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Search engine optimization has been growing and changing more rapidly over the past few years than probably any other time in their existence. With major updates to Google’s algorithm and the new emphasis on social media, search engines depend not only on a number of links for a site but also user engagement and relationships to determine what searchers want most.

The SEO team from Compucast had the opportunity to interact with search engine marketing industry leaders over the past week at MozCon in Seattle. Not only did the team have the chance to ask in-depth questions and load up on tons of new tools, we also had some fun along the way.

From the Space Needle to the Fisher’s Market, the Compucast team explored Seattle’s beautiful attractions. Apparently, the city is known for rain (so they say!), but we had only beautiful skies for the entire week – especially the day we went to the Needle. Even though the northwest didn’t have spices of southern Louisiana, we also enjoyed the fantastic food in restaurants nearby the market.

During the conference, the team members were able to not only work with the event speakers but also other search engine marketing teams from around the world. Different cities and markets have faced unique difficulties in trying to get websites to rank prominently. Understanding the way that Google and Bing have treated businesses in other markets help to illuminate more of the intent behind search rankings on a global level.

And in case you ever decide to visit Seattle, just know that you can find a Starbucks every 20 feet or so. They’re everywhere!

The Compucast team returned with heads stuffed full of knowledge and with the excitement to help clients get the search rankings they deserve. With holistic tactics that will benefit rankings today and in the future, Compucast is dedicated to helping you create an online presence that helps you grow your business.

One of the CTIA broadcasting stages.

On May 8, Compucast headed downtown to the Ernest M. Morial Convention Center to attend the 2012 International CTIA Wireless trade show, an annual convention where mobile industry professionals are treated to exhibits, floor shows, panel discussions, and the latest breakthroughs in mobile technology. The largest conference of its kind in the world, CTIA was held in New Orleans for the first time since 2005, drawing over 40,000 attendees and more than 2,000 exhibitors, press members and analysts to the center of the Crescent City.

CEO Judy Weitz and Social Media Specialist Michael Roberts were Compucast’s delegation to CTIA, and were interviewed by Internet broadcasting company bnetTV as experts on the New Orleans restaurant and event social media scene. Compucast CEO Judy reveals,

“One of the reasons Compucast’s network of sites on New Orleans is so successful is because it is perceived as social media: we recommend only businesses that we, as lifetime New Orleanians, have visited and enjoyed. In a sense, Compucast did that before anyone else in New Orleans.”

Mobile technology has greatly influenced and continues to change the way that visitors to New Orleans, as well as locals, pick restaurants and other venues. More and more, consumers are turning to social media outlets for honest reviews, location information, and alternative suggestions. Compucast, which created New Orleans Restaurants to this end, is a leader in this arena. Explains Michael,

Supergirl and Batgirl hand out promotional materials at CTIA

“Restaurants were a big focus because there is so much tourism in New Orleans. People want to know–what’s the accurate information? Bringing local opinions and knowledge to plain data helps give people a personalized approach. Visiting a new city, you can see if your friends liked or hated that place.”

In addition, the interview focused on how to manage social media. Brand managers who oversee a venue’s different channels are able to convey positive and negative feedback to other staff members: for example, to the chefs and owners of restaurants, who need to know what guests are saying about their establishment.

A uniquely New Orleans application of mobile technology is Mardi Gras. Mobile resources lend themselves perfectly to mitigating the unpredictability of Carnival events, which can be affected by weather, traffic, street closures, and a host of other factors. These days, mobile customers can get up-to-the-minute reports on where the best parade parking is, which route a krewe will be taking, and, of course, where their friends are standing!

Having founded leading Mardi Gras website Mardi Gras New Orleans over a decade ago, Compucast is an authority on making Mardi Gras information available to the wireless consumer.

Android was a CTIA sponsor.

Compucast was excited to participate in the bnetTV discussion, tour the vast array of CTIA exhibits, and share insights gleaned over almost twenty years of serving at the forefront of New Orleans’ web design and marketing community. We’re looking forward to next year’s conference!

Last week, Compucast piled into Jenny’s trusty RV and took a day trip to Avery Island, LA, to visit the Tabasco factory! The island is about 140 miles west of New Orleans; the drive took about 3 hours, but good company made it feel shorter.

