It doesn’t matter what religion you are (or aren’t) – this video is funny and so relevant for a nerd like me! Thanks for sharing this with me John Miller!
Archive for social media
16
Oct 2010
Still Not On The Internet – Really?
I love the Saturday Night skits “Really!?! with Seth and Amy” – they’re funny yes, but they give a great perspective on situations. Gotta love that NY type of humor!
I just read in ClimbTheNet.com that a research by a private business forum showed “…that 1 in 5 businesses do not have a website and 18% said that they do not include Internet marketing or advertising in their marketing mix.”
REALLY?
I’m surprised, I mean in today’s economy, when it’s so important to carve out a niche for your business, the concept that a 5th of private companies in the USA are just ignoring the Internet. I’m sure (although I don’t know the amount) there was a percentage of businesses who ignored Radio when it first started. Another percentage ignored TV when it first started. Wonder where those companies are now?
The Internet Is Not Magic
I believe there are several reasons why companies (especially small companies) don’t take advantage of the Internet.
1) They think the price will be phenomenal. It’s true, most Internet marketing companies do charge a hefty fee and they’re justified in most of their charges. After all, Internet marketing is not magic, it’s very hard work. But there are companies out there (like Eckweb) that are extremely affordable. The payback is very much worth it!
2) They tried a website or blog or Facebook but after a little while, they gave up because they didn’t see any results. Well, again, Internet marketing is not magic, it’s hard work. No, it’s not rocket science either but anyone marketing, or attempting to market a website needs to know how search engines work, needs to have the proper tools (which cost money) and they need to have the creativity and energy to be on the constant lookout for new trends.
Just Because You Don’t Understand It – Doesn’t Mean You Should Avoid It
I admit, I don’t know much about cars. I know to put the key in, I know it needs gas, I know I need to get the oil changed and the tires checked and that’s pretty much it.
Extremely basic. But, just because I don’t really understand it, doesn’t mean I’m going to avoid driving one.
Businesses need to recognize and accept the fact that the majority of their target audience (unless their target audience is 90+ years of age) is on the Internet. Did you know that…
1) 70% of consumers go online first for local business information.
2) 69% of consumers are more likely to use a local business if it has information available on a social media site.
3) 78% of consumers want special offers, promotions and information (via the internet).
4) 74% value regular posts about products
5) 1 out of 6 searchers are dissatisfied with their ability to find reliable information (this tells me that the lack of attention businesses pay to their websites results in lost sales).
Above info from smallbiztrends
Stop Waiting – Start Acting
You know that story about the guy sitting on the roof of his house during a flood praying to God to rescue him. A boat comes to rescue him and he declines, saying that God will save him. A while later another boat comes by but the man again declined saying God would save him. Finally, a helicopter came and the man again declined, saying God will save him. After he drowned he arrived at heaven and said, “God, I though you were going to save me.” God said, “I sent you 2 boats and a helicopter, what more did you expect?”
The lesson is learn to recognize an opportunity. The Internet is an amazing opportunity – don’t miss it.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
24
Sep 2010
Small Business Owners Beginning To Realize The Impact Of The Internet
Well, I have to say that after 11 years of Internet marketing I’m still “promoting” the concept of Internet marketing – especially to small business owners. I can’t tell you how many clients I have who gawk at spending $3000.00 a year for Internet marketing but yet, they quickly spend $5000.00 for a yellow page ad!
I don’t get it.
But yesterday, I saw a little flashlight at the end of this long tunnel.
I was speaking with a client who has been “dragging their feet” on getting the Internet marketing process begun on their website. She admitted she had taken too long, but she was now ready and wanted it right away!!
What turned her around?
She placed ads in local papers, yellow book and local radio for her new day spa in Fort Lauderdale and got ZILCH results. She sent out 300 emails and got a 10% result. Cost for the print ads? (She wouldn’t tell me). Cost for the emails? (Just her time). She told me, “Print is dead…” – I think she finally gets it!!
