You want to read more, huh? See the archives of our tech blog. Someday we’ll even include a post on the backstory of our mascot, TechPwny. If you’re lucky.
How Can PPC Help Your Business
Pay Per Click, or PPC, has become one of the better ways for a company to get ahead of the game when marketing online. But, what is Pay Per Click? How do you use it to the benefit of your business? Well, PPC (also known as cost per click) is a new-age method of Internet advertising. It helps to direct traffic to websites that the advertiser wishes new clientele to be sent to.
When a business uses Pay Per Click, they will have a publishing website post their ad. Usually, these are in the form of a banner or a button that have been designed to gain the attention of consumers, or can even be as simple as a hyperlink inserted into the phrase of an article relevant to the target market of the advertiser.
The publisher will host these PPC ads and links, giving the advertiser a fairly maintenance free method of advertisement. However, that doesn’t make it free. True to its name, Pay Per Click, is priced per the amount of clicks it gets from consumers. The more times a customer clicks on the ad. Usually the rates of pay for these cost per click modules will either be a flat rate or bid based. The advertiser should consider the potential value of the click from the source that they are advertising with, as the cost should be outweighed by the profits that the company would see through this kind of marketing.
With a flat rate PPC, the advertiser and the publisher will agree upon a fixed amount per click. Usually, they will receive a rate card that includes the different areas of the website that their link will be housed. However, this is never set in stone, and the advertiser can negotiate lower terms, especially if they agree to commit to a long-term or high value contract with the publisher. This is a great way to save a little on the overall cost. This however, does require the advertiser to know their publisher and their traffic. Having a long-term contract with a publisher that doesn’t have the traffic you need, isn’t going to help anyone.
Bid-based Pay Per Click is slightly different however. The advertiser will sign a contract that allows them to compete against other advertisers in a private auction. And as with any other auction, the highest bid wins.
PPC is a great way for any company, small, or large to get a hold of the mass amounts of consumers who are out surfing the Internet. It is a great way of fairly inexpensive marketing, giving the advertiser the means of boosting their bottom line of profits with very little work.
If you are worried about how to create great ad copy that will get results you can look for agencies to help you such as Dream Systems Media. Agencies can help you target a specific term, region, our audience. By putting some time into figuring out what advertisements work best you will be able to figure out what generates the best ROI.
Overall, any online business can stand to gain from Pay Per Click contracts. The best possible thing to do is to search for publishers that have a lot of traffic. The more traffic they have on their website, the larger chance a company has of having those consumers click on their ads or links.
Creating a New App
Smartphones and tablet computers have become fixtures in our day-to-day lives. Both of these devices have helpful tools called applications (or “apps”). There are so many apps available in the Android and Apple marketplaces. Odds are you will be able to find an app for any type of task you could think of. If you’re not able to find the app you need, it’s just as easy to create one as it is to look for one.
While these tools are a mainstay in our personal lives, they have also become a big part of the business world. Businesses create apps to promote or sell their products. Some companies try to hide their intention to promote their product behind a game or another type of entertaining app. The best apps give a better boost to the companies that release them than most other promotional methods.
For instance, if you’re looking to become a private investigator in Long Island, you will want to put an app together that tells potential customers about the services you offer and ways they can purchase them or get in touch with you. Both app marketplaces have very few options for people who are seeking justice or information about investigative services. Even though being a private investigator might not seem like a business, it’s still a business and it needs to be promoted.
As a private investigator in Long Island, you’re exchanging your investigative services for money, making your efforts a business in every sense of the word. You’re no different than eBay or any of the other businesses out there. You need to have tools in place that allow you to promote yourself to the widest audience possible. Once you have developed an internet presence, it’s only natural that you spread out and look towards apps.
Creating an app likely isn’t within the realm of expertise of the average private investigator; therefore, they will have to hire someone to create their app for them. This is often a costly endeavor because of the amount of time that goes into creating an app. The last thing you will want is a poorly made app that you purchase because you wanted to save a few dollars. Your app could mean the difference between your private investigating efforts becoming a success or failing before they ever get off the ground.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a shoe dealer in Los Angeles or a private investigator in Long Island. Having a plan in place to perfect the image of your business and promote it to the masses is essential. You have to start this path with a well-crafted website that brings users in through the various search engine. To promote this website, you can develop social media profiles and gather the followers needed to keep your growth consistent. After all of these areas are up and running, you can hire a developer to build your app or learn how to do it yourself. Since millions of people download apps from both of the app marketplaces, you have a good chance of getting a lot of exposure from this pursuit.
