The best way to build your audience and increase loyalty on your Facebook business page is customer interaction. It’s great to share relevant news about your business and your market, but keep your customers in mind when you do. Ask yourself if you were a customer who follows your business on Facebook, if you would be interested in what you’re about to post.

A great way to leverage Facebook for your brand is to invite customers to interact with you or give them a reason to share your posts with their friends – a great way to grow your audience.

Consider sharing a story and inviting a response. For example, if your business is a restaurant and you got word that someone proposed to their fiance at your restaurant recently, post “Two of our regular customers recently got engaged here. Please share with us a special memory from our restaurant.”

Or “This week we introduced a new menu item — our delicious Apple Fritters. What’s your favorite menu item?”

Rather than just announcing a special, ask people to share it with their friends. Consider adding a group incentive like, “If 100 people come in for this month’s special, next month we’ll offer 50% off an appetizer to anyone who says they’re a fan on Facebook.” Post status updates every few days.

Your business may not be a restaurant, but with just a little creativity you will think of lots of ways to engage your customers. Own an auto repair shop? Ask your fans to share stories about a time their car broke down.

Are you a dentist? “Do you have a general question about dental care for Dr. Smith? Post the question and we’ll post an answer.” You can even set up a Q&A page, or provide a digital suggestion box. Once a month, highlight a member of your team with a photo and a short bio. It will help your customers and potential customers feel like they know your practice better.

Think of creative ways to keep your fans engaged — your Likes will increase, and so will your business!

This blog was originally posted on ideas4smallbiz.com

This article in the LA Times about Sam Wo, a long-established hole-in-the-wall restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown reminded me that sometimes businesses succeed even when conventional wisdom says otherwise. It was interesting to read, and what stood out was the overwhelming response of the loyal customers. The picture shows the line out the door, with people waiting to get in for one last meal before the eatery closes due to health violations (including – gasp – rodent activity).

For Sam Wo to have so many loyal fans despite the fact they it’s known for it’s rudeness and not always sanitary conditions means they must have been doing something right. But what was it?

Sadly I’ve never been to Sam Wo so can only guess.  But I do have plenty of fond memories at other hole-in-the-wall spots scattered across the country. As I think about what attracts me to them I realized there was one common theme: Authenticity.

Authenticity

These days, people want something real, something with character. There’s a certain charm to it. Sure, the Olive Garden offers an Italian “experience.” The food, service and atmosphere are consistently good and it’s a safe dining choice. But it isn’t exactly memorable. You can have the same experience at a Olive Garden in Seattle as you could in say, Tampa, Florida. Now I’m certainly not bashing Olive Garden but given the choice, I’d pick an authentic, independent, family-owned Italian restaurant with character any day (though I have to admit Marilyn Hagerty does make a good case for Olive Garden in her review of the Grand Forks, ND location – charming!)

Overlook the Flaws

People say they want convenience, but will then patiently wait two hours for a table at a favorite spot. Or fight traffic and parking downtown to pick up a baby gift at an independently owned retail store, bypassing three Babies-R-Us on the way. When you offer something unique and authentic, customers are loyal and will come back despite the inconvenience or so called “flaws.”

Give Us Character

The cool place where you can write on the walls? The bar that leaves its Christmas lights up all year? The restaurant that displays customers’ drawings on napkins, alongside framed autographs from famous people that have eaten there? The amusement park with a “gum tree.” The biker bar in Missouri famous for bras hanging on the ceiling? Each one has something unique and interesting going for it. Character. A story. A tale to tell. There are little hidden gems all over the world, and when you find one that feels like home you want to hang onto it. Customers want to be a little part of its history, flaws and all.

There’s a chance that Sam Wo might reopen if the owners can bring it back up to code. If not, the locals may be forced to move on to Panda Express for their Chinese fix. The service is good, the food is consistent and there are no roaches or rodents crawling around. But where’s the charm in that?

This has been in the news recently, but I want to make sure all our clients know about it. This is definitely legit and I’ve checkout out my computers and they are clean. If your computer has been affected, you will no longer be able to access the internet after July 9. Here’s why. In 2007 a large hacker group spread a trojan that silently attacked computers around the world, taking over all traffic on affected computers, and routing it through their own servers so they could send you to hacker controlled Web sites whenever they wanted.

Last November the government arrested the people responsible but realized that shutting down the hacker servers would mean that millions of affected computers would suddenly have no internet access. So they set up their own friendly DNS servers to keep traffic going for infected computers. It was only meant to run for four months, but a judge has ordered an extension until July 9. They believe that hundreds of thousands of computers are still infected and after July 9th those computers will no longer be able to access the internet.

Fortuntely the government has set up a quick and easy way to tell if you are infected or if you’re in the clear. Please go to www.dns-ok.us — the Web site will quickly report on whether your IP address is being rerouted. If it shows that your DNS is good, you’ll see the results immediately. If you find out you are infected, there are links that you can follow that will tell you what to do.

