Hi,

Use;

Redirect 301 /olddirectory/example.html http://www.example.com/newdirectorylocation.html

keep in mind that it is relative to document root, and if you have spaces in any of these, you will need to put quotation marks around like so...

Redirect 301 "/olddirectory/example 2 of 2.html" http://www.example.com/newdirectorylocation.html

hope this helps!

w00t!

if you want to do some more research  http://www.webweaver.nu/html-tips/web-redirection.shtml

You might be better with a server side tracker like http://awstats.sourceforge.net/

The answer from Mat probably has the best logic, but the only problem is are you legally responsible for mitigating the possibility of fraud?

I would make sure you add this to the contract, as I am not sure you are going to be able to defeat a proxy or spoofer, just in case the referrer gets smart and decides to work the system.

An anti fraud system can be put into place, but LOL I am not sure you will have the access to the multi million dollar fraud monitoring tools that Google does, that are contstantly updated and algorithmically and systematically monitor as well as have auditors who manually do random checks...

You have some good questions.

I seem to remember Rand doing either a WBF or a post.

All I could find was;

http://www.seomoz.org/blog/ten-question-litmus-test-for-professional-seos

Which is a good start once the interview process begins, (you could probably even make the questions themselves a little more niche specific as well)

Between the questions you have and putting together a rough outline of what you want to accomplish over the next 1 - 2 years is good to have as well, this way the SEO can put you on the correct path toward your goals. I would be looking more for an SEO Consultant or Web Strategy expert that specializes in SEO. Not a company that promises links and reports.

An SEO needs a relationship with the client on more than a "paper basis" in my opinion to truly understand the goals of the business, and make sure that each step in the path aligns with those goals

w00t!

Have Fun!

Never done it, but I would say no.

The benefits of Social, in my opinion do not come from a one time like or one time + It is the continuation of creating a genuine following that is niche related and active in your community.

Of course like most things in Search Engine Land, it could greatly help you until Google or Facebook picks up on the footprint. So I guess it is a gamble really. One that I personally would never take cause what benefits are you going to get from a bunch of irrelevant one time likes in the social sphere from accounts that are probably loners, or already on the spam radar?

I guess if you use it as a "starter" for a really great infographic, video or piece of content, it might help with initial exposure, then the REAL signals may carry you but still in my opinion it is a gamble and probably a waste of money that could be put into a real strategy instead of a shortcut.

w00t!

Yeah the 301 looks like it is correctly used, but I personally would not use canonical as well, in respect only to the redirect of "old pages" to "new pages"

In the instance of the products it does appear this is a good example of canonical needed.

All "staplers" pagination would canonical to the "Main" stapler page and so on and so forth.

This gets your users to the page to see the same product in a different color, but tells search engines that this is all the same "product". So for this "product" only the main page will result in search (page in which the canonicals for given product points to)

Hope this helps

once again #STOPSOPA 

Question 1

If i read it right it appears you are using 301 redirect and Canonical, Correct? If this is so,  the use of Canonical is redundant (possibly ignored by Gbot) but could cause issues.

Question 2

From the way it is described.. It would appear the only true canonical is www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=1 and should have <link rel="canonical" href="http://www.example.com/new-widget-category" />

The others depending on differences should not UNLESS

It is the same product, just different colors or something that does not change the product and what it does. But only changes the physical appearance. This would be an "acceptable" difference and "OK" to use canonical

EXAMPLE;

If...
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=1  (Product in blue)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=2   (Product in Red)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=3 (ect...)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=4 (ect...)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=5 (Ect...)

Then canonical is probably a good fit,

but if....

www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=1   (Widget to tell time)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=2   (Widget that cooks you breakfast)
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=3   So on and so forth..
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=4
www.example.com/new-widget-category.html?p=5

Then I would suggest not using the canonical and make the content on each page different

Hopefully i read your questions right and this helps

w00t!

#STOPSOPA    please

Hi,

I am in no way experienced with E-commerce as i have never done it, but from an SEO/Marketing perspective.

In my opinion Option 3 would be the most helpful both in SEO and Branding.

Because...

SEO - you have now consolidated your link building potential into one domain instead of spreading it out. Also this way you can get a little more keyword power without resorting to exact match tactics which personally I think are going to "fizzle" out over the next few years.

Marketing/Branding - You have created a better user experience and also the possibility of an up sell.. A person that is looking for a handbag, might also be looking for a matching pair of shoes... So use a "suggestion" algorithm at checkout that suggest "relevant" products. Option 3 in my opinion is also better for branding, as you can easier position yourself better in your filed as a "One Stop Shop" for all your "accessory" needs. If you have multiple different domains, it is hard to get a "brandname" going for yourself - even if you just sell other peoples brands.

I am sure others will have more suggestions, just my 2 cents

w00t!