Well, we of the older mindset have learned with age to be more selective with what we do, when we do it, and with whom.  Call us paranoid—or just old—but it simply doesn’t seem right to have 673 friends, and we definitely don’t have the time to ‘like’ everything we see. We truly aren’t interested in what you found in the couch cushions, and we aren’t going to ‘like’ a post about what your dog regurgitated. Yes, we have become discriminatory.

However, in business we know we need to network and talk, make friends and get as many people to like us as possible–in both the real and the virtual world. We also realize that for some the word ‘like’ has become a super-sized commitment to be a part of the everyday minutia of the world–but unlike taking out the garbage and cleaning the bathroom, it’s something we can choose not to do.  So why do it?  Why should you ‘like’ us?

It’s pretty simple.

What's Not To Like?

When we at Web Savvy Marketers ‘like’ you, it’s because:

• We value you
• We value something you’ve said or done
• We want you to succeed

When you ‘like’ us, it means:

• You value us
• You value something we’ve said or done
• You want us to succeed

It’s not complicated. Your newsfeed won’t be stacked with invaluable, irrelevant nonsense from us–although we will include you when we’re having fun! We will share our ideas, what works for us and doesn’t, and we’ll want to hear about what makes your business tick–your challenges and experiences.

So let’s avoid that awkward middle-school-hallway moment, “Why didn’t you ‘like’ me on Facebook?” and support each other with a click on that little thumbs-up.

What’s not to like?

*http://www.checkfacebook.com/

I’ve run into clients and prospects  who are under the misguided assumption that images on the web are free for the taking.  Not so.  In fact, if the stock photography companies find that your site is using pirated images you could be fined hundreds or thousands of dollars. And they will find you.  I’ve had clients who have loaded images onto their website (that were unknowingly pirated from an online source) and eventually they get a call from Comstock or some other Stock photo house demanding payment for the use of their image.

Always make sure that you have the right to use images that you place  on your website (or any marketing materials).  There are many royalty free stock photos you can purchase for use on your website for fairly low cost.  IStockphoto.com is one that we use frequently to purchase stock photography.

Music is another component that people like to pirate.  It is not legal to use a song you’ve purchased and downloaded onto your IPod as background music for a video you post to YouTube.  Sorry.  SoundDogs.com is a good source for music and sound effects.

I don’t have to tell anyone that it’s plagiarism to copy text from another site.  Do I?

I laughed.

“How did that happen?” I asked and then I chuckled some more.

Apparently my client  had accidentally hit the combination of keys that’s the shortcut for flipping your display.  Yeah, that’s a handy shortcut. Thank you Microsoft.

“It’s not funny,” she said. “Not only is the screen upside down, but the mouse is backwards”.

I laughed again.  “Did you try turning the mouse upside down?” I asked.

Meanwhile, while poking fun at my client I did a quick Google search for “upside down display screen”  and I quickly found a forum where others had run into the problem.  Scanning the forum I saw one that  began with “I’m 13 years old and I have the answer to the problem…”

The 13-year old recommended going to the display settings where you will find the option to flip your screen.   Who knew?  I’m 53 years old and I didn’t know that option existed, but Google and the 13-year old kid made me look like a hero.  Thank you Google and unknown 13-year old (you little smartie-pants).

Our client had a process that they wanted to show but could not accomplish through straight video. We were able to combine video, photos and 2-D animation to fulfill their need. Adding copy and voice over allowed them to highlight the points and products most pertinent to their customers. Although the piece was created to use at meetings and sales presentations, the addition of music allowed them to use it at trade shows as well. View the presentation

This hyper-focus may have been enhanced by the glut of SEO experts telling people how vital SEO is to their success.  But, web site owners would be wise to remember that the only thing good SEO will do is have your site show up in a site search.  It’s not a silver bullet to sales.  It will only improve the odds or bringing customers to your website.  After that it’s up to you and your website to impress potential customers with amazing content–content that’s current, clear, accurate, informative, and attractively designed.

