will find things that can go wrong with roofing installations that end up costing a substantial amount of money to repair. If this happens in your roofing replacement, you will feel a whole lot better understanding that your roofing contractor is bonded. This can supply the funds to repair whatever mistakes were made. Find a roofer that's bonded.
Manufacturer Warranty. Quality materials for roofing typically come with a warranty. It is important to verify that there's actually a warranty on the materials being installed. Request a copy from the warranty.
Length of Time running a business Just how long has the company you're interviewing been in business? A short amount of time in business may reflect instability. When the contractor has been around business under 3 years, verify just how long they've been in the market. A new contractor might have many years experience working on roofs before they form their very own business. Seek a company that has been around for three or more years, or where the contractor has already established many more years performing roofing replacements. This again should not be the only real factor, everyone has to start sometime. Balance this with referrals and also the other points raised in the following paragraphs.
Appropriate Permits. A Seattle roofer should know what permits are needed for fixing your roof. They should be aware of how you can obtain these permits for you. Ask the contractor whether or not they will have the permits necessary to repair the rooftop.
Liability. If a worker becomes injured, who's responsible for the workers comp? When the contractor's equipment damages your house, who is liable for the repairs? A good contractor will give you certificates of insurance for liability and worker's compensation before they begin fixing your roof.
Subcontractors. Verify whether the contractor will be using subcontractors. If so, it is highly recommended that everything contained in this article for verifying whether the contractor is credible also needs to be applied to subcontractors. You should get the names and license numbers of all subcontractors. You should verify whether each subcontractor can also be insured which means you aren't held responsible for their accidents.
Pending Legal Actions. You should verify whether you will find any legal actions against the contractor. This is not only necessary for verifying whether the roofing company is legitimate (credible roofing companies shouldn't need to defend themselves in the court), it's also important because a lost lawsuit could cause the contractor to go bankrupt. If you have designed a substantial deposit for services immediately prior to the company goes bankrupt, you can lose thousands of dollars and never have your roofing completed.
Material Disposal. Who is responsible for disposing of the waste generated in the roof being replaced? Will your contractor handle all aspects of this? Can there be one more cost for disposing of this waste?
NRCA Membership. Membership in local or national roofing associations, like the NRCA, shows commitment to staying current with the very best means of roof replacement and maintenance. Find a roofer with a high standard of education regarding their trade.
Replacing your homes roof is really a significant investment. Celebrate sense to ask serious questions before using a roofing contractor. Here are a few more tips that you ought to consider when choosing the very best roofing contractor for your upcoming roofing replacement.

Payment. Do not create a full payment for services unless all work is finished.
Inspection. Don't create a full payment without doing your final inspection of services rendered.
Workers liens. Don't fully purchase the roofing replacement job until worker's lien releases have been obtained.
Oral Agreements. No agreement ought to be made verbally without backing up in writing. All points that are important to you ought to be made in writing.

 

To your SEO needs, you should check out Vancouver web site design and Vancouver SEO company

It is true how the worldwide web is among the most biggest financial market nowadays. Practically things are anchored on the internet. To date, there are other than 182 million sites in the internet but still counting. If each of these websites offers opportunities to earn money, think of the limitless opportunities which can be found in the internet. Moreover, with the emergence of sites, the requirement for internet hosting and Search| Engine Optimization is significantly defined.

Search engine marketing is basically the process of helping the visibility of the internet site. As a result, if you would like your web site to be visible to visitors, you should look for SEO Company. The optimization strategy considers how search spiders work and what individuals usually and what keywords they'll use. The primary objective of SEO is making web sites visible browsing sites from the natural or organic way.

Search optimization or natural search engine optimization is a term used in describing unpaid, algorithm-driven connection between any particular engine. In other words, organic SEO uses natural strategies in achieving search results ranking. While there's two camps with which search optimization companies may fall to, which are the 'White Hat' as well as the 'Black Hat', organic SEO would never fall under the 'Black Hat' camp.

Organic search engine optimization is really a highly specialized and complex practice which can literally dictate the failure or success of your web business. Since search sites often modify their algorithms, organic SEO just isn't super easy at all. When search bots modify their algorithms, factors that permit your internet site to look in front of prospects are decayed also. Thus, so that you can cope with these changes, SEO tactics and methods has to be employed.

It will always be ethical to use search engines engine optimization since search sites nowadays have grown to be extremely advanced that they can easily see whether an internet site is trying to manipulate their search indexes. Thus it's empirical to use search engine optimization practices which can be done in a way that appear natural.

The approaches used by organic search engine optimization and artificial SEO are actually significantly different. Basically, organic SEO uses content when compared with artificial SEO's technical loopholes. Moreover, natural search engine marketing provides attracting links instead of linking schemes used by artificial SEO. Natural SEO also creates valuable resource contrary to artificial SEO's algorithm chasing. With all of these, it's possible to clearly realise why search engines engine optimization is preferable over artificial search engine marketing. Although the latter may be more difficult and complex, it produces favorable results which are beneficial for any site. Fortunately, there are a lot of Vancouver SEO companies today offering the organic method in affordable rates and packages.

Search engine marketing Appears on the Scene

At one time when seo was actually not essential.

Whilst late like a decade ago, should you made a Website anywhere, Google indexed it and you also gained visibility in their search engine results. Your page could have been within the free "estates" where anybody could add a page and Google didn't mind. It could likewise have been a pure affiliate page with no original content and Google still indexed it.

The situation is unrecognizably different now.

Affiliate pages with "cookie-cutter" content duplicated everywhere might never get to the Google index; the identical fate is likely for anyone pages you add in on a free-for-all website. As well as "proper" websites with your own personal website name did not achieve visibility on the list of proliferating sites in millions.

These wouldn't have mattered, aside from something. It was Google that provided the bread and butter for that millions of small enterprises which could not afford expensive marketing campaigns. If the site was one of the top few sites the appeared before a searcher's eyes when see your face searched for your product or service, you got hundreds and also a large number of visitors, lots of whom even bought your products or services.

Search engine marketing (SEO) entered the scene. Internet search engine specialists "reverse-engineered" to identify the factors that Google consider for showing websites near the top of its serp's pages. These factors were then consciously integrated into your Web pages with the aspiration that Google will show your site the primary ten results it showed about the first page.

Weight loss of the competitors adopted seo practices, things became difficult again. Your situation begun to slip if the competitors did the SEO better. SEO battles became serious fights with every dirty trick working.

There have been "black hat" SEO practitioners who showed one page to look engines and the other to human visitors. As search engines were not bothered with readability, you can fill the "search engine" page with pure gibberish, but gibberish written in wherein the engine dutifully indexed high.

A war of wits followed between unscrupulous SEO practitioners and appearance engines. Google changed its ranking algorithms regularly to operate around practices that allowed low value content to seem near the top of its search engine results. After all, Google's success depended on providing value to searchers, not merchants. And SEO practitioners created new tricks.

We'll examine seo in the group of articles, beginning having an beauty at on-line or Online marketing.

 

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