Two weeks ago, Webuquerque hosted Search Engine Optimization, presented by local online marketing expert Chris Kenworthy.
We had a record turnout of over 50 people, including folks who made the trip down from Santa Fe. If you weren't able to join us, we've got everything to make you feel like you were there.
Recap
Chris gave an excellent presentation, covering key strategies for
- Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
- On-site optimization
- Off-site optimization
- Link building
- Social media and bookmarking
- Measuring results
In keeping with Webuquerque's aim of encouraging best practices, Chris also emphasized white-hat SEO methods:
- Audience-focused content
- Organic keyword optimization and density
- Semantic markup emphasizing heading elements (
<h1>,<h2>…) - Good information architecture
- Internal links
- Text-based navigation
- User and search engine friendly URLs
- Descriptive, keyword-focused page
<title>s and<meta>content
If you'd like to see Chris speak again, he is presenting Inside Google Analytics for NMTC on Thursday, August 13, from 3:30– 5:00 pm at O'Niells Pub.
Software Giveaway
One of the perks of being an Adobe User Group is that Webuquerque is able to give away books, t-shirts and other swag to our attendees at every event. For our July presentation, we raffled a free Adobe CS4 Web Premium package. The winner was local web designer/developer and craftsperson Kimm Weins.
I'd be lying if I didn't say this giveaway was, in part, responsible for the astounding attendance. But it was great to see so many new faces and, hopefully, we made a good enough impression (in spite of the standing–room–only crowd) that those folks will come back for future events.
Personal Note
Chris's presentation was, by far, one of the best Webuquerque has ever had the privilege of offering. I can admit that, when it comes to Chris, I'm not entirely objective. He is a close friend and a very active part of our local web community. But I am objective from a professional perspective: Chris's emphasis on practical and easy–to–implement strategies was only surpassed by his focus on white-hat methods.
I have worked with a lot of agencies and consultants who push questionable (black- and gray-hat) SEO and SEM. These rarely work in the long-term and can often have devastating effects on sites's search results. It was so refreshing to hear Chris's take on things, especially given his years of experience in the field.
Frankly, New Mexico and Albuquerque are lucky to have such a talented professional who is open, willing to share his knowledge and eager to engage with the community. Webuqueque was honored to have him as a speaker. And I am honored to count him as one of my friends.
Okay, enough emo. Here's what you are really interested in: deck, video and photos.
Slideshow
Chris's presentation deck is available on Slideshare:
Video
Video of Search Engine Optimization is available on Viddler:
Photos
And, once again, I served as photographer for the event. Photos are available on Flickr:
What Webuquerque Is Doing For You
Aside from organizing and running our monthly events, my co-manager Jason Nakai are working tirelessly (seriously, the work involved is staggering) to help the broader web, design and technology community in Albuquerque and New Mexico:
- Meeting with leaders and managers of other local groups to identify ways we can support each other and collaborate.
- Developing a centralized resource for all Albuquerque (eventually New Mexico) web designers and developers, including a single calendar of all group events and a professional directory.
- Brainstorming ideas for creating a major web conference in Albuquerque in the next year or two.
For us, it is about community: connecting people, sharing knowledge and, hopefully, helping create opportunities. But this isn't an easy mission and we need your help:
- Keep attending our events
- Get involved with and support other local groups:
- .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) how we can improve and better meet your needs
- Volunteer for Webuquerque:
- Be a speaker for future events
- Help us find sponsors
- Lend us your PA system
- Work with us as we transition our web site to ExpressionEngine
- .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) how else you can help out
Coming in August
Our next presentation is The Battle of Development Frameworks & Libraries on Wednesday, August 5, 2009, beginning at 6:30pm at Uptown Sports Bar and Grill.
Local developer Mark Casias will review the pros and cons of the tools available today to help you create killer web applications quickly and easily:
- Javascript Libraries: jQuery vs. Prototype
- CMS: Drupal vs. Wordpress
- PHP Frameworks: Codeigniter vs. CakePHP vs. Zend (cage match)
- Possible guest battle featuring Plone
Mark Your Calendar
Don't miss our August presentation! Sign up for reminders from your preferred social network:
2009 Presentation Schedule
While you are at it, mark your calendar with our remaining 2009 schedule:
- September 2
- Podcasting & Vodcasting 101
- Presenter: Vincent Ascoli
- October 7
- Introduction to Microformats
- Presenter: Emily Lewis
- November 4
- Topic: Web marketing
- Presenter: Reid Givens
- December 8
- NMAUG holiday party (time & location TBA)
Add 2009 Webuquerque schedule to Google Calendar
Please note, these topics and presenters are subject to change.
Friend Us!
Stay up–to–date about Webuquerque's activities and other local web-related events:
Thank You, Community!
I've said it already, but I'll say it again: Webuquerque is about community. Which means it is about you! Our success depends on whether we are meeting your needs, so be sure to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) if you have feedback of any kind.
As always, Jason and I are forever grateful for your support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Can't wait to see you in August!
♥ Share the Love