I’d like to go outside that box somewhat and discuss a corollary benefit Facebook and other social media platforms have introduced to application designers and developers.   Social media is starting to show-up in the design of custom web applications we build to help business to be more efficient (I.e. CRM, Customer Portals, Project and Task Management, Sales Management, etc.).

When a new technology is introduced, Five Technology will figure out the best way to utilize that technology and make your business more efficient (I.e. profitable).  The mobile phone or tablet PC is the device.  The Cloud is the new storage facility for all your business critical data.  The 3G, 4G, and wireless networks provide the infrastructure and access to this data anywhere at anytime.  And finally, the software developers create apps to make the interaction with this data easy and secure.  Facebook has provided the blueprint for the web developer to accomplish this.

The two things Facebook does extremely well are Communication and Easy.  You post to your wall, and everyone that needs to know about that post (your friends) is notified of a new post.  A comment is made, and all involved (your friends) are automatically invited to the conversation.  An effective communication platform that is easy to use at all levels (i.e. my grandfather has a Facebook account).  Is a post on your Facebook wall really all that different than a task or conversation relevant to a work order?

Facebook makes online communication easy!   If they only offered a “private” or “business” version of their software that could be customized to fit the needs of an organization, but that’s a whole other conversation.  :)

Quick Side Note:  In addition to platform, Facebook is also doing a majority of the training for us.  Change is difficult for any organization, particularly if there is a huge learning curve to this change.  Everybody knows how to use Facebook, so if can design a system that looks and acts just like it, the adoption rate of the new system becomes a whole lot higher.

Five Technology is an online marketing company whose solutions primarily involve some web design, web development, search engine marketing , and a powerful content management system (CMS).   Most solutions address pretty straight forward marketing agendas and don’t require a ton of customization, but there are customers that are doing a lot more online than just marketing.  As a result we are involved with mapping out business processes, and it’s critical we determine the most efficient, secure, yet user friendly way to utilize technology to accomplish the task.

Five has recently implemented this methodology into a project management system as well as a portal that K12 Schools will use to communicate classroom activity with a student’s parents.   Details of these projects will be revealed as they become more mainstream.  I’ve also noticed others have come to the same realization, as I was recently reading an article in Fast Company magazine detailing what Glam Media is doing for their authors.

Facebook, thank you for providing the blueprint for successful online communication!

Changes in technology are changing the way an online marketing firm can benefit your business.  The advent of new devices (mobile, iPad, etc.) have changed when and where customers are getting online. The lightning fast adoption of social media (Facebook, Twitter) is changing what people are doing online.  New standards such as HTML5 and their objective to make the web experience more “desktop-like” are changing how customers are engaging online.

It’s our job to pull together all these new variables and put together a plan that best suites your business.  Whether it be reaching more potential customers who need your product or service (i.e. Marketing), or finding ways to make business processes such as customer communication more efficient, your online strategy has never been more critical.

I’m not sure Online Marketing is the best choice of words to describe what it is we do today, but it’s what we have. Maybe we are online strategists?  That has a bit of a ring to it… how can we help you with your online strategy and then take it a step further and help you implement that strategy?

Research

The cornerstone of every successful SEO campaign is research. Keyword research, market research, and competitor research are all a must. Without proper research your SEO campaign could be targeting unrelated keywords or targeting the wrong market entirely. Before hiring an SEO company make sure that research is something they value. Ask them if they are willing to share with you the results of keyword research.

Better User Experience

Part of the SEO battle is getting your site to appear in search engines for well researched keywords. The rest of the battle is delivering informational content, turning potential customers into paying customers, and turning one time readers into returning readers. Sometimes lost in the shuffle to get more traffic to your website is the ability to keep people interested once they reach your site. Before hiring an SEO company you need to make sure they are considering what happens once someone clicks on the site. Targeting unrelated keywords, keyword stuffing, and not adhering to great usability and design standards may gain more traffic but not quality traffic. Make your SEO company agree to using no spamming tactics that will almost certainly not work out in the long run.

Break Down the Quote

When your potential SEO company gives you a quote or proposal, look for a break down of services to be performed. If they do not provide a break down, do not be afraid to ask for one.

Here are some MUST HAVES:

• Site Audit for Technical Issues – There are many issues that can prevent search engines from effectively indexing a website. Among them are duplicate pages, broken links, and bad URLs.
• Keyword Research – The keyword research to find the keywords your site should target is vital to the success of any SEO campaign. So vital in fact, that if this step is skipped no SEO campaign will reach its maximum return on investment.
• Content Optimization – Using the knowledge gained from keyword research the next step is to optimize your website’s content.

