Barb's Blog

To Mobi or Not to Mobi

bcagley@sck.net — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:24:00 GMT

Mobi? Yes, mobile internet. What is it and should I even care?

Basically, mobile internet involves viewing the internet on a smart phone. This is typically done one of two ways: either by viewing a website through a browser, just as you do with your computer, or by using an app, short for application. Apps are programmed specifically for the four major mobile systems, iPhone, Blackberry, WindowsMobile and Android. An app is something the owner of the phone actively downloads onto the mobile device, whereas a website is just viewed using that device's browser. I won't be talking about apps here, but will instead focus on optimizing your website for a mobile audience.

Focused Simplicity for Today’s Websites

bcagley@sck.net — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Your website is the spy glass through which the world can look into your company. Do you know if the lens--your message--is clear? Precision is the trend today--in messaging, graphics and calls to action.

Simply Hiding in Plain Sight

bcagley@sck.net — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:17:00 GMT

Yesterday, a new client told me he cannot just write us a check, go away and expect a great marketing plan. This statement stung at first. I thought he was telling me that I wouldn't be able to do a good job for him. My first reaction was that I can learn about his company, what made it special, who his audience is and find a hook that will get results. But, I now realize he was right; In order for me to best learn, he needs to be involved as my teacher. After all, nobody knows his company better than him.

Lazy Websites

bcagley@sck.net — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:30:00 GMT

Imagine your alarm clock was flashing zeros at you this morning and when you did wake up the shower did not manage to produce any hot water and then, feeling perky with that extra hour of sleep and stimulating shower, you discover your car's interior lamps have been lighting the night all night long. I think it is pretty safe to say you will spend part of the day replacing batteries and lighting the pilot of the hot water tank. We rely on our appliances and cars to do what they were built for; when they stop working we do not hesitate to fix them.

Do You Need a New Website?

bcagley@sck.net — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:15:00 GMT

I found an old magazine the other day and had the best time looking at how styles have changed. Cars, fashions, foods and colors are just some of the things that date themselves, and reflect how society is changing. We seem to be nostalgic for the past and keep recycling styles; usually with enough of a change that we can never just pull clothes out of the attic and still look chic.

What Is Your Password Saying?

bcagley@sck.net — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:29:00 GMT

A couple years back I was sitting in a college auditorium listening to a presentation from an administrator welcoming the new freshman class of students and parents, I was the one of the parents. It was an emotional day and I really wanted to focus on “last minutes” with my daughter verses all the ceremonies and traditions of the school. Basically, I was not into it;

Riding the Social Media Craze

bcagley@sck.net — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:27:00 GMT

I was watching a crew rowing team glide down the river and reflecting how graceful they were, eight people rowing in perfect sync. I have rowed with a crew team and if one person is slightly off everyone on the boat struggles or dumps the boat. I think a social media marketing campaign is very similar to rowing, all the components need to work together or you will sink.

Don’t Include eMarketing in Next Years Budget

bcagley@sck.net — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:42:00 GMT

You should include is a line item for imagination in next years budget. The Web 2.0 tools and services can be used for a powerful eMarketing campaign with very modest budgets. You see, some of the most successful eMarketing campaigns are not about big budgets but rather about interesting hooks using current trends and hot topics. What you need to do is open your mind and let the creative juices flow to tell your company’s story. By doing so, you can hit your marketing milestones including enhancing your search engine rankings, driving relevant traffic to your site and demonstrating your skill while expressing your firm’s personality… it’s all in the hook.

Intranets That Communicate, Collaborate and Innovate

bcagley@sck.net — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 22:52:00 GMT

Recently I was sitting in a room of people trying to decide what information they wanted to put on their company intranet site. This was a group of managers who were nominated to form the intranet committee. Sitting in a closed door room they were reviewing item by item of what they thought their teams would find useful. They were practical, intelligent people yet not once did anyone say lets go back to the team and learn what information they need easy access to.