Please. Website owners cannot simply ignore updating their platform simply because they, or their “web developer” don’t know how. This NEEDS to be done. It’s not a set-it-forget-it type of proposition. If your “web developer” is not doing this or doesn’t know how, frankly you need to change horses.

Computer Updating & Website updating

You know how there are updates for your computer for feature/function enhancements, bug fixes and so that your computer does not get viruses etc.?
You know how you do, or should be doing things regularly as just a normal practice? You would be surprised how many folks don’t apply the same reasoning and practice to their websites.

“We just need something ‘quick and easy’. We’ll just have (x) do it. They know how to build websites”.

This amateur hour approach is not a sound practice for those serious about their web presence. We’re getting more of these calls.

Static “Brochure” website? Meh.

If your intent is to have a static “brochure” website that you plan on NOT updating and you just want to just let it coast, I’m sure there are viable options for you. That’s not really our business but perhaps we can point you in the right direction. For most people however that is not their intent. They at least intend to update their sites with fresh content. Now if they in fact don’t get around to it, well that’s another matter.

Keep in mind:

Un-updated website platforms = website security vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities = exploits (viruses, worms, site hacks etc.)
Exploits, eventually = getting blacklisted by Google.
Blacklisting = lost revenue, traffic and more money & time to fix it and much longer for Google to get around reconsidering.

This is going to be a very painful (and expensive) situation for the folks that just called. This was completely preventable. Ugh…. guess I already said that.

The post How to get blacklisted by Google appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

1. You need to expand your reach broader and deeper into targeted audiences.
2. You need to connect with your audience in a substantive, updated and engaging way. Integrated marketing calls for your various marketing channels to work in concert with your primary resource, your website. That means strategic coordination and leverage of your:
   • Blog and other content updates
   • Calendar updates
   • Social Media
   • Email eNewsletter marketing
   • Traditional media (print, radio, television)
3. You have limited personnel, financial resources and time. So you need performance analytics in order to make data informed decision on where to put resources for maximum impact.

Ticketing? Registrations? Memberships? Donations…
What’s your metric?

You have all these objectives and but still need as much direct control over your message as possible. Our web design and training allows you to update your message as often as you need and as easily as possible. You want to maintain control so you can update your site yourself if you like, delegate internally or outsource as you choose.

Empowering clients. This is what we’ve been doing for clients for years. We invite you to check our portfolio. We’ll be happy to introduce you to our satisfied clients.

So, contact us today. Let us help you reach and engage your audience.

We also specialize in helping clients reach the single fastest growing demographic in your area.
Tambien hablamos Español

• Event, Tourism Marketers
• Community Arts Providers
• Civic & Public Service Providers
• Non-Profit Organizations
• Film Festivals
• Information & Education Providers
• Member & Professional Associations
• Professional Service Providers
• Performers & Entertainers
• Those needing to reach the Spanish speaking community

The post Web design for Arts, Events and Tourism appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

Have you experienced a website that was “All hat and no cattle?”

Web design, it’s not about pretty pictures. Web design that delivers results is much more.

Your website rightfully belongs at the center of your internet marketing strategy.  However, if it is unsupported by a broader, data driven integrated marketing strategy its utility and your investment is compromised. A website of pretty pictures by itself will not deliver the performance you need.

Stated another way; a beautiful looking website without traffic or conversions on what you need done is a digital paperweight.

Successful web design is an analytics informed, data driven, marketing excercise designed to deliver measurable results on your stated objectives. What do you need your site visitors to DO?

• Consume your copy/media content? Inform themselves?
• Register for or attend your event(s)?
• Join?
• Buy?
• Contact you?

Internet marketers need something to happen. They need to be able to quantify it. And they need access to the data and levers to impact ongoing performance.

Pretty pictures while important are not what drives the effort. It’s about the numbers baby. Good numbers are what’s really pretty.

Consider this. If there are frequent changes and updates within your market or offering, if  you need to engage and hold the attention of your audience, then nimbleness and easy updating needs to be a core strength of your integrated web marketing plan and website.

No es semántica. Su  sitio Web legítimo pertenece en el centro de su estrategia de marketing en línea. Sin embargo, si está sin apoyo por una estrategia de marketing más amplia e integrada,  su utilidad y su inversión se compromete perceptiblemente. Un gran sitio Web por sí mismo no le llevara probablemente a donde quiere ir.

