Media Today: An Introduction to Mass Communication Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I teach a course in Mass Media and this is the text we use. Regarding the other review left here for the book.. it is really not meant to be casual or 'easy' reading -- it is meant to be an in depth exploration of (often) complicated issues.
Things I like about the text:
- important vocabulary is pulled out to the margins for easy identification
- the importance of media literacy and cultural implications are explored
- various types of media are addressed *as well as* important tangental issues like conglomerates, advertising, etc.
- modern examples that are easily recognizable to students are used
Things I'd like to see done differently:
- The questions at the end of each chapter/unit could be better. Many of them are purely reading comprehension.. which is fine.. but I'd also like to see questions that require more synthesis or depth of understanding.
- It would be great if there could be some sort cross-reference done within the text.
Overall, I give this book high marks for solid information well presented.

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Media Today puts mass communication students at the center of the profound changes in the twenty-first century media world - from digital convergence to media ownership - and gives them the skills to think critically about what these changes mean for the role of media in their lives. Comprehensive and engaging, Media Today features:an interactive companion website featuring a full range of instructor and student materials including study podcasts at www.routledge.com/textbooks/mediatodaya three-pronged media systems approach focused on media literacy, convergence, and emerging trends in today's media cultureup-to-date coverage of the latest political, economic, technological, and cultural issues affecting media industriesexciting new resources including an enclosed free DVD with media examples. Completely revised with updated examples, case studies, and media resources, the third edition of this innovative mass communication textbook is built upon a media systems approach that gives students an insider's perspective on how mass media industries operate. By making students more knowledgeable about the influences that guide media organizations, Media Today builds media literacy skills to make students sensitive to ways of seeing media content as a means of learning about culture. Joseph Turow emphasizes throughout the many ways in which media convergence has blurred distinctions between and among various media. Each chapter of Media Today will:guide students through the essential history of media industriesexamines the current forces shaping their creation, distribution and exhibitionexplores the impact of emerging trends in media and society from globalization to social networking to video games. Media Today is designed to be used independently, but can also be used with the supplemental textbook edited by Brooke Erin Duffy and Joseph Turow, Key Readings in Media Today.

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Beginning HTML, XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript (Wrox Programmer to Programmer) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the best written technical books that I've read lately. If you've wanted to know, "how do I make a web page from scratch?" this book will explain how, step by step. I'm already comfortable with most aspects of HTML, so I'm moving on to the more interesting areas: CSS and JavaScript. One of of my frustrations with CSS is remembering what properties to use, and this book has nice tables, examples, and exercises on this topic. This is almost like a textbook, or a self-help book. You don't need to be an absolute beginner to appreciate the organization of this book! I'm also interested in reading about the various JavaScript libraries that are popular today, including YUI and scriptaculous, which are discussed briefly. I don't really have anything that I'd like to see changed about this book. It's really up to the reader to decide what area to learn about next.

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An indispensable introductory guide to creating web pages using the most up-to-date standards
This beginner guide shows you how to use XHTML, CSS, and JavaScript to create compelling Web sites. While learning these technologies, you will discover coding practices such as writing code that works on multiple browsers including mobile devices, how to use AJAX frameworks to add interactivity to your pages, and how to ensure your pages meet accessible requirements.
Packed with real-world examples, the book not only teaches you how to write Web sites using XHTML, CSS and JavaScript, but it also teaches you design principles that help you create attractive web sites and practical advice on how to make web pages more usable. In addition, special checklists and appendices review key topics and provide helpful references that re-enforce the basics you've learned.
Serves as an ideal beginners guide to writing web pages using XHTML
Explains how to use CSS to make pages more appealing and add interactivity to pages using JavaScript and AJAX frameworks
Share advice on design principles and how to make pages more attractive and offers practical help with usability and accessibility
Features checklists and appendices that review key topics

This introductory guide is essential reading for getting started with using XHTML, CSS and JavaScript to create exciting and compelling Web sites.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Engage, Revised and Updated: The Complete Guide for Brands and Businesses to Build, Cultivate, and Measure Success in the New Web Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The book clearly explains that we're in the process of a paradigm shift here regarding marketing/PR and the like. So props for that. I guess I was looking for more of a manual of "how-to's" in the social media realm. There was some good stuff in here. But as a small business owner I found myself skipping over a fair amount of the pages that were discussing how different departments should respond and what their goals should be. I would say pick this book up if you're part of a big organization trying to better understand "social media" and you want to find a place for it in your mid to large size company.

