Blog Action Day began in 2007 as a way for Bloggers from around the world to unite and inspire social change. In 2007, 20,000 Bloggers took to their Blogs and wrote about the Environment. Last year, E-Power Marketing joined this movement. Thanks to Blog Action day, our team addressed hunger in Winnebago County. Inspired by what we learned through our research, we held a food drive. The E-Power Marketing team collected 880 pounds of food and E-Power donated $880 to a local food pantry here in Oshkosh.

This year, the focus of Blog Action Day is on Climate Change. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Climate Change may result from natural factors. Climate Change can also be brought about by people, burning fossil fuels or reshaping landscapes. Though this is a hot topic today, it's one we really hadn't thought much about as a company. Thanks to Blog Action Day, we've taken the time to figure out where E-Power Marketing stands in terms of Climate Change. From what we do as a company to what we do as individuals, the E-Power team is striving to reduce our carbon footprint and our energy consumption to protect the environment for future generations.

At its core, Search Engine Marketing is a relatively green industry. The Internet is at the heart of SEM, and the technology that creates the need for Search Marketing also allows it to be environmentally friendly. Search Engine Marketing promotes products and services online, making more traditional (and wasteful) forms of advertising, such as printed collateral materials or print ads, less necessary. People are turning in their phone books for online directories, and they're searching online for the products they used to have to travel all over for. Search Engine Marketing allows people to live greener, and waste less time and energy.

At E-Power Marketing, we've embraced a green routine without ever thinking about it. At the office, we reduce our carbon footprint in the following ways:

• Communication
• We primarily connect with our clients via email or the telephone.


• We have an open air office, so there is less need for memos and post it note messages.




• Education
• We attend Web seminars instead of traveling to conferences on a regular basis.


• We take online classes, learning over the Web instead of traveling to campuses and printing lectures and notes.


• We subscribe to email newsletters, and utilize industry RSS feeds to stay up to date on what's going on, rather than subscribing to newsletters through the mail or industry magazines.


• Energy
• Two walls of windows allow for natural light.


• Lots of plants thanks to Andrea's green thumb.


• Our computers are turned off every night to conserve energy.


• We use the blinds and sun light for natural shade or warmth rather than adjusting the thermostat all the time.


• Transportation
• We have almost no business travel. Most of our work is done online or over the phone.


• Two team members live within a few blocks of the office, and regularly walk or bike to work.


• Carpool or walk to lunch outings and the rare off-site business meeting.


• Recycling
• Reusable water bottles and travel mugs.


• Spam faxes used as scrap paper.

Our concern for the environment doesn't end when we leave the office. Through writing this blog post, I was able to talk with each E-Power team member to find out what they do at home that's good for the environment.

• Larry - President, E-Power Marketing
• We have researched and purchased cars with good gas mileage.


• We installed an energy efficient boiler.


• We have replaced our old windows with more energy efficient windows with better insulation.


• We have incorporated fluorescent bulbs into our home instead of incandescent.


• We recycle.


• We have started to become more conscious of turning off lights and electronics when we leave the room.


• We also mulch grass instead of sending clippings to a landfill and we have a compost bin. We don't use fertilizer or herbicides on the grass.


• Michelle - CFO, E-Power Marketing
• We utilize the reusable shopping bags on a regular basis for our shopping trips.


• We buy and use "green" household cleaning products (we use Nature's Source brand) that are made from plant based, biodegradable cleaners.


• We don't throw used batteries in the garbage, we hold on to them to take them to be properly disposed of. Our local fire department holds a "clean sweep" day annually where they collect batteries, paint cans, etc. We've also been using rechargeable batteries instead of buying new ones each time.


• Recently we planted 2 trees in our yard.


• We change light bulbs in our house to energy efficient bulbs.


• We utilize reusable/washable water bottles when we're on the go instead of continuing to buy new plastic bottled water which creates more garbage.


• My kids and I are also involved in a Playgroup and we are currently making crafts over the next few weeks using recyclables. We will be using empty paper towel rolls, Kleenex boxes, oatmeal canisters, yogurt containers and lids from tin cans. The items will all be used to make an instrument of some kind. For example, we will use the empty paper towel roll to make a trumpet and the Kleenex box to make a guitar. It's fun for the kids and good for the environment.