This blog was originally posted on ideas4smallbiz.

I came across this article in the Dallas Morning News about how Jimmy Buffett “was social networking long before the Internet” and smiled. I’d never thought of it that way before, but he made a good point. Buffett has a loyal, extremely dedicated group of followers (aka “Parrot Heads”) that have been with him since the beginning. Their demographics, backgrounds and lifestyles vary greatly, but they all have one thing in common — a passion for Buffett’s music and laid-back style.

I’ve been a Parrot Head for as long as I can remember. First by default, then later by choice. I have my stepdad, Mike, to thank for that. When he married my mom in the early eighties he brought his collection of Buffett tapes (yes, tapes — and even a few records) into the marriage. She brought us kids. The jury is still out as to who go the better deal…

Mike grew up in Florida listening to Buffett in the 70’s, back before Buffett was the megastar he is today. Before his only top 10 hit “Margaritaville” was released in 1977, Buffett spent his nights playing at bars and smaller venues throughout the south, no doubt with the same laid-back, Caribbean vibe he’s known for today. Still the same loveable Jimmy and the Coral Reefers, just on a smaller and less main-stream scale.

Buffett has that easy-going, island music that makes you feel like you’re on vacation. Somehow it was the only music on which our entire family could agree, and his albums were our go-to music of choice on many family road trips.

It was overdue, but I finally made it to my first Buffett concert in Denver in 1996. I was hooked. Before that I thought state fairs were good for people-watching. Let me tell you, they’ve got nothing on a Buffett concert!

The first thing you’ll notice about the crowd is the diversity. There are kids, college coeds, business professionals and retirees all doing the hand motions to “Fins to the Left.”  The demographics are all over the board.

The second thing you’ll notice is the crowd’s attire. What a spectacle! You’ll see plenty of Hawaiian shirts and flip-flops, but that’s just the beginning. There are people wearing cheeseburger hats, hula skirts, coconut bras, you name it. Last year I even saw a guy in a full parrot costume. Sheer comedy.

The third thing you’ll notice is that everyone is just so damn happy. It’s truly as if everyone checked their worries at the door (or parking lot, because the party definitely starts hours earlier with the tailgating). It’s hard to be in a bad mood when you’re belting out the words to “Why Don’t We Get Drunk” with 20,000 of your closest friends. I’m not sure how, but somehow Buffett even gets vegetarians to sing along to “Cheeseburger In Paradise.”

It truly is the “social network” of fans that got Jimmy to where he is today. He has a huge group of loyal followers that support him, his music and his brand. He’s been good to them over the years by consistently producing good music, delivering spectacular shows and staying true to himself. There are Parrot Head chapters all over the country, where like-minded people come together to bond over a common theme. When you think about it, it’s a similar concept to thousands of Facebook groups (one example: “I Don’t Care How Comfortable Your Crocs Are, You Look Like Dumb@ss,” where 1,194 different members bonded over a mutual theme). Social networking brings like-minded people together, which Buffett has been doing for years.

The thing about Jimmy Buffett is it seems he genuinely likes what he’s doing. I’m sure there are plenty of things that are strictly for show, but I get the feeling he’d be happy strumming his six string at a local beach dive, wearing flip flops and drinking cold beers with his “network.” He built his name slowly over time by doing what he loves, being true to himself and true to his fans. People are drawn to him and he knows that – but doesn’t take advantage of it either.

I was thrilled to hear Buffet is coming back to The Woodlands in June, and even happier when I learned my parents, sister, brother and sister-in-law are coming in from out of town for the occasion. We’ve all seen Buffett separately – but never all together for the same concert. Can’t think of a better family bonding experience. Fins to the Right!

This blog was originally posted on ideas4smallbiz.com…

Earlier this week I had dinner plans with a good friend. Out of habit, we began driving to our “go-to” restaurant at Market Street, but at the last minute I remembered hearing about a new bar that opened up at the nearby Waterway.  We decided to check it out, and I’m glad we did.

Bar Louie is a cool bar with a good atmosphere. I’ve since learned it’s a chain, although it didn’t have that “chain feel.” The weather was perfect and we grabbed a spot on the patio. And there we sat. And sat some more. No one came to greet us. I wasn’t too bothered at first because we were busy catching up, but after nearly 15 minutes I was annoyed and started to regret our decision to try something new. Had we gone to our old standby we certainly would have had drinks by now.

We contemplated leaving, but in the nick of time our friendly waiter greeted us, profusely apologizing for the wait. Then he told us that because it was grand opening week, every single guest received a free martini and small plate. That was a nice perk we weren’t expecting. Suddenly I wasn’t so mad anymore. Funny how it’s easy to forgive when something is free. Our waiter recommended one of their signature drinks, a cucumber martini. Definitely something I wouldn’t normally pick, but because it was free I decided to give it a shot. Nothing to lose, right?

