http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/OttoPilot Media RSS Feed60OttoPilotMediahttp://feedburner.google.comhttp://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118412/Using-Social-Bookmarking-Sites-For-Business-Toolbox-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118412/Using-Social-Bookmarking-Sites-For-Business-Toolbox-Tuesday<p><img id="img-1329756765666" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/social bookmarking.jpg" border="0" alt="social bookmarking sites for business" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />In his <a href="http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/09/how-to-use-social-bookmarking-for-business.html" title="September 2010 article for Inc.com" target="_blank">September 2010 article for Inc.com</a>, Lou Dubois shared the amazing story of Issac Marion, a writer and blogger whose career was literally skyrocketed by social bookmarking site <a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/" title="StumbleUpon" target="_blank">StumbleUpon</a>, where users can "stumble upon" various pages based on their interests.&nbsp;</p> <p><img id="img-1329757039967" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/twilight.jpg" border="0" alt="social bookmarking sites for business" width="150" height="222" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />Hollywood producer Cori Stern "stumbled upon" Issac Marion's short story and decided that it could be a Hollywood hit. That small act of stumbling eventually transformed Marion's short story into a published novel and a movie deal with Summit Entertainment-the same company behind the blockbuster <em>Twilight</em> movies. Pretty good, right?&nbsp;</p> <p>While we can't promise a Hollywood hit, we can tell you that <strong>using social bookmarking sites for business should become part of your social media strategy.&nbsp;</strong></p> <p>Basically, social bookmarking sites act as filters, highlighting the content that is seen as the most useful or popular. In addition to Stumble Upon, popular social bookmarking sites include <a href="http://delicious.com/" title="Delicious" target="_blank">Delicious</a>, <a href="http://digg.com/" title="Digg" target="_blank">Digg</a>, <a href="http://www.reddit.com/" title="Reddit" target="_blank">Reddit</a>, and <a href="http://google.com/bookmarks" title="Google Bookmarks" target="_blank">Google Bookmarks</a>. Each of these sites sorts content by interest and popularity, helping users to navigate the vastness of the Internet and find what is actually useful to them.</p> <h2>So, how can you use social bookmarking sites for business?</h2> <ul> <li>Social bookmarking sites can help you find useful content to share with your networks. Make a habit of regularly checking these social bookmarking sites and saving content that you find helpful. You can later share this content with your clients and viewers on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media. After all, if you found it useful, your clients will likely enjoy it as well. This act of sharing gives you more credibility on social media sites.</li> <li>Create accounts on social bookmarking sites that you find useful. With these accounts, you can download buttons and put those buttons on your site. These buttons will allow users to easily add your content to their own social bookmarking pages, which in turn boosts your online credit. </li> <li>Monitor your competition. Social bookmarking sites are a great way to keep up with what is happening in your industry. Monitoring these sites will give you an up-to-the-minute idea of what people are talking about. This knowledge will help you anticipate both your competition and your clients &nbsp; &nbsp; </li> </ul><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 21 Feb 2012 16:20:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:118412http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118239/A-First-Timer-s-Guide-to-SXSW-Interactive-Tips-from-the-Veterans#Comments2http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118239/A-First-Timer-s-Guide-to-SXSW-Interactive-Tips-from-the-Veterans<div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/103019910195610979/" target="_blank"><img id="img-1329758848676" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/103019910195610979_TjGUaHfU_c.jpg" border="0" alt="Austin, TX" width="267" height="229" class="alignLeft" style="height: 229px; width: 267px; float: left;" /></a></div> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">&nbsp;</p> </div> <p>If you've been following my conversations on Twitter (or <a href="http://twitter.com/mandaleebee" title="@mandaleebee'" target="_blank">@mandaleebee'</a>s conversations for that matter), you know that I am already tremendously excited for my first <a href="http://sxsw.com/interactive" title="SXSW (South-by-Southwest) Interactive" target="_blank">SXSW (South-by-Southwest) Interactive</a> experience.&nbsp; As a newbie, I've been relying on my seasoned SX friends and new Twitter friends to guide us in the right direction.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>{<em>For those of you who are not familiar with SXSW it is a three part conference/festival in Austin, Texas every March that celebrates music, film, and interactive</em>}</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>I mean, what do I wear?&nbsp; What should I bring?&nbsp; What parties are cool and what is a "can't miss" event?&nbsp; What is a girl to do to be completely prepared for her first SouthBy experience??</strong></p> <div> <p>My awesome friend Jessica Meehan (<a href="http://twitter.com/jessica_meehan" title="@jessica_meehan" target="_blank">@jessica_meehan</a>) who is the digital strategist at <a href="http://mickmgmt.com/" title="Mick Management" target="_blank">Mick Management</a> in Brooklyn says:</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Girls - don't bother with heels or anything more than a cute skirt and sandals - it's so casual and you are already rocking it as one of the few girls at a very male dominated event (she restrained herself from saying sausagefest). <strong>It does get cold at night though!</strong></li> <li>You can practically get everything for free there (alcohol AND food) - just <strong>make sure to RSVP!</strong> Wear your badge (or bring it in your pocket/purse) everywhere. Bring cash though for pedicabs! They're a great late night joy ride.</li> <li>And <strong>bring extra battery power</strong> - sockets are very limited!</li> </ul> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"></div> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <p>Jessica's new great friend is Veronica Vandoloski (<a href="http://twitter.com/rue_veronica" title="@rue_veronica" target="_blank">@rue_veronica</a>) who Jess actually met in line for one of the parties last year at SXSW.&nbsp; Veronica is the digital PR manager at <a href="http://ruelala.com" title="Rue La La" target="_blank">Rue La La</a> and she says:</p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <ul> <li>Dress code is casual - like super casual. <strong>Dress like a college kid.</strong> I rocked nothing but Madewell last year and I felt like I fit in perfectly.</li> <li>Plan out which panels you want to go to ahead of time. In that same vein, don't feel as though you have to go to EVERYTHING. Take breaks if you need them, it can be really overwhelming.&nbsp;</li> <li>Be friendly! <strong>Say hi to strangers</strong>, you never know who your are going to meet. I met one of my best friends at line to go to a party last year! (Right Jess?!)</li> </ul> <p>Natan Edelsburg (<a href="http://twitter.com/twatan" title="@twatan" target="_blank">@twatan</a>), VP at <a href="http://sawhorsemedia.com/" title="Sawhorse Media" target="_blank">Sawhorse Media</a> and listed as one of <a href="http://blog.brazencareerist.com/2011/12/19/20-brazen-young-professionals-to-watch-in-2012/" title="Brazen Careerist's &quot;Young Professionals to Watch&quot; in 2012" target="_blank">Brazen Careerist's "Young Professionals to Watch" in 2012</a> tweeted back to me and said:</p> <ul> <li>Bring a ZAGG with you (he recommends the <a href="http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggfolio-ipad-2-keyboard-case" title="ZAGGFolio, a keyboard+stand+cover for the iPad" target="_blank">ZAGGFolio, a keyboard+stand+cover for the iPad</a>, and a <a href="http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggsparq.php" title="ZAGGSparq, for on the go gadget charging" target="_blank">ZAGGSparq, for on the go gadget charging</a>)</li> <li><strong>Keep hydrated</strong> (I'm assuming he doesn't mean with <a href="http://www.shiner.com/" title="Shiner Bock" target="_blank">Shiner Bock</a>, which is brewed right near Austin by the way)</li> <li>Also, most of the parties that are tough to get into aren't worth it.&nbsp; (Natan said the parties he's most psyched about are the <a href="http://schedule.sxsw.com/2012/events/event_OE01207" title="PBS party" target="_blank">PBS party</a> and the Miso app party)</li> </ul> Be sure to see Natan speak on the <a href="http://socialdistillery.com/news/upper_deck_social_panel_today_tomorrow" title="social media panel sponsored by Social Distillery on 3/8" target="_blank">social media panel sponsored</a><a href="http://socialdistillery.com/news/upper_deck_social_panel_today_tomorrow" title="social media panel sponsored by Social Distillery on 3/8!" target="_blank"> by Social Distillery on 3/8!</a><a href="http://socialdistillery.com/news/upper_deck_social_panel_today_tomorrow" title="social media panel sponsored by Social Distillery on 3/8" target="_blank">social media panel sponsored</a> by Social Distillery on 3/8!social media panel sponsored by Social Distillery on 3/8!</div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://socialdistillery.com/news/upper_deck_social_panel_today_tomorrow" title="social media panel sponsored by Social Distillery on 3/8" target="_blank"><br /></a></div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lanyrd.com SXSW (<a href="http://twitter.com/lanyrdsxsw" title="@lanyrdSXSW" target="_blank">@lanyrdSXSW</a>), who has a pretty <a href="http://sxsw.lanyrd.com" title="nifty webapp for coordinating your SXSW schedule" target="_blank">nifty webapp for coordinating your SXSW schedule</a> with your Twitter friends and followers, suggests:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Comfortable shoes</strong> are my top tip</li> <li>Bring a backpack</li> <li>Take time out to see the bats and wild teripins (we have no idea about this part but I think I'm intrigued)<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/144115256795351570/" target="_blank"><img id="img-1329759435363" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/144115256795351570_QgmfpKSf_c.jpg" border="0" alt="comfortable shoes for SXSW" width="225" height="153" class="alignRight" style="height: 153px; width: 225px; float: right;" /></a></li> </ul> <p>Lanyrd.com also wrote <a href="http://lanyrd.com/blog/2012/SXSW-beginners/" title="a beginners guide to SXSW with lots of helpful tips" target="_blank">a beginners guide to SXSW with lots of helpful tips</a>!&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"></div> <br style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" /> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Greg Ackerman (<a href="http://twitter.com/g_ack" title="@g_ack" target="_blank">@g_ack</a>), a resident of Austin and New Media Director at <a href="http://buildtexasmedia.com/" title="Build Texas Media" target="_blank">Build Texas Media</a>, has been enormously helpful by sending me links and information for our first SXSW experience.&nbsp; Greg recommends:</p> <ul> <li>First rule of #sxsw...<strong>RSVP for everything</strong></li> <li>Use <a href="http://do512.com/c/sx2012/bands" title="do512.com" target="_blank">do512.com</a> to keep all of your events straight. It pushes your RSVPs straight to your calendar.</li> <li>If you're staying for the music portion, RSVP for the <a href="http://filtermagazine.com/index.php/news/entry/filter_invites_you_to_the_2012_dickies_sxsw_event" title="Dickies/Filter Magazine 3 day party" target="_blank">Dickies/Filter Magazine 3 day party</a></li> <li>Even if you're not staying for the music portion, you may be in luck because <strong>many of the bands play 2-4 times throughout the week</strong></li> </ul> <div style="padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/114560384240715491/" target="_blank"><img id="img-1329759627570" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/114560384240715491_ffjVLlz5_c.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="475" height="315" /></a></div> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <p style="font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">Source: <a href="http://abbytrysagain.typepad.com/abbytryagain/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;">abbytrysagain.