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Question of the Week
What is link building and why is it important?

Link building describes anything you do to point hyperlinks back to your site from 3rd party websites. These links direct traffic to your site, create awareness, and add credibility. Most importantly, links assist in having your site found by search engines such as Google. Search engines give better search result rankings to those that have more links to their website.

Link building is important because website owners want more traffic coming to their sites. Not only does more traffic mean more business, but it also can lead to revenue from advertisers. Running a successful website can help lead to accomplishing your goals.

More at http://www.PowerSite123.com and http://www.MadMarketeer.com
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Giving Back

What is Fair Trade?
Quality Products. Improving Lives. Protecting the Planet. Fair Trade goods are just that. From
far-away farms to your shopping cart, products that bear our logo come from farmers and
workers who are justly compensated. We're a nonprofit, but we don't do charity. Instead, we
teach disadvantaged communities how to use the free market to their advantage. With Fair Trade
USA, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve a community’s day-to-day lives.

While best known for coffee, Fair Trade Certified has grown to encompass tea, chocolate, body
care & wine. You can choose Fair Trade apparel, linen, beans and grains, flowers and plants,
herbs, spices and nuts. Make your purchase matter; each time you purchase a fair trade product
you help support families and causes all over the world.

For more information, see the site at http://www.fairtradeusa.org


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Our Work

HistoryMakersLA is a nonprofit organization committed to helping K-12 youth excel in studies with transformational tutoring programs. They believe all children can become stars and make history!

When they needed an interactive website, content development for the site, and graphic design, they turned to PowerSite123.com, and its sister company MadMarketeer.com. You can see the results for yourself!  http://www.historymakersla.org/

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Tips.Tools.Designs.
The 16th Annual Webby Awards will be presented live in HD on webbyawards.com May 21st. Red Carpet interviews start at 4:30pm ET; the show itself at 5:30, hosted by Patton Oswalt. Why should you tune in? A Webby is an international award presented annually by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences for excellence on the internet. Categories include websites, interactive advertising, online film & video, and mobile. There are two winners selected in each category, one by members of The Academy, and one by the public who cast their votes during Webby People’s Voice voting. The award is an older and better-known internet-oriented award, and has come to be associated with the phrase "The Oscars of the Internet" and "5 word Acceptance Speeches." This year, the sixteeth Annual Webby awards received 1.5 million votes from more than 200 countries for the People's Voice awards. Let's honor excellence!

 
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We Love Our Clients

We Love Our Clients ~ And the Work They Do!
For many people the road to recovery begins with a need to purge the body of the abused chemicals/alcohol. Cedar House provides comprehensive detoxification services to individuals suffering from the debilitation effects of alcohol and drug abuse.
Key elements of the detoxification process include stabilization of the person’s physical condition; and safe withdrawal from alcohol and drug toxicity; proper rest and nutrition; and when medically appropriate step down medications may be prescribed to help ease withdrawal symptoms.
Cedar House offers comprehensive treatment including but not limited to:  Anger Management, 
Parenting, Relapse Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Education, Process Groups & Group Therapy,
Relationships, Family Group, Self Support Groups, Family Support Groups, Medical Aspects, Recreational Activities, Spiritual Principles, Specialized Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment, Individual Counseling Session, and After Care

1-800-246-HELP (4357)

http://cedarhouse.charityfinders.com/
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Giving Back

Give back by taking care of yourself

Losing composure at work? Not a good idea. Your other choice? "Emotional supression," they call it, which can negatively impact performance. Since people tend to "catch" strong emotions from each other like viruses, it's better to cultivate a state of mind conducive to peace and well-being, and to eradicate disturbances. The practice of meditation helps the turbulence of our minds become still, and allows a deep contentment arise from within. If you've never tried it, you should! Read more at http://www.meditateinolympia.org/
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Our Work

Communities thrive when all members can contribute. Thus, San Diego benefits when visually impaired individuals are productive and active. PowerSite123.com and it's sister agency, MadMarketeer.com., created an interactive custom web design which included an arrangement for Planned Giving. Planned giving is very critical to the future of the San Diego Center for the Blind (SDCB) as it prepares to provide services to the growing number of adults who will experience loss of vision. See the site at http://www.sdcb.org
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Tips.Tools.Designs.
PowerSite123.com loves cool websites! Here's a good one for you to check out.
Did history happen in your town, state, or in places you're passing through as you travel? Find out here, browsing by state or country, or by historical events (wars, exploration, churches, landmarks, heroes, notable buildings, etc. Historical Marker Database http://www.hmdb.org/
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We Love Our Clients
Who takes care of our many unique water habitats? One caretaker is the Colorado Watershed Assembly. Since 1999 this group has worked to protect the health of their area’s watersheds. These citizens groups protect rivers, streams and the wildlife that relies on healthy habitat. Each local group addresses issues specific to their watershed. Their member organizations address their priority issues through advocacy, community outreach, and through restoration and enhancement projects. It is a priority for the Assembly to build community-based leadership through cooperation and communication. "We take a proactive, consensus-driven approach to natural resource protection." Want to do what they do? Learn more at http://www.coloradowater.org/River%20Watch

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Our Work

When PATH Intl. changed its name, the organization which helps 42,000 children and adults needed help itself. In addition to therapeutic riding, the centers offer a number of equine-related activities for those facing physical, mental and emotional challenges. They find strength and independence through the power of the horse. How to get it all into one website? They contacted PowerSite123.com and its sister agency, MadMarketeer.com.

