Apple Hasn't Lost Its Edge

Doomsdayers and Naysayers are out in full force.  Since the passing of Steve Jobs, it seems anyone with Chicken Little syndrome is pointing to Apple's impending doom.

What are some of these earmarks of the eventual Apple-pocalypse?

• Many iPhone's are being carted around loaded with Google (and others) apps and software.  
• The marketshare for iPhones is decreasing (amid incredibly more competition).
• Competitor's R&D spending is considerably more than Apple's.

HOW ABOUT A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE? 

Once upon a time (2001), Apple created the iPod.   It was a revolutionary device for two reasons: 

1. The hardware (the iPod) was unlike any MP3 device available


2. iTunes was a breakthrough in managing and purchasing music. 

 
Now fast forward to the iPhone (2007) - what is so special about the iPhone? Sure the design is nice, but you can get a similar feel elsewhere. 

It's not the hardware.
It's the software, silly.

The iPod didn't give rise to Apple's dominance in the past decade--iTunes did. It was never about the hardware, but since the hardware was part of the user interface (UI), Apple, of course, made awesome hardware. In a world of MP3 players, Apple built a Porsche. But the secret was iTunes in how it managed your existing music library, and then became your preferred way to purchase your future music library. 

The iPhone was no different. It wasn't really about the phone or the monthly subscription - it was about iTunes and the App store. 

Anyone can make cool hardware, but without the supporting infrastructure, you're just another phone. An island.  Not a destination and not a home.  An iPhone with iTunes & the App Store is all of that. And more.

Apple's vision is that of creating a cohesive eco-system.  One with top-notch software experiences (iTunes, App Store) coupled with amazing hardware.

WHAT MIGHT THE FUTURE HOLD?

Still, there's a lot of work to be done. With Apple, a user's experience might be through a MacBook pro, an iPhone, an iPad, etc. Right now, the functionality is *about* the same across all three platforms, but not quite.

This coming WWDC in June, we predict Apple will make BIG strides to pull these hardware items closer together through iCloud.   Just wait.  Nobody is really picking up on this.

Google is a network company who lives in software. They understand that the Network Is The Computer (its a former Sun slogan).  However, Google sucks at hardware. And Glass is a perfect example of that.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS -

Android phones continue to be churned out month after month while a new iOS phone is makes an annual appearance. What's so wrong about using a device that is 1+ years old as long as it works well?  Are consumers really that fickle that they are looking to upgrade every few months?  We don't think so.

The stability of Apple devices transforms many people into believers. Rebooting an iPhone is a rare necessity. Also, a failing device seems to be a rarity as well. Other phones by other manufacturers have varying lifetimes.

Apple is a brand consumers trust. This trust was not earned on a whim. Rather, it was built through years of offering quality products coupled with ground-breaking user interfaces.

Google's business model is advertising. They're only too happy to offer their products (Maps, Now!, etc) on iPhones as a means to delivering impressions and generating revenue. As more people utilize Google software on their Apple phones, they need to realize Google will keep churning out applications for the advertising revenue potential they hold.

A Day in the LIfe of the Internet

A Day in The Life of The Internet via HostGator

Tips for Marketing Your Small Business Website

You're a localized small business and you've got a great website.  Now what?  Your next step is marketing.  There are a number of tools at your disposal to help your audience find you online.

LOCAL DIRECTORY LISTING

A great first-step is to ensure your website is listed in local directories.  While your website will have your business name, hours of operation, phone number and address, it is important that online directories have the very same information as well.  That way, search engines know to connect the information they have with your website, ensuring customers will find your business when they search for you.

It can be especially problematic if your business has done any of the following:

• Changed Names
• Moved Locations
• is Located at a Spot with Multiple Businesses

If any of the above has occurred with your business, submitting to a local directory is imperative  so you can set the search engines straight, so to speak.

UNIQUE WELCOME PAGES

Everybody expects your business card to have your web address on it.  While we certainly recommend that you include the URL, why not include something unique?  Maybe www.mywebsite.com/welcome with a nice welcome message to those that type in the address?

Differentiating your business is important.  Helping your audience to Know, Like and Trust you (something we've preached a lot of) is the goal.  A unique welcome page with a special offer, a special message or any other unique idea will help your potential customers remember you!

WEB POSITIONING

Simply put, submitting your website to the Search Engines will help with where you come up in search results.  Submission will also ensure the search engines will regularly search your website for recent updates.  This step should not be skipped.