We know all of our clients are familiar with Tabasco–the bottle’s signature green emblem and fiery red contents can be found on just about every restaurant table from here to Gulf Shores. But did you know that the salt used in Tabasco comes from the island’s underground salt mines? In fact, the island itself is made of salt. This was just one of the many things we learned on our tour of the Tabasco production plant, which has been located on Avery Island since its founding in 1868.

Judy with some of the Men of Compucast!

After the tour, we explored the island’s Jungle Gardens, home to hundreds, if not thousands, of snowy white egrets (Michael notes that the most memorable moment of this part of the trip was when an alligator almost–but not quite–snapped up a low-flying egret). Then it was back to the RV for a sleepy ride home. We’re looking forward to our next company trip!

On Friday, March 23, Louisiana State University will honor Compucast Web Design as one of the LSU 100 Fastest-Growing Tiger Businesses. The ceremony, co-hosted by the Stephenson Entrepreneurship Institute, celebrates LSU alumni who have found success in the business world, and highlights former Tigers’ local, regional and national influence in a range of industries, from hospitality and insurance to construction, energy, retail, design and more.

Compucast founder Judy Weitz majored in Business Administration at LSU. The company was born in 1994, after Judy created two websites showcasing New Orleans’ unique atmosphere in order to counter common misconceptions of the Crescent City. Since then, Compucast has grown into a full-service web design and Internet marketing provider, and continues to add new services to better serve its clients in the hospitality industry. Judy is excited to be honored, and looks forward to maintaining the standard of excellence that has made Compucast a leader in the web design and marketing fields.

The LSU 100 Honoree Luncheon will be held at 11:30AM on Friday, March 23, 2012, at the Renaissance Hotel. For more information, please visit LSU100.com.

Spring is definitely here in New Orleans. You could look around to see all of the blooming plants, or enjoy the lovely weather. But the true confirmation of warmer days in New Orleans? The Crawfish Boil.

The staff and families of Compucast enjoyed a nice afternoon unwinding with some expertly cooked crawfish, potatoes, corn, mushrooms, and garlic. The weather was even nice enough for some time in the pool.

After a full week of work, Compucast knows when to let the good times roll.

Luckily today was a beautiful spring day, as it provided a perfect setting for French Quarter Festival’s annual press conference and jazz brunch.

Held at the Court of Two Sisters, press, patrons and friends were able to take in great food and some illustrious company, while presenters such as New Orleans City Council Vice President Jackie Clarkson, CVB representative Mary Beth Romig and French Quarter Festival’s Executive Director Marci Schramm set the stage for what to expect from this year’s festival.

If the excitement of the crowd foreshadows the fun to come, we will certainly be in for a ride. Headliners for the festival include some of New Orleans’ favorites, and that’s not even mention the food. There’s even a crawfish eating competition!

The team at Compucast, along with locals and tons of visitors alike, cannot wait for it to be festival time. Can you?

On Saturday, February 20, 2010, a few of he crew at Compucast took part in New Orleans’ own funeral to lay rest to that loathing era of the “Aints.”

Complete with a faux coffin, musicians, and a neighborhood of people, we lined up in the Treme – a neighboring area of the French Quarter – and walked up and around to the Marigny to celebrate the Saints’ rise to the Superbowl.

It is truly an electric time in the city, and everyone from Lenny Kravitz to neighborhood children took part in the celebration.

We had the best time, smelling the yummy food cooked for the festivities, viewing the crowd in their black and gold saints costumes, and dancing our butts throughout the city to celebrate many things, but one thing most importantly – the city of New Orleans and its people.

On Saturday, October 24, 2009, a few of us on the team had a chance to ride in New Orleans’ annual Halloween parade – Krewe of Boo.

With amazing throws, ranging from skull beads to flashing beads, stuffed animals and more, we certainly had a devilish time pleasing the crowds of people lining the street from Elysian Fields to Convention Center Boulevard.

We know what it means to truly love New Orleans, and how more New Orleans can you get by riding in a float made by none other than Mr. Blaine Kern Sr. himself?

..next time, we plan on even more elaborate costumes and a great deal more throws.

Hooray for New Orleans in holiday season!