Refinancing Your Mortgage - Insights and Help

So I been asked about a certain offer we have in our business and I wanted to touch base about it cause I feel some people don't understand there options. So I was asked about Mortgage Refinancing and I wanted to touch a little bit about it. Sorry if it isn't anything PPC or SEO related.

You should always put lots of thought into making a large financial decision like refinancing your mortgage. Even though it may seem like you could get a lower rate, lower your payments or even cash out some of your saved funds, refinancing can often involve other costs as well, including additional closing costs to secure your new refinanced loan.

Ideally, if you plan to refinance, you should pick the best time and do it only once. While you aren't going to be able to predict the future, keeping an eye on the market for good pricing trends and great rates can help you pick a time when it would be the most beneficial to you.

Some homeowners choose to refinance their mortgages because they'd like to get our of debt, move into an adjustable-rate mortgage, or release equitable funds in order to purchase additional properties or mortgages.

Before you decide if refinancing is right for you, try to sit down and define what your goals are going to be. You should make a list of all of the things you hope to accomplish by refinancing your home and remember, refinancing doesn't make any of your debt go away, however it can help you reorganize it. Often times, this can be a nice break or change from the same routine when it comes to your finances, giving you the opportunity to make any changes to your accounts, since changes in your lifestyle are frequent.

Another great reason to refinance would be if you're seeking to consolidate multiple smaller debts. If you have more than one mortgage or equity loans, consider putting the two payments into one fixed-rate payment. Then you can level out your payments during the time of your loan, without putting yourself into a hardship type situation.

For those who are considering refinancing their mortgages, oftentimes the question is not why, but when. If you're currently paying more for your home than it's worth it may be possible to refinance your home loans using the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Other types of re-financing involve cash-out plans or 'vanilla' refinancing. For any type of refinancing program, you'll also want to be sure that you put your credit history and score in order, this way you can apply for lower rates and better terms.

Refinancing your home loan or multiple mortgages can help you save more money, but it's also necessary to keep from paying into costs which will eat it. Understand that you will always pay the closing costs for a mortgage, no matter what they call them, (origination points, higher interest or higher overall loan amounts) so don't be suckered into thinking you've found a mortgage with no closing costs. Other expenses can involve private insurance or similar lenders fees.

If you have any questions about refinancing your mortgage or you'd like to speak with a professional financial adviser about your options, please don't hesitate to contact one of my good friends at Mortgage Matchers. Interest rates are currently lower than they have been in years, slowly becoming stable again after years of uncertainty in the housing market. Don't miss this opportunity to refinance your own home loan.  

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Best Practices for Sharing Content & Getting Valued Traffic

I tend to get this question a lot with my clients, “Alex, how can I take my content and be able to get the traffic quickly?”

Well, the these are some steps I take in sharing my content and being able to increase Alexa rank and overal SERP’s (search engine result position).

1.       Share your new post on all social media platforms.

 Begin sharing on all your accounts, but not just the main post. You want to also post in the groups as well. Did you even know Linked In, Facebook, and Google Plus have those? If not, I suggest you either create one in your market or look for some that are relative to not only your post…. But your audiences as well.

Don’t even forget to hashtag the discussion that may be popular for others to discover as well. I see this strategy overlooked a lot. Although it may not see immediate results from this, it’s best to conquer all areas then to question “have I done it?”

2.       Post on forums and discussions.

 The main one I find to help a lot is Reddit. This site can do wonders for traffic! I mean gaining quick traffic with people constantly browsing for things is great. You wouldn’t imagine the different topics you can find that will fit your post. So be sure to look into this one as a priority.

3.       Place photo’s on Pinterest, Tumblr, and other picture oriented sites from your content.

If you have an image that your posting about, or just perhaps something to place in the content to make it more visual for the readers… share it! There are ton of websites to work with on your image. Be sure to link it. (Sure it may not be a back link, but it’s still an outside traffic referral source.)

4.       Social bookmark your content.

Sure Digg isn’t the same as it used to be, but it is still a source. I find to use Stumble Upon Toolbar a lot more cause  I actually see the page index from it, and it's convient. But be sure to use this tactic as another source for people to share as well.


For more information I would be sure to refer to this site. I believe his outline covers mine but gives some additional tips. Best of luck and keep writing!

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New Design for Google Adwords is Here!

I noticed this morning in my Google Adwords accounts that the new design is finally here! Google announced a few months ago about it, and now it is here!

Barry Schwartz explains that, "The new design is aimed at making the AdWords console more unified with the other products, services and platforms Google offers. Google said the new design aims to also make the console  simple and beautiful user experience that helps you get tasks done quickly and efficiently."

I personally like it and it really feels smooth with the transitions of things. The ability to navigate around the platform is far superior than it previously was. Here is an example of the new design:

You probably have not seen the change yet in your account, but expect to see in the next "few weeks" Google says.

To further discuss more on this topic, click here.

