Social media continues to dominate a lot of discussions for companies as they consider what they're plans are...hopefully they are in fact considering instead of just acting as this may have undesirable results! I invite you to read the following as I couldn't have said it better myself and in fact extend the concept outlined to not just social media engagement, but website development generally. Here is one way to think of it, what would you like your web presence to do for your company? If you can imagine it, it can probably be done...plan! Failing to plan is a very good plan to fail. Read on...
http://econsultancy.com/blog/3797-social-media-is-about-the-steak-not-the-sizzle#blog_comment_8529
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Monday, May 11, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
Be Cool Internet...Stay Nice! 5 Reasons
Have you ever had an experience that left you really frustrated with a company if not outright mad? Whether it's a flaw with something that you bought, (zippers on hockey bags come to mind...Easton Canada, not so nice!!!) or a real let down in what you thought you were getting as a a service and what was delivered, it is more important than ever that you respond well to your customers concerns. Deliver good service, be honest, stand behind your product. Why? Today, more than ever before, an unhappy client can make their frustration known to a wide audience...really wide audience!
How you ask? Here are just five:
www.ripoffreport.com
www.settlement.org
www.evalu8.org
www.fraudalert.com
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/consumer-rip-off/
When I say just five, what I mean is there are probably 155...thousand similar websites or blogs! I don't think anyone can afford that kind of 'free press' do you? Is this fair? I think so, what do you think? Be cool...stay nice.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
How you ask? Here are just five:
www.ripoffreport.com
www.settlement.org
www.evalu8.org
www.fraudalert.com
http://en.wordpress.com/tag/consumer-rip-off/
When I say just five, what I mean is there are probably 155...thousand similar websites or blogs! I don't think anyone can afford that kind of 'free press' do you? Is this fair? I think so, what do you think? Be cool...stay nice.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What is a Website For?
So...what is a website for? Really! Give me some answers I want to know what you're thinking.
As I observe what is happening with online communications and the conventional marketing options, here is a comment that I would be really interested in opening a discussion on:
Traditional marketing vehicles, print, TV, radio, trade shows etc. continue to be valid options but they are expensive and very difficult at best to track results. The internet offers business accurate, trackable results, unlimited ability to communicate relevant information, and a return on investment that is unmatched by any conventional media offering on a minute by minute basis and as a result, more and more companies are investing in their online presence.
What do conventional media do? They are supposed to get the prospect to engage with the company. What is a website for? In my opinion... get the prospect to engage with the company! In the online world we call this conversion. What do you think? I'm interested in hearing from you, leave a comment.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
As I observe what is happening with online communications and the conventional marketing options, here is a comment that I would be really interested in opening a discussion on:
Traditional marketing vehicles, print, TV, radio, trade shows etc. continue to be valid options but they are expensive and very difficult at best to track results. The internet offers business accurate, trackable results, unlimited ability to communicate relevant information, and a return on investment that is unmatched by any conventional media offering on a minute by minute basis and as a result, more and more companies are investing in their online presence.
What do conventional media do? They are supposed to get the prospect to engage with the company. What is a website for? In my opinion... get the prospect to engage with the company! In the online world we call this conversion. What do you think? I'm interested in hearing from you, leave a comment.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Monday, April 20, 2009
How Much Does a Business Lead Cost You?
Really, how much? Do you ever think of this as part of your business planning cycle? I would be truly interested in hearing from you, leave a comment. Why do I ask?
Here's an example of some simple business math:
Gross Revenues- $100,000
Advertising/Marketing Spend- $10,000
Totl Number of Leads- 100
Cost per lead- $100
What would be the effect of reducing the cost per lead? Again straight forward answer, if the cost per lead is reduced, one of two things happens, the net profit of the business is improved or the Advertising and Marketing budget goes further allowing the company to grow revenues further, either way this is a significant win for business. So why am I talking about this?
If there was a way for you to reduce your cost per lead 25% would that make sense for your company? Well there is, in fact here's some news, businesses are reducing lead costs by 61%! Inbound Marketing, if you don't know about this, it is time to learn, the upside potential is tremendous, the result, a better bottom line. More on this in my next installment, but answer this...who wouldn't want to reduce their lead costs by 61%? Truly, I would like to hear from you, leave a comment.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Here's an example of some simple business math:
Gross Revenues- $100,000
Advertising/Marketing Spend- $10,000
Totl Number of Leads- 100
Cost per lead- $100
What would be the effect of reducing the cost per lead? Again straight forward answer, if the cost per lead is reduced, one of two things happens, the net profit of the business is improved or the Advertising and Marketing budget goes further allowing the company to grow revenues further, either way this is a significant win for business. So why am I talking about this?
