If you haven’t been keeping up with the changes in the Internet Industry – let me be the one to tell you that 2010 brought about MANY, MANY changes.

In 2010:

1) Google changed their algorithim 300 times.  That means they tweaked and changed the rules of how websites are indexed 300 times.  They plan to continue this process.
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2) Social Media has exploded and if you don’t have a Facebook or Twitter account, well, you won’t be able to compete on the Internet.

3) Video has exploded.  Youtube traffic has increased to the point that it’s the second most used search engine on the planet.   With the integration now of Internet TV Boxes, it’s just a matter of time before Internet video marketing grows even more.

4) QR codes began hitting the mainstream.   Wrapping paper made of QR codes linking to videos.  A gift wrapping a gift!

It’s intense, I know.  So much happening, so little time to keep up and even less time to actually implement the changes!  Believe me, I know!!

But, with all that being said, I’m very happy to be able to say that I am taking my company, Eckweb, through this storm!  We’re determined to continue providing affordable Internet marketing services for small businesses and in today’s economy, that’s saying alot!

Our goal in 2011 is to work closer with small businesses and help them to understand all these complexities!  As a small business owner, you don’t have to know the details of every change that has to take place on your website, or your Internet marketing campaign, but you do need to understand the concepts.  It’s this fact (understanding the concepts) that can help you make educated decisions on where to take your Internet marketing campaign.

That’s our goal, to make Internet Marketing Clear and Simple.

Check out our new site at eckweb and keep on checking as we begin the process of streamlining each section of the website to make the entire Internet marketing process for you simpler.

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.

For many years I lived in South Florida and for many years, while I was there, I often visited the Riverwalk in Ft Lauderdale.  If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s a busy street of shops, bars, restaurants along the New River in Broward County.  There are usually several bands playing, lots of folks walking their dogs, birds, lizards, whatever (you know South Florida – it’s crazy down there!).  Anyway, the Riverwalk was always one of the very best things to do in Ft Lauderdale.

Just the other day a friend of mine told me that the restaurants in that area are closed.  During this “snow bird season” the Riverwalk is normally filled with people, music and entertainers.  But, as she walked there last Saturday, there were just a handful of people walking around.  Many shops were closed, almost all the restaurants were shut down.

Of course that news saddened me and it also surprised me a bit because I didn’t realize the impact the recession has had on that economy.  Now that I live in Atlanta, I just don’t see the impact of the recession here as much.  Hmm – maybe John Edwards is right about one thing, there really are 2 Americas.

But that story also got me thinking about the new economy.  What are the new customers of tomorrow going to look like?  What will they do?  And more important, what can businesses do today to get ready for those new customers?  After all, no one wants to end up on a quiet street with a “closed” sign on their door!

Jeffrey Gitomer Had An Answer

So, some of you know I’ve recently begun working with a business mentor, John Miller and he’s truly been wonderful.  After 10 years of doing SEO, I’m finally learning some things about actually running a business!  Anyway, John introduced me to Jeffrey Gitomer and an article that he wrote about the “new customer”.  Hmm – guess I’m thinking in the right direction!

But basically, Gitomer goes on in his article talking about what the “new customer” of tomorrow looks like and here are his bullets…

