December 9th, 2008
Over the years I’ve helped businesses develop their web presence. Building websites, e-commerce sites, adding functionality and helping them to understand how the web works.
Many just wanted a website that was ‘SEO-ready’ to take them to the top page in Google search. A website that represented what their business was about; a brochure site!
If you ‘hide’ behind your corporate website and wait for your web agency to make suggestions on how to improve it, you need to think again.
Having a web site is no longer enough. Communicating and engaging with your customers inside and outside your website is what you need to do now. If the only way to engage you or your business is via an online form, you also need to think again.
A blog is the perfect medium to express yourself in a more conversational way. A blog allows you to write short snippets of text which can help you to reflect the ‘real’ you. You can write about the things you and your business care about and begin a conversation with your customers and your potential customers.
Some of your customers would like to get to know you better, and a blog has the informality we need to make it happen. It couldn’t be simpler, and it’s free.
If you are already blogging or are thinking about it, you should view this 87-second video clip.
Tags: blogging, business
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December 3rd, 2008
I remember the old days (circa 1997) when I only used a handful of online tools: a web browser, email client and instant messenger. My life has changed considerably over the last decade and the number of online applications that have the potential to make our jobs easier has multiplied a hundred times.
I thought I’d share with you the Top 10 applications that help me get stuff done:
- Gmail - This has to be my favourite application. You can synchronize it with your current desktop application and manage your email efficiently.
- Instant messaging – I use both instant messenger to talk to my PC-based friends and Google Talk for the rest.
- Del.icio.us - Bookmarking could not be easier. You can tag your bookmarks, search for similar topics and share them with others.
- RSS feed reader – I use both Google Reader and NetNewsWire (For Mac users). This is the best way to keep up with all the interesting news around the webasphere.
- Twitter - It has to rank in the top 5 as I use it all the time for finding out about interesting things, sharing links and thoughts with the people I decide to follow.
- Dropbox - Neat little app which is great for storing your files online, sycning them and and for sharing easily.
- Paypal - The set up process can sometimes be a little painful, but it’s worth it. Once set up and up and running, it’s a secure service for managing money matters.
- LinkedIn - Connections, connections, connections… an essential tool for your business contacts.
- Huddle - A project management and online collaboration tool. And UK-based!
- Google maps - my A-Z is now gathering dust on the shelf.
What would you add to this list?
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November 13th, 2008
It’s World Usability Day today and if you haven’t participated yet, there are plenty of events going on around the globe.
Closer to home, the Bristol Usability group is holding an event in the Pervasive Media Studio in Bristol.
Posted in Accessibility | No Comments »
November 5th, 2008
The Business Support Network (BSN) is holding a series of events in the South West to celebrate Women’s Enterprise Day. The Bristol event on 19th November also coincides with the launch of the BSN Bristol. I look forward to the networking event and joining in the series of talks.
Tags: Events
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October 14th, 2008
‘Another Wordpress blog’ is the default description you get when installing Wordpress. Maybe it’s a word of warning, as it can so easily became just ‘another blog’.
I’m pleased to have launched not-just-another-blog this week, for Signscape. This is a local SME to me here in north Somerset. They’re a key player in the business of sign-making. Most of their staff are very motivated individuals with a passion for signs, and other things besides, like mountain biking, kite surfing, gardening and pilates.
Signscape were keen to talk about their passions and communicate in a more authentic way with their customers, and I suggested they start blogging. Hamish, the MD, has been very keen on the idea for a couple of months and has successfully sold the idea to the rest of his team.
When clients like Signscape realise the potential of blogs and how they can have an impact on their bottom line, it makes the entire development process very straightforward and satisfying. I wish them fruitful blogging ahead.
Posted in Web development | No Comments »
