Did you know that it’s possible to see what people are saying about you on the internet?  There are a number of automated tools that will allow you to monitor your name, your company, and other words related to your brand.
If you are in sales or you own a business, monitoring your reputation is crucial.  [...]

Most Sparkplugging readers are…well, small.  Call it consultant, micro-business, or whatever you like.  Freelancers are small businesses that can benefit from a very small amount of business.  Today I’d like to show you how to snag some highly targeted web traffic that will get you some great business – and it’s something you should be [...]

Someone once said, “all search is local.”  In most cases, whenever someone goes online to look for something, they are looking for a local service or product from a company that they (hopefully)  recognize.  To that end, Google has created the Local Business Directory.  You’ve probably seen in action.  Do a search for a service [...]

While Mashable was able to play with Google Wave and put out a fantastic review, there is still a lot left to be developed in the interface, and a few features that many have clamored for are yet to be implemented. So, it’s a bit premature to say exactly how small business will benefit [...]

When Kelly asked us to create a list of our favorite posts from Sparkplugging, I realized I’d have to do some digging.  I’ve been a reader since December 2007 and I’ve gained a lot of helpful inspiration from Sparkplugging.  Here’s my pick of three favorite Sparkplugging posts.
The Rebranding of eMoms post.  Wendy did a fantastic [...]

Bing has been all over the news since Microsoft announced its launch last week.  They’ve also done quite the commercial blitz.  Rumor has it that Microsoft has earmarked more than $80 Million for marketing their new search engine.
As a small business owner or freelancer, why should you care?
That’s a pretty tough question.
Google has made itself [...]

Sitepoint writers Brandon Eley and Shayne Tilley have written an excellent guide to internet marketing.  Online Marketing Inside Out is a comprehensive guide to the basics of marketing tactics using email, Search Engine Optimization, social media, affiliate marketing, and more.
For beginning online marketers it’s an introduction to the necessary tactics to get the online exposure [...]