* He’s going to decide somewhat slower. He’s been hesitating for more than a year.
* He’s angry about the value of his home, and the value of his investments.
* He will not be doing business the same way it’s been done before.
* He will not be banking the same way he banked before.
* He will not be advertising the same way he advertised before.
* He will not be buying a car the same way he did before.
* He will not be buying a home the same way he did before.
* He will not be investing the same way he did before.
* He’s online. Checking out your website – and your competitor’s website.
* He’s socializing. Telling everyone what’s happening in his world and the world.
* He’s Tweeting, Facebooking, and Linked-In-ing. Social media is still a firestorm.
* He’s blogging about his experiences with you, for the world to read.
* He’s YouTubing about his experiences with you for the world to watch – by the millions (any questions United Airlines?).
* He’s Googling, not yellow-paging.
* He’s texting. A lot.
* He’s using his mobile device to do damn near everything.
* He’s WiFi-ing in his hotel room, on the plane, in Starbucks, and at home.
* IF he’s reading a paper, or getting the news, it’s online.
* He’s as likely to watch The Daily Show, The Colbert Report, or listen to Howard Stern for news as he is to watch a network “news” person read a tele-prompter.
* He’s purchasing after midnight. By the billions.
* He’s looking for ease of doing business with you.
* He is value oriented, but will look to price as part of the decision.
* He wants a relationship.
* He wants, needs, and expects GREAT service after the sale.
* He does not want to wait for anything or anyone.
* He needs help and expert advice.
* He’s looking for ideas and answers.
* He can check your price and your facts in two seconds or less on Google.
* He knows as much about your product as you do.
* He knows MORE about your competitor’s product than you do.
* He can pay right now IF you can take a credit card online.
* He expects someone to answer the phone when he calls that can actually HELP.
* He is SICK of off-shore call centers, erroneously called “help desks.”
* He is SICK of you telling him how important his call is while he stands on hold.
* He is SICK of your recorded hold message.
* He demands the truth. All the time.
* He no longer trusts the institutions he used to hold sacred.
* He expects you to be as computer literate as he is.
* He needs to be understood and feel your sincere concern.
* While you are qualifying him, he is qualifying you.
* If he needs a referral or recommendation, he’ll go to Craig’s list or Angie’s list or Google or his next door neighbor, or anyone else but you…UNLESS you have video testimonials online.

You can read his entire article here on his facebook.  And it’s an interesting read.

So, go through this list a few times, take it to your next staff meeting (even if it’s at the kitchen table) and make a list.  What is your business doing to meet this “new customer” on his terms?  More importantly, what can your business do to meet this “new customer” on his terms?  Create your to-do list and start right away.  Because in my opinion, that new customer is already here.

Have you heard the phrase “cloud computing”?

Here’s a great video explaining what Cloud Computing is.

The concept is that instead of having programs on your hard drive, the programs are sitting on a computer somewhere else.  A good example is Google Docs.  Instead of using Microsoft Word or WordPerfect to write your letters, etc. you can use Google Docs.  The program Google Docs isn’t on your computer, you didn’t install it.  Instead, you just went to your Google Account and began using the program there.

The benefits of cloud computing are that your computer is not packed with programs that constantly need updating and upgrading.  Your computer just has to be connected to the Internet.  It’s the simplification of computers really.  Imagine, no more messing with programs that don’t work well with other programs or installations or register problems!  I would love that.

The downside is that you don’t have total control, in other words you have to trust that the company you’re using the program from will always have their computer up and running properly.  And of course you always need the Internet access in order to use the program.

But, what can you do on a cloud?  Here are some ideas and some programs that you can use.

Documentation / Spreadsheets
As mentioned above you can use programs like Google Docs and Zoho for cloud computer for documentation and spreadsheets, even presentations.

HTML / Website Page Editors
Mozilla has a program called Bespin which is essentially an html editor in the cloud.

Photo Albums
There are many photo albums on clouds these days.  Shutterfly, Snapfish, Photobucket, Flickr just to name a few.  I wonder if these photo album programs were the first cloud programs?

Email Programs
There are still some businesses that use programs like Outlook to manage their email.  I never really know why because the risk of viruses and infections to the computers are so high.  But, you CAN effectively move your business email (and all other email) to programs like Gmail which will manage your email as effectively if not moreso than the old programs that sit on your computer.

Healthcare Databases
Yes, even companies can put their valuable information out on clouds and not worry about their computers crashing and losing all that valuable data.  Sentryds provides healthcare providers with infrastructure in the clouds.

Education
Online universities have been getting bigger and better (I have a few friends getting their Bachelors and Masters degrees online) and it’s such a great solution.  They can still work and do the “school work” at the same time.  In today’s changing economy, for those who need to learn new skills for better job placement, this is a great alternative.

Business Management
There are so many programs out there on clouds now for businesses.  Everything from Quickbooks Online to Basecamp Project Manager and CRM programs to Skype (telephones on a cloud).

I know there are many more out there – if you’re using a cloud computing program – tell us about it.  We’d love to hear how you’re working in the clouds!

Seems the world has been abuzz about Twitter for months now.  It’s not only on blogs and forums, but on “regular” media as well.  CNN was (I think) the first to introduce Twitter Tweets in their newscast.  I remember watching Rick Sanchez giving a report and in the midst of his report he checked his Twitter account and read aloud some of the tweets he was receiving (in real time of course) about his reporting.  He responded by altering the report!  In other words, those Tweets that he received changed how Rick (and CNN) were going to originally give the report.  The type of information that was eventually reported on was only presented because people were asking for it via Twitter.

