The Importance of a YouTube Presence for The Success of Any Business

With the creation of television came the start of an era where technology including video would rule how we gather information. This advancement and the progress of technology since has increased the effects that video has in building a successful marketing campaign. Video technology is without a doubt a powerful source when impacting consumers decisions. Engaging video content influences its audience and therefore is a necessary element when creating a complete digital marketing campaign.

Thankfully for the marketers of today there is a cost-effective source to introduce your brand via video, YouTube. YouTube video creation isn’t a new concept however the way it fits into a digital marketing strategy is. Long gone are the days of lengthy videos with production crews and long hours editing and in with technology that makes video creation affordable and simple.

You know longer need a Hollywood produced video to launch your brand, low barriers to enter the video market have made it possible to start launching videos at just pennies of what it once did. Videos can be something simple as snap shots of how products are made or something as simple as snippets of working with clients. Slideshow videos or one person showcasing your company or their project, it is all about offering something unique to your clients.

Ever heard of “going viral”? Your videos need to be watched so our job as marketers is to create something people will want to watch. One drawback to the ease at which YouTube videos can be created is that the market becomes saturated. In order for your business to stand out amongst the crowd it is crucial that videos are created that speak to consumers by sharing a quick, memorable snippet that reaches your audience and persuades them to seek more information. When this is achieved you are one more step closer to digital marketing success.

Creating A YouTube Presence

YouTube is a terrific platform for companies looking to advertise. Previous advertising efforts involved the creation of commercials and finding channels which were deemed to share similar target audiences. Of course, there was more too it but essentially the goal was to have your companies’ video/commercial reach people that were interested in what was being offered. The problem however was that the reach of the video was based on an educated guess. Thankfully, we no longer have to operate like this.

YouTube however let you target your audience not only through online videos but ad placement as well. When a user watch’s a topic specific they are then shown ads related to that; this is known as placement based on contextual user intent.

Another method of targeting is based on online behaviors. Ads and videos will use the search history and website cookies of the user to show more ads and videos related to the topic.

Sometimes the best way to target an audience is based on the user’s demographics and geographic information. Videos and ads will be shown to individuals within a specific region despite recent searches or videos that have been watched.

Because of these qualities and more, YouTube is an essential element in all digital marketing strategies. In order to grow your business and online presence it is important to become a recognizable fixture in this online fixture.

Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, is an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a variety of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

February 1, 2019February 26, 2019

Key Benefits in Android App Development

There are a number of operating systems that drive mobile devices. When working with clients, mobile app developers must determine what platform to target their app towards unless of course, they have the resources to develop for multiple platforms simultaneously. The operating systems that your app is programmed for will determine the success or failure of your app. Android, iOS Apple, Windows, and Blackberry operating systems are all popular platforms. In this installment we will look into the benefits of programming for Android app development.

Portability

Android Apps are developed using Java language in program. Java is a language that can easily be ported to additional mobile operating systems such as Chrome OS, Ubuntu, Symbian, Windows 10 and Blackberry.

Android Studio

The Android Studio is superb software application that is offers comprehensive services to programmers. It is specifically designed for Android development and allows for quick and efficient set up of Android Apps.

Java

As mentioned above Android Apps are developed using Java. Java is a programming language that is used in a number of operating systems and a variety of devices. Programming in Java allows Apps to easily be integrated on other operating systems such as Windows and Linux whereas iOS development is done in Objective C or Swift.

Google Play

Google Android Apps are easily deployed to the Google Play store. On most occasions they are able to be downloaded by users in hours after being put on Google Play. Another feature of the Google Play store is nice is that developers are able to release apps as an alpha and/or beta release. Doing this allows the app to be released only to select members or a group of testers.

Ease of Entry

Android App development can be done on Windows, Mac, and Linux. A one-time fee of $25 allows individuals to register as an app developer on the Google Play Store whereas development on the Apple App store requires a yearly fee of $99.

Profitable

Both Android and iPhone Apps are profitable, and both offer the ability for users to make the initial app purchase and in-app purchases.