Over drinks and appetizers, we talked and enjoyed the night. I discovered I’m a big fan of cucumber vodka (who knew?). After that first round we each ordered another (not free). More people began trickling in, and soon the place was packed.

As we enjoyed the food, drinks and atmosphere I couldn’t help but think about this grand opening promotion from a marketing perspective. Giving away free stuff isn’t new. But it’s one of those things that sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t. Sometimes giving away too much lessens the perceived value of the brand. Other times it’s a genius hook to get people to try a product/service/martini they normally never would. Overall I think it’s a great strategy, especially for a new business trying to raise awareness in their community. But it must be done right. Below are six benefits to giving away free things – good things to consider when deciding whether the strategy is right for your business.

6 Reasons Giving Away Free Stuff Can Work For Your Small Business

1). Free stuff creates a buzz. In today’s day and age, it doesn’t take long for news to travel. Soon I started to see Facebook posts and tweets about the free drinks and apps at Bar Louie. People were making plans to get there before the grand opening specials ended. People like free stuff, plain and simple. And they’re more willing to pay more attention if they hear something from a friend. The power of social media.

2). Encourages people to try your products/service/experience risk free. This is a benefit if you want to prove that you have something different or better to offer. People are more likely to try something they normally wouldn’t if it is free and without commitment. That’s why my gym offers a complimentary one-day pass to people considering membership. My daughter’s ballet encourages the kids to take a “trial” class to see if it’s something she’s interested in before committing. Free samples at the grocery store? Same concept. The idea is that if customers try something and like it, or have a positive experience, they’ll buy and then come back for more.

3) It’s the hook that gets customers in –  so they’ll stick around and spend more. Sure, there’s always a few that will order the bare minimum and leave. But most will stay for awhile and order more. Why do so many restaurants offer “Kids Eat Free” days? Because kids don’t dine alone. Their parents have to bring them and eat, too. The cost of a child’s plate is minimal in comparison. It gets the entire family in the door, so they spend money at your place instead of a competitor down the street.  I’ve seen a number of local restaurants promoting free appetizers for Tax Day – another way to get people in the door.

4) Customers are more forgiving when something is free. Just as I immediately forgot how upset I was about the long wait at Bar Louie, people are more forgiving if they feel like they’re getting a bargain. That’s not to say you should use it as an excuse to give poor service, but it can be an advantage for a new business trying to work out the kinks. While the employees struggle to learn the ropes, figure out the new computer system and adjust to the learning curve, you have a set of customers who are a little more willing to go with the flow. Just don’t take advantage of them.  If they leave with a negative perception, they may never come back. And of course will tell all their friends. Ah, the power of social media again.

5) Positive Brand Association. People love to get something for free, no strings attached. It makes them happy and brightens their day. Buy doing this, you can create a positive association with your brand.  Customers remember how special they felt and think highly of you. It’s also about positioning. Sometimes offering a completely FREE appetizer is more appealing to a guest than 15% off their meal, even though the percentage discount might be an actual greater dollar amount. People perceive that they’re getting something for nothing, which makes them giddy.

6). Creates a buying habit. By offering something free, people are more likely to give your business a try. And once they’ve been – assuming the experience was positive – they’re more likely to come back. We all know it’s harder to gain a new customer than keep a current one, and that buyers are creatures of habit. They go with what they know and feel comfortable with. Part of the challenge of a new business – or even an established business – is driving traffic (foot traffic to a retail location or traffic to your website). So now that your location is part of their consideration set, you’re much more likely to gain their repeat business in the future.

Only time will tell if Bar Louie’s grand opening strategy worked for them. But I know I’ll be back – after all, it’s the only place I know that offers cucumber martinis.

This blog was originally published on ideas4smallbiz.com

Yesterday my four year-old asked me what I want to be when I grow up (I like her optimism in thinking I’m not there yet). Without missing a beat I answered “a Saturday Night Live writer.” Maybe it was because I recently watched last week’s 30 Rock and female comedy writers were on my mind. But honestly I’ve always thought that would be a fun job. I remember watching SNL back in high school, tears from laughing so hard thinking, “Who comes up with this stuff? I want to do that!” I was voted funniest girl in my high school senior class (I would have preferred “hottest date” but had no shot so got the consolation prize). Like many middle-agers, I occasionally wonder about the path not taken – how would things worked out if I’d tried my luck at comedy? Would I have made it to hang out with he cool crew at The Second City improv club in Chicago? Or would I have struggled living on ramen noodles for years and never broke into the biz? I’ll never know, because instead I chose the safer route – business degree then grad school. I learned a lot, but there’s a reason MBAs aren’t known for their sense of humor. Statistics are boring, and you can only be so creative balancing spreadsheets (ok, I suppose that’s debatable – but that’s a whole other topic for somebody else’s blog). So I learned to keep quiet, play along, wear a suit and use fancy words during my power point presentations.

