IT Solutions And Marketing

Blog

  • Cloud Backup and Storage

    It can be heartbreaking and certainly stressful if you lose documents or any other data from your computer. More and more small business operators now backup their work onto a hard drive, DVD or CD. Doing this is certainly better than doing nothing, but there is now a ‘new kid on the block’

    Cloud is an externally hosted hardware environment and is a great way to feel confident about the safety and security of all of the information and data that you currently have on your computer. Cloud is basically a service that you can use to store all your work in a secure environment.

    Cloud provides a storage and backup facility. It provides a method for storing data on servers that are owned and managed by internet hosting companies. Data Centres are where the servers are housed. The owners of these data centres and servers are responsible for keeping you data stored securely, while at the same time ensuring that it is available and accessible to you, the owner of the data.

    There is a fee involved and it is a good idea to research a number of different Cloud providers to assess what will best suit your needs, before deciding on who to use. Often you only have to pay for what you actually use; there are also packages available if you have more than one computer. During my research of Cloud providers I have been able to advise clients on which ones to use and have even been able to install the chosen one on their computer by using remote access.

    crashplan online backup logo

    This operational expense means that you do not have to worry about hardware, or the risk of it failing. Now you can relax and depend on the providers of the Cloud to look after you and your data.

    Video
    Here is a little unusual video, but it does give you a good graphical understanding of how the Cloud works. There is a suggestion at the end that there could be some problems when using Cloud, which is why it is very important to use a company that has a good reputation and is trustworthy.

    These videos are used under the You Tube Public License agreement

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Why Should You Have an App for Your Business?

    Most Small, Micro and Home Based Businesses cannot see any real value in spending their ‘hard to come by’ cash on developing an App to market their business. Many businesses do not have a marketing budget and simply do not treat marketing as a number two priority for their business (number one is producing the product or service).

    Some business operators think that it would not be possible to build an App to suit their type of business. But, as an App is a marketing tool, every business can use an App to promote and market themselves.

    Over 1.2 billion people use Apps and by 2017 it is expected that the users will number 4.4 billion. As 75% of Apps are free, one has to wonder why you would spend money producing something for free. However, a well-designed business App will offer something for sale within the App. This is where businesses generate money from Apps.

    These days it seems that nearly everyone has a digital smart phone or tablet. Everywhere you go (walking down the street, in restaurants, at home on the couch – just everywhere) you see people using their mobile devices. In 2014, 51% of all digital media time was spent looking at Apps. We are all aware of how the big businesses, like banks and retail outlets, use Apps (Facebook is the most popular App) but small businesses cannot see how they could afford to develop an App that would generate enough income to warrant the expense.

    I remember a time when business owners questioned the real value in owning a mobile phone – can you imagine that? Then there was the era of thinking “Why would my business need a web site?” Yet, eventually, small businesses began to take up the new technology to not only help their business to grow, but to allow them to be truly competitive.

    It has become very noticeable in the last couple of years how the retail sector (who have previously depended solely on a shop front) have now utilised the internet to increase their sales. The general public are more and more frequently purchasing product online, so it is only a matter of time before Apps are developed by most businesses to promote what it is they have for sale.

    The Small, Micro and Home Based Businesses have become leaders with the use of this technology, as it has provided a level playing field for them when competing with larger businesses. An App is just another form of technology that can help this sector surge ahead of their competitors.

    If you are looking for a marketing tool that will encourage potential clients to purchase from you, then you should consider having an App built for you. I can help you to develop a simple App that is both affordable and effective in promoting your business and in making more sales.

    Make 2015 the time that your business is going to move forward with technology and make you a major player in the business world.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • How to Find Potential Clients and Convert Them to Sales

    I am often asked “Just what makes a good business”? No doubt it is the quality of what is offered and the ability to market it successfully. But what makes the business extraordinary, is the way in which the business owner (and staff) treat their customers.

    So, how can you best focus on your customers? The main way is to stop thinking about your business and rather think about what your customer wants. You need to find out what they are looking for and what can you do for them.

    Basically, you need to focus on their problems. To generate leads and make sales, look at the negative side (the problems). This approach will get you better results. Your business success will ultimately depend on your ability to solve problems.

    Once you know what the problem is, you must ensure that your solutions add value, by explaining the benefits of using your product or service. Don’t highlight the features of what you have to offer. Potential clients don’t want to know how you’re going to solve the problem, they just want their problem solved.

