Skip to ContentSkip to Main Site NavigationSkip to Right NavSkip to Site Utility Navigation

News 

Beacon Tapped By Google Again

August 28, 2008

Local Tech Firm One of Nine in the U.S. to Serve as WOAC

GREENSBORO, NC — Mark Dirks, president of Beacon Technologies, does not speak Klingon. But it makes you wonder when he tells you how thrilled he is that Beacon is now both a "gak" and a "woh-ack".

Hang around Beacon for a little while, however, and you'll soon realize that being a Google Analytics Authorized Consultant (otherwise known as a GAAC or "gak") and a Google Website Authorized Consultant (otherwise known as a WOAC or "woh-ack") is not only a coup for Beacon but for its customers as well. After Beacon was tapped to be a GAAC by Google in 2007, it provided consulting for The Princeton Review (NJ), Wharton Business School (PA), Brooklyn Law School (NY), Bassett Furniture (VA), Community Energy (PA) and just completed its first seminar in a very focused mission to help North Carolina companies take full advantage of the Internet.

Google's selection of Beacon as an official WOAC is particularly important for Dirks. "It's the last piece of the puzzle we've working hard to finish," said Dirks. "Many components make up success on the Web, but there are three essential ingredients, Search Engine Marketing, Web Analytics and Conversion Optimization which is tech-speak for get people to your business, study their behavior and help them buy."

Beacon now serves as one of only a handful of Google Website Optimizer Authorized Consultants in the United States. The 100+ page application composed of a collection of case studies, technology experience, customer references, methodology and its ability to provide both development and marketing made Beacon a "slam dunk" for Google. "We set rigorous criteria for admission to the WOAC program to ensure that only expert Web analytics firms with proven track records and serious client lists make the cut," said Brian Kelly, Google AdWords Account Strategist. "It was clear that Beacon Technologies was a great fit for the program and would make an excellent partner."

It's good to be a WOAC, even if it sounds a bit Trekkie because it allows Beacon to offer its clients the fullest spectrum of Web services possible, not just data collection. "Google Analytics allows you to know what your customers are doing and where they are coming from, but couple that with Google Website Optimizer and you double your ability to make the sale," said Dirks. "In the early days, people had an 'if you build it, they will come' idea about websites which was so wrong!" says Dirks. "You not only had to build it, but you had to build a nice road to it with plenty of signage." That's when search engine marketing became important. "There was so much emphasis on 'hits' and 'visitors' in the early days now it's all about conversions," Dirks continues.

Beacon will be traveling to the GooglePlex in California again this November for both the GAAC and WOAC conferences where they collaborate with Google and other consultants from all over the world.

If you google "Web development," Beacon doesn't appear in the top four just because they can do some tech-heavy lifting when it comes to optimizing existing sites, they also offer high-end design to clients and can make flash simple-to-use with content management solutions. Learn more at www.beacontechnologies.com.

About Beacon Technologies

Beacon Technologies excels in providing internet search engine marketing services, primarily through search engine optimization (organic placement) and paid placement strategies. The company provides varying levels of services to companies of all sizes and verticals nationwide. Beacon also delivers high end web graphic design, web software development, content management solutions and dependable hosting services.

Return to News Listing

Our Clients
Bassett Furniture
  • Cascade Server CMS
  • Creative, elegant design for VA furniture company
  • Cool "Rooms We Love", "Fabrics We Love" Apps
  • Custom product interface from JD Edwards ERP.
  • Nextopia Site Search
  • Regional Stores managed thru common CMS template
  • Integration to multiple 3rd party systems
  • Google Analytics / Comprehensive Web Marketing Services
  • Custom Dedicated Hosting Services
  • eCommerce by Geography (Admin function to assign orders to stores)
The Princeton Review
  • Extensive PPC Management across multiple User Interfaces
  • Custom Analytics with Advanced Funnel Visualization
  • Conversion Optimization with Site Overlays
  • Dynamic Phone Tracking for improved channel ROI measurements
  • Organic Optimization for Better Rankings and Visibility
Winston-Salem State University
  • Cascade Server CMS Implementation, includes Mobile version
  • Migrated 3500 pages from previous website to brand new design & nav structure
  • Required very collaborative, organized effort with WSSU organization
  • Integrated / Configured Google Maps for Campus
  • Trained 40 users and coordinated 14 Content Owner Groups
  • Included onsite infrastructure assessment of technology, capacity
  • Softly integrated social media channels into new website
  • Designed specifically for multiple audiences (students, parents, alumni, faculty)
  • Implemented Google Mini (for site search)