If there was a way for you to reduce your cost per lead 25% would that make sense for your company? Well there is, in fact here's some news, businesses are reducing lead costs by 61%! Inbound Marketing, if you don't know about this, it is time to learn, the upside potential is tremendous, the result, a better bottom line. More on this in my next installment, but answer this...who wouldn't want to reduce their lead costs by 61%? Truly, I would like to hear from you, leave a comment.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Improve Website Results 100%, 5 Steps
You may think this is a joke, not possible...what if it was guaranteed? Don't look for a guarantee like this on this blog, it's not my style, but I will say that these kind of improvements are very possible with a well executed and organized web development plan...oh no, here I go with the plan thing again. Yes, hear me, you are not going to get those kind of results without planning unless you are unbelievably lucky. For those who think this isn't possible I offer this, if it is possible and you don't engage with this kind of process, then the new opportunities that would have been yours? Well, they'll be go to someone else. How much will that cost you?
Five Steps
Step 1- Content, content, content. Check it over, are you giving your visitors the solutions they're looking for? Nobody cares about your product except you, they care about their problem and solutions for the problem, get your answers lined up and give them what they want.
Step 2- Check out your competition, what are they doing? What are they saying? How are they ranking in searches, why? How are they converting site visitors? Standard business. You don't have to re-create the wheel, just improve it a little and you'll win all the business you want.
Step 3- SEO, you think I'm crazy mentioning this don't you? Well let me tell you something, I surf a lot of websites and an unbelievably high percentage don't even have keywords and those that do well, many have the same keywords on every page of the website. Missed opportunities.
Step 4- Blog. Yes, again I say blog. This is probably the easiest way to improve rankings with the search engines. A blog provides your website with changing content, blog more, more change, more search engine relevance.
Step 5- Social network campaign. It's time that you engage in the conversation, offer your tweet, your wall space, your flick...beware, this isn't where you advertise, this is where you provide good conversation, want to be interesting? Be interested.
There you go, five steps. Yes, there are many more, no I haven't said all there is to say, there are many details, come back again soon and I'll have something else.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Five Steps
Step 1- Content, content, content. Check it over, are you giving your visitors the solutions they're looking for? Nobody cares about your product except you, they care about their problem and solutions for the problem, get your answers lined up and give them what they want.
Step 2- Check out your competition, what are they doing? What are they saying? How are they ranking in searches, why? How are they converting site visitors? Standard business. You don't have to re-create the wheel, just improve it a little and you'll win all the business you want.
Step 3- SEO, you think I'm crazy mentioning this don't you? Well let me tell you something, I surf a lot of websites and an unbelievably high percentage don't even have keywords and those that do well, many have the same keywords on every page of the website. Missed opportunities.
Step 4- Blog. Yes, again I say blog. This is probably the easiest way to improve rankings with the search engines. A blog provides your website with changing content, blog more, more change, more search engine relevance.
Step 5- Social network campaign. It's time that you engage in the conversation, offer your tweet, your wall space, your flick...beware, this isn't where you advertise, this is where you provide good conversation, want to be interesting? Be interested.
There you go, five steps. Yes, there are many more, no I haven't said all there is to say, there are many details, come back again soon and I'll have something else.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Are 'Things' Changing
Yeeeeeaah! In the world of online communication...wow are they changing!
OK, so much for the exclamation points. I bring this topic up for two reasons, first, in a recent conversation with a friend who knows of my involvement with website services, he asked me about Facebook. I asked him, "What do you want to know?", his answer (really) "What is it?" I have to tell you, I was a little blown away but realized quickly that there are a lot of people like John, (not his real name) who are so busy with their business that they truly don't think they have time for such things and truly don't understand what social networks can provide their business with. In a nutshell, my first point is that they don't get to access information that will allow them to make an informed decision, and this is really too bad because there are so many opportunities for them to improve their business that never existed before. Website design, website services...online communications is evolving at a remarkable pace, I truly believe it will be better for all of us, allowing better, more targeted and concise information distribution which will result in improved outcomes. That said, I also hope that the SMB marketplace will avail itself of this continuing evolution in communications.
Second reason...find a way to engage in the process, I strongly believe this is really important. Should I emphasize that some more? REALLY IMPORTANT! Whether you're in the internet industry to help others, or you're seeking that help, find a way to access the info you need that will help you, either better serve your clients, or serve the business outcomes you seek. For business owners and managers, you should probably put this process into other peoples hands, you don't really have time. Just make certain you're working with someone you're comfortable with and who is really keen on what is happening in this online communication world. When you do this, your investment will be paid back many many times over. If you chose not to engage somehow...well let's not go there.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
OK, so much for the exclamation points. I bring this topic up for two reasons, first, in a recent conversation with a friend who knows of my involvement with website services, he asked me about Facebook. I asked him, "What do you want to know?", his answer (really) "What is it?" I have to tell you, I was a little blown away but realized quickly that there are a lot of people like John, (not his real name) who are so busy with their business that they truly don't think they have time for such things and truly don't understand what social networks can provide their business with. In a nutshell, my first point is that they don't get to access information that will allow them to make an informed decision, and this is really too bad because there are so many opportunities for them to improve their business that never existed before. Website design, website services...online communications is evolving at a remarkable pace, I truly believe it will be better for all of us, allowing better, more targeted and concise information distribution which will result in improved outcomes. That said, I also hope that the SMB marketplace will avail itself of this continuing evolution in communications.
