Whether you are in the product or service industry, it is a requirement for any business in this day and age to provide their clients with exceptional customer service. This includes responding to customers quickly, providing a quality product/service, meeting their goals, conceptualizing their wants, etc. The business relationship doesn't end at the sale anymore; it is a continuous relationship that has to be maintained and nurtured in order to be successful.
While we all know this, what we don't realize sometimes is that there is a distinct line between providing exactly what the customer wants (ultimately, superb customer service) and what we think works better for the customer. It is the time old question of whether the customer is always right. As a project manager for a website design company, I am faced with this dilemma on a weekly basis. I want to give the customer exactly what they want, but I do have knowledge about web based strategy that could be better suited for their needs. Some clients will be receptive and be open to our knowledge, but others know what they want and how they want it, which is perfectly fine. But at the end of the day, the "Fusework Studios" name is on this project as well, and we want to produce something that we are proud to show others. So where do I draw the line? How do I handle this situation? Here is the process that I follow:
1. Ask them why.
If you don't ask the question, you will never know the answer. Maybe they are trying to accomplish something by placing an image in that spot, maybe they just think it looks nice there. Either way, asking them why they want to do it a certain way will give you insight into what they really want to accomplish, which helps you provide them with better service.
2. Provide reasoning and examples.
If you don't necessarily agree with your client, tell them why! Don't make them assume that you're the expert (because sometimes, you aren't). Show them why you think the way you do. Make sure that you provide examples and past experience in order to back up your reasoning. Examples will help your client put trust into your advice and into your company!
3. Evaluate the situation.
Think about the positives and negatives of doing a project "your way." For example, if I have a client who isn't concerned about being "web savvy," but they're more concerned with communicating a message, then I'm not going to push the issue of advanced functionality. On the other hand, if I have a client who wants to be recognized as credible and who needs a web based strategy, then I might try to persuade that client to look more closely at their other options.
Regardless of this dilemma, my main concern is to make my clients happy. I have to use my own judgment to figure out what is in their best interests and how to provide the most value for them. Client management is about creating the best results for your clients, giving your client what they need and want, and producing something that you are proud to represent. Make your client relationship a partnership, not a power struggle.
As we all know, last Thursday was the official release of the infamous iPhone 4, complete with new features, such as FaceTime and multitasking. People camped overnight, stood in long lines, and even missed work to buy this hot commodity. All day long, I was surrounded by talk of the new phone on Twitter, Facebook, the news, and chit chat between friends. But amongst all of the hype, I started thinking about all the commercial commodities that have been popular throughout my own life. Some of the things that came to mind were Furbys, Beanie Babies, Tamagotchis, Harry Potter books, Halo, Backstreet Boys CD's, etc. Then, I asked myself what do all of these have in common? They are all physical, tangible products, and all of them have generated a "raving fan" following.
In recent years, most businesses have transitioned into the service industry, even if there is a product component to their business. Service, in layman terms, is intangible work completed for the benefit of others, and I would venture to say that it is harder to create the "raving fan" mentality for a service as opposed to a product. In the last week, we have seen the raving fan mentality with the iPhone 4, and it is just as much a service as it is a product, even if the product component is what initially rives the customer to your service. So how do you create the "raving fan" if you're in the service industry? Here are some ideas:
1. Provide a quality product.
It doesn't matter if you have great service if you don't have a quality product to back it up. For example, as a website design company in Indianapolis, we have to give our customers not only an aesthetically pleasing website, but one that fits the client's web based strategy. The final product is what the client is going to see and use every day, so creating the product with care and precision will ensure client satisfaction.
2. Provide exceptional customer service.
This might seem obvious, but you won't retain clients without giving them a reason to stay with your business. Respond to your client's emails/calls quickly, ask questions about what they need, give them all the information they need to make an informed decision, and work with them to give them what they want without sacrificing your business. It is your job to make your clients happy without giving up your ideals, as well as producing a return on investment for each project.
3. Execute and represent an effective brand.
Clients want to be able to identify with a brand when deciding on who to use for a service. A well-defined brand is one of your greatest marketing tools if executed properly. If you say you're a "green" company, practice environmentally safe policies. Do as you say and say what you do.
4. Provide value by advertising your clients' products/services (B2B).
Instead of just marketing for your brand, feature your clients in blog posts, or mention them to your social media community. By doing this, you can provide extra value for both you and your client. It helps promote their brand and services while enhancing your testimonials and portfolio.
5. Give back to your community.
Whether it be a national corporation or a small business, people are more attached to businesses that provide their communities with resources and a helping hand. It's a way of showing that you care about the people who have contributed to your business.
These tips might seem simple and obvious, but it's important to revisit the basics of what makes a customer drawn to your brand. You want raving fans? Provide them with raving fan business!
