Web 2.0Don't fight the Internet
Web 2.0 refers to a perceived second generation of web-based communities and hosted services such as social-networking sites which aim to facilitate collaboration and sharing between users. Although the term suggests a new version of the World Wide Web, it does not refer to an update to Web technical specifications, but to changes in the ways software developers and end-users use the web as a platform. Defining Web "2.0"It is suggest that technologies such as weblogs, podcasts, RSS feeds and other forms of many-to-many publishing imply a significant change in web usage and is a social phenomenon embracing an open approach to distributing Web content that is decentralization of authority, thereby allowing the freedom to share and re-use, and "market as a conversation" Regarding Web 2.0 as business embracing the web as a platform, the slogan, "Don't fight the Internet", encompasses the essence of Web 2.0. Web 2.0's key principle recomments building applications and services around the unique features of the Internet, as opposed to building applications and expecting the Internet to suit as a platform. The key principles of Web 2.0 applications:
Characteristics of "Web 2.0"Web 2.0 website exhibit some basic common characteristics:
Technology overviewThe evolving technology infrastructure of Web 2.0 includes server-software, content-syndication, messaging-protocols, standards-based browsers with plugins and extensions, and various client-applications. Web 2.0 websites typically include:
Innovations associated with "Web 2.0"Server-side softwareFunctionally, Web 2.0 applications build on the existing Web server architecture, but rely much more heavily on back-end software. Syndication differs only nominally from the methods of publishing using dynamic content management, but web services typically require much more robust database and workflow support. Client-side softwareThe extra functionality provided by Web 2.0 depends on the ability of users to work with the data stored on servers. This can come about through forms in an HTML page, through a scripting language such as Javascript, or through Flash, Silverlight or Java. These methods all make use of the client computer to reduce server workloads and to increase the responsiveness of the application. XML and RSSAdvocates of Web 2.0 may regard syndication of site content as a Web 2.0 feature. Protocols which permit syndication include:
CriticismGiven the lack of set standards as to what "Web 2.0" actually means, implies, or requires, the term can mean radically different things to different people. Many of the ideas of Web 2.0 had already featured in implementations on networked systems well before the term "Web 2.0" emerged. Amazon.com, for instance, has allowed users to write reviews and consumer guides since its launch in 1995, in a form of self-publishing. Amazon also opened its API to outside developers in 2002. Previous developments also came from research in computer-supported collaborative learning and computer-supported cooperative work and from established products like Lotus Notes and Lotus Domino. The argument also exists that "Web 2.0" does not represent a new version of World Wide Web at all, but merely continues to use "Web 1.0" technologies and concepts. Conclusion Having said that, Web 2.0 is just getting started. There is a focus on making the Internet a platform for end users. Paying bills online is no longer a novelty. MySpace is an interactive pen-pal phenomenon far beyond anything we'd have predicted only two years ago. Even Voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phoning is saving phone customers money. We're just getting started!
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The difference between SEO and SEM
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) are not identical. These processes go hand in hand but are often thought of with only a diminutive differentiation. Search Engine Optimization is what is done to your site to ensure that the search engines rate your site well and you have a easy to use web site with search engine friendly (SEF) Menus and SEF URLS that Google, Yahoo, MSN and Ask.com can crawl through. Search Engine Marketing is doing the advertising and marketing of your site. Ironical this is all done "offsite" whereas SEO is mostly done "onsite". SEO is a more technical process than SEM and involves a deeper understanding of search engine algorithms.
Search Engine Optimization
Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is the process of assisting the search engines in ranking your web pages by improving the on page features of your website and by promoting it through link building strategies like blogs, articles, and reciprocal link requests. The focus isn’t so much on traffic building. Rather, you are simply trying to ensure that the search engines rank your site well for your important keywords.
Search Engine Marketing
Search engine optimization is a branch of search engine marketing. With Search Engine Marketing (SEM) you are promoting your website by promoting it in various ways that get it noticed in the search engines. It is more than simply improving your website through SEO, though it does include that. SEM also includes pay-per-click advertising, inclusion fee listings, social media optimization, directory submissions, and related marketing tactics. All of these marketing strategies are designed to get your site noticed by the search engines so that you rank well for your important keywords. Notice, however, that SEO focuses more on your website whereas SEM might not necessarily be about your website but in how you promote it.
Pay-for-inclusion
Many SEM companies guarantee your site will be indexed by the search engines within a short period of time, and if you really want to you can directly submit your site to the engines. DO NOT do this until your site is properly prepaired and do not resubmit multiple times, as this is a form of spamming for which you may be penalized. Patience is the key.
Traditional Ads (PPC - Pay Per Click): Ads are displayed on the SERP (Search Engine Results Page). Generally these are text based ads written by the SEO/SEM advertiser. Ads are based on the Keyword entered in the search and fees are triggered by impressions. You pay for the ad even if it is not clicked through. You want to work with your SEO/SEM advertiser so that your ads Click Through Rate has a high percentage. You can easily spend hundreds a day for very little ROI.
Internet Marketing
Internet Marketing is a much broader term than either SEO or SEM. In fact, search engine marketing is a subset or branch of Internet Marketing. A good definition of Internet marketing takes into consideration all forms of media available through digital delivery. Therefore, this term must encompass a broad array of strategies that you can use to market your website and your business. Internet Marketing includes such activities as e-mail marketing, banner advertising, affiliate marketing, e-book downloads, podcasting, video marketing, viral marketing, RSS, and anything that uses the Internet as a mode of delivery for the purpose of promoting your business.