• Andrea - Director of Search Engine Marketing
• Every morning my 4 year old goes through the house and makes sure all the lights are off. She will also chew you out if she catches that you left a light on any other time too!


• We recycle paper, plastic, and cans.


• I have a huge vegetable garden where we grow our own food, and we purchase other vegetables and fruits from local farmers markets.


• We use rechargeable batteries.


• We have many flower beds and have planted various tree varieties throughout the yard. Apple, pine, balsam, plus others.


• Nick Jr. has this project set up for kids. They show "Green Tips" all the time on Rianna's Noggin channel she is being exposed to great ideas so that she has a solid foundation in being environmentally friendly.


• Justin - Manager of Search Engine Marketing
• I am in the process of building a house, and I'm shooting for "an Energy Star qualified house." More expensive to build, but better for the environment and my pocket in the long run.


• I'm using energy efficient windows.


• I'll be installing an energy efficient furnace to save on electricity and on gas. Actually, it is going to be a "hybrid heat dual fuel split system".


• I'm using propane as a gas.


• I didn't alter the land for construction, and when the house is up, I will be planting more trees.


• I will be buying all Energy Star appliances in November to take advantage of the governments "cash for appliance's program".


• Adrian - Search Engine Marketing Specialist
• Our apartment circulates hot water through the floors for heat.


• Our shower head is low-flow, so it wastes less water, and we keep baths to a minimum, as it takes less water to shower than to take a bath.


• I use a stainless steel water bottle instead of plastic, and I make coffee at home and bring it with me in a reusable travel mug rather than getting paper cups from coffee shops.


• I shop at the farmer's market and other local shops as often as possible.


• Weather permitting, I walk to work.


• We donate our gently used clothes to others in need.


• We unplug things when we aren't using them, from our phone chargers to the toaster; I've definitely seen a difference in the energy bill.


• Craig - Search Engine Marketing Specialist
• I recycle my coffee cup sleeves.


• I walk to work.


• I use reusable water bottles instead of a new glass that needs to be washed every time.


• I use candles instead of leaving lights on throughout the apartment.


• We recycle cans, glass, and paper.


• At the apartment, we open windows when it's warm out, and we use blankets when cold, trying not to use the air/heat until absolutely needed.


• Sara - Social Marketing Consultant / Web Analytics Specialist
• We have Energy Star appliances to save on energy use:
  • A washing machine that senses loads so that it only uses water it needs.
  
  
  • An energy efficient dehumidifier that doesn't constantly run if it doesn't need to.
  
  
  • Energy efficient ceiling fans.
  
  
  • An energy efficient chest freezer.
  
  
  • The toilets and shower heads that save on water are our next purchases.
  
  
• We use a mixture of disposable and reusable diapers to reduce the amount of diapers that go into landfills. We also buy some diapers that are biodegradable so they don't stay in the landfills forever.


• We recycle all cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminum etc.


• We drink out of reusable water bottles, and we drink filtered water from the refrigerator instead of using plastic water bottles.


• We use solar path lights up to the house so we don't need to turn the lights on to get into the house.


• We use our phones to write lists sometimes so that we don't need to use any paper.


• We use Eco-friendly light bulbs.


• Natalie -Social Marketing Intern
• We wash in cold water as often as possible and hang dry all most all of our laundry.


• We recycle.


• We try to use reusable bags at the store as often as possible.


• We don't get any paper bills. We use companies' online services and email reminders instead.


• We car pool to campus when we can.


• The dishwasher is set to energy saver, and we hand dry the dishes instead of letting the dishwasher go through the heated dry cycle.


• I run or walk outside, instead of on a treadmill.

Blog Action Day has inspired us to focus on what we do at the office and at home to take care of the environment. We have learned tips and tricks from one another so that we can each be more environmentally friendly at home. We'd love to hear from you too, leave a comment and let us know what you do to take care of the environment, or leave us a green tip that we could use at the E-Power office or at home!

