Monthly Archives: February 2012

Get More Traffic

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You want the maximum visibility for your website.  In today’s climate, that means being actively involved in driving your site so that your customers can find you each and every time.  Gone are the days of “create it and leave it” websites that are static and unchanging.  Websites have become the cornerstone of business marketing. You need to take steps to fine tune your site to make it a more effective marketing tool.  

Reciprocal linking is part of your search engine optimization plan.  Part of your ranking from Google is based on reciprocal linking.  Simply put, every link to a website is a vote for that site, which helps boost your Google ranking.  There are guidelines to be followed and it must be monitored to check link validity (based on relevance to your industry).

 Over the past two years, online directories have become invaluable.  These directories are small bits of internet real estate you can leverage to drive customers to your website.  Think of them as ads scattered over the internet and you’re controlling their message.  They now allow more content than ever before and, most importantly, many are review oriented.  Online reviews are another huge factor in gaining positive Google results. 

 Reviews on sites such as Yelp, Google, Yahoo, etc. are not screened by you.  As a result, customers trust the reviews to be accurate and that equates to added value to your products or services.  Yes, you may get negative reviews, but you can address any issue through the directory.  Again, that builds customer confidence in you and your company.

 Much of your traffic will come from search engine results. Keywords are indicators of the most important topics, service or product on each web page.  These are words your customers will use to find you.  Controlling your keyword strategy can make or break or your site.  If your site is more than 2 years old, it’s time to review your website.  Google has made drastic changes to the way it analyzes keywords and Meta data on a webpage. 

 I provide a package plan with these services and more. Visit BrendaSimon.com .

QR Code

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This links to my website when scanned.

QR means Quick Response code.  Created in Japan and used for over a decade the QR code is similar to a store bar code which is scanned for pricing, inventory, etc., but the QR code is 2 dimensional.  It’s utilized by smartphones and other mobile phones-camera enabled.  Already estimates are 31% of smartphone users – take advantage of this – 14 million mobile users scanned a QR or bar code by June 2011.  That is 6.2% of all mobile users.   The object is to make it easy for consumers to get connected to you. 

The QR code is scanned by a phone for a brand (your business).  This can be in your print ad, business card, a poster in your store window, etc.  The code is used to link scanners to digital content.  If you sell product packaging use your QR code to send consumers to more product information.  Connect the QR code to your website, your Facebook page or your contact information.

The code is free.  Google QR code generator and you’ll find multiple choices.   Most QR codes are set to link to a webpage, but you can configure to your phone number or text.

You choose the size generated – from s, m, l or xl.

This links to my Facebook page.

It’s proven to work – and one more step for your marketing plan.  Looking for more detailed information? – read more.

Custom Website

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New to the online world is Arrow Animal Hospital, my client who just launched their website this week. This is a basic 10 page website.  Website photos by Douglas Simon Photography.

This is a spectacular facility – not only is the building stunning at 6300 square feet, but so is the lobby, exam rooms and the most fascinating part to me–behind the scenes.  With extensive dental care, ICU, surgery room, x-ray room, boarding and more.   This place can handle chihuahuas to Great Danes!  It is amazing how technology has provided so many tools to keep our pets healthy.  If San Dimas, California is convenient for your pet’s care – give them a call.  An extremely dedicated vet – who has an extraordinary passion for cat and dog care.

Arroww Animal Hospital in San Dimas, CA

 

 

Anti-Virus

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We all need to keep our computers protected with anti-virus and anti-malware software.  Many of us grew up on Norton anti-virus, or MacAfee’s anti-virus software.  Still most new computers arrive with trial software preloaded from one or the other of these manufacturers.

Free anti-virus has come a long way.  Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Elements – no charge;  AVG is well respected, and there are more.  This is a comprehensive resource of free anti-viruses and performance test results for each. (Scroll mid way down for the article.)  It’ll help you make the right choice for your computer.

Website Design

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Your first website is the hardest.  What colors do you want for your design?  If you have a logo you can “brand” the website with those colors.  What if you don’t  have a logo?  Not to worry.   Many of my clients don’t have a logo.  Don’t let this stop you from taking your business online.

Some business categories have identifiable colors.  The auto industry leans toward red, white and blue color schemes.  Medical facilities — blue tones.  There are classic color schemes which are appropriate for business and others geared toward entertainment websites full of bright color combinations.

Try to find 2-3 websites  you like.  This will greatly help your web designer  begin creating your custom layout and is a big time saver.   Getting the color design you are happy with is the biggest foundation step.  The better prepared you are the more efficient the website creation process will be.

Color is not your thing?  Some of my clients  have no idea about color, and happily let me create 2-3 designs for them.  They choose one, and we’re off.   You can be as involved with the color scheme as you want!  It’s about having choices.

website client

Mobile Websites

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Some interesting statistics about mobile surfing.  Globally Internet mobile usage is under 10%.  It doesn’t sound like much, but it is actually a remarkable pace in the infancy of mobile online access.

Who is viewing pages on what devices?  Apple is number 1 in the US and UK.  In the US Apple accounts for 45% of page views, and Android for 39%.  Globally Android is number 3 behind the iPhone. 

Then you get into browsers..Android browser is #1 in North America with 37% of the page views, #2 globally with 20% .  Opera gets 24%, with Apple’s Safari browser coming in fourth place.

This data is helpful to web designers as they create mobile websites.

Inbound Links

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It’s becoming a familiar song.  Build links.  It’s not glamorous, nor quick.  It takes time for one link, but it still works.  Perhaps because it IS a bit tedious.

Organic search results are still the best for everyone’s Internet experience.  Recent tests say 88% of users never click on paid ads.  We’re still looking at the organic search results.  That means opportunity for small budgeted businesses.  Pay attention to your websites ranking organically.

If you don’t have a links page consider asking your web designer to create one and mange the links.  It’s important to make the links page part of your website, and not let it become a link farm, which will have an adverse effect on your website ranking.  Check each website you’re considering reciprocating links with, both aesthetically, but more importantly – industry related and their page ranking, make sure they are not a link farm. 

When submitting your linking information they will want the anchor text (your business name most likely), a description (keep it short but keyword heavy) and  the page you want them to link to (typically your home page). 

One small step at a time, but it works.

Mobile Website

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With iPhones, iPads, smart phones and more surfing is taking place on a very small screen in ever increasing numbers.

While most websites are viewable on these devices, users want an even leaner experience.  Especially when bandwidth consumption factors into their mobile phone bill.  The parameters for a mobile website are tiny.

Do you need a mobile website? If your website is an online brochure – most likely you don’t.  You might want only something to be bookmarked and viewed on a desktop if your user needs to see details in large photos.

If your business is a service like auto body – a mobile website can be worth the investment.  While waiting after a minor accident – your clients will turn to their phone and you might lock in a client before the tow truck arrives. Great for the client, great for your business.

Your mobile website will be stripped down of most graphics, adding things like a clickable phone link to call you from their phone and QR code to locate you quickly.  Lean, simple and user friendly from design to code.  It’s all about making it easy for mobile users to connect with your business.