Indicó otra manera; un sitio Web maravillosamente diseñado sin tráfico es un pisapapeles digital. Y al contrario sitio Web que recibe mucho tráfico, obligando el Web site mantenido el aislamiento, faltas su utilidad más completa, potencial de la palancada y su ROI.

Considere esto. Si hay cambios frecuentes y las actualizaciones dentro de su mercado u ofreciendo, si usted necesita enganchar y llevar a cabo la atención de su audiencia, después la agilidad y la puesta al día rápido-n-fácil necesita ser una fuerza de la base de su plan y Web site integrados de comercialización de la tela.

Contact us now for a free consultation!

Contáctenos ahora para una consulta gratis!

Hablamos Español

The post Web Design | Style over substance? appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

I’m lucky… or perhaps in a more self-determinant way… perhaps I’ve paid enough dues over time to be in this position. At any rate, while there’s still work-work to be done, for the most part I like what I, along with Ana do for a buck. Hopefully I’m not inciting a turn of events by my acknowledgement. You don’t talk about your team’s pitcher nearing the end of a no-hitter game. You don’t want to risk inviting bad karma.

That said, the type of work we’ve been able to attract and win is good work. We’ve interesting clients who are pursuing worthy objectives we applaud. They’re doing important work and we enjoy being a part of it. I like contributing in our way to what they’re working hard to accomplish. But this is what we do for a living. And at the end of the day we still need to meet the mortgage, we’ve got kids and all the rest… just like everyone else.

What we do takes time, a lot of time and perhaps more than is apparent. Profitability however is frequently driven by, among other things, speed. Pound it out. Get it up. Get’r done.

We just finished up with yet another client meeting that took way too much time and in large part was due to our having way too much fun. We enjoy each others company.

You see, working closely with clients over the time it takes to do this kind of work well, we’ve experienced, you build friendships that extend beyond the strictly business client-vendor relationship.

This week, yet again, we’d been spending an unjustifiable amount of time on an aspect of the project because, well, we’re into it. It goes beyond the fact that our name and reputation is on our work. The subject matter itself and the opportunity to do some cool things with it… well it’s fun to do. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about fluff. Our intent is to drive audience engagement, improved traffic and conversion on targeted actions. Developing around these objectives for nerdy types though can be very seductive.

So absolutely, no complaints. Just had a very nice time with another great client helping them to do important work, work we’re proud to be a part of. Doing what you love though… you tend to spend more time than you can really cost justify. So here I am. Now I need to play some catch up. Baby needs new shoe’s.

The post The other side of doing what you love. appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

Some terms

Perhaps you’ve heard of WordPress, perhaps not. But while a big a deal in the world of web development, that’s not your world so it’s new to you.

WordPress is what’s called a “CMS” or Content Management System. It’s a technology that powers dynamically rendered websites, in real-time based on multiple data and content inputs.

Perhaps that sounds like jargon. You’ve no doubt seen static, unmoving sites where the content never changes? Well, it’s not that.
Now, technologists may argue my simplistic definition but hopefully you get my meaning. And of course I’m happy to try and clarify for you.

Well this “CMS” platform called WordPress has been growing in popularity very rapidly over the last few years to the point that it is now the single most widely used platform for authoring websites. There are use case exceptions of course.

WordPress is not the best solution for every and all situations and expressed client needs. Priorities and resources still dictate the best solution. I will not attempt here to fully define what WordPress is and its relative merits to other platforms. If interested a simple Google search will net you better treatise then I will attempt here.

WordPress.
My personal short-list of what’s in it for you.

I just want to point out a few things that I find have been of particular value for the folks that we’ve worked with. And it has to do with “Content Management”, or the what, how and by who around what is presented to your audience on your website(s).

• Autonomy over content management: Disclosure. A personal issue for me. I’ve worked on the client-side. I’ve worked on the agency-side. Allowing others (my web developer) to hold the keys to my website and being hand-cuffed to what I can, cannot do and with whom can be a challenge. WordPress provides an unsurpassed WYSIWYG admin editor for non-coders. You or your associate are likely the most knowledgable about your message. If provided access and the ability wouldn’t it make sense to update your site yourself? And if not, it should be your choice who to delegate to internally or outsource externally to. Can I get an Amen? (I’m not talking about modifying the site. That likely requires a deeper skill set perhaps you have, perhaps not)

• Immediacy of updating content: As communication needs flow, often quickly, sometimes and too often… last minute, the ability to update the website content quickly is hugely important. Announcements, calendar items, responding to changes in the marketplace, today’s news, your offering… all these drive the need for ease, convenience and speed of updating site content. If you’re dependent on communicating updates to external tech staff to do updates this can be expensive and require additional lead time adding further delay.

