We have all heard the term content-rich, but what does content rich really mean?
Content rich means different things for different individuals, because what one person finds useful, another may not. Content rich is all about providing information that is considered valuable to your target audience. Information that visitors might find useful could consist of product or industry facts, statistics, reviews, tutorials, or educational information related to a specific industry.
How to Make Your Website Content Rich
When creating a content rich website, do not be afraid to think outside of the box. Unique ideas will generally garner more attention than the mundane and more common content concepts. Over the years the unique content that has garnered the most attention, the Subservient Chicken and JibJab, may not be appropriate for a business website, there are still lots of "out of the box" things that you can do.
Here are some ideas on how you can build content for your website that will attract website visitors.
Calendar of Events
If you website appeals to a specific audience manage and maintain a calendar of events. The events should relate to a specific region or topic.
ex. Hawaii Local Events - http://calendar.gohawaii.com/ (regional)
or
ex. Librarian Events - http://www.infotoday.com/calendar.shtml (topic specific events)
Sponsorships and Contests
Conducting a contest is a great way to generate interest and incoming links, everyone wants to win and in order to garner votes many competitors will tell their audience about contests and voting options.
Example: Software Marketing Resource targets software developers and software marketers. They recently held 'Software Vendor Awards'. Software developers and marketers were invited to nominate the companies they felt were worthy. The same audience was then given the opportunity to vote on the top nominees, and finally, winners were announced. Each stage of the contest resulted in buzz and increased web traffic.
Ex. - Software Marketing Resource - http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com/winners.htm
Product Reviews and Testimonials
Consumers will often refer to product reviews to discern what product they should purchase. A number of websites have capitalized on this by providing independent product reviews and or independent consumer reviews.
Manufacturers can provide product reviews for related or complimentary products. Product reviews with candid the reviews are most credible if both the product negatives and positives are illustrated.
Ex. - epinions - http://www.epinions.com
Forums / newsgroups
User generated content is a great way to capture the keyword long tail. There is no easier way to facilitate user generated content than through the use of forums and newsgroups.
Ex. - NotePage - http://www.notepage.net/forum
Blogs
Blogs are search engine spider food. Why? Because they can provide relevant related content that is updated regularly. Use blogs to communicate with your audience.
Ex. - Security Blog - http://www.security-port.com/blog.htm
Maps
If your website is regional or local, provide tie ins to Mapquest or Google to show visitors a visual representation or directions to surrounding communities or local events.
Ex. Marriott - http://marriott.com/property/mapandnearbyairports/default.mi?marshaCode=dentc
Photo Contests / Art Contests
Everyone loves to win. If your website targets a consumer audience, contests can be a great way to interact with your audience. Contests also make a website sticky, because contestants will frequently revisit the website to check their standing, or determine if they are an actual contender. Many contestants will link to the content from blogs encouraging their readers to vote. All in all, contests can result in extra attention.
Ex. - Dog Photo Contest - http://www.pamperedpuppy.com/contest/index.php
Videos ex. - Dog Breed Videos - http://www.dog-pound.net/videos.htm
Stump the Expert / Knowledgebase / Q&As
Frequently asked questions have been dropped for a more modern approach to question and answers. Post "stump the expert questions" or construct a comprehensive knowledgebase of related information.
Ex. - RSS Knowledgebase - http://www.feedforall.com/knowledgebase.htm
Writing Articles / How to Guides
When writing your articles, think about what your website visitors want to know, not what you want to tell them. In other words write for your audience not for yourself. Not only does an article archive gradually expand a site, it gives webmasters the opportunity to optimize for a variety of phrases and to educate their audience. How to articles are always a great website addition.
Ex. - Small Business - http://www.small-business-software.net/free-website-content.htm
Niche Directories / Lists
Topical portals have long been a popular on the web. Authority sites that focus on niche markets generate interest. Niche sites can be comprised of lists of helpful tools, the best niche blogs, popular news stories, industry specific terminology, and industry resources.
ex. - Podcasting Tools - http://www.podcasting-tools.com
Copying or replicating a service or information on another website, while possibly still of value, will not usually generate as much interest as a new concept. Do not be afraid to reach outside the boundaries of your website to provide quality content.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
How To Create And Promote A Web Site That Works
A search is carried out on Google - the most used search engine currently on the internet - every 0.003 of a second, searching over 8 billion Web pages. If your Web site does not match the searchers' enquiries your chances of trading successfully and your business 'making it' on the internet are low. The World Wide Web is like one huge shopping mall, every Web site offering products and services; some 'shops' are well lit and easy to access, however, the majority have the lights turned off, their shutters down and the 'closed' sign on the door.
