How to Use Vine in Your Small Business Marketing

/in /by

How Can a Six-Second Video Help Your Business?

Thought about using Vine for brief, sharable videos for your business? If not, you definitely should. Making these videos is most likely already within both your skill set and technology, as many are simply using their smartphones and uploading these by the boatload.

Why is everyone so all aTwitter about Vine?

So, just in case you’ve not yet delved into what exactly Vine is and what it can do for you, here’s the short version: Vine is a video sharing platform on Twitter that allows you to create and upload 6-second videos to Twitter. So what good is a 6-second video, you ask? Well, a great deal of good! Check out how a few companies are using Vine videos to further their brand, promote their goods, and otherwise promote their business: RedVines, Urban Outfitters and Nintendo.

These companies found a way for videos to help further their brand, promote their products and services, and promote their businesses in different ways. They know that this service, which is trending incredibly hot right now, can do for them. One of the major attractions of a service like Vine is the fact that getting your content in front of people is getting more and more difficult as people are less willing to take the time to read. Consumers are less eager to read, so a 6-second video is just what the doctor ordered, and you’d be surprised at a few of the ways people are using Vine. As reported by Biznology.com, businesses are making use of them to introduce new employees, announce events, give an insider’s look into the business, and in many cases creating short commercials to show off their latest product or service.

Publiseek.com offers even more innovative options to use Vine. Some of these include:

  • Recording customer testimonials
  • Recording short introductions from the company principals
  • Real estate professionals have found Vine useful to present virtual tours of new listings
  • Restaurants are broadcasting daily specials. Picture a scrumptious plate overlaid with the link, “Click to Smell”, which takes them to the reservation desk. Plenty of possibilities here!
  • Businesses are using Vine to show off stunning before and after pictures

The only limit here is your imagination! You can accomplish something positive for your business this afternoon if you take action. Get going with Vine today!

Why monitoring employees is so contentious

/in /by

As the owner of a small business, you now have the technology available to know what Web sites your workers visit while sitting at their desks. You can monitor how they use Twitter and Facebook. You can even tap into their smart phones to find out where they physically are throughout the day. But just because you can do this, it doesn’t mean that you ought to.

Privacy in the tech age

These are the issues that Thomas Claburn, editor-at-large with Information Week, recently tackled in an online feature story. In his story, Claburn wrote about Harvard University administrators searching the e-mail accounts of 16 faculty members to locate the source of leaks to the media about a recent cheating scandal at the school. Faculty members were angered and shocked at the administrators’ actions.

High-tech snooping?

If you run a package-delivery service, it might be OK to use new tech to monitor the location of your drivers, Claburn writes. And he points to the lower level of worker theft after Dunkin’ Donuts started monitoring employees. But what about tracing the location of a company-issued smartphone even when the employee using that phone is off work? Employers, Claburn writes, should probably avoid this.

The end of privacy?

The opinions by the experts quoted by Claburn are a mixed bag. These experts say that some monitoring of employees is reasonable, but other tactics are not. Such as, employers shouldn’t monitor their workers’ locations when these workers are off duty. Possibly the best advice in the story? Those companies who trust their employees are generally rewarded with workers who are harder-working and more loyal.

Why power naps can make you a more productive employee

/in /by

Want to become a more productive employee? It’s time for a nap. Of course, get it approved by your boss first; you don’t need to suddenly become unemployed after catching some shuteye. But Lifehacker writer Melanie Pinola in a recent feature story took a look at the productivity benefits associated with work-time napping. You may be amazed at how a quick nap can boost your energy and brainpower.

10 to 20 Minutes

For instance, Pinola writes, a 10- to 20-minute nap part way through the day can leave you feeling energized and alert. Which, in turn, can make you a much more productive employee.

The Wrong Choice

Conversely, a 30-minute nap could cause more harm than good. That’s mainly because you’ll awaken from a nap of this length still groggy. You’ll struggle to focus. And the sensation could last for another 30 minutes.

Longer but Powerful

The 60-minute nap, however, can help you remember facts, faces and names, Pinola writes. This length of nap includes slow-wave sleep, the deepest type of sleep you can experience. Of course, getting your boss to approve a 60-minute nap in the middle of the workday might be a nightmare.