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/astrids/" style="text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Astrid</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com" style="text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></p> </div> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Garrett Stettler (<a href="http://twitter.com/gstett" title="@gstett" target="_blank">@gstett</a>), a user researcher from AT&amp;T Labs in Austin, says:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Check the weather</strong> forecast (March can be unpredictable)</li> <li>Plan walkable distances</li> <li>Have backup plans for both day events and night parties</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://twitter.com/sweetjohn" title="@SweetJohn" target="_blank">@SweetJohn</a>, also an Austinite, tweeted these recommendations:</p> <ul> <li>Make a plan but think on your feet.&nbsp; A lot of panels and events fill up quickly.&nbsp; <strong>Don't waste time in line but improvise</strong>.</li> <li>Don't get overwhelmed.&nbsp; You can get exhausted just looking at the number of panels.&nbsp; Relax, breathe, and network.</li> <li>#SXSWi will be what you make of it.&nbsp; Don't expect people to come to you.&nbsp; <strong>Find a way to engage and converse</strong>.</li> <li>Rest...mind and body.</li> </ul> </div> <div style="float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;"> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm so grateful for these guys for helping show me the ropes as a SXSW virgin. For those of you who are first-timers, I hope this is helpful for you as well.</p> <p><strong>What are your tips for a newbie attending SXSW Interactive?</strong></p> </div><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Alexandra GibsonMon, 20 Feb 2012 17:18:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:118239http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118045/Social-Media-Management-8-Tricks-That-Make-Websites-More-Social#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/118045/Social-Media-Management-8-Tricks-That-Make-Websites-More-Social<p><img id="img-1329318868724" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/socialmedia1.jpg" border="0" alt="social media management" width="370" height="230" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />This is the social media generation. For this generation, "social" could mean a video-chat, a mobile app, a Twitter feed, a Pinterest board, a Google + hangout, and much more. Every day, millions of users access millions of websites through a huge array of social media platforms and devices.&nbsp;</p> <p>For your website to truly thrive, it must fit right into that daily whirlwind. <strong>Successful social media management involves building a website that reflects social media trends and adapts those trends to your business model.</strong></p> <p>A more "social" website will <strong>boost website traffic</strong>, <strong>cohere your social media marketing strategy</strong>, and <strong>drive your<a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-whitepaper-determining-social-media-roi/" title=" social media ROI" target="_self"> social media ROI</a>.</strong></p> <h2>So, how do you get started on making your website more social? Check out these 8 social media management tricks:</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Strategically <a href="http://michelleshaeffer.com/how-to-add-social-networking-icons-to-your-blog/2011/03/03/" title="place social media icons" target="_blank">place social media icons</a> throughout your website</strong>. For example, there should be Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn icons at the end of every blog entry that you post. Each one of these should be directly linked to your social media pages.</li> <li><strong>Encourage users to sign into your website with their Facebook or Twitter accounts.</strong> That way, you automatically link your business with their daily action of signing onto social media</li> <li><strong>Share plenty of images</strong>. Some of the most successful social media websites are image-based- Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook, just to name a few. Posting videos and photos to your site will help attract users that are accustomed to these very visual platforms.</li> <li><strong>Make sure that your site is compatible with mobile devices.</strong> As smartphones become more universal, a large majority of users are accessing the web from their phone, tablet, or other mobile device. Make sure that your website's software functions well with these mobile devices, and that your images and videos are all easily downloadable.</li> <li><strong>Consider making an app for your business</strong>. There is an app for pretty much everything, so why not have one that connects users directly to your business? If you do create an app, make sure to promote it through blogging, email marketing, and social media marketing campaigns.</li> <li><strong>Offer free, high-quality content</strong>. In general, social media is not a pay-to-play world. Web browsers expect free content, and if you do not offer it to them, they will go somewhere else to get it.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Provide an <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/99991/What-is-an-RSS-feed" title="RSS feed" target="_blank">RSS feed</a> for your blog</strong>. Today's users want real-time updates and a continuous stream of information. RSS feeds are a great way to make that information easily available.</li> <li><strong>Make your content fun!</strong> Social media users log onto the web for information <em>and</em> entertainment, so give them both!</li> </ul><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 16 Feb 2012 14:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:118045http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117805/Podcast-As-A-Small-Business-Online-Marketing-Tool-Toolbox-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117805/Podcast-As-A-Small-Business-Online-Marketing-Tool-Toolbox-Tuesday<p><img src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/podcast.jpg" border="0" alt="Podcasts for small business" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />At first glance, using a <a href="http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/what-is-a-podcast.htm" title="podcast" target="_blank">podcast</a> as an online marketing tool might seem a little extreme for your small business.</p> <p>Are that many people really going to download and listen to your podcast? Will it reach a wide enough audience to be worth the time and trouble of production? Is podcasting really a growing trend, instead of simply a fad?</p> <p>Believe it or not, the answer to all of these questions is YES.</p> <p>Analytical company<a href="http://www.emarketer.com/" title=" eMarketer" target="_self"> eMarketer</a> <a href="http://socialmediatoday.com/content/how-use-podcasts-market-your-business" title="projects" target="_self">projects</a> that, <strong>by 2013, 37.6 people will be downloading podcasts each month. That's A LOT of people and A LOT of opportunities for your small business online marketing team. </strong></p> <p><strong></strong>Podcasts are here to stay, and it's a trend you might want to get in on. So, how do you get started?</p> <h3><strong>Choose a topic for your small business podcast</strong></h3> <p>Ideally, this topic will be something you can develop from week to week, with 15-20 minute segments coming together to make a cohesive series. Therefore, the topic will need to have considerable longevity. It should be a major issue in your industry, something that will intrigue a large audience, and something that your company can address in a variety of ways.</p> <p title="social media marketing">For example, if you are an small online marketing firm, "Social Media" would be a great topic. Each week, you could address different forms of social media marketing or new trends within the industry.</p> <p>Whatever your topic, make sure that you are excited about it and that you can think of at least five or six angles that you want to cover. That excitement and knowledge will come across to your listener.</p> <p><strong>Write a script</strong></p> <p>Freestyling it usually only works for professional comedians (even then, it doesn't always work out too well). Do yourself a favor and write a script. Or at least an outline of a script.</p> <p>Determine which of your employees will be recording the podcasts. Look for articulate individuals with some expertise in your topic. Once you have your team together, brainstorm sub-topics for podcasts and write out the thoughts and analysis that you want to share.</p> <p>Make sure that your podcast is informative, but also make sure that it has some personality. Your listeners certainly want to learn, but they also want to be entertained.</p> <p><strong>Record Your Small Business Podcast<br /></strong></p> <p>Use an audio platform like <a href="http://audacity.sourceforge.net/" title="Audacity" target="_blank">Audacity</a> to <a href="http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm" title="record your podcasts" target="_self">record your podcasts</a>. <strong></strong>Try to keep your podcasts around 20 minutes. Remember that many people like to listen to podcats while working out or driving to work, and that your listeners have limited time.</p> <p><strong>Promote Your Small Business Podcast</strong></p> <p>Once your podcast is ready for public consumption, promote it on every platform available to you. Post a blog about your company's new venture into broadcasting. Post the podcast to Facebook and Twitter, and in relevant <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116969/LinkedIn-Discussion-Forums-to-Connect-with-Prospects-Toolbox-Tuesday" title="LinkedIn discussions" target="_blank">LinkedIn discussions</a>. Put a call-to-action button on your website encouraging viewers to download your podcast.&nbsp;</p> <p>For more ways to add multimedia resources to your blog and website, check out our blog post on <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117345/Creative-Blog-Ideas-8-Blog-Videos-For-Your-Small-Business-Blog" title="8 Blog Videos for your Small Business Blog" target="_blank">8 Blog Videos for your Small Business Blog</a>. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp; </p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:117805http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117345/Creative-Blog-Ideas-8-Blog-Videos-For-Your-Small-Business-Blog#Comments4http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117345/Creative-Blog-Ideas-8-Blog-Videos-For-Your-Small-Business-Blog<p><img id="img-1328719793033" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/MH900316437.JPG" border="0" alt="Blog videos" width="217" height="217" class="alignRight" />Videos are a great way to attract new blog viewers, generate more creative blog ideas, and increase blog traffic Though they may seem intimidating at first, videos cost little to make and can be <strong>very effective online marketing tools</strong>.</p> <p><strong>So, what do you put in your video?</strong></p> <p>Like any blog post, you want your video to highlight your business without being overtly promotional. You want it to be both entertaining and informative, something that will make the viewer smile and something that might make them click on your contact information. A great video is creative and fun, but it also provides a spark that will increase blog traffic. </p> <h3>To help you get started on more creative blog ideas, here are 8 Blog Videos for Your Small Business Blog</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Employee interview videos</strong>- Choose one or two employees who enjoy being in front of the camera, and ask them to answer questions about your company and your industry. Try to develop a list of questions that alternates between light-hearted fun and more informational answers. </li> <li><strong>Tutorial videos</strong>- Post a how-to video for a product or service that you have been promoting. For example, as an online marketing firm, we might post a video with step-by-step instructions on creating an optimized Facebook page for your business. </li> <li><strong>Client interview videos</strong>- Client testimonials are a great way to showcase your business and impress potential customers. Ask a few of your best clients if they would be willing to record a short segment about why they love your firm and how you have helped their business. </li> <li><strong>Behind the scenes videos</strong>: Give your viewers a glimpse of what goes on in your workplace. Film your employees at work, or film a short tour of your office. Behind the scenes videos help to cultivate a more personal connection between you and your blog viewers. </li> <li><strong>Stage your own "Office" videos</strong>: Sure, you might not have Steve Carrell in your office, but you probably have a few comedians. Mimic the ever-popular drama "The Office" and ask your employees to each say a short piece about their day and their work. The goofier, the better. </li> <li><strong>Special events videos</strong>: Film the next conference or industry gathering that you attend. Make sure to film different parts of the event- the facilities, the information, and your own reaction to it. </li> <li><strong>Service overview videos</strong>: Take blog viewers on a guided tour of your services or your website. Or, profile a new service that you are currently promoting. These videos could include everything from narrated screen shots of your computer to live employee demonstrations, depending on your product </li> <li><strong>Do a "What's New" segment</strong>: Film a short video highlighting new trends and products in your industry. Display the product and share your own thoughts about it. </li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanMon, 13 Feb 2012 16:29:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:117345http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117633/Virginia-Online-Marketing-Agency-A-Behind-the-Scenes-Look#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/117633/Virginia-Online-Marketing-Agency-A-Behind-the-Scenes-Look<p>Happy Friday from the Flight Deck!