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Born of the Gods Booster Box

As I promised before I want to go ahead and do another contest. I decided to go ahead and give away a free booster box to one lucky winner when the set becomes released!

What  I would like to do differently this time is that the winner actually do a video or article response showing their new box and actually opening up the packs! So if this is something that you feel can do, then go ahead and share this post!

Every entry will be entered into the contest software provided by Hootsuite. Every entry can be entered by either Google plus, Facebook share, Twitter tweet, or even blog mentions.

If you mention on twitter be sure to include @alexhemedinger. I noticed last contest that wasn't done and required me to personally find all twitter shares etc.

The contest was very successful last time, that my wife truly thanks you all for you support!

Also, if any of you have any contests in the future that you would like to see (be reasonable). I will go ahead and consider it.

P.S. I made top 8 at our recent PTQ in Florida! Best of luck to all!

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Matt Cutts "Puts a Fork in" Guest Blogging

Well it's official.... Matt Cutts has decided that guest blogging is basically gotten too spammy. Here is what he wrote on his blog today:

"So stick a fork in it: guest blogging is done; it’s just gotten too spammy. In general I wouldn’t recommend accepting a guest blog post unless you are willing to vouch for someone personally or know them well. Likewise, I wouldn’t recommend relying on guest posting, guest blogging sites, or guest blogging SEO as a linkbuilding strategy."

It really has come no surprise to me honestly. But I am glad this may tone down a bit of the spam on guest blogging. Be sure to no follow your guest posts on your site.

What this means:

Well basically now you can't even guest comment by trying to include keywords that will trigger the site you blogged in for branding purposes such as your name or company. Though honestly it may be a small such volume or change, it's still somewhat relevant.

Here are some of Matt Cutt's video over the timeline about the guest blogging. You can really feel his frustration in his writing and read more of his whole article here.

 

And then if you want to get into the big "grey" area asking him these questions:

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Warning! Top 7 Reasons for a Google Penalty! Run Away!

I am going to be brutally honest here, I am seriously annoyed with this situation on Google’s penalty! I wanted to put together a list of serious causes that your site may be hit with a manual or automatic penalty from Google.

Recently one of the site’s managing has become penalized for the second time….. That’s right the second time! I hope this list helps you so that this may never happen to you personally, or explain better to your cient what may have transpired to their penalty to begin with. Although in usual cases I would suggest to abandon the site instead of constantly trying to remove a penalty. It requires countless hours of work and I hope none of you do any of these, or begin to:

1.       Buying links – This is a tricky and grey area, cause it can and can’t be caught. But one thing is for sure if your purposely buying links to manipulate rankings, then it may catch up to you. From my experiences I would stay away from Web Directories!

2.       Duplicate Content – This one is pretty obvious: Any duplicate content on your site is going to make it less useful, end of story! So make sure content is unique and well-written. Copygator and Copyscape are great tools!

3.       Keyword Stuffing – You have to be real careful on this one. It may/may not help you. The rules aren’t proven at which percentage is the correct ratio, but just be sure to spread and it reads well. Don’t let Google find weird high numbers of keywords on a page.

4.       Too many outbound links – When linking to other websites, make sure it is kept natural. Don’t try to make high quantity of links or swapping with others.

5.       Excessive blocking of robots.txt – This is a flaw I see too common. This can bring an immediate red flag to Google. We understand you may need to do some for legitimate reasons, but don’t overdo it!

6.       Comment spam – Keep a close eye on your comments you are getting. Try to have installed an automatic system on your site.

7.       Spun Content – Oh how much I love when I see this…. This is common and will catch up to you in the future. Be sure to stay away from this tactic, especially if it seems to good to be true. Overall, don’t do it!

There are honestly tons and tons of more other reasons as to why Google penalization may be in place. Rented links, buying tons of keyword domains, 301 redirects, etc….. The best is to stay away from anything unnatural. Put great effort into user friendliness, useability, great content, and more! 

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What to Expect for PPC in 2014?

My good friend and co-worker Daniel Rosenstein came with a great list to ask yourselves to bring in the new year of 2014 for PPC. I then took this and gave my personal answers. What kind of answers would you give base on your experience for 2013? Love to hear them!

Review the PPC stats of 2013, learn from old data, make changes accordingly.

This is the overall importance of looking into the new year with your PPC campaign. Look at important data involving your goals. See how you can increase your ROI with adjustments on devices, times, areas, and other ways to optimize. Maybe it’s time to review your negative keyword list?
         
How does PPC compare to other marketing channels?

It’s a real simple answer whether PPC is working or not for you. Be sure to look into the new trends and beta testings to help PPC work for you.
       
Set new goals for 2014.

Of course stay with the ones’ making you money, but look for new ideas and goals to excite you to
continue to work on your campaign. Do testing, testing, testing!
·        
Be proactive to discuss goals and expectations with upper management.

