Vernon Chalmers SEO - Latest Blog Entries

Google: Top 10 South Africa Search Trends 2012

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0200

Last 7 Days: Top 10 Google Search Trends - South Africa

Last 30 Days: Top 10 Google Search Trends - South Africa

Google: Top 10 Global Keyword / Search Trends 2012

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:03:00 +0200

Last 7 Days: Top 10 Google Search Trends - Global

Last 30 Days: Top 10 Google Search Trends - Global

Another email to Vodacom CEO - Poor Vodacom 3G Connectivity Service

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:59:00 +0200

As sent to Vodacom CEO

Sir,

It is Friday morning 3 Feb 2012 in Milnerton and this is the message I get trying to connect (experiencing intermittent problems since 08:00) using any / all my Vodacom connectivity products in my Home/Office. See error below.

I cannot connect via 3G or EDGE and find it most frustrating trying to carry out my business activities.

Like last year I will keep a log on my website and log all errors to you and my readers.

Kind regards,

Vernon Chalmers
Vodacom Business Account

All Vodacom information / documentation on this website

This web page is not available

The server at www.google.com can't be found because the DNS look-up failed. DNS is the network service that translates a website's name to its Internet address. This error is most often caused by having no connection to the Internet or a misconfigured network. It can also be caused by an unresponsive DNS server or a firewall preventing Google Chrome from accessing the network...

Error 105 (net::ERR_NAME_NOT_RESOLVED): Unable to resolve the server's DNS address.

Copy of follow-up email to Vodacom CEO re 3G connectivity problems / concerns

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:50:00 +0200

Sir,

I emailed you on 25 January 2012 (exactly a week ago) re my Vodacom 3G problems / concerns and today I am following this up with more of the the same (highlighted in three areas):

Pending support tickets of my recent Vodacom 3G connectivity problems
Its probably about three weeks ago that I have logged the first of two support tickets on poor Vodacom 3G connectivity in the Milnerton area. Apart from the odd SMS and one email from Vodacom Executive Support (last week) have had zero other communication from Vodacom. This begs the question(s) again;‘what is Vodacom doing about this problem? and why am I not getting proper feedback / communication from anybody at Vodacom?

More Vodacom 3G connectivity problems on 1 February 2012
I experienced total 3G connectivity failure between 16:30 and 17:00 today. I find it odd that I can connect through your Vodaphone Broadband software, receive confirmed connectivity (on all my home / office computers and different modem devices) to the Vodacom server is established, but every / any website I visited fails to load. – again and again. And phoning the call centre is not the solution either – these guys (after hours) are messengers and not trained / empowered to really deal with these queries. Did I phone them? Yes. am I satisfied with their response? No. and I know you / your office will have many reasons why they act / don't act in certain ways.

Concerns of future Vodacom 3G connectivity problems
Sir, your 3G connectivity problem is having an effect on my business, future planning and my communication with my customers and other stakeholders. I cannot indefinitely be exposed to this type of connectivity / service environment week in and week out.

I respectfully request a management-driven response of the intermittent lack of expected Vodacom 3G connectivity service pertaining this matter and to provide us (your costumers) with proper feedback on your connectivity matter(s). I think you will agree with me that as you, I require information to run my business operations. At the moment I cannot get answers / or problems solve with my biggest service provider.

It will be highly appreciated to get proper feedback from Vodacom operational management and not some representative that is always asking for more information (again and again). Why can a senior Vodacom customer Care representative not take proper [communication] ownership of these issues? I requested this last week, and ask yet again. Maybe this time I will get the proper feedback in terms of Vodacom’s current connectivity and customer support. I don’t think this is asking too much sir. I just want to run my operations as best I can / the same as what you want for your business…

Kind Regards,

Vernon Chalmers

Video: Introduction of Apple iBooks Author software for the iPad

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:25:00 +0200

Apple's contribution to the continuous evolution in educational technology and future learning.

How long does it take to Index and list a website in the Google search engine?