Labels: E-Power News

On Tuesday Aug. 25 the Oshkosh Common Council welcomed an oversized crowd of community members for a meeting to discuss the future for one of the city's gems, the Grand Opera House. The council listened to dozens of supporters, including E-Power Marketing President Larry Stopa, as they shared memories of times at the Grand and asked for the city's financial backing to help fund the needed repairs and to save a landmark.

Larry shared his stories which included relocating to Oshkosh because of the quality of life those locations and activities like the Grand Opera House have created in Oshkosh.

"The community has and will continue to support the Grand financially," Larry said. "But tonight, we need you to take responsibility and repair the property the city owns."

Recently E-Power Marketing donated $1,000 to the "Grand for the Grand" fundraising effort that answered a challenge by Oshkosh Mayor Paul Esslinger for private donors to help defray costs to taxpayers. Even Larry's 10 year-old son Casimir and 12 year-old daughter Pearl gave their support at the meeting and donated birthday money.

With a show of community backings both financially and emotionally, the council voted unanimously to approve almost $2 million to fund the needed repairs and renovations to the 1880s-era opera house.

In the Oshkosh Northwestern's top story, Council unanimously passes resolution to fund Grand renovations, former Oshkosh Mayor Steve Hintz said it's a vote for the next 100 years. E-Power is happy to say that it had a part in saving this unique city location and looks forward to the renovations to be completed, because we all know that the show must go on.

Labels: E-Power News

E-Power Marketing donated one-thousand dollars to the Grand Opera House in our home town of Oshkosh, Wis. The donation was made to the fundraising effort "Grand for a Grand" to get local businesses to raise money and help save a city landmark and community gem that might be lost due to needed funding for repairs.

The 1880s-era opera house has been closed since March of this year due to structural problems with the roof and auditorium. The cost of the repairs has been estimated to be $1.7 million. The state of Wisconsin has set aside $500,000 to help offset the costs and recently the Grand Opera House Foundation offered $250,000 in community donations and increased tickets fees. This leaves around $1 million left to be funded by the city of Oshkosh, which could be too much for the Oshkosh Common Council members and Mayor Paul Esslinger. They would like to see the community come up with $600,000 to match the city's contribution. This is where the effort "Grand for a Grand" was sparked.

Although the response has been great for the community's combined effort to raise the final funds, time is running out. The Oshkosh Common Council is scheduled to hold a vote on August 25th and is looking to see private organizations like "Grand for a Grand" come forward with contributions to offset the impact on taxpayers. Donations are still being accepted by a number of places in Oshkosh, including Glass Nickel Pizza Co. located on Murdock Ave. and AtomicKatz on Waugoo Ave. downtown. Money collected will not only secure a city historical marker from being lost, but donations will be put towards upkeep costs and help reduce ticket fees placed on performances in the future.

Labels: E-Power News

Yes! E-Power Marketing is officially a Tween!

Back in July 1998 Google did not exist. Today it is head and shoulders above the others, and is by far the most important search engine.

Staying current with search marketing to maintain client satisfaction has never been easy. Today it continues to become more challenging.

Search marketing has grown incredibly complex. Though on-site search optimization has stabilized due to the no-nonsense algorithms of Google, off-page factors that influence search visibility are changing rapidly. Web directories had long been the cornerstone of in-bound linking. Today most free directories are ignored, viewed as not important by Google.

Instead links established by Web users have become important. This has made Social Media Marketing highly effective for improving natural search visibility, especially on Google.

Social Media Marketing is growing ever more complex with new social sites and applications. Twitter has become a powerful marketing tool. Facebook is great for interacting with friends - and to interact with your customers. LinkedIn provides terrific networking opportunities. MySpace, Digg, Delicious, Stumbleupon, Mixx and thousands of other Social sites provide platforms for effective promotion and marketing. Each has its own application in online marketing. Each requires its own strategy for successful implementation. Each creates pitfalls for businesses that do not use them properly.

The Web is more important than ever for both consumer and business-to-business marketing. Companies that have ignored search marketing, implemented ineffective or inconsistent search marketing are now in the position of serious catch-up if they are to remain competitive.

With search marketing growing ever more important to business competitiveness, demand is growing rapidly. This is attracting more companies claiming to offer search marketing. As search marketing is so complex and requires well-honed skills built through experience, few of these new "search marketers" are effective.