Making your company Web site attractive and popular is more than just putting a picture of the product or a description of the service onto a Web page and publishing it on the Web. There are a host of issues which need to be addressed to ensure success, but before a Web developer is even contracted, the bigger picture of strategic marketing needs to be addressed. It is important to understand that marketing is not sales, strategic marketing provides the structure to help us collate information and through it understand our customers. This is information that we need in order to sell successfully.
Applying this to a company Web site, before any development work is carried out on the Web site we have to be clear on who the customer is and why they are likely to buy. In describing the target customer, such factors as gender, age and socio-economic group are essentials while further information such as technical capability and language level can also be useful.
By carrying out primary market research - and this means not just reading reports or looking at statistics, actually get up from your desk and go and ask your customers - we will be able to find out most of this information offering a greater understanding of the customer profile. Including this information in your design brief puts the Web developer in a much better position to produce a site that the end user will feel affiliated to and comfortable with.
What is the objective of the site? Is it to provide information, to produce direct sales, or just a brochure-ware site showing the company and its capabilities? Is it intended to generate enquiries from new customers or to keep existing customers informed? Objectives will include the detailed information on any existing brand identity and the image the company wants to portray to the world at large. Remember your Web site is now the first port of call for a potential customer. Recent research has shown that viewers will make a decision on the suitability of a company in 20 milliseconds based purely on the image they are seeing on their computer screen. What is your Web site saying about your company? Make sure your Web developer is fully informed.
It is also important to identify the gender of your client base. This has been much ignored to date, possibly to the detriment of many businesses. A recent survey reported that women were 'Dunces of the dashboard': many of those surveyed did not understand the purpose of most of the switches or lights on their own car dashboard (BBC Breakfast 3/3/06); no comment was made in the report as to why this is, although it just might be because most cars are designed by men. Much research and writing exists on how communication differs between genders; since a Web site is by its nature a communication, it should make sense to have a Web site targeted at female buyers designed and developed by a female designer or team. The same obviously applies to a male audience, if this is your target then contract a male designer to build your site. Recent research at the University of Glamorgan supports this; it has shown that gender makes a big difference in the perceptions of the viewer. According to their research over 77% of Web sites showed a predominantly male design, reflecting the higher proportion of male designers in the marketplace. An interesting statistic when according to Judy Hoyt Pettigrew (author of Women Mean Business: The Secret to Selling to Women), as much has 80% of purchases are made by women.
Another consideration is geography and culture. Is the Web site going to be used to target a particular community or sector? Make sure that this is your focus and provide information that is of value to your viewers. Data that helps the decision making process can be the difference between a sale and no sale. In a recent survey from AOP over 80% of business decision makers use the internet and the content of Web sites to help make a decision on a purchase. Over half of the respondents also cited their trust in information supplied on Web sites.
Once we have a Web site that represents the business effectively in terms of image, content and functionality, what else needs to be addressed? Major considerations in the promotion of the site through search engine listings (not paid or sponsored) are the keywords and key-phrases. Over the past eight years it has baffled me that so many sites are missing this meta-data and have no appropriate page titles. These are essential if potential customers are to find your Web site and offerings. Although it is not obvious to the viewer, the purpose of this information is to provide the search engine with the data they need to place the site in the correct category in the database, which in turn helps the search engine respond to search terms entered by users.
To achieve successful ranking in search engines the title and meta-data must reflect the content of the page it belongs to. Keywords and phrases need to be researched thoroughly, what exactly are your customers likely to enter as search terms into search engines. When writing the content of the page remember that whilst conveying information about the products and services you should include your keywords and phrases - those terms which you have identified are used by your potential customer. It is possible to repeat the keywords and phrases a few times but not too often as the search engines treat this as spam!