• Economy provided by self-management: While being penny-wise and dollar foolish will continue to trip people up, we’ve found that budget constraints and the need to get the most for their money is still what drives the go/no-go decision. If you do not have the staff or ongoing budget to have the “hired IT guns” do all your updating, the self-managed content option may be your best… or only option.

The “Gotcha”

To be sure, we’ve found that some folks, at the end of the day discover that they have little time to create content and update their sites. Or they’ve found that perhaps they’re just not the best content creators. They’re good at running the enterprise. What they’re putting up is less engaging, beneficial for their audience or just not up to their brand standards. (We can help with that too.)

All the same, WordPress provides them the option. The option for autonomy to update themselves when they can (and most likely should), delegate internally or outsource for help as they need and choose. Having options as good is one of those universal truths.

Final caution. It comes down to execution.

Aspects of what makes WordPress easy to use for the client also makes it easier for individuals to create sites for themselves or “clients”. This holds the potential for allowing some lowering of the bar for what constitutes “professional” web development. We’ve been paid to rebuild websites already paid for recently or donated by some well-meaning student, volunteer or brother-in-law who knows about computers.

Web development in WordPress like any platform is about delivering quantifiable results. It’s an analytics informed, communications & marketing exercise. It requires expertise in usability, analytics, SEO, content creation/presentation and a host of other skill sets behind the scenes. So check the portfolio. Check references. Ask about performance. Don’t get fooled by pretty pictures. That’s the easiest part.

The post WordPress?
What’s that and why should I care? appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

Just my Google+ page. For example, you may be viewing this page from your home or office computer. Perhaps though as web marketer I want to make it easy for you to save something to your phone?

If you’re not familiar, they are those square, typically mysterious codes you may have seen in magazines or elsewhere. Mysterious because they often, because of space constraints of print are placed somewhere without benefit of introduction, call-to-action, what you’re to do with it or why you should care. We’re to assume there is some unspecified Cracker-Jack prize inside that will reward our efforts.

Their use typically assumes A LOT on the part of the consumer.

Assumes tech savvy and highly motivated consumer

There are many good applications for using QR Codes and the level of creative use and utility is growing. And while consumer use is still very small it is growing. I suspect we’ll reach a tipping point when smart phone manufacturers start delivering their product to the marketplace with this utility pre-installed. Currently, the market is still dependent on a consumer who is (1) aware of and (2) motivated enough to…

1. Know what QR codes are and value them enough to bother
2. Seek out and choose a QR code phone ap of their liking from various competing providers and download it.
3. Upon seeing a QR code presentation will pull out their phone, open the ap, take the pic
4. Most likely then have to do something with what has been accessed or downloaded

All this assumes a VERY motivated consumer. So, I’d assume conversion rates for those who access your content via QR codes are likely very good though the volume or % who would go to that much trouble would likely be very low volume or %.

This is not to say that marketers should not be using QR codes. To the contrary, there’s not really any reason not to… if you’ve the time and print space to justify the effort. There is also good reporting and feedback loop on their use. And finally, in most cases they’re very easy and inexpensive to use. It’s simply more a matter of managing expectations on traffic/usage. And this will be heavily dependent on your target demographics. Like many things the more you put into your QR code effort, the more you’ll get out. Meaning, if you just slap up an anonymous QR linking to your website home page without intro, call to action, benefit proposition… well…

Your mileage may very.

Website, webpage use of QR Codes

Conventional applications for QR Codes have been for smart phone consumer engagement from a printed source. I’m starting to see though periodic use of QR codes on web pages. For what purpose though? You’re already on a website via your computer or smart phone. Why not just provide a conventional link?

It would seem the off-line habit of just throwing up a QR code without intro or call to action has migrated to this same anonymous online use. In print it’s understandable that there may not be space for intro/call-to-action. You have to assume. But online… you have considerably more flexibility to get around this constraint.

In fact there are several good uses for QR code use on a web page but they’re less obvious. And given you’re not constrained by space there less excuse for not introducing what it is, what you’d like your reader to do with it and why they should bother.