Search marketing scams have been common throughout the history of search marketing. As demand grows and few really understand the intricacies of search marketing, more scams backed with sophisticated marketing schemes but without substance are emerging. Watch out for Search Marketing scams to avoid.

I look forward to the growth of E-Power Marketing and online marketing for many years to come. The challenges offer limitless satisfaction.

And you can't beat a job where you sit all day surfing the Web.

Labels: E-Power News

On a cold, Wisconsin December night the E-Power Marketing team and approximately 350 chilled participants scampered down snow-covered roads for the sixth annual Race for the Light 5k Run/Walk in Oshkosh. The winter event raises money for the Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. and routes through the Celebration of Lights in Oshkosh?s Menominee Park.

This year the E-Power Marketing team donated $300 dollars to the charitable cause and team members Justin and Craig (as tough as they think they are) braved the elements and ran the 3.1 miles in their knitted sweaters.

This was the second year E-Power Marketing participated in the event. Carrying on the momentum of its successful food drive, E-Power Marketing spread a little more holiday spirit and community support in 2008.

Photo Caption:
E-Power Marketing employees Craig (left) and Justin (right) braved the elements for a worthy cause.

Labels: E-Power News

Blog Action Day, a national movement focused this year on raising awareness for poverty, took place on October 15th. Our blog post that day described the challenges faced by people in Winnebago county concerning hunger and poverty. But raising awareness wasn't enough, we felt like there was more we could do, so E-Power Marketing decided to host a food drive.

Bags and boxes of food were collected, and though we lost our conference room to all of the donations, we were happy with the progress. In just three weeks, E-Power Marketing collected 880 pounds of food.

E-Power Marketing employees delivered the donations to the Emmanuel UCC food pantry on Tuesday Nov. 25. As part of its sponsorship, E-Power Marketing matched $1 for every pound of food donated. Along with the 880 pounds of food that was donated, Larry Stopa, President of E-Power Marketing, will present a check for $880 to the Emmanuel UCC food pantry.

E-Power Marketing would like to thank all those who donated to this cause, it was a great success! Though both the food drive and Blog Action Day are over for this year, E-Power Marketing continues to stay involved with our community. Stay tuned for future updates on what we're doing!

Photo Captions:
Above - E-Power Marketing President, Larry Stopa, happy with the Food Drive's success!

Left - Some of the donations, ready to get weighed and taken to the Emmanuel UCC food pantry.

Labels: E-Power News

Sparked by Blog Action Day, on October 15, 2008, E-Power posted our concerns about Hunger in Winnebago County. We encouraged all bloggers in the area to get involved with the fight to end poverty in the area and stated that we would be sponsoring a food drive to benefit Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

E-Power Marketing will be collecting nonperishable food items to be donated to the Emmanuel United Church of Christ food pantry in Oshkosh November 3rd through the 18th, as well as making a monetary donation of $1 for every pound of food donated, up to $1,000.

Food donations will be collected at the E-Power offices located at 111 N. Main St, Suite 405 in the US Bank building during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Donors may also contact E-Power to have their items picked up throughout the week.

Below is a list of items most in need for the upcoming season:

• Cereal


• Canned Fruit


• Canned Pasta Meals (ravioli, spaghetti o's, etc.)


• Spaghetti Sauce


• Canned Vegetables


• Canned Soup


• Any non-perishable items in general will be greatly appreciated!

Help E-Power shell out $1,000 towards a good cause, and remember every little bit helps!

Please contact - info@epowermark.com for more information on how you can help.

Labels: E-Power News

October 15, not your typical day? In fact October 15th has been designated Blog Action Day, a day where bloggers unite for a common nonprofit cause, this year the focus being on poverty. E-Power is collecting food for the pantry run by Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Oshkosh. The church serve approximately 400 families each month. Can you donate food? E-Power will pick it up and deliver it to the food pantry.

In a time of economic crisis, natural disasters and conflicts, people, communities and nations unite to help in any way possible. With economic problems piling up, we need to help people now. Along with poverty comes hunger. We need to help people in need not just around holidays, but year round.

Looking at Poverty in Winnebago County, where E-Power Marketing is headquartered, we see an ever increasing trend of people falling at or below the poverty line. In just 5 years (from 2001 to 2005), the number of people falling below the poverty line in Winnebago County has increased over 50%.

