Where did RIM go wrong?

It would appear that in a matter of days RIM has gone from the golden-child of Canadian tech companies to using terms such as “reorg” and “restructure”.  The reality is this has been a long time coming.

Don’t get me wrong, I want to see RIM be successful and prosper, heck I have friends that work there. But the sad fact is RIM is in its current position because of its leadership, plain and simple. Any technology company that wants to be successful must be innovative, which RIM was. But inorder to stay successful you must continually be innovative, which is where RIM fell short.

While the other manufacturers such as Apple and Android pushed the envelope with their hardware, OS and designs, RIM simply continued to deploy the same technology with minor tweaks.  One has to think what would be going through leaderships minds as they see their competition revolutionizing and setting the bar within their industry.

In all honesty, RIM still has a ton of money – and this “downtime” period may only be temporary – hopefully with the release of some much needed and new hardware and software.  I really hope it is, but it will be interesting to see what the RIM executives do with a potential second lease on life.  Do they fall in to the same lack-luster deployment of  “been there done that” handsets/software that is a year being their competition or do they invoke a change in company thought direction.  Begin setting the trends, changing the mobile device landscape and regaining the once successful position in global mobile technology?

Lets hope its the latter.

SEO Checklist

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is one of the pillars of online marketing. The beauty of SEO is any company (small or large) can use it to leverage and optimize their online marketing capabilities. SEO is the practice of implementing conditions to ones web site pages to enable organic increases in relative search engine results.

Below is a checklist of the essential items any SMB should be including in their SEO initiative.

Title Tags

A brief description of a web page which tell the site user and search engine what type of content could be found on a particular page.  Title tags are more effective on web sites if each page has a unique title. Titles are suggested to be no more than 175 characters to accommodate most browsers and search engines.

Meta Description

Similar to page titles, meta description provides the search engine with context on what what the page is about. Meta description are usually more lengthy (usually paragraph) than page titles (usually one sentence).  It is a good practice to use different meta descriptions for each page and use Call-to-actions (CTA) whenever possible i.e. ” call 416-555-5555 for a free consultation”.

Meta Tags

SEO also used meta tags, these are keywords that are referenced in the code of a page. Meta tags should be similar to the keywords referenced in your web site copy.

Content

The term “content is king” is used a lot in the marketing industry; and in this instance – it reigns supreme.  Without well written relevant content; users can can easily leave your site. Remember, your competition is only one or two clicks away.  From and SEO perspective, it is recommended the first paragraph of each page contain your keywords.  Keep the content on your page precise and on topic and avoid the “click here” syndrome.

Anchor text

Clickable text that the users will see as a result of a link, and is placed within the anchor tag in the HTML code.  It could be linking pages internally or externally.

Header Tags

Are used to present structure on the page to the user. The tags includes  six sizes of header tags, beginning with <h1>, the most important and ending with <h6> least important.

Image Tags

Are used to optimize relevant keywords for the webpage.  The contents of the alt attribute provide the relevant information to the search engine in the absence of the users’ browser or images browser support.

 

For more details on SEO or how to implement SEO for your company site – contact Ackley Gaskin.

Getting back to it

Yup, I am getting back into the swing of things. I spent some time away from blogging and was really just being active on twitter. But after completing some work for a client of mine, I decided its about time I got back into it.

Who knows how long it will be this time, but one thing is for sure. This time, my post will consist of a lot of different items, not just marketing or mobile. They may be short, may be long – hey they may not even mean anything to you all – but the important thing is that I am active and keeping engaged.

Well – here is to a new beginning.

Review of iOS4 on the iPhone 3GS

At first, I have to admit I was skeptical of the new iOS4 and how it would perform on my 3GS. This is in-part due to the issues people were having with the 3G versions. Would the 3GS have enough memory to properly support the new features of iOS4 without dramatically slowing down the device? Yes, Apple has stated it does, but having half the memory of the new iPhone 4 did not help my concerns.

Last night I decided to take the dive and upgrade. Overall, the process was smooth although I did encounter an error which caused me to perform a restore as new device in iTunes (not a bid deal, you should always install your iphone as a new device with every firmware updates and avoid installing backups). After the install (appox 30 min including the hiccup), I was able to play with the new features…

Multitasking

Yes, no longer will iPhone owners need to hack their devices to multitask! iOS4 supports it (sort of). Basically, if you are running a application that supports multitasking and you select the home button, the application will minimize. To see what applications are open in the “background”, double-click the home button to reveal a multitasking dock.  Simply select the application icon to continue using it.  There is also the ability to task manage the open applications by pressing and holding any one of them in the multitasking dock (this will make them start “wiggling”).  Select the red dot associated with the specific app to close it completely.

The multitasking dock is dual purpose also allowing the user to toggle the iPod functions (nice touch).

Surely one of the major features for iOS4, its great to be able to multitask on my device.  The only thing I would have done slightly differently is provide the user with the ability to toggle if they want to “background” an application or close it completely. In its current form, all applications get sent to the back which may cause your device two move slower should you have many applications “on pause”.  I have not experienced it yet though, so might not be an issue.