It seemed amazing then and it’s still amazing.  Basically, what’s happening is that companies across the globe are now able to respond (in real time) to the wants and desires of their audience.  This will not only force companies to become more flexible but also to LISTEN to their customers.

So, I’ve been thinking, how can some of my SEO clients actually use this?  Hmm…

Well, here are some ideas that just might fly…

For Attorneys
People are tweeting everything it seems.  If someone got into a car accident and tweeted it from their mobile device, a sharp personal injury attorney who is screening tweets for the word “accident” or the phrase “car accident” could respond to that tweet with his contact information.  (I know, a bit of an ambulance chasing type of thing but hey, everyone’s got to make a living!)

The same could also be true for phrases like “divorce” or “child custody” or any other phrase that encompasses the services the attorney provides.

But, remember, don’t push the “SELL” part – push the “EDUCATION” part on your tweets.  By educating others you’ll get more customers versus selling.  Selling on Twitter is a turnoff.

For Those In The Beauty Industry
A search on Twitter Search for the phrase “skin care” showed me that people are looking for “summer skin care” tips, products, etc.  If you’re in this industry, this is a great way to put your brand out in the market place.

What types of questions are people asking about makeup or hair products?  Check it out on Twitter!  Create an FAQ on your website or write on your blog or newsletter to answer these questions.  What a great way to communicate your knowledge base!

Small Businesses in General
Product information can be sent to your customers in an instant!  Just let your customers know your Twitter address and ask them to follow you.  Look at Zappos and Woot.  They’ve taken this to an art form!

These are just some ideas that popped into my head while writing this post but I’m sure you get the concept.  It’s all about communicating and listening to customers and prospective customers.  It’s all about showcasing your knowledge base and expanding your brand.  Gee, doesn’t that sound like the new media advertising SEO marketers have been talking about for at least a decade now?

With the recession in a holding pattern, at least it seems that way, the emails and phone calls we’re getting in here at Eckweb Designs, Inc. are coming from a large variety of businesses, small and big.

It used to be we would only get contacted by small or very small businesses.  But in the last 6-8 months, the size of the companies have grown.  We figured it was the recession.  Companies were looking for ways to either begin their Internet marketing or for ways to reduce their Internet marketing budgets.  Either way, we had to re-scramble some of the ways we conducted our business in order to accomodate these types of clients.  I’m sure many of you have had to do the same thing during these recent times.

But, in the last 30 days we have seen an increase in the number of small businesses contacting us.  So, now we’re getting both!  But the fact that small businesses seem to be getting back, or at least feeling comfortable enough, economically, to be getting back to Internet marketing is another sign that it seems the economy is at least, not getting worse.  Who knows after these recent layoffs of car dealerships how it’ll be in a few months but, for now, it seems to have halted the decline.

But, I have to tell you, the ROI (Return on Investment) that can be had through your website is extremely good.  After all, you have complete control over the website.  You can dictate how you want it to present your business, what it says, how it says it, etc.  And the best of all?  You can find out what your audience is looking for and then just give it to them!

Let’s say you are a physician at an Urgent Care Center.  And you obviously are servicing a community but you also want to bring in patients that may be looking for additional services.  How do you know what they’re looking for?  Easy – conduct a keyword research – or add a search box to your website.  From these two, you’ll be able to see not only what the audience is looking for but what is popular, competitive, etc.

Maybe they’re looking for information on seasonal medical issues like flu, poison ivy, allergies.  If so, then add that information to the website.  This makes you an expert in your field.

Maybe they’re looking for weight loss clinics.  Do you have the personnel to conduct weight loss classes?  Maybe you can offer your clinic as a meeting area for a weight loss group.  Maybe you can “hook up” with a local gym?

Maybe the community is looking for anti-aging treatments.  (That seems to be all the rage these days).  If you have the equipment and personnel to handle that service, it could be a great source of income for you.

The idea is, that you may THINK you know how to run your business, but the truth is, the business is only as good as what it offers the customers.  If the customers don’t want what you’re selling, you won’t have much of a business.  So, find out what they want and give it to them!