Google Alerts Gives You the Latest Scoop

April 20, 2012 Beth Devine

Find out what they are saying about you. Your latest customer reviews, product name updates, and all the articles pertinent to your business can be sent to you on a daily basis, or even as it happens, directly to your email inbox. Equally interesting is what they are saying about your competitor, so stay abreast by tracking their mentions just like you’re following your own.

Stay Tuned In Without the Hassle of Searching

With Google Alerts you don’t need to search for this information the old-fashioned way, typing in the specific keywords every time your curiosity gets the best of you. Once you create an alert, Google will track the most recent updates on your topic and email you the results. By using those clever Google search tips from my earlier post, you can streamline your topics with effective Google search queries. Try out a keyword search and see what happens. You can refine or delete an alert at any time, and you can choose to have them come through an RSS feed as well. Pick your RSS reader, although Google will suggest their own Google Reader.

Bloggers Beware!

Create a Google Alert for your blog so you will know when you are mentioned by someone else. Do each of the following alerts: your first and last name (use quotes if you have a common name), your blog’s name (not URL), and nickname if you have one, including your Twitter username. Now you will see whenever your name or blog is mentioned, even when they don’t link to you.

There’s also a way to monitor incoming links to your site. Enter your URL like this: link:www.yourdomain.com. Use the exact post’s URL for tracking a particular post. Don’t forget to do the same with your competition’s URL! They could lead the way to some links you need to know about.

Those insufferable hackers won’t escape you any longer. Discover if your site has been hacked before your rankings plummet, thanks to the unseemly spam links the hackers insert. WordPress sites in particular are being attacked, and the attackers are filling them with links to offensive domains. Enter into your alerts: site:www.yourdomain.com viagria, OR cialis OR otherspamword. This is not 100% effective, nor is it a preventive tool, so be sure to keep your site updated with the latest version.

Have Some Fun With Your Favorite Topics

Don’t leave Google Alerts without having some fun. Follow the latest news story, your favorite author or actor, or latest DIY trend. Let your imagination get carried away! You can set up to 1000 alerts for your scoping pleasure by starting here, and if you don’t already have a Google account, go here. For a terrific step-by-step and a video tutorial, check out WebBizIdeas.com’s page. What are you waiting for?

Obscure Google Apps, Techniques and Tips

April 3, 2012 Beth Devine

Google as Goliath

Let’s explore Google, the search engine that has tipped the Internet scale to a Google-centric mentality with an estimated 900 million unique users every month, according to eBizMBA. Go ahead and “Google it,” and you’ll discover that there are well over 100 Google products and services. Some of the lesser known products include Google Transliteration, Google Fusion Tables, and Google Panoramio. Because they keep coming and going, there’s an aptly named Google Graveyard for those that get the axe. More widely known and used are Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube. Yes, YouTube has gone Google. With these three Google products, we can contact someone, locate them, and potentially publish their antics for the World Wide Web to see.

The helpful infographic primer on how to Google more effectively in my last blog is a good place to begin in using Google at its most basic. Just mastering the proper “operators” is a good Google 101 lesson.

Tips to Take With You

If you want to find pages with an exact phrase, put quotes around it (“cute pygmy giraffes“). Now, try leaving a word out of the quote (cute “pygmy giraffes”), and you will find pages that contain the word cute as well as the exact phrase “pygmy giraffes.” If you want to omit a word, put a dash sign before it (cute -pygmy giraffes), and you will find pages that contain the words cute and giraffes, but not pygmy. Use the tilde (~) to search for similar words. Type ~cute pygmy giraffes and return with words such as adorable and delightful. Use the “site:” operator to search only within a certain website. Search for site:websavvymarketers pygmy giraffes and find pygmy giraffes only within Web Savvy Marketers.

Whereas there are Google do’s, there is a definite Google don’t. This will be a difficult habit for some of us to break. Don’t ask Google questions. Instead, phrase your search in terms of the answer. For example, “Are pygmy giraffes real pets?” For this you could write intitle:pygmy to show only results with pygmy in the title, and use the star (*) to find the best matches for the word *giraffe, in case there are any unknown terms for this word. I tried pets intitle:pygmy *giraffe, and it worked, although it felt a bit like Neverland. If you truly believe, you just might find one.

This search with the star is called a wildcard, and is excellent for using when you are unsure of a particular word but know the rest, such as in a song lyric, a well-known quote, or verse. By the way, you can use more than one star in a search, just be sure to place a space between any consecutive stars. If it’s a definition you want, put define: in front of the word you are questioning, and save yourself a separate trip to the online dictionary.

CTRL + F, Anyone?

My favorite quick-search tip is the little-known command + F shortcut, or CTRL + F with PCs. Follow this with the word you’re searching for (see the box which appears in the screen’s bottom left), and every instance of this word will be highlighted on that particular web page or document. Need to make a calculation? Never mind opening a calculator application; simply type the equation into Google using +, -, *, /, and parentheses. Forgot your reading glasses? Increase the size of the document with command + or CTRL +. Using the CTRL – will reverse your changes.