Use useful and appropriate page titles - the common use of generic page titles such as "home page" and "contact us" is a waste of keyword opportunity. No-one types "contact us" into a search engine, why would they? Carry out a Web search on these two phrases and see how many there are out there (at the time of writing this was 3.1 billion & 6.2 billion respectively).
Once completed the search engine submission process can start. Whilst time consuming review the search engine you have selected and ask if it is relevant to your industry or whether it is likely to be relevant to your target market. Start with your own country search engines and submit to them - ensuring you are following their terms and conditions. Use of free submission services online is not recommended, consider how they make their money! Local regional and national directories should also be used. Many are free for basic listings but there is often a charge for enhanced listing.
In summary the biggest part of the Web site is in the preparation. If you carry out your research into your customers and understand them then you can build a Web site which they will find useful and will purchase from. Remember who the Web site is for - your customers!
Making your company Web site attractive and popular is more than just putting a picture of the product or a description of the service onto a Web page and publishing it on the Web. There are a host of issues which need to be addressed to ensure success, but before a Web developer is even contracted, the bigger picture of strategic marketing needs to be addressed. It is important to understand that marketing is not sales, strategic marketing provides the structure to help us collate information and through it understand our customers. This is information that we need in order to sell successfully.
Applying this to a company Web site, before any development work is carried out on the Web site we have to be clear on who the customer is and why they are likely to buy. In describing the target customer, such factors as gender, age and socio-economic group are essentials while further information such as technical capability and language level can also be useful.
By carrying out primary market research - and this means not just reading reports or looking at statistics, actually get up from your desk and go and ask your customers - we will be able to find out most of this information offering a greater understanding of the customer profile. Including this information in your design brief puts the Web developer in a much better position to produce a site that the end user will feel affiliated to and comfortable with.
What is the objective of the site? Is it to provide information, to produce direct sales, or just a brochure-ware site showing the company and its capabilities? Is it intended to generate enquiries from new customers or to keep existing customers informed? Objectives will include the detailed information on any existing brand identity and the image the company wants to portray to the world at large. Remember your Web site is now the first port of call for a potential customer. Recent research has shown that viewers will make a decision on the suitability of a company in 20 milliseconds based purely on the image they are seeing on their computer screen. What is your Web site saying about your company? Make sure your Web developer is fully informed.
It is also important to identify the gender of your client base. This has been much ignored to date, possibly to the detriment of many businesses. A recent survey reported that women were 'Dunces of the dashboard': many of those surveyed did not understand the purpose of most of the switches or lights on their own car dashboard (BBC Breakfast 3/3/06); no comment was made in the report as to why this is, although it just might be because most cars are designed by men. Much research and writing exists on how communication differs between genders; since a Web site is by its nature a communication, it should make sense to have a Web site targeted at female buyers designed and developed by a female designer or team. The same obviously applies to a male audience, if this is your target then contract a male designer to build your site. Recent research at the University of Glamorgan supports this; it has shown that gender makes a big difference in the perceptions of the viewer. According to their research over 77% of Web sites showed a predominantly male design, reflecting the higher proportion of male designers in the marketplace. An interesting statistic when according to Judy Hoyt Pettigrew (author of Women Mean Business: The Secret to Selling to Women), as much has 80% of purchases are made by women.
Another consideration is geography and culture. Is the Web site going to be used to target a particular community or sector? Make sure that this is your focus and provide information that is of value to your viewers. Data that helps the decision making process can be the difference between a sale and no sale. In a recent survey from AOP over 80% of business decision makers use the internet and the content of Web sites to help make a decision on a purchase. Over half of the respondents also cited their trust in information supplied on Web sites.
Once we have a Web site that represents the business effectively in terms of image, content and functionality, what else needs to be addressed? Major considerations in the promotion of the site through search engine listings (not paid or sponsored) are the keywords and key-phrases. Over the past eight years it has baffled me that so many sites are missing this meta-data and have no appropriate page titles. These are essential if potential customers are to find your Web site and offerings. Although it is not obvious to the viewer, the purpose of this information is to provide the search engine with the data they need to place the site in the correct category in the database, which in turn helps the search engine respond to search terms entered by users.
