Notorious SEO blogger and part-time Playboy Marcus Tandler did a positive write-up earlier today on my recently released book - “Search-Engine Optimization - Your Visual Blueprint to Effective Internet Marketing.”

The review is available on Marcus’ blog Mediadonis.net

BTW - the picture above is Marcus with a team of models. Note that he is wearing a Pepperjam T-Shirt!

Thanks Marcus!

Wow! That’s all I can say.

Let me just say that I have a tremendous amount of respect for Shawn Collins because among other things I find him to be incredibly sincere and objective.

I have received various e-mails and phone calls from people who have read my recently published book “Search Engine Optimization: Your Visual Blueprint for Effective Internet Marketing,” but Shawn is the first to actually do a video review of my book!

I knew Shawn was reading my book because he mentioned it a few weeks ago on his WebmasterRadio.FM radio show “Affiliate Thing” that he co-hosts with Lisa Picarille of Revenue Magazine.

However, I didn’t expect Shawn to read the entire book so quickly and I certainly didn’t expect that he would like the book so much that he would do a video review, as well as a [written] book review on his blog.

To check out the written review click here or simply watch the video review below:

Thanks Shawn!

Sorry to post this in “press release” form.

My weekend is packed after a pretty wild week at the Pepperplex…not to mention that I’m leaving in the morning for New York.

If any of you happen to be going to SES New York please stop by our exhibit booth, Hilton bar, or anywhere else you see me or a fellow Pepperjammer and say hello.

PRESS RELEASE:

Pepperjam, the fastest growing full-service internet marketing agency in the United States, announced today that the company will attend, exhibit, speak, moderate, blog and celebrate the recent launch of Pepperjam Network during Search-Engine Strategies (SES) New York.

SES New York will take place March 17-20, 2008 at the New York Hilton.

“Pepperjam is excited to be an active participant in the Search-Engine Strategies (SES) conference. SES New York represents the largest gathering of search engine marketing professionals and vendors in the world and Pepperjam is honored to be attending, exhibiting, speaking, moderating, and blogging the event. Moreover, we are thrilled to use this event as yet another celebration of the recent successful launch of Pepperjam Network, a next generation affiliate marketing network,” said Kristopher B. Jones, President & CEO of Pepperjam.

Eight (8) members of the Pepperjam Team will be present at SES New York, including (1) company president & CEO, Kristopher Jones, (2) VP of Search-Engine Marketing, Ken Mohn, Jr., (3) VP of Sales and Marketing, Aaron Baker, (4) Director of Pay-Per-Click, Brian Watkins, (5) Director of Sales & Marketing, (5) Quinn Kavanaugh, Director of Search-Engine Optimization, (6) Ian Howells, (7) Lauren Barge and (8) Audrey Yedlock, both Senior Sales Executives.

Please visit the Pepperjam Exhibit Booth on Tuesday, March 18 between 10:00am - 7:00pm or Wednesday, March 19 from 9:45am - 4:00pm to learn more about Pepperjam’s full line of professional marketing services, as well as Pepperjam Network, the next generation affiliate marketing network.

Kristopher Jones will moderate two panels on Tuesday, March 18th, including (1) Domaining & Address Bar-Driven Traffic from 11:00am-12:15pm and (2) Ad Copy & Landing Page Clinic from 4:45pm-6:00pm. In addition, Jones will speak on the “Dealing with Affiliates” panel on Wednesday from 4:00pm-5:15pm.

Pepperjam will be posting exclusive real-time summaries and reviews of numerous SES panels and speeches on the Pepperjam Blog.

Learn more about attending SES New York at www.searchenginestrategies.com/newyork/

Many of you know that before and during the early days of Pepperjam I was a student for nine years post high school having achieved my B.A., (Penn State University), M.S. (Villanova University), and J.D. (Albany Law School). In short, I’ve always been sort of an academic; I really enjoy the process and challenges of learning and I’ve always dreamed one day that I would write a book.

However, I never thought that I would get an unsolicited offer to write a book this early in my career and I am very excited to announce that not only did I get an offer, but the book will be published in less than one month!

Well, early last summer I was approached by Wiley Publishing about writing a book on “search-engine optimization.” I was told that they were looking for an author with real world experience and they were familar with the Pepperjam name and came across Pepperjam since we were recognized as an Inc. 500 Company and as one of the top 10 SEO Firms in the United States (Promotion World, 2007). Also, they said in comparing different authors that Pepperjam fit the bill because of our impressive client base and my vast experience speaking on the issue at various conferences over the years, including Search-Engine Strategies (SES).