If you have the budget, I would additionally recommend link building, local search optimization, & social media optimization.

What continues to be alarming for me is the number of businesses that lack correct information online, multiple sources to be found by and online marketing strategies (no matter how small they might be).

Inc. Magazine’s recent write-up on this local search study highlighted many of the statistics compiled from the survey of 4,000 consumers surveyed and over 1 million that had their online searches monitored.

Here are a few numbers that should jump out at a business owner or marketer and make them take note:

• 70% start looking for a business online, up 7% from 2009
• 33% use Google, Bing or Yahoo – traditional search engines
• 22% use Internet Yellow Pages or directories (Yelp.com included)
• For those using local search sites, Google Places commands 41%, Bing 11% (up 7% from 2009)
• 78% of consumers say reviews and ratings factor into their purchases
• 1 in 6 searchers is frustrated by the lack of reliable & correct information about small businesses on the web
• 33% give up on a business when they can’t find the information they are looking for

So to put numbers into words, what you have online to represent your small business is huge.  So what can you do as a small business?  Here are just some of the basics:

Be Visible

• Have at least a basic web presence
• Make sure you claim your main local search listings (use GetListed.Org to check)
• Make sure you are listed on directories like Yelp, Citysearch, InfoUSA
• Look into what local sites you can be linked on or listed on – chambers, org’s, local blogs
• Look into social media: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogging might be a fit for you
• The key here is to have more than a few “entrance points” into your information

Be Accurate

• Make sure your info is correct on all platforms – hours, services, products, photos, links
• There might be data on your business, but you should CLAIM your listings & data
• Develop content to build trust, show your expertise and help you win comparisons

Have A Plan

• Even the smallest plan beats hoping you’re getting out there
• Find and attend a small business workshop or seminar on local or online marketing
• Search online! There are numerous great blogs, people on Twitter and more to help you
• Seek out a trusted and recommended small business online marketer
• Research your competition, their website, their social media, their listings
• Network with other business owners

The numbers in this report are only trending higher every year for the importance of an online presence and reputation.  Get started with the basics and put an end to your “hope” marketing plan, it won’t pan out.

Who is this conference for?

This has been a big question I get when talking about the event.  I thought I would offer a small summary of what I feel every level of business owner, marketer or SEO can get from this great opportunity.

Entry Level - If you are a business owner, running a business or a small business marketer you may very well get the most out of Local University.  A solid amount of the information and sessions are gear toward baseline education, do-it-yourself tips and giving you a clear understanding of how things work and how you can benefit.  Confusion on Internet marketing will be replaced by clarity.

Intermediate Level- Where some of the information covered might be a good refresher, you’ll still get some new angles and information.  There is no doubt that the local search expertise presenting will give you more insight into this exploding area of the web and business.  The Q & A sessions will also give you access to ask questions in some areas that might be of specific interest to you.

Expert Level- Here is a great chance to support the industry you work in.  The chance to learn may still exist within the local search presentations, but the chance to network with other great Internet marketing minds as well as business owners and other local marketers is fantastic.

This 4 hour workshop will cover fantastic information on search engine optimization, local search , social media and more.  It’s a jam packed line-up that can benefit all levels of Internet marketers.

• Register now and use the code five2010 to get $40 off, dropping your cost to just $89 for this event.

Thank you to the local sponsors helping make this event possible, Deluxe and ReliaCloud.

It was great to be around and interact with people truly wanting to learn, improve, share and take steps to trying new things.  I met and talked with so many Realtors, Brokers and Mortgage professionals that are excited and dedicated to doing more online.

If the Bar Camp concept is new to you, it’s a user generated conference format.

I enjoyed leading 3 different Real Estate Bar Camp sessions today on:

• Why Good Web Design Matters
• Social Media Q & A with Kate-Madonna (she rocks)
• Local Search Marketing – Google Maps

The organizers of this Bar Camp event did a great job and kudos to Greg Sax, Jason Sandquist, Nobu Hatu and Teresa Boardman.  I’m glad to have been asked to attend/speak by Jason Sandquist whom I’ve know on Twitter (@jasonsandquist) for 2 years, but now finally in real life as well.

Here are a few photos I managed to snap and there are many more on the REBCMN Facebook page.