These two businesses were able to create a beautiful, interactive website integrated with marketing programs which helped drive traffic to the site, provide information in a variety of languages, and register people for events. See the work at http://www.pathintl.org/

 

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We Love Our Clients

At NISSA (Northwest Infant Survival & SIDS Alliance), you can learn how to protect your infant during sleep. NISSA also educates the public and professionals on how to reduce the risk of sudden infant death. Please spread the word that infants should always sleep on their backs. For safe sleep tips & recommendations, fast facts about SIDS, and common questions, visit their website at http://www.nwsids.org. This work is so important, especially for African American/American Indian/Alaska Native families, whose SIDS rates are higher as compared to the white population.

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Giving Back
Good news: young people these days still donate to charities. Even when strapped for money, on average, people under the age of 40 donate about $1,200 a year, according to the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. They don't do it exactly the way their parents did - they prefer to be hands-on and donate their time along with their money, often starting their own charities. Do you have news about a project or product - either as a nonprofit or as a for profit - that you'd like to share? Send is to us at allan@powersite123.com.
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What is Search Engine Optimization?

Search engine optimization (SEO) means creating a website by fixing code, writing keywords, and making your site an open door to search engines to come in and explore. You need current technology meeting current web standards. Mad Marketeer is a full service agency, specializing in search optimized & internet marketing, for start-ups and small- to mid-sized businesses. See the site at http://www.madmarketeer.com/

 

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Good Website Design


At PowerSite123 we are getting excited about the summer Olympics. We are also excited about the web site listing the events, athlete biographies, and histories of the Olympics themselves. Read all about it at the official site:  http://www.olympic.org/

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We Love Our Clients
We Love Our Clients!

BookEnds is a non-profit organization based in Southern California. Beginning in 1998 as the dream of an 8-year-old boy, and fueled by students eager to help one another, BookEnds has donated more than two million books to engage 500,000 students in the joy and imagination of reading. BookEnds continues to grow each year, providing more students at more schools with more books.  http://bit.ly/8T25wB

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Our Work

At Capital Artworks, Mike Jenkins and his artists create lasting memories with murals, cartoons, illustrations, and caricatures. PowerSite123 created a custom web design to showcase these talents, and the services they offer. And, at PowerSite123 we are committed to enabling any small to mid-sized organization, nonprofit or for-profit, to have the interactivity and integration they need in their website to enable them to succeed.

http://www.capitalartworks.com/
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Give Back-Give to Yourself


Switched to cloth napkins? Great! Saying no to styrofoam? Wonderful! And now ~ the reusable glass straw can become part of your eco-friendly day. Plastic straws are not recyclable. They usually end up in landfills, waterways, and our oceans, and more than 60 million straws are thrown away per day. At Glass Dharma, straws are made from borosilicate glass, they have a lifetime guarantee, they’re made in the USA, and restaurants are starting to use them, so you know they must be practical! For more info, go to http://www.glassdharma.com.
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Test yourself on the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics
In an effort to promote high ethical standards in online fundraising and to build trust among contributors in making online transactions and contributions with the charity of their choice, this code, and a corresponding self test, are being offered as a guide to all who share this goal:

www.fundraising123.org/article/ephilanthropy-code-ethics

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Allan Pressel serves as keynote speaker for United Way
PowerSite123 CEO Allan Pressel was the keynote speaker at United Way's 22nd Annual Professional Development Conference for Nonprofits in Bakersfield, CA on March 6, 2012.  Allan's keynote address was on "Inbound Marketing" covering specific, low-cost marketing and fundraising techniques that will drive more traffic to you online, and increase your “conversion rate” so more of them become donors, event attendees, and other supporters.  Later, Allan conducted a breakout session on ""Extreme Social Media Makeover: Nonprofit Edition!".  Both sessions received outstanding reviews.
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Happy Earth Day

Happy Earth Day! The theme of Earth Day 2012 is Mobilize the Earth™. What does this mean to you? It's part of a  "Billion Acts of Green – Renewable Energy for All” campaign for clean and efficient solutions providing sustainable energy to everyone on the planet. People and organizations are collaborating to do more for the planet every day of the year. Many will participate in Earth Day activities today, and they are also leading the way in doing more for the planet all year long. How will you spend the day?
 