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The ultimate guide to branding and building your business in the era of the Social Web?revised and updated with a Foreword by Ashton Kutcher
Engage! thoroughly examines the social media landscape and how to effectively use social media to succeed in business?one network and one tool at a time. It leads you through the detailed and specific steps required for conceptualizing, implementing, managing, and measuring a social media program. The result is the ability to increase visibility, build communities of loyal brand enthusiasts, and increase profits.
Covering everything you need to know about social media marketing and the rise of the new social consumer, Engage! shows you how to create effective strategies based on proven examples and earn buy-in from your marketing teams. Even better, you'll learn how to measure success and ROI.
Introduces you to the psychology, behavior, and influence of the new social consumer
Shows how to define and measure the success of your social media campaigns for the short and long term
Features an inspiring Foreword by actor Ashton Kutcher, who has more than 5 million followers on Twitter
Revised paperback edition brings the book completely up to date to stay ahead of the lightning fast world of social media

Today, no business can afford to ignore the social media revolution. If you're not using social media to reach out to your customers and the people who influence them, who is?

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Cause Marketing For Dummies (For Dummies (Business & Personal Finance)) Review

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(More customer reviews)Authors Joe and Joanna know their stuff from a decade of hard work in the trenches and convey it in a meaningful, effective and entertaining way. I took their cause marketing class as well and was so impressed with what I learned, even with a few years of experience already under my belt. They are just that good - their knowledge is deep and their creativity is proven. I highly recommend the book and the class they offer. It is time and money very well spent!

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Create a mutually beneficial partnership between nonprofit and for-profit enterprises
Cause marketing creates a partnership with benefits for both a nonprofit entity and a business. Written by an expert on cause marketing whose blog, SelfishGiving.com, is a key resource on the subject, this friendly guide shows both business owners and marketers for nonprofits how to build and sustain such a partnership using social media such as Facebook and Twitter. It covers new online tools, how to identify potential partners, tips on engaging your fans, and how to model a campaign on proven successes.
Cause marketing is not marketing a cause, but a partnership between business and nonprofit that benefits both
This guide offers an easy-to-understand blueprint for finding appropriate partners, planning and setting up a campaign using Facebook, Twitter, and blogs, measuring campaign success, and more
Explains online tools such as Quick Response Codes, services like Causon and The Point, and location marketing services including Foursquare, Whrrl, and Gowalla
Features case studies that illustrate successful campaign techniques

Cause Marketing For Dummies helps both businesses and nonprofits reap the benefits of effective cause marketing.

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TurnKey Publishing: How to Create a Profitable Self-Publishing Business Without Any Help From Publishers, Bookstores, or Literary Agents Review

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(More customer reviews)After reading this book my world was transformed! I have wanted to be an author for many years, but as soon as I walked into a bookstore I became discouraged by all the many, many authors and titles already out. I kept questioning myself and my ability. Why would any publishing company give me a chance? How can I get a publishing company to read my manuscript and cut me a deal? Well, these questions went out the window as soon as I read Matthew Chan's well organized, to the point, and easily explained way to create my own publishing company and market my own books. As I turned the last page my head was spinning with new knowledge and my heart was pounding with future possibilities and ideas. This book explains, step-by-step, the road I needed to take to start my own publishing company. And throughout the book the authors personal experiences and words of advice makes the reader feel like he or she is sitting down with an old friend over coffee and getting advice about a new venture in life. I recommend this book to anyone who has ever written a book and received a rejection notice. Go now and dust that manuscript off and place it on the table next to your easy chair and then open up a copy of TurnkKey Publishing, grab a notepad and pen, and let your future begin to brighten! The sky is the limit. Sincerely, S. Lindblad

