Category: News

  • New Influencer Faces: Fall 2013

    We are excited to welcome nine new employees to the growing Search Influence team!

    Account Management Team

    JordanJordan Polhemus has joined Search Influence as a Junior Account Associate. She graduated Cum Laude from Georgia Southern University with a degree in entrepreneurship and a minor in marketing. While in college, she was in the University’s Honors Program and was an active member of Kappa Delta sorority. Before Search Influence, she was an asset manager for Keller Williams Realty.

    kristyKristy Roldan is SI’s new Senior Account Manager. She is a recent transplant from Los Angeles, CA. Before joining Search Influence, Kristy was as a Senior Account Executive at advertising agency RPA in Santa Monica, where she worked on the Honda account amongst other projects. Kristy graduated from California State University with a degree in business marketing.

    Sarah LustbergSarah Lustberg has been hired as a Junior Account Associate. Originally from New Orleans, Sarah attended American University in Washington, DC, where she received her bachelor’s degree in public communication. Prior to joining Search Influence, she worked as a Public Relations Assistant for the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group in New York.

     

    Production Team

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    Ian Adams has been hired as an Internet Marketing Associate. Originally from Portland, OR, Ian attended Loyola University in New Orleans where he received bachelor’s degree in economics. He previously worked for The World Trade Center of New Orleans as a Multimedia Production Intern.

    Devin Olsen

    Devin Olsen recently relocated to New Orleans from Tallahassee, FL and has joined SI as an Internet Marketing Associate. Devin has a marketing and web design background, having worked in the industry for Homes Media Solutions and Expedia.com.

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    Shaye Anderson has been hired as an Internet Marketing Associate. Having lived in eight different states, it is difficult to determine exactly where she is from. However, after attending Tulane and LSU, she is proud to call Louisiana home. Shaye previously worked as a teaching assistant in LSU’s philosophy department and served as a one of Delta Literary Journal’s editor-in-chiefs.

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    A New Orleans native, Caroline Robinson graduated from Tulane University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and psychology. Before becoming a Search Influence Internet Marketing Associate, Caroline worked as a Marketing and Administrative Assistant for Besh Restaurant Group and freelance writer for Rouses Magazine.

    Juese Wang

    Juese Wang has joined Search Infuence as an Internet Marketing Associate. She was born in China and raised in New Orleans. Juese is a student at Tulane University studying marketing and business law and plans on graduating in May 2014.

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    Zachary Goldrich has been hired as an Internet Marketing Associate. Originally from Los Angeles, CA, he is studying marketing and public relations at Tulane University. Before joining Search Influence, Zach worked as a photographer and as a licensing intern at Amygdala Music.

  • Team Building In the Workplace

    Sometime during the spring, I was invited to join the newly formed Team Building Committee for Search Influence. At first I had no idea why I was chosen and what we would be doing. I assumed we would just be planning office parties. Little did I know the activities we planned would be much more than simple get-togethers after office hours.

    Our ice cream party was a hit!
    Our ice cream party was a hit!

    Whether it’s been big events, like a crawfish boil or laser tag, or smaller gatherings, like an ice cream social or movie night, it’s been somewhat surprising (in a good way) to see how receptive an office can be to these ideas. One of the biggest keys I’ve noticed to making sure these events are successful is to ensure everyone feels like they are involved and they have a say in what types of things the office does.

    Additionally, not everyone is going to like the same thing, so finding the proper medium is important to having everyone enjoy the event. It’s also important to keep in mind that while some activities are fun, they might not be conducive to the team building incentive you’ve set. Every team building experience should be designed with goals in mind, such as improving employee morale or having everyone in the office get to know each other better.

    If you feel your office could use a boost, consider starting up a team building squad and get some ideas flowing. Be sure keep an eye on the Search Influence blog to see what we come up with in the future and to see examples of activities you could be doing!

  • Influencer Spotlight: Sarah Lustberg

    Sarah LustbergAfter growing up in New Orleans and graduating from McGehee, Sarah Lustberg got her degree in Public Communication from American University in Washington, DC, and promptly moved to NYC to pursue a career in PR – along with just about every other twenty-something in the world. After working for the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group (think Southern Living, Real Simple and Cooking Light), Sarah moved back home to New Orleans with her husband Casey and her dog Mario.

    How long have you been working at SI?

    Just started on October 7!

    As a Junior Account Associate, what do you find yourself doing at work on an average day?

    Since I’m still in training, it really depends on what I’ve most recently learned. You can find me doing anything from editing articles to researching keywords to scheduling Facebook posts for clients.

    What is your favorite thing about working at SI?

    I love that everyone in the office is so young! Also nice is the fact that I can wear leggings to work…

    Tell us a little more about your life in NOLA. In your free time, what do you do for fun around here?