&nbsp; I felt inspired today to take some photos of our office and give everyone a little behind the scenes look at our office.</p> <p><img id="img-1328887681713" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/2012_02_10_14_42_123018256620825736_Lo-fi-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="OttoPilot Media office" width="192" height="192" class="alignRight" style="height: 192px; width: 192px; float: right;" /></p> <p>The OttoPilot Media offices are in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia right off of the <a href="http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listings/?action=display&amp;listingID=337" title="Downtown Mall--a walking mall of shops, music venues, offices, restaurants, and bars" target="_blank">Downtown Mall--a walking mall of shops, music venues, offices, restaurants, and bars</a>.&nbsp; We are on the first floor of a historic building called The Pink Warehouse (located right next to <a href="http://www.southstreetbrewery.com/index.html" title="South Street Brewery" target="_blank">South Street Brewery</a>).</p> <p><img id="img-1328887572768" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/2012_02_10_14_44_123019422511508624_Lo-fi-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="Virginia marketing agency" width="216" height="216" class="alignLeft" style="height: 216px; width: 216px; float: left;" /></p> <p><a href="http://warehouse.davematthewsband.com/" title="Dave Matthews" target="_blank">Dave Matthews</a> played his first concert in the Pink Warehouse and also is said to have named his famous song, "Warehouse", about our awesome building.&nbsp; When DMB comes to Charlottesville he attracts fans from far and wide.&nbsp; It was fun to see fans outside our building taking pictures the day before the concert.&nbsp; It's like our own little Hollywood star tour.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As many of us are frequently traveling and we have flexible work-from-home set-ups, there may be anywhere from 1 to 8 people in the office at any given time (and usually 1-5 dogs).&nbsp; We rotate our work spaces around the industrial space, using the mini-living room seating and using the desk/work areas and conference room.</p> <p><img id="img-1328887632018" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/2012_02_10_14_30_123012428249541749_Lo-fi-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="marketing agency conference room" width="174" height="174" class="alignRight" style="height: 174px; width: 174px; float: right;" /></p> <p>It's a great building for an <a href="http://www.ottopilotmedia.com" title="online marketing agency" target="_self">online marketing agency</a> and it's an exciting and historic place to call home!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h4><a href="https://plus.google.com/b/114330842992348396683/photos/114330842992348396683/albums/5707521027216425761" title="Check out the rest of our office photos on Google+!" target="_blank"><strong>Check out the rest of our office photos on Google+!</strong></a></h4><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Alexandra GibsonFri, 10 Feb 2012 15:11:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:117633http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116981/Repurposing-Content-How-Martha-Stewart-s-Newsletters-Get-It-Right#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116981/Repurposing-Content-How-Martha-Stewart-s-Newsletters-Get-It-Right<p>Online marketers have a lot to learn from Martha Stewart. And no, we are not talking about chicken cutlets or table settings.</p> <p>We're talking about repurposing content. Martha knows how to do it, and so should you.</p> <p>Repurposing content simply refers to retrieving a topic you have covered in the past and reintroducing it into your blog, newsletter, or whitepaper. Though this may go against the grain at first, it is important to remember that not all of your content has to be utterly new and original. Let's turn to Martha for an example:</p> <p>This <a href="http://ebm.cheetahmail.com/c/tag/hBPKTdSB7uSS5B8d7QdNsj1b5Km/doc.html?RAF_TRACK=&amp;email=alexandragibson11@gmail.com&amp;t_params=EMAIL%3Dalexandragibson11%2540gmail.com&amp;om_rid=Nsj1b5&amp;om_mid=_BPKTdSB8d7Qde6" title="February 1st, 2012 newsletter" target="_blank">February 1st, 2012 newsletter</a> promotes a Valentine's Day craft, a timely plug for the upcoming holiday. However, when you click on the link, you see that the craft how-to is actually from February 2007.</p> <p><img id="img-1328551444547" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/marthastewart1.jpg" border="0" alt="repurposing content" width="306" height="197" /> <img id="img-1328551606039" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/marthastewart2.jpg" border="0" alt="repurposing content" width="273" height="189" /></p> <p>Photos: Martha Stewart</p> <p>For Martha Stewart and her type of industry, repurposing content is an excellent strategy. If you already have superior content at your disposal, repurposing content will help you get the most mileage out of that content.</p> <p>Repurposing content works for particularly well for industries where the basic principles and techniques remain the same. After all, the making of a Valentine's Day cone does not really change much over the years- Martha is in no danger of seeming behind the times. The same principle applies to industries like interior design- older interior design articles are certainly still relevant today.</p> <p>With a few tweaks, repurposing content can also work for more rapidly changing industries, such as the online marketing industry. Though <a href="http://ottopilotmedia.com/what-is-inbound-marketing/" title="the basic principles of online marketing" target="_self">the basic principles of online marketing</a> remain essentially the same, the techniques and technologies change at dizzying speed.</p> <p>To accommodate this change while repurposing content, simply use old content as a bare-bones framework for new content, changing and adding as needed. Basically, you should be using a proven content structure and reapplying it to more current trends.</p> <p>Repurposing content is also a great way to generate <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-list-30-blog-post-ideas-for-30-days-/" title="creative blog ideas" target="_blank">creative blog ideas</a>. Take a look at your old content and explore how you can develop new takes on those ideas. Follow Martha's lead and pick out one small element to feature in a new promotion or to showcase in a new way. Reuse, recycle, and reinvent- its good for you!</p> <p>For more creative blog ideas, check out our <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-list-30-blog-post-ideas-for-30-days-/" title="30 BLOG POSTS FOR 30 DAYS LIST." target="_self">30 BLOG POSTS FOR 30 DAYS LIST.</a> </p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:116981http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116969/LinkedIn-Discussion-Forums-to-Connect-with-Prospects-Toolbox-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116969/LinkedIn-Discussion-Forums-to-Connect-with-Prospects-Toolbox-Tuesday<p><img id="img-1328549106030" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/linkedin1.jpg" border="0" alt="linkedin discussions" width="345" height="153" class="alignRight" />Utilizing LinkedIn's discussion forums is one of the quickest ways to jump start your LinkedIn strategy and strengthen your business's <a href="http://ottopilotmedia.com/what-is-inbound-marketing/" title="social media marketing approach" target="_blank">social media marketing strategy</a>.</p> <p>Everyday, thousands of people use LinkedIn discussions to explore various industries, making these forums a rich repository of industry sources, thought leaders, and potential customers. LinkedIn discussion forums are full of interested, savvy users who are already looking for answers- as a social media marketer, what's not to love?</p> <h3>So, how do you incorporate these LinkedIn discussions into your business's LinkedIn strategy?</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Join LinkedIn discussions that are relevant to your industry.</strong> Jump right into current discussions by adding your own comments to existing posts. Make sure that your comments are insightful, helpful, and not overly promotional. Once you get involved in these discussions, you can monitor influential participants, either by viewing the "Top Influences" board or by tracking individual profiles.&nbsp;</li> <li><strong>Create your own LinkedIn discussion group</strong>. Review your inbound marketing keywords to determine hot-button issues, then build a new discussion around those topics. Invite people to your group via LinkedIn or via email.</li> <li><strong>Join <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/answers/" title="LinkedIn Answers" target="_blank">LinkedIn Answers</a></strong>. LinkedIn Answers is a professional forum that allows you to post questions and to answer others' questions. Each answer that you supply shows up on your profile, demonstrating your expertise to both clients and colleagues.&nbsp;</li> <li>Also check out these <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/106499/LinkedIn-Strategy-6-Excellent-LinkedIn-Apps-for-Business" title="6 Excellent LinkedIn Apps for Business" target="_blank">6 Excellent LinkedIn Apps for Business</a>.</li> </ul> <p>To make the most of your LinkedIn discussion posts, make sure that each of your posts is relevant and interesting, and that it shows your expertise.</p> <p>Additionally, it is important to regularly monitor your participation. Make sure that you always engage with others in the group and respond to their comments in a timely fashion. Also, try to post on a regular schedule, with frequent comments about a variety of subjects. Regular postings should become a routine part of your larger social media marketing strategy.</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:42:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:116969http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116763/Know-Your-Sales-Funnel-Online-Behavior-Cues#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116763/Know-Your-Sales-Funnel-Online-Behavior-Cues<p><img id="img-1328285924062" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/funnel.jpg" border="0" alt="sales funnel" width="181" height="181" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />With inbound marketing, attracting visitors is only half the battle. Sure, you want to bring as many visitors to your page as possible. However, you also want to make sure that those visitors can and will turn into customers or clients.</p> <p>So, how do you do that?</p> <p>First, you need to know how to efficiently and accurately monitor your visitors <strong>online behavioral cues</strong>. Online behavioral cues basically consist of each action that a visitor performs on your page and within your creative online campaigns.</p> <h2><strong>Online behavior cues that your should monitor:</strong></h2> <ul> <li><strong>Website click-throughs</strong>- what does a viewer click on when visiting your website? How many pages do they visit? How many times do they return to those pages?</li> <li><strong>Event attendance</strong>- How many <a href="http://www.campallstar.com/index.php/Program-Sports/" title="webinars" target="_self">webinars</a> has a particular visitor attended? How often have they participated in your company's chat forums or other events?</li> <li><strong>Email interactions</strong>- Do they open and read your emails? Do they click through to the links provided in the emails?</li> <li><strong>Content downloads</strong>- How much of your content do they download? Have they downloaded whitepapers or e-books in the past?</li> <li><strong>Landing pages and contact forms</strong>- Has a viewer filled out one of your contact forms? Which landing pages have they visited?</li> </ul> <p>Once you have data for these online behavior cues, you can <strong>rank your leads according to their potential value</strong>. If you prefer, you could give each lead a concrete score- A, B, C, or D.