Web Blog

Flash No More

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:13:00 GMT

Adobe is not going to be supporting Flash.

If Your Website Was An Employee Would You Fire It?

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:36:00 GMT

I don’t have to tell you your website is important. Online competition and marketing is now the most competitive field in the professional industry and there is a reason for that. Customers are online all the time, searching and browsing for your products and services. So why have you put off the importance of how your website looks and feels? Could your website actually be jeopardizing potential business opportunities because it’s outdated, unprofessional or lacking key information? I pose these questions because many people we talk to just believe by merely having something online they have done their due diligence. It could not be more untrue.

It’s all about engagement. If you’re website is not exciting, informative, relevant and presentable you are losing business to your competitors. Meaning, if someone is searching for you, it’s guaranteed they are searching for your competitors. More and more, webmasters are hired to manage content on websites. In order to keep your site in the searches there needs to be fresh information on it at all times. In order to access a site easily your web team needs to implement some sort of CMS – Content Management System. With a CMS, you have the ability to log into the back end of your website and make updates in real time. Simple adjustments such as; fresh content, picture updates, adding a news and events or Blog can make a huge difference. You need to be the source of information for your industry.

Just like an employee, your website is a constant representation of your business, selling, promoting and advertising your services. And just like you would monitor the sales forecast and return on an employee, you should be keeping a keen eye on your web stats. There a number of free reporting services to help you do this; Google Analytics, StatCounter, WebSTAT. This will give you an enormous amount of perspective on what is working for you and what’s not. These numbers don’t lie. Many times we see clients who are spending money on marketing vehicles that aren’t producing a return because they are not reviewing the reports. It’s as if you hired an employee, they leave for the day and there is no accountability for what they’ve done or their productivity level throughout the work day.

Now is the time to make a name for yourself online. People are moving into your online ad space on a daily basis. This makes it harder and harder for you to gain rankings on Google. The search engines look at history, fresh relevant content, targeted keywords prominently displayed on your website and other sites referencing your online popularity. If you are not focusing on your web presence now you will have to spend a lot more time and money later to build a competitive reputation. If your company is suffering or could use more business, fire your stale, boring, antiquated website that is not doing anything for you and hire a new one that will actually produce revenue.

Tales from a 20 Yr. Old – Browsing Habits of a New Generation

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:38:00 GMT

Diana is a senior graduating from college and entering into a prestigious law program, studying intellectual property. As a young person who is constantly online I thought it would be interesting to discuss some of her online habits to build awareness about the importance of establishing your business online and targeting the next generation of consumers.

Q. What are the top five sites you visit the most? What do you use them for?
A. Facebook, Twitter, Hypem, Lookbook.nu, Stumbleupon.

Facebook – Look at pictures, chat with friends and search for people I meet.

Twitter – News and Products. I always look at the New York Times Feed, Women’s Health Mag, and Artizia because they notify their followers of sales.

Hypem – Music, it’s a Blog about new songs. I find a lot of my new music from there before I download it off iTunes. www.hypem.com

Lookbook.nu – People post pictures of themselves and tag their outfits so if you like the look you know where to get it out. It’s also people all over the world so you can see what kind of fashion people are wearing in places like Europe. www.lookbook.nu

StumbleUpon – I like to type in a keyword and just search anything about it. For example, say I’m interested in looking at Interior Design. I look it up in the search and hit stumble. It pulls from any website that has been submitted to StumbleUpon that might be of some interest. Each website you go to, you can hit ‘like’ or ‘dislike’ so it narrows them down even more. www.stumbleupon.com

Q. How many Blogs do you read on a weekly basis?

A. It depends. I get a lot of my Blogs from Twitter. If someone ‘Retweets’ something I like, I’ll check out the Blog and read the article. Or if a magazine I follow tweets an interesting article I’ll read it.

Q. Have you learned anything really helpful about Social Media in your business classes?

A. I learned about Foursquare, how if you check in enough you can get discounts.

Q. What do you think about people who are resistant to getting on Social Media and Blogging about their business?

A. I think they’re missing out on a lot of opportunities and discovering new information that’s easily accessible. Everything is linked to Social Media. Any website you visit your Social Media tracks it. From your viewing history, Facebook tracks can push relatable advertisements to your account.

