I decided to write this brief post when I was adding a yard sale to Craigslist and saw that there was no instant way of adding an address, other than to type it hope people would find it. I thought it might be a little more helpful to add a link to Google Maps with the address in question. It's a simple process that anyone can do. STEP1 - GET THE MAP

Google Maps is brilliant. It's also very easy. Simply point your browser to Google.com and type in the address in question. Usually you need the street address and ZIP, although Google Maps is getting better at realizing where things are locally, so your results may vary. Once you've entered your address, your search should end up displaying a map like the one above. If it doesn't, no worries, because either way you should click the "Maps" button at the top to get the full screen map like the one below.

At the top right of the screen you should see a little icon that looks like a chain (link icon). It it doesn't appear, press Ctrl and 0 (zero). Once the link icon appears, click it. You want to highlight the top box ("Paste link in email or IM") and press Ctrl-C to copy. STEP 2 - WRITE THE AD If you're using Craigslist, go ahead and write your ad. Other classified ad systems may or may not allow you to use links that you add yourself. Right now, Craigslist does. When you're done writing your ad, put some text along the lines of "Here's a map with directions" or something. This is your link text. STEP 3 - ADD THE MAP Okay - you're going to do a tiny bit of HTML editing. All you need to do is move to the START of your link text and type:

Where I have written "[paste your map link in here]", you need to put the link you copied from Google Maps. To paste, simply press Ctrl-V. The text will be quite long, but don't worry about that. Now, at the END of your link text, type:

You should end up with something that looks a bit like this:

Click here for directions

That's it! STEP 4 - SAVE THE AD AND TEST Go ahead and save the ad. You can now test the link. Please note that on Craigslist, if you decide to re-edit the ad, you will lose any links when you save, so you'll have to go through the process again. It may be different on other systems. Good luck!

We love announcing new websites and we have four that have been launched this month:

Desert Security (top) is a home and business security monitoring and installation company. They also provide home wiring, automation systems, networking and audio-video services. Desert Security has been protecting Arizona home and business owners for over 17 years. They're service is top-notch and price is hard to beat. Checking out the JDE-designed website at www.DesertSecurityMonitoring.com.

Hockey's Resource (2nd) at www.HockeysResource.com is a new website that provides hockey news and information from both amateur and professional leagues around the world. Aimed at the hockey industry, articles vary from general interest to game reviews, scouting reports, camps, tournaments, drafts and more.

www.AllHomesArizona.com (3rd) is home to HUD Home specialists Alex and Matt, a team of REALTORS here in the Valley who primarily serve the HUD home buyers. Their new website provides up-to-the-minute listings of HUD homes around the Phoenix area. They have a questions-answers page with a ton of useful information on it, and they also provide comprehensive real estate services for non-HUD clients. The site makes use of IDX technology to ensure visitors have access to the latest listings.

Finally, we're delighted to welcome the newly-redesigned website of Estate Planning Attorney William S. Graves (bottom). The site, at www.WilliamGravesPC.com, helps visitors understand the estate planning process, especially the myriad of legal terms that can make the whole process very daunting.  The website introduces William Graves and his excellent legal team, and presents a warm, welcoming web presence for the organization.

WELCOME TO THE WEB!

The top 10 most dangerous internet search terms (The Telegraph)

The above is a  link to very interesting article from the UK Telegraph newspaper regarding some of the “most dangerous” words that can get web surfers into trouble. By “trouble”, they mean ending up on websites where there's a very good chance that something nasty, better known as “malware” might end up being downloaded onto the visitor's PC.

The list that they provide is a little UK-centric, but there's a link to a McAfee (here it is – it's a PDF file) study from 2008 which shows the most dangerous keywords from around the world, many of which one could imagine still being in use today.

Web surfing has always been a somewhat risky proposition. In most cases, surfers are going to be okay, because most of their surfing is done on “safe” sites, but the growth of search engine browsing has been accompanied by a huge growth in sites that exist simply to respond to the latest online trends in order to infect computers with spyware, keystroke loggers, trojan horses...you name it.

The “top 10” from 2008 include some very run-of-the-mill keywords:

1. Lyrics
2. Free
3. Web
4. Gear, Gadgets and Games
5. Olympics
6. Videos
7. Celebrities
8. Music
9. News
10. Miscellaneous

From a personal perspective, the scary thing is that having security software installed doesn't mean automatic protection any more. A recent piece of malware pops up a box in the lower right part of the screen that looks a lot like anti-virus software and tells the user to “click to scan”. That click, in essence, gives the software the permission to access the computer, circumventing (in most cases) the security and then disabling it.

Security is a game of cat-and-mouse. Anyway, the above are interesting articles and worth a read. If you don't have security software installed then all I can say is “wow”. I would consider supplementing the traditional security suite type of application with a malware checker such as MalwareBytes' Anti Malware or something along those lines (Spysweeper etc). As far as I'm concerned, you can't get enough protection.