In recent years, most businesses have transitioned into the service industry, even if there is a product component to their business. Service, in layman terms, is intangible work completed for the benefit of others, and I would venture to say that it is harder to create the "raving fan" mentality for a service as opposed to a product. In the last week, we have seen the raving fan mentality with the iPhone 4, and it is just as much a service as it is a product, even if the product component is what initially rives the customer to your service. So how do you create the "raving fan" if you're in the service industry? Here are some ideas:
1. Provide a quality product.
It doesn't matter if you have great service if you don't have a quality product to back it up. For example, as a website design company in Indianapolis, we have to give our customers not only an aesthetically pleasing website, but one that fits the client's web based strategy. The final product is what the client is going to see and use every day, so creating the product with care and precision will ensure client satisfaction.
2. Provide exceptional customer service.
This might seem obvious, but you won't retain clients without giving them a reason to stay with your business. Respond to your client's emails/calls quickly, ask questions about what they need, give them all the information they need to make an informed decision, and work with them to give them what they want without sacrificing your business. It is your job to make your clients happy without giving up your ideals, as well as producing a return on investment for each project.
3. Execute and represent an effective brand.
Clients want to be able to identify with a brand when deciding on who to use for a service. A well-defined brand is one of your greatest marketing tools if executed properly. If you say you're a "green" company, practice environmentally safe policies. Do as you say and say what you do.
4. Provide value by advertising your clients' products/services (B2B).
Instead of just marketing for your brand, feature your clients in blog posts, or mention them to your social media community. By doing this, you can provide extra value for both you and your client. It helps promote their brand and services while enhancing your testimonials and portfolio.
5. Give back to your community.
Whether it be a national corporation or a small business, people are more attached to businesses that provide their communities with resources and a helping hand. It's a way of showing that you care about the people who have contributed to your business.
These tips might seem simple and obvious, but it's important to revisit the basics of what makes a customer drawn to your brand. You want raving fans? Provide them with raving fan business!
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past month, you’ve probably heard about the oil spill that had caused a fair amount of damage to the Gulf of Mexico and to British Petroleum’s reputation. In order to “rectify” the situation, BP has released a number of press statements over the past couple of weeks that have not satisfied an overwhelmingly disgruntled public. In response to BP’s lackluster statements, a man, who has dubbed himself as Leroy Stick, decided to take matters into his own hands; he created a Twitter account, cleverly named @BPGlobalPR, which pokes fun at how BP executives are dealing with the current situation. According to Stick, he started @BPGlobalPR because he believed that BP did not offer anything to ease the nation’s concerns. As a result, @BPGlobalPR has already accumulated over 150,000 followers since May 19, and it continues to grow on a daily basis. Leroy also supports the campaign that sells “bp cares” t-shirts to fund the activities of the Gulf Restoration Network, and his team recently made a $10,000 donation to the charity. All in all, he has become a celebrity within the social media community overnight and has molded BP’s brand into the punch line of his own joke.
His popularity or humor, however, is not what has captured my attention; it’s his message. Leroy Stick felt the need to create an entire web based strategy with @BPGlobalPR because BP wasn’t responding to the general public with urgency, sincerity, or solutions. Instead, Leroy argues that BP has been doing whatever it can to maintain a positive image and to keep making money. In other words, the executives are paying Internet marketing and PR representatives to promote a positive brand image that has been destroyed by employees of the company instead of trying to fix the problems at hand!
“So what is the point of all this?” Leroy asks. “The point is, FORGET YOUR BRAND. You don’t own it because it is literally nothing. You can spend all sorts of time and money trying to manufacture public opinion, but ultimately, that’s up to the public, now isn’t it?”
This is exactly what marketers do not want to hear, but it’s the truth. Companies can pay agencies tons of money to create marketing campaigns that represent integrity, quality, service, etc. But at the end of the day, none of this matters unless the client perceives the company (or the point of contact) as such.
So what does this have to do with me? Well, as a project manager for Fusework Studios, I am charged with providing my clients with the best service possible in order to create a positive brand image for the company. I will be a point of contact for clients, and I have to face the truth that Leroy Stick presents. Despite this challenge, I am excited to take on the responsibility of embodying the brand of Fusework Studios while maintaining my own values. Regardless of whether it is a global, multibillion dollar company or a small Internet Marketing and Website Design Company (with offices in Indianapolis and Muncie, Indiana), the point is to represent your values by making ethical business decisions and providing your clients with the best possible solutions; something that both the public and Leroy Stick feel BP is lacking.
As a result, I am even more motivated to practice what I preach in response to Leroy's skepticism. So, thank you, Leroy Stick, for encouraging me to face this challenge.
Jenn Lisak is a new Project Manager for Fusework Studios, and obviously, we're excited to have her join our team! Look for more posts from Jenn soon.
Being a website design company, we are frequently approached by potential clients wanting to get more information on a website redesign. We encourage these companies to take a step back and think about why they are really interested in redesigning their website. Oftentimes, we will find that there really is no reason other than it's "just time for a new look."