Comments: Social Media is our way of connecting now. I get my news from Blog and reading the Wall Street Journal online. It’s so easy to get all the information you need from websites like Twitter. I can basically browse hundreds of sites at one time.

As I interview her, Diana is looking up movie reviews. She is browsing Google just to see if it’s worth buying a ticket. The reviews are not favorable.

Do you look at a lot of reviews online? Yeah, I usually Google it before I go.

What have we learned? Internet = Influence.

LBTS Events - Events in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:24:00 GMT

Opt2Web believes strongly in both community involvement and promoting business for your neighbors. So, we invite everyone viewing our site to attend a 3 day event in our hometown of, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL. It's a beautiful little town footsteps away from the gorgeous Atlantic coast just minutes outside of Ft. Lauderdale. This quaint, beach side location offers great shopping, restaurants and attractions. So visit us online and come by for some awesome entertainment in February! www.lbtsevents.com We'll be updating you on all things LBTS (Lauderdale-by-the-Sea).

Graphics and Web Design provided by Opt2Web

Do People Really Read Those Things?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 03:34:00 GMT

The other day I was at a networking event and someone asked the group if they read her company newsletter. Quickly another attendant replied, “I never read those things, no one ever does.” Well, I beg to differ. Yes we get inundated with spam emails and monthly promotions from every company that has ever picked up our business card. Regardless, think about the one time you do read something you find interesting or open a promotion email to find a great discount on a service/product you are in need of. Once an article or author catches your attention, you’re likely to look through the next publication you receive from them.

I know email blasts are a bit of a different animal because they are pushed through to our private email account that gets bombarded with a million correspondents and junk from hundreds of vendors that leave us wondering, “How did they even get my email?” I think sometimes we feel it’s an invasion of privacy, other times we’re just frustrated we got put on another email list but most of the time our fingers are tired of hitting the delete button. The ironic part of it all, we usually are the ones ‘subscribing’ for these lists without even considering the repercussions. Reading.

I can tell you that these types of subscriptions are highly addictive if their content is kept short, sweet and chock full of important information. Don’t send an E-Blast out just to send it. This type of marketing should be done at the least on a quarterly basis, at the most a monthly basis. Highlight the key points and don’t add more content than needed. Give your audience enough to open the following E-Blast (Manta does a great job of this). Is it likely you’ll have some unsubscribed notifications, absolutely? Will most people dismiss it because they don’t have the time to read it, possibly? However, if you commit to creating a compelling marketing piece that offers insight and tips for those people seeking them at the right time, and it’s plastered on their computer screen; well you just may have found yourself a dedicated reader.

Always put your contact information, a link to your website and a timeline on when they should receive the next. Be strategic in your titling the letter and monitor your reports. Any third party service like iContact or Constant Contact offers such analytics. Graphics are never a bad idea, since most people would prefer to look at a picture then read a paragraph. Try to keep things exciting. Steer clear of industry jargon and don’t be afraid to talk to your audience as if they know nothing. People don’t want to feel stupid. If something seems overcomplicated you can be pretty sure it will result in being uninteresting. There’s a fine balance. Regardless, these things have a 30% of being effective and a 70% of being deleted, but out of that small percentage can result a qualified client.

Email Marketing can work!

Our Latest Web Design Projects

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 22:30:00 GMT

Keeping It Basic

www.keepingitbasic.com

Approximation methods for quick calculation are taught, as well as more in-depth technical computations. The course objective is to provide students with a basic understanding on how effective fire streams are developed.

http://www.gartek-engineering.com/

Natural Health Innovation for Dietary Supliments

www.naturalhealthinnovation.com

http://www.dmrcorp.com/ - Custom wheelchairs providing a better way of life for disabled children and adults.

http://thecellphonehub.com/ - Everything you need to find a phone, repair, or accessorize.

http://www.solvemydivorce.com/ - The leading Broward County Mediator, Caroline White, P.A.

http://sukilopez.com/ - An up and coming New York actress, watch her star rise.