Go ahead and Google. You know you want to.

Image: anankkml @ http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=1674

Infographics

March 26, 2012 Beth Devine

Infographics Goes Retro

The growing trend in infographics, due in part to the rise of the Internet and social marketing, has a historical component going back to the Egyptian’s astronomical tables of the 2nd century. Jump to the 1920s London, and data visualization is being used to regale the London Underground, enticing the erstwhile passenger to ride the Tube. Fast forward to the 21st century, where today’s buzzword encompasses the data-as-art phenomenon with modern-day information design gurus such as Edward Tufte to emblazon the way. Tufte’s vision of information graphics rests in creating order out of chaos, making sense out of the evidence, ascribing the multidimensional, dynamic world of information onto a static, flat surface.

2-D Captivity: A Prison Break

Escaping this “flatland,” a reference to Flatland, a 19th century book where two-dimensional life is the norm, is Tufte’s oft-used metaphor for the challenge faced when attempting to create an appealing and arresting presentation, whether it be for a company website, brand advertising, non-profit fundraising, or simply to promote corporate responsibility. In his books, Tufte documented what he believes are some of the best graphic illustrations, and include an 1869 map of Napoleon’s 1812 invasion of Russia and the failure of the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger launch.

Rich content, layers of detail, while maintaining simplicity and ease of navigation, are key elements in designing a successful infographic. Avoid what the “da Vinci of data” calls “chartjunk,” anything in the realm of graphic design that detracts from its informative function by diverting readers with needless ornamentation. Whereas he concedes there is such a thing as too much data – a recent estimate for the size of the Internet indicated over 5 billion gigabytes – Tufte does not believe in informational overload. Neither does the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid) carry much weight with him; assume your audience is as smart as you are. Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler, as Einstein reportedly said.

Infographics This

For a view of the varied infographics ascending the World Wide Web’s horizon, meander through the strange beauty of an artistic rendering of the history of the sci-fi genre. Learn how to use Google search more effectively; while geared toward the college student, its tips will benefit everyone. Participate in World Water Day 2012 and help raise funds and raise awareness through Facebook sharing (hurry, ends March 30!). And for some me time, Intel’s “What About Me” will create a social media profile in a flower-motif infographic. Beware of the “socially disruptive” narcissist!

We are in an age where information demands to be not simply read, but acutely seen. Our visual world has never been more stimulating in its two-dimensional form. Think video screen, computer monitor, or piece of paper. Add information, inspiration, and really thoughtful graphic design. The sky’s the limit, or, rather, the surface is.

Support Your Local Workforce Board

March 5, 2012 Beth Devine

Last week was a whirlwind of activity. Lots of meeting and greeting going on. However, we did take the time to go to the Manchester Chamber of Commerce breakfast hosted by Capital Workforce Partners. Capital Workforce Partners is a non-profit that I’ve had the pleasure of working with for more than 5 years. They’re an amazing group of people that do incredible things.

The breakfast focused on their Summer Youth Employment program. This is when they match kids to companies in need of help. If you’ve ever considered covering your employees summer vacations or just believe in investing in the future, I urge you to consider the Summer Youth Employment program. We’ve signed up for a student this summer and are looking forward to working with them. Go to www.capitalworkforce.org to sign up.

The summer youth program is just one of their many programs. Last year we worked with them to create a website to teach teenagers the career competencies needed regardless of their chosen profession. The kids in the program that we had the honor to meet, were inspiring. Visit www.careercompetencies.org to learn more.

I’m Back….

February 25, 2012 Beth Devine

So I promised to post my adventures weekly, but life got in the way. But hey, busy is good. I did want to share with you some of the people I’ve met recently and the non-profit organizations they are working with.

The first is Kathy McAfee. Although I had heard her name for years now, I had not had the privlidge of meeting her until recently. For those of you who know Kathy, she’s a bit of a networking guru. She is the marketing motivator. What I found interesting, that even some of you who know her may not be aware of, is her involvement with the YWCA. In fact, she is part of the 17th Annual In the Company of Women Luncheon with guest speaker Rosie Perez. For more information, go to www.ywacahartford.org.

On Thursday morning I met Kate Houlihan who is an advocate for New Hope Manor in Manchester CT. New Hope has been a leader in providing comprehensive and effective treatment to young people and their families with mental health, behavioral, and/or substance abuse problems since 1971. Please stop by on March 8th from 8:00 am – 9:00 am for a tour. For more information go to www.newhopemanor.net.

That’s all till next time.

Invest in Your Local Chamber

January 27, 2012 Beth Devine

So, this week I traveled from Storrs to Glastonbury, from Manchester to Canaan and back again. I don’t know which was more painful, filling my tank or my bottom after sitting all that time! Well at least the weather’s been accommodating. One of my stops this week was the annual dinner hosted by the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce. If you’re from the area and haven’t attended a Glastonbury Chamber event, you really should make it a point to do so.