But back to that dream job…my daughter’s question started me thinking what it would take to be successful in comedy, whether as a writer, a standup comedian, talk show host or a comedy actor in Hollywood. As I pondered the idea, I realized something. Strangely, many of the same traits that make successful comedians are the very same things that make successful business people. It was an ah-ha moment. And if anything, it made me feel better. Perhaps maybe us business peeps aren’t so boring and uncool after all? Then again…

11 Common Traits of Great Comedians and Successful Business Owners

1). Know Their Audience

Great comedians know their audience and prepare material accordingly. Just as small business owners must define their target market and develop strategies to reach those consumers, comedians know exactly who they’re trying to reach and tailor presentations accordingly.  For example, Larry the Cable Guy appeals to a decisively different audience than, say, Seth Myers. Can you imagine Larry speaking at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner? Considering the audience, Myers was a brilliant choice.  Then again, his jokes might not go over so well at a Monster Truck convention.

2). Up-To-Date

It’s critical for small business owners to stay informed of the latest happenings in their industry and local community. In order to stay relevant, they need to know what people are interested in and talking about in order to capitalize on those trends.  The same goes for good comedy writers. It’s imperative they stay up-to-date in news, tech, social media and pop culture. Some of the funniest material is based off of recent news headlines. My favorite part of SNL is the Weekend Update, where they put humorous spins on actual events. It’s hilarious, and what makes it so funny is that it’s relevant, fresh and current.

3) Always “On”

Similar to dermatologists being accosted at dinner parties by people who want to talk about their “mysterious bumps,” comedians can’t escape work. It’s a blessing and a curse, because they are expected to be funny at all times. For some, being funny comes naturally and the deadpans and puns roll off the tongue. But I imagine for many a break would be nice. Comedians and business owners are always expected to be “on” even when they’d rather not. Like it or not, they are constantly branding themselves.

4). Perseverance

Did you know Seinfeld, arguably one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, almost wasn’t a show? The original pilot tested “weak” and it was only after NBC executive Rick Ludwin, who believed in had potential, gave the go-ahead to create four more episodes. Seinfeld was different than anything else on TV at the time, and therefore people were leery to accept it. But because a few key people believed in it and didn’t give up, the “show about nothing” went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms in television history.

5). Quick on Their Feet

The ability to think quickly on their feet is a huge asset to comedians and business people alike. They have with witty comebacks and are ready to respond to unexpected comments or questions. Stand up comedians gauge the audience and adjust their performance as necessary. If they don’t get the laughs they hope on a certain subject, they steer the show in another direction. Just as small business owners need to make quick but well-informed decisions on the fly, good comedians educate themselves so they’re ready to respond appropriately.

6). The Power of Networking

Ah, networking. Is it just me or does it seem like there is a fun group of comedians that all support each other’s projects? It’s as if there’s a cool club, and they’re all good friends and in on the jokes Do they hang out together on weekends and have playdates with their kids? Judd Apatow instantly comes to mind, because I love his films and the characters seem like family. He frequently collaborates with the same actors (Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd, Kristen Wiig, Jason Segel and of course his wife Leslie Mann). You always hear about comedians who started out doing improv together, were roommates while struggling on the stand up circuit, then years later ended up huge stars doing cameos in each other’s movies just for kicks. Comedy, like all types of business, is all about who you know. And supporting those that support you. And remembering the “little people,” because in 10 year those little people may not be so little anymore.

7). Thick Skin

Can you imagine standing on stage in a crowded room, delivering a joke you’re sure will be a hit, only to be met with silence. Talk about an awkward moment. As comedians, you have to have thick skin. You’ll always have critics and you can’t please everyone. Sort of like in the business world, eh?

8). Know the Importance of Good Timing

Comedians know that timing is everything. An ill-timed joke can ruin a sketch, and something that’s hilarious one week might be washed up material the next. Part of being a good businessman is being ready for opportunities at the right time. Your product might be outstanding, but if it’s too late to market – or too early – it could flop for no other reason than bad timing.

9). Damage Control

Comedians often push the limits, which can be an effective way to make an impact. Until, of course, the approach backfires. Just ask Tracy Morgan, who last year was criticized for making anti-gay remarks during a live show, then derogatory comments about disabled children only weeks later. He was blasted by individuals and organizations for his actions. He made public apologies that appear to be sincere, but it’s hard to say what long-term impact his rants will have on his career. It only takes one inappropriate comment to ruin an otherwise promising career. We can all think of several businessmen – or politicians – whose careers have been cut short by inappropriate email forwards, Twitter pics, Facebook posts, ranting voicemails or revealing videos.

