NetGains Marketing

Google announced a plan on Tuesday January 24, 2012 to link user data across its email, video, social-networking and other services that it says will create a "beautifully simple and intuitive" user experience.

Google Inc. said the new system will give users more relevant search results and information, while helping advertisers find customers — especially on mobile devices.

For example, if you spend an hour on Google searching the Web for insurance, the next time you log into YouTube, you might get recommendations for videos featuring TD Insurance, along with ads for his merchandise and the nearest place to acquire them.

"If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries — or tailor your search results — based on the interests you've expressed in Google (Plus), Gmail and YouTube," the company says on a new overview page for its privacy policies. "We'll better understand (what) you're searching for and get you those results faster."

Google has made Plus the focal point of challenge to Facebook's social network. In the first seven months since its debut, Plus has attracted more than 90 million users, according to Google. To promote Plus, Google recently began including recommendations about people and companies with Plus accounts in its search results.
Google, Facebook and other popular Internet services all want to learn as much as possible about their users so they can learn more about their users and to target people interested in specific products, such as golf clubs or skinny jeans.

Google says users who opt to see personalized ads are 37 per cent more likely to respond to an ad than people who opt out of targeting.

From a business prespective this is will be a benefit, which will translate on your marketing budget and conversion rate.  Take advantage of this new system and set in place a estratergy now.

Estrategic Web-Marketing Experct - Daniel Balcorta.

As the lazy days of summer end and normalcy returns to your business and life, it’s a great time to take inventory of where you and your business are right now, and where you want to be in the future.

One great way is by using SMART Goals.

Often people have problems with goals setting because they make their goals nebulous and abstract. For instance, someone may want to take a European vacation next summer, but unless they are taking real steps toward the trip, it’s really more of a dream than a goal.

But someone who sets aside a portion of their paycheck every week to pay for the trip and has already decided when they want to go and where they want to stay while in Europe, is actually using smart goals. 

By definition, SMART goals are Specific, Measured, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

Because of those factors, anyone using SMART goals is forced to be accountable, which should help in accomplishing that goal.

If the goal for your business is to grow cashflow by 25% by the end of next August, ask yourself if that goal fits the requirements to be a SMART goal?

Is it specific? Yes it is.

Is it measured? Yes, you can certainly figure out how close you are to your goal of 25% growth as the year wears on.

Is it attainable? It depends on the business, but for this article, let’s say it is an attainable number.

Is it realistic? If your goals aren’t realistic, what’s the point of setting them? You want to have goals that can be accomplished and that lead to steady improvement.

Is it timely? Putting a timetable on your goals will allow you to accomplish more while measuring the progress you are making toward your end result.

You can use SMART Goals in everything you do, from living a healthier lifestyle to taking the vacation of your dreams and building online. So what do you want to accomplish, personally and professionally, over the next few months, the next year, the next couple of years and how will SMART goals get you there?

1. Manage Network Contacts

I really like Hashable 2.0. The app (iPhone & Android) allows you to forward your contact info, set reminders (which go on your calendar and send you an alert email), take notes and introduce your contacts to each other. It’s a great way to cut back on paper and to help with the trouble so many have with remembering to follow-up.

2. Track Expenses

I like anything that’s functional and time-saving.

Expensify and apps like it help entrepreneurs stay organized and save time at the end of the month and at tax time.

3. Share Files

Dropbox has been a huge help with our business … we can easily send files to each other and our customers. Using Dropbox you don’t have to go through a ton of USBs or numerous emails, and [you aren’t] limited to using only one computer to edit a file.

4. Expedite Payment

One of the biggest challenges of running your own business? Getting paid on time. Enter Square, an awesome and ridiculously easy-to-use application for accepting payments via credit card. We use it religiously. Not only has it expedited receiving payment from clients, the processing fee is lower than PayPal. Download it now and save yourself those “Where’s my money?” emails.

5. Secure Your Servers

For all of the Internet entrepreneurs out there, website security and keeping 100% up-time for your site is a must. With CodeGuard, you get to automatically backup your servers from any previous point in time. Best of all, it’s inexpensive and well-worth the monthly price.

6. Gather Feedback and Information

It actually came out in late 2010, but Quora has been very useful to me to this year. It’s a great way to pull together a wide variety of information, as well as find experts in new fields.

7. Track To-Dos

As a CEO I have a ton of to-dos, and Wunderlist allows me to track all of these from my computer, iPhone or iPad. Their design is clean and fresh, with the best part being that you can organize your to-dos by categories, such as personal, businesses, etc. This is a must-have app for any entrepreneur.

8. Manage Social Media

I came across Arkli, which is a social media campaign manager, and I’ve been working closely with creator Mike Potter on its usability. Arkli lets you schedule out your blog posts, tweets, YouTube videos, etc. and share the entire campaign with affiliates, colleagues, joint venture partners, etc. so they can instantly schedule their own social media updates too. One word: AMAZING!

There are two words that can make all the difference when it comes to advertising and marketing: Test and measure. Here are four steps to help you make the most of your advertising efforts.

1. Follow the TOC formula. Target, offer, copy. These are the three elements that make up the foundation of a strong ad.
   
   Assuming you know your target market, your ad should be placed where those potential customers will see it. If you don't know your market, that's the first thing you need to figure out when determining the viability of your business. If there's no market, your business is not viable.
   Finally, your copy needs to include a call to action -- something to prompt potential customers to call you, visit your website or get in touch with you somehow.Start with test ads. These could be classified ads, small space ads or even online ads via Google. 
2. Start with test ads. These could be classified ads, small space ads or even online ads via Google.
   
   One of my favorite stories about the effectiveness of testing ads is from writer Ian Ayres, who thought "The End of Intuition" would be a great name for his new book. So he did a test run with Google AdWords and discovered that the title "Super Crunchers" attracted 63 percent more responses.
   
   Such a test is an easy and inexpensive way to determine if your product or service offering is indeed on target.
3. Track responses. If you are targeting the right market with a decent offer and a clear call to action, then you should generate some response.
   
   Now it's time to examine what you could do to boost that response, modify your winning ad and test it again. If your ads don't generate any response, kill them and move on. 
4. Prune, modify, increase. Once you've found something that works you can branch out and expand. If you are running a small classified ad, for instance, try a bigger display ad. 
   
   If you're advertising online, increase your daily pay-per-click amounts or try new niches. Over time, you'll find your sweet spot and ultimately learn to manage your marketing resources more effectively.Remember, once you do the hard work upfront, you'll be more effective in the overall process - and in finding your winners and killing your losers. But you can only get to that point by testing and measuring what you do. The numbers will ultimately be your guide to success.

Whether you are starting a brand new website or simply upgrading your current one, NetGains Marketing can help you get started on your changes today.