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:05:00 +0200

Preparing a blog / website for meeting Indexing / search engine listing requirements will speed up the time required to start monitoring rankings in Google. This process may take some time [up to 3 - 6 months] and will require a good understanding of the following Key Performance Areas:

Purpose of your blog / website
Own / custom domain name
Search Engine Indexing
Search Engine Optimisation
Quality Backlinks
Pay Per Click campaigns
Research practices

A new site (meeting Indexing requirements) could be Indexed in approximately two to three weeks. Important to note that it will not be the complete site, but rather individual pages. It will generally take about four weeks to see certain search results (based on individual page indexing).

Note - although pages may be indexed and listed in the search engines it may take weeks or even months before specific search criteria will serve up your URL / content / blog posts / tags in the various search engines.

Read the detailed Vernon Chalmers Article>>

The most frequent learning requests before Internet Marketing / SEO / Social Media training

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0200

December 2011 marked the fourth year of my continuous research, development and facilitation of a sustainable / organic Internet Marketing / SEO / Social Media training model for SME's in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Except for the dominant "How do I get to the top of a Google search?" question, herewith a the list of the most frequent learning areas requested by my various academic and business clients:

Introduction to Internet Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation
Understand and deploy relevant search engine technologies
Improve organic SEO rankings and to enhance Online Visibility
Link building and Search Marketing (online research)
Understand and apply Social Media strategies and applications
Long term planning / campaign and project assistance
Analysing and evaluating blog or website content
Analytics and visitation measurement

There is currently a strong correlation between client learning requirements and the original model I developed during 2008. The model was developed from my own requirements (as presented above), to consult / train and to be able to rank as high as possible in my required targeted search areas.

The last two years provided me with an opportunity to frequently serve both Cape Town and Johannesburg.academic and corporate clients.. My three year journey took me to many lecture theaters, boardrooms and back offices (big and small). The underlining objectives in most cases always the same - to assist students, individuals and / or their organiations with a hands-on understanding to deploy the most effective / efficient online strategies, techniques and technologies. A great place to be...

Key criteria for selecting an Internet Marketing / SEO [training] agency

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0200

South African SME's are slowly but surely recognizing the importance of an effective Internet Marketing / SEO / Social Media strategy and campaign for blogs and websites. Many so called 'SEO experts' are suddenly becoming available to assist businesses in leveraging online visibility and search engine ranking success.

Identifying and contracting a competent online marketing agency / consultant is a serious business decision that will require vigilance and careful consideration of the following:

Internet Marketing / SEO is a business and marketing function and not just an IT deployment crafted by web developers and designers.
The agency / consultant should have proven [strategic] business and marketing experience with an up-to-date online portfolio ( A tertiary qualification in marketing and / or business systems is highly recommended).
The agency / consultant should demonstrate the ability to integrate business / marketing / IT requirements for your blog and / or website – this should also be demonstrated via the online portfolio.
The agency / consultant should provide in depth project management campaign scheduling and again proven ability of the required strategy and deployment criteria to manage a campaign (on your behalf) / or to train you in achieving success in your own campaign.
Request professional accreditation and affiliations with industry partners and / or academic institutions.

How to get your blog / website listed in the Google Index

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 +0200

Purpose of your blog / website
Own / custom domain name
Search Engine Indexing
Search Engine Optimisation
Quality Backlinks
Pay Per Click campaigns
Research practices

Read Article >>

Video: Social Media Revolution 2

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:33:00 +0200

Powerful video promoting the growth and global reach of Social Media. Still a must see if you are in any doubt of social media / IT technology phenomena. Indeed a snapshot to excite and drive website owners, bloggers and marketers to Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Excellent retail / service experiences South Africa

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:31:00 +0200

Some of my excellent personal customer care / service provider experiences in South Africa since 2010.

Excellent customer care experience in South Africa

Primi Piatti Century City	Cape Town	Jan 2012	Article
Acer South Africa	Cape Town	Jan 2012	Article
City Lodge Hotel	Cape Town	July 2011	Article
British Airways	Cape Town	May 2011	Article
Rivonia Bed and Breakfast	Rivonia	Dec 2010	Article
Protea Hotel Victoria Junction	Green Point	Oct 2010	Article
Varsity College	Rondebosch	June 2010	Article
Kwikspar	Milnerton	April 2010	Article

Poor customer service experiences

Four years of excellent service at Primi Piatti Century City

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0200

Whenever I have visited Primi Piatti Piazza Canal Walk Century City for dinner, business meetings or just for hanging-out on one of their soft leather couches, it’s always been a highly satisfying experience.