Safe surfing!

 

Welcome back. In part 1 (here's the link), I talked about what social media is, and the importance of communication. People have tended to lose sight of the “social” in “social media”.

 

There are dozens of social media platforms out there. From micro-blogging sites such as twitter to connect-with-everyone-you-ever-knew sites such as Facebook to social bookmarking sites such as Digg or Reddit, there's something for everyone. Blog are also social media applications, as are message boards, chat rooms and even comment section of news, sports and other sites.

 

But back to you. Where is your time going to be spent? As I mentioned in the last post, there's no silver bullet. Social media is going to take resources (time, effort, money etc) of some kind. If you're fortunate enough to be able to pay someone to do it for you, great, otherwise it's all you, and your time is precious.

 

Pick a platform to look at.

 

Take Twitter for example. You can tweet to your “peeps” all day long. It's easy to connect to “follow” and, quite often, it's easy to get followers. Trouble is, what kind of followers are they, and are they just following you to get their own numbers up? My person opinion is that Twitter is great if you've got something that a lot of people want to know about. I hate to be the one to say it, but there's a good chance you're not a professional athlete, movie star or other celebrity - if you are, please send me an email :) If you're going to consider Twitter, I urge you to ask yourself how you plan on using it. As with much in our celebrity-obsessed world, there are a few news makers and most of the rest of us listen. Sometimes a tweet can lead to a sudden rush of followers, just don't bet the farm on it.

 

Look at the people you're trying to connect with. What are they going to be using? Perhaps it's Twitter after all, but then you should ask, what they're using it for.

 

The same goes for Facebook to some degree, although I think the evolution of Facebook pages is changing that paradigm dramatically. If you plan on using, or already are using Facebook for business, please have a Facebook page set up for that reason. A Facebook page is much like your Facebook wall, except you have a lot more control over what goes on it, and you can keep your personal and professional lives separate (link to a related article).

 

Sites such as LinkedIn are also growing in popularity, especially in the business-to-business realm.

 

So, pick an audience, and pick a couple of platforms. There's a great Wikipedia page (here's the link) on some of the different social media sites out there.

 

In the next section, we'll look at finding the right audience to work with.

Wow. According to Internet World Stats we've hit 2 billion users. The Last time I wrote about this was just over two years ago (link below) and the number of Internet users had just hit 1.5 Billion.

These are incredible numbers. As one might expect, the biggest growth has been in Asia where they've added almost 400 million users in the past couple of years. Everyone else has been growing at a less rapid, yet still impressive rate with Europe adding 100 million and the use a mere (!) 30 million.



Percentage wise, Latin America and Africa are showing the biggest growth, almost doubling in population of web users.

So, with a third of the world online in some way, shape, or form, there's certainly a lot of potential website visitors for anyone looking.

The top 10 list of most popular sites on the web include Google at number 1, Facebook at number 2 and YouTube at number 3. Twitter, Wikipedia, Yahoo and Live are also up there. So, as the web continues to explode, it seems as though searching for information coupled with socialization and entertainment are the “big use“ areas.

Now, all you have to do is find a way to connect what you do with what they're looking for. Let me know when you find it, and I'll do the same :)

Link to my previous article
Link to World Internet Stats
Link to Most Popular Websites

Part of any worthwhile online marketing presence has got to include social media of some sort or another. Let's face it, it's not going away. Companies such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Digg, Reddit, you name it, are being gobbled up or are IPO-ing like you wouldn't believe. They're also growing like you wouldn't believe either.

 

To many people, there's still confusion when it comes to how to integrate social media into your overall strategy. Last time I checked, there were still 24 hours in a day. Work has to be done and there's little enough time as it is. Adding to the problem is how to go about it. It's one thing to be a proactive Tweeter...if you're Oprah or Ashton...but what about you? By now, you've probably set up that Twitter account. You may have set up your Facebook page too (if you're using your personal Facebook account for your business change it now). Got a blog? When was the last time you updated it? What about the website?

 

Still there?

 

Deep breath.

 

The first thing to remember about Social Media is that it's “social”. That means interactive. It's unfortunate, but as SM has developed, it's remained a very one-way street for many people. It's often treated like TV or Radio, where one side speaks and everyone else listens – if there is anyone else out there.

 

Consider a business meet-n-greet. A big room. No one knows each other. Someone breaks the ice and talks to you. They ask you a question. You answer. Normally you ask a question back. They answer. Dialogue initiated. Social media works the same way. Sure, for some people, the ability to speak and be heard seems to be natural. For nearly everyone else it'll take work.