So, the next time your Internet Marketing manager tells you to make a change to your website or to add something, etc. Listen to them!!!! They’re not just blowing smoke up you know what…they’re telling you what they know, that Online direct marketing and social media marketing (in other words, Internet) are where your customers are and where your sales are!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
05
Mar 2010
Google’s Idea Of How We’ll Acess The Internet
In an article at The Register, “Google’s European sales chief says that desktop PCs will be “irrelevant” in three years.”.
Why should we care what the “European sales chief” says? Well, considering the fact that Europe (and Asia) are 3 years ahead of the United States in mobile technology, we can safely assume that this “European sales chief” knows what he is talking about. He’s already seen the amazing usage and expansion of mobile and tablet pc’s – he sees it every day.
The United States is just starting to get into that market but yet, I’m sure that even if you don’t use a mobile phone or tablet PC, that you know at least ONE person who does. So, even though we are just beginning to see the impact of mobile Internet, as someone once said, “You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
So, as a small business owner, as a website owner, how are you going to leverage your company to take advantage of this trend? After all, if Google thinks it’s the wave of the future, the chances are it most likely will be. So, what are you going to do? How can you take advantage of it? How can you use it?
Here are some thoughts…
1) Don’t wait any longer to go mobile. If you haven’t yet made sure that your website is easily accessible by mobile users, don’t wait anymore. Get your designer on the task immediately.
2) Think Global. In many rural areas across the globe, mobile is cheaper and easier to get. This means the number of people going online is increasing much faster with mobile usage. If your product or service reaches a global audience, make sure you’re addressing the needs of each culture so that you can take advantage of global sales.
3) Think Local. The benefits of mobile and local businesses is tremendous. In order to take advantage of this you must position yourself in all the local maps and directories. I’m talking about Google Maps, Bing Maps, Yahoo Maps. I’m talking about Yelp and Foursquare. If you want to be found my local customers, make sure they can find you from their mobile phones. Again put your designer or seo firm on this task.
4) Go Social. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are just some of the social media program you must take advantage of. This is how you “go viral”. One person talks about you and passes it on to their friends, etc. The great surge of usage of social media programs is from mobile units. Take advantage of this by putting yourself in front of all those people.
Mobile and tablet technologies are not going away, they’re coming and they’re coming fast. Be pro-active and begin the process of getting your business ready for this technology. You’ll be better off for it.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
eckweb |
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| Tags: global marketing, google, internet marketing, local marketing, mobile internet, tablet pc
01
Mar 2010
Some Interesting Facts About The Internet
Every once in a while an interesting set of facts get put together in a somewhat entertaning manner – this video is one of them.
16
Feb 2010
Your Customers Are Changing – You Keeping Up?
The future world of customers is rapidly changing and as a business owner, you MUST keep up. I know, technology has taken over our lives and our businesses but in many ways, it’s still in the first stages. We’re still in the “model T” era of integrating computers and technology into our businesses. This video below is just one example:
What Cisco is trying to tell you with their “borderless business” concept is that growing your business in the future means integrating technology into your business today. And integrating technology in such a way that the possibilities are seemingly endless.
It’s really all about bringing people and ideas together. No matter where you are on the planet, technology can bring you two together. So, it doesn’t matter what you do or sell, if you can establish yourself as an expert in your field, you will be sought out. By everyone searching for your expertise.
Your customers are changing because they’re getting smarter. They’re learning everyday more and more about how to conduct searches on the Internet. How to use social media for reviews and background checks, (well, sort of background checks). They’re doing what their parents did at business chamber meetings, they’re listening to what others are saying about you only this generation is doing the majority of the listening online. Via emails, blogs and other social media venues, they’re listening.
So, as a small business owner, your job to keep up with all of this is to establish yourself as an expert in your field AND make yourself available via multiple venues. Here’s how you can accomplish this and build your business.
