Linkscape's index has updated with new data crawled in the past 30 days, Rand Fishkin tells us. This update gives him an opportunity to show off a few features based on the Web's use of search-specific tags and directives, such as follows and nofollows. Fishkin also runs through some changes made to the definition of "followed" and "nofollowed" links driven through the API. These changes were made based on feedback from people using it.

Ann Smarty tells us about two Firefox add-ons "for those addicted to Google Analytics numbers." She describes one as having the ability to display Web site traffic stats in a browser's status bar to display the current day. The other tool lets users display the data and set the date period for any day, week month or year. Smarty writes that the second tool claims to have "multi-account" option, but even this tech-savvy SEO guru wasn't able to make it work to her liking.

Rand Fishkin steps through how to determine the kinds of links you should pursue, and what they need to accomplish. Knowing this can save marketers time, money, and frustration, Fishkin writes. He describes how to segment your link strategy and focus on areas of weakness. He explains how links from respected Web sites can help your site rank above the competition.

Andrew Goodman shares the results from a bid increase (ad position) test. The goal was to find out whether the slight increase in average ad position on a core keyword generates enough volume at a reasonable return on investment (ROI) to justify the more aggressive bid. He describes the test, data and results, but keeps the names and product line fictitious to protect confidentiality.

Google has launched Google Analytics App Gallery to compile the growing number of apps from developers. The gallery contains several categories with about 32 applications contributed by Google Certified developers and partners. Trevor Claiborne explains how to publish the apps for developers who want to share. He also points to several reports in AdWords that enables marketers to break out their AdWords traffic by search query, match type, distribution network, and many other AdWords attributes. Google also added reports for day parting, placements, and destination URLs.

Localize, don't translate, according to Judith Lewis. In other words, don't take copy written in English for the U.S. market and translate it into Italian to reach consumers in Italy. She explains the importance of giving each country, even region, specific attention to not only words but colors to fit in with the culture and language.

Nick LeRoy provides example of keywords that many keyword tools identify as "nearly worthless," one of which he found produced more than 300 visits per month. He walks through an example and points to warnings marketers should identify. He also provides instructions on what to do if the keyword tool you use doesn't have any information on how to test the value of keywords.

Health topics have been on the minds of consumers, so it's no surprise WebMD's advertising and sponsorship revenue in the public portal contributed 80% to earnings this quarter, increasing 28% to $86.3 million. The company attributes part of the uptick to SEO.

Combining search and social marketing strategies has increasingly become the norm for online marketers. Crispin Sheridan tells us how to integrate Twitter into search campaigns. He explains how to work with social media teams or agencies to improve processes and results.

Administrators now have the ability to remove individual users from appearing in contact sharing, also referred to as a global address list, when that option is enabled. The post provides directions on how to access the feature. It's only available in English, Premier and Education Editions.