Author Archives: bradymillsgraphics

Google Plus Profile for Business

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Google has announced plans to release Google+ Profiles for businesses later this year, and has asked businesses to hold off on creating Brand pages until they are finished with development.

Product Manager, Chris Oestlien, released a Youtube video and blog statement last month where he mentioned that although there are great plans for Brand profiles on Google+ they are not yet optimized for such pages. He joked that when Ford Motor created their Google+ profile it was an awkward moment when they asked for Ford’s gender.

Chris says in his blog post, “The business experience we are creating should far exceed the consumer profile in terms of its usefulness to businesses. We just ask for your patience while we build it.” He also said that the Google policy team is actively working with Google+ profile owners to shut down any non-user profiles.

Over the next few months, Google plans to work on a small experiment with a few marketing partners to see the effect of adding brands to the Google+ experience and better optimize for the future of Google+. Google had a limited number of spots available for “non-user entities” (as they call them) and at this point the pilot program is closed.

Stay tuned for more information about Google+ and our next blog about how Google+ is starting to change the search and social landscape.

The Power of a New Website

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As online marketers, we know better than anybody how powerful a streamlined, engaging, secure web presence can be. (MW4S7BH9K3PT) It’s the very thing that we work to give our customers every day—It’s so powerful, in fact, that we recently redesigned our own site here at BradyMills.com.

The truth is, with a strong website, a business has the ability to streamline information for users, immediately engage visitors, even protect customers from security breaches. To see what we mean, check out ways local Nashville businesses have been redesigning their websites for better functionality, usability, and influence.

Streamlined Information

Headquartered here in Nashville, NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy) redesigned its site to streamline information and become more useable for visitors. The new site combines both NASBA.org and NASBAtools.com, in order to put together everything that was relevant to state boards of accountancy, CPA professionals, CPA Examination candidates and accounting firms. “Our website serves as the first point of contact for state boards of accountancy and it is critical for the user experience that the site portray the essence of our brand position, ‘The Trusted Resource for Regulation and Professional Services,’” said David A. Costello, President and CEO. According to Alfonzo Alexander, Chief Relationship Officer, “The new NASBA.org offers a wealth of information in a sleek, navigable environment, making it easier for boards and consumers to obtain the information they need.”

Engaged Visitors

Nashville’s own art museum, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, launched its new site this month in an effort to better engage visitors. FristCenter.org can accommodate any browser size, features a news ticker, a search engine, and the ability to share with friends via Facebook, Twitter, or email. “This new website is an exciting leap forward for us,” said Frist Center Marketing Director and project manager Kathy Demonbreun. “The site employs photography, audio and video to support our exhibitions and programs and in a wonderfully dynamic way, really reflects the institution we have become in our first ten years.”

Protected Customers

Sometimes, getting a new website is more of a necessity than a preference, like when you deal with a possible security breach the way The Nashville Zoo did recently. After customers were warned to review credit card statements for unauthorized charges, the Zoo had to shut down its website while it resolved “issues regarding possible unauthorized credit card charges or theft.” The nonprofit announced plans for a new one soon, recognizing the importance not only of a website’s design but also its security.

If your company is looking to make similar changes to its web presence, contact Brady Mills today! We’d love to help you better serve your customers and expand your profitability with the right design!

Brady Mills Graphics at the Metro Nashville Annual Business Symposium

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Karl Dean to kick off the Metro Nashville Business Symposium

Karl Dean to kick off the Metro Nashville Business Symposium on August 3rd

Join me at the Metro Nashville Annual Business Symposium hosted by the Metro Government and the Office of Minority & Women Business Assistance for an informative and networking event “Creating a Business Edge in a Challenging Economy.”

RSVP today to bao@nashville.gov or 615-880-2814

Event Details
Aug 3, 2011
Nashville Downtown Library
615 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37219
9:30 am to 1:00 pm
(Parking available in the Library Parking Garage at a reduced fee with Library validation)

This Free Event Includes:

  • Kick-off by Mayor Karl Dean
  • Seasoned Business Owner’s Panel Discussion: Creating a Business Edge in a Challenging Economy
  • Partners in Progress Speed Networking Event — Network with large firms using a speed networking format
  • Pit Stops — have 15 minutes of one-on-one technical assistance with an industry professional in the following areas:
    • Marketing (Brady Mills will be providing free online marketing and web strategy one-on-ones)
    • Legal
    • Accounting
    • Bonding/Insurance
  • Capital Corner — Finance experts ready to talk about your financial needs
RSVP was still open as of yesterday, so please RSVP immediately to bao@nashville.gov or call 615-880-2814.

 

Google Sued by PayPal

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The announcement of Google Wallet back in late May stirred more than interest among the community. Just hours after Google unveiled Google Wallet, PayPal filed suit.