The book took about eight months to write. I built an internal support team at Pepperjam and I was given a small army of editors at Wiley Publishing.

Still the task was colossal. I spent many full days at Pepperjam and most weekends during last summer and winter writing and editing in order to meet aggressive deadlines set by Wiley.

I’ll mention that when I was first approached I really tried to make the argument that the book shouldn’t just be about SEO, but on the convergence of PPC and SEO, which I believe continues to occur. As a result of my argument the editors at Wiley allowed me to dedicate 5 full chapters to non-SEO dedicated material. For instance, I wrote chapters dedicated to Social Media Optimization, Monetizing Web Site traffic, Using Google Analytics, and two chapters on PPC (including one on Quality Scores).

Also, the book is part of Wiley’s “Visual Blueprint Series,” which focuses on visual learners. What this means is that outside of the introduction, which is just me ranting about SEO and SEM, the remainder of the book provides screen shots and visual images to help the reader understand the various tasks (i.e. buying links through pay per post networks) that I outline throughout the book.

The end result is a book written primarily for a moderate-level search-engine marketer. Definitely not an easy read (but certainly doable) for a newbie, but more appropriate for someone already with some familiarity with search, but wants a solid visual how-to approach to improving rankings.

The book was written based on the tools and strategies we use here at Pepperjam to provide SEO services to some of the largest brands in the world.

The book will be available in all major book stores beginning April 7, 2008.

You can pre-order the book on Amazon HERE or directly from the Wiley Publishing Web site HERE.

Here’s a sneak peak at what others have said about the book (these quotes and about 10 others are published in the book):

“Search-engine optimization (SEO) is an integral part of an effective online marketing strategy. With this book Kris offers a step-by-step guide to get your Web site ranked by the major search-engines. At 1-800-PetMeds we have worked with Kris and his team at Pepperjam for the last three years to implement a range of online marketing strategies that have worked very effectively. I highly recommend you read this book and implement the strategies contained within.”
Alex Irvin
Online Marketing Director,
1-800-PetMeds.com

““Search Engine Optimization has emerged as the flagship service in the growing Internet Marketing landscape, and Kristopher Jones is a leader in explaining the intricate details and subtle balances that make it all work.”
Bruce Clay
President,
Bruce Clay, Inc.

“Search engine optimization is, without question, one of the highest ROI activities a business can undertake. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. Fortunately, we’ve got people like Kris to act as our tour guide and translator. A solid strategy and attention to detail are essential to a successful SEO campaign and that’s exactly what Kris delivers.”
Rand Fishkin
Chief Blogger and CEO,
SEOmoz

“Kris Jones is a leading expert in marketing both affiliate-based and client sites. His expertise comes from a wide perspective you can’t get from most search engine marketers. When I listened to Kris speak at the Elite Retreat conference, I felt like I was a conference attendee rather than a fellow speaker.”
Aaron Wall
SEO Expert and Blogger,
SEObook.com

Here’s a sneak peak at all 15 chapter titles:

An Introduction to Search-Engine Optimization (includes some history, my feelings about Larry and Sergey, etc.)

1) Planning your Search-Engine Optimization Project
2) Keyword generation
3) Creating pages
4) Basic Website Structure
5) Advanced Web Site Structuring
6) Content Creation
7) Creating Communities
8) Building Links
9) Using Google Analytics
10) Social Media Optimization (SMO)
11) Creating PPC Campaigns
12) Optimizing PPC Campaigns through Quality Score Optimization (QSO)
13) Optimizing for Other Engines
14) Monetizing Web Site Traffic
15) Installing SEO Plugins

To say the least - writing a book was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve ever done in my life.

I feel unlimited gratitude to my family and friends.

In addition, the book would have never been started or completed without the incredible support and dedication of my internal Pepperjam team led my Pepperjam’s VP of Search Ken Mohn, Jr. You’ll see Ken and a few members of his team as a visual screenshot on the back of the book.

As I mention above - You can pre-order the book on Amazon HERE or directly from the Wiley Publishing Web site HERE.

I am proud to announce the launch of the Search-Engine Strategies (SES) Affiliate Program, exclusively on Pepperjam Network - www.pepperjamnetwork.com

CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT: Between now and SES - NY (see below) the affiliate that generates the most ticket sales will get a FREE full-conference pass to attend SES - NY, as well as an exclusive VIP ticket to the Pepperjam Private Dinner Party, to be held at the Manhattan Penthouse in NYC.