To achieve successful ranking in search engines the title and meta-data must reflect the content of the page it belongs to. Keywords and phrases need to be researched thoroughly, what exactly are your customers likely to enter as search terms into search engines. When writing the content of the page remember that whilst conveying information about the products and services you should include your keywords and phrases - those terms which you have identified are used by your potential customer. It is possible to repeat the keywords and phrases a few times but not too often as the search engines treat this as spam!
Use useful and appropriate page titles - the common use of generic page titles such as "home page" and "contact us" is a waste of keyword opportunity. No-one types "contact us" into a search engine, why would they? Carry out a Web search on these two phrases and see how many there are out there (at the time of writing this was 3.1 billion & 6.2 billion respectively).
Once completed the search engine submission process can start. Whilst time consuming review the search engine you have selected and ask if it is relevant to your industry or whether it is likely to be relevant to your target market. Start with your own country search engines and submit to them - ensuring you are following their terms and conditions. Use of free submission services online is not recommended, consider how they make their money! Local regional and national directories should also be used. Many are free for basic listings but there is often a charge for enhanced listing.
In summary the biggest part of the Web site is in the preparation. If you carry out your research into your customers and understand them then you can build a Web site which they will find useful and will purchase from. Remember who the Web site is for - your customers!
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Choosing The Right Surgeon For The Cosmetic Procedure You Want
As you ply along EDSA, you can’t help but notice these adorable people with well chiseled bodies and youthful physique on billboards. Most of the time too, they have this youthful fresh look and just this perfect combination of different facial features. It usually results from combination of religious work out, healthy diet and a basically “clean” lifestyle. But some, if not most are unabashedly products of “modern science” or what is popularly known as cosmetic plastic surgery.
Beauty or youthful look is something that we often desire and aspire for, that’s why a lot of people or company offers products or procedures that enhances our physical appearance. Most Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons believe that improving our physical appearance, make us feel good about ourselves or enhance our emotional well being and social acceptance. For some lucky people they are physically born with it and have maintained it through the years. And for a significantly increasing part of the population, they have opted to undergo a cosmetic procedure, to say the least.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery has gone a long way locally and worldwide. Nowadays more and more people have thought of and accepted such procedures as Rhinoplasty (Nose Job), Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery/Eye bag Removal), Rhytidectomy (Face Lift), Liposuction just to name a few.
As simple and easy as it may seem (according to your Plastic Surgeons), there are very important things that one has to keep in mind before plunging into that pool of youth and beauty. Everybody wants to have that extra boost of self esteem and confidence and achieve that timeless beauty through the best possible post operative results with the least of complication.
Plastic Surgeons are appropriately and completely termed Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons…, however they are now increasingly and popularly being called Plastic Cosmetic Surgeons. The surgeon can not call himself a plastic surgeon unless he can do both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Since the very root of almost all cosmetic/aesthetic procedures can be traced from early reconstructive procedure. Thus a surgeon whose main interest is aesthetic plastic surgery, must also have a firm foundation on the reconstructive surgery, to better grasp the basic principle and application of cosmetic/aesthetic plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery is a prerequisite in training for all plastic surgeons. So plastic surgeons are both an aesthetic/cosmetic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon. At present, there are just a relatively limited number of certified Plastic Surgeon that one can go to. However, the so called run of the mill cosmetic surgeons without adequate formal training and experience abound and are alarmingly increasing.
There are no short cuts to being one (Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon). It takes 6 to 8 years to transform a doctor after medical school into a Certified Plastic Surgeon (or 16 to 18 years to include Premed Course, Medicine Proper, Medical Internship, General Surgery Residency and Plastic Surgery Residency). It is through these years of formal training that Plastic Surgeons are able to acquire and equip themselves of the knowledge and skills that is required in his private practice. Such as knowing all possible options for a patient inquiring for a cosmetic procedure, being able to predict end result and being able to evaluate if patients are good candidate for the cosmetic procedure they want. And most importantly knowing the complications for any cosmetic and reconstructive procedure and being able to address if any complication arises.
So, if you have concerns on your looks and planning to have aesthetic or cosmetic enhancement of any part of your body. Planning to have a cosmetic plastic procedure and choosing the right surgeon are the major decisions you have to make. Your Surgeon should aim to provide safe and guaranteed results in the procedure they would offer you.