In a 30-page document, PayPal accuses Google of stealing trade secrets and poaching employees. PayPal alleges that Google hired executives from PayPal and eBay who had proprietary knowledge of PayPal’s inner-wokings, competitive analysis and future development plans.

The lawsuit reveals that Google was initially negotiating with PayPal to power payments on mobile devices. Osama Bedier was the PayPal executive in charge of the negotiations with Google. After finally reaching an agreement, the contract was set to be signed; however, Google balked when presented with the deal on October 26th. They refused to sign the deal they had requested.

Unknown to PayPal, Bedier had been secretly meeting with Google senior executives, culminating in a meeting with Larry Page & Jonathan Rosenberg on October 21st. On October 31st, Google extended an offer of employment to Bedier.

The lawsuit notes that Bedier also knew of all future development plans of PayPal’s mobile payments and an internal detailed analysis of Google’s weaknesses in the area. Additionally, Bedier stored some of this information on non-PayPal computers and devices, including the remote computing service ‘DropBox.’

Google’s response? “Silicon Valley was built on the ability of individuals to use their knowledge and expertise to seek better employment opportunities, an idea recognized by both California law and public policy. We respect trade secrets, and will defend ourselves against these claims.”

I wonder what will happen with this one? It certainly seems to me that PayPal has laid out the information in a way that doesn’t look good for Google.

3 Powerful Ways to Boost Your Search Engine Marketing

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If you’re like most small companies, you know Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is a great way to boost business. When executed properly, it helps capture relevant users who are already interested in what you offer, bringing targeted customers right to your product. But what you might not know is how to use this tool most effectively: that’s why a good SEM program, one that is thoughtfully designed and monitored, is vitally important. which is exactly what Brady Mills can offer.

Here are three powerful components of a good SEM campaign:

Make the Most of Your Web Presence
Your competitors have high-tech, extensive websites; why shouldn’t you? Expanding your website into multiple pages helps extend your web presence and truly invest in the SEM experience. Likewise, it’s smart to customize landing pages to keywords, so that searchers are gratified immediately when turning to your site.

Choose & Use Keywords Carefully
Speaking of keywords, the best keywords are both relevant and specific, targeted in a very particular way that’s designed to pull in the most plentiful results. Choosing this kind of keyword can be tricky, but that’s what makes SEM services from a firm like Brady Mills such a powerful resource, as we can use our expertise to identify the keywords best for your company. Then, using these keywords, we’ll help craft relevant ads complete with calls-to-action for higher conversion rates—because, after all, even with “all the keyword research in the world,” according to Search Engine Watch, “if you don’t complement that effort with one to create sound campaign architecture, you may see your campaigns fall flat.”

Align Your SEM Program with your Search Engine Optimization Program (SEO)
Both SEO and SEM work to increase return on marketing investment, ultimately creating a lasting boost in conversion rates. As a recent Mashable article pointed out, “[T]oday, more marketers are realizing SEM and SEO are not separate disciplines. Instead, they are two sides of the same coin — complementary programs that, when managed correctly, can benefit each other to increase conversion rates and share of voice.” By finding a way to blend these two programs together like Brady Mills can do, you make your marketing more efficient and effective.

At Brady Mills, we are always looking for ways to better serve our clients, whether through web design, SEO or SEM. Call us, and we’ll put our expertise to work for your business, constantly working to improve your conversion rates–and thus, your company’s success.

Undeniable Value of SEO

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Promoting your website with SEOSearch Engine Optimization (SEO) is a valuable tool–powerful enough to boost traffic and, by extension, create new business. Through the right blend of strategic keywords, descriptions, content and design, your company moves higher in search results, making it easier for users to find you. And the more users that get in touch with your site, the more business that will result.

It was SEO that recently propelled sales for Mrs. Fields, the well-known cookie giant: through SEO marketing, the company saw sales of gift baskets move 20 percent higher and searches for gift baskets rise by 200 percent. “If you can get ranking high in natural search, which is free, I think that is important for any business,” said Chris Kuhn, online marketing coordinator at Mrs. Fields.

The fact is, SEO strategies from experienced agencies like BMG have been proven to change the face of business for clients–in some cases, providing as much as 200% returns on investments.

One CEO remarked, “…A business owner would have to be living in the dark to not understand the benefits of SEO.”

Other Nashville businesses are already taking advantage of this game-changing tool, enlisting the help of strategists like Brady Mills, in order to rank higher and become more profitable. Local surgeon and business owner Dr. Jeffrey Marvel, for example, was interested in boosting business at his medical practices, so he utilized SEO strategies when designing his three websites, each targeted to particular clients. Whatever your industry or area of expertise, SEO can help your business rank higher and be more successful.

