Globalisation and the Information Age

Posted on April 26th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

We are living in a hyper connected world where the huge amount of information being created has never been easier to access.
The presentation below was created by Karl Fisch and modified by Scott McLeod – called Globalization & The Information Age – it is an interesting look at where we are now and gives us [...]

Want to know how Google works?

Posted on April 20th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

There are a few essential things to understand when working with the Internet and this is one of them. Here’s why – of all searches for 4 weeks ending 11/4/09 Google served 91.25% – MSN 4.74% and Yahoo 3.26%. [Source]
If you have a website you need to know the basics of how Google works.
Here goes…
Google [...]

Gary Vaynerchuck on how Businesses should be using Twitter

Posted on March 21st, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

In his latest video Gary Vaynerchuck (@garyvee) talks about how Twitter is going to make money and how businesses should be using Twitter right now.
“search.twitter.com is now arguably the most important website for any business.” Watch this 2 min video – it’s worth it.

Is Following a Business on Twitter the Ultimate Opt-In?

Posted on March 19th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

Twitter has been gaining popularity for months now in Australia, and it seems every day there are more and more articles popping up that mention Twitter – what it is, how you use it and now, what you can use it for.
I’ve found participating on Twitter to be an incredible experience – both personally and [...]

Link Love Friday

Posted on February 20th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

Am trying something new today.
I love Twitter. No surprises there.
I also love posting links on Twitter so every Friday I’m going to do a round up of the Tweets with links and post them here.
Let the fun begin!

RT @valeriekhoo Just blogged on my Top 3 networking tips to boost your business http://is.gd/jEMw
Wow. Australian Anthill to [...]

Want to know why you should use Social Media and Internet networking?

Posted on February 19th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

A few quick thoughts about why businesses/entrepreneurs should get involved in social media and networking like Twitter.

It doesn’t cost any money to use
It can improve customer service, communication and customer loyalty
It can reduce phone calls, drop out rates
It can create a team of evangelists who market via word of mouth for free (priceless)
A conversation is [...]

10 Common Shopping Cart Mistakes

Posted on February 16th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

Just read an interesting article by Jonathan Crossfield over at Net Registry.
Here’s an overview of 10 common shopping cart mistakes to look out for in 2009.
1. Overcomplicating the process
Keep your shopping cart and checkout process to as few clicks as possible to reduce risk of customers backing out of the purchase.
2. Using a “Buy” button [...]

How to Boost Your Online Sales in a Downturn

Posted on February 10th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

I’ve just finished listening to the latest Smart Company Webinar. A panelist of online business owners and online marketers were discussing “How to boost your online sales in a downturn“.
The general feel of the webinar was to build credability and trust through professional design and customer service.
Here are my notes.
Panelists: Amelie Mills, Campbell Corser, Chris [...]

Building Personal Brand Within the Social Media Landscape – Gary Vaynerchuk

Posted on January 27th, 2009 by Clare Lancaster

Whenever I need a dose of energy or a bit of a spark I watch this video. It rocks my socks.

It’s a good reminder to do what you love, build your reputation to help you become known for it and keep your business hat on if you want to live off it.

The Importance of Package Design

Posted on December 19th, 2008 by Clare Lancaster

I love design, especially product packaging design. If you take the same product and brand it in two different ways, the perception, target market and chances of success for the same product will change.
There’s quite a few online businesses who sell their unique, handmade products – i.e. beauty products, hand creams, homemade candles, jewelry etc.
How [...]