http://www.pompanobeachchamber.com/ - The Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, over 500 members and growing.

http://www.healthexcelmedicalgroup.com/ - Medical facility with multiple locations in Broward and Miami.

http://www.cheaphoneymoon.com/ - Retreat with your honey to an all inclusive celebration of your love on a dream honeymoon.

http://checkersoldmunchen.com/ - Some of the best German cuisine and beer in Broward County, located in Pompano Beach, FL.

http://www.mayuscakes.com/ - Incredible custom cakes and dessert designs made by hand, absolutely delicious!

http://www.kicktipz.com/ - The experts in martial arts and child athletic development.

http://www.cucinaorecchiofl.com/ - Delicious Italian restaurant in Lighthouse Point, FL.

http://www.chefofdistinction.com/ - Judith Able, creates masterpieces with her food. Hire her to create an culinary experience your guests will never forget.

http://www.friendsforfundraising.com/ - Fundraiser for Food for the Poor, sponsored by The Great Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals and many other incredible donors.

http://americaprm.com/ - South Florida's resource for real estate.

Time to Template

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:51:00 GMT

More and more these days we are getting requests for projects with a quick turnaround time and unrealistic budget. These circumstances are less than ideal to speak graciously. However, we here at Opt2Web feel some web presence is better than no web presence. So, if you are on a tighter budget these days, which many companies are, we would encourage you to consider one of our premade templates. Templates are not the route creative people, marketers and advertisers would prefer to take but in these times you have to cater to the market. So, I thought I would take the opportunity to discuss the importance of prioritizing your online checklist. What is vital, timeframe? Budget? Customization? Control? When you work with a template it can often times cut both your budget and your timeframe in half. As far as design customization, you are limited. The most inconvenient thing about a template is it only allows you so much creative control. If you’re not looking to have control over your website and really want a basic design, a template can be an option.

As a Design Company it pains me to offer something prefabricated but it’s more beneficial for you to start generating some sort of web presence, especially now. Time is of the essence and as traditional forms of media continue to take a hit, and more advertisers move marketing dollars to the web, competition grows increasingly fierce. If you are not online you are at a disadvantage. So, what’s important to remember when building any site, whether its custom or template? Be sure you have all your pages created and displayed properly. Prioritize the workflow of your online story. Also make sure your content is not too dense and is billeted as well as broken up enough with Titles and Headings to make it easier for people to read. With a template you should be able to add your own pictures, verbiage and pick out some type of color scheme. Another thing that is important is to remember is keep all your credentials. Store important user name and password information somewhere safe so that you will always be able to access the back end without a problem. A disadvantage of the traditional template is the lack of or absence of any customer service. You don’t have the luxury of picking up the phone and speaking with a real person. You’re left on your own accord to find out how to manipulate your website. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

In closing, templates are a stepping stone if you are working around restrictive parameters. However, if you can establish yourself online with a good domain and some sort of website it will do that much more for you when you are ready to really invest in your web-being. Our advice is to do your research, decide on the best option for your business and your ultimate online goal.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN YOUR WEBSITE

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:29:00 GMT

There are many reasons why your website is worth investing in. Consider this; your website is an extension of your sales team. It is your 24/7 salesperson to your online customers. What’s the first thing you do when looking for a new restaurant to visit, plumber to hire, a new dentist in your area? You go online and Google, or Yelp, or Browse. It is so important that your website is a proper representation of your business. It should look, feel and portray your company as accurately as possible. Display pictures of your merchandise, your storefront, and your projects. Add client testimonials or customer logos to create credibility. So many times I have visited a place and been extremely impressed with the venue. Let’s use a recent example of a fitness center in my area. Inside it was beautiful, updated and fun, almost inspiring. Sadly, when I went to their website to review their class schedule and check out the availability I was so disappointed in their online image. It was a template that didn’t incorporate any of the exciting colors or schemes of the gym interior. The pictures were stock and didn’t depict any of the personal aspects that made the place feel warm and welcoming. Imagine I didn’t have the opportunity to visit the gym beforehand and my first impression was that of the website, cookie cutter, unimpressive and underwhelming. I probably would have never made a stop in to check the place out.