Here, management and staff should get credit for their assertive and responsive demeanor in interacting with patrons / and all-round restaurant service.

Waiters are always friendly and incredibly sharp with the manager not far away to unobtrusively supervise this vibrant establishment. Never is anything an effort for the service staff. Not too loud or abrasive, but always around to satisfy.

Primi Piatti is testament to the fact that great service can be achieved and sustained over long periods (and client-centric value chain). Service success guarantee here is not just in the structure and process of service delivery, but in the ownership of each and every individual understanding / performing to expected service standard(s).

This is without doubt the most consistent service I have experienced in / around Cape Town for the last four years and indeed an establishment that continuously carry out superior customer service inline with their own Elemental Philosophy.

Well done Primi Piatti management and staff!

An extract from the Primi Piatti Elemental Philosophy

“Taking our lead from life itself, we understand that everything consists of elements. And it is by observing these elements, we realize that everything is connected and to turn chaos into orders we need to share energy and exchange creativity with each other and our surrounds, which gives way to inspiration. It’s a simple fact that energy is what keeps things moving, operating. And at Primi Piatti, we identify this vital force as Urban Energy: connection and inspired interactions with others and the environment.” Read more >>

Primi Piatti website >>

Primi Piatti Address / Location
Shop 429, Canal Walk Shopping Centre, Century Boulevard, Century City, Milnerton, 7441

View Larger Map

Corruption Watch website launched in South Africa

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:53:00 +0200

A new public corruption watch website launched in South Africa on 26 January 2012. Only time will tell if public 'whistle blowers" will be heard. Nevertheless, a good initiative and I sincerely hope this website will indeed make a contribution to anti-corruption campaigning and eradication in South Africa,

Corruption Watch Website >>

Extract from the Corruption Watch Press Release:

"Independent civil society institute Corruption Watch embarked on its outreach to the public today, launching a website and SMS hotline to receive reports of corruption and posting an online pledge for people to sign rejecting corruption.

The website will be a repository of stories from the South African public; a secure portal for evidence-based whistle blowing activity and a resource for information about corrupt activities in South Africa.

“By gathering, interpreting and acting on information from the public, the media and other sources,” Director David Lewis said, “Corruption Watch will expose the corrupt and the misuse in particular of public money. We have formed this institution to enable citizens to report and confront public and private sector individuals abusing their power and position.”

The data collected by the organisation will be used to reveal ‘hotspots’ of corrupt activity around the country at municipal, provincial and national level. Where corruption is rife, Corruption Watch will seek partnerships with powerful organs of civil society to effect change.

“We want to help move the national conversation about corruption from resignation to action,” said Lewis.

Funded principally by donations from charitable foundations, Corruption Watch was initiated by Cosatu’s office bearers, who were receiving an increasing number of complaints about corruption from its membership and the general public. It is a non-profit organisation and the board is comprised of the following individuals: Bobby Godsell, Adila Hassim, David Lewis, Mary Metcalfe, Mavuso Msimang, Archbishop Ndungane, Kate O’Regan, Zwelinzima Vavi, and is chaired by Vuyiseka Dubula.

The website will be the main interface between the public and Corruption Watch, though it can be reached via SMS, twitter and facebook." Read more >>

Source : http://www.corruptionwatch.org.za

Poor retail / service experiences South Africa

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0200

Below standard customer care experiences in South Africa

Vodacom	South Africa	Jan 2012	Post
Standard Bank	Milnerton	Jan 2012	Post
Vodacom	South Africa	Nov 2011	Post
Vodacom	South Africa	Sept 2011	Post
Standard Bank	Milnerton	Sept 2011	Post
Vodacom	Milnerton	August 2011	Post
Vodacom	South Africa	July 2011	Post
Southern Sun Hotel	Cape Town	July 2011	Post
Protea Hotel Group	South Africa	July 2011	Post
Standard Bank	Milnerton	June 2011	Post
Limnos Bakers	Green Point	Sep 2010	Post
Woolworths	Milnerton	Aug 2010	Post
Woolworths	Milnerton	Aug 2010	Post
Woolworths	Milnerton	Aug 2010	Post
Woolworths	Milnerton	April 2010	Post
Vodacom	South Africa	May 2010	Post
Offerforge	South Africa	May 2011	Post
Vodacom	South Africa	April 2010	Post
Standard Bank	Milnerton	March 2010	Post
Clicks	Milnerton	Dec 2009	Post

