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To all visitors of the Eastonsweb blog. We have set up stakes in another neighborhood. We have added the blog to our new website.
We will be delivering even more commentary to help you blow the doors off your customer building strategies.
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Every website owner and manager fantasizes about the day a flood of prospective customers hit Google researching product information and the site owner’s website site shows up in the top 5 search results. This fantasy is soon crushed when the reality sets in that millions of other site owners accross the globe are also competing for that coveted spot in the search engine’s results.
One of the best ways to win search engine favor is to blog. Blogs produce an abundance of a search engines favorite food, text. In addition, blog content updates can be distributed through RSS feeds (read definition) and if your feed is distributed through a service like Feedburner (see details), then search engines are notified of updates immediately vs the 4-6 weeks it normally takes for search engines to index your site in response to your direct request (more on indexing). In short, a Feedburner enabled blog is exponentially more search engine sticky than a standard website, even if the site is tricked out with the latest rooty tooty fresh and fruity search engine optimization modifications.
Now if that blog of yours is integrated into your site vs operating as a stand alone entity, then your website proper can benefit from a traffic rush from Google searchers. The morale of this story is add a blog today so prospective customers can’t help but come your way. That was a horrible rhyme but you get the point.
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I swear Google with its rapid release of applications is moving to be the next Microsoft. In it’s march to take over the online world a couple of years ago the company built upon it’s email service, GMail adding Google Calendar, Talk, Google Docs and Google Sites into an office application suite that Microsoft’s software-based model simply cannot compete with.
In addition to domain-branded email (yourname@yourcompany.com), in under an hour a small business can deploy word processing, spreadsheet creation, powerpoint-style presentations and website creation for corporate Intranets or related use all at no cost. That’s right, for free you can enable a global organization of up to 100 employees, contractors, business partners with just about every electronic office tool they will need to contribute to your organization’s output. Create templated company communications, collaborate on documents in real time, remotely update projects and more from any connected PC. Did I say you don’t have to worry about software upgrades?
Google Apps Quick Tour
My virtual office is powered by Google Apps and I push my web clients to consider this very powerful toolset. Just curious, how are you using Google Apps?
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Search the web, browse a magazine stand or watch any television these days and it is clear that Green is the new Black. Even cooler than being green is finding creative ways to show off your greenness; is that a word?
If your company is truly committed to the cause, producing a video that shows your organization’s approach to environmental friendliness can go a long way toward influencing customers and prospects. You might have voiced narration detailing your eco-friendly strategy with shots and images of your office’s recyclable materials or screen grabs of your paper and silicon software disc-free virtual office. You might even consider including testimony from a local environmental protection expert commenting on the ways offices can be green with overlaid visuals of your office’s implementation.
Once your video is complete, be just as creative in seeking distribution opportunities. Streaming from your website is the obvious tactic but events present a great opportunity as well. If your company sponsors or hosts an event, have the organizers play your eco-spot on the big screens. Trust me, this will be a huge hit.
Do you have a green video? Tell us how you use it.
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I’ve been on the micro-blogging site Twitter for a few months. For those of you who aren’t familiar, Twitter allows you to stay in touch by sending short messages that can be no longer than 140 characters. I joined after learning that a growing number of journalists were using the site to post story updates and field story pitches. Since I’m in the marketing communications arena, I felt that Twitter was another way for me to stay in the game.
So far, I love it. I log in several times a day and send messages, called Tweets, about a range of topics. What’s also great is that I can follow and communicate with thought leaders in a variety of industries; get a quick check of news headlines; and talk with family and friends. You also can restrict your page and just follow a select group of people. No matter your choice, what’s impressive is that these short bursts of messages are an avenue to build community.
In light of the developing hurricane in the Gulf Coast, a number of people and media outlets are using Twitter to provide storm updates. CNN reporter Rick Sanchez even asked residents in the Gulf Coast to send him updates on Twitter during a newscast and read their Tweets live on the air.
Twitter as a public service tool is just one illustration of the uses for this platform that extend beyond the type of product or service being offered. To give you an example, if I were a representative from a church or school, I would use Twitter as a communications vehicle. Can you imagine the benefits of parents following their child’s teacher (and each other) on Twitter, connecting their resources and discussing ways to provide a better learning experience for students? How about a pastor being able to communicate with congregants and congregants with each other throughout the week?
Companies also are using Twitter to promote products and services and to extend their customer service reach by responding to comments (found by a Twitter search tool called a Tweet Scan) referencing their organizations – good or bad. You can see examples of how businesses are using Twitter on the pages of http://twitter.com/msgreen; http://twitter.com/comcastcares; http://twitter.com/wholefoods; http://twitter.com/delloutlet.
There are a lot of social networking platforms on the market and every vehicle isn’t made for every person or business. Instead of Twitter, you might be more drawn to MySpace, Facebook, blogging, or use multiple platforms at once. Do whatever works best for your needs, and of course, presents the best opportunity to build community.
If you do decide to join Twitter, or you’re already on, feel free to follow me via @KristinaBrandy. I’ll connect with you as well. That’s what it’s all about.
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About Kristina Hill
An expert in marketing communications, Kristina Hill provides integrated marketing consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses through MarComm Creative Group, LLC. The business offers an array of services, including: public relations and media relations; advertising planning and placement; integrated marketing plan development and execution; and, writing services.
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