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"LEARN THE SECRETS OF INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING THAT TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS DON'T WANT YOU TO KNOW!" During these challenging economic times, getting the extra professional edge is more important than ever to succeed in your career and business. Nothing transforms your professional image and credibility more quickly than becoming an author of a professional book. Successful CEO's, politicians, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and experts know this. They have all written and published professional books. Being an author of a professional book is the new calling card for upwardly mobile experts, consultants, managers, entrepreneurs, professionals, politicians, and high-achievers. Publishing and authoring your own book is the new business credential for the 21st century. ""MYTHS THAT TRADITIONAL PUBLISHERS PERPETUATE!"Traditional publishers, bookstores, and literary agents say that you cannot successfully publish or sell your own book without their help. They myths they perpetuate are:* It is difficult to write a book. * It is expensive to publish a book. * You have to be a good writer. * Your book cannot sell without a bookstore.* You need an agent to get reputably published. With today's publishing technology and the Internet, it has never been easier to become a publisher and author and publish your own books. In this unconventional, revealing book, you will learn how to:* Retain total creative control over your own work!* Use accelerated publishing to publish three or more titles per year!* Produce and build a book instead of just writing it!* Profitably sell books without the help of traditional bookstores!* Easily publish books without the help of traditional publishers!* Create a business that continues to provide income even when you stop working!* Convert and package your knowledge, experience, and stories into an income-producing book!* Market yourself and your book even if you are a totally unknown author!

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Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a new sketchup user (going on 3 months) and a purchaser of four books on how to use Google's Sketchup, this book is without a doubt, the most comprehensive introduction to utilizing an amazing tool to design (in 3D) to your hearts desires.
Being a newbie to sketchup can be a daunting experience, such a powerful, yet easy to use tool can get one into all sorts of trouble and lead to many a sleepless night. Aidan Chopra's `Google sketchup 7 For Dummies' was a godsend, as were the numerous online tutorials on Youtube and various online sketchup forums.
Tal's book however has made all the difference, by offering a concise and easy to understand process of how to model effectively. He delivers it with an engaging style that makes all the difference when one is trying to learn something new. The book doesn't suffer the dryness that `Google sketchup 7 Bible' sadly offered. He makes it fun because it really is fun.
Daniel Tal's book is an altogether different beast. A guide book that encourages one to simplify ones approaches by getting organized from the outset, it's all about the process to get the most out of sketchup and ease up on the headaches and sleepless nights that can often entail- no small feat to accomplish in the written word, I can assure you.
The book is set up in four parts the first of which covers the rudimentary tools. The second is where Daniel's expertise and knowledge really start to unfold. On every page, for me at least, there were numerous A-ha moments. So, that's how it's done!!, it's all so easy when one knows how.
The other benefits of the book are the tutorials. These provide numerous exercises' to hone ones skills and climb the ladder to "Sketchup awareness". Part 3 offers an all too rare glimpse into the powerful tools that the `Sandbox' can provide (a feature that I understand Tal was instrumental in fine tuning with the people at Google) to create terrain and organic forms that can really add to ones models and offer endless possibilities. If you can imagine it, Tal's methods enable you to build it. Part four is perhaps the most important one, dealing with Sketchup's unique abilities to import CAD files and also how to greatly increase productivity and turnaround time by using the numerous `Ruby' scripts available.
This is more than just a beginner's book and it is more than just a landscape architects approach to using sketchup in his work. Whether you are an interior designer, a home builder, carpenter, student, an aspiring 3D artist, or a garden designer like me, this book is indispensable.

If you love to model in 3D, you will find this book to be of immense value. Words cannot convey the gratitude I have for this book. It has made me a better, wiser, calmer and happier modeler than even I thought was possible.
Two thumbs up and five stars all the way.


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Google SketchUp for Site Design illustrates a holistic approach to SketchUp: how it works and more importantly, what to do with it.
Filled with tutorials from front to back, the book focuses on the start and completion of projects that include rich detail and expression. Each part and chapter of the book builds on the previous chapters and tutorial.
You will learn how to approach modeling site plans, buildings and site elements: from modeling each of these exterior environment elements to piecing them together to generate a singular and expressive model.
The book culminates with tutorials demonstrating effective and simple ways to include grades and terrain using the Sandbox tools and how best to integrate the entire approach with AutoCAD and SketchUp.
Also included are links to supplemental on-line resources such as YouTube tutorials and free tutorial and example models from 3D Warehouse.
The book is useful for all SketchUp proficiency levels including beginners, hobbyists, and professionals.