If you’re the decision maker, then this one doesn’t apply to you. But be sure to speak your mind with others and don’t let them tell you what they are looking for or need. Be the proactive one, it makes you look good!
        
Make sure you know who are all the stake holders that are involved in your PPC results or tracking leads or the people who follow with leads, etc..

This is so important. Know as much data as possible that may help you in the overall cost per acquisition. It could be something as simple looking into gender or interests.
 
Figure out what is working previously and fine tune account.

They say whatever is working don’t break it or touch it. Well you need to always optimize. Even if the goals are being met, try to conitinously work on improvement, don’t always assume the great results will last forever….

Is an account restructure needed?

Some accounts may not need to be fully restructured, perhaps the overall layout and goals are working. But none the less, always watch closely and make any changes needed. Test before, there is no commitment on new ideas.

How is the current landing page fairing, is it time for more landing pages?

If a landing page is becoming outdated or there is a new layout to try since competitors are using. Always try new designs and A/B test everything.
·       
How can you use PPC to help your SEO?

It’s a tricky one, but can the traffic help your rankings, perhaps gain some more social popularity? These are things we think of even though PPC has no bearing on your rankings organically. We like to think PPC can help bring awareness and branding. Think long term.
       
Do you need additional Analytics to help you do better PPC? What software are you using to enhance your current PPC ? Are you using Google Analytics, Crazyegg, Clicktale, Adobe, etc…

Be sure to take advantage of any analytics or software to enhance your results. Don’t just rely on Google to do the work for you. There is ton of PPC management, analytics, and other softwares to help improve your ROI. Don’t be lazy!


It’s 2014 and the new year is ready to go. I hope it gives you some insight of what the PPC marketer’’s are thinking. Don’t be left behind, command and conquer!

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10 Common PPC Mistakes

This list is compiled of the most common mistakes I encountered so far in my career as a PPC Specialist. I found this list to be more of a pet peeve of mine rather than the top 10 crucial. Let's begin!

1. Paying for Negative Keywords: Nothing is far worse than to pay for keywords that don’t even have any relevance to your goal. If you are having your keywords set at “broad” that can be the worse case scenario for this problem. Ensure that you also look into the search details of each keyword to either add or remove keywords to enhance your ROI.

  

2. Not Inputting Keywords in Ad: This is huge! Put keywords into your ads for which you are paying for! Not only will the ads be beneficial in quality score and click through rate, but even will show bold.

 

      3. Not Bidding on Your Name:  If your competition is purposely targeting you as a keyword you want to be able to rebuttle and bid against it. You may also take legal action if able. The way around it is to actually create a dynamic ad bidding on a broad keyword that can trigger your competitor’s. It’s not against Google’s policy so be assured that you can do this too.

      4. Not Using Extensions: Ok I seen this a lot with so many campaigns. Be sure to utelize as much as the extensions Google provides. It is even proven that the more you use the extensions the better quality score you will receive, even if you are just a lander use a phone extension. 

        5. Not Using Bid Adjustments: This is huge! For many campaigns some get a lower CPA on mobile then they do on desktop devices. If this were true, change your bid adjustment by certain percentage that makes sense. If you really want to go all out, then create a mobile campaign only. But not using this bid option is crucial.

6. Bidding for Position #1: This isn’t most of the time being the best strategy, especially if the CPC is way too high to afford. You want to be around position 3 average (top left side of Google). You may attract visitors more, sure.... But people will do research before they decide to make an action. Unless your giving something for free, I wouldn’t immediately decide to be position 1.

       7. Avoiding Help From Google: Not everyone likes to ask for directions, but let’s be honest you are going to need help from time to time. I mean it’s free information that a rep from Google can help you. Am I saying there the best? Are they the experts? Not really, but they sure can guide and help you in the right direction that best fits there needs. Let’s admit it, Google wants you… $$$

        8. Directing Page Only to Home: You never just want to designate all your traffic to your home page, unless it’s a lander with a form fill. You want to find a page that can convert better by being more relevant with unique products, services, or content. Try even changing your url to being more user friendly. Remember not everyone want’s to search all over the place. Make it quick and simple.

        9. Not Tracking Conversions: You would be amazed how many clients never had tracking installed. It’s like throwing money out the window! Wether you are tracking a conversion on a page (thank you) or a call, It’s wise to track efforts. With Google’s CPA bidding option now your able to let Google optimize your campaign to receive more conversions. Makes sense right? Even if you enable Enhanced CPC will also help as well.

Editor’s Note: (I don’t recommend CPA bidding unless you plan on not optimizing much.)

         10. Targeted Areas: Be sure to set your campaign to the designated areas that you want to advertise. It doesn’t make sense to show something you can’t sell too right? Be sure to geo target the areas that you want. If you are planning on optimizing by state, then it’s best to separate each ad group/campaign to the areas.

I hope this helps a bit for all you newbies in the PPC area. I plan on writing some more stuff for the advanced users. I hope this top 10 list has been helpful and look forward to your comments or questions.

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