How to use infographics in your business

/in /by

How your business can benefit by employing infographics

So why use infographics? Infographics have taken the world by storm, as we are increasingly more inclined these days to process data visually than through the written word. Neuroscience explains why: based on research from 3M (maker of Post-its, among other things), 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual, and visuals are processed 60,000X faster in the brain than text! So some smart person somewhere invented infographics (probably Al Gore) to help us tell our stories. Now, smart companies are using these visually pleasing, data-rich illustrations to educate and engage new customers. Here’s a great example of how one online marketer is employing infographics to build his business.

There are a lot of wonderful reasons why you need to consider using infographics in your business. Here’s merely start:

  • They are visually impactful and easily scannable, both aspects that match up with today’s web browser
  • They present details easily and in an organized manner
  • They help establish you as an authority on the topic
  • One of the best benefits of using infographics is they can go viral, which can often result in large traffic spikes and search engine benefits
  • As images, they’re easily shared, which offers a number of benefits (as stated by research conducted by social media expert Dan Zarrella, images get more shares and likes on Facebook than any other post type—even video)

So to show you some of the magic of infographics, check out this infographic from MarketingTechBlog.com.

Want to create your own infographics?

If you would like to build your own infographics, there are sites and tools that enable you to jump in and develop breathtaking infographics. At the basic level you can make them in PowerPoint, which is not as challenging as you may assume. If you’re looking for a little more advanced or polished option, you might check into a tool like Visual.ly, where you could transform existing templates to your needs, or perhaps make use of a service like PiktoChart or Infogram.

What if you haven’t a design gene in you?

Simply outsource them. Many times we don’t have the time, skills or patience to get the job done, especially if you’ve never really opened Photoshop before. No worries, as there are top-notch designers willing to make your infographics for you,and for a reasonable cost. Some of these places include 99Designs, Elance, Odesk, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. Be sure you request samples of their work, set clear boundaries and expectations, and communicate clearly your vision, so there aren’t any surprises come delivery time!

Video games can make your brain younger?

/in /by

Maybe all those youngsters are right: Video games might not be so bad for you, after all. The New York Times recently reported on new research showing that old-style video games might actually help old brains act younger. It’s compelling evidence for all those who’ve long argued that video games can actually make us smarter.

Short-term and long-term gains

According to the study, older adults who played an easy video game in which they had to drive a car past other vehicles while identifying key road signs displayed the neurological patterns of much younger adults. Just how much younger? The study discovered that some 80-year-olds boasted patterns more usual in the brains of 20-year-olds.

Carry over

And the best news? This benefit didn’t end when the video game stopped. Researchers told the Times that participants benefitted from the younger-brain attributes when carrying out normal day-to-day activities.

A Good Excuse?

So, it may be time for our older readers to crack out their long-abandoned copies of Pac-Man and Space Invaders. Any scenario that helps build a younger brain should be embraced. And if it will require a few hours of shooting down aliens or gobbling dots to get it done? That’s better still.

Webinar systems too pricy? Google Hangouts Could Be the Answer!

/in /by

5 Reasons Your Business Should Start Using Google Hangouts

Google is fast becoming somewhat notorious for releasing new programs and then casting them aside as soon as the mood changes. Witness Google Wave, Google Buzz and now Google Reader. (I’m still ticked about this one!) Despite many prophecies of a similar fate for Google , Google Hangouts, their latest wonder-app, might just save the collective Google bacon.

Google Hangouts – So what is it exactly?

The short version is that Google Hangouts are a great way to connect with other people via a live video chat, one that can be recorded and utilized in various platforms and in many different ways. Joined at the hip to your Google account, a hangout is extremely simple to launch, and has a goldmine of interesting features for marketers. You can host a hangout with up to ten other people, and many others can watch live at your YouTube channel, Google page, or a web page. Google records the whole affair, and delivers a YouTube URL to you after you’re done, that you can then easy use in your marketing in several ways.

