Scot's

Send a personal Thank You card 10x more than you think you...

Thu, 17 May 2012 23:08:13 -0400

Send a personal Thank You card 10x more than you think you should.

If only bags of money were this easy to create in real life.

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 05:22:12 -0400

If only bags of money were this easy to create in real life.

Wordpress Dashboard Hacks - Remove Menu Items

Sat, 10 Mar 2012 11:26:00 -0500

Want to remove menu items from the Wordpress dashboard? This comes in especially handy for clients/friends/family that may be distracted by too many menu items, or just don’t have a need to use specific menu choices in the Worpress dashboard.

Simply paste the following code in the functions.php file from your theme directory:

function remove_menus () {
global $menu;
	$restricted = array(__('Dashboard'), __('Posts'), __('Media'), __('Links'), __('Pages'), __('Appearance'), __('Tools'), __('Users'), __('Settings'), __('Comments'), __('Plugins'));
	end ($menu);
	while (prev($menu)){
		$value = explode(' ',$menu[key($menu)][0]);
		if(in_array($value[0] != NULL?$value[0]:"" , $restricted)){unset($menu[key($menu)]);}
	}
}

add_action(‘admin_menu’, ‘remove_menus’);

This will remove all menus named in the $restricted array.
Read more at → 10 Wordpress Dashboard Hacks.

Restrictions - New Timeline For Business Pages

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:20:00 -0500

Cover Photo for pages:
Must be at least 399 pixels wide and up to 850 pixels wide. Height looks like 315 pixels.

Important note to Fanpage owners!
The Cover Photo cannot contain:

• Price or purchase information (such as 40% off or Download it on our site.)
• Contact info such as web address, email, mailing address or info for the About section.
• References to user interface elements, such as Like and Share.
• Calls to action, such as “Get it Now” or “Tell Your Friends”

From → Facebook:

All cover images are → public, which means anyone visiting your Page will be able to see the image you choose. Covers must not be false, deceptive or misleading, and must not infringe on third parties’ intellectual property. You may not encourage or incentivize people to upload your cover image to their personal timelines.

5 Easy SEO Tips That Will Help You Stop Losing Traffic Today

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:37:00 -0500

I was recently invited on the → A Closer Look Radio With Pam Atherton radio show which will be airing this Thursday, March 1st.

We covered several topics on Local Internet Marketing, including an intro in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Here are a few of the points that were mentioned:

#1 Optimize Title & Meta Tags
Your HTML Title & HTML Meta Tags should be different on every page of your website if you really want to give Google something to talk about. Content Management Systems (CMS’) such as → Wordpress have plugins that are able to do this for you automatically based on the subject of each blog post.

Meta Tags are much less important now that Google has discontinued supporting them as an attribute to help determine a website’s relevance.

Your HTML Title should include keywords in which you want to appear in Search results for. If I wanted to be found for, “Atlanta Web Design” I would certainly begin my HTML Title Tag attribute with exactly that keyword phrase.

#2 Optimize Heading & Sub-Headings
Pam brought up a great point. Your website is like a resume, and just as in writing a resume or CV, the important and relevant content should be pronounced. Search Engines are ultimately designed by people just like you and I.

Headings & Sub-Headings should take advantage of the HTML formatting tags <H1>, <H2>, <H3>, <strong>, and <em> to show Google and other Search Engines what content is most important and relevant on your pages.

These should ideally be automated with CSS style sheets and your CMS of choice (Wordpress is great for this as well!)

#3 Use Title & Alt HTML Tags For Images
Pam brought up a great point in that graphic-intensive and Flash websites can’t be read by Google or other Search Engines.

It’s important to include title & alt tags in every image on your website to help search engines understand what is being displayed on your website, as well as for usability requirements for the hard-of-seeing and other disabled users wanting to use your website. A plugin for Wordpress I love to death that automates this process (even retroactively) is → SEO Friendly Images.