Moreover what if you spent the time and effort to build a great looking website but no one could find it? In comparison, if you were a hotelier and designed a gorgeous hotel with every amenity imaginable but provided no transportation to get to the island the hotel stands on, what would be the point? It’s also important to keep your site updated and relevant. I can relate it to a party venue. If you are looking to throw an event and pricing out venues, you want the most updated and nice looking space you can afford. If your website is stall, outdated and irrelevant, who’s going to want to want to do business with your company? Just as it is important to make sure your website is a good salesperson it ‘s equally as important to make sure it is equipped with the freshest, most recently updated information for the pitch.

If you are hiring a salesperson there is a salary or commission involved, there is continual overhead and then of course the legwork of gaining a customer base. With your website, you have a spokesperson that requires minimal compensation, an already interested customer base and a sales pitch that speaks to prospective clients on any day at any time. Doesn’t that make it worth the investment? If the first thing consumers do when looking for your service or product is browse the web, what does your online salesperson look like? Are they up to par and credible enough to solicit your services?

QR Codes

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 14:36:00 GMT

Certainly you’ve seen them on email signatures, stickers, business cards even billboards. They almost look like a bar code, and in many ways functions like one. QR Codes are the latest trend in Social Media, and of course they’re free. The main difference between a barcode and a QR Code is the amount of information they hold. QR Codes can be easily downloaded and customized. These tiny squares make relevant information easily accessible. Basically you download an App that allows you to scan the code with your iPhone or Android mobile phone. Hold your phone or iPad over the QR Code, snap a picture and instantly the information embedded in the QR Code is downloaded into your device.

QR Codes are often used to send people to a specific link or landing page online. Meaning you scan the code and the information embedded brings up a website or webpage specifically correlated to the QR Code. For example, we use our QR Code on the Opt2Web business card to send people to our Google Places to find our location and write a review. Some of our business associates have their business contact info uploaded onto their QR Code. This way the information encoded gets transferred into the receivers Outlook as a V-Card. Here’s how to create your own QR Code.

Go online and search QR Code Generator (you can use qrcode.kaywa.com, qrstuff.com, customqrcodes.com), then select if you want to encode a URL (your website address), text, phone number or SMS. A text or SMS (picture text) will send a message to the viewers’ phone. What’s most important, for people to have your contact information, website, or a simple message? Once you have decided on where to direct people and input your message hit Generate. It will create your very own QR Code that you can download and use in multiple formats. I would suggest putting it in your signature, maybe on your business card, blogs and any advertisement you create. Try to scan the QR Code below:

Tip: The more information you include the longer it takes to take the scan with your phone so don’t overwhelm people with too much. You want it to be quick and easy to access. You should test your scan before applying it anywhere.

Another idea would be to send the code to a specific offer or webpage that seems exclusive to those who scan it. This would be perfect for a retail store or gallery looking to send people an exclusive sale incentive or information about an event that allows people to RSVP online. It’s interactive, interesting and forces people to stop what they’re doing and take notice to a new form of advertising.

I guarantee you will see more and more of these images popping up on different articles of business. It’s another free tool to add to your bag of tricks so take advantage. If nothing else, you’ll seem to be keeping up with the latest social trend in online technology. Scan away!

Tip: For iPhone users, recently released...

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zbar-barcode-reader/id344957305?mt=8

Socializing Online

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:22:00 GMT

As if we all didn’t have enough passwords to remember, websites to access, and communications to check, now we have update our ‘status.’ Who has time? The harsh reality is Social Media isn’t going away so I’m going to tell you what I tell all my clients, IT’S FREE, USE IT! I know it seems like a lot of work but what’s a few minutes of posting if it could lead to a few clients?