While this does not mean they shouldn't redesign the site, it certainly should not be the #1 reason. We promote the concept of looking at your business and what you are really looking to accomplish online prior to starting on a new look. Is the main objective to gain more leads? Do you want site visitors to sign up for your email marketing list? These are just a couple of questions that help spark a very beneficial discussion.
Below is a video with more information and a closer look at the recently redesigned Fusework Studios website. The main goal of the redesign was to drive traffic to our Internet marketing packages such as the business blogging package or the computer network management package. These packages are now much easier for you to find as you will see in the video! Enjoy!
While this does not mean they shouldn't redesign the site, it certainly should not be the #1 reason. We promote the concept of looking at your business and what you are really looking to accomplish online prior to starting on a new look. Is the main objective to gain more leads? Do you want site visitors to sign up for your email marketing list? These are just a couple of questions that help spark a very beneficial discussion.
Below is a video with more information and a closer look at the recently redesigned Fusework Studios website. The main goal of the redesign was to drive traffic to our Internet marketing packages such as the business blogging package or the computer network management package. These packages are now much easier for you to find as you will see in the video! Enjoy!
A few years ago, I elected to receive emails periodically from a Google AdWords marketing expert. Little did I know, he is also an Email Marketing Strategy genius. I've received several emails from Perry Marshall, but one yesterday titled "A Special Message from George W. Bush" is the best. Click on the thumbnail below to see a larger image.
There are several items in Perry's email that caused me to interact:
I cannot vouch for any of Perry Marshall's techniques in Google AdWords at this time, but I can say that his email marketing strategy is effective.
There are several items in Perry's email that caused me to interact: - First of all, Perry carried consistent branding from his website to his email marketing strategy. The image header of the email clearly identifies his company, which is built on his name. The style and colors are also consistent from the website. Immediately, I felt comfortable knowing that the communication came from him. In a world of scams, consistent branding develops trust.
- Content is centered, which differentiates his email from standard communications. Combined with a colored background, the focus is on the message inside.
- Content is short. Today more than ever, we have less time available to evaluate whether an ad message deserves our attention.
- Embedding a Video in email can increase conversion rates by 50%, according to a case study by MarketingSherpa. The term 'embedding' is used loosely and can mean a variety of methods for inserting video into email. Perry chose to simply insert a flat screenshot of the video player with a frame of video, which links to a landing page on his site specifically setup for the video. Also to draw attention, he inserted what appears to be a hand-drawn caption to check it out. I know you want to see it, so watch Perry's Bobsled Run Video with George W. Bush.
- Only four links are available for clicking in this email, which makes this communication an email blast rather than a newsletter. Perry wants us to do a very specific thing: Watch the video to learn about his Bobsled Run. There are no links in a navigation menu to distract.
I cannot vouch for any of Perry Marshall's techniques in Google AdWords at this time, but I can say that his email marketing strategy is effective.
Learn about Fusework Studios' Email Marketing package.
Do your email blasts stand out from the crowd? Do clients and potential customers engage with your emails? That’s where we come in. If you're ready to inquire, simply submit our email marketing inquiry form.
The Final Four is coming to Indianapolis. It's important for your web based strategy to be prepared for the influx of patrons coming to witness the finish to a wild tournament. This week it is important to be involved in your social media community and focus on your email marketing strategy to attract the vast sea of potential customers.
If you haven't done these things yet - don't worry! You have two more days before the first two games. Get out there and let everyone know your specials. Update your website and address your corporate blog. You have a chance to increase your business' visibility.
There are many ways to tackle the task of winning organic search. At Fusework Studios, we believe the most affordable and effective way to increase your search engine optimization (SEO) is through a business blog.
If you haven't done these things yet - don't worry! You have two more days before the first two games. Get out there and let everyone know your specials. Update your website and address your corporate blog. You have a chance to increase your business' visibility.
Learn about our Business Blog package.
There are many ways to tackle the task of winning organic search. At Fusework Studios, we believe the most affordable and effective way to increase your search engine optimization (SEO) is through a business blog.A website redesign may be a part of your web based strategy, but is it in your strategy for the right reason? Search engine optimization, inbound marketing and lead generation should be the purpose of a website redesign. Before you employ a website design company, think to yourself, "Will the new look be able to help me generate leads?"
Search engine optimization is one of the most cost effective ways to generate traffic and leads. A website design full of flash elements, graphics and with little to no content will not assist you in these goals. I'm not condoning ugly websites because there must be something pleasing to the eye, but when a customer goes to a search engine looking for information about a product, service or vital information on your industry, you want your business to be found.
Fusework Studios can help you form a plan structured to create leads through inbound marketing and SEO value. Give us a call, and let's talk.
