Can you believe that some random dude tried to trademark the term SEO? Yup it is true his name is Jason Gambert, here is a quote from his blog posted on April 9, 2008 as to his reason why he should be granted this trademark.

My goal in owning the trademark for the word SEO is not to try to force people to change their SEO process, but rather, prevent companies from selling “SEO” as a service under false pretenses.

…We will also be forming a board of directors to oversee changes to the process, and format in which SEO can be sold (basically the BBB for the SEO industry). We will restrict businesses from selling the process of SEO as an “SEO” service if they do not meet the process approved by the SEO trademark requirements. Those approved will use SEO as normal, but will now be able to use the term as SEO™, and will be able to claim that their SEO service is approved under SEO trademark guidelines.

This power is for the people of the Search community and the protection of the general business consumer.

In my best Rosie Perez voice “REEAAALLLY?”

On April 24, 2008 the nice folks over at SEOmoz made the SEO world aware of this Jason character and his attempt to regulate the industry.  Thanks guys!

Today Rhea Drysdale has successfully defeated Jason Gambert, you go Rhea! Today you are our hero in the SEO world.

Click here to read Rhea’s thoughts in her own words.

Webpages are typically requested or called up through the server by their URL. In the event that a url is called and there is no page available, it will result in a “not found” or 404 error. This is problematic for two reasons:

1. If an enduser ends up at a 404 on your site they may get confused and leave your site.
2. Google likes URL’s and links that actually link somewhere. Overtime google may stop indexing the page the URL is pointing to.

How do you know if you have a 404 problem?

If you have webmaster tools, it will actually tell you what pages are resulting in a 404 and if you don’t, it’s actually pretty simple. Let’s say your domain name is www.dogdayafternoon.com, just add any obscure word or phrase after your domain like www.dogdayafternoon.com/i-fly-kites. It will most likely see something along the lines of page not found or 404 error.

How do solve this problem?

First, make sure your link’s are pointing to the right URL’s. Secondly, you want to create a 404 error page like our client whocanisue.com. Some site’s get creative and funny. It’s recommended that you have links on your 404 page that act almost as a sitemap to your most important pages, that way your enduser doesn’t cut and run, but knows that you understand there is a problem and they can start over or be guided through another path.

Digital Footprint can help you with any of your Search Engine Optimization needs. Contact us today.