Facebook has dominated the Social Media scene for some time now, then of course there’s Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Digg, Stumble Upon, YouTube, the list keeps going. For time sake let’s focus on three. Facebook is a way to stay connected with friends, businesses, family members and advertisers via status updates, picture uploads, Likes, tags and advertisements. Statistics:

1. More than 500 million active users.

2. People spend over 700 billion minutes per month on Facebook.

3. Average user is connected to 80 community pages, groups and events.

4. Average user creates 90 pieces of content each month.

5. More than 30 billion pieces of content (links, news, blog posts, photo albums, etc.) shared each month.

6. Entrepreneurs and developers from more than 190 countries build with Facebook Platform.

7. People on Facebook install 20 million applications every day.

8. Every month, more than 250 million people engage with Facebook on external websites.

9. Since social plugins launched an average of 10,000 new websites integrate with Facebook daily.

10. There’re more than 250 million active users currently accessing Facebook through their phones.

Get your business on Facebook!

LinkedIn allows you to manage your professional identity, access knowledge, insights and opportunities. LinkedIn can strengthen and extend your existing network of trusted contacts through reviews, affiliations and discussions. Of all the Social Networking mediums it is more professional then social. Many people use LinkedIn to recruit and market business positions and opportunities in a cost effective way.

Foursquare

Foursquare is a location-based website accessed mostly via mobile devices. It allows users with GPS-enabled mobile devices (smartphones, iPads) to "check-in" at venues using a mobile website or by selecting from a list of venues that the application locates nearby. The more often you check into a venue the more points or “badges” you receive the more likely you are to gain some kind of incentive. Whoever checks in the most becomes the “mayor” and is congratulated via Foursquare broadcast. Often times Foursquare is integrated with Facebook. Once you check in it is posted to Facebook and let’s everyone know exactly where you are, creating a sense of popularity.

Let me clue you in on a way to save a lot of time. There are applications out there that will update all Social Media outlets at one time. For example, Hoot Suite. Hoot Suite is a social media communications dashboard, publishing to websites such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Foursquare, MySpace, and WordPress at one time. It is available as a web based and mobile application. Go download it!

Visit Us...http://bit.ly/tweetopt2web...http://on.fb.me/likeopt2web

iPad Tips from Business Class at Apple

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 18:38:00 GMT

This morning Opt2Web attended an 8am class at the Galleria Mall for Business Tips on using the iPad/iPad2. Technology can truly be an asset in expanding your business. However, the flip side is if you don't know how to use it correctly, it can become just another piece of equipment that will soon be considered out dated. The apps (applications we learned about in this class can definitely make working on the road much easier. It was very interesting but very early, so here is what you missed.

1. You can save and open PDF's in iBooks

2. Skyfire is the recommended App for viewing Flash on your iPad (although it received mixed reviews). However, the business consultant advised us that Flash is not guaranteed to work properly on any mobile device, even the new PlayBook by Blackberry.

3. iCloud comes out this Fall!!!

4. iOS5 (the iPad operating system) comes out this Fall.

5. iOS5 will eventually make MobileMe basically obsolete by June 2012.

6. Soon iPad's, iPhone's and the iTouch will have a Notification Center so any work you are doing will not get interrupted by incoming messages, updates, etc. It will be a window you can slide down in the middle of your screen to receive any new activity.

7. Reminders is a location based feature coming out that will remind you of notes you made based on your location. For Example; If you enter pick up Milk at Publix, when you walk into Publix your reminder will automatically come up on your mobile device.

8. In June of 2010, Apple will no longer be hosting sites on MobileMe. Me.com will still host emails but not websites with the arrival of iOS5.

9. The Galleria Apple Store is looking to host weekly classes from 8am-9am every Wednesday.

10. One of the coolest features of the new operating system is iMessage. iMessage will function very similarly to Blackberry Messenger, so that users of Apple mobile devices on the Apple Network will be able to instant message each other at no cost via they're devices.

For local businesses Apple launched OnForce Services recently, to help you find an Apple expert in your area to work on software, servers and repairs.

Keep up to date with Apple announcements and these local Ft. Lauderdale training seminars at http://www.apple.com/retail/thegalleria/

Recommended Apps for Business:

- Dragon Dictation - for talk to test or email.

- iAnnotate PD - for reading, annotating, organizing and sending DPF Files. Make adjustments and get signatures on PDF's from your iPad.

- Documents to Go - for support of Microsoft® Word, Excel & PowerPoint, PDF, Apple iWork and other files and attachments.