Search engine optimization is one of the most cost effective ways to generate traffic and leads. A website design full of flash elements, graphics and with little to no content will not assist you in these goals. I'm not condoning ugly websites because there must be something pleasing to the eye, but when a customer goes to a search engine looking for information about a product, service or vital information on your industry, you want your business to be found.
Fusework Studios can help you form a plan structured to create leads through inbound marketing and SEO value. Give us a call, and let's talk.
Fusework Studios has played a major role in the new marketing for the American Advertising Federation of East Central Indiana (AAF ECI). Specifically, Fusework Studios Project Manager, Laurie Foster, recently completed a new website for AAF ECI (www.aafeci.org), which launched just before the 2010 ADDY Awards Banquet. The timing was great! The community saw not only the new face of the organization at the Awards Banquet, but also were reminded of Fusework Studios' offerings in Muncie as a website design company.In addition, we volunteered to create the mainstage presentation for this year's ADDY Awards ceremony. This was a great opportunity to support several of the advertising agencies in Indiana, and the work they have done for their clients. We started months in advance, and I personally enjoyed working with Executive Director, Anne Condran, and Addy Chair, Christy Jones, in crafting the detailed presentation.
The presentation of the 2010 Addy Award Winners is on the new website for all to see, but I have also included it in my post below, so you can take a quick look.
A third-party service called SlideShare facilitates the display of PowerPoint presentations on any website in a very user-friendly format.
As a social media marketing company, we encouraged AAF ECI to alert their fans and followers of their new online presence, which they did on Facebook. Now the organization is setup online to further fulfill their mission to:
- CONNECT members to other advertising industry professionals and resources;
- Encourage, support, and recognize members in their quest to CREATE the very best in advertising; and
- INSPIRE young professionals to enter the advertising profession.
A complete web based strategy can be an excellent forefront to a solid Internet marketing strategy. The goal should be to be able to reach all of your customers through different "vehicles" to promote your products, services and even your customers. The focus the past year has been on social media marketing, and the year before that there was a great increase in email marketing. This year, the focus has shifted to search engine marketing, and it is important to include this in your strategy.
Here are benefits to good search engine marketing:
Here are benefits to good search engine marketing:
- Search engines are the number one resource for people to find websites
- Targeted search engine marketing can have a high conversion rate
- Search engine marketing can be completely free (do not have to use pay per click)
- You win search by writing about what people are looking for
Indiana website development has been improving year after year as the competition gets thicker and as businesses understand the web's capabilities better. As an Indianapols web development company, we get many projects that really allow us to use the dreaded "think outside the box" cliche. We recently completed a project for ProCLAD, Inc. that challenged our team to be creative and in the end achieved amazing results.
The website design was complicated and built in many layers. There was a need for a rotating image section on the home page and the placement of a flash piece representing the ProCLAD engineering wheel. Additionally, there were many angles incorporated into the design that would make any developer cringe.
One of the immediate challenges we addressed was the ability for ProCLAD to be able to easily update the rotating images on the home page. To save the client trouble from using Photoshop or other photo editing software, a transparent image was placed over the top of the slideshow to create the angled look while the full images are located below the white angle. The photo gallery module was implemented with a JQuery rotation script for smooth transition from image to image, and the client is in full control of the imagery that is implemented.
The site is also tied into a content management system to allow the client to fully customize the content that is entered from page to page and to allow control over search engine optimization properties including page title, keywords, description and web URLs.
Fusework Studios is proud to work with ProCLAD, Inc. on this project, and as a team, we love to be challenged. We hope this is one of many Indiana website development spotlights to come. Check out the new site at www.procladinc.com.
The website design was complicated and built in many layers. There was a need for a rotating image section on the home page and the placement of a flash piece representing the ProCLAD engineering wheel. Additionally, there were many angles incorporated into the design that would make any developer cringe.One of the immediate challenges we addressed was the ability for ProCLAD to be able to easily update the rotating images on the home page. To save the client trouble from using Photoshop or other photo editing software, a transparent image was placed over the top of the slideshow to create the angled look while the full images are located below the white angle. The photo gallery module was implemented with a JQuery rotation script for smooth transition from image to image, and the client is in full control of the imagery that is implemented.
The site is also tied into a content management system to allow the client to fully customize the content that is entered from page to page and to allow control over search engine optimization properties including page title, keywords, description and web URLs.
Fusework Studios is proud to work with ProCLAD, Inc. on this project, and as a team, we love to be challenged. We hope this is one of many Indiana website development spotlights to come. Check out the new site at www.procladinc.com.
Do you ever wonder about search engine optimization and how to improve your Web site's ranking? Have you heard about Pay-Per-Click campaigns, but are not sure how they work? Are you you unsure what people are talking about when they mention organic search? Well, join us next week at our Muncie office for an informative "Lunch and Learn."
After we have some lunch, I will try and answer all those questions for you plus many more. We will talk a little about Business Blogging, SEO, and how to incorporate winning search into your web based strategy.
