September, 2010

Top 5 Ways to Use Technology to Save Money

Even as the economy turns a corner, many small business owners are still feeling the effects of the 2009 recession. There are a whole host of options available that take advantage of technology to save money on everyday operating costs.

VoIP

Many consumers are aware of VoIP services and are starting to use them for residential local and long distance calling. However, small business owners aren’t taking advantage of these cost savings that work with your existing network – no upgrades needed.

7 Ways Landing Pages Increase Online Marketing Success

Want a foolproof way to increase your email and search engine marketing success? You may not realize it yet, but the answer isn't necessarily in the subject line or the ad copy - it's in your campaigns' landing pages.

When it comes to increasing conversions, landing pages are a formidable yet sometimes overlooked tool in a marketer's arsenal, so if you've been putting your landing pages on the back burner you aren't getting the full return for your online marketing investment.

Mobile is Coming, but it’s passing us by?

There is a great piece of research just released which highlights a number of undeniable facts and figures about mobile communications, how fast it’s moving and how most businesses are so far behind the curve that most can’t even see the potential that is right at their fingertips. This report is worth the read if for no other reason than to see what you missing out on.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from this report and specifically what impact they have on the internet:

10 Ways to Use Customer Testimonials

Using customer testimonials in your marketing efforts can be very effective. They help to build your reputation, credibility and sales. Don’t be afraid to ask your satisfied customers to give you a testimonial. Most will be happy to offer their opinions. Be sure to ask their permission to use the testimonials in your marketing campaign. You must also comply with the FTC when using customer testimonials.

An Interview with Mélanie Attia, Product Marketing Manager for Campaigner Email Marketing

Campaigner, a leading email marketing service provider, recently introduced new features aimed at making their service even faster and easier for small businesses to use, regardless of their level of marketing expertise.

We had the opportunity to speak with Mélanie Attia, Product Marketing Manager for Campaigner Email Marketing, about the new features, new trends in the email marketing and how these will help small businesses to better communicate with their clients vie email.

And the Semi-Finalists for the 10th Idea Cafe's Small Business Cash Grant are...

We are thrilled to present the semi-finalists for the 10th Idea Café's $1,000.00 Small Business Grant. It was tough since there were so many super candidates. But now we've selected the cream of the crop from nearly one thousand exceptional applicants. 40 grant applicants impressed us with their creativity, business wisdom and the intent to leverage their business and personal talents to help others. Below you can learn more about our semi-finalists' businesses and ideas.

Sales Compensation Plans Improve Your Plan to Boost Your Profitability

Most experts seem to agree that misguided incentive and sales compensation plans were near the heart of the country’s financial crisis, the effects of which are still rattling around Europe as this is written. These compensation plans encouraged aggressive individuals on Wall Street to over-sell the wrong products to the wrong people and pay themselves very handsomely in the process.

Semi-finalist Q&A: iCareNOW

iCareNOW Coupons empowers you to make a difference for yourself and others. Choose from great offers provided by good businesses in your own neighborhood. Get their coupons, see their commercials and get to know the local charities they support and so much more. The iPhone app "iCareNOW Coupons" is about to be released as a commercial version.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Semi-finalist Q&A: Knox's Spice Company

Knox's Spice creates and manufactures gourmet all natural spice blends. The company is on a mission to provide aromatic, flavorful dry rubs made with highest quality herbs and spices available.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.

Semi-finalist Q&A: ChargedUp Media

ChargedUp Media is an online branding company that helps businesses take charge of their niche through the use of social media and internet marketing.

Information from their grant application is available here. Read below for more, and if you have questions for our semi-finalists don't hesitate to ask them in the comments section.