Second reason...find a way to engage in the process, I strongly believe this is really important. Should I emphasize that some more? REALLY IMPORTANT! Whether you're in the internet industry to help others, or you're seeking that help, find a way to access the info you need that will help you, either better serve your clients, or serve the business outcomes you seek. For business owners and managers, you should probably put this process into other peoples hands, you don't really have time. Just make certain you're working with someone you're comfortable with and who is really keen on what is happening in this online communication world. When you do this, your investment will be paid back many many times over. If you chose not to engage somehow...well let's not go there.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Friday, March 20, 2009
Live at Last!
The final step in getting your website live is to flick the switch so to speak. All of your information is correct and to your satisfaction, the content is laid out well, the initial optimization is completed, you're ready to be live and so...flick the switch! You might think this is where the process ends and really, it's where the process begins, let me explain.
What has been laid out in the last few entries is a process that will lead to your getting your website up and live for online visitors to come and engage with, you've built your online real estate, the online house so to speak. You've made an investment of time and capital resources to bring this project to fruition, and you should be excited about what can happen now and in the future as a result of this investment. Like any asset or tool of your business, or like the home that you live in for that matter, your online presence requires maintenance in order to preserve and increase it's value. Do you paint your house? Repair the windows? Replace the furnace or air conditioner as needed? Of course you do, if you didn't what would happen? The investment you've made in your house would depreciate. Similarly for your business, do you repair or replace your business equipment as needed? Do you change your business processes to better use the resources of the company? Again the answer is yes, and just as you complete these maintenance items for your home and business, you need to have the same attitude about your online investments. Why? Good question.
Each week I come across something new and interesting about what is evolving with respect to online communications, it's a rapidly expanding area. This research is critical in order that I can be of greatest help to my clients in their online development plans. Great news...there is a ton of new internet technology being introduced all the time! Why great news? These developments will allow you to achieve with increased efficiencies, to a wider audience, at less cost resulting in better business results for your company. As these innovations continue to roll out they will provide you with more opportunities than ever before, but there is a catch...you must replace the windows, apply fresh paint, change your heating and air conditioning system as needed to preserve and enhance your investment and achieve the greatest ROI for your efforts.
So,
1- monitor results
2- evaluate data
3- plan based on interpretation
4- implement new plan
5- repeat
I'm going to repeat something that I offered a while back...In 2006 google was receiving 2.7 billion inquires monthly, in 2008 it was up to 37 billion! Plan well and you will be positioned to benefit, fail to plan...well let's not even go there.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
What has been laid out in the last few entries is a process that will lead to your getting your website up and live for online visitors to come and engage with, you've built your online real estate, the online house so to speak. You've made an investment of time and capital resources to bring this project to fruition, and you should be excited about what can happen now and in the future as a result of this investment. Like any asset or tool of your business, or like the home that you live in for that matter, your online presence requires maintenance in order to preserve and increase it's value. Do you paint your house? Repair the windows? Replace the furnace or air conditioner as needed? Of course you do, if you didn't what would happen? The investment you've made in your house would depreciate. Similarly for your business, do you repair or replace your business equipment as needed? Do you change your business processes to better use the resources of the company? Again the answer is yes, and just as you complete these maintenance items for your home and business, you need to have the same attitude about your online investments. Why? Good question.
Each week I come across something new and interesting about what is evolving with respect to online communications, it's a rapidly expanding area. This research is critical in order that I can be of greatest help to my clients in their online development plans. Great news...there is a ton of new internet technology being introduced all the time! Why great news? These developments will allow you to achieve with increased efficiencies, to a wider audience, at less cost resulting in better business results for your company. As these innovations continue to roll out they will provide you with more opportunities than ever before, but there is a catch...you must replace the windows, apply fresh paint, change your heating and air conditioning system as needed to preserve and enhance your investment and achieve the greatest ROI for your efforts.
So,
1- monitor results
2- evaluate data
3- plan based on interpretation
4- implement new plan
5- repeat
I'm going to repeat something that I offered a while back...In 2006 google was receiving 2.7 billion inquires monthly, in 2008 it was up to 37 billion! Plan well and you will be positioned to benefit, fail to plan...well let's not even go there.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
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