We have made it very easy to sign up. Just click on the link below, fill out a few questions and you are good to go.
We look forward to seeing you next Friday, March 5 at the Rutter Communications building in Muncie from 11:30am-1:00pm.
Inevitably in this business, I get pulled into the never-ending debate on what is the best content management system (CMS). I get asked which are best for search engine opimization, social media community integration and flexibility. Every website design or website development company has their preferred CMS they design and implement for. Some of these are proprietary, but most are likely third-party provided. At Fusework Studios, we have a proprietary software, but there are some cases in which we go with third-party integration.
Almost all content management systems now have tools for search engine optimization and other tools to complement your web based strategy. A company can spend from nearly no money to thousands of dollars for the top-of-the-line CMS. Unfortunately, all that money will do no good without a keyword and search marketing strategy behind your content.
Tips to utilize your CMS' capabilities:
Contact Fusework Studios for tips or if you have questions regarding search engine optimization and your content management system.
Almost all content management systems now have tools for search engine optimization and other tools to complement your web based strategy. A company can spend from nearly no money to thousands of dollars for the top-of-the-line CMS. Unfortunately, all that money will do no good without a keyword and search marketing strategy behind your content.
Tips to utilize your CMS' capabilities:
- Title your pages with keywords in mind
- Use keywords in your links
- Use keywords early in your content (first or second paragraph)
- Use keywords in header tags
- Create inbound marketing by generating buzz or links to your content (preferrably with keywords) by utilizing your social media community tools
- Utilize business blogging to drive traffic to your site
Contact Fusework Studios for tips or if you have questions regarding search engine optimization and your content management system.
Last week, Gigaom.com posted an article titled, "Facebook Driving More Traffic Than Google," that I found very interesting. While there are many stipulations to their research, the fact remains more and more traffic is being generated by the "social web," and business need to adapt to this thought process.
Think about it. How many times each day do you log into Facebook or Twitter and see one of your friends or followers commenting on a story or sending out a link to something interesting? What do you do? You click on it because you want to check it out, too. After all, your friend thought it was important enough to share. This is all part of the social web.
As I look at analytics each day for my clients, I see the same reflection. Search traffic isn't necessarily down, but referral traffic is way up for almost every client. Where are these referrals coming from? In almost every case....social networks.
This is why it is so important to make your site social. Can visitors subscribe to a feed of your news? Do you have buttons that allow them to share your content on their social sites? Can they email interesting articles to friends or coworkers? These are just a few of the ways you can make your web site more social.
Now I am sure you found this blog post extremely interesting, so go ahead and click the "ShareThis" button below this post and share it with your friends.
Think about it. How many times each day do you log into Facebook or Twitter and see one of your friends or followers commenting on a story or sending out a link to something interesting? What do you do? You click on it because you want to check it out, too. After all, your friend thought it was important enough to share. This is all part of the social web.As I look at analytics each day for my clients, I see the same reflection. Search traffic isn't necessarily down, but referral traffic is way up for almost every client. Where are these referrals coming from? In almost every case....social networks.
This is why it is so important to make your site social. Can visitors subscribe to a feed of your news? Do you have buttons that allow them to share your content on their social sites? Can they email interesting articles to friends or coworkers? These are just a few of the ways you can make your web site more social.
Now I am sure you found this blog post extremely interesting, so go ahead and click the "ShareThis" button below this post and share it with your friends.
Original article by Indiana University Kokomo: http://www.iuk.edu/news/?naid=19&ncid=.
Kokomo, Ind. - Indiana University Kokomo has launched a new and improved Web site, www.iuk.edu, featuring easier navigation, online video, vibrant flash images, and socia media integration.
"The new site will allow us to share IU Kokomo in a more engaging and dynamic way. It brings with it a content management system that allows us to better manage updates and changes, as well as the ability to implement analytics that measure site usage and give us the tools to make constant improvements that better serve our users," said Katrina Janes, director of the Office of Communications and Marketing at IU Kokomo. "The redesign and launch of a new university Web site is a huge undertaking, and we are very excited to unveil this new Web presence to the students, campus and community that we serve."
The site, developed by Indianapolis-based Fusework Studios, provides easier navigation for the user, improved search functions, and a consistent look, design, and feel. The first step in the redesign was an audit of the old Web site that included an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. This evaluation enforced the need for IU Kokomo to clearly indentify and match target audiences with specific marketing objectives, as well as the need to transform the site from a static information source to a dynamic and engaging marketing tool.
This direction is supported by a recent TeensTALK®survey of high school sophomores which found that 74 percent of the respondents conducted general college research on the Web, and 67 percent visited a specific college Web site. It is clear that higher education institutions are positioning their Web sites as a primary marketing tool and relying more on electronic communication tools. The average Web user today is highly skilled and able to communicate through many technological formats, from text messaging to IM to Twitter. This is particularly true for prospective and current college students.