    Not every contact will buy from you, but they may recommend you to others, therefore it is important to stay ‘top of their mind awareness’ so that when they do want what you offer, you will be the first one they think of contacting. This means you have to regularly make contact with them e.g. via a newsletter, social media, email marketing (offering freebies) etc.

    Once you focus on your customer, search engine optimization (SEO) can build your search engine rankings. You need to write unique, helpful, problem solving articles for your blog, then create shorter statements for SEO that can re-direct them to the blog article. The edited format is targeting search engines, while the larger article is targeting potential clients.

    Think carefully when organizing your blog or website. What does it look like? Have you placed your ‘boxes’ (calling for action e.g. signing up for a newsletter), in the best place (top right hand corner)? What is the colour of your box (blue always works well visually)? Not only will you get a better response from customers, but the search engines will also rank you more highly.

    If you have a problem with marketing or making sales, my team can assist you. Just make contact and you will receive a free hour’s consultation.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • How to Build Your Business Via the Internet in 2015

    You don’t have to have a business which sells product or services online to still have the Internet help your business to grow. These days most people use the internet daily to assist them with their research and help them find product or services they are looking for. Actually, the internet search engines are probably more commonly used than the telephone Yellow Pages.

    If your potential and existing clients are using the internet to help them in business, then it is important that they can find you and your business on the internet. This means that you require one of more of the following: a website, a blog or social media accounts (preferably all three).

    Whatever you decide to do, you must also be prepared to continue learning. You do need skills to make all these different procedures work well for you. It is a defeatist attitude to simply say “I don’t have time” – if that is true, then you are making enough money to enable you to employ someone else to do it for you.

    I find learning new skills is both exciting and rewarding. I ‘feel’ up to date and professional – and you will too! Once I have this new knowledge, I love to share it with others, particularly through my blog. This simply makes me an expert and appear good spirited. Isn’t that the sort of business person you would like to deal with?

    Website

    Make sure that your website appears professional. You do not want it to seem to be ‘cluttered’; it must be easy to navigate and the information must be unique and relevant. Above all, make sure that you keep it up to date. So many websites have such things as listings of ‘coming events’; recently I saw such a listing that was for two years previous! I just searched for another website – I felt that this business was probably not up to date (as their website wasn’t) and they did not appear to care for their customers/viewers.

    Blog

    Your blog must have up to date information too. A blog is your own personal information tool. It is an online marketing tool that can be very powerful, IF you constantly add new posts and keep your readers informed. Once they are prepared to ‘Like’ and make comments on your posts, you will know that your blog is working.

    Emails and Social Media

    Do you use your email as a marketing tool? Do you have a succinct and powerful signature that appears on every email you send out? Do you send a simple but informative newsletter by email? Above all, do you have an email list where people give you permission to send them emails? Such a data base is a very desirable tool to have.

    Many people complain that it is so time consuming to keep up with information for their social media accounts, such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Did you know that information that you put into your WordPress blog can have an automated summary placed into Facebook and Twitter? The summaries can then have a link back to your blog so that the entire post can be read.

    Videos

    You need to understand just how powerful a video can be when marketing your business. It is true that the video needs to be interesting and ‘eye catching’, but you can learn how to be creative with this technique once you begin making videos. A client of mine made a video of herself painting a wall hanging on silk. She did this so that her client could see how she was progressing with this large commission. She also added great information into the ‘description’ section, including a link to her website where she was promoting running online silk painting course.  Suddenly she was getting people signing up from America, Canada, England and Australia.

    Your business can grow if you utilise the Internet. My team and I can advise and assist you to take this step forward if you are unsure of just what to do or how to do it.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Building a New Website?

    It can be very exciting when making the decision to build a website, whether you are going to do it yourself or whether you will pay someone to do it for you. However, so many people are then disappointed when the website is finished because they realise that they have forgotten many important aspects.

    Before beginning, have a plan. In this plan you should be very clear about just what it is you want your website to do for you. Most businesses want their website to be a marketing tool and therefore it is very important to know just ‘what’ and ‘how’ you want to market your business.

    Before you begin any marketing program you need to know just who you are targeting; who will be looking for and at your website. Imagine you are one of these people you are targeting and try to think just what it is they would want to view on a website like yours. Your home page will become the most important page of your website because it will succinctly offer just what you think the viewer will want to know.

    As well as your website, you need to consider how you will be marketing the website itself.

