On September 26, at an event celebrating 15 years of Google Search, the company dropped a bombshell: they’ve quietly launched an entirely new algorithm called Hummingbird. It’s fast, smart, and designed to understand meaning — not just keywords. And here’s the kicker: they’ve been using it since late July — exactly when I wrote that […]
Basil Puglisi's Brand Blog #AIassisted
Google Confirms It: Hummingbird Is the New Brain Behind Search
6 Seconds of Fame: What Vine Is Teaching Us About the Future of Video Marketing
If 2013 has taught us anything so far, it’s this: short-form video isn’t just a fad — it’s a phenomenon. Vine, the 6-second looping video platform acquired by Twitter, has gone from quirky novelty to cultural movement. With over 40 million users as of this month, it’s now clear that brands and creators are learning […]
Is Google Getting Smarter Than Ever? Why Semantic Search Might Already Be Here
Something’s going on at Google — and if you’re paying attention, you’ve probably noticed it too. Over the past few weeks, many SEOs and digital marketers have reported unexpected shifts in rankings, especially on long-tail search queries. These aren’t your typical Panda or Penguin updates. They feel… different. Results seem to be getting better — […]
#AboutTime: Facebook Embraces Hashtags — But Should You?
It finally happened. As of June 12, 2013, Facebook officially supports hashtags. Once the domain of Twitter, hashtags are now clickable and searchable on Facebook, enabling users to see public conversations around specific words and phrases. The goal? Make it easier to follow trending topics and real-time conversations — and give Facebook a shot at […]
Responsive Design or Die: Why Your Website Must Go Mobile-First
By now, you’ve likely heard the buzz about responsive design — the ability for a website to adapt its layout based on the device viewing it. But in May 2013, this isn’t just a design trend. It’s a business necessity. With Google subtly shifting its algorithm toward mobile performance and smartphone adoption skyrocketing, “mobile-first” is […]
Facebook Lookalike Audiences: A Game-Changer for Social Advertising
As we move deeper into 2013, Facebook has quietly introduced what might be the most powerful new tool for digital marketers this year: Lookalike Audiences. At first glance, this may seem like another incremental update in the world of social advertising. But don’t let that fool you. This is a strategic shift in how we […]
The End of Google Reader & the Coming Content Shock: What It Means for Your Digital Strategy
Google just dropped a bomb on the digital community. On March 13, 2013, the company announced it will be shutting down Google Reader by July 1st. For many marketers, journalists, and SEO professionals, this is more than just the end of an RSS feed aggregator — it’s a wake-up call. In a world where we […]
Best Apps To Install On New Blackberry
Today the Internet is full of reviews, news and app lists developed for Apple iOS or Google Android. New Windows 8 gadgets also take their piece of public attention. But there is another player that should not be forgotten. It is Blackberry. As you might have heard, RIM is planning to release it new Blackberry […]
Natural Disaster Preparation in Your Pocket
Most of us are familiar with how convenient apps can make our lives these days. Do you need to map out your daily caloric intake? You’ve got it. Want one-button access to local movie showings? There’s no problem there either. What you may not know is that there are apps designed to even save your […]