Archive for May, 2010
By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team
Users protested and Facebook listened. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook has just rolled changes to make it easier for users to configure their privacy settings and to retroactively control access to content that has been previously posted. In essence, Facebook has given the user more control in the information available to everyone — both past and present. This is going to be a big relief to Facebook users, as we are all concerned about unauthorized third party access to our personal information. Facebook has once again proved to its users that they are vigilant in the protection of its user base and acknowledging we are not avatars!
Continue reading “You’re in Control with New Facebook Privacy Settings” »
By Kristin Tomlinson and Bob Speyer
Over the last three weeks, Web Success Team has been attending the Social Media Success Summit 2010. It is a live online conference with some of the world’s leading social media gurus like Guy Kawasaki and Mari Smith. Each presentation is geared to a facet of social media and includes unique tips, tools and real case studies that can be used to engage more customers, increase sales, expand business, and improve marketing strategies. Below are some of the Summit highlights and key take-a-ways to date:
Continue reading “Highlights from the Social Media Success Summit 2010” »
By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team
All businesses are looking for that competitive edge. Companies are turning more and more to social media as another online marketing channel to target and reach customers. In their haste to develop profiles, make connections and build relationships, one significant ingredient is often overlooked — keyword use in social media.
Continue reading “6 Keyword Strategies to Boost Your Social Media Effectiveness” »
By Janette Leon-Speyer, Web Success Team
When I was growing up I did not play Pac Man and I am far from being part of the “D” generation. However, working at Web Success Team has enabled me to discover all the sharing and social media platforms and among them is Foursquare.
I discovered Foursquare, last year. My colleague, Marci Rosenblum shared the link and asked me to try it out. I immediately signed up and linked it to my Twitter and Facebook accounts. I played around, added my Web Success Team as a location and forgot about it and got on with my busy life. Little did I know, I was becoming hooked on Foursquare.
Continue reading “The Politics of Social Media: Being Elected Mayor of Starbucks!” »
By Janette Leon-Speyer
Traditional ways of finding new business aren’t as effective as they use to be. In today’s business climate, being a little web savvy goes a long way. LinkedIn is the social media platform of choice for businesses and professionals and enables you to target and connect with new business prospects.
First a few facts about LinkedIn users according to Lewis Howes, author of LinkedWorking: Generating Success on the World’s Largest Professional Networking Website:
* 65 million business professionals use LinkedIn.
* It is the #1 social media marketing tool to target business professionals.
* LinkedIn allows you to export your database. You can then add your connections to your email list.
Continue reading “LinkedIn Action Plan to Reach New Business Prospects” »
By Bob Speyer and Kristin Tomlinson
Numerous community or location-based services have come out that have grown into massive platforms for sharing and connecting. The most recognizable ones are Yelp, Foursquare, and Gowalla. These allow you to easily broadcast your current location on sites like Facebook and Twitter — promoting the services of various local retailers and businesses. By associating businesses with a physical location and promoting their services, loyal patrons influence others to stop by and visit. It’s free marketing for businesses and retailers, and it’s great for customers because they’re often rewarded with coupons and freebies for promoting their services.
Here are three take-a-ways on why these social sites are an effective marketing tool for staying connected and marketing a business.
Continue reading “How Online Community-Based Services Can Effectively Market Your Business” »
By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team
One of my favorite movies is Marathon Man, starring Laurence Olivier and Dustin Hoffman. In a classic scene, protagonist Olivier asks Hoffman, “Is it safe?” while holding a dental drill to his front tooth. This gruesome scene reminded me of another equally painful question, “Is it time?” — time to redesign and rebrand your website.
If one asks the question, the answer is usually yes. Here are a few convincing reasons why a redesign is in your best interest: perhaps your company has outgrown the current site; your image has changed along with your product and services and the site doesn’t fully reflect the scope of your company; the functionality is outdated along with the look, feel and navigation; or you need a fresh new brand image to re-energize your productivity.
Continue reading “10 Guidelines to Redesigning Your Website” »
By Bob Speyer, Web Success Team
What is the fastest and easiest way to get business? Without a doubt it is referral based —through satisfied customers, colleagues, friends, relatives or people whom you recently met. In order to expand your reach, you need social media to keep the lead pipeline flowing. But how do you build a successful lead generation program without gratuitous self-promotion and ruining your online reputation? Here are a few ways to be more effective:
Continue reading “How to Use Social Media to Build a Successful Lead Generation Program” »