10). Excellent Team

Excellent comedians don’t do it alone. Maybe starting out they do, but by the time we’ve heard of them they have a team of writers, workers, vocal coaches, costume designers, etc. all helping them deliver that stellar performance. Comedians know they’re only as good as their team and coworkers. It seems the most successful ones know and appreciate those they work with, and happily give credit where credit is due. One thing I love about Ellen DeGeneres is that she often comments about and interacts with her team on the show, and expresses what a wonderful group they are to work with. It seems genuine, and her positive approach makes the audience love her even more.

11). Long Hours of Practice, Practice, Practice

This one isn’t glamorous, but can’t be excluded. The greats are never satisfied with good enough, but continuously challenge themselves to improve. They put in long hours practicing their skills, learning new techniques, re-writing and developing new projects. Most successful business owners I know have the same work ethic. The minute they decide to rest a competitor can swoop in, and suddenly they’re irrelevant.

Now that I think about it, maybe the grass isn’t always greener. Perhaps comedy writing isn’t so glamorous after all. I see one hour of television on Saturday night and think it’s all fun and games. But I don’t see what went on behind the scenes – probably a lot of late nights, re-writes, arguments, political mumbo jumbo, rehearsals, crisis, etc. in order to get to the end result. So I guess there’s a chance my dream job wouldn’t be so dreamy after all? But since it’s my dream, I’m going to keep thinking it’s the coolest gig around.

Below is a great article written by Emily on ideas4smallbiz.com.

There’s a piece of advice I learned years ago that has served me well both in my business and personal life. It’s simple, but can save the day:

Have a contingency plan.

Years ago, while studying for my MBA in New Orleans I did an internship for an amateur soccer team. I didn’t know much about soccer, but I knew it was a good opportunity to learn a lot about running a small business. I worked directly for the owner, who was president of a large local non-profit organization and well respected in the community. He was a successful businessman who had a passion for soccer and invested in this team with his own money. The team was his baby and he wanted it to succeed.

I put in a lot of hours, including late nights and weekends, learning the ins and outs of running a small business. I sat in on meetings about finances, regulations, advertising, marketing, and all things relevant to getting a new team up and running. I also did a lot of grunt work – lugging balls to practice, sorting uniforms, that sort of thing.

Soon opening day came and everyone was nervous but excited. Just a couple hours before game time we were going through our checklist, and my boss asked about the “The Star Spangled Banner” before the game. I confidently confirmed that a local Irish bar owner, sort of a mini-celebrity in the soccer world, would be singing it live. He wasn’t impressed, and replied, “What if he doesn’t show?”

“Huh? What do you mean, why wouldn’t he show?” I answered. “Any number of reasons – what if he gets sick, has car trouble, got the date wrong, or – not much of a stretch from an Irish bar owner – gets drunk and forgets? You need to have a contingency plan.” He made it clear that although I was 99% sure the guy was going to be there, I needed to have a back-up plan for that 1% chance he wasn’t.

And so that is how I found myself inside Virgin Records in the French Quarter on a busy Saturday afternoon, trying to decided between the rock or instrumental version CD of The Star Spangled Banner (this was years ago, back when people still bought CDs).  I was cursing the world, annoyed that I was once again sent to do the grunt work, rushing to get back to the field on time.

And what do you know? I arrived at the field and there was my singing Irishman all set to go. He sang beautifully, and the season opened on a spectacular note.  Perhaps my story would be better if he didn’t show and I needed that CD I rushed to get. But in reality it didn’t matter, because I knew I had just learned a valuable lesson. I would have never thought to have extra music on hand, or to line up a backup singer just in case. But since that day I’ve remembered those important words. Always have a contingency plan. And it has served me well on many occasions.

Ryan’s Mom Knows Best.

Someone else who knows the importance of a contingency plan is Ryan Seacrest. If you caught the Academy Awards red carpet last weekend you probably saw, or at least heard, how Sasha Baron Cohen, in character as “The Dictator,” dumped ashes all over Ryan on the red carpet. The ashes were some sort of powdery substance, probably pancake mix, but Ryan’s tux was covered. Everyone assumed Sasha Baron Cohen had some sort of trick up his sleeve, but no one could have guessed or prepared for that. But Ryan was a good sport and played it off well. And later he said something that made me smile: “My mom always told me to pack two jackets for red carpets, always wondered why. Now I know.” His mom knew the importance of having a contingency plan. In this case, Ryan was prepared and continued his job of interviewing the stars. Because, as they say, the show must go on.

I share that story because no matter what your business, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Whether you’re planning a large event or preparing for an important client meeting, give a second thought to what could go wrong.  What if the caterer doesn’t show, or you run out of food? Do you have a rain plan? What if you have technological difficulties during an important business presentation  – do you have another way to present your information? What if the promotional products you ordered for a client don’t arrive on time – is there another local vendor that can do a quick turnaround for you in a pinch?