- Quick Office Pro for Creating, Editing, Accessing & Sharing Microsoft® Office files.

- Keynote - for creating a world-class presentation — complete with animated charts and transitions — as simple as touching and tapping.

P.S. People at the Apple Store have no idea if and when the new iPad3 is coming out. Sorry.

Making it Easy for Clients to Find You

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 23:46:00 GMT

We finally got Comcast in to install a local number, 954-533-0283 in our office this week. We registered a toll free number about 12 months ago, 1-877-Ya-Needa, which makes it easy for clients and passer-bys to remember, but realizing the importance of creating a local image in South Florida we opted to also utilize our home area code. It was also important for us to change our Google Places page to reflect a Broward number since we are located in Broward. We do get a good amount of calls via our toll free number from Toll Forwarding but we feel you need to have both.

Another great resource is BBB, Better Business Bureau (see our page). It is a highly regarded resource. Some other ways to localize yourself are Merchant Circle, Yelp, DMOZ and of course your local Chamber of Commerce (see Opt2Web's page). Don't be afraid to get involved, and make sure you are updating and localizing on your Social Bookmarks as well.

Onsite and Offsite Optimization

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 21:27:00 GMT

Everyone is talking about optimization. So, where do you start? Firstly you should have a professional review your website. If your website is not programmed correctly and is not ‘Search Engine Friendly’ you will be building on a poor foundation. It is important to make sure you have the right keywords, Meta data, headings, page titles and image descriptions. Again, don’t try this at home, consult a professional. Once your website is fully optimized you can explore doing things to continue to grow your ranking. Many people like to include some type of animation on their site, whether it’s a scroller, images fading on the Homepage, certain lighting effects, etc. Often times this animation is built in Flash. The Search Engines cannot read Flash files, hence the big blocks that show up on your screen when you are viewing the site on some mobile device. These days there are means of working around keeping the animation “wow factor” and building a search engine friendly site for multi browser platforms Blogging, adding elements like News and Events with relevant information, incorporating Social Media and an engaging inquiry form is always helpful. Stick to the ABU Philosophy – Always Be Updating. The more recent, relevant content on your site, the more “popular” you are online. Add fresh content as much as possible, given its site worthy. Tips for Building Traffic

• Offer an Online Incentive

• Create a Call to Action Inquiry Form to Generate Leads

• Incorporate all your Social Media Connections

• Make certain all the important copy on your website is Highlightable Content

Offsite Optimization There are so many outside means to get online attention. The search engines regard certain sites more highly then others. Sites like the Better Business Bureau, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, MSNBC, etc receive enough visitors looking for up to date information that Google sees them as a “good online source.” So advertising on these sites will help build your credibility. Most websites now offer real estate that they allocate specifically for advertising. You can purchase these spaces based on frequency or cost per click. Obviously, the more traffic the site receives the more expensive the ad space. In Addition there are hundreds of directories you can register your business with. These online guides list companies by industry so viewers can easily find valuable references for the information they are searching for. Some of these directories are free; some are in expensive and others a bit of a rip off. Try to do your research or meet with a consultant before you decide which resources to use. Sites to Utilize:

• Advertise Employment Opportunities on Craig’s List

• Register with the Better Business Bureau and invest in the Online Listing

• Use Backpage

Don’t forget to monitor what’s actually working for you and adjust accordingly.

Online Panel Discussion at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Wed, 25 May 2011 02:27:00 GMT

Believe it or not there is a difference between Graphic Designers and Web Designers, designing for web and designing for an audience. In this post we discuss effective web design tools and strategies. Review the helpful tips from our Creative Director and assess the way information is displayed on your website.

Effective Design

SEO Friendly Development

Flash vs Non-Flash
   • Search engines cannot read the content inside of a flash file on your site.
   • New technologies in languages can provide annimation visible by Search Engines & mobile devices (HTML5, CSS3, JQUERY, etc...)