</p> <ul> <li><strong>A</strong>- These are the leads that could most easily and immediately turn into customers or clients. A Leads are looking for solutions similar to what your company offers, and they are ready to buy. These will be the leads who consistently visit your landing pages, download your content, and participate in your events</li> <li><strong>B</strong>- These leads are looking for a solution, but they are not totally committed to what your company is doing. They have likely downloaded a few things or provided some contact info, but they have not been as consistent in their online behavior as your A leads have.</li> <li><strong>C</strong>- C leads are interested but are not committed to taking action. These are the leads that open and read your emails, but do not necessarily click through to the next steps in your sales funnel. They visit your site but engage with your content on a more minimal level.</li> <li><strong>D</strong>- D leads are in your target market, but they are not focused on your company. These are the leads that occasionally click through your site, but with very little regularity or commitment.</li> </ul> <p>Once you have ranked your leads, you can use those rankings to <strong>divert each lead to a targeted path in your sales funnel.</strong></p> <ul> <li>For A leads, your sales team should follow up right away. These leads will likely become your new customers and clients.</li> <li>For B leads, your sales team should work on these leads after the A leads. In the meantime, continue to provide content and emails that will keep these leads engaged.</li> <li>Send C leads into a <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/?Tag=leads" title="lead nurturing campaign" target="_self">lead nurturing campaign</a>, in the hopes of further engaging their interest.&nbsp;</li> <li>Keep your D leads in a database and monitor them for further clicks, downloads, and participation.</li> </ul><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanMon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:116763http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116480/10-Characteristics-of-a-Social-Media-Manager#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/116480/10-Characteristics-of-a-Social-Media-Manager<p><img id="img-1328105756651" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/socialmedia.jpg" border="0" alt="social media manager" width="250" height="218" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />Getting lost in the various worlds of Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media markets? It might be time to consider hiring or training <strong>a social media manager</strong>.&nbsp;</p> <p>A social media employee would be solely dedicated to your company's social media marketing strategy, devoting all of his or her time and energy to this rapidly growing internet marketing sector. To make the most of your investment in social media marketing, you need to find a social media manager who can meld your company's goals with the rapidly shifting social media landscape.</p> <p>To help you find that all-important employee, we have listed <strong>10 characteristics of a successful social media manager</strong>.</p> <h2><strong>1. A social media manager is <em>passionate</em></strong></h2> <p>Look for someone who <em>loves</em> social media. Really, really loves it. Perhaps this person makes a hobby out of designing apps for Facebook. Or maybe they were excited about Twitter even before Ashton Kutcher made it a celebrity trend.</p> <p>Someone who is excited about social media is much more likely to relish the day-to-day tasks of a social media manager and to perform those tasks with energy and success.</p> <p><strong>2. A social media manager is <em>responsive</em></strong></p> <p>Social media is all about engaging with the community. So, no matter how many times someone comments or how silly those comments seem, your social media manager needs to be ready and willing to respond to the public. An ideal social media manager will be quick to respond to comments and questions, and will be able to craft those responses to both give information and subtly promote your company.</p> <p><strong>3. A social media manager is <em>a risk-taker</em></strong></p> <p>The world of social media literally changes every day, and your social media employee needs to embrace and take on those changes. Sitting back on your heels will not get you very far in social media, and the overly cautious often get left behind. Look for an employee with a history of calculated, successful risk-taking, someone who will keep your company on the cutting-edge of social media marketing.</p> <p><strong>4. A social media manager is <em>informed</em></strong></p> <p>The ideal social media manager has long been an avid follower of media and technology blogs, particularly blogs like <a href="http://mashable.com/" title="Mashable" target="_blank">Mashable</a>, <a href="http://techcrunch.com/" title="TechCrunch" target="_blank">TechCrunch</a>, or <a href="http://socialmediatoday.com/" title="Social Media Today" target="_blank">Social Media Today</a>. A follower of these blogs will already be abreast of changes in social media and will be familiar with valuable trends and techniques.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>5. A social media manager is <em>mobile</em></strong></p> <p>Social media is not always a 9-5 industry. A good social media manager will be willing to work on the go, whether that means posting a round of tweets at 11pm or taking a break from dinner to do a quick status update.</p> <p><strong>6. A social media manager is <em>an early adopter</em></strong></p> <p>A good social media employee will recognize valuable trends and get involved with them early on. New social media sites are often most productive and lucrative in their early adoption phase, and a social media strategist should be able to get your company involved right away.</p> <p><strong>7. A social media manager is <em>credible</em></strong></p> <p>Look for employees who already have credibility in social media communities. As you research social media sites, look for bloggers with strong followings or individuals who are "thought leaders" in their communities. These individuals have a long history of social media credibility, and they could bring some of that credibility to your company.</p> <p><strong>8. A social media manager is <em>an advocate</em></strong></p> <p>Social media managers must feel comfortable strongly advocating a cause or company. A good social media manager should also be a good salesperson, someone who is able to attract viewers and turn them into potential customers. After all, social media means little if you cannot convert traffic into leads and leads into customers.</p> <p><strong>9. A social media manager is <em>strategic</em></strong></p> <p>Though detail-orientation is certainly important, a strong social media manager will always be able to keep the big-picture in mind. He or she will be able to envision social media campaigns and explain why those campaigns fit with your company's overall goals. And of course, they should be ready and willing to involve themselves with the technical execution of those visionary campaigns.</p> <p><strong>10. A social media manager is <em>self-starting</em></strong></p> <p>You are hiring a social media manager to take on your social media strategy, not to simply look to you for directions at every turn. A good social media manager knows when to take initiative and jump into new campaigns or techniques. A self-motivated, confident employee is an invaluable asset, especially when it comes to social media. <strong><em></em></strong></p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 02 Feb 2012 13:42:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:116480http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115869/TweetReach-to-measure-social-media-ROI-Toolbox-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115869/TweetReach-to-measure-social-media-ROI-Toolbox-Tuesday<p><img id="img-1327515963126" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/arrows.jpg" border="0" alt="TweetReach" width="201" height="201" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />Ever wondered just how many people will look at that tweet you just posted?</p> <p>Well, TweetReach can tell you. Additionally, it can tell you which repostings are generating the most influence for your business and how much exposure each post generates.</p> <p>Pretty handy, right?</p> <p>TweetReach is especially valuable to businesses who are just entering into social media marketing, and who want to be able to measure early results. In fact, TweetReach can be used as one small step towards measuring your social media ROI, that is, the return on the investments that you are making in social media.</p> <p>As you become more comfortable with Twitter marketing, you can also use TweetReach to identify which followers retweet your messages most frequently. These more active followers are very valuable to your business, since each retweet exponentially increases your exposure.</p> <p>Once you identify these followers, you can reach out to them in more targeted ways, maybe by responding to some of their tweets or sharing new sales campaigns with them.</p> <p>To get started with TweetReach, simply visit their <a href="http://tweetreach.com/" title="website" target="_self">website</a> and check out the various packages they offer. If you are really serious about Twitter, we recommend their <a href="http://tweetreach.com/plans" title="TweetReach pro" target="_self">TweetReach pro</a>, a more comprehensive service that tracks Tweets in real-time.</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 31 Jan 2012 18:14:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:115869http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115871/8-Ways-To-Improve-Your-Company-s-Online-Presence#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115871/8-Ways-To-Improve-Your-Company-s-Online-Presence<p><img id="img-1327518214650" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/up.jpg" border="0" alt="Improve your online presence" width="208" height="208" class="alignRight" />Looking for a few quick ways to improve your company's online presence? You probably already know about the importance of blogging and social media, but you might not be using those tools as effectively as you could be. Wherever you are in that process, these 8 tips will jumpstart your internet marketing strategy and help to boost your internet marketing ROI.</p> <p><strong>1. Use social media everyday</strong></p> <p>It's great to have accounts on major social media sites, but simply creating those accounts is not enough. You need to be using those accounts every day. For major sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, you should post blog updates, new articles, links to different parts of your site, questions for viewers, and any other engagement strategies that you can think of. <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>2. Add RSS feeds</strong></p> <p>RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feeds allow subscribers to receive a continuously streamed account of activities on your website. For example, an RSS subscriber to your blog would receive an update every time that you post a new blog post. Talk to your software provider about adding an RSS button to your website so that your audience will have continual access to your content.<strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>3. Start an email newsletter</strong></p> <p>Email newsletters allow you to repeatedly reach people who have already expressed an interest in your company. Make a list of customers and potential customers whose email address you have access to. Then make a point of sending out periodic email updates on new products, articles, or campaigns.<strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>4. Add more pages to your website</strong></p> <p>Adding more pages to your company website is an easy way to boost your SEO credit. Quite simply, the more pages your site has, the more searchable it is. If your blog is on your homepage, relocate it to an entirely separate page. Create a different page for each service or product that you offer. Create a separate "About" page to describe your company and list biographies of your top employees. <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>5. Exchange links</strong></p> <p>Consult with other websites in related industries and ask about exchanging links. In a link exchange, each website will post a link to the other, thereby boosting the <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/90901/What-Is-An-Inbound-Link-Terminology-Tuesday" title="inbound links" target="_self">inbound links</a> for both sites. <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>6. Run a promotion</strong></p> <p>Run a short-term contest or promotion to attract new viewers. Simultaneously promote the contest on your website, your blog, and all of your social media sites. <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>7. Run a blog series focusing on important keywords</strong></p> <p>While you should already know that blogging is very important to boosting your company's online presence, you should also be focusing your blog on important keywords. These would be the words that most directly relate to your business and that would drive the most traffic to your website. Choose a keyword and build a blog series around it. For example, if your keyword is "internet marketing ROI", you could write a series including titles like "What is Internet marketing ROI", "How to improve your internet marketing ROI", and "Measuring internet marketing ROI". <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>8. Analyze<br /></strong></p> <p>All of these techniques will be relatively useless if you do not analyze the returns that they bring in. Make sure that you keep track of your website's traffic, any leads that you may convert, and any new customers that you gain. Additonally, tools like <a href="http://www.google.com/analytics/" title="Google Analytics" target="_blank">Google Analytics</a> will help you specifically track the various internet marketing measures you are taking.