Instagram Cheat Sheet

Source: bilgicagi.com via Amy on Pinterest

Marketing with QR Codes

Have you noticed these funny little things everywhere?  They're QR Codes.

What are QR Codes?

QR stands for quick response and its very similar to a barcode.

QR Codes are more effective for marketing because they can store more information including web links, coordinates and text.

The QR Code digital pattern can be scanned with QR readers or barcode scanners on Smartphones. The images can be added to print ad, direct mail, posters and much more.  I designed this one for my car.

How can QR codes benefit my business?

QR codes create an interactive customer experience that gets attention. They are more dynamic than a business card or just a label with your website and email address. They allow prospects and customers to instantly connect to and act on information about your business, a special discount, or invitation to an event you're planning.

What can I link to?

You can link to anything, your website, Facebook Page or Twitter.  You could simply provide a message with your phone number.  It's best to link to something of  "value" for your customers to give them an incentive for connect to your site (e.g., to obtain an exclusive offer).

How do I get my own QR Code?

I used Unitag to make this one for free. You can make them with or without the branded image in the center.   It's really fairly simple, however, if you like I'll can create one for you.  Just choose whether you want to use an image in the center or not, include your QR message, use Paypal link below to send the payment and email me your image.

Once you have your own QR Code, you can use it on your business cards, print it on stickers, add it to brochures and posters and even put it on your car!

Custom QR Code

with logo $20.00 USD w/out logo $15.00 USD

Enter your QR Message or link

Removing Viral Facebook Apps

Is your Facebook account posting all kinds of weird, pornographic, or generally inappropriate content to your Wall and/or News Feed. Or how about the annoying "Wow I cant believe that you can see who is viewing your Profile!"?

Here's how to get rid of those annoying apps and re-secure your Facebook Page:

First, we need to remove the app:

1.  Identify the app that is causing the problems. 

In this instance, its an app call Profile Watcher.

2.  Click the setting drop-down arrow in the top right hand corner of your Timeline Page.

3.  Click Account Settings

4. Click Apps

5. Find the rogue app in the list and click the X next to Edit

You will be looking for App identified in Step 1 above.

6. Check the box to remove all activity and then click Remove

Now Change your Password:

1.  Click General

2. Click Password

3.  Enter your current password and your new password

Finally, run your antivirus scan to confirm that no malware or virus has been installed on your computer by the App.

Top 3 benefits of blogging for your business

If you want to reap the benefits of a blog, you need to know that they take time and consistent engagement.  You can't just build it and walk away from it.

What are the benefits of blogging for your business?

1. Voice - Blogging gives your business a voice, your voice. Your customers want to do business with a person, not a price list or product profile. Unless you're a household name or a major corporation, most people will not buy from you online unless they know you. Adding your voice to your online business presence gives people the opportunity to get to know YOU, like you and trust you.

2.  Content - Blogging gives you your very own content for all of your other social media networks. You need something of value to share with your friends and followers on Facebook and Twitter.  Your blog is fresh, valuable content for your networks.

3.  Google Love - search engines love fresh content.  Google rewards websites that post regularly with fresh and relevant content and punishes sites that post syndicated or copied content or even worse, nothing at all.  Blogging is the best way to provide the fresh, relevant content that Google (and other search engines) loves and rewards.

These 3 things are just the foundation of what can come from your blog.  There are so many more benefits, but these alone should intrigue you enough to seriously consider starting your own blog.

I'm starting a bi-weekly newsletter where I will be sharing how-to videos and free resources for building and managing your social media networks, including blogging.  Do us both a favor and sign up for it today:

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Blogging - What is it?

I recently spoke to a group of weight loss and wellness coaches who had a lot of questions about blogging. This week I'm going to focus on teaching you how to start your own blog using FREE resources. But first...

What is Blogging?

This is a great 2 minute explanation, watch it now!  Come back tomorrow to learn WHY your business needs a Blog.

Why is Social Media important?

How to Register Your Own Domain Name

As soon as you start your business or even start thinking about opening a business, you should register your domain name.

First, why do you need your own domain name?

• It increases your name recognition
• It makes it easy for your customers to remember your address
• It indicates you are a serious business owner
• It helps brand your image
• Many search engines refuse to list pages from free sites
• Some search engines will only index the first page of a domain site

Where is your store on the Information Super Highway? 

So, what is a domain name?
Your domain name is basically your address on the internet.  Here's a simplified illustration: Imagine the busiest highway you've ever traveled, perhaps the Los Angeles metro area, now multiply that by a bazillion, envision that this is the internet aka the "information super highway".  Now, imagine that your business is on the side of this highway.  Your domain name is like your physical address telling your customers where to find you.
For example, the domain name here is savvybutterfly.com.


Now, how do you register your own domain name?
When you set up your domain name, there are many options and vendors to choose from.  I personally have used Network Solutions and GoDaddy.com, both offer great introductory rates and a simple registration process.  You can search around to see what works best for you and your needs, but here are the basic steps:

1. Confirm that the name you want is available.  The name registrar you choose will have a search site. When choosing a domain name, you should keep it simple so that your customers can remember it. If the name is available, you will have the option to register is with many different extensions, .com, .biz, .org, .net, .us, etc.  If your first pick is not available in a .com, I recommend trying another name where the .com extension is available.  This is what is most commonly associated with businesses and will be easiest for customers to remember.  Millions of domains are already registered, so finding an available name can be tricky, but don't give up!

Network Solutions Domain Search

2. After selecting your domain name, you will be asked to select how long you would like to secure it for, how many years you want to keep it.  You can buy domain names in year-long increments, up to 10 years maximum.  

Select Service Term 1-10 years

3.  Once you have selected your name, and the amount of time you want to keep the rights to the name, you will pay the registrar to register the name for you.

4. Congratulations!  You now own your domain name!

BUT WAIT, there's more...

Now that your domain is registered, you must specify where computers looking for your domain should go by updating your site's nameservers (the Internet's equivalent to phone books).  This is where the process is going to be different depending on whether you have an existing personally owned website or blog or if you are a direct sales consultant with a company-hosted replicated website.  

For personally owned websites or blogs, you can refer to your hosting providers and\or registrars forwarding  instructions, just search their support site or contact their customer service department.

For company-hosted replicated sites, you will need to subscribe to a forwarding service.  This is usually available from the domain registrar (GoDaddy.com, Network Solutions, etc).

Now, you're ready to roll!  Use your new domain name on your social media profiles, your business cards and all other marketing materials AND please share it with me below along with questions you may have about domain name registration or forwarding!