Daily Internet Brief
Facebook Updates Messages Layout
Facebook unveiled its revamped layout for its Messages product. The new look is reminiscent of traditional email and features a side-by-side layout, along with the ability to add photos, files and emoticons to messages. (Inside Facebook)
Google Webmaster Tools Adds Search Query Alerts
Google Webmaster Tools has a search query alert feature that lets site administrators know when changes occur in impressions and clicks for top pages. It also displays recommended actions for webmasters. (Search Engine Watch)
Will Yahoo Acquire Foursquare?
Some are expecting Yahoo’s new CEO Marissa Mayer to put her stamp on the company by making a big acquisition soon. Foursquare is a likely target. An acquisition of Foursquare would bolster Yahoo’s “SoLoMo” (social, local and mobile) presence, and will strengthen its mobile apps. It also makes sense given that Mayer was in charge of Google’s local assets. (Marketing Land)
53 Things Link Builders Must Know
There’s an increasing number of people who build bad links and have no clue what they’re doing, thanks to the supply and demand of links and the opportunities for self-promotion via social media. In order to be a good link builder, you should know everything on this comprehensive list. Among them are why links matter, how to read a robots.txt file, how to do a link audit and what link juice is. (Search Engine Land)
Website Conversion Opportunities Not to Miss
Once you get the conversion basics down, it’s time to move on to ways you can improve your website’s ability to convert. Among the nine ways shared here are leveraging social proof, featuring new offers and reducing friction. (HubSpot Blog)
Daily Deals:
Top Groupon Salesperson Leaves
Jayna Cooke, Groupon’s top salesperson, has left the company. This is the cherry on top of Groupon’s recent woes, not to mention increasing reports of unhappy salespeople who are burdened by the demands of CEO Andrew Mason. (Forbes)
Groupon Executives Get Rewarded With More Options
According to a Groupon filing, the company has awarded extra options to two executives. What company problems? (SiliconBeat)
Kal Raman to Revamp Groupon’s Sales and Payment Processes
Groupon’s new operations chief, Kal Raman, is trying to overhaul the company’s sales and payments processes. The former Amazon retail executive has begun to change Groupon’s payments system, trim sales support jobs and push new technology. Part of the change involves introducing four sets of technology to make its sales force more efficient. (Reuters)
Did Groupon Goods Make Groupon Worse?
Groupon Goods did well in the second quarter, but inventory costs decreased profit margins. But Groupon Goods is an appealing alternative to warehouse clubs for consumers. It also offers a nice way for merchants to sell excess inventory. (SocialTimes)
Dealery Launches Deal of the Month Club
Dealery, a deals and coupons site, has launched its Deal of the Mont Club, “delivering themed packages containing movie tickets, restaurant.com gift cards, as well as voucher codes for wine, beauty products, travel vouchers and more with the total package value over $75.” The club requires a monthly subscription fee. (Daily Deal Media)
Interview With Technology Review
Fred Wilson sat down with MIT’s Technology Review, the university’s alumni magazine. He talked about the venture capital business. (A VC)
