STAYING CURRENT..

Because social media is word-of -mouth, if you do good work for someone they can mention you on their page, and 'like' your business profile so friends can check you out. You can also offer special offers to people who 'like' your page, to help spread the word. Such advertising is priceless, and takes just a few minutes of your time a day.

You can also keep your eye out for current trends in the real world, and see how they could help your site. I have previously mentioned how important it is these days to have a mobile device compatible site. If your site has been created to be mobile compatible, as our client sites are, one new way to get people to visit you is to put a 'Quick Response' barcode on your printed materials, such as brochures, flyers, and business cards. You could also be original, and put them on items like t-shirts, posters or banners.

QR codes are small square box barcodes. When a mobile device with a camera scans these, the device takes the person to your mobile site, it can also be set to email you, call you, or even send the visitor a message.

There are currently two types of these codes around - the black and white QRcode (left), and Microsoft's 'Tag.'

Our preference is the 'Tag' system, because it is far better supported and more reliable in print. Tags have more features than QR codes, such as click reporting and text sending. They can also be graphically customized, and printed with colors or B/W.

Go to http://gettag.mobi on your phone and scan the Tag on the right to see our contact info Vcard.

Because there are so many variations of the QR code on the left, you will need to visit http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/ to find a reader for your phone.

I'm sure there are many business owners who feel they don't need to embrace newer technologies because they have been around a long time and people already know they are there, or because their clients are older and don't use such technology anyway. This could not be further from the truth. If you simply look around any time you are out in public, you will see people from ages 15 to 65 using their cell phones or tablets to check their Facebook wall, send emails or text messages while they wait for something.

At a time when most companies are having to work harder for each new client, it pays to add many more strings to your advertising bow, and reach a whole new level of people.

If you are ready to grow your business in 2011, now is the perfect time to consider our WebUpdate systems, which employ advanced marketing, promotion and compatibility features developed to give your business the best competitive edge online.