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In The Plex: How Google Thinks, Works, and Shapes Our Lives Review

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(More customer reviews)Among recent great books describing the business and impact of information technology, In the Plex is one of the best. As impactful as Pulse: The New Science of Harnessing Internet Buzz to Track Threats and Opportunities, and with story-telling as engaging as Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft this book will be on the shortlist of 2011 "must reads" in the business of technology.
One of my favorite writers, Steven Levy of Wired, gained what may be unprecedented access to the employees and upper management of Google in order explore the history, the work environment key management decisions of one of the most innovative and culturally-influential companies of all time. Google manages this with 24,000 employees who see Google as the perfect employer for them. Levy describes Google as a place for the "unspeakably brainy", a kind of "geek never-never land" - just the right kind of environment to maximize innovativeness. Among the perks is the requirement for every engineer to spend a share of their time on personal projects. And as daunting as it sounds, Levy says Co-founder Larry Page actually still signs off on every single hire.
The co-founders Sergey Brin and Page literally started Google from a garage. (The name was a misspelling of the mathematical term for 10 to the 100th power - Googol. But the name stuck.) Their big idea: efficient searches and how to make money at it by selling keywords. Levy then leads us through Google's history of fantastic growth and innovation focusing mainly on big decisions in the firm. Among them the mistakes of handling the special case of China where media access is more controlled than Google would prefer and where management style of the China-based executives were more like a stodgy, old IBM than the free-thinking Google. The company with the motto "Don't be Evil", ultimately decided to leave the China market.
The rapid growth of the firm was itself a major challenge. That many smart people with the freedom and resources to chase many ideas could spread themselves thin. Some of the ideas could be technically possible because of the clever solutions Google staff would develop, but some ideas had other obstacles the engineering-oriented firm didn't anticipate. For example, Google's plan to scan in millions of books and offer them online ran into what should have been entirely foreseeable legal obstacles from authors. But as Levy describes in the first pages of the book, "To Google, it was a boon to civilization." It is this story that frames much of the rest of the book: visionary and cash-rich but somewhat naïve technologists struggle with practical realities of the rest of the world.
Some of the employee perks are drying up as economic hard times have even hit Google. The sheer size of the firm has required some amount of long-avoided bureaucracy and rapid acquisitions of firms the engineers thought were cool has slowed down. As Levy says, even the "Don't Be Evil" motto is now used as ironic humor by Google's detractors. But Google, with a $180+ billion dollar market capitalization is an example of a massive creation of wealth from one of a few areas where US exports lead the world: world-changing innovation.
Levy's telling of the Google story is based on access no other author had and, as a result, it is the best story about Google written to date.

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Web Analytics 2.0: The Art of Online Accountability and Science of Customer Centricity Review

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(More customer reviews)As with most books, I started by taking a look at a few sample pages of the book before getting deep into it. My first data point was page 248: where Avinash describes elegantly a case study on measuring offline applications using Google Analytics. Exquisite. Than, on page 279 he shows how to analyze video influence on revenues. Amazing.
After leafing through the book for a while I went back to the beginning and I really enjoyed the way Avinahs Kaushik links the content; bringing basic and important concepts and very advanced techniques side by side. The book has a friendly tone, i.e., it feels like walking down the street and talking to a friend. Avinash knows when to soothe the reader and let him know that this might be frustrating or difficult, he does not pretend to give all the answers.
A central theme on Avinash philosophy also in his previous book (Web Analytics: An Hour a Day) is that people will bring change, not tools. So, even though he proposes several techniques for choosing vendors, he puts in in its place: if you don't have people, you better look for them, no tool will help you. For every $100 you have, you should invest $90 on people and $10 on tools.
This book describes a holistic approach of the Web Analytics field which he defines as "the analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from your website and the competition, to drive a continual improvement of the online experience that your customers, and potential customers have, which translates into your desired outcomes (online and offline)."
The book treats all the aspects that need to be understood in order to have a successful web strategy: clickstream data, testing, Voice of Customer, social, mobile, video, you name it. In addition, you will learn about planning and growing a web analytics career, so if you are serious about your career, this book is for you.
Concluding, 'Web Analytics 2.0: The Art of Online Accountability and Science of Customer Centricity' is a landmark on the Web Analytics field and a must buy for anyone looking to grow and succeed in the Internet.