New Life Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Center, Located in Managed Care Medical Clinic, Ground Floor, Summit Tower 1 Bldg., Shaw Blvd., is a place patient can strongly consider. There you will find a group of fully trained, certified Plastic Surgeons performing beauty enhancing procedures all year round. The group is composed of Dr. Gil Fernandez, Dr. Hector Santos, Dr. James Joaquino, Dr. Edwin Del Rosario, Dr. Rino Lorenzo VII, Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona, Dr. Mark Sison, and the only female in the group Dr. Cristina Librojo.
Dr. Rino Lorenzo VII (you can read the complete discussion on http://www.philippineplastic.com) a member of the group, shares some tips on your decision-making.
1. Cosmetic Surgery should be done only according to the highest standards by the most competent surgeons.
2. Take time and effort in knowing your doctor’s academic profile and formal training in the field of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
3. Determine if your surgeon has organizational affiliation and privileges in Plastic Surgery.
4. Take note if the outpatient facility is well equipped.
5. Don’t be encouraged to undergo the newest cosmetic product or procedure with out proven safety and result.
6. A good surgeon should be able to establish rapport with their patients, and is able to answer all your inquiries. And evaluate if all your questions or worries were answered adequately.
Dr. E Magallona ( http://www.magallonaplasticsurgery.com ) adds that patients should not hesitate to ask anything and everything about their concerns. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. It may take several visits, if necessary, to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things. Also understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. Prospective patients should be aware that cosmetic plastic surgery will enhance your natural beauty. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patients and Surgeons are but humans, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good and satisfying result.
The New Life group has its eyes on being of service not only in the local market but in the international scene as well especially in the United States. Medical tourism in Asia in general is thriving very well and the group plans to provide its significant share in the Philippines.
Dr. James Joaquino says, “We are not claiming to be the best. We just want to educate the public regarding Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. I would say that Filipino Plastic Surgeons are internationally competitive when it comes to these procedures’’.
The New Life Plastic Surgeons are competent in performing Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Procedures such as Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Alarplasty, Liposuction, Breast Enlargement and Reduction, Breast Reconstruction, Face Lift, Brow Lift, Butt Augmentation, Tummy Tuck and many more.
You are welcome to inquire by calling (632)5339196, (632)5314622 or visit the following website; http://www.philippineplastic.com, http://www.magallonaplasticsurgery.com
Beauty or youthful look is something that we often desire and aspire for, that’s why a lot of people or company offers products or procedures that enhances our physical appearance. Most Cosmetic Plastic Surgeons believe that improving our physical appearance, make us feel good about ourselves or enhance our emotional well being and social acceptance. For some lucky people they are physically born with it and have maintained it through the years. And for a significantly increasing part of the population, they have opted to undergo a cosmetic procedure, to say the least.
Cosmetic Plastic Surgery has gone a long way locally and worldwide. Nowadays more and more people have thought of and accepted such procedures as Rhinoplasty (Nose Job), Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery/Eye bag Removal), Rhytidectomy (Face Lift), Liposuction just to name a few.
As simple and easy as it may seem (according to your Plastic Surgeons), there are very important things that one has to keep in mind before plunging into that pool of youth and beauty. Everybody wants to have that extra boost of self esteem and confidence and achieve that timeless beauty through the best possible post operative results with the least of complication.
Plastic Surgeons are appropriately and completely termed Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgeons…, however they are now increasingly and popularly being called Plastic Cosmetic Surgeons. The surgeon can not call himself a plastic surgeon unless he can do both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Since the very root of almost all cosmetic/aesthetic procedures can be traced from early reconstructive procedure. Thus a surgeon whose main interest is aesthetic plastic surgery, must also have a firm foundation on the reconstructive surgery, to better grasp the basic principle and application of cosmetic/aesthetic plastic surgery. Reconstructive plastic surgery is a prerequisite in training for all plastic surgeons. So plastic surgeons are both an aesthetic/cosmetic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon. At present, there are just a relatively limited number of certified Plastic Surgeon that one can go to. However, the so called run of the mill cosmetic surgeons without adequate formal training and experience abound and are alarmingly increasing.