November 21, 2018

Basic Elements Used In Networking: What You Should Know

The term networking is used a lot in both IT and business a lot. Creating a successful IT network is crucial to the growth of a business. When people within an organization are able to share and merge information in real time an increase in efficiency naturally occurs. IT networking is a concept that many of us are familiar with but unsure of what it takes to create. A network is a system where computers, phones, peripherals, and even IT devices are connected. Some basic essential needed to create a manage this system include routers, switches, and wireless access points. These units connect the devices on your network and allow them to communicate with one another as well as outside networks such as the internet.

The Foundation: Switches

A network switch is the backbone of many networks within companies large and small. It acts very much like a controller and connect devices such as computers, printers, and servers to the network within a location. A switch creates a link of communication on your network, allowing devices to work with one another and outside networks, thus creating a system in which resources can be shared. When information is shared, in real time, across sources and available resources are shared businesses save time and money while increasing productivity.

There are two types of switches that IT professionals can install within your networking system: managed and unmanaged.

Managed Switches: A managed switch allows techs the ability to configure it for the needs of the network. Monitoring and adjustments can be made locally or remotely. This gives companies a greater control over the network’s traffic and accessibility.

Unmanaged Switches: An unmanaged switch is one that works right from the box however cannot be configured. This type of switch is most often not used in commercial IT but instead home networking equipment.

The Dispatcher: Routers

A router is used to join the devices on the network together. A router is also used to connect computers to the internet. Using a router in networking allows one single internet connection to be shared amongst users. Paying for individual internet connections for each computer within a company would be a huge expense without a beneficial increase in function performed.

As a dispatcher, a router examines the data that is sent across the network and pick a proper route for the data to voyage through the network to its final destination. A router is used to connect your business to the outside world while protecting the data from threats and deciding a priority over systems in the network.

There are a few types of routers to choose from including:

Routers with firewalls
Virtual private networks (VPN)
Internet Protocol (IP) communications system

Routers make basic networking functions possible while making networking easier and more secure.

Accessibility: Access Points

Access points are added to network to allow for connection without cables. This makes the process of bringing new equipment online simpler and allows for flexibility to mobile employees. An access point works in a similar fashion as an amplifier for the network. Routers provide bandwidth and the access point extends the bandwidth amongst many devices that are able to access the network from a near and far.

An access point is more than just a unit that extends the Wi-Fi signal. A network access point allows useful information about all of the devices on the network and provide proactivity security while serving other practical functions.

November 16, 2018

Managed IT Services: Finding A Compatible IT Provider for Your Business

As you are interviewing providers to provide your business with managed IT services it is crucial that you know what you need and exactly what services you are looking for. Below we will provide you with some tips you should keep in mind while you are interviewing companies to become your new managed IT services.

In business, no matter if you are growing or happy where you are currently at, your IT infrastructure is crucial. Many small business owners try to manage their IT services without hiring an outside source. However, as they grow, they find that their IT service needs become more than they can manage on their own. This is where companies such as Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, can help. Managed IT services leverage the use of technology to increase efficiency throughout your organization.

Managed IT providers, MSP, is a company that is an outsourced provider of set IT tasks for your business. Many MSP providers are seen as your company’s “internal” IT team as most are available to provide services to you 24/7, after business hours may be considered emergency only. A major benefit of MSP providers is that they become part of your company without the overhead and extra staff.

Important Features of Your Managed Services Provider

IT Support When You Need It – 24/7/365

One detail that many IT service contracts include is availability. Although most MSP providers offer services round the clock it is common that services provided outside of what is agreed upon as normal business hours is done at an additional premium. The point being that they are available when you need them. Catastrophes don’t always occur during “regular” business hours. It is important that even though your IT company isn’t open 24/7/365, they are available when and if you need them.

Backups and Data Recovery

It is crucial that your service provider has in place specific procedures for backups and data recovery. Most companies don’t know the benefits of an IT provider until an actual catastrophe occurs. When a data failure occurs, and you are required to restore your company information based on the backups that are in place is probably not the time to learn the company you hired is subpar.

Maintenance and Preemptive Support

Not only is the purpose of hiring an MSP about having support when a problem occurs, it is about being proactive and preventing issues before they occur. IT support providers need to be able to not only monitor the existing IT infrastructure they should also derail potential problems before they occur.