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanMon, 30 Jan 2012 18:39:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:115871http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115858/How-To-Measure-Internet-Sales-Results-3-Simple-ROI-Metrics#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115858/How-To-Measure-Internet-Sales-Results-3-Simple-ROI-Metrics<p><img id="img-1327509413820" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/graph.jpg" border="0" alt="How To Track Internet Sales Results" width="294" height="294" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />By now, you probably know that inbound marketing strategies are important. However, wouldn't it be nice to know, in numbers and percentages, just how important inbound marketing strategies are to your business?</p> <p>Tragically, many companies miss out on valuable information because they neglect to tangibly measure internet sales results. Though inbound marketing is certainly important, it is only effective when you can measure the results and tweak your strategies accordingly.</p> <p>So, what should you measure to determine your internet marketing ROI?</p> <p>There are actually a few different options, and all of them can tell you something about the efficacy of your internet marketing strategy</p> <p><strong>Monitor Your Website Traffic</strong>.</p> <p>Most software programs will help you keep track of your website's traffic, that is, how many viewers click onto your page per month. Carefully monitoring this number each week and month will give you a strong sense of overall interest in your business and of how your internet marketing strategy is developing that interest.</p> <p><strong>Track Leads</strong></p> <p>Keep track of the number of leads generated by each internet marketing campaign that you run. In terms of inbound marketing, "leads" refers to the number of viewers who view your website and take concrete action towards interacting with your business. This action could be submitting an email address, signing up for a newsletter, or attending a webinar that you host.</p> <p>It is important to track these leads all the way through the buying cycle. What percentage of leads go on to become actual customers or clients? Which step in the process most successfully converts leads into customers? Which step loses the most leads? This information will help you determine exactly which step of your lead conversion process needs to be adjusted.</p> <p><strong>New Customers</strong></p> <p>The most concrete way to measure your inbound marketing success is by totaling the new customers or clients generated by each campaign. It is also important to calculate the cost per client. How much did you spend on a particular campaign and how many clients did that campaign generate? Does the cost per client justify the gain for your business?</p> <p>Answering these questions is key to determining your future internet marketing strategies. If the cost per new client is too high, <strong></strong>you might consider looking into cheaper marketing options and avoiding <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/97432/What-are-Pay-Per-Click-Ads-Terminology-Tuesday" title="pay-per-click advertising" target="_blank">pay-per-click advertising</a>. If the cost per client is fairly low, you might consider spending more capital on your inbound marketing campaigns. </p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 26 Jan 2012 16:19:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:115858http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115075/Pinterest-for-Business-Toolbox-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/115075/Pinterest-for-Business-Toolbox-Tuesday<p>At first glance, Pinterest has little to do with online marketing for small businesses. Indeed, most people, when they think of the site, think of the recipe sharing opportunities or the "bucket list entries". However, the invite-only online scrapbooking site actually has a lot to offer businesses looking for online marketing success.</p> <p>To see the opportunities, you only have to look at <a href="http://pinterest.com/nordstrom/" title="Nordstrom's Pinterest site" target="_self">Nordstrom's Pinterest site</a>, shown here:</p> <p><img id="img-1327333172645" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/nordstrom1.jpg" border="0" alt="Pinterest for Business" width="494" height="220" class="alignCenter" /></p> <p>Though Pinterest will not allow shameless promotion, the site is a great way to share visual images of your work with thousands of viewers. Take a cue from Nordstrom and sort images of your business into different categories, inviting people to "repin" each image. With each image, Nordstrom includes a link to its website, where interest customers can peruse and purchase the items they saw on Pinterest. In this sense, Pinterest acts as a sort of funnel, attracting thousands of viewers and converting some of those into potential customers.&nbsp;</p> <p>This creative online marketing strategy can work just as well for your small business inbound marketing as it does for the fashion megachain.</p> <p>Pinterest is especially effective for businesses with very visual products, such as interior designers, retailers, or artists.However, it can also be effective for less retail-oriented businesses. Try pinning "behind the scenes" photos from your office, or simply sharing photos related to your industry.</p> <p>You can also use Pinterest to run contests, simply by inviting users to repin your photos onto as many networks as they can, with the winner receiving a particular prize. Additionally, try to incorporate Pinterest into your current website and blog with call-to-action buttons inviting users to "pin" your material.</p> <p>Pinterst is a site that encourages personal creativity, but it can certainly spark professional creativity as well. Take time to explore other Pinterest sites and consider using Pinterest as part of your own small business online marketing strategy.</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 24 Jan 2012 15:54:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:115075http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/114689/Why-You-Should-Hire-An-Inbound-Marketing-Agency#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/114689/Why-You-Should-Hire-An-Inbound-Marketing-Agency<p><img id="img-1326916157480" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/4247064000_9945a8dd45.jpg" border="0" alt="hiring an inbound marketing firm" width="187" height="187" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />Many businesses are tempted to keep all of their SEO and content creation work in-house, thinking that they will save money if they do not outsource to an inbound marketing firm. However, hiring an inbound marketing firm can actually be a more successful and cost-effective strategy.</p> <p>A successful inbound marketing strategy requires a fairly large variety of employee skills- website creation and optimization, social media management, webpage and landing page creation, blogging, whitepaper and premium content creation, and much more. Certainly, you could attempt to spread out these duties among your current employees and avoid hiring an inbound marketing agency.</p> <p>However, are you really helping yourself?</p> <p>If you add inbound marketing duties to your employees' current lists, you risk overburdening your employees and jeopardizing the quality of their work. Additionally, you will have to invest time and money in training your current employees to perform their new inbound marketing duties.</p> <p>If you hire an inbound marketing agency, you automatically have access to an entire team of strategists, writers, and technology professionals. This well-trained team will be exclusively dedicated to helping your company find success in inbound marketing, and, while they are working, your current employees will have the time and resources to focus on the jobs that your hired them to do.</p> <p>Just as you would hire a legal expert to handle a lawsuit, or a doctor to give a medical opinion, it makes sense to hire inbound marketing experts to execute your business's inbound marketing strategy and maximize your ROI. In the end, you could be saving your business from costly mistakes and harmful inefficiency. </p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 24 Jan 2012 04:13:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:114689http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108834/3-Charlottesville-Marketing-Events-for-2012#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108834/3-Charlottesville-Marketing-Events-for-2012<p><img id="img-1326910342179" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/MH900422384.JPG" border="0" alt="Charlottesville marketing events" width="186" height="186" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />If you are in the marketing business, you likely know the importance of learning from and networking with other businesses in your area. And, if you are a Charlottesville marketing business, you know that Charlottesville is home to a plethora of innovative small businesses and driven business professionals.</p> <p>This year, Charlottesville will be hosting a huge variety of events and conferences, and some of these will be very helpful to online marketing businesses. As you plan your year ahead, make sure to mark your calender for the these <strong>Three Charlottesville Marketing Events in 2012</strong></p> <p><strong>1. <a href="http://quadruplicity.com/about-quadruplicity.html" title="Quadruplicity" target="_blank">Quadruplicity</a></strong></p> <p><strong>What it is: </strong>Quadruplicity is an annual business women's event that focuses on both career and lifestyle success. The conference incorporates networking opportunities, educational seminars, mentoring programs, and a huge variety of speakers. <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>When and Where</strong>:Thursday, February 9, 8am-6pm at the Omni Hotel </p> <p><strong>Why You Should Go:</strong> The conference is open to both women and men, and it is a great opportunity to meet professionals in a variety of industries. This year's keynote speaker is Dahlia Lithwick, Senior Editor of <em>Slate Magazine</em>. Additionally, OttoPilot Media's very own CEO, Alexandra Gibson, will be speaking on "Social Media to Drive Leads, Grow Revenues, and Cut Costs". <strong><br /></strong></p> <p><strong>2. <a href="http://findaseminar.com/MARKETING-Training/The-Social-Media-Marketing-Conference-Seminar-by-SkillPath-Seminars/10470.html?filter=ON&amp;city=Charlottesville&amp;state=VA&amp;category=MARKETING#desc" title="The Social Media Marketing Conference" target="_blank">The Social Media Marketing Conference</a></strong></p> <p><strong>What it is</strong>: A comprehensive session focusing on all aspects of social media marketing, from getting your business on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other sites, to maximizing your ROI for those sites.</p> <p><strong>When and Where</strong>: March 22nd, 9am-4pm, The Holiday Inn, 1200 Fifth Street</p> <p><strong>Why You Should Go</strong>: If your business is just getting started on social media, this is a great way to fine-tune your social media strategy and make sure that you avoid common mistakes. </p> <p><strong>3. <a href="http://cxoroundtablefeb2012.eventbrite.com/" title="CBIC's CXO Roundtable: Keep More Money In Your Pocket: Demystifying Tax Incentives for Technology Businesses" target="_blank">CBIC's CXO Roundtable: Keep More Money In Your Pocket: Demystifying Tax Incentives for Technology Businesses</a></strong></p> <p><strong>What it is</strong>: Put on by the Charlottesville Business Innovation Council, this conference focuses on the effects of Charlottesville's recent designation as a Technology Zone. This designation can significantly reduce local business fees as part of an effort to offer incentive to local technology businesses. This conference will present and explain those incentives and help local technology businesses take advantage of their benefits.