All site information on Woolworths

An excellent experience - KWIKSPAR Milnerton

Vodacom latest 3G connectivity problems / concerns

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:18:00 +0200

Copy of email to Vodacom CEO

Sir,
I haven’t emailed you in a while. But since my / your / many Vodacom customers connectivity problems experienced this evening, it’s once again time for me to express my disappointment in Vodacom's 3G Internet / network connectivity.

As a business client I am [once again] flabbergasted in the level of 3G connectivity / professional support I am receiving from Vodacom. On 9 January 2012 I logged a ‘support request ticket’ on intermittent / constant 3G connectivity problems in the Milnerton area with the Vodacom [business] call centre. And today while logging the same problem with the Vodacom call centre realised that the 9 January 2012 request is still pending. All I received from Vodacom was an SMS to inform me that they will look into the matter - I find this utterly below standard and unacceptable to say the least.

Vodacom's Edge / GPRS contingency to 3G is offered at a frustrating snail's-pace (and at most not sustainable for more than a few minutes). I read the 100’s of comments on twitter last evening and am astonished to learn of the bitter disappointment of many of your clients. I personally believe that Vodacom is a far better company than what I am reading and experiencing (ito technical support / communication / connectivity). I am (as all those tweeters) just as disappointed in the lack of service / connectivity / proper communication.

I find it alarming that I am being tweeted to upgrade my Vodaphone Mobile Broadband software by @vodacom (and some other minor recommendations). More alarming is the fact that very seldom I find a Vodacom representative that will actually take ownership / accountability for network downtime / intermittent connectivity-related problems.

Nevertheless, since 1994, I have been 100% committed to your infrastructure, and meticulously built a business model around your mobile technology (for serving my Internet requirements). I expect 24/7 delivery from your 3G service sir, and pay a substantial monthly contract / operational cost for the ‘privilege’ of [the best] mobile telephony / connectivity in the country.

Will it be too much to request some top management feedback? Is it so much against Vodacom’s policy to provide customers with real answers or at least a clear statement on current network connectivity issues?

Kind Regards,

Vernon Chalmers
Edit: 25-01-2012

Unacceptable ATM physical security service at Standard Bank Milnerton

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0200

Two of my last three last visits to Standard Bank Milnerton delivered the same alarming and unsatisfactory ATM physical security threat. (Branch Location Map)

On both occasions I experienced a Standard Bank contracted security official not carrying out his security role and responsibilities.

First incident of lack of ATM customer security / safety (during banking hours)
Security official in casual conversation with a couple of men hanging around the outside of the bank (while standing inside the doorway). The official acted with no vigilance of what was happening inside the ATM area while customers were entering for their electronic banking. I observed this for a while and asked him to return to his post to carry out his security responsibilities. He returned to his post, but the men kept hanging around the entrance of the bank.

Second incident of lack of ATM customer security / safety (after banking hours)
This morning while doing cash banking at the same address the security official was in loud and casual conversation on his mobile telephone (inside the ATM area) while staring out the window with absolutely no interest / vigilance of carrying out his security responsibilities. This with at least three customers queuing the ATM area. I once again requested the security official to be more responsible toward customers.

Unacceptable security practice
I find both practices unacceptable considering the safety and security of customers. I cannot confirm if this was the same security official manning the Standard Bank Loxton Road ATM, but the lack of expected professional security behaviour was clearly evident / identical.

What is the point in facilitating physical security if this is the standard of protection and vigilance customers are receiving?

Not returning to Standard Bank Milnerton Loxton Road ATM
I will discourage anybody I know / don’t now from using the Standard Bank Loxton Road branch for carrying out their electronic banking. Standard Bank / Standard Bank Milnerton management may / may not take responsibility for their lack of professional security practice at this branch, but as far as I am concerned will attempt not use this Standard Bank branch or Standard Bank ATM again.