The Glastonbury Chamber is focused on helping businesses grow. To support their diverse membership, they’ve created small groups to meet on specific topics. We are joining the Creatives Group which gives fellow business owners in the “creative” realm a place to network and discuss topics of interest. We’ve also joined the Sales and Business Development Network which offers panel discussions, presentations and sharing of best practices. Both of these groups are an excellent way to network.

We are also a member of the Manchester Chamber which offers several outstanding events throughout the year. The bottom line is that anyone doing business that isn’t affiliated with their local chamber(s) is missing out.

This Week’s Adventures

January 20, 2012 Beth Devine

It’s been a week filled with exciting adventures! On Monday, I went to CCAT in East Hartford. I know, it doesn’t get better than a trip to East Hartford. But, the cool thing about my trip was that I met with other members of the Outreach Committee for CT Dream It Do It! For more information about the organization, go to ctdreamitdoit.com.

Next it was off to South Windsor. I tell ya, these long drives really wreak havoc on my vehicle! There I met with the board of the CT Women’s Alliance to plan the annual conference. Carolyn is on the board and they do amazing things. Check out ctwomensalliance.com for more information about the organization and the upcoming conference in March.

Finally, today I was off to Glastonbury. There I attended the B.I.G. meeting. Very few us like to refer to ourselves as BIG women, but it’s okay when you know it stands for Believe, Inspire, Grow. I was definitely inspired today and left with a renewed focus on the business. For more information about BIG go to http://www.justthinkbig.us/event/id/138842/B.I.G.-Introduction-in-Glastonbury-CT.htm

So, between my adventures above, sales calls, projects and dodging snow storms, it’s been an exciting week all around. Please join me next week when I’ll travel all the way to Canaan, CT. All I can say is thank goodness for GPS!

When to Launch?

November 18, 2011 Beth Devine

We’ve been working with several clients recently who have been reluctant to launch their websites. Most often they will tell you it’s because it’s not done yet. Technically, a website should never be done. You should be constantly adding to the site. Whether it’s using a blog or adding to a press page, the more often you update the site, the more reasons your customers and prospects have to come back to your site. It’s also the best way to improve your search engine ranking.

People tend to view launching their site like it’s going to print. Once it’s up it can’t be changed. When the fact is that it not only can but should be changed. The trend towards content management sites such as Word Press are in response to the need to update frequently.

When deciding to launch ask yourself, Is it better than what’s out there now? If it’s a new site, the sooner you get it launched, the sooner your prospects will be able to find you. It will also get you indexed by the search engines sooner. If it’s a new site, Does it look and function better than the old site? If so, get it launched and add to it later.

A few years back, you would see “page under construction” and know that the site wasn’t complete. This is no longer the practice. If you don’t add a page until it’s ready, no one but you will know the site’s not “done”.

Do a Little House Cleaning Before You Invite Guests

October 12, 2011 Beth Devine

Most of us wouldn’t invite people into our homes unless it was clean. Well the same can be said for a social media campaign. If you’re planning on a campaign to get fans, communicate to your customers/prospects or announce a special promotion, be sure that all the tools you’re using are up to par.

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.

Sales for the Non-Sales Person

July 26, 2011 Beth Devine

I was recently on a panel discussion called “Sales for the Non-Sales Person”. In preparation for the panel I was asked to come up with my top 5 selling tips. This was a challenge. Although I now embrace the role of sales, this wasn’t always the case and since I’m not a trained sales professional, I wasn’t sure what to say. Especially since my sales style is about as casual as them come.

It was when I embraced my casual selling style that I was able to clearly define what works for me. My top five selling tips are…

1. Don’t make sales calls

If you make a call thinking “I’m going to sell you something”, you’re already sunk. Think of it as an introduction to see how you can help. I changed my calling approach to this a few years ago and was amazed at how much more successful it was. The bottom line is no one wants to be sold to but are always willing to listen to someone who wants to help them out.

2. Research

Make sure you know exactly who will be interested in your product or service and be ready to explain to them why you thought of contacting them specifically. The more knowledge/interest you have in them, the more inclined they’ll be to listening to what you have to say.

3. Follow-Up

It’s imperative to follow-up with the people you’ve spoken with. Even if you call them once every three months, you’ll keep your name in front of them. If your list gets too large for a personal phone call, use social media as a way to contact customers/prospects.

4. Believe in what you’re selling

If you truly believe in your product or service and feel it’s a fantastic solution for your prospects, this will come through when you reach out to them. It’s a matter of viewing each call, visit, communication, etc., as a way to help the person you’re contacting. I know from experience that enthusiasm is contagious. Make sure you have it.

5. Be Yourself

This may be the most important of all the tips. There are many sales strategies that professional sales people use. Make sure the ones you adopt are the ones you’re comfortable with. If you’re uncomfortable making a cold call, the person on the receiving end will sense that. Perhaps networking is more your forte. Know your comfort zones and work within them.

I had to stretch my comfort zone by cold calling to get my business off the ground. For me it was the most efficient way to contact my prospects. I was terrified at the concept but when I think about it, there’s rarely a missed opportunity to speak with a stranger when I’m out in public – was this really so different?