</p> <p><strong>When and Where</strong>: February 7th, 8:30-10:30am, Cityspace, 100 5th Street NE</p> <p><strong>Why You Should Go</strong>: If your business centrally focuses on technology, you could qualify for the incentive programs that come with the Technology Zone innovation. This conference will help you determine if your business does qualify, and what benefits you might receive. </p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:108834http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/113348/Does-Social-Media-Really-Translate-to-Business-Results-Infographic#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/113348/Does-Social-Media-Really-Translate-to-Business-Results-Infographic<p><a href="http://www.hubspot.com/Portals/53/images/hubspot-ecommce-inbound-marketing-vs-outbound-marketing.jpg"> <img id="img-1326164491139" src="http://www.hubspot.com/Portals/53/images/hubspot-ecommce-inbound-marketing-vs-outbound-marketing.jpg" alt="Ecommerce Inbound Marketing vs Outbound Marketing - Infographic" title="Ecommerce Inbound Marketing Vs Outbound Marketing" width="600" height="2827" /></a><br /><a href="http://hubspot.com/ecomm"></a></p> <p>Thanks to Hubspot for creating this insightful infographic.&nbsp; Most importantly, take a look at the bottom section that talks about "getting results".&nbsp; Where many statistics and infographics fall short are by just talking about the metrics, like "increase in number of Facebook fans".&nbsp; The statistics above show <a href="http://ottopilotmedia.com/inbound-marketing-services/inbound-marketing-tools/" title="actual ROI on social media efforts" target="_self">actual ROI on social media efforts</a>; the companies in these case studies are showing the actual increased revenue from their social media initiatives.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are not already measuring your social media ROI, <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-whitepaper-determining-social-media-roi/" title="take a look at this guide that provides a complete how-to for your business" target="_self">take a look at this guide that provides a complete how-to for your business</a>.<a href="http://hubspot.com/ecomm"><br /></a></p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Alexandra GibsonTue, 10 Jan 2012 13:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:113348http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/93986/What-is-Internet-Marketing-ROI#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/93986/What-is-Internet-Marketing-ROI<p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/ROI definition-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="ROI definition resized 600" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />&ldquo;ROI&rdquo; is the acronym for &ldquo;return on investment.&rdquo; Internet marketing ROI is the measurement of "bang for buck" you're receiving with your current strategies.&nbsp;When strategizing ways to make your internet marketing ROI positive, there are several tactics you can use to ensure maximum results for minimum buck.</p> <p>Content creation is an area that, with time, can result in high ROI.</p> <p>On-page SEO, a marketing strategy that employs selecting optimized keywords, can improve the SEO for small websites and large websites, alike. If you have a small website, you may consider adding pages. On-page SEO takes little time for small sites. For larger sites, on-page SEO can results in much higher SEO, based on the sheer quantity of keywords. <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/84965/SEO-Tip-Don-t-Forget-About-Google-Images" title="Don't forget utilizing keywords within images which can also affect SEO!" target="_blank">Don't forget utilizing keywords within images which can also affect SEO!</a></p> <p>Blogging also has high ROI. Consistent blog posts provide many opportunities for keywords to appear, strengthening SEO, and creating blog posts does not take an inordinate amount of time. Lots of resources can get your jumpstarted on blogging. Take a look at our whitepapers <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-whitepaper-blogging-for-your-business/" title="&quot;Blogging For Your Business,&quot;" target="_blank">"Blogging For Your Business,"</a> and <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-list-30-blog-post-ideas-for-30-days-/" title="&quot;30 Blog Post Ideas For 30 Days.&quot;&nbsp;" target="_blank">"30 Blog Post Ideas For 30 Days."&nbsp;</a></p> <p>Another strategy to improve ROI is commenting on others&rsquo; blogs. <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/90901/What-Is-An-Inbound-Link-Terminology-Tuesday" title="You can create inbound links" target="_blank">You can create inbound links</a> from popular blogs, and with consistency, you can divert some leads to your site.</p> <p>Want to gauge your social media ROI? Yes, we have a tool for that, too! <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-whitepaper-determining-social-media-roi/" title="Refer to our whitepaper designed to help you maxmize ROI with social media outlets" target="_blank">Refer to our whitepaper designed to help you maxmize ROI with social media outlets</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>Did you catch last week's Terminology Tuesday? <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/95145/What-is-a-call-to-action-Terminology-Tuesday" title="Find out more about call-to-actions" target="_blank">Find out more about call-to-actions</a>, and how they can impact your marketing strategies.&nbsp;</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Paige CurtisTue, 20 Dec 2011 16:39:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:93986http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108294/Creative-Blog-Ideas-15-Ideas-for-Holiday-Blogging#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108294/Creative-Blog-Ideas-15-Ideas-for-Holiday-Blogging<p><img id="img-1322685636432" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/MH900433053.JPG" border="0" alt="Holiday Blog Ideas" width="171" height="171" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />Want to bring some holiday cheer to your website? Consider one of these 15 ideas for holiday blogging. Creative blog ideas and seasonally focused topics will help draw new consumers to your site and increase blog traffic.</p> <p>Holiday contests and promotions will also be helpful in promoting <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/88259/What-Is-A-Landing-Page-Terminology-Tuesday" title="landing pages" target="_self">landing pages</a> and <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/95145/What-is-a-call-to-action-Terminology-Tuesday" title="call-to-action" target="_self">call-to-action</a> forms, so that you can convert traffic into leads.</p> <p>So, here's to a wonderful holiday season full of good friends, good cheer, and high blog traffic!</p> <p><strong>15 Ideas for Holiday Blogging</strong></p> <ul> <li>Promote a holiday deal or contest. For example, you could feature one item or service at a discounted rate, for a limited-time only.&nbsp;</li> <li>Make holiday shopping easier for your clients by creating a gift-giving guide. Choose a few of your products or services and write about who they would make good gifts for.&nbsp;</li> <li>Create a photoblog of your company's holiday decorations.&nbsp;</li> <li>Document your company's holiday party. Take photos, or videos, and have an employee recap the evening. Don't be afraid to show off your comedic side</li> <li>Write about how the holiday consumer rush impacts your business and how you prepare for it.</li> <li>List some of your employees' favorite holiday traditions and ask readers to post their own suggestions.</li> <li>Reference classic holiday movies. For example, if you are an interior design firm, you could feature beautiful holiday decorations from different movie sets</li> <li>Write about local holiday events. This will be a great boost to your geographic SEO credit.&nbsp;</li> <li>Offer a special New Year's Eve promotion- a limited-time deal for New Year's Eve and New Year's day.</li> <li>Look up retail statistics for this season's holiday shopping- what do these statistics say about the economy? How might that impact your industry?</li> <li>Make a holiday wishlist for your business- what new products do you think will be most helpful to your business in 2012?</li> <li>Do a review of 2011- what were some highlights of the year? What did your company do well?</li> <li>Publish a list of New Year's resolutions for your company</li> <li>Run a "12 Days of Christmas Series," but make it 12 Days of Interior Design Ideas, or whatever works for your business</li> <li>Compile a list of your employees' favorite or most useful holiday gifts.</li> </ul> Happy blogging, and happy holidays!<br /><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanThu, 15 Dec 2011 16:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:108294http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/105183/What-is-Automated-Lead-Nurturing-Terminology-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/105183/What-is-Automated-Lead-Nurturing-Terminology-Tuesday<p><img src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/Terminology Tuesday_Auto Lead Nurturing.png" border="0" alt="Definition of automated lead nurturing" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />Automated lead nurturing refers to the follow-up emails that are sent to your leads after they convert on a certain form. These emails are not sales pitches. They are meant to nurture your lead through the sales cycle--letting them know more about you as a resource and allowing your salespeople to see who is really sales-ready and who needs to "marinate" for awhile longer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are many reasons that automated lead nurturing can be a helpful tactic for your business.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Automated emails reach out to leads without requiring the direct action of an employee. The emails are scheduled (let's say for day 1, day 5, day 15 after downloading a whitepaper) to send without someone having to remember to follow up.&nbsp; This allows sales representatives to work on other tasks, making automated emails a very cost efficient option to reach out to leads who, through buying signals, have shown that they're not quite ready to move forward on a purchase.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Automated lead nurturing also aids a salesperson by providing valuable information about the lead. Links and call-to-actions can be tracked so that sales representatives can see what particular leads are clicking and have more sales intelligence about what a particular lead cares most about.</p> <p>You can also create more data points by diversifying your conversion form to include fields about industry, executive level (like CEO or VP), and sales stages. This can help salespeople identify where leads are in the buying process. Not all leads will be receptive to a phone call yet, but for the ones who are in the appropriate stage, a phone call can convert a lead to a customer.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Data points also allow your business to see how successful the automated campaign is.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Automated lead nurturing works. A study by Aberdeen Group in November 2008 revealed that companies with a &ldquo;Best in Class&rdquo; performance were twice as likely to utilize automated lead nurturing.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>What are some of your success stories with automated lead nurturing?</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Paige CurtisTue, 13 Dec 2011 16:37:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:105183http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107992/Lead-Nurturing-Emails-4-Things-to-Learn-from-a-Nashville-Realtor#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107992/Lead-Nurturing-Emails-4-Things-to-Learn-from-a-Nashville-Realtor<p><img id="img-1322516285201" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/nashville real estate-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="nashville real estate resized 600" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />I was recently looking at property and real estate in Nashville and came upon the typical realtor site where you have to register to look at the MLS listings.&nbsp; Without thinking much of it, I registered so that I could get the information I wanted&mdash;a better look at the homes in the neighborhood that I was interested in.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>As a company that utilizes lead nurturing emails for both ourselves and our clients, I was really impressed with the realtor&rsquo;s (<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanyfykes" rel="nofollow" title="Tiffany Fykes" target="_blank">Tiffany Fykes</a>) system and follow up.&nbsp; While I believe that only some of these emails are automated, they were definitely systematized and she is the poster child for how a <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/93974/5-Tips-for-Nurturing-Leads-Through-the-Buying-Cycle" title="lead nurturing campaign" target="_blank">lead nurturing campaign</a> should look once someone converts as a lead.