#4 Optimize Inbound & Outbound Links
Links pointing internally and externally alike should include an HTML Title tag. You should also consider the anchor text used when linking to internal and external pages. We talked on the show about how Google determines relevancy partly based on the anchor text in links pointing to content.

This means if you are linking to a page about Scot Smith;
Correct: About Scot Smith
Incorrect: Want to know about Scot Smith? Click here!

The first link tells Search Engines the link I’ve posted should be “About Scot Smith.”
The second link tells Search Engines the link I’ve posted should be about “Click Here!”

#5 Optimize File Nomenclatures
This includes images, audio & media, page names, and any other file. It’s very important that if you are using Wordpress as your CMS that you have → Permalinks turned on and configured correctly.

This means that a URL structured as:

http://www.acloserlookradio.com/?p=1234

will be far less understandable to Search Engines like Google, and also much more difficult to share by humans than:

http://www.acloserlookradio.com/one-minute-manager-author-ken-blanchard-february-9-2012.html

The same applies for audio, video, and image file names. Any file uploaded to your website should be named to define the file.

Thank you Pam for the invitation and I look forward to coming back soon!

Follow A Closer Look Radio on Twitter at @RadioWithIQ or visit them online at → A Closer Look Radio.

Twitter Is More Than Meets The Eye... If You're Careful

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 02:30:00 -0500

You’ve heard how you should use Twitter as a tool to add value, help others, grow your Rolodex of contacts in your vertical.

But, what’s the easiest, cut-to-the-chase method for using Twitter for Lead Generation?

I’m enjoying Twitter more and more lately (follow me @revvenue!) as I’ve gotten a handle on putting it to work for me— I will say one thing: It’s not a channel that works without a bit of sweat equity, a sincere interest in helping others and adding value, and some dedication to replying in a timely manner.

How easy is it to make a contact on Twitter?

A complete interaction from introduction to goal-conversion.

My goal when reaching out on Twitter is to secure a strong contact that I can help or that can help me in doing business online. I don’t get on Twitter pitching my business or services to random Twitter users who I’ve found that fit the profile.

Here is my Twitter Sales Funnel:

Goal 1: Find Twitter users talking about problems I can assist them with, or I need help with. (Pre-Qualify)
I use Streamboard to plug in variables and easily find live conversations on any subject-matter at any time of day. You can also use Twitter Search if you don’t mind losing a bit of functionality.

→   Conversion. Move to next step in funnel.

Goal 2: Get a DM from that Twitter User
Below you’ll learn I’ve creatively merged two goals in getting a Follow + DM.

→  Conversion. Move to next step in funnel.

Goal 3: Qualify and score lead or contact quickly
Have a conversation with this person via telephone or e-mail to qualify and move prospect from Twitter Pipeline to wherever I want them to go in my Sales Cycle.

→  Conversion. Move to next step in funnel.

Once you’re able to apply such a funnel and only focus on accomplishing a single goal at a time before moving forward, Twitter quickly increases it’s ability as a worthy tool in your Acquisition Arsenal.

You can use this method for not only lead generation, but reverse lead generation in finding others who know how to solve your problems just the same.

THE TAKEAWAY

→  Create short, mini conversion goals for each step in the conversion process.

→ Each step should move the process only one step forward in your sales funnel.

→  Don’t try to use Twitter for Lead Generation if you don’t have time for ADDING VALUE & GENUINE INTEREST.

→ Twitter is a cracked-out version of e-mail. If you’re not careful in organizing and prioritizing what you want, you’ll quickly be consumed in a cross-fire of interactions without a metric to benchmark what you’re getting back from your investment.

Here’s a million-dollar golden nugget tip: Make sure whoever you’re reaching out to is truly interested in adding you to their own network by asking for a DM (Direct Message) before following them on Twitter. This requires them to ASK PERMISSION for you to contact them directly.

I don’t care much about push/pull marketing, to be honest— I generally focus on only adding value, but this is a terrific tip for a bit of push/pull to qualify contacts on Twitter; where you can often-times find yourself in a somewhat hectic cross-fire of communication.