Map Source : Google Maps (photo with no date reference to above incidents - location reference only)

An assertive way to deal with unwanted / spam / fraud email

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:58:00 +0200

As with most people I also get quite annoyed when a continuous stream of unwanted and unprofessional email appear in my inbox. So, after receiving an unsolicited email from an Offerforge South Africa staff member (that somehow 'leaked' a private database to an external source in May 2010) I decided to do something constructive about it. This was the start of a personal blog who has up to date attracted more than 40 000 visitors trying to determine if the mail they received are Junk / Fraud / Spam email

Read my original response to Offerforge South Africa here.

Instead of addressing spam matters with website / email account owners I registered a Google Blogspot .net domain to which Ire- publish as many spam / junk ./ fraud emails from unprofessional tactics. This was replaced during 2011 with a custom domain name.

Visit Unwanted eMail Collection Internationa

Read the Disclaimer

SME online recruitment and staffing assistance - Cape Town

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 06:01:00 +0200

New media workforce planning and online recruitment consulting

As an independent Internet Marketing consultant Vernon Chalmers is well experienced to assist not only SME owners and managers in Cape Town / Johannesburg with recruitment and selection of the most appropriate staff, but also to consult with it's future online / new media business models.

Working closely with SME management will provide for an opportunity to fulfill recruitment and selection needs in terms of matching individual abilities and skills with new media staffing requirements.

Recruitment and selection services for online / new media positions

Consulting on [strategic] corporate requirements
New media workforce planning / job analysis
Preparing / updating of job descriptions and job specifications
Designing relevant recruitment / media advertisements
Deploy advertisements on this site and other online mediums
Hosting online recruitment pre-selection questionnaires
Short-listing recommendations and interview assistance
Consulting with final selection and appointment

Exceptional Service Delivery from Acer Africa

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0200

Having owned various Acer notebooks over the last 15 years I became accustomed to excellent after-market product / customer service from Acer Africa. My most recent order experience is once again witness to this and deserves special mention.

On Friday morning last week I ordered a replacement battery for my Acer Travelmate notebook from Acer South Africa in Johannesburg. I did the EFT transaction at 11:00 and sent the email confirmation to the assigned Acer sales agent.

On confirmation of receipt I expected delivery of this product to be ready for collection at Postnet Milnerton (an Acer distribution agent) towards the middle of this week. On Monday morning - 16 January 2012 - at 10:49 I received an SMS from Acer / Postnet confirming that my parcel is ready for collection. I could barely believe my eyes. Ordered on Friday from Cape Town and received my battery from Acer in Johannesburg on Monday morning.

I regard this order / delivery process as nothing less than exceptional from Acer Africa and without any doubt will purchase my next notebook computer from Acer. Acer, your staff and customer service processes exceeded my expectations. After many years of an Acer notebook user I can only but commend your support staff for continuous product and service quality and satisfaction. Well done!

Acer Africa website

Free Press Release Submission for UK / South African SME Businesses

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0200

A free opportunity for London / UK businesses to promote their business profiles (and brands) on the London Flame 2012 independently owned website until the conclusion of all London 2012 Olympic events and closing ceremonies.

This opportunity is also open for South African Businesses with London / UK intrests.

Your London / UK business will be allocated a free press release in blog and PDF format.

London 2012 Press Release Listings : Categories to select from:
- Advertising / Marketing
- Accommodation
- Car Rentals
- Catering
- Flight bookings
- Hospitality
- Hotels / bed & breakfast / self catering
- Music / events
- Recruitment Agencies
- Sport categories
- Tennis Products / Servives
- Traveling
- Tour Operators
- Transport
- Wedding Services
- Non-profit organizations

Advantages of a London Flame 2012 Listing
- Website is organically optimized for above categories / London 2012 Olympics
- Up to 10 000 Organic Visitors every 7 Days currently
- 1.5 Million projected Unique Visitors at end Decembr 2012
- Current: Total Unique Visitors since launch June 2010 = 177 000
- Flag Counter - Country / Unique Visitor Statistics

Format
- Email text (for blog post)
- PDF Document (optional)

Terms / Conditions
- British / UK business operations only
- You may request removal of a Release at any time

Contact Detail
Please email Press Release to London Flame 2012