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Here is a transcript of the emails I received&hellip;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[Email after registration]</p> <p><em>Hi, my name is Tiffany Fykes and I am with Keller Williams Realty - Green Hills. You just signed up on my website so I wanted to introduce myself and give you some information about me.</em></p> <p><em>I can offer a wealth of knowledge and services to assist in all your real estate needs. My website has all the same features as the large national websites, but still keeps my local, friendly, customer-oriented approach. Feel free to view as many homes as you like, save the ones that appeal to you, ask as many questions as you need. I will be happy to work with you on finding and purchasing the perfect home.</em></p> <p><em>Be sure to sign up for daily alerts of homes for sale so you know the instant your dream house hits the market.</em></p> <p><em>Please keep in mind that buying your new home may depend on selling your current home. I will be happy to evaluate and market your home for you. If you live outside my area, I can refer you to one of my many associates around the country.</em></p> <p><em>If you need anything, you can contact me directly at 615-XXX-XXXX.</em></p> <p><b>Lead Nurturing Win</b>:&nbsp; Tiffany <b>gives her contact information</b> and some things that make her unique; she also shows that she&rsquo;s not just a buyer&rsquo;s agent but a seller&rsquo;s agent as well.&nbsp; She <b>offers additional education</b> by telling me to sign up for daily alerts of homes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[Day 1 Email]</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>Hi Alexandra,<br /> <br /> You recently signed up at my Web site, <a href="http://www.yournashvillehomepro.com/?ts=emicw" target="_blank">http://www.yournashvillehomepro.com/?ts=emicw</a><br /> I wanted to touch base and let you know that there is a real human being behind this Web site.<br /> <br /> I have compiled a list of homes that might interest you. Please let me know if they suit your needs or if I can find you something different.<br /> <br /> Most importantly, I see you have not signed up to be notified when new homes come on the market. Home alert emails will let you know about homes for sale the same time I hear about them. You can sign up for alerts on the Web site.<br /> <br /> To view the homes I recommended, please follow this link:<br /> <br /> http://www.yournashvillehomepro.com/emaillink/page/listings/propertytype/SINGLE/...</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Lead Nurturing Win:</b>&nbsp; Tiffany reminds me again to sign up for the daily alerts so I can see new homes that come on the market with my requirements.&nbsp; More importantly, she <b>compiles another list of homes that she thinks I might be interested in</b>.&nbsp; Once I clicked in, I was able to see that she created a list based on my price range and geographic interests (which she saw based on what properties I looked at after registering).&nbsp; This would be a faux pas if she directed me to condos in downtown when I was looking at single families in the east part of town.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[Day 3 Email]</p> <p><em>Hi Alexandra,</em></p> <p><em>Just wanted to touch base and see what you thought of the homes I sent? Did you get them? <br /> <br /> Do you like any of them?<br /> <br /> Let me know,</em></p> <p><b>Lead Nurturing Win:</b>&nbsp; Just a gentle reminder from Tiffany that <b>she&rsquo;s available and here if we need </b><b><img id="img-1322516100254" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/tiffany fykes-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="Tiffany Fykes Nashville Real Estate" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></b><b>additional information</b>.&nbsp; At no point does she call or try and really &ldquo;sell&rdquo;.&nbsp; Based on her previous emails, she doesn&rsquo;t seem overly salesy and seems to be a good resource as well as attentive&mdash;two things you definitely want in a realtor.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Four Lead Nurturing Takeaways from Tiffany&rsquo;s Emails:</b></p> <p><b>&nbsp;</b></p> <ol> <li>Lead nurturing emails should <b>focus on providing value and additional information</b>.&nbsp; Don&rsquo;t try to sell at the beginning of a nurturing campaign.&nbsp; Provide education and resources and <b>show your company as a resource and a solution.</b></li> <li><b>Ta</b><b>ilor and customize the lead nurturing</b>.&nbsp; If you run a recipe website, don&rsquo;t send the people who downloaded the &ldquo;Guide to Becoming a Vegan&rdquo; a link to your blog post on &ldquo;10 Ways to Cook a Cow&rdquo;.</li> <li><b>Add solution-driven information about your business</b> in with the educational resources.&nbsp; In Tiffany&rsquo;s case, she made sure to include information about being a seller&rsquo;s agent as well as a buyer&rsquo;s agent.&nbsp; If I had <a href="http://www.yournashvillehomepro.com/" title="a house to sell in Nashville" target="_blank">a house to sell in Nashville</a>, that would be very important to me (and obviously important to Tiffany to get both business).</li> <li><b>Persistence works if you&rsquo;re giving people what they want</b>.&nbsp; If a lead does not respond, let them marinate for awhile and reach back out to them with additional resources after two weeks or a month.&nbsp; [<em>Side note: You will know if you&rsquo;re not providing enough value if your unsubscribe rates start to climb</em>.]</li> </ol> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In Tiffany&rsquo;s case, I responded to her &ldquo;Day 3&rdquo; email and told her what I was searching for plus my timeline.&nbsp; I volunteered this information because I saw Tiffany as a resource and wanted to see if I would be the right client for her.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The most important thing about this systematized and automated lead nurturing campaign is that it worked.&nbsp; I now see Tiffany as my &ldquo;go to&rdquo; resource on Nashville real estate.</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Alexandra GibsonThu, 08 Dec 2011 14:37:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:107992http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/103212/What-is-WireDoo#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/103212/What-is-WireDoo<p><img id="img-1319575467935" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/6264431482_21c05d901b-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="MC Hammer announces WireDoo" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />MC Hammer is actively trying to change the lack of 90's rap icons in the world of Web 2.0. On October 19, the icon announced the launch of his new search engine, <a href="http://wiredoo.com/global/signup.html" title="WireDoo" target="_blank">WireDoo</a>, at <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHomLHv4vpA" title="O'Reilly Media's Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.&nbsp;" target="_blank">O'Reilly Media's Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.&nbsp;</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Hammer hopes that Google "can't touch" the new search engine's strategy, which he has dubbed "deep" or "relationship" search. In addition to normal search results, supplementary information would be available. Searching for a geographical location would also hail information about local schools and hospitals. Searching for a school would display information about the school's academic performance and teacher credentials.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The looming question is whether or not the search engine will have the staying power to oust Google. Bing has not proven such a feat, though it launched an extensive campaign marketing it as a "decision engine."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is not MC Hammer's first foray into the digital world. He co-founded DanceJam, a site for dancers to share videos, in 2008.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This is Hammer's first attempt to compete with major search engines in an arena that only several players dominate. With beta testing in place, WireDoo has a tentative release date of December 2011.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Willing to give WireDoo a try?&nbsp;</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Paige CurtisTue, 06 Dec 2011 16:36:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:103212http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108363/4-Free-Ways-To-Maximize-The-Mobile-Friendliness-Of-Your-Business#Comments1http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/108363/4-Free-Ways-To-Maximize-The-Mobile-Friendliness-Of-Your-Business<h1 style="text-align: left;"><img id="img-1322731362920" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/gomo-ottopilot-media-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="gomo-ottopilot" width="322" height="165" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /></h1> <p style="text-align: left;">With the exponential adoption of mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, consumers now have the ability to conduct transactions anywhere, anytime. Not only does the mobile channel create new revenue opportunities for e-business, it is also critical to maintaining a competitive advantage...<strong>especially for local businesses.</strong></p> <h1 style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</h1> <h1 style="text-align: left;">Local Business Owners, Take Note</h1> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Mobile is very important for local businesses.</strong> When your customers are out and about, they could be looking for the closest business of your type, from gas stations and restaurants to legal or medical help. In fact, <strong>95% of smartphone users have looked for local information on their phones.</strong> &nbsp;In vertical markets like consumer electronics, financial services and insurance, more than 15% of searches come from mobile devices. For restaurants that number is closer to 30%!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Rumor has it, <strong><a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/?Tag=Charlottesville+Businesses" title="Charlottesville has more restaurants per capita than even New York City. " target="_blank">Charlottesville has more restaurants per capita than even New York City. </a></strong>If you want to stand out among the crowd, make your ordering process more mobile-friendly. If you <em>really</em> want to be a favorite among UVA students, offer <strong><a href="http://radiosociallife.com/" title="group deals" target="_blank">group deals</a></strong> or late night specials...just make sure your food is at their fingertips.</p> <h1 style="text-align: left;">How These Tools Work</h1> <p style="text-align: left;">These tools work by detecting the &lsquo;user agent&rsquo; of your site visitors. Simply put, these tools work by determining whether a visitor is using a regular web browser (on a computer) or a mobile web browser (on a cellphone/smartphone). If a tool detects the &lsquo;user agent&rsquo; to be a mobile browser, users are redirected to your website&rsquo;s mobile version automatically, giving all of your site visitors an optimal experience. Whether or not their first visit generates revenue, this positive experience will resonate with them and encourage them to return to your business in the future.</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>1.&nbsp;</b><a href="http://mobify.me/"><b>Mobify</b></a><strong></strong></h2> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>Mobify</strong> allows you to create a mobile version of your website through an intuitive and user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI). Setup is short and sweet, and you can have your very own mobile site in minutes. If you run an e-commerce store, Mobify has<strong></strong> t<strong></strong>he&nbsp;<a href="http://mobify.me/mobile-commerce/" title="Mobile Commerce" target="_blank">Mobile Commerce</a>&nbsp;platform tha<strong></strong>t&rsquo;s geared specifically toward e-stores for the mobi<strong></strong>le web.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong><img id="img-1322729342218" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/mobify-ottopilot-media-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="mobify-ottopilot-media" width="321" height="177" class="alignRight" /></strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;">Mobify is very generous in terms of <strong>free</strong> <strong>features</strong> and users even have the option to customize their mobile domain at zero-cost (such as <a href="http://m.yourwebsite.com/">m.yourwebsite.com</a>). While most of Mobify&rsquo;s services are offered at zero-cost, users can choose to upgrade to a premium account for $24<strong></strong>9 per month, in order to access features such as the removal of the Mobify logo on their mobile site as well as mobile analytics for reporting statistics on site traffic. <strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong></p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>2.