AROUND TOWN MARKETING

Your small business may serve are tiny geographic area, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with your marketing.  Window clings are a popular way to remind customers of your website and/or logo.  A simple car wrap (they even wrap just parts and pieces of a car) can make a huge visual-imact marketing wise.  Remember:  any sign, flyer or handout given to your customers and potential customers is a representation of your business.  In your off-line marketing, don't do the following:

• Change your logo around (we know it's tempting)
• Use a huge variety of colors in each venue
• Print documents in an unprofessional manner (crooked copies, wrinkled flyers, etc)
• Change your marketing message frequently

With Desktop Publishing, there is an allure to creating and printing documents yourself.  Just be sure you're not in over your head.  If you end up with shoddy documents, your public won't appreciate it.  Customers like to be wowed.  Begin with your marketing

EXTRA CREDIT

Sometimes, marketing can get a little mundane.  You want to stand out.  You don't want to be confused for a competitor of yours.  How can you grab attention and remain memorable?  Well, one Realtor in New York is putting his money where his mouth is.  He's offering his employees a 15% raise if they get a tattoo of the brand's logo.  Creativity was not lost on him!

Happy Marketing!

5 Reasons Why Your Small Business Needs A Website

Image Source

Although the Internet boom is over a decade in the past, the number of small businesses that still don't have a website is surprising.  Some of the common objections are:

"I'm not looking to sell online."

"I serve only a small geographic area."

"I have a Facebook page" 

And, our favorite: "Many of our customers aren't web-savvy."

If you're looking to grow your business (hey, who isn't?) a website is a natural choice for a number of reasons.  Let us count the ways:

1.  LOCAL LISTINGS

The Internet is the first place people look for information on a business, brand, city or destination.  They quickly search the business name in the hopes of getting a variety of information:

• Phone number
• Address
• Hours of Operation
• Services Provided
• A Link to the Website for more detailed information

Having a website allows a business the opportunity to submit this specific information to a variety of directory listings.  Once submitted to local directories, much of the above information displays on search engines with an opportunity to click to the website.  Without a website, this opportunity does not exist.  And, to consumers, that may mean that you don't exist.

2.  SHOW ME THE MONEY

Ok, so maybe you're not looking to sell online.  Maybe you're a salon or sign company or tourist destination or local coffee shop.  We understand.  However, consumers want to SEE what you do.  Did you whip up gorgeous hair-dos for Prom this year?  Did you just put a new sign up at a local business? Are the beaches in your town amazing destinations and you recommend I go there?  Show me.

We live in an image-driven society and people want to see what they're about to buy/experience/see/do.  It's as simple as that.  If you're not showcasing your product/service/destination/idea, someone else probably is.  And guess who will get the business?

3.  FACEBOOK FALLS SHORT

You say that you post pictures like a paparazzi to your Facebook page.  Your fans see all of the wonderful creations you come up with, they know about your specials and engage with you regularly.  That's great.  But, in a few short months to a year, those posts are long forgotten.  A newbie coming to your page is not going to scroll and scroll and scroll until he comes across the image that convinces him your product/service is for him.  He may not care about the cute comments and back-and-forths with your community.  He wants to see the goods (see #2 above).

A website with a portfolio section is properly organized and will help consumers locate and view the images they're looking for quickly.  This makes the process of looking at your business' offering a painless process.

Facebook is a valuable resource and should be tapped to it's ultimate potential.  Although questions remain.  In 5 years will Facebook still be as valuable?  MySpace shot off like a rocket and fell like a lead balloon through it's short history.  All of the data, images and communication you spent time on could be gone.  Just.  Like.  That.

4.  ONE MORE SALES PERSON

A website is up 24/7 promoting business every waking hour.  No caffeine necessary.  No 401k, insurance or bonuses.  Are you saying you couldn't use a dedicated employee like that?

A small business website with a portfolio, a testimonials section, a feed from your Facebook (see, we're not haters) and Twitter is a robust selling machine.  And it works all while helping your audience know, like and trust you.  That's a smooth sales tool.

5.  PROFESSIONAL

As we mentioned, being known, liked and trusted are all valuable if you're planning to make a sale.  So, you can't slap any old website up and assume your bases are covered.  Your business' website must convey that you can be trusted.  A shoddy website will be like that 24/7 sales person showing up with greasy hair in a leisure suit and mis-matched socks.  It's an image any consumer would want to run away from.  Don't scare your consumers!

A professional website is not so out of reach.  If you've been told that it is, you're looking in the wrong places.  Keep looking.  We're happy to chat about our small business portfolio.

--

The next time you're looking to dial up, logon and do an Internet search for an small business, imagine your audience doing the very same thing.  What will they find?

Social Media & Emergency Response in Boston

Often, social media keeps us away from the tasks we should be doing, or is a nice break from the workday.  In an emergency, it can be the difference between life and death for those directly affected.  Information travels even faster among the social media infused internet super highway.  Let's look at a roundup of how social media helped in the emergency situation of the Boston Marathon bombings.

Recent Developments

Although getting emergency information out to the public isn't a new idea, the mediums of social media are new; and changing almost daily.  

AUTHORITATIVE- Increasingly, police departments, cities and other authoritative entities have active and well-maintained Twitter feeds.  Participating in the social media sphere is no longer viewed as a nicety or extravagance--it's part of the job.  In addition, an authoritative Twitter feed (denoted with a blue check mark next to the profile picture) lets the audience know it is a trusted source of information.