    Do Some Research

    Make sure you check out what your competitors are doing (and not doing). What do you think is working for them? Take notes on the form and function of other site’s (not just competitor websites) that you enjoy visiting. Find out what the latest ‘best practices’ are for web design and SEO. If you’re not sure, contact a creative studio who can provide you with some insights.

    Think About Marketing

    Having a website should only be a small part of the overall vision of your web presence. Merely having a website does not necessarily mean that people will ever see it. Do you want to use social media? You better say yes! What are your thoughts on PPC (pay per click) advertising through Google AdWords and/or social media?

    Choose the right team

    You’ve got a business to run so this is not something you may not have the time or ‘know how’ to do correctly and effectively.

    If you keep these tips in mind when meeting with a potential web design team, you’ll know whether they are or aren’t right for you and your business. Check their portfolio and contact a few referrals. Make sure you’re not just another paying customer but one that will build a close relationship with them for the long haul. This is your blood, sweat and tears we’re talking about so make sure the team you choose shares the same passion for your business and its success as you do.

    These tips are provided to give you some ideas about how to initiate the web design process and select a creative partner for your website design project. If some of these things don’t make sense to you at this point, it’s not a problem. It’s why we exist – to bring clarity and ease to the process. These are the preliminary steps we employ for each and every one of our clients at the onset of our web design process. Our team will take you through the process with ease and help you understand every step along the way.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • How to Use Your Blog to Effectively Promote Your Business

    It is important that your blog contains unique and informative information. It has to be on a topic of interest and must capture the attention of readers. You do not want to promote your business openly, but rather slot in links to your website or other articles of interest in your blog.

    You want readers to be proactive and share what you have written. Once they are prepared to ‘click’ and make a ‘comment’, you know that your content is of interest. The more interaction you can encourage from readers, the better ranking you will receive with search engines and the more interest your business will create to potential and existing clients.

    You will have to work out how to create interesting content and how to get this information out to the masses, Of course, social media plays a huge role in the latter.

    Here Are Five Top Tips

    1. It is sometimes hard to figure out just what to write about that will interest readers. Therefore it may be helpful to find some topics by visiting https://www.quora.com/Content-Strategy. You will find articles of interest (but do not copy them) with such topics of interest as:- ‘How is Writing For The Web Different From Paper-based Media?’ ‘What is The Best way To Encourage Reader Interaction on Your Website?’
    2. You can also find out how many ‘shares’ some articles get from such places as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, by using http://buzzsumo.com/ . This allows you to pick popular articles with confidence.
    3. If organisation is a problem for you; if you can’t remember what posts you have written or what topics you want to cover, then you could find https://trello.com/ of great help – it is actually fun to keep yourself organized.
    4. Google lists trends, showing interest in specific content (based on searches). For example, I typed in ‘IT Solutions’ and found that the highest trend for searches on this keyword was 100 in India, but only 19 for Australia. The better keyword is ‘information technology’ (100) and ‘it services’ (100). Therefore, when writing blogs I should build content around these more popular keywords in my posts. Go to (https://www.google.com/trends/ and click on ‘Explore in Depth’).
    5. If you are using WordPress for your blog (if not, may I suggest you do as it has some fantastic plugins) you can use the plugin ‘Yoast’ to improve your search engine optimisation (SEO). Learn how to write better content with the built-in content analysis function, plus much, much more.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Responsive Design to Bring Your Website Into The Modern Era

    I have had a number of folk ask me just what ‘responsive design’ of a website is. It is simple really; it just means that your website can be clearly viewed by mobile devices such as mobile smart phone, tablets etc. The responsive design allows the pages of your website to be re-formatted slightly to fit the size of the mobile devices and to be viewed sideways if required.

    My ‘IT Solutions and Marketing’ site has been responsive designed. It was not difficult to do, as I chose software to build my site on that will do this designing automatically. And what is even better, it was free!

    If your website is not responsive designed, it may still be opened by mobile devices, but you may only be able to see a zoomed up version of your actual website pages. These are difficult to view/read and it can be confusing when being viewed on a smaller screen.

    Mobile devices are being used by the majority of people these days and if the design is difficult for them to vie, they will just search for another site that is responsive designed. One of the difficulties that can be encountered is that the information is re-formatted to fit the vertical device displaying it and it can become tediously long.

    When your website may have been built, we did not realise that websites would be viewed via phones in the future – phones were meant to ring folk up! With the speedy way that technology is being developed, you can’t afford not to have some funds put aside to enable you to update your existing technology when necessary. You will be telling your customers that you are unprofessional and unreliable, when you continue to use equipment and software that is outdated and old fashioned.