"This was a huge project and encompassed two years from vendor selection to launch. Every unit on campus participated," said Paul Nowak, vice chancellor for external relations. "A special recognition is due to our marketing and IT departments, and especially Rudy Kizer, our campus Web manager, and Katrina Janes."
Indiana University Kokomo serves a seven county, primary service area in north central Indiana. The campus offers more than 40 academic programs including four graduate degrees.
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Fusework Studios provides service in Business Blogging, IT Services, SEO Indianapolis, Indiana Website Design, Indiana Website Development, Web Based Strategy, Social Media Marketing, Indiana Video Production, Email Marketing Strategy, Corporate Blog, Internet Marketing Indianapolis, and much more.
Previously, I discussed how Indianapolis web development has changed, and I provided a theory on what the next trend will become. I talked about how business blogging and social media community interaction has become the latest trend in providing relevant information to customers. Now we will see search engine marketing at the forefront in how web development is approached for businesses.
Customers have been using search to find goods and services rather than looking for specific businesses. While it is important for your business to be visible (e.g. Fusework Studios) in the search engines, it is even more important that your business is found for specific keywords based on your goods and services.
The next phase in Indianapolis web development will be about playing an integral role in search engine marketing and finding ways to get new content out and fast for what customers are looking for. Search engines are looking for sites and blogs that update often and have relevant content to what their users are searching for. It's not about "if you build it, they will come" anymore.
Early on in web development, it was about telling your story -- the whole story. Unfortunately, this requires time and money to be able to put all that work together. When print marketing is put together, it is customary to hand out a brochure, poster or some form of quick communication about the product or service. I recommend you actually follow suit for initial website release, and over time, you can add the additional content you probably would have initially included before.
The reason is Google and other major search engines value up-to-date content. New content is very important. The sites and blogs that are most active about putting content up for their visitors are getting special treatment because they are viewed as more likely to be current for their customers - those people that search. There is no magic tool or button you can use to get these results. It's about building upon a foundation to be found in search.
Contact Fusework Studios for more information about building a strong foundation to win customers through search and inbound marketing.
Customers have been using search to find goods and services rather than looking for specific businesses. While it is important for your business to be visible (e.g. Fusework Studios) in the search engines, it is even more important that your business is found for specific keywords based on your goods and services.The next phase in Indianapolis web development will be about playing an integral role in search engine marketing and finding ways to get new content out and fast for what customers are looking for. Search engines are looking for sites and blogs that update often and have relevant content to what their users are searching for. It's not about "if you build it, they will come" anymore.
Early on in web development, it was about telling your story -- the whole story. Unfortunately, this requires time and money to be able to put all that work together. When print marketing is put together, it is customary to hand out a brochure, poster or some form of quick communication about the product or service. I recommend you actually follow suit for initial website release, and over time, you can add the additional content you probably would have initially included before.
The reason is Google and other major search engines value up-to-date content. New content is very important. The sites and blogs that are most active about putting content up for their visitors are getting special treatment because they are viewed as more likely to be current for their customers - those people that search. There is no magic tool or button you can use to get these results. It's about building upon a foundation to be found in search.
Contact Fusework Studios for more information about building a strong foundation to win customers through search and inbound marketing.
The year 2010 brings on new opportunities for businesses across the country including Indianapolis. The economy is slowly on the mend. Jobs are starting to come back. Businesses are strategizing on how to attack their marketing plans and grow. Indianapolis, in my opinion, is no different from this trend.
When I first came onto the web development scene, it was primarily about having a website. Your website was more of a brochure. There was little thought to a full web based strategy or social media community involvement for businesses. The primary focus was having a great looking web design and plenty of content for people to read.
Then came the next phase which was to measure the analytical data provided for your website. Soon, it was found that people often didn't spend more than 1-2 minutes on the site. This didn't help support the theory to have more than twenty pages of content. The next step was to find a way to convert those visits into money by creating calls-to-action. These calls-to-action were provided as forms, buttons and/or videos.
The most recent trend is how to use social media marketing and business blogging to benefit your business. Search engine marketing is taking the forefront, and more businesses are implementing corporate blogs and social media as a part of their web strategy. I believe this trend is going to add a new twist to how websites will be developed beginning in 2010.
With Google Live Search and the rise of blogging as the premiere method in getting recent and relevant content, the next trend is all about flexibility and the process of getting search content out to the masses. It will be about monitoring what people are looking for and providing that information. Businesses will be taking an ever-more increased role in talking WITH their customers (not just TO their customers). Websites and strategies will be taking on a new look to feed how people will find out about their business(es), goods and services.
I will be touching on how to take advantage of this new trend in my upcoming post. For now, I wanted to get you thinking about how sites will be developed differently with this in mind. I'd be interested in hearing some thoughts from you on what you see coming in the next year.