Working On: Velocity Hosting

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:21:12 -0500

Working On: Velocity Hosting

Hosting

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:33:18 -0500

Hosting

CSS3 Buttons With Pseudo-Elements

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:31:00 -0500

CSS3 Buttons With Pseudo-Elements

Working On The UI For Streamboard RC3

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 18:53:00 -0500

Download Streamboard 2.0 for iOS devices here.
Here’s a sticky note on Best Practices for iDevice design.
Retina, what a bitter-sweet creation you are!

Easy Image Re-sizing (Right-Click)

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:41:12 -0500

I’ve been a big fan of Windows Power Tools’ Image Re-sizer for quick image edits without needing to open a Photo Editing Software (Photoshop takes a good 15-20 seconds to load all of my fonts, etc. + the time to Resize Canvas!)

Here are a few easy ways to re-size your photos in Windows with the (right) click of a button!

Windows 7 - Image Resizer for Windows
Select 32bit or 64bit and Download. Windows Power Toys are not supported in Windows 7, but this does the trick.

Windows XP - Windows Power Toys Image Resizer
While your installing add-ons, see what else Microsoft has to add here.

Now you can Re-size any photo on your computer without even the slightest headache.

Added Dedicated Contact Form

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:09:00 -0500

Includes Geo-Location + File Upload ability + Ajax drop-down that only appears once Formdata has triggered it as to not seem so daunting at first. (Short Form until filled, Long Form magically appears and I’ve gotcha’!)

You may now contact me by clicking here.

Revvenue Mobile Commander for AudioTrenz

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 14:06:00 -0500

Mobile Commander is an iPhone/Mobile Phone mini-app wrapper that links to your most-needed applications and Business tools. Always have what you need right at your fingertips.

Our custom Home Screen Dock Icon launches your custom Administration Panel, and you’re back to business regardless of your location.

The App Screen
Custom-tailored to meet the needs of your business.

Custom Icon for your Home Screen to access your Mobile Commander easily

A Password Locker is included to securely hold a master file of every 3rd-Party password to ensure the client has access to passwords should they need them.

Care to have your own Mobile Admin App? Contact us today.

Using CallTo When Developing For Mobile Users

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:59:00 -0500

Making a website optimized for Mobile (iPhone)? Mobile visitors can automatically dial a specified telephone number using the following Codex (just like a generic link).

For example:
<a href=”tel:+1-800-275-2273”> Call Apple Customer Support at 1-800-275-2273 </a>

Will output “Call Apple Customer Support at 1-800-275-2273” and when clicked will prompt the iPhone’s dialer to pickup with that number already entered.

Apple also supports turning off auto-detection of phone numbers via a meta-tag.

<meta name=”format-detection” content=”telephone=no”>

meta-data for Custom Homescreen Icon:
<link rel=”apple-touch-icon” href=”/customIcon.png”/>
<link rel=”apple-touch-icon” href=”/Icon@2x.png ”/> (retina)

Resolution is 57x57 @ 72DPI and 114x114 @ 72DPI for Retina.

Also to note: Homescreen Icon Name defaults to TITLE parameter in mobile website HTML.

50 more jQuery Mobile Tips

A Case Study In Maximizing AOS Average Order Size

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:51:00 -0500

View Full Size Image and Original Post via my →Facebook Profile

I was browsing headphones on Amazon as I’m considering dumping the Beats Pro - Limited Editon Monster Pro Detox Over-the-Ear Headphones headphones for something more mature that might fit my current setup better than the Beats are currently. I went from a 24-bit 96hz Digital Out source to a DAC solution thanks to my sweet wife, Mallory Smith. The Beats have served me well and this actually my 2nd pair.

<!—Paragraph not about marketing below —>
(Religious commenting brought to you by Andrew Zammit)

I have to add a line to defend them here because they are great at what they do best: adding a deep and rich EQ to plain sound sources i.e.) iPod, iPhone, computer audio-out, etc. etc. I would venture to say they’re the best I’ve listened to for this purpose actually.