SES - New York is taking place on March 17-20, 2008

More about the SES Affiliate Program:

The Search-Engine Strategies (SES) Affiliate Program allows bloggers and affiliates to promote Search-Engine Strategies conference ticket sales using SES banners, text links, & pepperjamADS. In return, affiliates get 5% of each referred sale. With a full conference ticket price of nearly $2,000 you can make quite a bit of money promoting this program. Moreover, if you are able to refer multiple ticket sales (for instance, a company registration) this can be a program that generates you hundreds of dollars in commission per transaction.

Search-Engine Strategies (SES) Affiliate Program:

“Search Engine Strategies (SES) is the leading global conference & expo series that educates delegates on search engine marketing (SEM), including optimization (SEO) and advertising strategies, tactics and best practices. SES Search Marketing Events provide instruction from the industry’s top Search experts, including representatives of the Search Engines themselves.

Search Engine Strategies Conference And Expo New York……the intersection of search, marketing, and commerce. SES New York takes place March 17-20 and is a “must-attend”. The industry converges for a week of spirited discussion, high-level learning and attendees leave with actionable battle plans to go forward with for their companies. For SES Alumni, there will be so much new content and developments that you’ll need to stay on top of and should consider bringing your whole team! Search Engine Strategies Conference & Expo 2008 will feature presentations and panel discussions that cover all aspects of search engine-related promotion.”

Commissions (percentage of sale): 5.00%
Cookie Duration: 45 days

My two cents: In my opinion, this program has massive potential for affiliates and bloggers alike to make considerable money off SES ticket sales. Think about it, SES is expecting in excess of 10,000 attendees at SES NY alone. Moreover, SES holds numerous shows around the world throughout the year. This one should be an easy sell.

Best of luck!

Attention Pepperjam Fans and Readers,

I just received notification from Lynne Johnson, Senior Editor at Fast Company, that Pepperjam has been selected to compete for the Fast Company Magazine “Fast 50″ list. More about what the award is about below.

The competition occurs online at fastcompany.com so I’m asking for your support and vote.

VOTE FOR PEPPERJAM HERE!

The coolest thing about this nomination is that the award doesn’t celebrate growth or revenue as much as it recognizes the impact that businesses like Pepperjam make on the community and world we live in.

You’ll learn more about why Fast Company chose Pepperjam by following the link below. However, what I can tell you is that we are very proud of the “kind” of company we created more than anything else.

It was nice to be recognized by Inc. Magazine for the last two consecutive years as one of the fastest growing businesses in the United States, but it is an even greater honor to be recognized for the impact we have made on our small community in Wilkes-Barre, PA - this is what the Fast Company “Fast 50″ is all about.

Pepperam represents the potential that each of us have as human beings to be creative, work hard, and achieve our greatest potential. As a business, I believe Pepperjam is worthy of this award because we have successfully created a work environment dominated by creativity and opportunity that has spurred the same in other businesses across the world.

As a nominee we need your vote in order to make the official “Fast 50″ list.

You can vote for Pepperjam on the FastCompany.com Web site located HERE.

I’ve included some more info below about the award.

About the Fast 50
The Fast 50 is Fast Company magazine’s annual readers’ challenge, a worldwide search for ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our goal is to remind the world of all the good that’s created when passionate people with big ideas and strong convictions are determined to make a difference.

Each year, the challenge generates thousands of entries and tens of thousands of comments from around the world, and results in high-profile recognition of 50 leaders, innovators, and technology pioneers. This year’s challenge promises to be bigger and better.

We’re looking for unsung heroes and rising stars among our readers: senior executives, in-the-trenches team leaders, engineers, marketers, and other high-impact players from all kinds of backgrounds.

About Fast Company
Fast company is the only idea-driven business title. It provides impact players in business with the best thinking, best tools and best practices to outsmart and outperform the competition. Fast Company is about innovation, creativity, leadership, and vision. Every issue is filled with innovative solutions and smart technologies that companies can use to gain the strategic advantage. Owned by Mansueto Ventures LLC., the award-winning magazine has a circulation of 725,000.

Shoemoney announced earlier this evening the date and speaker line-up for Elite Retreat 2008 - San Francisco.

While I won’t be part of the line-up I am extremely impressed with the team of speakers Jeremy put together - Congrats to Jeremy on bringing back Elite Reatreat! I had a blast the first time I was part of the conference.