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Adeptly address today's business challenges with this powerful new book from web analytics thought leader Avinash Kaushik. Web Analytics 2.0 presents a new framework that will permanently change how you think about analytics. It provides specific recommendations for creating an actionable strategy, applying analytical techniques correctly, solving challenges such as measuring social media and multichannel campaigns, achieving optimal success by leveraging experimentation, and employing tactics for truly listening to your customers. The book will help your organization become more data driven while you become a super analysis ninja!
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Google Sites and Chrome For Dummies Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This book should be evaluated on two levels. First, the majority of computer literate users will not need it. All the information presented here is either easily intuited or available in Google's somewhat convoluted help system. In other words, nothing covered here is rocket science.
On the other hand, for those who fear the computer, don't like hunting for sometimes elusive information on sites like Google or just prefer a well organized and comprehensive approach to product training, this book is excellent.
The products and services covered are Google Sites, Chrome browser, Google Apps (including Google Docs (Word Processing, Presentations, Spreadsheets, Calendar, Gmail, Contacts, Video Chat and Talk).
That's a lot of territory - and the authors do a fine job of covering it.
On the whole, the book is a well designed, well written overview, rather than a detailed instruction manual. It is sort of a middling reference manual. But it has to be remembered that none of the Google apps and services are very complex in terms of user interface.
Overall, for those who need a book like this, it is excellent. For those with substantial computer use experience, you're just as well off with the Google help pages.
Jerry

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Curious about Google Sites and how team collaboration Web sites can help you share documents online from various locations? Curious about Google's new Chrome browser? Google Sites & Chrome For Dummies has what you want to know!
Today, Google is so much more than another word for "search." Google Sites & Chrome For Dummies shows you how to create great collaborative Web sites with Google Sites and surf the Web with the super-fast Google Chrome browser. Find out how they work with other Google Apps, too. You'll learn to:
Take advantage of free hosting, free tools, and a simple, straightforward interface with Google Sites
Set up a Google account or Google Apps account
Create wiki sites that let coworkers collaborate on projects or keep family members up to date
Use Google gadgets to keep track of projects, manage calendars and documents, or display photos
Integrate documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other Google Apps into your site
Work with Contact List, Google Talk, and Google Chat, and handle e-mail with Gmail
Download and install the speedy Google Chrome browser
Install browser plug-ins, enable offline access to Google Docs, and manage misbehaving tabs

You'll even find instructions and examples to help you plan sites for personal and business use, plus a sample college course site. With advice from Google Sites & Chrome For Dummies, you can make collaboration easy and have the high-speed Web at your fingertips.

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Performance Marketing with Google Analytics: Strategies and Techniques for Maximizing Online ROI Review

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(More customer reviews)#1: This book is extremely helpful if you're a hardcore data analyst who needs more business acumen, or a true marketer who needs a better handle on the technical aspects of web analytics.
#2: The section on using web analytics to measure, optimize, and hold accountable your SEO is very strong.
#3: The sections on tracking and optimizing offline marketing (print, billboard, tv, radio, etc.) are a much needed reminder that marketers need to be tracking everything, online or otherwise. And, that Google Analytics can be that "central marketing dashboard" type of tool if set up correctly.

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An unparalleled author trio shares valuable advice for using Google Analytics to achieve your business goals
Google Analytics is a free tool used by millions of Web site owners across the globe to track how visitors interact with their Web sites, where they arrive from, and which visitors drive the most revenue and sales leads. This book offers clear explanations of practical applications drawn from the real world.
The author trio of Google Analytics veterans starts with a broad explanation of performance marketing and gets progressively more specific, closing with step-by-step analysis and applications.
Features in-depth examples and case studies on how to increase revenue from search advertising, optimize an existing website, prioritize channels and campaigns, access brand health and more
Discusses how to communicate with a webmaster or developer to assist with installation
Addresses Google's conversion-oriented tools, including AdWords and AdSense, Google trends, Webmaster tools, search-based keyword tools, and more
Touches on brand tracking studies, usability research, competitive analysis, and statistical tools

Throughout the book, the main emphasis is demonstrating how you can best use Google Analytics to achieve your business objectives.
Foreword by Avinash Kaushik
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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Ultimate Guide to Google Ad Words, 2nd Edition: How To Access 100 Million People in 10 Minutes Review