Food pantries are especially in need this season. The floods this past June ruined much of the food inventories as they were often kept in the basement. The economy is sending more into poverty. Please help.

What can you do to help stave off poverty in Winnebago County?

• Get Involved with your local food pantry. Oshkosh Area Food Pantry Hours and Locations


• Many grocery stores have ways to donate; Festival Foods, Copps and Pick N' Save


• Donate clothing, coats, and blankets so that those who can't afford them on their own can stay warm this winter.


• Donate baby supplies (diapers/bottles/formula), school supplies, etc


• Use your own resources, like your blogs or company newsletters to raise awareness about area poverty and hunger.


• Volunteer with local literacy programs (Winnebago County Literacy Council); share your knowledge with those in need.


• Find out about your local school's meal programs, do they offer breakfast programs for children who would otherwise go without?


• Are there elderly nutrition programs in the area that need your help?


• Volunteer at area shelters; serve at area meal sites like the Salvation Army's

E -Power Marketing has participated in several charity events including Race for the Light, a nonprofit to raise funds and awareness for the Christine Anne Center for Domestic Abuse, as well as making charitable donations and helping to coordinate a golf outing for the Oshkosh Area Humane Center. E-Power has also made charitable donations to Jaycees to buy Shriners Circus tickets for disadvantaged kids, Shrine Circus Fund to help kids with serious burns receive medical attention and Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. This year, sparked by the Blog Action Day for raising awareness to poverty and by the astounding local statistics mentioned above, E-Power wishes to shed light on local poverty issues as well as coordinate a food drive with a local food pantry, Emmanuel United Church of Christ.

We encourage bloggers and everyone else to get involved with the fight to end poverty, whether it be on a micro or macro level. If you wish to help E-Power Marketing with their Food Drive to benefit Emmanuel United Church of Christ; 1306 Michigan St; Oshkosh, WI; 920-235-8340. Please contact - info@epowermark.com for more information on how you can help.

Labels: E-Power News

Blog Action Day 2009 - Climate Change

E-Power Marketing and the Oshkosh Community Pull Together to Save the Grand Opera House

E-Power Donates a Grand for the Grand

E-Power Marketing turns 11 years old!

Race for the Light - A Chilly Fundraising Adventure!

Food Drive Success!

E-Power Marketing Sponsors Oshkosh Area Food Drive

Blog Action Day and Hunger in Winnebago County

Labels: E-Power News

Organic SEO

• Don't Sabotage Your Online Search Visibility


• Big Picture Marketing


• 10 Often Overlooked SEO Tasks


• 10 Common SEO Mistakes - Don't Let This Be You


• Page Speed Gets Added to Google Webmaster Tools


• What Can You Do for Working Moms?
  


• A Season of Change...


• Mobile Web Taking Over?


• Two Secret Ingredients To Search Marketing Success


• 14 Ways to Write a Press Release for Search Engine Marketing


• "Gaming" Search Engines to Win Ranking assures You Lose


• Search Marketing Scams to Avoid


• Don't Panic


• Free SEO Information is Inadequate and Often Wrong


• Where is SEM Headed in 2009?


• Race for the Light - A Chilly Fundraising Adventure!


• Food Drive Success!


• Why Different Types of Search Engine Optimization Do Not Work


• What Will the Holidays Mean For Your Company?


• SEO & SEM - Different or the Same?


• Using SEM to Build Competitive Advantage in a Down Economy


• Managing Change - Dealing with Resistance When Moving Forward


• Target Keywords Your Market Searches - Not What You Think They Search


• Corporate Culture, SEM and You


• Google Webmaster Tools Gives "Too Many Redirects" Message


• Importance Of Proper Redirects


• Will Two Problematic Search Portals Figure Out How To Do It Right Again? MSN & YAHOO!