Here’s the all star line-up:

Jeremy “Shoemoney” Schoemaker - Super Affiliate, SEM Expert, Top 50 Blogger
Aaron Wall - SEO Expert, Author of SEO BOOK.
Andy Liu - Principal, BuddyTV
Neil Patel - SMO Expert, Founder, PronetAdvertising
Brian Clark, Blogger, CopyBlogger.com

CLICK HERE to Sign-up for Elite Retreat - space is limited.

Welcome to this weeks edition of Meet The Pepperjam Team.

This week we would like you to Meet a relatively new addition to the Pepperjam team, her name is Erin Killian and she has been here roughly 2 months. Erin certainly surprised me when she told me her love for all things nerdy including video games and sci-fi. Erin works here in our media division (who may I add are gearing up for a huge year) and always brings her “A” game with her. You usually can find her easily because she is laughing the loudest

Meet Erin!

For those of you who don’t know the “rules” behind the Meet the Pepperjam Video Series, here they are:

Every Friday Pepperjam will post a new video interview of a member of our staff - everyone will be included - affiliates managers, executives, search-engine marketing managers, directors, software engineers, assistants, online media buyers, and interns. The person being interviewed won’t know he / she has been chosen until about 30 seconds before the interview - this way you’ll get an unrehearsed, real world look at the employee…hopefully, this will make it interesting and non-corporate, which is what we are known and respected for across the internet marketing industry.

Why are we doing this? Well, I am proud of our team and I think you’ll find them as interesting and intelligent as I do. Also, I’m a student of viral video and the social media space and I want to test the waters as it relates to what corporate america is doing (and not doing) to spread buzz and build next generation work places.

Finally, I just thought it would be cool to put some people in front of a video camera that have never done so before, have a little bit of fun, and see if Pepperjam can spread some additional buzz about why we are the leader in online marketing.

FYI - all videos will also be posted to YouTube. If you think what we are doing is outside-the-box and interesting please blog about it and share the story with the world.

Our previous videos include:

Maura Goodwin
Tara Lou
Dean Karasinski
Kim Noler (dated YouTube founder)
Stephanie Yachim
Roxy (Pepperjam’s English Bulldog)
Kris Jones
Katharine Dempsey
Ken Mohn Jr.
Mandy Foley
Tara DeGiusto
Robyn Martin
Kate Sarnak
Aaron Baker
Michelle Foley
Megan Rogan
Mike Jones
Maggie Oldziejewski
Daehee Park
Leslie Stewart
Trevor Brennan
Brock Siegel
Sarah Hohol
Matt Bradley
Chris Thomas
Nick Jurista
Derek Traver
Amber Sansky
Pepperjam All-Stars (Kris Jones, Mike Jones, Shoemoney, Mediadonis)
Quinn Kavanagh
Jaclyn Francese
John Heil
Alan McLaughlin
Lee Dodd and Dave Adams
Janice DiPietro
Brigade Quartermasters Girls
Christian Wenzel
Jill O’Brien
Steve Donlin
Ian Howells
Jim Boykin
Krista Golanoski
Brian Gill
Lauren Barge
Tim Stanitis
Gina Nardone
Jeff Moisey
Kris Jones

Other fun Pepperjam Vids:
“What would you do for a One YearSupply of Energy Drink”
Naked Crazy Man Video
Pepperjam Adds Ping Pong Table to Pepperplex
Roxy with the Tony Robbins Beach Ball

We uploaded some pics from our 2007 holiday party.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW!

In terms of parties, the night was only second to Pepperjam 2007, which included three (3) LIVE bands and more kegs of beer and food than we should have consumed.

We also uploaded a new image folder called - “Miscellaneous - Uncensored Pepperjam Pics,” which you can check out here. The Misc folder wll be updated from time to time with Pepperjam-related experiences and adventures.

Lastly, we also uploaded a folder of images from the 2007 a4uexpo, which was held in London, England. VIEW HERE.

Enjoy!

Just a heads up - over the coming days this BLOG will be moving over to www.pepperjam.com/blog - no worries…same great blog, just a different location to help with internal logistics (and politics….in the form of our SEO team).

Brian Smith - the founder and chief blogger over at ComparisonEngines.com wrote-up an interesting story yesterday on Pepperjam’s comparison shopping blog - Shogging.com.

Let me (or Brian) know what you think.