Folders

Another big feature is the folder options. This allows you to create folders to place application icons within (those of you with cluttered springboards will love it). Using it is a snap, simply drag one icon over another and a folder will be created with the two icons within it.  you can have a maximum of 12 icons in any one folder and even have folders within folders. the folder will be automatically named using the categorization from the App store, but if you want to change it you can. to delete a icon from a folder, simply tab and hold until the icon wiggles and drag it out of the folder. I really like the folder option, but I do wish the folder backgrounds used the current wallpaper of choice, if anyone knows if this can be changed (without hacking), hit me up

Wallpaper

Finally! I have control over my wallpaper.  I really dont understand what took so long – even the bottom of the bucket smartphone was capable of this years ago.  this long delayed feature allows the user to select from any image within the existing wallpaper folder, camera roll or pictures folder.  you can use the same or different picture for your lockscreen as well.

Better Mail Program

iOS4 enhances the email inbox experience (sort of) by allowing users to view multiple inbox messages in one consolidated inbox.  Not a bad feature, but if your like me, you’ll probably want to keep work and play messages separate.  Mail also now supports threaded messages allowing users to ‘bundle’ message from the same thread.

Other new and noteworthy features

• Games centre (Integration with xbox features – im not a gamer so cant comment on this)
• Bluetooth wireless keyboard support (nice option, but if you type that much on your iPhone, you should get an iPad!)
• Character count in sms messages (again, finally – my old flip phone from 2001 did this)
• Build your own playlist (again, long over-due considering its a media phone)
• Cellular data toggle (if you dont have an ‘all you can eat’ data plan, this will be helpful)
• Improved locations services (now you can see when apps are using your location feature in your status bar)
• Improved spotlight search (now searches the web as well)
• New dock (nice touch having the reflection)

My final thoughts, iOS4 meets most of the features and benefits users want/need and provides a reasonable alternative to jailbreaking for the average user.  the more enhanced user will still feel the need to jailbreak to gain the ability to use such programs as sbsetting, MyWi and 3G unrestrictor (just to name a few).

Flash on an iphone anyone?

More than just running flash on an iPhone, Cloud Browse is a mobile application for iPhone which allows users to:

• Browse any website using Firefox.
• Play video or games using Flash and Java plugins.
• Browse in complete security and privacy.

Cloud Browse allows users to remotely access features of a full desktop browser remotely.  All the innate controls such as scrolling via flick of a finger, one finger navigation and magnify glass features are present, just within a full fledged browser.

I’ve been using it for a couple hours, the image quality is not high quality and I seem to be having connectivity issues, but all things being equal – its a free application which provides functionality that current iPhone users were lacking.

try it out for yourself here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cloud-browse/id346618309?mt=8

Twitter launches their own iPhone application

Well…they actually just purchased an existing one, which was pretty popular. 

Yesterday Twitter relaunched Tweetie2 as the OFFICIAL twitter application for the iPhone.  Along with an updated GUI, the new functionality included in the application is:

• Search results now include Top Tweets

• You can now use Twitter without an account! Search, Browse uses, view trends and top tweets.

• Sign-up is now available within the application as well, complete with Suggested user list.

• More tab has been re-organized to accomplish all this. Users with one account can add a second account under the Accounts and Settings button here.

• Actions we’ve found people use most, like Retweet have been moved to the main actions bar.

• Minor tweaks were made to tweet rendering so they match Twitter.com tweets

Although it is the official application for Twitter, I would say there are still much more functional Twitter client applications for the iPhone. But this Tweetie2 is FREE and most of them are not, so if your like me and can’t stand paying for a client to manage a free service – Tweetie2 is the way to go.

iPad made of gold…literally

Yes, you now have the opportunity to purchase your very own gold and diamond encrusted iPad! Details below..

• 53 encrusted 5.5 cts of ‘I’F’ Flawless diamonds
• Unibody 22ct gold casing weighing 2,100 grams
• Available in wifi and 3G 64 GB versions

Act fast! There are only 10 units on earth, each costing approx $190,000.

10 Email marketing tips for business owners

Below are 10 email marketing tips business owners can easily implement:

1. Subject-line says it all

Make sure your subject line is clear and concise so you customers can readily identify what the message is about.  This will help your email open rate as well as keep your message out of the dreaded junk email box.  Avoid using characters such s !@#$%& in the subject line of your email communication to avoid setting of sensitive spam filters.

2. Avoid the “Hey you” factor

If possible (assuming you have the data), when available always personalize your communication.  Instead of addressing all your customers with a generic salutation; use their names (again, assuming this is available to you). Personalization of a an email campaign can vary in complexity from simple first name last name to actual content personalization.  The personalization in your campaign, the more targeted you can get with your messages and call-to-actions

3. One-click unsubscribe

Really, more of an email best practice / regulation; all your email marketing communications should support one click unsubscribe processes. This means your customers should not be forced to log in to any administrative tool or site to unsubscribe. This is of course acceptable if they are changing their email preferences I.e email format, content etc.

