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February 2010 - Newsletter

 

In This Issue:

  • Coastal Services Update: February 2010
  • Customer Spotlight: Forest Hill Health & Fitness
  • Quotes to Keep Your Heart Warm
  • Computer Tip of the Month
  • History of Valentine's Day
  • Local Events
  • Health Tips

Coastal Web Services Update: February 2010

A few years ago, you could just submit your website to search engines and get a good ranking. It doesn't work that way anymore. Why? There are now millions of web pages that have to be indexed by searched engines monthly!

Why focus on search engines? Up to 91% of web surfers find your website as a direct result of search engines so it's important that your potential customers are able to find you quickly. If you're not listed within the first three pages (and more times than not page one) of major search engines, you're potentially losing profit to your competition every day.

Can I just do it myself? Search engines are designed using algorithms which can be very complex. There is no set way or published set of rules for being successful. That's why it can often be difficult in comparing "apples to apples" with companies offering such a service. Search engines are also always changing their rules so that web designers, programmers, amateurs, etc. can't "cheat" the system. You must also constantly adjust your site to fall within these rules. If you break the rules, your site can be banned from one or more search engines.

To be effective in placing high on search engines, you must use a company with a lot of knowledge and experience to get consistent results. To get your website listed on page one of Google takes a lot of skill, especially when there are hundreds and thousands of listings for any given keyword phrase. You can think of search engine ranking like taking a test in school. You get a point for each question you answer correct. The more you answer correct, the higher your overall score will be. In regards to search engine optimization, your website will be ranked well if specific aspects of your website are modified. The more necessary modifications made, the more relevant your website becomes. If most of your pages are relevant to its content, then you have a better chance of appearing on page one!

Coastal has recently added new tools to your reports! We've invested in staying ahead of the curve so you that you may focus more on running your business. The new reports will add even more value to our current website tracking from the past.

If you're not currently using our web marketing service, please feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to provide a complimentary analysis of your website, including its current ranking on major search engines and how it can be improved to attract more qualified visitors.

Jenn Parr
Director of Business Development
Coastal Web Services


Quotes to Keep Your Heart Warm

"I don't understand why Cupid was chosen to represent Valentine's Day. When I think about romance, the last thing on my mind is a short, chubby toddler coming at me with a weapon."
-Author Unknown

"To know when to go away and when to come closer is the key to any lasting relationship."
-Doménico Cieri Estrada

"No road is long with good company."
-Turkish Proverb

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Compiled by Megan Byrd
Web Marketing Assistant

 

Remember us For:


Customer Spotlight:

Forest Hill Health & Fitness

Forest Hill Health and Fitness is a comprehensive fitness center that caters to clients of all ages. This exclusive clubs offers limited membership so that clients can focus on maximizing their overall health and achieve their fitness goals. With high-quality facilities and an experienced training staff, Forest Hill Health and Fitness is a great addition to the Forest Hill area.

A few of the amenities Forest Hill Health and Fitness offers include:

  • Personal training from nationally certified trainers.
  • Group fitness classes including the increasingly popular programs Body Pump, Zumba, and RealRyder.
  • Sports training with state-of-the art equipment, a 4,000 square-foot training area, speed training, strength training, and fitness training. These programs are offered for athletes on a one-on-one, group, or team training basis.
  • Wellness classes including Nutrition, Yoga, and Massage.
  • Morning, Afternoon, and Evening classes to fit into your busy schedule.

Forest Hill Health and Fitness offers all the tools needed to achieve a healthier lifestyle. In addition, they are also partners with Gary Lynch Physical Therapy which is conveniently located next door. This partnership is ideal for those who are recovering from injuries or are enrolled in a rehabilitation program.

Coastal Web Services designed this website with functionality in mind. The efficient drop-down menus allow users to navigate the website with ease. One of our add-on features was utilized- Coastal's text writing services- thus making this website both informative and relevant. Since this website's design is user-friendly and relevant to search engine queries, Forest Hill Health and Fitness has a great opportunity to place well within search engines.

Check out the Forest Hill Health and Fitness website by clicking here!

If you would like to improve your website ranking, feel free to contact us about our newly improved add-on features!


Computer Tip of the Month

Let's say you are compiling a report in Microsoft Excel. You are getting really tired of having to scroll up to see what each column heading is. To save time and avoid plugging information into the wrong column, use the Freeze Heading Rows Tool:

1. Select the row immediately below the heading row(s) you want to freeze at the top of the worksheet. To lock a column, select the row to the right of the column you want to freeze.

2. Click on the View tab. In the Window group, click on Freeze Panes.

3. This will give you a drop down menu of several options including:

a. Freeze Top Row- to lock one row only
b. Freeze First Column- to lock one column only
c. Freeze Panes- to lock more than one row or column, or to lock both rows and columns simultaneously.

4. Now scroll down the worksheet. Notice the selected heading/rows do not scroll off the screen.

Notes:

-To unfreeze the heading rows, click on the View tab. In the Window group, select Unfreeze Panes.