Of course you can’t plan for every single thing in life, but if you’re prepared for a variety of situations you’ll be more confident and ultimately more successful. More than likely you won’t need that backup CD, but it’s that 1% that can make or break a small business. So heed the advice of Mrs. Seacrest – have a contingency plan.

We’ve received numerous requests from our clients recently about how to improve their search engine ranking, so we thought it would be a good idea to post what we believe will help the most for people who already have a Web site with basic SEO. These are just a few simple, “low hanging fruit” suggestions we have.

Google+ Page
We recommend creating a Google+ page for your business and  adding a Google+ button to your Web site. You should then encourage clients and other people to “ +1” your site. We encourage you to keep Google+ updated, much like you would with Facebook. Google will show your site higher in their results for friends of people who have Google+ accounts who have +1’ed your site.

Facebook Page
A Facebook page for your business is a good way to generate traffic and give your site legitimacy. It’s a good idea to have a link on your Web site to your Facebook page (and also to your other social media sites, like LinkedIn and Google+). This should go without saying, but remember to put a link to your Web site in the About Us section of your Facebook page as well.

A Facebook page is not the same thing as a personal Facebook profile. You must have a Facebook profile to be an admin of a Facebook page, and a Facebook page now looks very similar to a personal Facebook timeline, but having a Facebook page for your business separates your personal “account” from your business. It helps people to find your business and follow it, separate from your personal Facebook presence. It allows you to communicate with your clients as your business, which is more professional.

Facebook Ads
You might want to consider a Facebook ad with a goal of getting more people to like your Facebook page. You can start with just a small budget – I’d recommend around $10/day, and target your local area in the demographics. A Facebook ad is a good way to boost your Facebook likes initially. You can also have Facebook ads link to your Web site. Any incoming traffic will help improve your SEO.

If you have a Facebook page for your business but you haven’t updated recently, add a cover photo. Facebook went to the new Timeline layout on March 30. Cover photos are 850 pixels wide by 315 pixels tall. In addition, you’ll need a new Profile picture. The new size is 125 x 125, but if you attempt to upload an image that small, Facebook will give you an error. Create one that’s 180 x 180 and upload that. Facebook will resize it to fit.

For both your Facebook page and your Google+ page, we recommend keeping the sites updated as frequently as possible. Consider posting about issues relating to your industry that are in the news, along with your comments from your professional experience – you become a source for people who are interested in reading about your industry, which leads me to blogging.

Blog
Your site would benefit tremendously from a blog. Regularly updating content is one of the best ways to increase your SEO. Google favors sites that are continuously updated. A blog about issues relating to your industry would be a great service to your clients and potential clients. This would be the #2 thing you could do to boost your ratings. Once you are blogging, you will want to post links to your blog on Facebook and Google+.

ALSO, consider putting aside an hour a week to looking around for Web sites and other people’s blogs and bulletin boards related to your profession. Read what people are writing and post comments. Many times the bulletin boards and blogs allow you to post a link to your Web site or to your blog. Getting lots of good inbound links and gaining a reputation as an expert commentator is really the #1 thing that will help boost your search ratings.

Google Places & Bing Business Portal
List your business in Google Places and Bing Business Portal. This will give your site more legitimatacy and give people searching for you more ways to find you. Having a Google Places page and a Bing Business Portal page allows people to review your services and allows you to comment on reviews.

http://www.google.com/places/

http://www.bing.com/businessportal

Google AdWords
Google AdWords will help your SEO indirectly. The more people that go to your site, the higher your results will be. Google AdWords are the ads that you see at the top and right side of Google search results. These are companies that have paid for their site to show in paid search results when people search for certain key words and geographic areas.

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to improve your search engine rankings. The hard part is keeping up with it all when you’re a small business owner trying to keep your head above water with daily operations. When you need help, either setting things up or making ongoing updates to social media or ads, give adWhite a call.

When Facebook introduced the new Timeline feature for its users, I had a feeling they were soon going to make the same switch for Facebook pages, and I found out yesterday I was right.

Facebook announced that on March 30, 2012 all Facebook pages will automatically get the new Timeline design. There’s a great article from Mashable outlining the changes, but here are the major things that many of our clients will be concerned with.

First of all, the Facebook profile picture on the sidebar is going away, along with the entire sidebar. I’m sure many of our clients will want us to create a new cover photo and logo image for the top of the page. This will now look similar to how personal profile pages look on Facebook. The good news is that we will now have more creative space for your company branding (850 pixels wide x315 pixels tall). The bad news is that Facebook has rules concerning what’s allowed there:

• No price or purchase information will be allowed.
• No contact information like Web address, email, or mailing addresses can be shown. Anything that’s intended for the About section is not allowed.
• References to user interface elements such as Like or Share or any other Facebook site feature is not allowed.
• Calls to action are not allowed.