Uses for QR Codes on a web page:

1. Download contact information to visitors smart phone
2. Download an application or file to same
3. Save one or more GPS locations to same
4. Save the webpage to their phone? (Don’t think so. It’s a bit of a reach as there are easier ways to bookmark)
5. Placement on a webpage you want printed out where they may place the hard copy for other’s use/access
6. Save a coupon code to the phone for later in-store presentation
7. Add to your Linked-in or other social media profile (contact info or other)
8. PayPal buy link

Creative off-line uses for QR Codes

More typical, ho-hum uses you’ll see are print publications, newspapers, magazines, flyers, posters etc. linking to website home page.

Less common and more creative placements include:

• Billboards, storefront signage, box / wrapper packaging, in-store signage
• Shelf tags, price tags, register receipts, for sale signs
• T-shirts, jackets, book bags, coffee cups
• Manufacturer ID labels
• Warranty cards, instruction documents, customer service documentation
• Video/film trailer and/or credits at the end of same
• On the back of your business card
• Direct mail pieces
• Conference or employee name tags and ID cards
• Place at the end of your Powerpoint or screen presentation
• At the end of a print story/report. Send the reader to where they can get more on the story presented.

More creative use of the code include:

• Linking to a unique and optimized-for-conversion landing page for the specific purpose or offer, not just the website home page.
• Linking to your V-card or contact information (try this on your luggage tags and other non-carry-on items)
• Linking to fuller product information you can’t fit on a price tag, shelf tag, product listing packaging etc.
• Coupon codes to be presented in-store upon your next visit.
• “Call us to place your order” automatically dials phone
• Linking to your PayPal (or other) buy-now link
• Linking to your Event Registration page

If you’re new to QR Codes

Usage assumes you have a web enabled smart phone. If you do you’re likely already familiar with selecting, downloading and activating web aps. Having tried a few we like and use ScanLife but there are others you may want to try. Further, it’s a rapidly evolving and competitive space. So by the time you read this there may already likely be a better mousetrap. They’ve gotten considerably easier to use in just this last year. So try out a few.

If you don’t have a smart phone… well… I’d strongly encourage you to get one, particularly if you’re a marketer of virtually anything. I don’t care if you’re a proud technology Luddite. Most likely an exploding share of your existing and potential customers do have smart phones and they’re using them, to access your brand. You should know, first hand how you’re being experienced by both current and potential customers vie this medium.

Pssst. You can use this excuse with your mate for justification of the expense too.

If you’d like to discuss how you may best leverage QR codes in your off-line and/or on-line internet marketing efforts we’d love to talk with you. You may see us online (see Chat Now utility above right), give us a call (608-713-4380) or drop a line. rick@resonatewebmarketing.com

The post QR Codes… An online utility also? appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

By Toni Rocha
Beloit Daily News correspondent
Published: Thursday, February 24, 2011 11:20 AM CST

Volunteering connects couple to the community No one would argue that volunteering is a great way to give as well as a way to feel more useful. But for Ana Kelly and Rick McGrath, volunteering in a multitude of organizations has provided the perfect entry into the greater Beloit community.

McGrath said his move to the Beloit area about five years ago was work-related. While he found a position in Roscoe, he added that he prefers to live in older neighborhoods.

“Planned development doesn’t work for me,” McGrath explained. “I was living in Beloit for three years before I found we had a neighborhood group. The Near East Side Neighborhood Association (NESNA) hadn’t been meeting much. Then we discovered the Landmarks Commission and became involved there, too.”

Kelly added, “We started a website for NESNA and tried to get its members together but everyone was so busy. Finally, we learned that the best way to attract them was to hold meetings in our home. We had good attendance at the first one.”

Just as one potato chip is never enough, Kelly and McGrath quickly became involved in one after another of Beloit’s vital organizations. Married with four children still living at home plus operating their own business, Resonate Web Marketing, the couple would seem to have more than enough on their plates. But within a few short years, through their professional expertise and desire to be assets to their community, Kelly and McGrath have helped what reads like a “what’s what” of Beloit nonprofits, schools and governing bodies.

