SEO Coach Mike Allan

04/10/2025

10/11/2024

I came across an article on the Toronto Star website about what to do with the bags of recyclable bags it seems everyone collects.

Of course, I can't repost it here, thanks to Zuck. But I figured out a workaround. I fired up ChatGPT and fed it the article after asking for a summary in the form of a Facebook post. Here's the result:

Got too many reusable bags piling up? Food banks across the GTA are happy to take them! 🛍️ These bags help reduce costs and make it easier to distribute essentials to those in need. Before donating, check with your local food bank to see if they need reusable bags or other items like menstrual products, diapers, or canned goods. Let's help those in need this Thanksgiving! 🍂

An even better idea? Fill a couple with some of the suggested products.

09/30/2024

A blast from the past. GEOCITIES! 😂🤣

Scheduled Airport Bus/Van Shuttle Service Boston Logan Logan Express Mermaid Transportation Co Zebra Shuttle Calgary Airport Shuttle Express Cardinal Coach Lines Pacific Western Chicago Midway Bluebird Charter Coach Coach USA Tri State Coach USA United Coach USA Van Galder Coach USA Wisconsin Coach....

09/30/2024

I don't normally talk politics on Facebook for various reasons. But, as someone who works in SEO, I have to chuckle at the idea of suing Google for ranking "bad stories." For those unfamiliar with how search engines work: Google's algorithms don't have a political bias—they rank content based on factors like relevance, authority, and timeliness. If negative stories appear about someone, well... that might be because there are a lot of them in circulation (and I wonder why!).

Also, trying to prosecute a search engine for "election interference" because of unfavourable rankings shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the internet works. Search engines don't curate news; they index what’s already there, based on the data they crawl. Instead of suing Google, maybe a better approach would be to focus on not being the brunt of bad news stories. Just a thought!

09/25/2024

I can't repost a news article, huh Zuck?

Here, hold my, umm, coffee.

Doug Ford Announces Proposal for Tunnel under Highway 401 to carry more traffic

Call it Doug’s big dig.

Premier Doug Ford is touting a tunnel under Highway 401, possibly from Brampton all the way to Scarborough, to carry more traffic as GTA roads become increasingly crowded.

“Ontario is growing too fast and we need to do more,” he said Wednesday at Islington and 401 with heavy — but moving — rush-hour traffic on the highway behind him.

Ford said the province will launch a feasibility study to determine more details and costs but insisted “we’re getting the tunnel built.”

Acknowledging that critics will dismiss the proposal, he said “I know this is an ambitious idea and some people will say it can’t be done.”

The plan is reminiscent of Boston’s controversial “Big Dig” that replaced above-ground highways through downtown with tunnels but ran years long and horrendously over budget.

He would not estimate a cost for the 401 project, which if it is ever built would be one of the largest public infrastructure projects in the world.

More to come.

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Geez, it's too bad there isn't a highway that bypasses Toronto, say from Hwy. 12 in the East to 410 in the West. Oh, wait! There is, but Harris sold it to a Spanish construction consortium for peanuts!

07/29/2024

The most Canadian thing ever is knowing what to say after a female computer voice says "Winner...."

07/28/2024

Did you clean the garage?

Sorta.

07/16/2024

Hey everyone,

I've come across something that we all need to be aware of, especially since we spend time on Facebook. There are some a-holes out there who are playing on our emotions and goodwill with fake missing person posts. Yeah, it's as low as it sounds.

Here’s how they do it: They post pictures of missing kids, elderly folks, or pets, tugging at our heartstrings to get as many shares as possible. The kicker? These posts usually pop up in local buy-and-sell groups. Once they've gotten a bunch of shares, they switch things up and turn these posts into rental scams or other shady schemes.

Take a look at this compilation some savvy folks put together to help spot these scams:

Tugs at Your Heartstrings: They often feature vulnerable people or pets.
Originates from Buy/Sell Groups or Sketchy Websites: If it’s not from an official police page or a known organization, be wary.
No Contact Info: These posts lack a phone number, name, or agency to contact.
Comments Turned Off: If you can't comment, something fishy is probably going on.
Before you hit that share button, take a moment to verify. Check if there's an official report from the police or a reliable news outlet. If it feels off, it probably is. Reporting these posts can help stop the spread of these scams.

Let's stay smart and keep our community safe. Share this post to spread awareness and keep an eye out for these fraudulent schemes!

Stay safe and savvy, friends!

06/28/2024

At my last agency we got the Friday before a long weekend off. Not here. This place sucks and my boss is a jerk.

06/06/2024

When the AI Overlords take over, I know I'm going to be in their good graces.