There are no short cuts to being one (Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon). It takes 6 to 8 years to transform a doctor after medical school into a Certified Plastic Surgeon (or 16 to 18 years to include Premed Course, Medicine Proper, Medical Internship, General Surgery Residency and Plastic Surgery Residency). It is through these years of formal training that Plastic Surgeons are able to acquire and equip themselves of the knowledge and skills that is required in his private practice. Such as knowing all possible options for a patient inquiring for a cosmetic procedure, being able to predict end result and being able to evaluate if patients are good candidate for the cosmetic procedure they want. And most importantly knowing the complications for any cosmetic and reconstructive procedure and being able to address if any complication arises.
So, if you have concerns on your looks and planning to have aesthetic or cosmetic enhancement of any part of your body. Planning to have a cosmetic plastic procedure and choosing the right surgeon are the major decisions you have to make. Your Surgeon should aim to provide safe and guaranteed results in the procedure they would offer you.
New Life Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Center, Located in Managed Care Medical Clinic, Ground Floor, Summit Tower 1 Bldg., Shaw Blvd., is a place patient can strongly consider. There you will find a group of fully trained, certified Plastic Surgeons performing beauty enhancing procedures all year round. The group is composed of Dr. Gil Fernandez, Dr. Hector Santos, Dr. James Joaquino, Dr. Edwin Del Rosario, Dr. Rino Lorenzo VII, Dr. Edwin Paul Magallona, Dr. Mark Sison, and the only female in the group Dr. Cristina Librojo.
Dr. Rino Lorenzo VII (you can read the complete discussion on http://www.philippineplastic.com) a member of the group, shares some tips on your decision-making.
1. Cosmetic Surgery should be done only according to the highest standards by the most competent surgeons.
2. Take time and effort in knowing your doctor’s academic profile and formal training in the field of Cosmetic Plastic Surgery.
3. Determine if your surgeon has organizational affiliation and privileges in Plastic Surgery.
4. Take note if the outpatient facility is well equipped.
5. Don’t be encouraged to undergo the newest cosmetic product or procedure with out proven safety and result.
6. A good surgeon should be able to establish rapport with their patients, and is able to answer all your inquiries. And evaluate if all your questions or worries were answered adequately.
Dr. E Magallona ( http://www.magallonaplasticsurgery.com ) adds that patients should not hesitate to ask anything and everything about their concerns. This is clearly not a good time to be shy. It may take several visits, if necessary, to fully understand what you are getting into but it would definitely be worth your time when you get the bigger and better picture of things. Also understand that you cannot just pick out from any magazine a physical feature that you like and have it copied. Prospective patients should be aware that cosmetic plastic surgery will enhance your natural beauty. A perfect result is never guaranteed. Patients and Surgeons are but humans, however in the hands of a certified plastic surgeon, one is better off and in the best position of having very good and satisfying result.
The New Life group has its eyes on being of service not only in the local market but in the international scene as well especially in the United States. Medical tourism in Asia in general is thriving very well and the group plans to provide its significant share in the Philippines.
Dr. James Joaquino says, “We are not claiming to be the best. We just want to educate the public regarding Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. I would say that Filipino Plastic Surgeons are internationally competitive when it comes to these procedures’’.
The New Life Plastic Surgeons are competent in performing Cosmetic and Reconstructive Plastic Procedures such as Blepharoplasty, Rhinoplasty, Alarplasty, Liposuction, Breast Enlargement and Reduction, Breast Reconstruction, Face Lift, Brow Lift, Butt Augmentation, Tummy Tuck and many more.
You are welcome to inquire by calling (632)5339196, (632)5314622 or visit the following website; http://www.philippineplastic.com, http://www.magallonaplasticsurgery.com
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Vacuuming Tips for your Carpet
Important when keeping your carpet clean is vacuuming
Vacuum with regularity, particularly in high-traffic areas. Remember that walking on soiled carpet allows the soil particles to migrate below the area of the pile where they are a lot more difficult to remove and can deteriorate the fibers. Habitual vacuuming removes these particles from the area before this happens.
Vacuuming Tips
For locations with infrequent use, vacuum the traffic areas twice weekly and the whole domain once weekly. Those areas with more use necessitate that the traffic areas be vacuumed daily and the entire area twice weekly. Up to three passes of the machine is ok for light soiling, but five to seven passes are necessary for firmly soiled areas. Diversify the vacuuming route periodically to help stand the pile even and minimize matting.
What type of vacuum should you purchase?
