6 Handy iPhone Apps for SEMs

I'm not what you'd call an "Apple Fan Boy" – at least not in the most traditional sense – but I am fan of the Apple iPhone... a big fan at that. However, that wasn't always the case.

Like most people, I was a very skeptical when the iPhone first debuted. I remember thinking could Apple really deliver a single handheld device that is capable of solving all of my communication and mobile media needs (not to mention 1000s of day-to-day needs), while further connecting me with friends, work, and the online world? At first, I wasn't convinced that it could and so I passed on it. However, it didn't take me long to see the light. Both Bossman and my friend Drew had iPhones and were constantly showing off its talents. I ended up purchasing the 3G model a few months later and have been in geek heaven ever since.

If you're an iPhone user, then you're already aware of the hundreds of thousands of apps that are readily available for download. However, today I'd like to highlight 6 very specific apps that I use on a semi-daily basis and that have helped me to be a better search marketer.

1. Google
Aside from having the ability to search Google for everyday queries, I often use this app to check up on my client's organic and paid search listings while I'm away. This really comes in handy when I'm in a different state and want to see how Google's location parameters affect organic search rankings, or when I need to verify the accuracy and delivery of certain ad / promotion copy.

Performing these tasks isn't as difficult or time consuming as one might think. The Google app is equipped with voice recognition technology – easily the best I have ever used – and so searching Google is as easy as speaking your choice keywords into the phone.

2. Pro RSS
Pro RSS is a mobile RSS reader that allows me to quickly connect to all of my favorite industry related blogs, newsletters, and resources. I find myself using this app when I'm at the airport (even in the air), riding shotgun on a long trip, or even when I have a few moments to kill while the wife gets ready to go out. I love the idea of staying updated on industry happenings when I'm away from my computer. Plus, in some situations, it helps to kill time – much like a newspaper or magazine might.

While there are several RSS apps available, I chose Pro RSS because it has the ability to link-up with my Google Reader account (as well as other RSS readers) and sync my new and old feeds. This perk means that I do not have to manage 2 separate lists of feeds, and ensures that I only see new content.

3. RedDelicious
RedDelicious is an app that provides me with quick mobile access to all of my Delicious bookmarks. With one push of my right thumb, I can access, browse, and even read any one of the industry related bookmarks I have registered - articles, guides, how-tos, tips and strategies, research reports, tools, and other viable resources.

This app has saved me on a couple of occasions as I mainly use it to brush up on a particular topic before meeting with clients or industry friends, and, similar to my Pro RSS app, I also use this app to entertain myself while traveling or when I have time to kill.

4. LinkedIn
Having LinkedIn on my iPhone has literally made my life easier. With a few quick thumb taps I am easily able to access all of my industry connections and their contact information from anywhere. This comes in handy when I'm attending conferences and want to meet up with industry friends at a particular session or most likely at the hotel bar. This app is like having a second "Contacts" application specifically for my network of industry friends.

5. Twitterific
Twitter this. Twitter that. Twitter is everywhere these days... even on my iPhone. Twitterific is a Twitter app that allows users to manage and update their Twitter account on the go. I primarily use this app as a way to remain social with my little community of followers, as well as to keep updated on recent industry happenings.

6. Skype
The Skype app is exactly the same as Skype for your computer, just in mobile form. Skype is the preferred chat client in our office and so I use this app to stay connected with my team when I'm away on vacation or off attending search conferences. It works beautifully.

Moving forward, as mobile technology continues to improve I imagine that one day soon we could see mobile versions of PPC platforms and website editing programs – therefore allowing SEMs the ability to manage their search marketing campaigns on the fly. However, until then, these are the 6 most valuable apps (that I know of) that continue to help me be a better search marketer. What about you? What apps do you use to assist in your search marketing efforts?

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