That’s because Search Engine Optimization is more than just a web tool; it’s a powerful marketing strategy that can make a measurable difference in your company’s exposure and sales. For more information on how Brady Mills can help your company move forward, contact us today!

Facebook + Skype

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Facebook and Skype Team UpWe have been using Skype for a couple of years now, to communicate with out of state clients, family members and even each other at Brady Mills Graphics. So, we are super excited to see that Facebook and Skype have now teamed up to offer video chat directly through Facebook’s chat service. Check it out here: http://www.facebook.com/videocalling

Benefits of Search-Friendly URLs

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Google Friendly URLs

Simple, logical, and designed to be appealing to users, search-friendly URLs are a valuable asset for businesses—because they push sites higher in search engine results, driving more traffic and, by extension, increasing potential business.

Higher Search Results

Search engines gather and organize information from all over the Internet, filtering it in a way that makes relevant information available to users when they search online. Through search-friendly URLs, businesses can boost their rankings in search engines, pulling more users to their sites.

More Traffic

One of the biggest benefits of higher search results is higher web traffic. When you’re able to get your website to users who are already interested and searching in your industry, you’re able to pull targeted users to your products.

More Potential Business

Money Tree

Driving more traffic to your website means driving more potential business—a goal every company can relate to. That’s why search-friendly URLs are a great way to enhance your web marketing plan.

If you’re ready to learn more about search-friendly URLs and how they can improve your business, talk to us! We’d love to make your site more appealing to search engines and potential customers!

 

Ways Nashville Businesses are Capitalizing on Social Media

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In today’s business world, there’s no denying the power of social media–and that’s especially true in a city like Nashville, where there’s such a strong sense of community, both on and offline. Here are a few several Nashville-area people and businesses making headlines recently for capitalizing on social media in their marketing efforts, in diverse industries from music to politics–using it to set themselves apart, distinguish their brands, connect with customers, and promote business.

  1. Nashville Electric Service: Recently named one of the top utilities in use of social media by 2011 E Source Utility Social Media Survey, NES has leveraged social media in a variety of ways, from disseminating flood information in May 2010 on Facebook and Twitter to connecting rodeo fans through a Facebook page for the 2011 Public Power Lineworks Rodeo.
  2. Governor Haslam: Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is the first-ever Tennessee governor to make full use of social media in his own public outreach efforts and also through a push on state departments to do the same. “Social media offers powerful tools that invite the public in and promote discussion,” Haslam said last month at the Tennessee Digital Government Summit. The governor’s online presence currently includes 40K+ Facebook fans, 8K+ Twitter followers, 1+K LinkedIn connections, and close to 100K visits to tn.gov/governor since he took office.
  3. Dolly Parton: With over one million Twitter followers to date, the Queen of Country Dolly Parton recently told The Sunday Telegraph that “you have to roll with the punches or you get left behind. “ Seeing social media as the latest bandwagon, Parton is quick to jump on, promoting her brand.
  4. Metro Nashville: Not only does Metro Nashville have a Facebook page giving info about events involving government, but also, as of last month, all Metro meetings will be available on the YouTube channel run by the city, so the government can encourage openness and transparency in the way it does business. “We are harnessing new technologies to ensure that more Nashvillians have more access to information about how our government runs,” Mayor Karl Dean said. “With access comes engagement, and that is always a good thing.”
  5. CMT: A unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks, CMT is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. Just last month, it launched a social-interaction-based game on Facebook called Platinum Life™: Country, designed to enhance the company’s method of connecting with fans. The game links country music fans with their favorite artists and music in meaningful ways and is the first social network game based on the country music lifestyle.

Interested in seeing how social media marketing can enhance your brand? We’d love to help–contact us today to see what Brady Mills can do for you.

GoDaddy Founder & CEO is Endangered Animal Killer

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GoDaddy founder, Bob Parsons, stands next to elephant he slaughtered

GoDaddy founder, Bob Parsons, stands next to elephant he slaughtered

If you ever thought there weren’t enough reasons not to use GoDaddy for your web-hosting… think again. GoDaddy’s founder and CEO, Bob Parsons, obviously has a “thing” for killing endangered animals.

Parsons has killed 5 elephants in African Villages over the past year. PETA and the people have spoken out to express their disgust with Parsons’ actions. In an interview with CNN, Parsons said, “A lot of the people that are upset about this are animal lovers.”

PETA raised valid points. If Mr. Parsons wanted to help local farmers (which was his excuse for hunting the elephants, who he said destroyed farmers’ crops in Zimbabwe villages), he would use his money to find non-lethal and equally effective remedies. Read the article, then move your hosting to a company who loves our Earth and all Earth’s inhabitants.

Check out the CNN article.