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(More customer reviews)At the beginning of Chapter 28 (17 Things Yo' Momma Never Told You About Google), the authors talk about the concept of 10,000 hours of work necessary to master any subject/field. Perry makes the observation that it would be very difficult to spend 10,000 hours studying Google Adwords - there is simply not that much you can study about Google Adwords. But there is a ton of things that you can study that comes before and after the click.
In my opinion, this book does an excellent job of talking about the things that come before and after the click.
The book covers all the information you need to know to run a successful Google Adwords campaign. But there are lots of other things you need to know to run a successful business - the things that come before and after the click. Chapter 12 goes into great detail about developing your USP (unique selling proposition). The first sentence of chapter 12 is. "This could be the most important chapter in the book." You must be able to answer the question, "Why should anyone do business with you? Why should anyone buy your product? What is your unique guarantee?" Unfortunately most people run "me too businesses". Follow the advice in chapter 12, develop your own unique business.
The book also gives a good introduction to copywriting, including some good advice from one of the best in the business - John Carlton. Anyone trying to sell in print (either online or offline) must learn the concepts and principles as put forth in the chapter on copywriting.
While the authors state that chapter 12 might be the most important chapter in the book, I believe that chapter 23 is of equal value. Here the authors talk about "grinding down the competition." The concept is that success is not a flash in the pan, brilliant idea. Success is more often the result of dogged determination, plodding incremental improvements and simply sticking with the basics long after others have given up.
The authors constantly remind the reader that split testing is the keys to riches. You can never know/guess what the market wants or is willing to spend money on. You must be willing to listen to the market. Don't try to impose your ideas/will on the market.
It is very easy for business owners to think that they know what will work, what people want and which ads "look" good. But as the authors point out time and time again, you cannot guess with any degree of accuracy about what will work . You must test, test and test some more. I think the most difficult thing for the reader to accept is that to be successful you must give up your pre-conceived notions of what you think/know will work be open to learning from the markets.
There are plenty of words of wisdom from Claude Hopkins (author of the classic - Scientific Advertising - written in 1923) scattered throughout the book. They are in the form of tidbits "Uncle Claude Sez".
There are some exceptionally good supplemental bonuses that you can download from a link provided in the book. For new Google users you can get a $25 credit to start your account.
There are plenty of references throughout the book to additional sources. I would highly recommend that anyone interested in marketing on the Internet sign up for Perry Marshall's free information. Yes he will make offers to sell you additional programs but you are free to decide if they make sense for you. You will get a great marketing education from the very valuable free information he gives away.
I highly recommend this book. It contains a wealth of information about how to run a successful business. It does not/will not give you quick/easy way to guaranteed profits. Ultimately, the authors tell it straight. It takes doing an awful lot of work, seeking continuous incremental improvements to get ahead in today's highly competitive world. If you are looking for a great guide that is truthful, then this is a great resource.

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Double Your Web Traffic—Overnight!

Google gets searched more than 250 million times every day—creating an unbelievable opportunity to get your business in front of thousands every minute…IF you know what you're doing.

Google AdWords experts Perry Marshall and Bryan Todd uncover the fundamentals, techniques, tools, and tricks that Google should teach you, but doesn't. Learn how to build an aggressive campaign from scratch, increase your search engine visibility, consistently capture clicks, double your website traffic, and increase your sales! No other guide is as comprehensive or current in its coverage of today's fastest, most powerful advertising medium.

Learn how to:
Build a powerful, streamlined campaign from scratch
Develop high quality keyword lists
Write killer advertising and website copy that gets clicks
Get your ads in front of the best audience possible
Keep your ads showing up with high quality scores
Triple your traffic with site-targeted AdSense and Google image ads
Earn high rankings in Google's organic search results
Slash your bid prices
Gain more conversions and sales
Avoid costly mistakes made by all Google advertisers
Determine what's working with Google's conversion tracking
And more!

Plus get FREE e-mail updates on Google's ever-changing system!

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Google AdWords For Dummies Review

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(More customer reviews)This book should be read not only by people trying to learn about AdWords but also by those interested in narrowing down their market niches. I have spent hundreds of dollars in marketing materials, I hold an MBA degree but I must humbly admit this is the first time I actually understand my market niche down to the color of their socks.
It is amazing what you can do today with Google Tools and their readily available information, but it takes a book like this to learn and understand this powerful source of information and Howie Jacobson does an incredible job at communicating it.