 

Like your business or personal network, social media takes effort and communication. Otherwise are you really any different from that annoying tele- or door-to-door salesperson? You're not going to be able to (unless you are very lucky or have a gift of some kind) to just start shouting out your message in various forums and expect people to come running. Isn't that what SPAM is all about?

 

So, consider the kind of person you want to ultimately deal with (sell to). What common ground (other than what you're selling) do you have in common? What can you do to get to know them? A REALTOR I know set up a blog (365phx.com). In it she talks about things to do in Phoenix. When she has time she posts odds and ends, events and that sort of thing. There are some links to her website and she has a Facebook page. She actually enjoys writing about things to do in the area, and she's attracted quite a following, including write-ups in local media. Oh, and she's got a high search engine ranking, averages 1,500 visitors a month...and sells homes. 

 

She found something of interest to all people concerned. It's a more gentle approach. It takes time. It takes effort, but it's a seed that will grow, with a little care and nurturing.

 

In the next post I'll talk about integrating your various Social Media programs and working up a plan.

This is a reblog from the Arizona Pool and Spa blog at azpool.wordpress.com.

 

POOL SAFETY  101 : 10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER

 

There are an average 385 pool and spa related drownings each year in the US. Over 75 percent of these are children, with over half of those under 3 years old. (CPSC)

 

As the weather gets warmer, Arizona gets ready for pool season. We're fortunate to have a very long season, running from April until October, and in many cases longer. With a pool heater, swimming can be a year-long activity. It's one of the many reasons people vacation or relocated to the Valley.

 

Many pool injuries and fatalities are preventable. It doesn't take a lot to be safe, but it does take vigilance and habit. Safety, especially when children are involved, must become a way of life for pool owners. A little concern and care can make for years of enjoyable summers. Don't become a statistic.

 

Here are some simple things you can do to help:

 

1.Adult Supervision. This may sound obvious, but it's easy to forget. Having an adult present to supervise activity will go a long way to helping ensure safety. This should preferably be an adult who is not-swimming, so they can observe and react to anyone who might need help.

 

2.Pool Fencing / Barriers.  In many residential areas, these are required. Regulations vary, so check with your local authority. You may be required to install a fence around your pool, automatic door closers and latches above 48 inches, among other things. 

 

3.Pool Covers. There are different solutions that can help keep the pool area safe when not in use. Many covers also help keep the water warm. A good cover will prevent any access to the water, helping you keep your family safe.

 

4.Alarms: These should be installed regardless of your local community requirements. Many are simple but very effective. At a most basic level, a pool alarm makes a sound when someone enters the pool or pool area. Some can be attached to doors and gates that have access to the pool, giving you notice that someone might be at risk.

 

5.Ropes / Float Line.  Placing a float line across your pool can help you separate the deep from the shallow end. This can help by providing a visual as well as physical block. These are not toys and should not be treated as such. Life lines are used to pull someone from the pool to safety. As with float lines, these are not toys and should not be treated as such. They should be easily accessible.

 

6.Emergency Kits and Training.  A well-stocked first aid kit is usually a good idea in the pool area. Someone with CPR training is also an excellent idea. Practicing safety drills is an important way of ensuring that everyone is actively involved in pool safety and knows what to do in the event of an emergency.

 

7.Outdoor Telephone. A cordless phone or cell phone should be outside with pool users. This will mean that you don't have to leave the pool area to make/take a call or call 911.

 

8. Toys.  If they're not pool toys or games, keep them away from the pool. Also, at the end of the swimming session, put them away so they don't become a safety hazard. Toys that contain water (ie super-soaker) should be emptied. All toys should be stored away from the pool.

 

9.Chemicals / Equipment. All chemicals and equipment  should be locked away in a safe place that cannot be easily accessed by children or pets. Read safety labels and follow the directions. Be sure you read the safety directions and information as well. Chemicals and pool equipment should never be played with or used by children.

 

10.Sunscreen/ Shade. Keeping cool in the pool is also a good way of getting sunburn. A strong, waterproof sunscreen is essential, as is adequate shading, hats and water. Even on cooler days the suns ultraviolet rays can burn and heat exhaustion is a genuine risk.

 

Pools are for relaxation and fun. Safety is a necessity, but doesn't have to take away from the enjoyment. Owning a pool or spa is a responsibility, but it is very worthwhile. Just play it safe.

 

For more information and for other statistics, please visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pool Safety website at http://www.poolsafely.gov.

At first glance, probably not a lot. However, after a moment's consideration, you might observe that many of these items have been in the news this week (although I've not read much about Sarah Palin over the past few days...)

 

So what's this got to do with marketing?

 

Well, at the risk of sound smug, I think there's good chance you're reading this because something in the headline grabbed your attention. Perhaps you arrived at this post because one of the search terms you were looking for brought you to it. On the other hand, you may just have wondered what sort of stupid question was being asked.

