2009 April

How do You Make Social Media Decisions?

by Jeff Molander

When it comes to making decisions about your business and the Internet nothing is easy especially when it comes to “social media.” How many blog posts are needed to make the exercise effective? How much effort must be invested in Facebook to see a return? How much Twitter ‘engagement’ is needed to realize positive effect? Do you rely on outside experts and if so is this a wise strategy? I think it’s a terrible strategy. Here’s a better way to make social / Web 2.0 marketing investment decisions: Start with asking WHY… Click to continue…

Tags: Better 'Social' Strategies

April 8, 2009

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Deciding if Affiliate Marketing is for Your Brand

by Jeff Molander

There are 2 approaches to managing affiliate programs these days: affiliates as high-maintenance assets or as low-maintenance “let them wither on vine” liabilities. Case in point Amazon’s decision this week to stop allowing affiliates to compete for the same customers using search engine ads. Amazon knows better and has always changed-up the rules over time to manage risk. Let’s look at which approach is best for your brand. Click to continue…

Tags: Uncategorized

April 7, 2009

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Shopping Comparison: Working Profitably with a Necessary Evil

by Jeff Molander

Comparison shopping is a “necessary evil” for retailers. Now… with that as our backdrop Brian Smith gives you the straight dope on how to improve results from comparison shopping engines though “data feed optimization.” Think of Web site SEO for your product data feeds. Brian is founder of Simplefeed and a leading comparison search analyst (www.comparisonengines.com). He provides his candid advice on how retailers can drive more sales at reduced cost and simplify otherwise complex processes. Click to continue…

Tags: Uncategorized

April 6, 2009

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Web Marketing Mentors Score D-

by Jeff Molander

Are you hiring Internet business advisors or data reporters? Most small businesses are hiring all the wrong help when it comes to Web marketing experts and agencies. Small business blogger Ed Rivis found that most Web marketing mentors (people hired to help steer Web marketing and e-commerce) were either in-effective or DAMAGED their client’s business… Click to continue…

Tags: Uncategorized

April 3, 2009

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Can You Align Your Interest with Google’s?

by Jeff Molander

Have you ever questioned the alignment of your Web advertising interests with that of Google’s? Have you ever found yourself yearning for a “better feel for” the tangible value being provided? Ever feel like you’re paying Google protection money — buying PPC ads in return for protecting your natural search results? You’re not alone. I often run into people who do — from small business owners on up to larger brands. Here are their stories and how you can take first steps toward uncovering the value of your Web ads — or lack thereof. Click to continue…