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A completely updated reference to help you get the most value out of your AdWords campaigns
Google AdWords is a unique tool that allows you to set your own budget and create ads and choose keywords that are specifically related to your business. When your ad appears next to the search results, people can simply click your ad to learn more about you or make a purchase. This handy guide walks you through the newest tips, tricks, and techniques for maximizing your AdWords campaign.
Offering valuable advice, this new edition includes case studies from readers who have shared what they learned from using the techniques revealed in the first edition.
A revised and updated guide that shares invaluable advice for maximizing your AdWords campaign
Discusses changes to the AdWords interface as well as best practices in split testing, opt-in landing page structure, and ad group structure
Reviews new, free tools included in AdWords as well as new and improved third-party tools
Includes an in-depth explanation of Google's free Web site testing and optimization tool: Website Optimizer
Includes a Google AdWords gift card worth $25 (details inside book)

With this handy reference by your side, you will discover the best way to put a Google AdWords campaign to work for you!
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

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SEO Help: 20 Search Engine Optimization steps to get your website to Google's #1 page Review

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(More customer reviews)I am new to the SEO game and as a new website owner I thought it was going to be difficult. This is the third SEO book I tried and the one which made be believe in the power of the web. My site is on Google's first page for 10 main keywords and I have now seen it begin to rise in both Yahoo and BING and I am over the moon! The good news is that I have not even touched on half the chapters. I was just so happy to see it perform so well I have just kept on doing what worked. The book is easy to understand. The chapters are short and to the point and I just love the straightforward honesty. For me this is a big winner. If you are new to the SEO game or are simply tired of the same mumbo-jumbo everyone's spouting this is gold!

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Help your website be found without spending a fortune.Every webmaster and every website owner wants the same thing: to see their website on Google's first page and to keep it there.SEO Help is a practical, step-by-step guide which in 20 easy-to-understand chapters gives you the kind of practical advice a leading SEO engineer would give you if he were standing over your shoulder and helped you search engine optimize your website.An optimized website gets:
Greater online visibility
More targeted visitors
More online sales and advertising enquiries
What usually stops you from succeeding in the online world is the fact that by the time you learn the valuable lessons you need to apply you have also ran out of time and money. SEO Help helps you gain both time and money by showing you how to avoid costly mistakes and apply technical shortcuts which will help you optimize your website fast. Totally accessible, with complete, step-by-step details and no need of any deep know-how, it gives you the distilled knowledge of a successful search engine optimizer. Provided you follow the advice in each one to the letter your website will start to outperform your competitors' and you will be well on your way to search engine dominance and online success.

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Inbound Marketing: Get Found Using Google, Social Media, and Blogs (New Rules Social Media Series) Review

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(More customer reviews)If you're brand new to the world of Internet marketing and social media, this is the book for you. The authors cover the essential topics in clear prose that is quick and easy to read. For someone who already has Facebook and Twitter accounts and knows about Digg and other bookmarking sites and perhaps even has a blog already, there is probably not much here that you don't already know. I would assume given their business that the authors know much more indepth information than they shared in this first book; I hope they get around to writing a second one for people with more social media experience.

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Stop pushing your message out and start pulling your customers inTraditional "outbound" marketing methods like cold-calling, email blasts, advertising, and direct mail are increasingly less effective. People are getting better at blocking these interruptions out using Caller ID, spam protection, TiVo, etc. People are now increasingly turning to Google, social media, and blogs to find products and services. Inbound Marketing helps you take advantage of this change by showing you how to get found by customers online.Inbound Marketing is a how-to guide to getting found via Google, the blogosphere, and social media sites. • Improve your rankings in Google to get more traffic • Build and promote a blog for your business • Grow and nurture a community in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. • Measure what matters and do more of what works onlineThe rules of marketing have changed, and your business can benefit from this change. Inbound Marketing shows you how to get found by more prospects already looking for what you have to sell.

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Your Google Game Plan for Success: Increasing Your Web Presence with Google AdWords, Analytics and Website Optimizer Review

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(More customer reviews)Google AdWords can be a powerful addition to your marketing strategy, but a confusing one. Teixeira's book is a good introduction to AdWords, but overwhelms with details and underwhelms with strategy. He does, however, a good job leading us step-by-step through AdWords as a software platform.
The book does not have enough information or guidance on keyword strategy, how your ads should interface with what you as a company sell or do. Nor is it connected to your SEO strategy, yet these things should work together.
On a technical level, I was disturbed by the discussion on 'broad match.' 'Broad match' is often misunderstood by most of my clients; putting in 'dog boarding' may yield results not just for the words 'dog' and 'boarding' but also 'puppy' 'animal' and even cat. Few seems to get this, and Teixeria doesn't tell you this hugely important point, nor how to find out the true keyword matches once you are running. I have had many clients waste thousands of dollars on broad match!
Strategically, the most important issue I teach students in my classes on SEO and Social Media (Google Jason McDonald to find me), is that AdWords should be part and parcel of your SEO strategy - get what you can get for free, first, and build AdWords on top of it. This book doesn't embed AdWords into a strategic perspective; for that you are on your own.
So in sum, it's a good book on AdWords, but not a great book, and it won't make my shelf of recommendations for my students in AdWords and SEO, either online and in San Francisco.