 

My point is that connecting your business or personal blog, press release, social media post, or whatever to a current event can attract a greater readership. 

 

But isn't it dishonest?

 

I'm not advocating that you write a headline that implies something completely different. Heck, you might as well  start putting up those annoying fake banner ads that tell you you're the “1,000,000th visitor”. What I am suggesting is that you can often find some sort of relationship between things that are going on in the world at large, and your chosen subject of interest.

 

I'm the first to admit that this sort of approach to generating search results or attracting visitors may be questionable to some. As I said, and I repeat, I'm not advocating dishonest headlines that have nothing to do with content, but when you consider what's going on “out there”, and you look at your business, is there not something that you share? 

 

To prove that I'm not full of it, I will start – the current unrest in places such as Tunisia, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries has largely been possible because of social media. No matter how hard governments seem to try and lock it down, social media is a very hard genie to put back in the bottle. It's allowed for the word to get out, for both organizers and those observing on the international scene. Would something like this have been possible a decade ago? I doubt it. 

 

What's that got to do with marketing? Well, consider the power of social media. It's been able to change countries and appears to be able to topple governments. I haven't even said “Wikileaks” yet...

 

I think it goes to show what a little technology in the right hands can do, and if you're not using it, perhaps it's time to rethink the strategy?

 

That all said, I hope you found something of interest in this post and you don't consider yourself short-changed.

 

 

Well, Christmas is right around the corner. Wasn't it just here last week?

2010's been very much a roller coaster year, dread, excitement, anticipation, fear, shock...rinse and repeat.

As a family, we've been through a lot. In October, my Father-in-law lost his fight to cancer, after almost four years. It was a bittersweet ending; his suffering was over, but it left a big hole for those of us who had looked after him for that time. Working from home meant that I was primary caregiver, and I still find myself listening out to hear whether he's calling me, and stopping by his room to check on him.

Old habits die hard.

My "best friend" of over a decade, my fat cat Compaq also left us this year. Though he wasn't overly old by cat standards, he developed kidney problems. He'd also used up most of his 9 lives in his first two years, but it's a loss we all feel, especially his sidekick, our other cat Ellie.

Lost the house in foreclosure after having to move Dad into a home that was easier for him to move around during chemo. Ah, what the heck, we'll be able to buy again in a few years.

Savings? Retirement? Yeah...let's not go there :)

But, we're here. We still have a roof over our head and food on the table. None of our slightly smaller family is sick. We have family in for the holidays and I'm starting school in January (long overdue). We've a lot to be thankful for, this Christmas. Despite what some might call a dreadful year, we've experienced so much love, support and good wishes that we're really excited about the New Year.

The cynical side of me says "well, it couldn't get much worse, could it", but I said that about 2009 and boy was I wrong!

So, I guess this is a long way of saying that there's (hopefully) always something to celebrate at Christmas time. We're not going to dwell on the negatives of people passing, but on the positive impact they had on our lives. The financial problems have helped us learn to appreciate what we have and how to budget even better. There are many less fortunate that us this Christmas, and I hope they too can find the good in their situation.

Have a Merry Christmas, and a wonderful, safe and rewarding New Year! 

The title of this post is only partially intended as tongue-in-cheek. When it comes to Social Media, and especially Social Media Marketing, the old saying "no pain, no gain" seriously applies.

Whether you pay someone to do your Social Media management or you do it yourself, there's going to be an investment, financial, time, resources, emotion, all of the above. I see many people out there "doing" Social Media, but treating it like a broadcast medium. It's like being in a very crowded room with everyone talking at once, but few, if anyone actually listening.

We tend to lose sight of the "social" in Social Media. It's supposed to be about communication. That means two-way. Social Media is not television or the radio. Sure, for some celebrities and companies, it might as well be. Celebrities "tweeting" their current location and activity, in my very humble opinion, might as well be considered a "broadcast". For the rest of us, we're only going to be successful if we listen, as well as talk.

Since we're on the subject, it might also be worth considering what we're going to say. There's a tremendous amount of "nothing" being said out there, from smart comments, to simple rebroadcasting of other people's ideas. Sometimes it can be tough to find, let alone engage, in a meaningful dialogue.

Note that I've not even hit the "marketing" piece of Social Media Marketing yet. If you're going to be truly successful at using this medium, then you've got to engage your clientele and that might involve not looking at every connection as a "prospect". Most people go on a date or two before marrying someone, and a relationship that is going to mature, evolve and become mutually beneficial has to go through the process, just as any other.

It's very easy to get frustrated and decide that Social Media isn't for you. That may very well be the case. It's going to take work, as I mentioned above, by you or someone else, but it's not going to happen overnight. That said, I think the medium and long-term benefits of "doing" Social Media properly will result in more business.

Like a fine wine, just give it a little time.