There may be something better on the market for the same price or lower, but I would venture to say if you’re a Consumer of Electronics with decent taste and want the best sounding iPhone headphones without doing days of research, just buy the Beats. You won’t be disappointed.

<!—Paragraph not about marketing above —>

So, without boring you with any further details of the why’s of me being on Amazon, let’s start there and get to my point.

I’m motivated to browse headphones (I do this 1-2 times a week with something I know I will eventually pull the trigger on, research is half the benefit of getting the best out of your investments, right?!) So, I login to my account on Amazon.com and turn off 1-Click Purchasing before I get ahead of myself ;).

After my session of reading various reviews mixed with having other review websites open in separate tabs, etc. and comparing many side-by-side, looking at my budget and what my budget will be once I sell the equipment I have now, etc. I open Facebook in a tab and see something from Clint Chaudoin. The light bulb goes off and I remember the last time I made a comment publicly regarding headphones he gave me a hard time. So, what do I do? Open the main “Breadcrumb” Index for Headphones > Sort By Most Expensive.

I pick up the most expensive pair and paste the link to Clint’s Facebook wall just to pull his chain a bit. Then I start reading about the headphones and the Online Marketing part of me starts scrolling the page down to review what the viewers of this item have actually purchased on Amazon.

I had a feeling I wasn’t the only somewhat tech-savvy consumer shopping for headphones that found this set of cans by sorting by Most Expensive as it’s something I do often just to see the best before I start comparing what I’m actually going to buy.

So, most Amazon members buy (in Orange in the screenshot) Sennheiser SD202’s for less than $20.00.

(Off the record again, I had a chance to listen to these at an audio store and was very impressed. VERY SOLID cans. I sent a pair toSara Blake for helping me out when she needed headphones at the time. These are probably the best headphones you can buy under $50.00 — at least from what I’ve listened to!)

#2.) KOSS Branded Portapro cans with Case: $40.00

#3.) Sennheiser HD 650’s: $478.00 (wow!)

#4.) Cans with WOOD ACCENTS: $250.00 (Notice WOOD ACCENTS in my description here. Remember, the most expensive pair has wood accents as well! Do you think the Consumer realized they needed wood accents by searching for them first, or from Social Proof in realizing the most expensive pair has wood accents, and so should the pair they choose. Hey, my cans have WOOD ACCENTS! THAT’S WHAT THE $3,000 PAIR HAVE AS WELL!

#5.) Direct Out Cable (which Mal also got me… awesome piece!)

All of this is to describe a quick Case Study in Consumer Marketing and Sales. This scenario played out hundreds of times during my tenure at Circuit City as a salesman; my first job and primer to Sales.

As a Consumer we LOVE to check out what is the best, even though we may not be willing or able to afford the best; Consumer Electronics (and several other niches are the same here) excite Consumer Electronics Consumers. I’m sure Clint has had several “Regulars” in his local car audio joint just to see what he has new on the floor, or what RF might have out that’s cooler than last year’s model. Hell, they even make annual Rockford Fosgate product catalogs full of propaganda and other stories of Social Proof to get your excitement up and purchase (and consume) more and more and more. Consumers (I will admit I’m a Consumer Electronics Consumer, so what!?) love to check out new technology and mold their ideal of VALUE (Quality that fits their budget) to fit the most expensive, or best tech available in that particular vertical.

Before the opportunities, let’s consider this possibility:

So, this particular headphone manufacturer may not want to deal with anything but the best in their manufacturing. That’s one angle here, and albeit ignorant if their goal is to MAKE MORE MONEY; it might be the case that they could just care less. If that’s the case, more power to this headphone manufacturer and I’ll be asking for a loan out of those duffel bags full of Benjamins as soon as I’m done writing this up!

OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Create a line of headphones for the $300 budget.
Value! With the Market Research Amazon has given this company free of charge, they know after viewers have looked for the best on Amazon, they’re willing to spend $250 on another brand that is similar in that they both have WOOD ACCENTS. So, create a pair and even charge a premium, I’d say $350. Add wood accents, satisfy missed opportunities in the Direct game now, and secure leads for future sales when these buyers want to upgrade to the Big Daddy. BRAND LOYALTY! The other pair of Sennheisers selling for $500.. dominate that price vertical as well by offering a $600 model and including better Value in your proposition.

2. Create a line for the $50 budget that includes a case.
Even if you have to manufacture and White Label through a cheaper brand, #hustle hard on this and get in where the money’s at. Take control of the product and let some other company (like KOSS?) brand your product. This consumer obviously noticed that nice headphones come with a case, or that it was a good idea to find a pair with a case when they purchased— but weren’t serious inquiries at this time of purchase. $50 + a free lead/brand loyalty seems like a pretty good deal to me.

3. Cables & Accessories.
How about a premium cleaner for your $3K cans, gold-plated Astronaut-level wire harnesses, whatever. Sound cards for the computer. Accessories and up-sells. Someone is dropping $3K on a set of headphones don’t you think they want a Complete Solution?

These were my favorite customers at Circuit City years ago (and I am this kind of customer now). If you’re going to invest in Quality, you’re also going to invest in the Complete Solution to complete the entire system here. White label, partner, whatever it takes. Why aren’t you increasing your Average Price Per Ticket (Order) more easily.

Not only is Ultrasone missing this opportunity on the front-end, they’re leaving valuable leads on the table, brand advocates that want to get into an ultra high-end set of Cans (like myself!) but can’t yet afford them, and so much more money on the table every time someone checks out.

This table is crowded with players like Koss, @Sennheiser, FiiO, & others who are readily reaching their hand in and taking easy money and customers all generated by Ultrasone.

Questions? Comments on this? Am I off my Rocking Chair here or did I hit the nail on the head? Ultrasone, contact me if you’re ready to become more successful right now; or if you just want to send me a pair of those badass Ultrasone EDITION 10 Headphones.

One day I’ll buy a pair!

I’ll tag a few of you Friends & Colleagues who might add some feedback here in the comments as FB seems to have put a hiatus to my tagging in this post. Enjoy!

I am obsessed with wire management. Looking at this pic makes me...

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:22:00 -0500

I am obsessed with wire management. Looking at this pic makes me want to rip it all down and do start again… But I won’t. Must be from my PC building and obsession to manage the wires inside my custom PC’s.

Actually it’s not too shabby for…

Cisco Cable Modem
NETGEAR N600 Wireless Router
Wired NIC Card to my desktop
USB-Powered LED Ambient Lighting
Keyboard/Mouse/Microphone/Headset/Webcam/Wacom Tablet
Desktop Monitor
Printer
Polk Hitmaster Floor Speaker
USB-Powered NAS Network Server (Can’t be seen here, behind my tower)
USB-Powered FiiO E7 DAC
Monster Beats Headphones

Should’ve seen it before I decided to attack it…

My iPhone’s new BFF; FiiO E7

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 22:50:00 -0500

My iPhone’s new BFF; FiiO E7

Print/brand stuff.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 07:38:43 -0500

Print/brand stuff.

Even my snailmail has an email.

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 18:13:52 -0500

Even my snailmail has an email.

→ View ScreenshotFound a pleasant surprise logging into my →...

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 23:43:00 -0500

→ View Screenshot
Found a pleasant surprise logging into my → Google Apps Dashboard today. Google URL Shortener for Domains. Brilliant!

Currently we’re using an → in-house scri pt that uses a .htaccess mod re-write rule coupled with a mysql db to get stats/remember URL’s.

One less thing to be sorted and one less thing using local resources. Thanks, Google!

Do you own your own Domain Name and would like to use Google Apps yourself? It’s free for up to 10 employees. → Get in touch with me and I’ll help you set it up.