Unless you're a website junkie or a smarter-than-normal millennial, you likely scratch your head when differentiating SEO, SEM, and SMO. Many know these phrases generally refer to the online presence of a brand, but the differences of the three can be confusing.

First, let's start with the formal definitions:

Search engine optimization, or SEO, refers to the process of affecting the online visibility of a website or a web page in a web search engine's unpaid results—often referred to as "natural", "organic", or "earned" results.

They say hiring a website design and online marketing company is like dating: you're supposed to be picky! With so many "daters" on the loose (website companies, that is) we can help you sort through who is legit, and who needs to quit. Here's a checklist to help your company be picky when choosing which website development agency you want to hire!

When you think of the design of a website and the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) of a website, they usually don't go hand-in-hand!

The website design reflects the look and feel of the website (images, logo, font type, colors, overall design), while the SEO of a website reflects what search engines use for their ranking system (links, tags, code, feeds, updates, simplicity).

Text describing products on E-commerce stores tend to make one massive mistake: they scream "buy me, buy me!" without connecting with the consumer.

Companies want to sell their merchandise, but customers don't want to feel pushed. As companies should never leave product descriptions blank, copy writing has never been as pertinent in our society as they are today. Online shopping means the customer doesn't hold the product in their hands or try the product on in the store - they rely completely on how it's described!

Every Image Management website client automatically receives access to their very own Google Analytics web analyzing service! Google Analytics is the most popular website tracking system available and it's an easy tool to track past web views and real time! Having a Google Analytics tracker on your website answers many questions that can be used to better enhance your page!

Image Management had the dear pleasure of hosting two high school interns from Prairie School for the last couple weeks. Jack and JC were SUCH a pleasure, and they took the time to share about their experiences! Thanks Jack and JC!

Uh oh, a bad online review?!

With how hard you work, we understand how heartbreaking a 1 or 2 star review can be. It happens to the BEST of companies, however, and there ARE ways to turn your negative reviews around quickly and efficiently.

important points to keep in mind when you receive a BAD review:

Don't ignore it and don't return fire. People want to hear from you, so immediately responding to a negative review will boost your reputability and credibility. Respond right away in a kind, politically correct manner!

There's something so nostalgic about Easter egg hunts. Little kids running around, looking under toys and behind the swings and at the roots of trees for the candy filled plastic ovals of joy... The fun of Easter egg hunts is how unexpected the hiding spots can be, right? To celebrate Easter, some of the Image Management team members have decided to provide unexpected facts about their lives, much like finding an egg on Easter Sunday! Enjoy, and Happy Easter from your website design friends at Image Management!

Any Joe Schmo can sell Google AdWords in his mom's basement. What Mr. Schmo can't offer, however, is a Google Partners status to back up his work. That's what sets Image Management apart: we are Google AdWords certified, a feat many people/companies cannot say. What are the requirements of becoming a Google AdWords Partner, you ask?

"Every man for himself," they say. While this phrase may be a bit harsh in everyday life, it rings true on Google. Google is essentially a million resumes; when someone needs a painter, they head straight to Google to check out the best, and most fitting, candidate!

How does your online resume match up to your competition? Is your website mobile friendly? Does it have a "wow" factor? And most importantly, are you on the top of the pile?