Hire an MSP Provider That Understands Your Company

Every business is unique and therefore needs special attention paid to their unique needs. Find a provider that wants to learn about your company in detail. In order to provide your business with a successful IT solution and suggest strategies to grow your company they must understand your companies wants and needs.

November 8, 2018

Outsourcing IT Services Through a Managed IT Provider

There are a number of ways in which business of all sizes receive IT support. From in house IT techs, on call IT professionals, and managed IT providers, specialists exist in a number of capacities to ensure that the IT needs of your business, no matter how large or small your company is, are met. Many companies are switching to managed it services simply because it is one less thing on their plate to manage.

In order to choose an IT infrastructure for your business it is important to evaluate your current needs and future growth. Although the services of managed IT professionals allow you to take a hands-off approach it may include more services than you actually need. In this installment we will take a look into the general overview of managed IT plans. It is important to note that different companies offer different services, so it is crucial that you find an IT plan and company that would fit your needs without having to pay for services you do not require.

Vital Elements of Managed IT Contracts

Security

Security within your organization is important for a number of reasons and it truly the first area of concern for many business owners. It is crucial that company and client data is kept secure. A breach in data security not only costs companies millions of dollars to clean up from it puts critical data in jeopardy. Managed IT service providers must have a detailed outline on how they will secure your specific IT systems. Look for areas including intrusion detection and prevention, encryption, and firewalls to be addressed as well as how the services will be carried out.

Infrastructure

The infrastructure of your organization must be well cared for in order for your company to thrive and grow. No matter what size your company is the basics still apply, to run efficiently everything you need must be able to be performed on your systems network. This means that your managed IT service contract must include server & storage maintenance, network administration, backups, and basic services to issues arising within the network. You must work with your IT provider to develop a list of current and future IT services that are required for you business to continue to thrive.

Service and Support

The service and support of IT technicians can occur in a number of manners include over the phone, remotely, and in person. Does your company require 24/7 support to operate? If this is the case and your business will be dead in the water without 24/7 support, you will want to find an IT company that offers a managed IT service contract that supports your company no matter the time a day or day of the week. This type of support will come at a premium. Many IT companies support normal business hours and make accommodations for emergency support when needed. Support outside of normal operation times may require an additional fee above and beyond your monthly managed IT support.

Monitoring your Network

Monitoring your network is critical to successfully managing your IT services. An interruption within the network will mean downtime for your company. Managed IT services monitor every aspect of the network from in house, remote users, mobile devices, and virtual machines. Monitoring services should also include intrusion prevention and detection, firewall configurations, and 24/7 monitoring.

Data Backup and Disaster Recovery

Having a complete backup of your data is crucial. If disaster strikes it is important to know that the data that keeps your company up and running is accessible and up to date. Does the company provide on site backup, cloud backup, or is a private source used to backup crucial company data? Not only should you know where to look for important company backups it is important to have access to this information when you need it. Your managed IT support provider should also include a detailed disaster recovery plan when addressing backup needs. It is essential that this information is readily available to prevent any downtime if your company should encounter an unexpected issue.

There are many aspects to managed IT plans. This installment provides basics to expect when looking into providers of managed IT service plans. Further questions should be asked to help you determine if these services are right for your company. When interviewing IT specialists and different service plans available it is important to note exactly what is and isn’t covered in different managed IT plans. Communication is the key element when it comes to a successful IT solution for your company.

October 24, 2018

Is Your Website Ready for the Mobile Revolution?

The way we live is forever changed with each new advancement in technology, especially mobile technology. Mobile technology is changing at a rapid pace and our responsibility is to keep pace with these changes. As customers change how they use the internet and how they engage with business it is up to us to evolve as well.

If you don’t believe in the theory of a mobile technology revolution it is time to take the blinders off and look around. If you step outside and look around, you will see people everywhere using their smart phones in one form or another. It is interesting to see the shift in internet use as we move from desktops to laptops and now into a world of mobile devices. Each advancement in technology and how our access to it has changed end user interactions.

