They should be worried! A new study by Pew Internet & American Life Project made headlines in the Global Post, on March 14, 2012, revealed that 10% of people unfriend on Facebook due to contrary political beliefs.

So how can business people handle Facebook comments so they don’t offend or cause unfriending?

Choose One- Profile or Business Page? Facebook is all about boundaries starting with who you “friend” and where – on your personal profile or on your business page. It’s important to decide how you want to “friend” business associates and some experts say its’ safer to connect with these contacts on your business page. If you think this doesn’t work, you need to check out Elmer Laydon on Facebook who has 1600+ followers on his personal page (he only friends people he knows) and more than 300,000 followers on his business page The Whisper of God.

Set Your Boundaries. Some people can’t decide, so allow anyone who “Likes” them on Facebook to be their “friend.” However, if you don’t want business associates who are “friends” to see political or religious discussions on Facebook, then click the public link below your post and select which group of “friends” will see your post. Yes, before you can do that you need to view each of your friends’ profiles, click the link button, and commit each person to a friends’ list.

Set Your Limits. It’s funny how sensitive conversations about politics, religion, sex, etc. fare better than a curt remark on Facebook. Like email, Facebook doesn’t fully express the tone of the content and sometimes context is lost for the reader. That’s why having limits to what you post is a smart idea. If you’re concerned about how the comment will be “read”, then don’t say it. Remember too what you say has a very wide audience– when you comment on someone else’s post or photo, your “friends” and all their “friends” will see what you wrote.

Regardless of your political views, Faecbook is a savvy way to expand your business’s web audience. Call me if you want Facebook to work in harmony with your website or blog marketing.

©2012 Mac and Cheese Web Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

“Timothy D. Cook, said the iPad last quarter outsold the number of personal computers sold by any individual manufacturer.”
NY Times, March 7, 2012

Announcing the release of the iPad 3 on March 7th, caused us to look back on one of our most read posts from our blog, “Is Your Website Smart Phone Friendly?” It’s hard to believe that the iPad was introduced to consumers in January 2010. Sales have been out-of-the-ballpark as well of sales of other brands of tablets like the Kindle Fire and Nook.  How well your website performs on a smart phone is also true for the slick and wildly popular new tablets.

The tide has changed in how people view the internet. The business world and home usage has been populated by the desktop personal computer, up until very recently. Desk top computers were relied upon to surf the Internet and view websites. When a computer died or aged out, it was replaced with another desk top. When a new innovation was released (like the latest version of Windows), users would flock to buy a new computer.

However, and this is a huge turn of events: Forrester Research forecasts that desktop computers will only be 20% of computer sales by 2015.

We suspect that change will be greater and faster, as that’s the way of the technology sales and conversion. Now, here’s why this matters to you and your website: What do smart phone and tablet users see when they visit your website?

Now more than ever, it’s essential to look at your website on your own phone or tablet – borrow a friend’s if you have to. You want to make sure that the important elements can be readily viewed and accessed.

This is our “one-two punch” to keep hand-held users engaged on your website, improve your website and the mobile device experience.

Text Phone Number

Open up your website online (on your PC or Mac is OK). Mouse over your phone number. If you can highlight one number at a time, then you can be sure it is “text”. If the whole number highlights or a larger area highlights, then it’s likely your phone number has been created as an image. Phone users rely on text phone numbers because they can simply click or touch the number to dial it. Wouldn’t you like customers to be able to easily call you? They cannot do this if your phone number is a graphic image.

Flash Dead Zone

Handhelds cannot display “Flash” software. Neither does the iPhone or it’s big brother, the iPad, No Flash. If your website uses Flash, all these users see is “a dead zone”, an empty box with nothing in it! I worked with a client last year whose entire website was developed in flash. It’s turns into a white page on a white background without having Flash. Even the navigation menu is in the Flash file. Phone users see it as a white screen with no links to go to any of the secondary web pages. That won’t help you get any new business!

Your successful Internet Marketing begins with being seen online… on desktop computers and now more than ever, on smart phones and tablets!

Is your site ready? Call Ronnie at Mac And cheese Web Marketing (203-877-3777) to ensure your website can be seen on all hand-held devices like the smart Phone and tablets and don’t lose potential business.

©2012 Mac and Cheese Web Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Opt for Quality.  We’ve all seen websites where it’s obvious that a storefront was photographed with someone’s low-resolution phone camera. We’ve also seen product that is blurry or photographed at an angle that doesn’t fully show the design.  One of my pet peeves are people, interiors, and products photographed without proper lighting so shadows make them look foreboding or ominous. When using images, it pays to use high quality commercial photography provided either from your supplier or by hiring a freelance photographer.

Show Your Best. Your best may not be the most expensive piece in your store. Your best may not be something you’ve personally designed. Your best should always be the style and quality that represents the selection in your store.  For example, if you’re a silversmith who has made a couple of 14k gold pieces— these are probably not the best representations of your work. Or if you specialize in luxury watches, photos of earrings will only dilute your product line.