&nbsp;</b><a href="http://www.wirenode.com/" title="Wirenode" target="_blank">Wirenode</a></h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Companies such as Ford, No<a href="http://mobify.me/"><img id="img-1322729172655" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/wirenode-ottopilot=media-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="ottopilot-media-wirenode" width="305" height="143" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /></a>kia and Reebok use Wirenode, a mobile website generator that has helped more than 50,000 websites create mobile-friendly versions of their sites.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Wirenode&rsquo;s <b>zero-cost </b>plan has a user-friendly editor for designing your mobile site, free hosting for up to three mobile sites, website statistics reporting, and more.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>3.&nbsp;</b><a href="http://www.onbile.com/"><b>Onbile</b></a></h2> <p style="text-align: left;">Onbile promi<a href="http://www.onbile.com/"><b><img id="img-1322729421005" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/onbile ottopilot media-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="onbile ottopilot media resized 600" width="172" height="184" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" /></b></a>ses that you can have a mobile version of your site in <strong>five minutes or less.</strong> It delivers this promise by giving you an intuitive user interface for constructing your mobile site and a custom-generated script to paste into your index page so that when mobile device users visit your site, they are redirected to the mobile version.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><b>What is the unique value Onbile offers to small business owners?</b> It provides 13 customizable templates as a starting point for your mobile site development, and yet again,&nbsp;<strong>you can get this all for free</strong>.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>4.&nbsp;</b><a href="http://iwebkit.net/"><b>iWebKit</b></a></h2> <p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://iwebkit.net/"><b><img id="img-1322729550010" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/iwebkit-ottopilot-media-resized-600.png" border="0" alt="iwebkit ottopilot media resized 600" width="225" height="174" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" /></b></a>iWebKit is a simple framework for creating your own iPhone/iPod touch apps. It can be used to create an app like&nbsp;<a href="http://mashable.com/2009/04/01/mashable-iphone-app/"><em>Mashable</em>&lsquo;s iPhone app</a>, for example.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Though iWebKit can be used by anyone, even without knowledge of HTML, it isn&rsquo;t as user-friendly as the other tools mentioned above and requires that you download and install the app as well as read the&nbsp;<a href="http://iwebkit.net/tag/user-guide">user manual</a>. But for a small time investment (no cash needed, the iWebKit framework is free), you can have your very own iPhone app just like the industry leaders.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><b>&nbsp;</b></p> <h1 style="text-align: left;">Take It For A Test Spin</h1> <p style="text-align: left;">As with any project, you&rsquo;ll need to test your mobile website on as many devices as possible. Without owning all these devices, it can be somewhat tricky to find ways to accurately test for each. <a href="http://www.mikebrittain.com/blog/2010/01/31/browser-testing-for-mobile-web-applications/">This article</a> provides a thorough breakdown of how to test a mobile website across the most popular platforms.</p> <h1 style="text-align: left;">Bottom Line</h1> <p style="text-align: left;"><b>In order to be <em>customer-friendly</em>, your business needs to be <em>mobile-friendly</em></b>. Target audiences and key stakeholders are engaging more and more with businesses through their mobile devices instead of their computers. As the worldwide shift to mobile continues, handheld device support, compatibility, and optimization will become increasingly important in terms of business growth and customer loyalty.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><b>How mobile-friendly is your local business?</b></p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Kate KamberThu, 01 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:108363http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107958/What-is-Black-Hat-SEO-Terminology-Tuesday#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107958/What-is-Black-Hat-SEO-Terminology-Tuesday<p><img id="img-1322507057690" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/3407362426_419a97a181_m.jpg" border="0" alt="Black hat SEO" width="168" height="109" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />Black Hat SEO... even the name sounds ominous. And indeed, black hat SEO practices mark the bad boys of the SEO world.</p> <p>Black hat SEO practices seek to improve search engine optimization in an unethical manner, often trying to deceive both the search engine crawler and the consumer.</p> <p>Though not illegal, black hat SEO practices defy the ethical boundaries set by Google and other search engines.</p> <p>Typical unethical SEO practices include:</p> <ul> <li>Placing inbound links on pages that are entirely unrelated to your site.&nbsp;</li> <li>"Keyword stuffing"- simply placing long strings of keywords on your page, without any thought to the quality of the content.</li> <li>Typing keywords in white text on a white background to deceptively add keywords to your pages</li> <li>Creating "doorway pages" or fake pages that users do not see but that are intended to attract search engine crawlers</li> </ul> <p>These practices are unethical, and in the long run, they can be detrimental. Though black hat SEO practices might boost rankings in the short term, black hat sites risk provoking the wrath of Google. And, if you are at all familiar with the SEO business, you know that you do not want to have Google against you.</p> <p>If Google or any other search engine thinks your site is using unethical SEO practices, they can "punish" you by manually decreasing your rankings, or even eliminating your site from search results.</p> <p>Most recently, Google doled out punishment to retail giant J.C. Penney, after the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/13/business/13search.html?pagewanted=all" title="New York Times revealed that Penney had been engaging in black hat SEO practices." target="_self">New York Times revealed that Penney had been engaging in black hat SEO practices.</a> A February 12, 2011 article revealed that Penney had placed thousands of false links around the web, linking keywords such as "evening gowns" or "bedding" from entirely unrelated websites. For example, the phrase "black dresses" was found on a nuclear engineering website, along with a J.C. Penney link.</p> <p>These links propelled J.C. Penney to the very top of Google rankings during the crucial holiday season. When Google learned of the links, they promptly acted against Penney, drastically reducing the store's rankings. In a matter of hours, J.C. Penney went from ranking No. 1 on many searches to ranking as low as No. 71.</p> <p>The J.C. Penney black hat SEO offers a rather extreme example of the dangers of unethical black hat SEO practices. To avoid heading into black hat SEO territory, always make sure that your keywords and links are relevant to the content of your page and that they will not deceive the viewer in any way. After all, you want Google to move you up in the rankings, not throw you down.</p> <p>To learn more about ethical, white hat SEO practices, make sure you <a href="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/free-seo-checklist/" title="download our FREE SEO CHECKLIST" target="_self">download our FREE SEO CHECKLIST</a>.</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Caroline NewmanTue, 29 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:107958http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107973/Washington-D-C-Campaigns-Promoting-With-QR-Codes#Comments0http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/blog/bid/107973/Washington-D-C-Campaigns-Promoting-With-QR-Codes<p><img id="img-1322512257851" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/5379370730_5471114e29-resized-600.jpg" border="0" alt="Street Crossing with QR Code" width="201" height="270" class="alignLeft" style="float: left;" />What do bus stops, public libraries and the Washington Capitals all have in common? They all use QR codes! A QR code &ndash; short for Quick Response &ndash; is a barcode that, when scanned with a smartphone, either takes the phone&rsquo;s browser to an embedded URL or displays an encoded image. &nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.comscore.com/Press_Events/Press_Releases/2011/8/14_Million_Americans_Scanned_QR_or_Bar_Codes_on_their_Mobile_Phones_in_June_2011#.TpHqlyemj4I.email" title="According to comScore Inc." target="_blank">According to comScore Inc.</a>,&nbsp;over 14 million Americans scanned a QR code as of June 2011. That figure accounts for 6.2 percent of mobile users, and over half of them are between the ages of 18 and 35 years.</p> <p>QR codes are now becoming prolific in urban areas. Washington D.C. has expanded its use of QR codes in both public and privately owned sectors.</p> <p><a href="http://qrarts.com/" title="QR Arts" target="_blank">QR Arts</a> partnered with <a href="http://octo.dc.gov/DC/OCTO/" title="OCTO labs" target="_blank">OCTO labs</a> to bring D.C. QR codes on buses and at bus stops. These codes allow passengers to immediately access bus schedules, and comment or tweet traffic status updates.</p> <p>Washington D.C. has also made QR codes part of its public education endeavors. QR codes at D.C. Regional Libraries allow users (especially students) to instantly download library hours and contact information to their phones. The library also provides a QR code that will direct users to an online location where they can submit suggestions and comments.&nbsp; This provides an efficient and mobile-friendly alternative to the library's physical suggestion box.</p> <p>The Smithsonian Natural History Museum utilized a QR code for its &ldquo;MEanderthals&rdquo; exhibit about Neanderthals. The code took museum-goers to a URL that allowed them to upload a photo of themselves to see how they would have looked 30,000 years ago.&nbsp;</p> <p><img id="img-1322516878057" src="http://info.ottopilotmedia.com/Portals/112170/images/capitals_qrcode.png" border="0" alt="Washington Capitals QR Code" class="alignRight" style="float: right;" />The Washington Capitals hockey team will also join the band of D.C. QR code users. The team&rsquo;s marketing department has decided to use the codes for the first time during the 2011-2012 season. The QR codes have already proven to be a successful metric when included in traditional direct mail campaigns.&nbsp;</p> <p>Want to try using QR codes for your business? Start by thinking about what you print. Consider placing a QR code on your personal business cards and on all literature about your business. You can also buy ad space in print publications like magazines, newspapers, and signs. QR codes encourage consumer participation, something that print advertising has recently lacked.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Have you scanned a QR code lately? Which one caught your eye?</p><div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_container" style="height: 360px; padding-top: 10px;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_above"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_widget" style="border: 1px solid #D1D7DF; background-color: #f5f6f9; margin: 0px auto;"> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_logo" style="padding: 1px; margin: 0px; background-color: #edeff4; text-align: center; height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/" title="NetworkedBlogs" target="_blank"><img src="http://static.networkedblogs.com/static/images/logo_small.png" alt="" title="NetworkedBlogs" style="border: none;" /></a></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_body" style="text-align: center;"></div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_follow" style="padding: 5px;"><a href="http://www.networkedblogs.com/blog/katekamber?ahash=e6f1e489460226bb13b88081106d3877" style="display: block; line-height: 100%; width: 90px; margin: 0px auto; padding: 4px 8px; text-align: center; background-color: #3b5998; border: 1px solid #D9DFEA; border-bottom-color: #0e1f5b; border-right-color: #0e1f5b; color: #ffffff; font-family: 'lucida grande',tahoma,verdana,arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-decoration: none;">Follow this blog</a></div> </div> <div id="networkedblogs_nwidget_below"></div> </div> <script type="text/javascript">// <![CDATA[ if(typeof(networkedblogs)=="undefined"){networkedblogs = {};networkedblogs.blogId=960950;networkedblogs.shortName="katekamber";} // ]]></script>Paige CurtisMon, 28 Nov 2011 21:58:00 GMTf1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:107973