NEW MEDIUMS - Twitter released Vine in January of this year.  Keeping to it's mission (brevity as a virtue) Vine videos are a short six seconds.  In the aftermath of the Boston bombings, one user's Vine feed (recorded from his television) showed the world the exact moment the first bomb when off at the finish line.  This moment was then retweeted 111 times and featured in major news outlets.

NEW TOOLS -  Google Person Finder was created, "in response to the January 2010 Haiti earthquake in order to help those affected by the earthquake connect with their loved ones."  The Google execs realized having multiple websites with multiple listings of people was too cumbersome. One central location would be ideal--so they set out to create it.  Person Finder is launched in the event of an emergency and left online only as long as is prudent and necessary (keeping privacy in mind for all involved).

Social Media in Action

Mentions of the word "Boston" increased 20,000% during the emergency situation and most Facebook feeds were filled with thoughts, prayers and reflections about the situation.  People are leaning on social media as a critical way to get important information quickly and find solace in community.

TWITTER - Twitter seems to be the natural place for up-to-the minute information in any situation.  So, it seems a natural fit in an emergency as well.  The police, city and newspapers leveraged their Twitter feeds to deliver frequent updates in the aftermath of the tragedy.  In addition, the hashtag #PrayForBoston trended for hours in the aftermath.  In addition, police and city officials could instruct those still at the marathon of the areas that are sectioned off for crime scene investigation, where to find their belongings at the end of the race, and other important information.

FACEBOOK - Facebook is where people go to find comfort and community.  In the aftermath, many profiles posted "Praying for Boston" graphics of some sort.  Many people updated their statuses there, but it was more of a place to inform the community of their support and less of a news source.  In the days following, there are Facebook pages and communities people can turn to for support.  One such page is called "Boston Marathon Bombing" where users can post tributes, prayers and photos.

THE EVERYMAN JOURNALIST - Media/news outlets now look to average citizens and non-staffers to help them with pictures, video and updates about events. The Guardian is one such news outlet that looks for collateral from everyday people.  Imagery of the tragedy is readily available anywhere online, in part, due to the fact that everyone with a phone, camera or tablet can help paint the picture of the news.  Deadspin was the first to break the news of the bombing a short 13-minutes after it occurred.  It's news article contained mostly information, photos and videos from various twitter feeds.  Finally, there is a reddit feed that contains a compilation online news articles and mentions of the explosion.


SOLVING THE CRIME - Police and media/news outlets are looking to shutter-happy cellphone users and social media gurus that may have images of the scene before, during and after.  With almost every citizen armed with a cellphone, the photos, tips and movies that get sent in just might help solve this crime.

It's hard to say where emergency response will be in the next few years, thanks to social media.  With increasing numbers of people taking pictures and videos and tweeting and updating on the fly, critical information will be even more accessible in an emergency.  In the event of an emergency, look to social media to pave the way.

--


Deadspin - A collection of updates from journalists as well as Twitter feeds
The Drum - "Boston Marathon crisis: How social media responded"
Social Heatmap of social media mentions containing "finish line"
Nextgov - "Social Media Aids First Responders and Grieving Public After Bombing"

Threaded Comments Coming to Facebook

If you've "Liked" a Facebook Page that has more than 10,000 Followers, you may have noticed reply threading in the comments section.

It's been a long-felt irritation that individual comments couldn't be responded to.  Rather, just a laundry list of comment after comment with @ signs used sparingly to allow commenters to discuss with one another.

Threaded comments is a common feature on many blogs and it's taken quite a bit to get Facebook on board.

The good news?  Lively debates can be hashed out right there on the Facebook page.

The bad news?  Lively debates can be hashed out right there on the Facebook page.  In increasing frequency.

For now, threaded comments can be seen on on some Facebook Pages with over 10,000 Followers (we've searched out a number of these pages, and threaded comments still weren't active yet).    Facebook for mobile users can't see the threaded comments yet, as the feature is only enabled on the desktop version of the site.

Comments that are more relevant to viewers or that have a lot of dialogue are to appear higher in the comment listing while comments marked as spam will be towards the bottom.

What to see threaded comments on your Facebook Page or Profile?  That should be coming in July!

**Update - As of 2:45 PM, it looks like our Facebook Pages are able to roll out comment threading as well.  Maybe Facebook has relaxed the 10,000+ Followers parameter already...

Smartphone Market Share as of Jan '13

Some amazing Smartphone trends and observations:

• Did you see the "Age 13+" ??  When we were 13, we finally got a NEW bike and maybe a gaming console.  We were on top of the world! 


• We keep hearing in the media that Samsung has finally over taken Apple for market share.  According to this data, they haven't as of Jan '13.  We wonder what the next quarter will bring.


• So, how many cellphone users are we talking about?  

129.4 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones (55 percent mobile market penetration) during the three months ending in January, up 7 percent since October. (source)

• We're wondering if BlackBerry could ever be mainstream again.  It seems most business customers prefer the iPhone these days. 


• We'd love to hear your observations and comments!