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Evian's Illustrated Tweets!
At PowerSite123, we’re all about the best website designs; the cool things that create an integrated, easy-to-use, functional site.This gives you the power to effectively sell, promote and recruit for your business or nonprofit. So, thumbs up to Evian! http://www.evian.com, twitter, or on facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/evian. Do you have news about a project or product - either as a nonprofit or as a for profit - that you'd like to share? Send to us at allan@powersite123.com.
 
 
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We Love Our Clients


We Love Our Clients!

Mosaic Medical clinics in Madras, Prineville, and Bend, Oregon have received "Tier 3" designation, the highest conferred by the Oregon Health Authority for patient-centered medical homes. A testament of commitment to this new model of primary care, Mosaic Medical focuses on integrating prevention and wellness, treating the whole patient, regardless of a patient's ability to pay or language they speak. See the website @www.mosaicmedical.org.
 

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Using Charity to Improve Health


Using Charity to Improve Health

In 2006 Oprah Winfrey gave $1000 to each audience member; however, they were required to spend the money on someone other than family. This "Pay It Forward" experiment continues to reap rewards even now beginning with the donations from those audience members. Science shows donating time or money not only feels good, but can actually improve your health. Even when it's required, as in high school "service learning," donating still brings positive results for the giver such as improved grades, boosted self esteem, and what is called "the helper's high." Find a match for your talents or skills at http://www.volunteermatch.org.

Do you have an idea or project that we can include in our Give Back feature? Send it to us at allan@powersite123.com.

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An Apple a Day
When the California Education Coalition for Health Care Reform needed a new logo that was a contemporary twist on an old-fashioned theme -- the teacher's apple -- they came to Mad Marketeer, our PowerSite123 design partner. They created something fresh and stylish that CECHCR loved!

 


 
 
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Drop In The Bucket
"As a single drop of water fills a bucket..."

Advocate. What a great word, noun or verb! Speaking up and getting your friends involved is another way of giving back to charity. Drop in the Bucket is a Los Angeles based water charity that constructs wells and sanitation systems at large rural schools in sub Saharan Africa, thus enabling children, especially girls, to get an education. Since 2006 this group has completed over 150 projects in six different countries there. Check out their site: http://www.dropinthebucket.org.


Do you have an idea or project that we can include in our Give Back Everyday feature? Send it to us at allan@powersite123.com.
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Easter gift idea: Give Back with Truffles
Need an Easter gift? Why not Give Back while you buy from our good friends at www.lemaraischocolat.com. Wait! Check out their amazing list of flavors!! Partial proceeds go straight to orphaned kids in Haiti. Also give as little as $10 at their Kickstarter page!


Seriously, you won't find a more amazing list of flavors anywhere!

Their Unique Flavors Include:

  • Black Walnut, Blood Orange, Earl Grey, Gingerbread, Honey Bee, Hot Chili, Lavendar Rose, Le Petit Prince (made with the fruit of the baobab tree!), Lemon Thyme, Mexican Chocolate, Passon Fruit, Port, Raspberry Sherry, Rosemary Tangerine, Salted Caramel, Spiced Almond, Stout with Lime, Vanilla Bean and more.
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Mercy's Village
Another example of how to give back ...Giving back everyday can be as simple as doing what you'd do anyway! Join us in LA for a nice night out with good people, good appetizer (made by a professional chef, not Costco), good music and plenty to drink. The proceeds go to a GREAT cause: Mercy's Village. A school build for mostly orphaned or children in dire circumstances in Uganda. www.facebook.com/events/121621231297486/

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Access EN business card and logo design

Networking organization's designs can be really boring.... so we wanted to create something memorable and bright. We love how it turned out!

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Sudan's Lost Boys
Give Back Everyday
We can all do something to help change the world ...everyday.
We're inspired by what others do and how to give back. Meet one of Sudan's "lost boys" who is now working toward a Ph.D.  Now he has created a nonprofit in Sudan to help provide health care and education.Read their story here: http://bit.ly/yT7lUX.  Visit and see if there are any ways you can give back: http://www.sshco.org/.  You can also support them in the Dell Challenge. http://www.dellchallenge.org/find/sshco

Do you have an idea or project that we can include in our Give Back Everyday feature? Send to us at allan@powersite123.com.
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What is Social Media Marketing

“What is Social Media Marketing” is becoming a controversial subject these days. What with The Gap, Nordstrom and JC Penny closing their facebook storefronts (http://bit.ly/y8s2Oj), skeptics are all yelling “See it doesn’t work!”.  Nonprofits and for-profits alike are continually disappointed with results – although most don’t actually have measurement software in place to actually track closed loop marketing – and are desperately asking, “How do we make this work?”. In fact, one of the most frequently searched keyword phrases is “what is social media marketing?”.

