January 2007
Monthly Archive
Two new Google maps things of interest
MattE 27 Jan 2007 | : Marketing, Media, Web
Yes I have been slack in looking at developments to do with Google maps, but one represented a great marketing opportunity.
Free ads for Sydney businesses
Seems Google advertised the fact that they would be taking new photos of Sydney for Google Maps (and one assume Google Earth) - surely a huge marketing opportunity for any switched-on businesses who could get something organised - a great advertising sign opportunity that will last till next time they update the photos…could be years!
Here are a couple of reports on it
James Bond and business lessons
MattE 26 Jan 2007 | : Marketing
I came across an interesting article that applies the James Bond 007 franchise to business lessons. The article lists the 7 main lesson we can learn from Bond and the 007 franchise. Here is my take on each (not addressing James Bond, which is done in the article linked at the end):
Business Lesson #1:Every product or service reinvents itself–or should.
Essentially change is good, as long as the core ingredients remain the same and do what is expected. In other words, change the packaging, but not the trusted contents.
Good customers pay on time
MattE 19 Jan 2007 | : Marketing
A great bit of advise from over at A Marketing Blog by Marketing Journal called Isn’t it good if your customers pay on time?
I repeat it here. One aspect I think needs adding is that people who don’t pay, because they insist on paying by THEIR accounting cycles. I have one client who paid 60 days from end of month.
I now insist on 100% up front - and this is a national company who can be quite lucrative, but I am not a bank that offers money on the short term lending market, interest free……
Your opinion is requested
MattE 18 Jan 2007 | : Marketing, Web
I am asking people to take a look at our Caricature King website. As part of constant improvement, I am keen to find out what people think:
1. Easy to navigate?
2. If you were wanting to buy the product, can you find all/enough info to reach a purchase decision?
3. Too much or too little info/choice?
4. ANYTHING else!!!
I am not after webmaster’s points of view (though welcome) but typical shoppers….folks just like you.
Please send me an email from the site, or using the feedback facility on the site.
SIM card error and the $600 mobile phone bill
MattE 17 Jan 2007 | : Media, SMS
Mobile phone users need to be aware that calls and other telecommunications charges might be made to their phone during periods when their SIM is reporting an error on their phone.
We had this occur to us when one of our phones reported a SIM card read error. Naturally we could not use the phone, even though a call to Telstra had them claiming that noting seemed wrong. You can imagine our surprise when our bill showed charges of $600 racked up over the 2 days till we could get the SIM replaced!
Who ever had access when on a spree, subscribing to Foxtel mobile service, subscribing to a ringtone service, downloading megabyte and megabyte of mobile content, etc.
Get $140 bonus when you buy anti virus software
As some of you may be aware, we also run a computer software site.
We have just been made aware this morning by our suppliers of a fantastic bonus when you buy Trend Micro Security Suite anti virus and anti phishing software.
If you do not have effective anti virus protection for your computer, now is the ideal time.
Till the end of January, when you buy Trend Micro 2007 anti virus software (extra bonus, 3 user coverage for the price of one!!), you will also receive a redemption form to claim your bonus USB kit valued at over $140.
Building your business with SMS
In today’s highly competitive business world, providing a range of communication and interaction methods with your customers and staff is an area that can always be improved. This can lead to greater business opportunities, streamlined business systems, cost savings and improved profits!
One of the simplest ways to do this is using SMS.
Think about it:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation website - 10/10 for user unfriendliness
MattE 02 Jan 2007 | : Media, Web
I was looking for details of a program on ABC Radio national this morning.
It was another exercise in using a website that has not been designed with the user in mind, and a clear example of an organisation that fails to recognise the fact that web means easy updating - AKA accurate information.
This is easy to see because as we are now in the middle of the ’summer season’ when many programs are not being aired, the website still reflects many ‘regular’ programs - even right on the main page of the ABC Radio National page.
Maybe the web staff are all on holiday as well…