Marketing with Google Hangouts

There are oodles of ways to integrate Google Hangouts into your marketing. Listed below are 10 ways people are finding effective.

  • Webinars – A free alternative to expensive webinar systems such as GoToWebinar.
  • Conferences – Setup shop at any conference you are attending and share the event!
  • Meetings – Hold virtual meetings in an informal, yet immediate venue.
  • Product Launches – An innovative way to create positive buzz on launch day. (Or before!)
  • Interviews – Capture interviews with people on the fly with Google Hangouts!
  • Product Demos – Show people what you’ve got, live and in person!
  • Virtual Press Conferences – Make your press releases go viral!
  • Live Streaming Events – Want your own weekly live TV show? Many marketers now use Google Hangouts for precisely this purpose.
  • Q & A with Customers – Find out what your customers want and need easily. Great trust builder!
  • Podcast from your Hangout – Making a Podcast to share through iTunes is another way to share your content.

If you’re not using Google Hangouts as an element in your marketing mix, you’re totally losing out on a great opportunity to engage with your audience in a more intimate, immediate way.

What the Real Deal About Google+?

/in /by

What the Real Deal About Google+?

Has Google+ turned into an afterthought in your social media marketing plan? Just when was the last time you took a look over there? You may also be wondering if Google+ is or ever can be a viable tool for your business. You’re not alone because many are still divided as to whether to even spend any time or effort on Google+.

Why we feel it’s worthwhile now and in the future!

One astonishing undeniable fact that really doesn’t ring true (yet) is that Google+ has become larger in terms of reach than Twitter. This is undoubtedly due to the proliferation of Gmail and the simplicity of having Google’s entire suite of web services at your fingertips. Since Google Plus Local Listings already include such small business services as Zagat, StreetView and Google+ User ratings, it has effectively replaced Yelp.

Also, Google Hangouts has a direct influence on where Google+ is headed as well. The convenience of using a Hangout, as an alternative to perhaps Skype, to do video conferencing is a major plus (no pun intended). Yes, we know that Hangouts is still a bit clunky and a hassle to figure out, however if you do, it’s by far the leader of the pack. Just the integration and automation that Hangouts shares with YouTube will be worth the price of admission. (Which of course is free!)

So how are businesses using Google+?

There are tons of ways to utilize Google+ in your small business. A few would include:

  • Build networks of like-minded individuals with Google+ Circles
  • Using #hashtags to help posts show up in Google search
  • Link Google+ to your blog, and benefit having your photo attached to your search results
  • Do live video chat with Google Hangouts
  • Use tags in Google+ to reach out to people directly

To see a tremendous list of strategies plus an incredible infographic for Google+, see this post on Copyblogger. While Google+ might not get you all warm and fuzzy just yet, our bet is that it’s worth the time both now and in the future!

Which Social Media Metrics Should You Ignore?

/in /by

How to Safely Ignore Metrics and Get a More Accurate Picture

The term “vanity metrics” has made its way into the marketing lexicon recently, and for good reason. What many use to measure “results” can frequently be misleading and because of this, it’s worth taking a look at some of the marketing metrics you could (and probably should!) ignore.

Here are a few you can safely ignore:

  • Facebook Likes, Twitter Followers and LinkedIn Connections – Whoever has the bigger numbers wins, correct? If only. The truth is, more virtual bodies following you translates to better conversions only if you are actively engaging with them, and building a relationship. Having tons of likes or followers who never make the transition to customers is essentially pointless.
  • Comments – Again, with the goal being to increase conversion,  merely generating a blog post that titillates and creates a large number of comments, but generates no leads, is a waste of a blog post. Make the reason they comment have something to do with leading them further down the path toward conversion, such as a topical question.
  • Impressions – Mainly used in your advertising, the sheer number of ad impressions is relatively useless, as it does not indicate any measurable action. Simply having your ad display in front of a couple of million computer screens is no real measure of how it performs. Rather, take a look at click-thru rates and conversion rates.

More on this subject can be found at HubSpot.