Post, Post, Post.  Photos of products don’t just live on websites anymore! Post a photo whenever there’s an opportunity.  If your local Chamber of Commerce is holding a town-wide event, post a photo of your product or store on the Chamber’s Facebook page. When you claim your location in an online business directory… post a photo(s).  When updating your own Facebook page post photos… they’ll show up in the band of photos at the top of your page, to keep the page looking refreshed. There are dozens of opportunities to post photos online, so fire up your computer and get ready to post.

Ask for Photos. It never hurts to ask for a photo opportunity because you can get a wonderful testament to your independent jewelry store and product. Why not ask to take a photo in your store when an engagement ring is purchased? Ask customers to post photos of their purchase gift wrapped, or when it’s opened, or on their wedding day.  If you sell religious jewelry, ask people to post their Bar Mitzvah or First Communion photos. Don’t miss out on making your customers part of the sharing online… just ask!

Tell A Story. Throughout the year you’ll be involved in events that can’t be described in just one photo, but call out for a series of photos or a video.  These are occasions when you can loosen up and use your digital camera or phone to take a series of pictures. Goldsmiths who are commissioned to make a custom piece of jewelry can photograph the process. Gem dealers who make special trips to acquire unique stones can photo the highlights of the trip. A designer jewelry trunk show becomes a story.  A Chamber event hosted in your store. There are probably several events that you take for granted, but would be of interest to your customers.

Engage your customers and prospects with photos. Share the fun and people will look forward to more! Want more? Click here to get Rare Gems: 5 Hot Web Marketing Tips Just for Jewelers. It’s our gift to you during Just for Jewelers Week.

©2012 Mac and Cheese Web Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Everyone has heard that phone books have gone the way of the Corvair, dial phones, and 8 track tapes. The new way to find a business is to search online. While a customer can find a business faster on the Internet, they also can find more information through reviews and ratings that can sway their decision to either use or pass on your business.

For example, a couple months ago I used the Internet to search for, find, and eventually use a new vet for my adopted dog. One vet I chose not to use had a website and a Facebook page that appeared in the search engines. A couple of reviews also appeared in the search results which had the most impact and actually undid all the goodwill of their beautiful and inviting website. A past customer posted a scathing review, describing in detail an experience they termed as “negligent.”  Other reviews were less than complimentary and it was an easy decision to keep looking until I found another vet.

A jeweler may have a gorgeous website that showcases fabulous diamonds and luxury watches, but if your customers aren’t happy, they will tell others and take a jab at your store by posting their dissatisfaction online. Here are three tips to manage your store’s online reputation.

Own Your Listings. There are hundreds of online directories, such as Yahoo!, Manta, Insider Pages, etc. Many of these sites are actively searching for and recording business information. If the site has listed a business, they often allow the business to “claim” that listing. If the business isn’t listed, they will allow the owner to post information.  Taking “ownership” of online listings allows you to be sure information is correct, post a photo of your store or product, and stay aware of reviews that get posted.

Check Review Sites. The new age of the smart phone has made the consumer comment and review process mobile…. They literally can love or pan your business from any location, at any time! At this time Yelp, Google Places, and Twitter are three of the hottest sites to use for posting reviews and comments. Check in to see what is being said about your store!

Ask for Reviews. It’s not crass to ask. The best way to get good reviews is to ask for them.  Like many things in business, you can’t do this enough. Ask when completing a sale or repair. Ask on your Facebook page. Ask in writing at the bottom of the sales receipt. Ask in follow up emails, postcards, or newsletters. And when you ask, don’t forget to tell them where you’d like to see the review. For example, “Jane, I’m so happy you love your engagement ring. Please leave a comment on Google Places.”  Make it easy when you can and include a link. Your online reputation counts because others see it online.

Make getting good reviews a part of your daily business plan. Want more? Click here to get 5 Extra Sharp Web Marketing Tips Just for Jewelers. It’s our gift to you during Just for Jewelers Week.

©2012 Mac and Cheese Web Marketing. All Rights Reserved.

Tweet Topics for Jewelers

1. New product lines added
2. Arrival of new merchandise
3. Sales and specials
4. Trunk show announcements and descriptions
5. New service added
6. News about a designer you carry
7. Celebrity news – who got engaged
8. Celebrity news – who wore what designer on the red carpet
9. Style trends for the season
10. Trade show highlights
11. New types of cuts or processes
12. Special Events
13. Gift suggestions for each holiday
14. Facebook contests that encourage “Likes”
15. Jewelry in the news (like the story on removing jewelry with Cadmium)
16. Limited time offers
17. Local community news
18. News about charities you support
19. News about the store owner or your employees
20. Tips on jewelry care and repair
21. Tips on what to know before purchasing jewelry
22. Tips on insuring jewelry
23. Current gold pricing if you buy gold
24. Tips on diamond buying
25. Upcoming holiday reminders

Almost anything you can imagine can be tweeted. Get creative. Be informative and entertaining. Engage your followers and share your knowledge. This is where showing off and tooting your own horn is a good thing for business.

©2012 Mac and Cheese Web Marketing. All Rights Reserved.