Googlers will be one step closer to William Way LGBT Community Center after the organization took the top prize in a social-media contest earlier this month.
The center received the most “likes” in a Facebook contest hosted by SEER Interactive, a search-engine optimization group, topping seven other local nonprofits.
As its reward, the center will be the focus and beneficiary of SEO conference “Did You Google It?” June 22 and will receive $20,000 worth of website and SEO consultation, applications and programs.
SEER business development manager Jamie Blomquist said most nonprofits face challenges in establishing their strongest possible web presence.
“When you look at the online world, it’s not a level playing field,” she said. “Nonprofits like William Way are going up against companies with tremendous budgets and who can sink more resources and time into their online presence.”
Blomquist said SEER was eager to offer its own web expertise to alleviate that burden.
After a 10-day campaign, William Way finished with 680 “likes,” topping a diverse group of nonprofits that offer such services as domestic-violence and cancer-support programs.
The contest was the first of its kind that the company offered, she said, noting the company moved into a refurbished church in Northern Liberties a few months ago, opening the opportunity to host community events like the upcoming conference.
The conference will feature presentations by SEER’s founder Wil Reynolds and SEO consultant Ethan Lyon, as well as Distilled’s Tom Critchlow and iAcquire’s Mike King, who will demonstrate tools and linking strategies to help William Way move up the chain in Internet searches.
All donations collected at the event, held 6 p.m. at 1028 N. Third St., will go to William Way.
While the event will concentrate on the center, it is designed to have a wide applicability.
“This is meant for any organization — especially nonprofits or small businesses — that want to learn more about what it takes to optimize a site and perform well on search engines,” Blomquist said. “Anyone who’s doing this themselves or bootstrapping should come … because there will be a lot that they can bring back to apply to their own sites.”
SEER, Distilled and iAcquire will offer the free consultation to William Way, which is preparing to embark on a site redesign, making the timing optimal.
“We’re very grateful to partner with SEER Interactive,” said center executive director Chris Bartlett. “They’re one of the top companies in the country for search-engine optimization, web design and online community building, and it’s a huge benefit for the William Way to receive their services pro bono. We’re excited to partner with them to bring William Way’s web presence firmly into the 21st century.”
For more information or tickets, go to seerinteractive.ticketleap.com/did-you-google-it/.