    Taceaux Loceaux Kermit BBQ Pork and Seoul Man Chicken

    Since I moved away in 2006 and only returned a few months ago, I’ve been having lots of fun rediscovering all the cool things that there are to do around this city. From restaurants to music venues to bars, there’s always something exciting going on. When I’m not at work, you can usually find me out with friends stalking the Taceaux Loceaux truck.

    If you could identify yourself with one neighborhood in NOLA which would it be and why?

    This is a tough one! I’ve lived all over the place (Uptown, Old Metairie, Metairie, West Bank) but I have to say that the Warehouse District is my favorite these days. There’s just so much going on!

     

     

  • Search Influence: Home of Master Pumpkin Carvers

    PumpkinsAt Search Influence, we are a “Work hard, play hard” bunch! With it being the spooky Halloween season, a few of our account managers decided to get together to carve pumpkins! “Team Megan,” named for our Senior Account Manager, Megan Lindsey, left Search Influence promptly at 5:30pm on Thursday, October, 24th and drove straight to the nearest pumpkin patch.

    After picking out the perfect pumpkins, we all headed back to Sarah’s house. Once we were there, Megan whipped up some delicious taco soup (recipe listed below). While the soup was simmering on the stove, we got to work on the carving.

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     Carving our pumpkins. From left to right, Erika Karas, Julie Simmons, Jordan Polhemus, Samantha Wright and Sarah Gallagher

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    Between stencils, steak knives, pumpkin carving kits and some patience we brought our pumpkins to life. On the top left you’ll see Jordan Polhemus’ pumpkin. In an attempt to carve a southern take on “BOO!”, she had carved “Boo Y’all!!” into her pumpkin. This turned out to look more like “Hoo Y’all!!” but it was fitting as we had two owls! Megan Lindsey’s pumpkin, in the middle left, might just take flight! Sarah Gallagher is our team “Wanna-Be-Hipster” and free handed a crescent moon and stars onto her pumpkin! #nostencil

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    Top right we have our other owl, carved by Samantha Wright. Below we have Julie Simmon’s ghost. By the way, this pumpkin was carved exclusively with a steak knife. Julie wasn’t wasting any time on tiny pumpkin carving tools! Finally, at the bottom right, you have my (Erika Karas’) headless man! #stencilrequired

    After all of the pumpkins were carved, candles lit and pictures taken, we went back inside and roasted our pumpkin seeds. Between six pumpkins we made three types: cinnamon sugar, garlic, and salt and pepper!

    Happy Halloween from Team Megan!

    Megan’s Taco Soup Recipe:
    Ingredients
    2 pounds ground beef
    2 cups diced onions
    2 cans pinto beans
    1 can pink kidney beans
    1 can whole kernel corn, drained
    1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes
    1 can diced tomatoes
    1 can tomatoes with chiles
    2 cans diced green chiles
    1 package taco seasoning mix
    1 package ranch salad dressing mix
    Corn chips, for serving
    Sour cream, for garnish
    Grated cheese, for garnish
    Chopped green onions, for garnish

    Directions
    Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet; drain the excess fat, then transfer the browned beef and onions to a large slow cooker or a stockpot. Add the beans, corn, tomatoes, green chiles, taco seasoning, and ranch dressing mix, and cook in a slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or simmer over low heat for about 1 hour in a pot on the stove. To serve, place a few corn chips in each bowl and ladle soup over them. Top with sour cream, cheese and green onions.

  • Search Influence Wins Inc. Magazine’s Hire Power Award

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    We’re excited to announce that Search Influence was recognized as one of Inc. Magazine’s 2013 Hire Power Award winners. The award recognizes private American businesses that have generated the most jobs in the past three years. The Hire Power Awards are a “salute to the job creators who are restoring the lives and rebuilding the economy by putting Americans back to work.” The entire Search Influence team is incredibly proud to be recognized as a contributor to Louisiana’s job growth and economy.

    Search Influence generated 20 jobs from January 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013, placing us among the top four private business job creators within the state of Louisiana. Search Influence is among 437 private growth companies Hire Power Award honorees, leading the way in creating more American jobs. Search Influence founders Will and Angie Scott started Search Influence with just three employees shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans. Today, Search Influence has 55 full-time New Orleans-area employees in addition to our 25+ contract workers.

    “We’re really honored to be on this prestigious list,” Will Scott said. “We’ve focused on providing the products our customers need, and they’ve rewarded us with more business. Our growth in staff is an indication that we’re putting the right products in the market and putting our customers’ needs first.”

    To view the entire Inc. Hire Power list, click here.