Tools for Conference Calls and Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is a fancy new way of having company meetings from distances. You can set up your video system and sit comfortably wherever you are while dishing out the latest news on your company and getting the latest developments and ideas from your colleagues. At this point many people have heard of video conferences, but many are still looking for online meetings made easy.
Using personal web conference call programs for communicating from one computer to another can be figured out fairly easily and with minimal technical knowledge or internet savvy. Where consumers start to become concerned is with the fancy programs. Sure you might be able to have someone come in and set it up for you, but then what? How do you use it?
Finding a user friendly set of tools for video conferencing is extremely important. They are available on the market; you just need to do some research. Aside from the actual hardware needed – the computer parts, i.e. screens, remotes, computer, cameras, etc. – you need software. There are a ton of different software programs available. Some are compatible with others and some are not, so that is something to consider. Some video conference programs you can access over the internet, so no installation is required and you can communicate with anyone that has a webcam.
When you are picking out a video conferencing system you basically have two choices. You can get a desktop system or a dedicated system. A desktop system is an add-on to a normal PC and it can generally be used with any webcam or microphone available. A dedicated system has the whole system in one piece of equipment. They are portable or non-portable depending on the size. From a distance these camera’s can be controlled and so they can tilt and move in many directions, as well as zoom in.
A good video conferencing program can not only all video and sound transmission, but can also get the groups involved in sharing documents, PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, and anything else necessary. They can pop up on the screen, so that everyone can be involved in the conversation. Hard copies are no longer required, saving trees in optional.
A video conferencing system of some sort is necessary to run a good business with long distance partnerships. They are easy to set up and to learn and make a huge positive impact. The most important thing is finding the right technology and programs to fit your business style and budget.
iPhone Freedom!
What is iPhone Jailbreak?
Simply put, Apple puts restrictions on your iPhone, and “Jailbreaking it” means hacking your iPhone’s settings in order to make it do more. For example, did you know that your new smart phone has a built in Panorama setting for the camera? Apple just has it locked away.
The iPhone is not perfect, and for this reason millions of iPhone users are researching how to Jailbreak their snazzy smart phones. If you want make changes and improvements to your device then start looking more into Jailbreak. iPhone has been held back by text message privacy issues, arbitrary data restrictions, limited customizability, and a lack of true multitasking capabilities. Jailbreak is the answer to improving these through applications by Cydia and Installer.
What is Cydia?/What is Installer?
You can think of Cydia and Installer as the app stores for Jailbreak. Some very selfless and admirable people take the time to create apps and tweaks for the iphone, and then upload them to these “App Stores”, which then organize these alterations into categories. The differences between Cydia and the App Store are the lack of anapp approval process, and the lack of access limits on the iPhone software. In other words, with iPhone jailbreak, you can do things Apple did not design the iPhone software to do.
Why Should I Jailbreak My iPhone?
- Free Your iPhone. From customizing the wallpaper on your home screen to customizing icons for your apps, Jailbreaking your iPhone lets you unleash the real power of an iPhone. Bottom line, you can make your iPhone even more fun!
- To join the subculture. Sick of Apple’s stranglehold on the iPhone? Those who Jailbreak iPhone belong to a movement of people who demand more from their iPhones. And they’re not gonna let Apple stop them. Beat the system: Jailbreak your iPhone.
Why Should I Leave My iPhone Locked Up?
- Apple Isn’t Stupid. The iPhone is evidence of Apple’s ingenuity. Let’s face it, the iPhone is a remarkable piece of engineering, and we should just be happy with the stock options Apple graces us with. Apple guarantees that your iPhone is going to work. If you try getting more out of your iPhone you risk giving your self less, a lot less.
- Increased Risk of Virus on Your Phone. There have only been two viruses reported on the iPhone, and both were on Jailbroken iPhones. Enough Said.
- Jailbreak voids your iPhone warranty. This is the killer! You can completely void your iPhones warranty if they see that you have been tampering. Some Apple Stores have even posted warnings not to Jailbreak iPhones because the warranty will become as useful as a floppy disk. Something to consider…
Find a New XPS 15z Laptop in Dell’s Treasure Hunt
You can win a brand new Dell XPS 15z laptop by following the clues in Dell’s Laptop Treasure Hunt contest. Simply follow the clues—seven in total—and be the first to find the winning landing page on Dell.com. You can find the first clue right now on Dell’s laptops page.