Metrics you’ll need to keep an eye on:

  • Shares of your content – While this is not a concrete statistic, getting your content shared in whatever form is a step in the right direction. This means that that your content making an impression (the right kind!) and is being shared around.
  • Social mentions and citations – Seeing that Google is now integrating social signals and citations into the search algorithm, this is an element that is very helpful. This aids your website in search, along with authority.
  • Conversions – The endgame. You must make sure that your social media and sharable content is ultimately resulting in more conversions.

Read more about this at Mashable.

Remote-access apps make your iPad even more powerful

/in /by

Working out of the office is often frustrating–especially when you need to access a key file on your desktop computer and that pc sits many hundreds of miles away. Fortunately, iPad owners can access several apps that permit them to remotely access the files and information in their laptops and desktop computers, no matter how far away from them they might be. Termed remote-access programs, these tools are available in a wide variety of price points. They also target numerous types of iPad users, from those concentrating on business to individuals who’re more interested in watching movies and listening to music. Here’s a look at three of the most useful remote-access apps currently available for iPad users.

GoToMyPC: GoToMyPC ranks as the grandfather of remote-access services. The folks behind the service, Citrix, have been offering users remote access to their PCs and laptops since before the iPad even entered the market. The good thing about this service? It’s by far the most powerful remote-access app out there. It’s also incredibly easy to work with. PC Magazine, in a recent review, points to the intuitive button system that lets you easily navigate through your computer. Additionally, it praises the system’s arrows function, which allows you to make use of your iPad to imitate moving your cursor using a mouse. The downside? GoToMyPC isn’t inexpensive. Depending on your service, anticipate paying about $9.95 a month or $99 a year for the application. For some users who only need to remotely access their PC on rare occasions, that cost might be too high.

SplashTop Remote Desktop: The SplashTop Remote Desktop has become a top option for iPad users. That’s because the system, as recently rated by CNet writer Matt Elliott, is straightforward to set up and use. It’s also fairly inexpensive, costing just $4.99. It also allows you to stream both video and audio, something that other remote-desktop applications don’t.

LogMeIn Ignition: LogMeIn Ignition fits somewhere between Splashtop and GoToMyPC. It is $30, so it’s not as affordable as Splashtop. But it’s less expensive than GoToMyPC and doesn’t call for a monthly subscription. The best feature here, though, according to CNET is LogMeIn’s power to wake up a PC or laptop that is sleeping or shut off. Other remote-access apps can’t accomplish that trick.

Small steps the best ones to stem a cyber attack

/in /by

Hackers aren’t shy about assaulting small businesses. They know that many of these businesses are susceptible to cyber crimes. It’s not exceedingly difficult for smart hackers to break into the credit-card accounts or bank accounts of small businesses. Many have no trouble accessing employee facts such as their Social Security numbers. Fortunately, small business owners do have a tool to use against cyber criminals: common sense. Entrepreneur Magazine recently ran a feature story providing tips for small business owners that want to protect their businesses from hackers. Here are a few suggestions from the story.

Encryption Matters

Entrepreneur recommends that you first encrypt all of your important data, anything from bank routing numbers to credit-card account information to employee Social Security numbers. Hackers want to steal these details. It’s how they eventually drain money from your small business. Entrepreneur’s advice? Turn on the full-disk encryption tools that are included with your computer’s operating systems. On Windows, this tool is labeled BitLocker. On Macintosh computers, it’s called FileVault. The tool, once activated, will encrypt every file and program on the drive.

The Lockdown Approach

Most computers have a Kensington lock port, a small metal loop that users can run a cable through to lock them to their desks. If you’d like to truly protect your business, require that employees take this protection measure. It may sound silly, but the Entrepreneur story said that businesses are often hacked after burglars break in and steal laptops along with other devices. A cable strapping a laptop to a desk won’t stop all thieves. But it might scare away those who want to strike especially quickly.

Wi-Fi Protection

Wi-Fi networks are often at risk from hackers. That’s why Entrepreneur Magazine suggests that businesses depend on wired networks preferably. But if your business clearly needs a Wi-Fi network, make sure you safeguard it using a complex password. Entrepreneur Magazine recommends a password comprised of letters, numbers and symbols. Write down this password and hide it in a safe or other secure spot.