  • X-TREME Team Building

    The Search Influence team took off early on Friday and headed to Adventure Quest for some good old-fashioned fun. Bumper cars, laser tag, blowing up terminators in the arcade—it was definitely our most extreme team building session yet. Below are some photos and a few quotes from Influencers about their favorite part of the day.

    Some of our wonderful account managers: (L to R) Jordan, Maggie, Rebekah, Laura, Alison, Jeanne, Sarah, and Gabrielle.
    Some of our wonderful account managers: (L to R) Jordan, Maggie, Rebekah, Laura, Alison, Jeanne, Sarah, and Gabrielle.

    “Showing off my mad air hockey skillz.” – Tracy Stoller

    Alison mastering skee-ball.
    Alison showing off her basketball prowess.

    “The amazed looks on everyone’s faces as they realized Leigh was a DDR champion.” -Luke Ledet

    Julie and Sarah racing.
    Julie and Sarah racing.

    “Running face first into a wall to avoid getting shot with a laser.” – David Fransen

    Mac, David, Jason, Rafiq (pre-war paint), and Will gearing up for the next game.
    Mac, David, Jason, Rafiq (pre-war paint), and Will gearing up for the next game.

    “When I first got there, I heard Rafiq laughing in the bathroom. David said, “You’ve gotta see this, dude,” and then Rafiq came out wearing gratuitous black paint on his face, still laughing at the application of it. Rafiq went on to destroy everyone at laser tag. All hail camouflage.” – Leigh Aucoin

    Rebekah was probably the most prepared for laser tag, wearing not only war paint, but also camouflage. I'm not sure if it helped her at air hockey at all though...
    Rebekah was probably the most prepared for laser tag, wearing not only war paint, but also camouflage. I’m not sure if it helped her at air hockey at all though…

    “Kicking butt in laser tag! Or trying to…” – Maggie Johnson

    Thank you  SI Team Building Committee for yet another successful event. We’re already looking forward to the next!

  • The Search Influence Life: A Six-Month Update

    I’m coming up on the six-month mark here at Search Influence, and in these last six months, I’ve come to really enjoy this company.  I’ve always been rather picky about where I work, as I like an atmosphere that encourages learning and team work.  I believe in positive reinforcement for a job well done and recognize the need for constructive criticism to ensure your work is up to the high standards clients deserve.  I prefer to dress casual, as I believe working comfortably and being yourself produces higher quality work consistently.  I’m a single father, and on occasion I have to leave work in order to make appointments with my son’s school or doctor. Because of that, I need an employer that can understand this and allow me some flexibility to ensure both my work and home responsibilities are taken care of.

    shane blogDuring my job hunting several months ago, I turned down several employment offers from companies that still believe in stuffy uptight office environments with little to no personality.  I accepted the offer to work here at Search Influence, because it seemed to have all of the qualities I look for.  I’m so happy to report Search Influence has delivered on all of my personal requirements in a job — and even gone above and beyond my expectations!

    My fellow employees are amazing, and they aren’t afraid to show you how much they appreciate it when you provide quality work.  This place is FULL of highly competent experts in the field — all more than willing to help another co-worker at a moment’s notice.  The management here comes through on its promises, encourages personal growth and seems to understand that happy employees are productive employees!  The internal team building committee provides paid time for co-workers to enjoy each other’s company outside of the office as well. I’m looking forward to kicking butt in the upcoming laser tag game!

    So thanks to Search Influence and to my fellow co-workers for making this the perfect job for me!

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  • Attention Small Business Owners! We’re Hosting a Complimentary Online Marketing Seminar.

    nola tech week

    Search Influence is hosting a complimentary Online Marketing Seminar as part of New Orleans Tech Week to help a limited number of New Orleans businesses grow their online presence and attract new customers.

    SI online marketing experts will teach seminar attendees the basics of search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, online advertising and reputation management. Attendees will learn how to gain more reviews online, build their customer base, and how to properly optimize their business websites/listings for better search engine results. We will also offer a comprehensive takeaway guide for attendees to take home after the session.

    The seminar will take place on Wednesday, October 9 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at our office at 8120 Oak Street in New Orleans. To register for the event, click here or go to www.nolaonlinemarketing.eventbrite.com. Due to the hands-on nature of this workshop we will only be able to accommodate 20 attendees.

    Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn from the best in the industry! Attendees are welcome to bring their laptops for the seminar.

    If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact: [email protected] or (504) 208-3900 x218.

  • Influencer Spotlight- Rafiq Mandal: Many Sigils, One Purpose

    Today I had the wonderful opportunity to sit down with fellow production department Influencer Rafiq Mandal and learn a little more about him. One of the most interesting things I learned about Rafiq is that he has a pet bearded dragon named Falcor (for all you The NeverEnding Story fans out there, yes, that’s where it’s from!). Rafiq was born in New York but grew up in Mexico City. He ended up in New Orleans when he decided to go to Loyola University. There, he studied creative writing as an English major and graduated in 2010.