When I first came onto the web development scene, it was primarily about having a website. Your website was more of a brochure. There was little thought to a full web based strategy or social media community involvement for businesses. The primary focus was having a great looking web design and plenty of content for people to read.
Then came the next phase which was to measure the analytical data provided for your website. Soon, it was found that people often didn't spend more than 1-2 minutes on the site. This didn't help support the theory to have more than twenty pages of content. The next step was to find a way to convert those visits into money by creating calls-to-action. These calls-to-action were provided as forms, buttons and/or videos.
The most recent trend is how to use social media marketing and business blogging to benefit your business. Search engine marketing is taking the forefront, and more businesses are implementing corporate blogs and social media as a part of their web strategy. I believe this trend is going to add a new twist to how websites will be developed beginning in 2010.With Google Live Search and the rise of blogging as the premiere method in getting recent and relevant content, the next trend is all about flexibility and the process of getting search content out to the masses. It will be about monitoring what people are looking for and providing that information. Businesses will be taking an ever-more increased role in talking WITH their customers (not just TO their customers). Websites and strategies will be taking on a new look to feed how people will find out about their business(es), goods and services.
I will be touching on how to take advantage of this new trend in my upcoming post. For now, I wanted to get you thinking about how sites will be developed differently with this in mind. I'd be interested in hearing some thoughts from you on what you see coming in the next year.
Discipline.
For most people it's an ugly word. It makes you think of a dog that misbehaves, an athlete making wrong choices during a sporting event or sometimes even more frustrating of a child that just won't listen and needs...discipline.
Throughout 2009, I spoke of many different ways to utilize tools and third-party programs to enhance your web based strategy, and I spoke in many ways how Fusework Studios is a great Indianapolis web development company that can help touch all facets of an effective strategy. In 2010, I want to focus on things that are a little more intangible.
By now, most of you know about the tangible objects that go into a web based strategy such as business blogging, web development, website design, social media communities, search engine optimization and an email marketing strategy. When used correctly, all of these tools work, but there are things that are never seen that go into a successful strategy.
Discipline is accepting a challenge and having the fortitude to see it through. When embarking on a new marketing strategy, whether it's television, radio, print or the web, you will never know the true extent of its results until you see it through.
What are ways you can practice discipline in your web based strategy?
Need a coach or a team? Contact Fusework Studios today to discuss your goals and ambitions in 2010 and to create a web based strategy to work for your business.
For most people it's an ugly word. It makes you think of a dog that misbehaves, an athlete making wrong choices during a sporting event or sometimes even more frustrating of a child that just won't listen and needs...discipline.
Throughout 2009, I spoke of many different ways to utilize tools and third-party programs to enhance your web based strategy, and I spoke in many ways how Fusework Studios is a great Indianapolis web development company that can help touch all facets of an effective strategy. In 2010, I want to focus on things that are a little more intangible.By now, most of you know about the tangible objects that go into a web based strategy such as business blogging, web development, website design, social media communities, search engine optimization and an email marketing strategy. When used correctly, all of these tools work, but there are things that are never seen that go into a successful strategy.
Discipline is accepting a challenge and having the fortitude to see it through. When embarking on a new marketing strategy, whether it's television, radio, print or the web, you will never know the true extent of its results until you see it through.
What are ways you can practice discipline in your web based strategy?
- Make a plan. A web based strategy is a plan to achieve a goal. Put it on paper and keep it where you can see it.
- Make a habit. Practice working on your strategy every day until that goal is achieved.
- Do it when you don't want to do it. Some days it feels like too much work to participate in a social media community for your business, but those days are probably the most important to do the work.
- Have a coach. Even professional athletes have a coach to help set goals and achieve them.
- Form a team. Don't try to do this alone. Find skill sets that are needed to accomplish your goals, and find the people with similar discipline and passion to achieve your goals.
Need a coach or a team? Contact Fusework Studios today to discuss your goals and ambitions in 2010 and to create a web based strategy to work for your business.
There are various tools that you can use to build your own website. This would be a very long post if I tried to list all of them. Indiana website development has taken on many different faces during the economic downturn as individuals and other businesses have taken use of the many content management systems (CMS), social media tools and most likely one of the many Google tools available. There are some good results, but then there are some very bad results.
Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner spoiled us with the notion "If you build it, they will come." There is still a common misconception of Indiana website development that as long as you have a website you will experience a boom in traffic and knowledge of your online brand presence. This is hardly the case. Here are common pieces of a web based strategy that are often overlooked:
Field of Dreams with Kevin Costner spoiled us with the notion "If you build it, they will come." There is still a common misconception of Indiana website development that as long as you have a website you will experience a boom in traffic and knowledge of your online brand presence. This is hardly the case. Here are common pieces of a web based strategy that are often overlooked:
- Search Engine Optimization through keywords and content
- Social media community awareness
- Conversion funneling
- Analytical data and marketing decisions based on that data
This is not only huge for organic search engine optimization, but also for your social media optimization. Google just announced a real-time search feature integrated near the top of every Google search results page. It features the latest news from major newspaper websites, popular blogs and even Twitter. If you search for "tigers mistress," you will currently see a link to a news site, a link to Perez Hilton's blog and random Tweets from people talking about the recent Tiger Woods scandal on Twitter.