Kelly serves on Beloit’s planning commission and both act as treasurer for the Aldridge Middle School band boosters, focusing on acquiring 100-plus uniforms for the students. More, they either serve on committees or provide Internet services for the Beloit Landmarks Commission, Beloit Neighborhood Preservation Association, Roy Chapman Andrews Society, Latino Services Coalition of Rock County, the Society for Learning Unlimited, the League of Women Voters, the Beloit School District, Hands of Faith, Meals on Wheels, the Chamber of Commerce, the Beloit International Film Festival, Beloit Economic Development Corporation, the Angel Museum and Beloit 2020’s Explore with Roy program.

“When we work with these organizations, the line quickly blurs between professional assistance and personal interaction,” McGrath said. “Friendships naturally develop, and of course, we see a lot of familiar faces.”

As one of several founders of NESNA, Tom Warren said he has been impressed by the dedication, time and results that Kelly and McGrath have achieved throughout the Beloit College district where they live.

“They not only like Beloit, but are willing to invest sweat equity to make it better,” Warren added. “My wife and I are members of the First Presbyterian Church where Ana and Rick sometimes attend. They are among the most active contributors to outreach efforts.”

Warren concluded that most of all, he has known McGrath and Kelly via their website construction and maintenance.

“They have helped me, and many other individuals and groups, develop websites at minimal or no pay,” Warren said. “Their expertise, patient teaching and willingness to stand behind their work have made them valuable partners and important community resources. I speak here significantly from my role within the Roy Chapman Andrews Society, but also know that they have volunteered their work to other associations.”

Another organization that has benefited greatly from Kelly’s and McGrath’s volunteer efforts is Beloit’s Angel Museum.

“I have been working with Rick and Ana for about two years now,” said Angel Museum Executive Director Ruth Carlson. “In that time, they have completely reorganized our website plus gone way above and beyond to help us keep it updated. They are also at a lot of our events and film them whenever we ask. They have also helped me learn social media and put the museum on Facebook,
Twitter and Youtube.”

Carlson added that she feels Kelly and McGrath are real assets to the community who are willing to share so much of their expertise to help organizations understand new technology to promote Beloit venues as well as the city itself.

“We are fortunate to have such dedicated people as Rick and Ana in our community who are willing to do so much,” Carlson said.
And among those familiar faces Kelly and McGrath find when they get involved is Dr. Robert Schwaegler.

“When I look into their faces, Beloit’s message of welcoming with a generous and gracious smile comes to mind,” Schwaegler said. “They are always ready to share their talents in the realm of social networking and web cyberspace development. The SLU web page was greatly enhanced technically. And they are inseparable. They love working as a team. And watching Rick and Ana on the dance floor shows how much they like being together.”

For their personal view, Kelly concludes, “If you don’t volunteer, you won’t become truly integrated into your community. You will always feel like outsiders. We no longer feel as if we just moved to Beloit a few years ago. We feel as if we have lived here forever.”

Copyright © 2011 – Beloit Daily News

The post Ana & Rick – Beloit Volunteers of the Month appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.

We had the opportunity this last weekend to do a presentation on internet marketing regarding leveraging web assets at the Wisconsin Local History and Historic Preservation Conference in Lake Geneva WI. It was a fantastic event. I particularly enjoyed Donovan Rypkema and his presentation titled: Measuring the Economic Impact of Historic Preservation in Your Community. I could go off on a tangent in violent agreement with his findings on the economic benefits around preservation and developing sustainable communities… but I wont.

You’re invited to share this presentation. You can find it at: http://bit.ly/Historic-Preservation-Internet-Marketing

For someone like myself who is passionate about these subjects it was an opportunity to learn from others and hopefully contribute as well given our (Ana and myself) area of expertise. I’d love to be able to help local, regional or even state organizations for that matter better reach their own audiences. Their efforts to reach, expand and engage their communities can often be greatly improved via internet marketing best practices and better use or expansion of their web assets.

So, to that regard I was thrilled to be able to offer a presentation on how these organizations may better reach their communities by way of web technologies, making better use of existing “web assets” such as their websites, blogs, eNewsletters as well as entering or expanding their use of the “Social Web”. I think it was well received. I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Anyway, for those who might have attended or others who may be interested, above is the visual presentation portion of our session. If you’ve questions let me know.

If you’re active in or responsible for historic preservation or related conferences around these themes and interested in assisting member organizations reach their communities we’d love to help you out. Let us know.

The post Historic Preservation Conference – Internet Marketing appeared first on Resonate Web Marketing.