Keyword Development
   •   Use FREE Tools from Google (Keyword Tool)
   •   Use relative keywords specific to page content
   •   Target keywords to link back to other pages within your site (Backlinking)

Onsite Lead Generation
   •   Create simple engaging inquiry forms to pre-qualify visitors
   •   Offer specific incentives in inquiry forms to gain interest of the user
   •   Position a minimized version of your inquiry form on all pages of your website
   •   Build a database with generated leads

Imaging and Branding
   •   Be consistent with all of your marketing materials
    • If you use Stock Photography choose photos that have not been used
   •   Use the same company title on all forms of marketing i.e. Opt2Web vs Opt2Web Inc.

Tips:

1. Do not use images for text. If the text is highlightable, search engines can read it.
2. Keep important information visible above the fold.
3. Use stock photos from sites like iStockphoto, Shutterstock, etc. Never Copy/paste from Google Images.
4. Use Headings to divide content on your page(s)
5. Give Opt2Web a call for all your online needs, 1-877-Ya-Needa!

Cyber Marketing

Online Guide to Success

Service Industry
   •   Create a Lead Generating Contact/Inquiry Form Online
   •   Offer Referral Programs/Loyalty Programs/Refer a Friend
   •   Advertise an Online Special

Products/Goods Industry
   •   Sell Online
   •   Incentivize
   •   Create an Affiliate Program and marketing to Affiliates if you can sell Nationally

Professional Services
   •   Medical – Showcase your resume, credentials , accolades and experience on your site.
   •   Real Estate/Mortgage/Design – Create an engaging and exciting Photo Gallery /Portfolio for viewers to browse.
   •   Lawyers – Optimize, optimize, optimize. Create a sense of your community involvement online.

Franchises
   •   Design and Develop something just for your location, i.e. a landing page with an approved exclusive offer.

Tips:

1. Always include your website in your email signature.
2. Update your website as often as possible.
3. Create a Facebook Fanpage for your business.
4. Register your business location with Google Maps.
5. Register for Google Analytics to monitor and measure success, it’s free!
6. Give Opt2Web a call for all your online needs, 1-877-Ya-Needa!

Blogging and Backlinking

Wed, 25 May 2011 02:23:00 GMT

Now that your website is up and running you’re wondering how to get it more exposure right? How to climb up those search rankings and be on Page 1 of Google? Search Engines love to see fresh relevant content on your site. They send their little bots out to scan hundreds of thousands of websites every day. What better way to be found, then an easy to manage, keyword rich, up to date Blog. A Blog is merely an open forum, a place to interact with people online. You, the Author, create a Post and Publish it. Your viewers then have the ability to read and comment on your post. Interaction. And the great thing about Blogs is that you get to manage them. No comment gets placed on your site without you approving it.

Blogging

Blogs contain ‘Search Engine Friendly’ content that will help you up climb the rankings if you’re using the correct Keywords. You can post pictures and videos, enter Hyperlinks, tag Keywords, there’s tons of benefits to having a Blog page on your site. The only disadvantage is, if you don’t use it. It’s one of those double edged swords, because it only works or looks good if it’s utilized and kept up to date.

If you actually Post every so often you’ll find there’s a whole new audience out there in the Blogging community that’s eager to read about your business. They’ll tune in for every new message, subscribe to your RSS Feed and bring you tons of new traffic. RSS Feeds allow users to avoid manually inspecting all of the websites they are interested in, and instead subscribe to websites so that all new content is pushed onto their browsers when it becomes available. It allows readers to regularly check for new work, downloads or any updates that it finds. It’s basically an automation tool that bookmarks your interest and alerts you of new posts on that Blog. Blogs can be another page on your site or an entirely new URL outside of your website. We recommend creating a Blog page within your site. You don’t necessarily have to even call it a Blog; it can be News and Events, Community, Forum etc. Anyway you spin it, Blogging can do wonders for your site, if you use it!

A great Blog platform is Wordpress. Wordpress is a free system that allows you to download a template Blog and create pages in seconds. Wordpress Blogs are easily customizable, extremely user friendly and already optimized for Search Engines. It is a great way to get your feet wet online if you haven’t had much virtual presence. There are tons of online resources to learn more and train yourself on utilizing a Blog. YouTube has some excellent tutorials you can access for free. Good Luck and Happy Blogging!