4. Content

Always have something of value to communicate to customers.  If your email communication does not server of any value to its recipients, you will surely find your subscriber list shrink due to unsubscribe request.  Stay true to what your recipients expect from a content aspect.

5. Design

Create a template for your email campaigns. This will allow for much easier updating, maintenance and change management.  It will also allow you to properly brand your communication so it becomes recognizable to your subscriber base.

6. Track and tweak

A must for email marketing communications – always track and tweak your campaigns.  Figure out what works for your subscriber base from a communication aspect and refine it to optimize your returns whether they be click-through, conversions or contact.

7. Frequency

A very important point with business owners seem to struggle with.  How often do I send communication to my subscriber base? This is directly related to tip #4 – content.  If your content is time sensitive, a more frequent deployment may be needed. However if its purely information and has a longer ‘shelf life’ – a slightly less frequency may work. Other influences such as seasons etc will also play a role in your deployment frequency.

8. Be clear with what you want recipients to do

Make your call-to-action clear. Nothing worst then getting a nicely designed communication with no clear action i.e. contact us or buy now.  Be careful not to have too may actions in your communication.  Always have one main call-to-action with maximum 1 or 2 sub-actions.

9. Multipart messages are a must

Multipart messages is the term used to describe delivery of a communication in both plain txt and HTML formats. Upon the recipient opening the message – a small 1 x 1 pixel (invisible) is called.  if the pixel is displayed, this initiates the HTML version of the message to be displayed.  If the pixel does not load – the plain txt version is served. Deploying a multipart message will give you a good blend of increased delivery rate and click-through.

10. Keep the important stuff above the fold

Many email clients have preview panes that in most cases only display 30% to 45% of your message without opening it.  It is important to ensure you display the important information supporting your communication in this space or else recipients may never see the pertinent information you want them to see.

10 reasons why your company should have a website

Below are my top 10 reasons why every company should have a website:

1. Modern day customer exceptions

It is a expectation of customers nowadays for to be able to research your company online. Providing this ability via your own branded website allows you to control the information being absorbed by customers and optimizes customer touch-point opportunities which could ultimately lead to a customer decision to buy your product or service.

2. Your customers are online, you should be to

Business owners are always looking for ways to connect with potential customers – get themselves known (GET NOTICED – shameless plug!).  A website can do just that from an online perspective.  Think of the internet as a POS (point of sale) opportunity.  There are millions of customers online – why not have your site there with them.

3. Your website is your 24/7 storefront

As a business owner – can you afford to be open 25/7?  Are you able to pay your employees and work around the clock? Probably not as we all have lives! But your website does just that.   It enables you to be constantly open and available to existing and potential customers even when you are not.

4. Cost effective way to stay connected with customers (CRM)

Businesses can use their sites to enable communication between them and their customers.  This a quick and economical medium for business owners to provide information to their customers.

5. Your competitors have one

Even the playing field. Your customers are using the web as a viable online channel and making gains with it.  Not having a web presents decreases the opportunity for business growth.

6. Your business looks much more viable to potential customers

Viability of a company is very important – and detrimental to small businesses.  Not having web presents optically to customers shows that your company could have the potential to be ‘fly-by-night’.  Customers what the comfort that you will be around should they have issues with your product or service.

7. Make changes quickly

Not only does your website allow for much more affordable communication; it also allows you to much more proactive with making changes.  Especially if you use one of the many popular web content management systems available such as WordPress.

8. Sell your product or service

Pretty self-explanatory.  If built, your website can provide customers with the ability to purchase your products or services online.

9. Its measurable (conversions)

One of the beauties of having a website (especially an e-commerce enable one) is the ability to track conversions based off of marketing initiatives.  There are many tools out there that can enable you to track and tweak your advertising based off the traffic and conversions you receive on your site.  This enables business owners with the ability to optimize their marketing spend.

10. Supports virtually any form of marketing and promotions

Once you site is up and running – business owners should make every attempt to ensure their site url is on all their print collateral.  Anything that has their brand on it should also have a web address (within reason).

5 CRM tips for business owners

Below are5helpful CRM tips every business owner should ensure they follow:

1. Always make all your customers feel they are the priority

I can’t stress how important this is.  An under-appreciated customer will soon become history! Make sure in every instance (good or bad), your customer consistently feels you are dedicated to their piece of work (the are VIP).  This means returning messages promptly, following up and closing the loop with them.

2. Set proper expectations

I am a strong believer in setting customer expectations at 85%.  This not only provide you with a more realistic goal, but also lays the foundation for a very positive end result when you acheive 100%.  It’s a great way to build a sense of dependability with your customers while ensuring you can deliver on your promise.

3. Go the distance

Always try and go ‘one step beyond the norm’. Show your ‘added value’ by adding in a finishing touch to whatever you are completing for your client. Small gestures go a long way.

4. Find a commonality between you and your customer (i.e interest for example)

Learn to read you customer. Look for subtle hints of interest and see if there are any relational commonalities you can draw from them. Finding a commonality with customers creates a sense of friendliness and trust which is something business owners should always strive to have with their customers.

5. Always be positive+

Make sure every customer interaction is a positive one.