-You cannot freeze rows or columns in the middle of the worksheet. This feature only works for rows at the top and columns on the left side of the document.


History of Valentine's Day

The legend of Valentine's Day has nothing to do with poetic Hallmark cards, bouquets of flowers, or boxes of chocolate. Perhaps one of the most interesting stories revolves around the legendary St. Valentine, a priest that served in Rome during the third century.

Ruler at the time, Emperor Claudius II, came to the conclusion that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families therefore, outlawing marriage for young men- his potential soldiers. Valentine found this claim to be outrageous and continued to marry young lovers in secrecy. When Emperor Claudius caught wind of these allegations, Valentine was sentenced to death.

While in prison, legend indicates that Valentine fell in love with a young woman said to be the jailor's daughter. Before his death, Valentine allegedly wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," hence the expression we use to this day.


Local Events

February 16, 6:30 PM

New Solutions to Elimination Pain

Maryland Spine Institute- Bel Air

A free Seminar sponsored by the Maryland Spine Institute & Wellness Center.

To reserve seats, call 888.503.3519

February 18, 11 AM

Nature Storytime

Eden Mill Nature Center, Pylesville

Enjoy a children's story and crafts related to a theme about nature. Families are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy after the program. We request only donations toward the craft for this program. Pre-registration required. Call 410-836-3050.

February 21, 2 PM

Wine Expo 2010

Harford Community College, Bel Air

The HCC Alumni Association sponsors an afternoon of wine, delectable hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Taste wine from over 35 international vendors. The price is $40. Call 443-421-2211 for more information.

February 25, 6:30 PM

C.S.I- Harford

Jarrettsville Public Library

The truth behind collecting and processing forensic evidence is revealed. Detective Ryan from the Crime Scene Unity of the Harford County's Sheriff Office explains the differences between reality and what Hollywood's hit TV shows portray.

February 27, 7-11 PM

"Night in the Museum Gala"

Havre de Grace Maritime Museum

Watch as the museum comes alive with costumed interpreters, live entertainment, specialty foods, dancing, silent auctions, and more. RSVP by February 19th. This event is $60 per person. Contact Brenda at 410-939-4800 for more information.

March 4, 10 AM - Noon

Connections Over Coffee

Bliss Restaurant & Wine Bar

1402 Handlir Drive, Belcamp

A networking group for women. Call 410-272-0505 for more information or visit www.live-your-bliss.com.

March 6, 10 AM-3 PM

Bel Air Chocolate & Candy Festival

Bel Air Armory.

Sponsored by the Bel Air Downtown Alliance, the 9th Annual festival features a wide variety of chocolate delicacies and sweet treats. There are plenty of fun activities for the kids, including a scavenger hunt throughout the downtown stores. $5 per person. Call 410-638-1023 for more information.

Health Tips

Natural Practitioners & Natural Modalities
By Jenn Parr

Director of Business Development

Natural modalities will support your body and help you through any health and wellness journey you are on. The more you can incorporate the better. Remember: start slow, take it one step at a time and enjoy the process to a better you!!

Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care

- Check your insurance benefits. My policy covers both.


Try Reiki

- Will help with energy flow and being more in touch with body.

- Stephanie Tarr is a highly recommended practitioner

- Call Breathe Books in Hampden to schedule appt at 410-235-READ


Meditate or try Self-hypnosis CD's

- Set time aside daily to think and reflect. You need time to allow your creativity to flow. It will positively affect all areas of your life.

- There are many local groups that have either free or donation only groups that meet weekly. Try http://www.meditationmd.org.

- I'm starting a young person meditation group as well. Please let me know if you're interested and I'd be happy to send details.


Yoga, Tai Chi & Chi gong

- Natural exercises that stimulate energy flow

- Try hot yoga!

National Practitioners in our Area

A naturopathic doctor looks to solving the root cause of any issue as opposed to masking it. For example, if you have a headache a naturopathic doctor can determine what's causing instead of constantly popping Advils.

- Bastyr University and National College of Natural Medicine are two of the four schools in the US for accrediting Naturopathic Doctors. You can look on their website to find doctors in your area.

Other Natural Doctors in our Neighborhood

I'm sure there are lots more! Below is just a few suggestions:

- Dr. Mimi Palenque

- I've been to her and have seen amazing results.

- Dr. Hinish and Dr. Sanderoff

- Your Prescription for Health is a health company that covers a variety of wellness topics. Tune into their free radio show on WCBM.com on SUNDAYS 10-Noon EST.

Natural healing exercises & modalities are endless. Be open-minded and find practices that feel right for you!! I can provide additional recommendations if you'd like. Focusing on your inner health is the first step to looking and feeling better from the inside out!


February 2010 - Happy Valentines Day!
January 2010 - A New Year!, A New Site!
December 2009 - Happy Holidays from Coastal Web Services

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