Custom Facebook pages we’ve created for many of our clients will no longer be allowed to be a default page for first time visitors. Fan gates, or that “Like to View” feature we’ve used to give fans access to special offers will still be supported, but those pages will need reformatting in most cases. All custom pages or “Tabs” will now be 810 pixels wide, much wider than the current 520 pixels.

The new Tab buttons will now be 111 pixels wide x 74 pixels tall and will be shown along the top of the page under the cover photo. Photos must be the first button on the left, and only 3 other buttons are “above the fold” — any other additional buttons will only be seen by users who click on down arrow to the right of the row of buttons.

We’ll be contacting the clients whose Facebook pages we manage next week, but if you’re not a current client and you need help with these changes, please don’t hestitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to help.

I originally posted this on my personal family blog, but got such a positive response I thought it was worth sharing here as well….

We got home last night from yet another fun-filled visit to New Orleans. As usual we had wonderful time and loved spending the weekend with family and friends. But it’s funny – recently I’ve noticed that when I mention our family trip to Mardi Gras I get some rather strange looks and comments. One lady this morning said, “Wow, you’re brave!” but with a hint of disapproval. Another exclaimed “There is no way I would ever take my kids to Mardi Gras!” accompanied by what I’m pretty sure was a judgmental, condescending look. Were they really judging me? Why did I suddenly feel like an unfit mom?

But I took a deep breath and tried not to take it personally. I realized that if you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, the phrase might conjure up images of drunkenness and girls gone wild on Bourbon Street. And admittedly, that is a definite part of Mardi Gras. But really only a sliver of what Carnival is all about. In fact, in most places Mardi Gras is very kid-friendly and truly a wonderful thing to do as a family. To put it this way – we saw six parades over the weekend and I didn’t see a single fight, drunk falling over, illegal drug, extreme PDA, wardrobe malfunction or – gasp – a single boob sighting. Seriously, nada. But I did see: kids on their dads’ shoulders laughing and singing, little girls in tutus happily bouncing around, children waving at clowns from their parade ladders, faces sticky from cotton candy, neighbors and friends laughing and enjoying potluck-style food. I saw two very attractive college girls who weren’t lifting up their shirt for beads, but instead entertaining my toddler with their toy bubble guns they bought from the peddling vendor. Elizabeth was mesmerized and the girls were so sweet, I would have loved to have those girls for babysitters!

So to clear up any misconceptions for anyone who has never been to Mardi Gras, or perhaps went years ago in college and never left Bourbon Street, I came up with a list of reasons why you SHOULD take your family to Mardi Gras. Give it a try.

10 Reasons You Should Take Your Kids to Mardi Gras:

1). It’s Free

For locals this is a given, but should not be taken for granted. Where else can an entire family spend all day with live entertainment, beautiful works of art, culture and tradition and come home with bags and bags of goodies – all for free? There is nothing else like it. Our family loves to go the Rodeo here in Houston – it’s huge and massive and a blast for the kids. But let’s face it, between tickets, carnival rides, games, food and souvenirs our family of five can easily spend a small fortune. Mardi Gras you can pack your own cooler of food and drink and enjoy hours of entertainment for free.

2) Diversity

One of the things I love about Mardi Gras is the diversity. At any point during Carnival you can look down the Avenue and see people of different race, age, socio-economic background and lifestyle all invited to the very same party. And everyone is having a good time with a common goal – to catch the best throws from the floats! I love living in The Woodlands and know it’s great place to raise a family, but I think it’s good for my kids to get a taste of something else and see some people that are, well, different from most of their neighbors here in the ‘burbs.

3) Tradition

Mardi Gras is tradition. The balls, masks, parades, everything about Mardi Gras is based on tradition. The old Krewes are made up of people whose parents and grandparents were members. The balls are very formal and extremely secretive. When I moved to New Orleans at the ripe old age of 24 it was all new to me and I was amazed at everything involved. I quickly realized I didn’t understand most of it, but was intrigued nonetheless. In this day of social media and TMI, it’s refreshing to see things that are still meaningful, sacred, special and yes, secretive. I want my kids to see people taking great pride in long-standing traditions.

4) People Don’t Take Themselves Too Seriously

Another thing I love about Mardi Gras is that people don’t take themselves too seriously. It’s a time when everyone can let loose. Take the 610 Stompers – a group of “ordinary men with extraordinary moves.” In “real” life these guys are doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers, etc. But when you see them busting out their moves in their hilarious outfits of short shorts, tube socks, tank tops and sweatbands it’s just plain funny. I love people that have a sense of humor and know how to have a good time. Plus they support local nonprofits in the community – a win-win for all. During Mardi Gras if you happen to run into your doctor and he’s dressed as Scooby Doo most locals wouldn’t even think twice. That’s the norm. Well, unless they have surgery scheduled early the very next morning. Then they might be a teensy bit worried. But otherwise it’s no big deal.