As you can see from the board above, a wide range of topics were covered.   Social media, iPhone apps, blogging, search, web, video and more was delivered for the Real Estate industry.  Many commented and tweeted they were ready to get back to the office and start implementing what they had learned.

Great event, great people, great day.

• Limited space, Register now – FREE

Mobile Web Design & Marketing
I will be giving a short presentation on mobile web design covering the basics of the why, how and some of the technical aspects involved. Delivering information on your business to consumers via their iPhone, Blackberry, Android and even basic cell phones is an exploding area of marketing.

We’ve also invited Lisa Foote, founder of MixMobi to speak on their mobile marketing service that any business can leverage with ease.  Lisa is an expert in the mobile marketing industry and brings knowledge and passion to this exciting topic of mobile coupons, offers and consumer engagement.

Bottom Line: Great People, Free Food, Drinks & Mobile
The Twin Cities Thursday Happy Hour has earned great reputation as a fun and dynamic event.  You can follow them on Twitter at @TCTHURHAPPYHOUR.

You’ll connect with other great Minneapolis & St. Paul area professionals, eat some great food, get one more check-in on your Foursquare account and get some great insight in the mobile web and marketing landscape.

Make sure you reserve your spot and we’ll see you there! Drop us a comment below if we’ll see you on April 15th.

This 4 hour seminar features national experts as well as representatives from Google and Bing, covering an incredible amount of Internet marketing information.

• You can sign-up now for just $89 (Save $40!) by using Five Technology’s promo code:  five2010

This workshop will be held at the fantastic Westin Hotel in Edina, located just off France Ave.  There are two identical sessions, one morning and one afternoon, but seating is currently limited to just 200 per session.

Local University introduces, explains and teaches Internet marketing basics, aimed at the small business owner and marketing person.  Incredible insight, process, best practices, D-I-Y tips and case studies will be provided on:

• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Local search (Google LBC & Maps, Bing Local)
• Social Media (Blogs, Facebook & Twitter)
• Web Analytics

This event is truly one of kind to hit the Minneapolis & St Paul area.  Take advantage of the opportunity to learn Search Engine Optimization tips and techniques that will lead to sustained, long-term search engine rankings (and new customers).  The last Local University event in Spokane, WA was a huge success.

Local University Presenters
I’m also excited to be part of the outstanding line-up of presenters including David Mihm of GetListed.org, Mike Blumenthal, Matt McGee, Mary Bowling, Ed Reese, Ryan Hayward of Google and Mikko Ollila of Bing.

Register Today
Head over to the Twin Cities registration page (use our promo code) and reserve your spot.  If you’re coming from outstate Minnesota, the Westin is offering a $139/night rate for fantastic accommodations.

You simply won’t find another seminar, with this amount of information here in Minnesota for the price.

Local University Twin Cities is sponsored by Google, Bing, Deluxe and ReliaCloud Cloud Servers from VISI.

For me, small business is all about great people. They are inspired, resourceful, passionate and ever adapting.

Thanks to these characteristics, I feel great about the landscape of small business in 2010. Though consumer and business spending may vary, credit and loans will remain tight, some great things are going to happen. Many have already planned out what they can do this year to improve.

Small business has two fantastic things going for it in 2010:

• Opportunity and Technology

Opportunity: With any slump or downturn, there is the new battle to emerge or launch new ideas. Whether it’s an existing small business adding a service or product to their offering, or a longtime corporate worker being laid off and now taking the jump to work for themselves, opportunity is rampant.

Technology: Without a doubt, here is the part that excites us at Five Technology. We’ll get the chance again this year to work with some incredible businesses ready to leverage technology like never before. It might be a web redesign, a CMS integration, starting a blog, networking with social media or a custom web application that will push efficiency like never before.  The web is business in 2010, just think about it.

So let’s get after it. Let’s take advantage of the opportunity and mesh ideas with technology, to increase marketing efforts, sales, processes and efficiency.

Let’s make 2010 the year of the small business.

My presentation went great and we covered a lot of great information on viewing your website as an employee.   The CMWA group has a great vibe and they had a flurry of good questions for me in the Q & A portion.  Somehow, I survived.

Here are just a few of the great businesses I was able to speak to and with last night:

Mestads Bridal,  Mulligans Event Center,  Yapuncich Photography,  Pianist For Parties,  Northern Lights Video,  Blooming Creations,  Icing Dreams Specialty Cakes,  Capture Video,  Blackberryridge Golf Course,  PrimeTime Wedding DJ and Reichel’s Catering.

Thanks for having me out CMWA!