Imagine if someone searched your company name and found an interesting Tweet near the top of Google from you, and decided to follow you? Getting followers from search engines, pretty cool right? But what if someone mentioned your company name in a negative light on Twitter, and it showed up on the first page of Google?!
Social media is real folks; you just can't ignore it anymore. Google has also worked out deals with Facebook and MySpace to include public feeds in the real-time search results. If your corporate Internet marketing strategy does not include social media, maybe you should consider working with a social media marketing company. You need to advertise. You need to monitor your brand reputation, and you can make new relationships all at the same time.
Are you spending a lot of money on PPC Marketing? Why not throw a few of those dollars towards a social media marketing optimization plan and get even more search engine results in the top area of Google.
People can now find live information about you on Google. Does this sound scary? Maybe, but should you put your head in the sand and ignore it? No way! Take advantage of this new form of search engine marketing and free social media advertising in the place everyone wants to be - the top of Google!
Imagine if someone searched your company name and found an interesting Tweet near the top of Google from you, and decided to follow you? Getting followers from search engines, pretty cool right? But what if someone mentioned your company name in a negative light on Twitter, and it showed up on the first page of Google?!
Social media is real folks; you just can't ignore it anymore. Google has also worked out deals with Facebook and MySpace to include public feeds in the real-time search results. If your corporate Internet marketing strategy does not include social media, maybe you should consider working with a social media marketing company. You need to advertise. You need to monitor your brand reputation, and you can make new relationships all at the same time.
Are you spending a lot of money on PPC Marketing? Why not throw a few of those dollars towards a social media marketing optimization plan and get even more search engine results in the top area of Google.
People can now find live information about you on Google. Does this sound scary? Maybe, but should you put your head in the sand and ignore it? No way! Take advantage of this new form of search engine marketing and free social media advertising in the place everyone wants to be - the top of Google!
Remember the old slogan, "What would you do for a Klondike Bar?" Well, I started thinking it ought to apply to social media. I have seen people offering all sorts of things to get followers, friends, fans and pals on their social networks.
I have seen several people offering to shave their heads. Jason Calacanis offered a MacBook Air if he were to get the number one spot on Twitter, and of course, we all know about the Ashton Kutcher/CNN battle of a year ago.
I have decided to do an experiment with the social media world in Indianapolis and see if this practice works. My general impression is that yes, I will add more users. However, I wonder if they will be legitimate followers or people following just for the contest? Will they quit following me after the contest, or will they enjoy my tweets and continue to follow? These are the questions I want to answer as I begin my quest to become one of the 10 most followed people in Indianapolis.
Now for the contest guidelines:
Samsung 32" Flat Screen HDTV
It is that simple. All you have to do is follow me on Twitter, and you can win a TV. How simple is that? Let the contest begin. By the way, my Twitter handle is @brucemcclain. Stay tuned for updates and for the results of the experiment!
I have seen several people offering to shave their heads. Jason Calacanis offered a MacBook Air if he were to get the number one spot on Twitter, and of course, we all know about the Ashton Kutcher/CNN battle of a year ago.
I have decided to do an experiment with the social media world in Indianapolis and see if this practice works. My general impression is that yes, I will add more users. However, I wonder if they will be legitimate followers or people following just for the contest? Will they quit following me after the contest, or will they enjoy my tweets and continue to follow? These are the questions I want to answer as I begin my quest to become one of the 10 most followed people in Indianapolis.
Now for the contest guidelines:
- I will use the website, wefollow.com, as my measuring tool. (There may be better ones out there, but Kevin Rose helped develop this one.)
- I will set a deadline of one month. This will be January 3rd.
- If I am in the Top 10 most followed people in Indianapolis, I will give away a prize. Currently, I would need around 5,000 followers to make the top 10.
- On January 3, I will pick a winner randomly from my followers.
- I will tweet the winner's name from my Twitter account.
- They will have two hours to tweet me back.
- If there is no response after two hours, I will pick another winner until someone claims the prize.
- You do not need to live in Indianapolis or Indiana to win. I am just going to use that a measuring stick.
- Now, for the big giveaway...if all this happens, the winner will receive a:
Samsung 32" Flat Screen HDTV
It is that simple. All you have to do is follow me on Twitter, and you can win a TV. How simple is that? Let the contest begin. By the way, my Twitter handle is @brucemcclain. Stay tuned for updates and for the results of the experiment!
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