So while you’re reviewing SEO strategies (because I’m not discounting the effectiveness of a well-optimized site at getting people to the door) don’t forget to review your website.  The stuff that customer’s actually see is as important as a good SEO strategy.   Here’s a brief checklist of things you should be looking at:

1. Is it clear (to the layperson) within seconds of landing on any page in your website what you’re selling?
2. Is your phone number visible? On every page?
3. Do you give people a reason to call you?  Do you clearly state benefits of doing business with you?
4. Is your navigation easy to follow?
5. Are your markets clearing defined.  Do you provide market specific content for different market segments?
6. Do you update your content with current information?
7. Does your site design look professional?  Does it look current or dated?  Does it show well on mobile devices?
8. Is your site design (colors, typography, logos, images)  consistent with your brand?
9. If you have a shopping cart, is the cart secure? Are products clearly displayed and identified?
10. Are customer service policies, shipping methods, return policies, privacy policies in place.
11. Do you provide a physical location and multiple ways for people to contact you?
12. Are you using social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others that are appropriate for your markets?

Always focus on building a website that benefits your clients and potential clients.  If you keep that in mind as you optimize your site and your content you may find that customers are not only finding you, but they’re also buying from you.  And that’s really the ultimate goal isn’t it?

Our client was hosting a large event that had more than 30 different presenters. Although each attendee could choose which break-out session they wanted to go to, the client wanted to provide them with information on all the sessions and the presenters. Since the theme was “Going Green” the paper route was not an option. We created an interactive CD that allowed them to view all the information at their leisure. Note: the image used was provided by the client.

The client wanted a presentation that could be used as both a trade show presentation and also as a sales CD. We created an interactive CD with a high-end intro. The CD could be given out on sales calls and at shows. We also provided the client with a show master that would loop the introduction until used to walk a customer/prospect through the rest of the CD. After a minute, if the presentation wasn’t used, it would go back to the looping introduction. View the presentation introduction

I use Twitter to primarily follow web designers, application developers and SEO experts, with a small dose of news sources and random other hobbies and interests.  By scanning through my Twitter feed I learn of new tools and techniques in my industry.

Here’s what I’ve learned from Twitter:

1. From @smashingmag: How other digital designers are using Fireworks – (one of my favorite tools).  In reviewing this post I realize there are techniques I can try that will make me more efficient in my daily workflow.  The post also made me want to upgrade to CS5.
2. 10 reasons why business card size matters.  Some interesting design samples — it’s always inspirational to look at other designer’s work.
3. From @1stwebdesigner: 10 tips for designing better infographics.  Insights into making a better bar graphes, pie charts, etc.  Some good pointers.
4. From @catswhocode a Black Cat Rescue Shelter in the Boston area.  Black cats are less likely to be adopted.  People are weird.  Beautiful black cat featured available for adoption. Hope he finds a good home.
5. From @ZarkoCompare – Link building guide from the Bliss SEO blog.  (Found the color scheme of the website hard to read)
6. From @Biz: Large, slow moving plane video. (okay this one was a waste of time)
7. From @CNN: Senate blocks vote on jobs bill
8. From @CNNMoney: Foreign buyers scooping up US homes.

Here’s what been on TV this morning:

Gadhafi’s dead, Gadhafi’s Dead, Gadhafi’s dead… Jackson’s doc on trial.  7 billionth baby

Who do you follow?  What’s in your Twitter feed?

I recently had a customer who wanted to get more fans on their FaceBook page and then drive them to their website. The problem was that they hadn’t finished creating a FaceBook profile and their site was sorely in need of an update.  We worked with them to update these tools before the social media campaign to ensure the impression they wanted to leave was consistent wherever the viewer went.

Here are some pointers when planning your on-line campaign…

Website

• Make sure it’s easy to contact you – a phone number up front would be ideal
• Provide good content that your “audience” would be interested in
• Make sure the navigation is clear and information can be easily found
• Use imagery that gives the impression you’re going for – this applies to design and photos
• Update, update, update – give people a reason to return to your site

Social Media Page (Facebook, Linked-In, etc.)

• Create a company page to separate your personal page from your business
• Make sure your page reflects the rest of your branding
• Keep communications professional
• Don’t sell at people – establish yourself as an expert or give them an incentive to try out your product or service
• Update, update, update – give them a reason to become a fan or follower

The bottom line…before you invite people to “like you” make sure there’s something to like.