A good vacuum cleaner is vital to prolonging the beauty and life of your carpet. A bargain vacuum can eradicate surface dirt but will not effectively abstract the invisible dirt and particles embedded in the pile.
We prescribe the use of vacuums with a rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that beats the carpet pile and mechanically loosens soil for deposal by the vacuum. Note that carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool-blend styles, may be delicate to beating of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these carpets, we endorse the use of a suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with an adaptable brush lifted away from the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. You can first test a beater bar vacuum in an insignificant place first, and then clean your main traffic areas if no deformation occurs.
Replaceable paper vacuum bags seem to work better of trapping the minor particles that will pass through cloth bags back into the room. High efficiency vacuum bags, also called micro filtration or HEPA bags, trap even tinier microscopic particles such as mold and mildew spores and dust mite byproducts, commonly found to be a source of allergies. This kind of vacuum bag is available under several names, such as the "MICRO-LINED" bag available at most vacuum specialty shops, or the "MICRO-Clean" bag available at some department and discount stores, and "MICRO FILTRATION" and "MICRO LINER" brands available at Sears stores. You need to confirm that these bags hold particles smaller than two (2) microns. All vacuum bags should be inspected usually and replaced when half full.
Check to ensure the belt of the vacuum is functioning properly and that the beater bar rotates and functions properly when pushed along the carpet. To alter the vacuum to the correct height setting for the carpet, raise the beater/brush bar to the highest setting and then lower it until it contacts the pile enough to faintly pulsate the carpet a small distance from the vacuum, but not low enough to origin major slowing of the motor.
It should be noted that many vacuum brands such as Dyson vacuum cleaners will automatically adapt themselves to your carpet height...this is a real time saver!
Diversify the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the carpet even and curtail matting.
Things to do and avoid when vacuuming
If you ever abuse the fine carpet cleaning powders, make sure you have a HEPA filter on your vacuum (either a HEPA bag or a HEPA bagless vacuum) this will eliminate having that fine dust from the cleaning power blown back into the room through the exhaust of your vacuum, where you will breath it!
Also, the cause of odors in vacuum cleaners is from bacteria growing in the bags (buying a 'bagless' vacuum will annihilate this problem!Bags should be changed at least once a month, or even more frequently depending on usage. Ensure and purchase vacum bags treated with a chemical that helps destroy the bacteria and odors in bags.
Don't ever pick up drywall soot or vacuum out the fireplace with your vacuum. The greatest vacuum for these types of cleaning tasks would be shop vacuums. (they are sold at any home improvement store) 'Shop' vacuums have heavy duty filters and are good for certain kinds of heavy dust and dirt.
Make sure not to maneuver your vacuum on saturated carpets or surfaces, unless they are rated as damp/dry vacuums.Operating common vacuums in this form will possibly deface them and cause early wear on the motor and other open components. There is also an electrical shock danger involved with using vacuums on wet surfaces as well...the beater bar can create a static buildup, which can result in an electrical hazard to you.
Again, if you have a vacuum that uses a bag...then reverse your bag AT LEAST once a month.There is a lot of odor and bacteria problems associated with full or half-full bags. Would you just leave your garbage in bags inside your house? That bag is one of the dirtiest areas in your home, full of germs and bacteria - replace it frequently.
Cleaning performance is dependent largely on that bag. A clogged bag also puts strain on your machine and puts more strain on your motor. The few cents you save in bags is wasted on the dollars that you'll spend for machine repairs.
Never admit your vacuum bag get over half full.
Diversify your belt about every three months.
Belts are Devised to elongate and wear out, the same as fan belts on cars. As the belt stretches the efficiency of the beater bar to effectively oscillate (and hence clean your carpets) will be diminished. You should reverse your belt about every 3 months depending on abuse. Contact your vacuum manufacturer to see if this is covered in their warranty.
Vacuum with regularity, particularly in high-traffic areas. Remember that walking on soiled carpet allows the soil particles to migrate below the area of the pile where they are a lot more difficult to remove and can deteriorate the fibers. Habitual vacuuming removes these particles from the area before this happens.
Vacuuming Tips
For locations with infrequent use, vacuum the traffic areas twice weekly and the whole domain once weekly. Those areas with more use necessitate that the traffic areas be vacuumed daily and the entire area twice weekly. Up to three passes of the machine is ok for light soiling, but five to seven passes are necessary for firmly soiled areas. Diversify the vacuuming route periodically to help stand the pile even and minimize matting.
