David Vane's Blog

Improve Your Search Engine Optimization with Google+

davidvane — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:21:01 +0000

Do you want to improve your search engine optimization? Embracing Google+ should be on your short list of activities.

Experts continue to debate whether Google+ has the power to last beyond Google’s previous attempts at entering the social networking realm. But one thing is clear: Google+ is making its presence known in Google search results now. Here are some ways you can ensure that your Google+ usage will help with your search rankings.

1. Get more Followers
This may go against everything you believe about social media and how it’s not supposed to be a numbers game, but rather a matter of quality versus quantity. When it comes to using Google+ for search ranking benefits, you’ll want quantity in the form of as many followers as possible

2. Set Up Authorship With Your Personal Profile
Google+ now offers a way for you to really stand out in search results by claiming authorship for articles you have written. This is something that is showing up in search results, even when people are not logged into Google+.

3. Directly Connect Your Page
Be sure to directly connect your Google+ page to your website. You can add a simple piece of code to your page that no one will see on your website or you can add a Google+ badge which, as mentioned earlier, can help you get followers for your page.

4.Fill Out Your Information
Last but not least, be sure to fill in the information for your profile and pages completely. Google prioritizes different areas of the profile for both on-page optimization and in search results.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Marketers embrace mobile

davidvane — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:08:43 +0000

Gartner predicts that by the end of 2012, the number-one way that consumers will be interacting with the Internet is via their smartphones and tablets. Given that, it’s important for marketers of all stripes to embrace mobile.

As intimidating as that may seem, mobile is actually pretty simple to execute. In fact, there are several articles on Social Media Examiner that de-mystify mobile and make using it for small- to mid-sized businesses a snap. Check ‘em out! They’re packed with tips on how to integrate social media into your mobile marketing program.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Competition on Google+ rises

davidvane — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:54:38 +0000

I see social networks getting even more competitive with Google+ trying to dominate the market in 2012!

The top networks (Twitter and Facebook) will be looking to compete by adding even more features. Google+ will continue adding similar creature comforts to their network for page functionality and looking to develop hangouts into something more useful for businesses.

The social network that will come out on top will be the one that listens to their users and allows each user’s messages to receive equal exposure without internal ranking systems judging which news goes to the top and which news gets hidden.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Facebook’s growth inspires unique Facebook marketing experiences

davidvane — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 07:50:00 +0000

In early 2012, Facebook will hit ONE BILLION users. With one billion users, you can’t deny the numbers. Facebook is by far the social media powerhouse.

The hype that will surround the one billion milestone will only draw more attention to Facebook. Not only will we see a boom of small businesses setting up shop on Facebook, but also those businesses already on Facebook will feel the heat to get even more creative and strategic with their fan activity.

Facebook is getting crowded, and those businesses that create unique user experiences will stand out from the masses. More sophisticated, interactive third-party apps, expanded live video capabilities and greater flexibility with page customization will all play a big part as fan growth and engagement become the most vital components for Facebook success.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Regularly creating unique content becomes essential

davidvane — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:38:36 +0000

For a company or brand to be successful marketing with social media in 2012, two main things will need to happen.

Create unique content. So many brands and individuals are creating amazing content that you will need to do something not only amazing but unique, so that you gain the attention you’re looking for.
Be consistent. You can’t just create this unique content a few times; you need to create a schedule for yourself to come out with unique content on a consistent basis.

If you fail to do both of these, someone else will gain your customers’ attention.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Small businesses will have access to advanced social media analytics

davidvane — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:17:58 +0000

Advanced analytics are already being performed inside large agencies, brands and social networking sites. Data analysts and scientists, many with advanced degrees in statistics and computer science, primarily do the work.

In 2012, we will see social media analytics companies releasing simplified SaaS (software as a service) tools for smaller agencies and brands to perform similar, less complex analytical functions. The tools will tell a story of not only what happened, but also of why it happened, and to model and predict the future

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

New Initiative to Support Start-Ups and New Businesses in the Solent Area

davidvane — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 09:35:22 +0000

People who are thinking of starting their own business in 2012 will be pleased to

Thinking of starting your own business?

hear about Solent Business Growth Network (SBGN) - a cluster of independent business owners who have come together to support the development of new and existing small businesses in the Solent Region. In the current economic climate there may be a feeling that the future is uncertain and there are very few opportunities but members of SBGN would disagree.

Solent News: Launch of Solent Business Growth Network (SBGN): Jan 9^th 2012 –
Thinking of starting your own business in 2012? SBGN is here to help with some ‘hands on’ help and advice and practical ideas to help small businesses and start ups to succeed…. Click here for the full article about SBGN

For more information go to Solent Business Growth Network or call 0800 612 9976

Photo and video social networks will blossom in 2012

davidvane — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:03:03 +0000

We’ve been nibbling around it for a while, but 2012 will be the year of the multimedia social network.

Photo- and video-based social interaction will grow. There is more meat on Instagram and Viddy and Tout than bun, and that enables the whole point of social networking—making and perpetuating connections and seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

I don’t expect these services to dethrone Facebook, as many people simply are not comfortable with multimedia. But already you’re seeing power users reduce their Facebook (and Twitter) musings in favor of multimedia, where a picture (or video) speaks louder than 140 characters.

Given that the camera on your smartphone is almost as good as your actual camera, the multimedia-driven social networks are here to stay and will be an emerging force for brands in 2012, too.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Businesses consolidate social media activities in 2012

davidvane — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:01:58 +0000

As the social media landscape becomes more crowded in 2012, businesses will pick their battles and dig in. What used to be simply Facebook and Twitter is now Google+, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter (and who knows what’s next). On top of this, you have many specialty networks like Foursquare, Yelp and Instagram.

The old mantra of “be everywhere” will quickly be replaced with “be where it matters to our business.”

The major four players have all gone through massive changes in preparation for the battle for users. But don’t let a shiny new wrapping be the motivation to focus on social network A or B. Instead, it will be essential to focus where you’ll see results. And that may not necessarily be Facebook or Twitter for your business.

Read the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com.

Business-to-Business Marketers Still Unsure about Social Media Strategies

davidvane — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:38:33 +0000

Firms need more tools and technology to measure success. Although they have been slower than their business-to-consumer counterparts to adopt social media strategies, business-to-business marketers are increasingly acknowledging the value of social media.
According to research from global consulting firm Accenture, almost two-thirds of B2B marketing executives view social media as an extremely important or a very important channel to interact with customers, partners and stakeholders. However, only 7% of the survey group felt that their organization was leveraging social media very heavily.
In addition, the Accenture survey showed that 9% of B2B marketers were not using social media at all. To that point, a study by Webmarketing123 compared social network activity among B2C and B2B brands and found that 12% of B2B marketers neglect social networks entirely, compared to only 2% of B2C marketers.
According to Kevin Quiring, North America CRM lead at Accenture, uncertainty may be the reason for ignoring social. “B2C marketers have been doing social media at scale for 3 to 5 years and have had a significant head start,” Quiring said. “Now B2B marketers have to learn the tough lessons about engaging in the dialogue and having to deal with the damage control that comes along with that—and that frightens them.”

Read here the full article.

For further information about workshops, one2one training and our Social Media Connect distribution service call 02380 768495 or email socialmedia@workzmarter.com