    Even if you and your customers are happy with your existing website when viewed from a computer, you can’t afford to ignore the fact that more and more people (your potential and existing clients) are using their mobile smart phones, iPads and iPods to access the internet.

    Now, I am not a web designer as such, so if you have a complicated, static website that you want totally rebuilt, you may need to spend a lot of money to have a professional re-design it for you. However, I can help you if you are prepared to use WordPress like my website (check it out on your smart phone or iPad etc. to see just how it works). I can also advise you on how to make your website Panda and Penguin compliant to enable you to receive higher ranking on search engines and therefore, more folk will be able to access your site.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Is Pay Per Click an Effective Way to do Business Online?

    Many people use Pay Per Click (PPC) very successfully; others lose a lot of money using PPC. There are many ways to Market your products and services online, but Binh An Nguyen’s personal favourite is PPC because of its speed and flexibility.

    PPC is used via search engines, advertising networks, and content sites. Advertisers pay their host only when their ad is clicked on. The biggest traffic broker in PPC is Google Adwords. When you search for a particular term on Google, there are two sets of results returned; organic search listings, and the ‘Sponsored Links’. One of the main reasons why the PPC model is used over other Internet Marketing models e.g. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), is because you can literally set up a campaign in PPC and start seeing traffic and results in a matter of minutes.

    The tracking abilities of PPC allow you to keep a constant measure on which keywords, ads, and landing pages are making you money, and you have control over everything. You can also generate reports on demand to make smart business decisions from the data collected. If you decide to use Google Adwords you need to be aware that they are very strict. Play by their rules, and you will create a sustainable business with longevity; go against these rules, and your profits can literally vanish overnight. For the small and micro business owners, this becomes a very risky option, as it takes a lot of time and money just to test and discover what it really is that Google wants from your campaigns. When Binh first started in PPC, he lost a lot of money, but gained some very valuable lessons and experiences. He now is able to assist his clients’ to help them sell 5 to 6 figures monthly with PPC.

    I will add more posts on this topic at a later date. Just keep in mind; if you are a micro or home based business, with little experience in Adwords – then be cautious as you can lose a lot of money quickly (remember, Binh likes Adwords because it is so quick; but it can make or lose money just as quickly and needs to be monitored once or twice a day).

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Commendations and Testimonial from Satisfied Clients Can Lead to Referrals

    An important part of marketing your business, is to seek commendations from clients. This is especially important when working via the internet (your website) as many viewers will not know you and will have to depend on your photo and testimonials to build their confidence in you and your business.

    Positive feedback from satisfied clients (when in the form of written words) can be used as a commendation (if suitable). You certainly have an opportunity to ask for a testimonial. Even a spoken commendation is good if you write down what is said and ask permission to use it on your website. It would be the correct thing to do, in this circumstance, to email a copy of what you have written and ask the client if he/she agrees that your interpretation is correct.

    Just keep in mind that because you have satisfactorily helped a client once, this does not automatically mean that you can request a commendation (which is a pretty personal statement). You are much more likely to get a testimonial once you have built a relationship with your client. Commendations from genuinely happy clients can eventually lead to referrals to you from the contacts of the happy clients. You can even ask if the satisfied client could refer you to their contacts – BUT do not ask for this favour until you have developed a strong bond in your relationship.

    I have completed work for clients through the online company, UpWork and they encourage clients to leave feedback (testimonials). It is from some of these clients that I have had some great commendations.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

  • Why Build Your Own Website

    These days you can find a number of software packages that enable you to build your own website and blog. Perhaps the best and cheapest (it is free) is WordPress. If you decide to use this software, you should use a theme that is responsive and can be opened by mobile iPhones, iPads and iPods. There are even more theme choices available that you can purchase through WordPress.

    WordPress has a wide range of automated plugins that can do most of what you need. It can be set up as a blog (allowing comments from viewers) or as separate pages (more like a traditional website). My website, IT Solutions and Marketing was set up with individual pages in WordPress.

    It is a good idea to research other websites (before deciding on your own design) to see which ones you would like yours to look like. Just keep in mind that the most important function of a website is to enable you to market and promote your business. You do not just want a ‘pretty website’ that is more like a brochure.

    If you decide on a free website (that is not WordPress), check if you have to pay for hosting. Sometimes the fees can be very high, and over time, cost you a great deal of money.

    Written by Ven Grollmus

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