What type of vacuum should you purchase?
A good vacuum cleaner is vital to prolonging the beauty and life of your carpet. A bargain vacuum can eradicate surface dirt but will not effectively abstract the invisible dirt and particles embedded in the pile.
We prescribe the use of vacuums with a rotating brush or combination beater/brush bar that beats the carpet pile and mechanically loosens soil for deposal by the vacuum. Note that carpet with thick loop pile construction, particularly wool and wool-blend styles, may be delicate to beating of the pile surface and may become fuzzy. For these carpets, we endorse the use of a suction-only vacuum or a vacuum with an adaptable brush lifted away from the carpet so it does not agitate the pile. You can first test a beater bar vacuum in an insignificant place first, and then clean your main traffic areas if no deformation occurs.
Replaceable paper vacuum bags seem to work better of trapping the minor particles that will pass through cloth bags back into the room. High efficiency vacuum bags, also called micro filtration or HEPA bags, trap even tinier microscopic particles such as mold and mildew spores and dust mite byproducts, commonly found to be a source of allergies. This kind of vacuum bag is available under several names, such as the "MICRO-LINED" bag available at most vacuum specialty shops, or the "MICRO-Clean" bag available at some department and discount stores, and "MICRO FILTRATION" and "MICRO LINER" brands available at Sears stores. You need to confirm that these bags hold particles smaller than two (2) microns. All vacuum bags should be inspected usually and replaced when half full.
Check to ensure the belt of the vacuum is functioning properly and that the beater bar rotates and functions properly when pushed along the carpet. To alter the vacuum to the correct height setting for the carpet, raise the beater/brush bar to the highest setting and then lower it until it contacts the pile enough to faintly pulsate the carpet a small distance from the vacuum, but not low enough to origin major slowing of the motor.
It should be noted that many vacuum brands such as Dyson vacuum cleaners will automatically adapt themselves to your carpet height...this is a real time saver!
Diversify the vacuuming direction occasionally to help stand the carpet even and curtail matting.
Things to do and avoid when vacuuming
If you ever abuse the fine carpet cleaning powders, make sure you have a HEPA filter on your vacuum (either a HEPA bag or a HEPA bagless vacuum) this will eliminate having that fine dust from the cleaning power blown back into the room through the exhaust of your vacuum, where you will breath it!
Also, the cause of odors in vacuum cleaners is from bacteria growing in the bags (buying a 'bagless' vacuum will annihilate this problem!Bags should be changed at least once a month, or even more frequently depending on usage. Ensure and purchase vacum bags treated with a chemical that helps destroy the bacteria and odors in bags.
Don't ever pick up drywall soot or vacuum out the fireplace with your vacuum. The greatest vacuum for these types of cleaning tasks would be shop vacuums. (they are sold at any home improvement store) 'Shop' vacuums have heavy duty filters and are good for certain kinds of heavy dust and dirt.
Make sure not to maneuver your vacuum on saturated carpets or surfaces, unless they are rated as damp/dry vacuums.Operating common vacuums in this form will possibly deface them and cause early wear on the motor and other open components. There is also an electrical shock danger involved with using vacuums on wet surfaces as well...the beater bar can create a static buildup, which can result in an electrical hazard to you.
Again, if you have a vacuum that uses a bag...then reverse your bag AT LEAST once a month.There is a lot of odor and bacteria problems associated with full or half-full bags. Would you just leave your garbage in bags inside your house? That bag is one of the dirtiest areas in your home, full of germs and bacteria - replace it frequently.
Cleaning performance is dependent largely on that bag. A clogged bag also puts strain on your machine and puts more strain on your motor. The few cents you save in bags is wasted on the dollars that you'll spend for machine repairs.
Never admit your vacuum bag get over half full.
Diversify your belt about every three months.
Belts are Devised to elongate and wear out, the same as fan belts on cars. As the belt stretches the efficiency of the beater bar to effectively oscillate (and hence clean your carpets) will be diminished. You should reverse your belt about every 3 months depending on abuse. Contact your vacuum manufacturer to see if this is covered in their warranty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)