• Learn From Your Competitors To Build A Strong Search Marketing Program


• Why Your Web Developer Should Not Implement Your SEO


• Local Search Marketing Basics


• Site Maps Explained


• Looking Back At Search Engine Optimization


• What's Good For Humans Is Good For Google


• Yahoo! Introduces Robots-Nocontent Tag


• Sitemaps Made Easier


• 10 Issues To Consider When Reviewing /Designing Your Web Sites Architecture


• Search Engine Rules and Aligning Domains


• SEO Considerations When Selecting An E-Commerce Or Content Management System

PPC Advertising

• Improve PPC with Google Analytics Integration


• Google AdWords - How About Total Control Over Geo Targeting?
  
• Google - Just a Little More Transparency Please


• Yahoo Search Marketing Changes to TOS


• Optimizing AdWords ROI - Google Analytics Tip #3


• Measuring Your Site Targeted Campaign On Google


• Yahoo Launches Quality Based Pricing For Their Content Match Product


• Are Pay Per Click Results Measurable?


• Google Introduces Two New Pay Per Click Beta Features


• Should You Be Worried About Click Fraud?


• Google AdWords Quality Score Update


• The New Yahoo Search Marketing And You

SEM - Back to Basics

• 5 Free Online Research Tools - SEM Back to Basics Tip #8


• Take Advantage of Google Webmaster Tools - SEM Back to Basics Tip #7


• Use Target Key Phrases Within Navigation - SEM Back to Basics Tip #6


• The Internet Is the Place to Be - SEM Back to Basics Tip #5


• Handling Multiple Domains - SEM Back to Basics Tip #4


• Give Your SEO Campaign Time - SEM Back to Basics Tip #3


• Content, Content, Content - SEM Back to Basics Tip #2


• Don't Leave Out the Title Tag - SEM Back to Basics Tip #1

Social Marketing

• 13 Tips for Optimizing your LinkedIn Profile

• Let's Go Viral!
  

• Social Media and Brand Positioning
  

• Social Media Marketing - This Year's Hottest Holiday Accessory
  

• Tweet Easier


• User Reviews: An Integral Part of Your Social Marketing Program


• Social Media Marketing is on the Rise...


• Where is Social Media on the Internet Headed?


• How to Get your Business Started on Facebook

• Facebook Usernames and You
  

• 10 Tips on Using Twitter for Your Business


• 11 Tips for Creating a Blog


• Linkbait?


• Flickr Adds No Follow to Links


• Social Marketing Do's and Don'ts


• 10 Things To Keep In Mind With Social Media Marketing


• SMX Social - NYC Oct. 16 & 17 Recap


• Getting Dugg On Digg

Google Analytics

• Using Filters in Google Analytics


• The Basics of Google Analytics White Paper


• Google Analytics Annotations


• Improve PPC with Google Analytics Integration


• Google Analytics Intelligence: A Great Way to Stay Current with Your Google Analytics Program


• What is Mobile Analytics?


• New Changes for Google Analytics


• Segmenting Google AdWords by Hour in Google Analytics - Tip #7


• Measuring More than 20 Goals in Google Analytics - Tip #6


• Setting Up Goals in Google Analytics - Tip #5


• Filtering Internal Traffic - Google Analytics Tip #4


• Optimizing AdWords ROI - Google Analytics Tip #3


• Researching Popular Tags - Google Analytics Tip #2


• Link Tagging - Google Analytics Tip #1

Link Building

• Google Webmaster Tools Reports Broken Backlinks


• Link Popularity - Page Specific NOT Site Specific


• Anchor Text Upgrade In Google Webmaster Tools


• Content - The Most Effective Linking Campaign


• Google Webmaster Tools New Link Feature

E-Power News

• Blog Action Day 2009 - Climate Change


• E-Power Marketing and the Oshkosh Community Pull Together to Save the Grand Opera House


• E-Power Donates a Grand for the Grand


• E-Power Marketing turns 11 years old!


• Race for the Light - A Chilly Fundraising Adventure!


• Food Drive Success!


• E-Power Marketing Sponsors Oshkosh Area Food Drive


• Blog Action Day and Hunger in Winnebago County

Contributor Bios

• Larry Stopa


• Andrea Schultz


• Justin Tadych


• Adrian Schaal


• Craig Bollig


• Sara Hansman

Continuing Saga of Search Engine Marketing Home

Labels: E-Power News, Google Analytics, Link Building, Organic SEO, PPC Advertising, SEM Back to Basics, Social Marketing