1) Showcase what you know via a blog. Use that blog to “talk” to your customers. Tell them what you’re up to, what the company is up to, what the industry is up to. Give them facts and details but keep the information as informal and “laymen” as possible. The idea isn’t to dazzle them with fancy words, the idea is to dazzle them with what you can do for them.
2) Make yourself known through social media. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and now Google’s Buzz are all the rage. Why? Because they’re easy to use. Quick, fast and filled with tons of information about individuals, companies and much more. Your customers will get to know you and your company.
3) Invite others to follow you, join you, listen to you, etc. If you’re taking the time to use social media then flaunt it. Place your social media icons everywhere. On your email signature, in your website, everywhere! Get folks to follow you, listen to you. They are your greatest assets.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
10
Feb 2010
Buzzing About The Buzz
Many of you use Gmail – and you’re in the majority if you do. You may notice a small change on your Gmail panel. Right under “Inbox” in the left column you may notice the word “Buzz” – if it’s there, then you have been Buzzed. You are now able to use Google’s latest social media marketing gadget.
What is Buzz? Think of it as Google’s very own Twitter. The benefit is that it’s right there on Gmail. So, no need to open a separate screen of have a separate account or window open. Your email, your chats and now your Tweets can all be performed, viewed, responded to right from the Gmail control panel. Pretty slick.
Will it take over Twitter? Who knows, it’s anybody’s guess as to what programs will still be in use months from now but one thing is for sure. The ease of using this new gadget can’t be beat.
If you’ve already been buzzed, feel free to follow me at eckweb@gmail.com. I’ll post my daily tips, notes and comments about this crazy SEO / Internet Marketing industry and hopefully you’ll find them useful for your own marketing.
Happy Buzzing.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
05
Feb 2010
Writing Isn’t Always So Easy!
Yesterday, my business coach pointed out that I very much write like I talk. He told me “…that’s a good thing.” (I wasn’t sure!). But he then followed it up by commenting on my “tone” when I write. (So, I’m assuming it’s when I talk as well).
Anyway, he mentioned that I “challenge my readers” – in not a very nice way. Hmmm – at first I didn’t really understand but after he pointed out some examples to me I got the idea. I guess that’s the Sicilian in me coming out – I’ll have to watch that. So, if I sound a bit “rough” in my blogs, I apologize, it’s truly not intended. But feel free to let me know when you notice it in my writings.
I know I try to get my clients to write as much as possible and many of them tell me it’s not easy but I remind them that if they can talk, they can write. Blogs are so perfect for that. Just say what’s on your mind and say it as if you were talking to someone over lunch. Sure, everyone could have “better” writing, but, we could also all be better drivers. That doesn’t seem to be stopping us from driving!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
03
Feb 2010
TinyBin for You Text Messaging Fanatics
Do you love to text message? Are you constantly text messaging? Well, maybe not “constantly” but very often?
Are you frustrated with having to shorten your content within “x” number of characters?
Check out TinyBin.com – it’s free!
Basically, you go to tinybin.com – enter in a phrase or word that will become part of the URL that will be YOUR message. Type what you want, it can be any size. When you’re done, you are given..
1) A Direct Link – a url to your copy (so you can text message that url)
2) HTML link – you can insert this into some web copy if you so desire, or even your blog.
3) A link for forums and message boards
4) A link for Social DNS users.
Here’s my direct URL of my first TinyBin content – http://tinybin.com/eckweb
I’m not sure how it can be integrated besides using it for text messaging but the truth is, mobile web is just taking off here in the USA so it’ll be interesting to see what programs, apps, etc. will be coming in the next few years. Who knows, this type of program may be very handy!
Give it a try!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
eckweb |
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| Tags: text messaging
14
Jan 2010
Social Media Has Gone Country!
Just spotted this great little video on youtube and wanted to share it.
How creative is that?
eckweb |
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