We believe that many organizations have the "wrong" expectation for social media. They are trying to use it as a silver bullet. They are hoping that by putting up a Facebook page or a Twitter account that all of a sudden they'll be making new sales (for-profits) or getting new donations (nonprofits). But, folks, it's not that simple. We'll be sharing with you over the next few postings, some of the things you can and can NOT expect from social media.

So stay posted as we discuss "What is social media marketing?"
In the meantime, get a copy of "30 Social Media Tips" ...click here

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12 Tips on How to Find the Best Internet Marketing Company
Need to find the best internet marketing company? You have a lot of choices when hiring a vendor, so where do you start? Watch out you don't miss some of the factors that are often overlooked!

Trial Period: Does the vendor offer you a trial period? This can be anything from a free month to not being required to sign a long term contract in order to receive services.
 
Straight Talk: The best internet marketing company is one that you can understand what they offer and what they deliver. Don't be fooled by agencies that keep what they do a deep dark secret. Look for transparency.

Want more tips on what to look for in select the best internet marketing company?|
Get it here: http://bit.ly/AjuOsp
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Why You Should Avoid PayPal (and Other 3rd Party Pay Sites)
Many nonprofits and for-profits actually kick visitors off of their site and send them to a 3rd party site (such as Pay Pal) to collect their money. You’ll get much better results if you keep visitors within your site and collect their money securely within your site. Here are a few of the reasons why:
  • When you kick a user off of your site, it will usually be abundantly clear to them that they have left your site. 
  • The look and feel has changed. 
  • Your branding is gone. 
  • Your navigation is gone.
  • The website address has changed – from your URL to the payor site’s URL.
One or all of these reasons will be noticed by your users and a certain percentage will abandon their transaction as a result. You will likely have no idea what percentage this is, but it's likely to be higher than you think.
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Two Must Haves To Boost Your Search Engine Standing
One of the most important things that search engines look for in your website is something called meta-tags. There are at least 15 types of meta-tags but only two that you need to care about. Meta-tags are pieces of HTML code that are embedded in your site and that identify certain characteristics of your site to search engines. There are at least 15 types of meta-tags but only two that you need to care about. The second most important are description meta-tags which are short descriptions of the organization or some aspect of it. The most important our keyword meta-tags which are words or phrases you want people to search on and then be able to find your site.
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Boost Your Search Engine Standing Through Links
One of the most effective ways to get to the top of the search engine standings is to have lots of other sites linking to yours. Here’s how you can easily determine how many and which sites are linking to yours. Go to www.google.com.  In the search box, type  “link:www.yourorganization.org” and hit enter. You’ll see which sites link to yours (called back links). You can click through to each to determine exactly where those sites link to yours, and what they’re saying about you. If their verbiage is wrong, send them the corrected verbiage and ask them to replace it. Obviously you want the number of sites linking to yours to be as high as possible. Therefore, you should think about which other organizations – relevant, reputable ones – might consent to providing a link from their site to yours. Examples include partner organizations, resellers, clients, members, sponsors, your board members’ corporate sites, organization associations and industry groups, places where you speak or exhibit, and more. Ask these organizations to provide links to your site. You can make it more attractive to them by offering a reciprocal link, but remember that a one-way link into your site is more valuable than a reciprocal link in determining your search engine ranking.

Also, you should have lots of links to other sites. This should be easy for you to do. Remember that the more relevant the links are to your site and your mission, and the more reputable the destination site, the more they will help you in the search engine rankings. Still, you should limit the number of outgoing links to 100.
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Test yourself on the ePhilanthropy Code of Ethics
The ePhilanthropy Foundation exists to foster the effective and safe use of the Internet for philanthropic purposes. In its effort to promote high ethical standards in online fundraising and to build trust among contributors in making online transactions and contributions with the charity of their choice, this code is being offered as a guide to all who share this goal.

Click here to view the Code and to take a self test:
http://www.fundraising123.org/article/ephilanthropy-code-ethics
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Keynote Speech at Nonprofit Resource Seminar
CharityFinders CEO Allan Pressel was the keynote speaker at the Nonprofit Resource Seminar in Riverside, CA on Sept. 16, 2008.  Allan was interviewed on camera just before delivering a lunchtime address on "Internet Strategy For Your Nonprofit".  Later, Allan conducted a breakout session on ""25 Ways to Drive Traffic to Your Website".  That session received average ratings of 4.7 out of 5, and several people called it the best session of the conference.
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Millions of free or low cost images for your website
Here are some sites that offer millions of free or low cost images that you can easily downlad and place on your website:
Posted in Hot tips for nonprofits | 4 Comment(s) | Add Comment