Once you find the right page, Tweet or blog about it first and you’ll be the winner. Anyone else who finds the right page and shares it via Twitter or blog post will be entered into a sweepstakes to win one of ten Dell gift certificates worth $499.
Even if you don’t find the treasure, you can still enter to win these gift certificates by sharing the contest on Twitter, your public Google+ profile, or your blog. Just use the #delltreasure hashtag and be sure to follow @DellHomeUS. Good luck and good hunting!
Four Cool Ways You Can Spend Your Marketing Money
When someone produces a cool new gadget and forms a small businesses they usually have small marketing budgets, so it can seem risky to spend it on something “cool” instead of something tried and true. Here are four things that you can do yourself before hiring an interactive agency that you may not have considered, but have proven to be highly effective when done right. I’ve listed them in order of least risky to most risky.
Local Search
Local search is basically SEO for small businesses who only operate in one market or small region. This is so un-risky that if you aren’t doing this yet, you should be. Don’t believe the hype that phone book marketing departments spew. More and more people search online for local services and this is increasing rapidly. My Mom, who is 65, doesn’t even use the phone book anymore, and she’s not what you’d call a techie. Making your business easier to find for people in your area really isn’t that difficult, and unless you’re a lawyer or realtor, it’s not that expensive. There are many locally run search marketing firms that can help you learn what you need to know and get you to the top of the Google results as well as listed in the local online directories. The only risk with local search marketing is not doing it.
Local Coupon Sites
You’ve probably already heard of Groupon and Living Social, even if you don’t understand exactly what they do or how they work. Basically, they make their money by hosting temporary co-ops called buying groups. Businesses agree to offer significant discounts if a minimum number of consumers buy the deal. The idea for you is to sell cheap and make up the difference and then some on volume. This works well for many types of businesses and is particularly effective for restaurants, entertainment, and other common consumable products and services. My wife and I tried paragliding through a Groupon deal, and we haven’t paid full price at a restaurant for a while. It doesn’t work very well for unplanned needs, like plumbing emergencies for example, so steer clear if you fall into that category. If this makes sense for your business, it’s relatively low risk, although any time you cut prices and hope for higher volume, you run some risk. Typically, the account rep you work with at one of these sites will be able to tell you how other businesses similar to yours have performed.
Mobile Apps
You don’t need to create the next Angry Birds to find success with a mobile app. And you sure be sure that a mobile app is right for you. But more and more people are using their mobile devices to get things done on the go, or to pass the time while they wait. The key to a good mobile app is to identify something that your customers would find useful or entertaining. It should then tie into what you do and increase awareness or offer an incentive for people to try you for the first time or come back. You’ll need someone who can write computer programs in Java and/or C++, preferably who has a flare for or interest in mobile media. Where can you find such a person for relatively cheap? Try your local university or community college. Creating an app that actually increases sales is risky. It requires an in-depth understanding of your business model and the ability to look at your business from a new angle. If you want to try this but can’t figure out how to make it work, a creative firm can probably help.
Viral Video
Creating a video in hopes of having it go viral on the internet is definitely the most risky, but can be the most rewarding. It’s risky because it’s not easy; and it’s probably going to cost a little more, but if it works, you won’t just be known in your market, you’ll be seen around the world. Production values don’t have to be amazing and talent doesn’t have to be great, a good viral video just has to be unique and funny. This means you can skimp on the production as long as you have help writing something great, which you probably won’t be able to do on your own. Check out this commercial for a local taxidermist that went viral. People who don’t need a taxidermist probably won’t go out and kill something just to use this guy, but you can bet the other taxidermists in the area have taken a hit.
If You Invent Gadgets Then Protect Your Trade Secrets
The following article is from Gary P. Lightman, an attorney who provides legal services for small businesses and individuals.
Little kids on the playground have them. Your grandma has them. Spies have them, too. But what commonality could possibly exist among this motley group? Well, it’s actually something that you as someone who makes or invents gadgets have as well: secrets. And while the types of secrets you have are pretty different from the secrets a spy has, it’s true for both of you that if your secrets get out, your whole enterprise is shot.