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Get the most out of Google's trifecta of tools and optimize your Web presence!
Savvy marketers are always searching for new ways to attract and keep online customers. Google's array of online tools plus the techniques and tips in this expert guide help you unlock the mystery of doing business in the digital age.
Learn the basics of Google AdWords, Analytics, and Website Optimizer—and then discover how to use this powerful trifecta together to help you track, extract, and analyze data and make necessary changes. Topics include cost-per-click advertising, conversion tracking, how to apply what you're learning, and much more.
Brings you up to speed on Google AdWords, Analytics, and Website Optimizer
Shows how to use each tool individually—and then together as a powerful trio to track, analyze, and optimize your Web presence
Topics include the basics of CPC (cost per click) and how to use Google's Ad Planner, the AdWords Editor, and conversion tracking
Covers how to install tracking code in your Web site, what reports are available and how to use them, testing, applying what you learn, and much more

Start increasing ROI, online sales, and web site traffic quality with Google tools and the insights and techniques in this expert guide.

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Always Be Testing: The Complete Guide to Google Website Optimizer Review

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(More customer reviews)When I first saw that this book was coming to light I had mixed feelings. On one hand, I was hunger for more testing knowledge, both theoretical and practical. On the other hand, I am always apprehensive when books talk about tools. However, the book impressed me as a comprehensive guide to Online Testing. And when I read the following (p.18), I was sure the book is what the market needs:
"The important thing to keep in mind is that the Google Website Optimizer is a tool. (...)It cannot do your thinking for you. It cannot plan your tests. It cannot produce the creative. It cannot interpret your results beyond demonstrating numerical significance and confidence. These things are up to you. If you want the tests you run on the Google Website Optimizer to be meaningful and to provide the intelligence you need to make well informed marketing decisions, then this is the book you need."
The authors cover very thoroughly the Why, the What, and the How of Online Testing. All you need to know from the value of testing to how should you get started. The examples are very enriching and illustrate the power of testing and the bottom line: Testing = $$$.
Part I covers the Why; the authors delve on the power of testing and provide some amazing examples of it (including a masterpiece on Amazon's testing efforts). In addition they walk us through the Google Website Optimizer and provide powerful tips on the tool.
Part II covers the What and the How; the chapters are structured in a very actionable way: "Questions to ask", "Exercises", "What to test", and "Apply this to your site". As you read you can implement the tips instantly. A few examples of what to test are: usability, look & feel, searchability, product presentation, up-sell/cross-sell......
Part III covers some technical aspects of testing. The authors provide interesting information about Google website Optimizer scripts, statistical tests, and other special issues.
*The book is well structured, insightful and action oriented: exactly as online marketing should be! I warmly recommend it.*


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Stop guessing, start testing, and enjoy greater success with your website.
If you're looking for more leads, sales, and profit from your website, then look no further than this expert guide to Google's free A/B and multivariate website testing tool, Google Website Optimizer. Recognized online marketing guru and New York Times bestselling author, Bryan Eisenberg, and his chief scientist, John Quarto-vonTivadar, show you how to test and tune your site to get more visitors to contact you, buy from you, subscribe to your services, or take profitable actions on your site. This practical and easy-to-follow reference will help you:
Develop a testing framework to meet your goals and objectives
Improve your website and move more of your customers to action
Select and categorize your products and services with a customer-centric view
Optimize your landing pages and create copy that sells
Choose the best test for a given application
Reap the fullest benefits from your testing experience
Increase conversions with over 250 testing ideas
Save $25 on Google AdWords with coupon included in the book

Take the guesswork out of your online marketing efforts. Let Always Be Testing: The Complete Guide to Google Website Optimizer show you why you should test, how to test, and what to test on your site, and ultimately, help you discover what is best for your site and your bottom line.

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