5) Unbelievable Works of Art

Visually, Mardi Gras is spectacular. The floats, costumes, decorations, even some of the coveted throws are truly works of art. Countless hours go into the designs and production, and the end results are astounding. The Krewe of Muses is famous for the beautifully decorated shoes they hand out during parades. The Krewe members put hours into handmaking each one. They are gorgeous and each one is truly a masterpiece. And of course the coveted Zulu coconuts are individual and a true treasure for the lucky recipients. I’ve been in many offices where Zulu coconuts were proudly displayed on bookshelves next to fine pieces of art.

6). Learn Valuable Life Lessons

This year I had to watch as Allie learned a tough but important lesson – life is not fair. She was sitting in a parade ladder when a float rider threw her a fluffy stuffed animal. As she reached she lost her grip and the puppy fell to the ground. Before I could grab it another little girl snatched it up and claimed it for her own. Now I have to say overall most people are very nice, and if a throw is obviously intended for someone – particularly a small child – people will generally hand it to the intended recipient. But not always, and sometimes it’s just a tough break. In this case the little girl probably didn’t know any better, but the way she excitedly held her puppy up for everyone to see, jumping up and down hugging her new prize didn’t help the situation. One look at Allie said it all. She had silent tears running down her face. Pretty soon the tears turned louder and before long she was crying uncontrollably and gasping about her puppy in between breaths. No doubt the crying was enhanced by the lack of naps on top of the sugar she’d eaten all day, because we have a room full of stuffed animals that never get played with. However, in that moment it was a huge deal and she was devastated. The mother bear in me wanted to barter with the other girl, maybe try to trade the puppy for something else. Or somehow track down another puppy that very night. But of course I held back. I knew Allie was learning an important lesson. Life isn’t fair. Sometimes you get lucky and win the top prize. Other times it goes to someone else. It’s not always fair. She got over it eventually, and soon was distracted when she caught a strand of blinky lights and a moon pie.

7) Costumes!

Most kids I know love costumes. Both boys and girls love to dress up as superheroes, princesses, firemen, you name it. They also love to see people dressed up (don’t all little girls freak at seeing Cinderella at Disney World?). Well let me tell you, you will see all sorts of costumes and random outfits during Mardi Gras – and kids are encouraged to participate, too. I saw lots of little girls in their purple, green and gold tutus and tiaras and boys in crazy hats. There were tons of wigs, boas, and other accessories. The costumes can be elaborate or simple, but it’s fun to see so many people getting into the spirit. Down toward Bourbon the outfits can get a bit raunchy and not so kid-friendly, but uptown it’s mostly G-rated and basically just pure silliness.

8). Because Every Kid Should Feel Special

Part of the thrill of Mardi Gras is catching the best stuff. Each parade has its coveted throws and people are on the hunt to get them. My first Mardi Gras I was thrilled to rack up as many beads as I could, but that got old fast. I soon started to become more particular about which beads I caught, offloading the plain ones to someone else or throwing them on the ground and holding out for better, cooler ones. Now I think it’s fun to get the most random things I can. I don’t want beads, I want that rubber chicken (yes, our friend Tapash caught a rubber chicken this year). Or the stuffed animal, or the tambourine, or the giant cornhead I came home with one year. But there’s something about making eye-contact with a rider, getting pointed at and then being handed a four-foot long spear or a football shaped like a bunch of grapes. It’s hard to describe and sounds silly, but you feel special. Every kids should have that feeling. When they get that funny hat or giant alligator it makes them happy.  And I’ve never been to a parade where every single child didn’t come home with SOMETHING cool. Even if the thrill is temporary, it makes them happy to be “chosen.” And who doesn’t want that for their kids?

9) It’s Just Plain Fun

I remember how in awe I was that first Mardi Gras. I couldn’t believe that the entire city threw a party for two weeks. I’m not sure what I expected. Maybe I thought Mardi Gras was just a really, really fun day, or at most a weekend. But it’s truly two-week long celebration filled with parades, balls, food, parties  (actually more if you count the Krewe du Vieux the weekend before, which I do but it’s definitely not on the family friendly list!). My fascination peaked on Fat Tuesday. I kept thinking that while the rest of the country was at work or school, business as usual, I was one somebody’s shoulders, bloody mary in one hand, trying to catch a Zulu coconut at 8am. Conference call? TPC report? Not today! It’s fun to escape reality for a bit, no matter how big or little your responsibilities are. Kids are so over-stressed these days between homework and extra-curricular activities that they need time to just have fun, too. So go put on a crazy hat and dance in the neutral ground. When the bands start playing you just can’t help yourself.

10) Support New Orleans

New Orleans has come a long way since Katrina. In many ways it’s bounced back even stronger and better than before. But in a city so dependent on tourism it’s important for people to continue to visit to the city. Go eat at the amazing restaurants, stay in the hotels, catch a parade, listen to the live music and take in the atmosphere. New Orleans needs you. And, to be honest, we need New Orleans. There truly is no place like it.