What do I mean?

Well, recently a client purchased a domain for a low dollar investment.

Once we signed into the account, we discovered that all was available with that domain was to change the nameservers. To do anything else with the domain name (other than change the details on a VERY generic page) cost over $10 to add that service to the name.

Review BEFORE you BUY!

So, again, it is  important to review terms and conditions BEFORE you buy a domain from a major registrar OR especially from a reseller.

Why? Well, you may discover that you bought the domain for one purpose and once you check out the details, find that you will pay for each additional service for your domain – like forwarding, masking, email, privacy, or any other type of option that involves your domain.  Remember, if you buy it from a reseller, you are also adding another layer of complexity to managing your web presence.

I am not saying that all resellers are a problem. However, think about what happens if you have an issue with your domain and hosting working together – if you cannot easily access your account and make changes…

then who do you call?

Is it the reseller? Or the registrar behind them? What if the registrar doesn’t know you because you are a client of the reseller? What if you must call an international number to talk with your domain company? If that isn’t a problem, okay – just as long as you understand the details.

Does this sound unlikely? I’ve had 2 people ask me about this and have difficulties with this exact problem.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog article, if you have questions, it is our goal to Take Geek to People Speak when it comes to web projects. So please feel free to use the contact form to ask questions.

You are welcome to share this information with others. I do ask that you give credit to Robin Neal, Neal Resources ©2012 All Rights Reserved.

Yes, I am as guilty as many website owners – not of a serious nature that involves breaking any laws!

However, it is easy to let far too much time pass between the posts and updates to content on your website. Not only search engines but people – your audience or potential audience – are looking for fresh content, useful info that entertains or educates or engages them.

Think about it, how often will you turn to a tv show, radio show or video channel online if it only repeats the same content day-after-day, week-after-week? I’m betting not often. So, why should it be any different with your website or Facebook or other online tools?

Immediate things to do:

• Check your home page for old info, note what is stale or boring
• Check your page that is your story (About, Information, and/or Contact pages) for terms like “been in business for 7 years,” does it reflect how long your company really has been in business?
• Do you have some kind of Call-to-Action? That may be a subscribe for future news or specials, enews, or other opportunity to connect with them personally. Or perhaps and freebie, coupon, or call for a free consultation…
• Do you have all your online marketing tools connected and shown for easy access? For instance, if you added a Facebook business page or Twitter account, did you let your website know?
• If you have a Facebook business page, have you updated your Timeline cover image and used the guidelines to make sure your page is in line – no website address or email, coupons or other types of marketing that direct people away from the Facebook interface, or looks like a billboard ad? You could jeopardize your page if you include the wrong stuff on the cover.
• Do you have a blog? If so, you should consider blogging no less than a couple of times a month. If not, you may be missing a great opportunity to share your expertise and generate better search traffic.
• Okay, look at your answers to the above questions. What is missing or needs help? Honestly.

Every business is different, as is every owner.

You are hurting yourself and your business if you have overlooked any or all of these items. So, let me take a moment to encourage you to update the info, create new info or get rid of old and inaccurate info to spruce up your web presence.

Take action NOW!

Call your current web professional or find one that can help you improve your website.

Need a Web Professional? Call Neal Resources 303 349-9149…

for a free 30 minute phone consultation or email consultation.

If you are a client, you know that I caution you about relying on free products or services online. Reason: the companies who offer them can often decide to change the terms or price or to pull your assets out of the service/product may be difficult or costly.

Google has announced that several services will be discontinued. Check out the details here.

As a Web Designer, I constantly review articles, social media and look for new trends that are happening online. Although mobile website creation has not previously been a big part of my business, I recently saw how BIG an impact a PRINT tool can make for online and communication. On Monday, Oct. 17th, Jami and I will be demonstrating some of the basics and then opening up the program for interaction and free networking (when you register by Oct. 14th).

QR Codes are one of the tools I’ve been talking about with my professional contacts – found that the uses were sometimes a challenge depending upon the space you have (in print) and the smartphone/reader combo. Yes, held off for a longtime on getting a smartphone myself.

Took the Leap

Recently, I met Jami Arthur, Track The Tag, and decided that we’ve reached the tipping point for me to take the leap to smartphone and to begin encouraging my contacts to discover the Microsoft TAG. This TAG option can provide flexibility that I didn’t see with QR Codes.

What Can You Do With Microsoft TAG?

You can find mobile codes in almost every mainstream publication. Companies are using mobile codes in their retail locations. Lowe’s and Home Depot use codes in their stores, on their mailed pieces and on their TV commercials. If you are planning a print piece soon (business cards, postcards, brochures, or training projects), you need to see what mobile codes can do.

In print, one of the measurements for results for the marketing relates to subscriptions or guesstimates of impressions. With the Microsoft TAG, you can count the number of times it has been scanned (that someone took the time to actually pick up their smartphone and SCAN your tag). You can change where the scan takes users, on the fly.

For web page destinations, YES, the landing page is more effective if it is mobile optimized – images adjust in size to fit your device and are have small file sizes too, the text is readable and also adjusts to fit in the width of your device. Another important aspect – buttons are easy to find and click.

Come to the October 17th, 2011 Event and learn what else the TAG can do for you!

-You may share this page with someone you think would be interested. Please include this information if you share:
© 2011 All Rights Reserved. Robin Neal, Neal Resources.

Why work on a website?

Because everyone is NOT on Facebook! Yes, there are people who work in industries that prohibit online postings and interactions that might compromise security for business computer assets – so social media is not accessible to them. Your website still allows you the greatest control over your business content – your branding, who you are, what you do, what makes your business unique…

Why Bother with Facebook?

Facebook is free (mostly). One great benefit is that you can carryover your branding, new fresh info and generate interest or interactions that you can trace to the marketing you do just on Facebook. Also, there are ways to make greater use of resources you may have on your website – using Apps or tools like Tabsite or Pagemodo.

More than Your Logo

Your Facebook profile image (on the left side) can be more than your logo. Neal Resources can design a profile image for you that highlights what YOU want to use to grab the attention of visitors to your page. Remember, that image is visible no matter what tab (wall, photos, info…) that they are viewing on your page.

Excerpt on the book’s release page: “Julie’s hope in writing Max’s story is that it will provide strength, hope, courage and faith to those who need it. And she hopes that Max, and all fallen soldiers, will never be forgotten.”

I met Julie almost two years ago and she is a woman of great strength. I encourage you to check this page for book info and certainly, if you know someone who has lost a loved one to war, this may be the read for them.

Julie will be on Channel 31 on Tuesday, August 2, in the 7 am hour.
Missing Max