Specifically, let’s talk about your trade secrets. Trade secrets are usually experiential knowledge that a company or individual has gathered through trial and error. These secrets represent an enormous amount of value in terms of time, effort, resources spent, and future revenue. “Trade secret” can sometimes be a synonym for “competitive edge.” In common parlance, you’ll hear burger joints talk about their special “secret sauce.” Gadget companies will boast about the fact that their devices have technology that no others do. And in the world of fried foods, Kentucky Fried Chicken has famously kept their recipe of “11 herbs and spices” in a locked vault at the corporate headquarters. It’s clear that companies care about controlling who has access to their information. You should too; but fortunately, there are legal steps you can take to ensure that your secrets are safe from prying eyes.
If you’re in the business of creating or producing gadgets, you have the right to protect your hard-earned knowledge. While you certainly should make every effort to protect this information from the public, you should also be thinking about whether past, present, or future employees pose a security risk when it comes to your trade secrets. You should first think about all the information that you use to make your daily decisions as a business owner. Does every employee need access to all of it, or would it be possible to restrict access to certain parts of your company’s information? Think about the way your company is organized. Think about your pricing structure. Think about your client lists. And yes, think about the recipes you use in your products. If you feel like any of this information isn’t likely to be common knowledge within your industry, you should probably consider taking extra steps to protect it.
Specifically, did you know that you can fold non-disclosure, non-competition clauses into the contracts your employees are required to sign? These legal provisions prohibit future or current employees (and even independent contractors, for that matter) from using, selling, or distributing information that you have deemed “classified.” If an employee breaches the agreement and tries to use your trade secrets for their personal advantage, having a signed agreement means that they’ll be held legally responsible for the damage done to your company. These provisions should definitely form part of your employee contracts. If you don’t have an employee contract—you should probably create one of those, too. You’ll be glad you did.
The Tech Pwny’s Crazy Uncle
We normal folk all have that one crazy uncle who shows up at family reunions trying to get you to pull his finger, but none of us are lucky enough to have an uncle as cool as the Tech Pwny’s uncle. Meet Robot Unicorn. Trust us, there is nothing girly about this beast. He will tan your hide with his devastating rainbow attack, and his double jump gives him the ability to jump….TWICE!!! If you think you can handle the Robot Unicorn click here!
How to Avoid an Epic Gift-Giving Fail
Giving great gifts is both an art and a science, and almost everyone can remember at least one gift, either given or received, that has fallen flat. According to a 1990 study from the Association for Consumer Research, gift giving can be a potent symbol that transforms relationships when done correctly. Fortunately, it’s not difficult to become an expert at epic gift giving and become known as the person who always finds unique gifts for every friend or family member–and technology can play a huge role in your gift giving. Who doesn’t love a great gadget. So sit back and enjoy finding the perfect gift!
If You Don’t Know… Ask!
To succeed at gift giving, choose a gift that reflects what you know about the receiver. Don’t give something that you would love to have, but instead opt for a gift that complements something the receiver already loves. If you are unsure what to give, avoid choosing something generic, but instead ask the potential gift receiver about his or her hobbies, tastes or interests to get gift ideas. You always want to check whether or not they already have something before you get it for them–if they love gadgets and technology make sure they don’t have the item before you buy it (or at least get a gift receipt).
Appropriate… Check.
Matching your gift to the relationship is another way to ensure that your present will be a hit. Avoid getting something expensive for someone you have only known a few weeks or months, and don’t give an extremely personal gift to a coworker or client.
Surprise!
To turn a good gift experience into a great gift experience, add an element of surprise. Instead of simply wrapping your gift and presenting it, wrap a small box with a clue as to where the real gift is located. Another option is to disguise your gift by wrapping it in a much larger box than expected or by leaving off the gift tag to keep the recipient from realizing that it is for him or her until the last moment.
Think Ahead.
Another key to giving great gifts is to prepare in advance. Scope out your gift-giving possibilities a few weeks or months in advance by asking the recipient’s friends or family about specific likes or dislikes. Keep notes about any potential gifts seen throughout the year and buy things you know your friends and family like so that when special occasions come around you are already prepared. If you give someone a gift that requires assembly or is difficult to operate, put it together and test it out before giving it.
If you take the time to get a gift that is personalized, heartfelt and give it with sincerity, you will not experiences an epic gift giving fail because your effort will be reflected in the effort you put forth in making it special. And with the extra effort, finding gifts perfectly suited to the person who receives them should result in a satisfying conclusion.
The Original Apple Logo
This was Apple’s First logo. It is from before 1976. It is obviously Newton under anApple tree, but the design is pretty awful. All I have to say is…WTF?