Mobile is Everywhere, Time to Behave?

In 2014, Mobile is everything.  Everything and everywhere. Go to any public place, work place, and or relax place and you will see mobile devices (smart phones and tablets) in use.  Mobile and Social Media go hand in hand, one is used to connect to the other.

What does mobile mean to you as a small business professional? Some timely realization is that with mobile being everything and everywhere, giving thoughtful application to your online presence or footprint is now a timely consideration. In 2014, the competition is fierce for customer experience.  The customer experience begins online for the most part. You and or your business are easily researched, quickly rejected when your posts are considered offensive or you are not credible or even nice. Like it or not, opinions are formed and you are always a click away from that follow. We don't suggest you adopt paranoia, or put your head in the sand, but some skilled awareness about what and how you are sharing are in order.

With Social Media, you are your own media department. Social media is like a really big cocktail party, and the way you conduct yourself and respond to others is noticed by those considering engaging into business and interpersonal relationships with you. Are you falling into pitfalls that are considered online no-no's? Are you sending accurate and positive messages? Are you being off putting without realizing?

Competition heats up in 2014. Unless you are the only one who does what you do, this is the year to be skillful, fun, and engaging simultaneously.  People are using their mobile devices to connect and they are mostly into light hearted, unique, positive and relevant posts. Do you have a blend of these elements in your posts? Do you do what everyone else is doing? Are you paying attention? Are you savvy about new uses with social media?

It is time to brush up on Social Manners and Social Analytics. Social media is not necessarily a big waste of time if you know how to use it to advantage.  If you are not seeing results with social media, however, you are likely wasting your time. 2014 is the year to learn how to win at this fun medium.

smbSocialMediaWorkshop.com offers private, personalized webinars where you can ask your pressing questions without 20-40 other classmates present. We also offer small class webinars for a lower price point. Our webinars are recorded for your review at your convenience, they are included in the price of the personal webinar and purchased optionally with a class. Our class times are Mountain Time, we are in the Denver time zone.

Remember, in the year 2014, mobile is everything, make sure you know how to leverage it.


Sources: Gartner: Mobile Forbes: 2014 Mobile Payment 7 Ways to Deal w A-holes on FB Mobile Device Onslaught Tablet Image

5 Ways to Promote With QR Codes

QR codes (Quick Response codes) are the dot matrix squares you have noticed showing up in print advertising (magazines, newspapers, billboards).  These squares actually contain messages that can be read with a scanner.  A quick scan using an app (application) like Red Laser from an app store and instantly, the embedded message is experienced on the mobile technology.  Yes, mobile technology, not just a cell phone.  Tablets, iPads, iPods and any mobile technology equipped with a camera that can download an app can scan and read a QR code.  Therefore the reach of QR codes encompasses the great majority and so those little squares can pack an big profit jump.  Remember the fun of finding a prize in the cereal box or the Cracker Jacks?  Remember the thrill of finding Waldo?  Well, just imagine the fun has grown-up and you are half-way there regarding both the thrill and the potential of QR codes. 

1. Knowledge.  Be aware of some of the many actions QR codes can produce; QR codes can send a text, make a call, play a video, offer a discount, add you to contacts, launch an app, make a donation, have a competition, refill a prescription, provide map directions to your location, or hey, here’s a fun idea: add a QR code on the label of your free samples of wine, music, magazine, book excerpt or product and the consumers enjoying the fruits of your labor will want more information.  Partner your QR Code campaign with another professional group to provide a free item (such as free music), place the QR code on a flat surface (bag, cup, business sized card) and when consumers scan your code everyone wins.  
2. Add value.  I can not think of anything more anti-climactic than scanning a QR code and arriving at a landing page full of words, more words, and even more words about you and none of them saying “win”, “prize”, “just for you”, “to thank you...”, “free”, “gift”.  While that level of let down may be a slight exaggeration, I hope it illustrates the fact that the URL you worked so hard to develop can be overwhelming and go overlooked when loaded on a cell phone or the small screens of hand held technologies.  People are largely motivated to scan QR codes because they believe they are going to receive something of value.  The mere pleasure of visiting your blog from a mobile technology is a little flat, especially since if you have FLASH on your URL, mobile technology can not load it (*get a mobile website).
3. Add a grain of boldness. Yes, many consumers notice the QR code squares but they can hold little interest when they consist of boring black and white blocks hidden in corners seemingly for some purpose not related to the general public.  When you incorporate your QR codes into your marketing, be bold! Do it in a highly visible manner so that people know your QR code was meant for them.  Include a call to action with “scan for...”, “Like us on facebook...”, “scan to follow us on twitter”.
4. Inform.  Some people, even those who have all the latest great tech toys are still not in the know about QR codes but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a scan.  Include a little information to give them a nudge such as: 1. Download a scan app such as Red Laser 2. Scan and enjoy!  It’s cool to find a new use for your favorite toy.  You remember how thrilled you were to discover you could play word games and with mad birds or whatever distraction app you downloaded.  It’s no different when people are encouraged to discover what lies embedded in QR codes.
5. Get branded QR code.  If you do any print advertising or use email, blogs, social networks or cell phones, this is probably the most important thing to note: A multimedia graphic artist can transform a plain, black & white qr code square into an extension of your brand or service.  Use that logo you developed and add have your image and company name customized into your QR code message.  You are more likely to get  scan if your QR code is attractive and professional in appearance.  There is power in beauty!  A consumer will say “oh, a QR code from my favorite insert your name profession here. I wonder what it contains.”  

Oftentimes, the person developing your branded QR code can also produce a mini-me version of your website that can be visited with a smart phone or other mobile technologies.  Having a mobile site does not diminish your great web page.  It is just that people are not always being introduced to you from their desks and that is a reality you should embrace.  I realize that you don’t always like change but this QR code business is powerful and it can work to your great benefit no matter what your industry is.  Add your branded QR code to your email signature, screen saver, facebook banner, blog, etc.  

This information brought to you by http://QRCodesOfNote.com ,  a multimedia design source offering branded QR code marketing solutions, facebook banners, mobile websites and website re-design.  If you benefitted from this information, be sure to LIKE us on facebook. Thanks.

Comments and questions always welcome.