    Rafiq of the Many

    About seven months ago, Rafiq joined the production department at Search Influence as an Internet Marketing Associate. On an average day, Rafiq spends much of his time troubleshooting technical issues with our keyword ranking software, making the keyword software run smoothly. Rafiq also writes, edits, and optimizes content for Search Influence. Rafiq says his favorite part about SI is the relaxed atmosphere and his colleagues: “We’re very open and know how to have a good time, even when things are tough and crazy. My coworkers are what makes Search Influence a great place to work.”

    Outside of work, Rafiq, like many other Search Influencers you may have heard about through this blog, plays Dungeons and Dragons. He also runs his own radio show through crescentcityradio.com. His show, “The Music of a Blue Haired Modern-Day Samurai,” airs on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. This broadcast features primarily Japanese-rock, Japanese-pop, Korean-rock, Korean-pop, and other Asian-influenced genres. Rafiq also sings in the St. Louis Cathedral choir on Sundays along with his brother who is an opera singer.

    I asked Rafiq what neighborhood of New Orleans he most identifies with and why. He said that he’s spent most of his time around Uptown, being someone who was introduced to New Orleans through college. Rafiq enjoys the fact that everything you need to access Uptown is within walking distance, very unlike his life in Mexico City.

    Rafiq, like myself, is a huge fan of Star Wars, so I figured I’d close this interview with a pretty tough Star Wars trivia question.

    Question:
    A member of what diminutive race finds Luke’s cut-off hand and light saber?

    Rafiq’s answer:
    On first thought, I didn’t think anyone would have it, but I guess it would have to be somewhere on Bespin, the cloud city. So I assume Ugnaughts since they are the only creatures there.

    REAL ANSWER?! Ugnaught! Go Rafiq!!

  • Seeking PPC Talent! Take Your Career to the Next Level at Search Influence.

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    Since our start in 2007, Search Influence has grown to be the largest online marketing firm on the Gulf Coast and the third largest advertising agency in New Orleans. As the most qualified Google AdWords company in Louisiana, we’ve had the opportunity to bring aboard some of the best talent in the online marketing industry, and we are looking to expand our team!

    Currently seeking an Online Advertising Associate to join our nationally recognized search marketing team, we are accepting applications from those with experience in online display advertising planning, negotiating and buying.

    Have Paid Search Experience?

    If preparing, analyzing and managing paid online advertising campaigns sounds like your ideal work day, look no further. Our paid search team manages on average $112,000 per month in Google Adwords for PPC campaigns, including search and display campaigns for our direct clients and partners’ customers.

    Our PPC Team responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

    • Analyze performance data to optimize for campaign performance
    • Execute and analyze monthly online advertising paid search budgets and reports
    • Maintain constant communication with Online Advertising Supervisor on account performance
    • Collaborate with Account Management team to fully understand client goals for each campaign
    • Track online advertising best practices, bid management systems, keyword developments, and industry trends
    • Explore online advertising alternatives and be innovative in recommending campaign solutions
    • Leverage online ads management platforms to increase effectiveness of account

    The Search Influence Culture

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    We’re a close-knit, tech-savvy office family, and we work to cultivate a positive environment that provides a sense of passion and teamwork to our everyday projects. With over 50 in-house employees, SI brings innovative and intelligent minds together under one roof to help small businesses grow online.

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    We’re located on New Orleans’ bustling Oak Street, which proves convenient come lunchtime with dining options that include Tru Burger, Pho Bistreaux, Mellow Mushroom and of course Oak Wine Bar for those nights that deserve a glass of wine (or two).

    Think You Have What it Takes?

    Preferred Skills:

    • Time management
    • Deadline driven
    • Creative
    • Strong writing and editorial skills
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; including phone and e-mail
    • Detail oriented and resourceful
    • Positive attitude / good sense of humor
    • Analytical skills
    • Ability to work independently

    You’ll Get First Look If You Have Any of These Qualifications:

    • Google AdWords Certified Individual (Search)
    • Google AdWords Certified Individual (Display)
    • Google Analytics Individual Qualification
    • Bing Ads Accredited Professional

    Are you Eligible?

    Requirements:

    • Bachelors Degree in Related Field of Study
    • An entrepreneurial mindset
    • Outgoing personality with great communications skills
    • Ability to demonstrate analytical skills, technical knowledge and attention to detail
    • Experience in online display advertising planning, negotiating and buying (including banner ads, rich media and more)

    Apply Today!

    Send your cover letter, resume, salary history (with proof of salary) and writing samples to [email protected]. No phone calls, walk-ins or hand-deliveries please.