Consider the following:

82% of us browse the internet on their phone

61% of us search with their smartphones each and everyday

94% of smartphone users look for local information and 84% take actions because of it

47% of us visit business or service websites

77% of us use our smartphones to research products and services

(Our Mobile Planet: United States of America. Understanding the Mobile Consumer. May 2013. http://think.withgoogle.com/mobileplanet/en.)

From the statistics above you can see that almost 50% of the visitors to your website are from smartphone users. Problems arise when visitors seek out sites that are coded improperly and are not mobile responsive and therefore basically unusable when viewed on a smart device. Websites that are not mobile friendly are still viewable on smartphones however are practically unable to be interacted with. A non-mobile responsive site will show up as a micro version of itself.

Users will only be able to garner information from zooming in and scrolling left to right on the text. Website menus will be super tiny and frustrating to work with. If your site is not programmed to be viewed correctly on mobile devices you could be losing upwards of 50% of your customers to the competitors who have already upgraded to a mobile responsive website design. No user wants to scroll in and out on a website to gather information. As advancements in technology shows us, end users are all about ease of use and convenience. Mobile friendly, responsive website design is critical for the growth of your storefront and online business.

To find out more on mobile responsive website design call the experts at Creative Programs and Systems, 810.224.5252. We are an all-inclusive IT solutions company offering a wide range of services including: managed IT services, IT consulting, residential computer services, custom programming, website design, iphone & android app development, and more. More information can be found at https://cpsmi.com.

October 19, 2018

Creating Website Content That Is Ready for Voice Search

One of the most important aspects of creating a new website is making sure that your target traffic can easily locate you. The planning process involved requires business owners to consider what keywords and keyword phrases people will type into search engines in order to find them. Content is then created around these searches to maximize ranking results. That has worked well in the past but with new technology and voice search now is the time to reconsider website content.

Voice Search Technology

Voice search technology is when people use their voice to ask devices such as computers, phones, Alexa, Google Home, and such devices to aide in their search of the internet vs sitting at a device and typing the search into a search engine. More than half of all internet searches are said to come from voice activated technologies by the year 2020. Each year the number of voice-activated speakers purchased increases ten-fold. It’s pretty obvious to us that in order to continue to be successful websites need to be adjusted to accommodate for both voice and type searching.

People are using voice search technology mainly because it is so fast and easy to use. You can search using your phones while on the go. Information is easily received whether you are in the car, at a restaurant, or sitting in your front room, no matter where you are at voice search technology allows you to easily access information.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

There are a number of things voice search technology changes when it comes to search engines and optimizing your website to meet the needs of your customers. One thing this means is longer search phrases. When people speak they tend to talk in complete sentences whereas when typing the phrases are shorter and more to the point using basic keywords.

Voice Search vs Traditional Typing

Voice Search: Clients are more likely to ask a question such as: “What are the voice search statistics for 2018?”

Traditional Search: Clients are more likely to input a keyword or phrase without adding to it: “voice search” or “voice search stats 2018”.

Voice activated applications have been programmed to understand our natural speech patterns. They will understand longer text phrases and questions. When planning to optimize your website for search engines it will be important to take this new information into consideration. Keyword optimization will no longer only revolve around simple keywords and long-tailed keyword phrases it should now include answers to questions and longer phrases.

The Future of SEO

With voice search technology becoming more and more common, optimization for search engines is going to focus more on the long-tailed keyword, a keyword that is more than three to five words. Whereas previously websites would have been optimized for “kitchen remodeling” with voice search optimization should include “kitchen remodeling trends for 2018” or “local contractors specializing in kitchen remodeling 2018”.

Websites that are designed with voice search technology in mind will have a huge advantage over older website designs that do not redesign their sites to include optimization for the new technology. Long tailed keywords and phrases are less competitive and therefore easier to rank for. Designing a website around this now will ensure you are prepared as voice searching becomes more and more common.

What Can You Do Today?

Currently the most common voice search is your business’s phone number and address. Don’t hide that information on your site within an image or logo. The phone number and address need to be easily found and recognized. Your companies Google business listing should include an up to date address, phone number, and website address should be easily available if a client does a quick search of your company’s name.

If you are looking for local customers include phrases such as, “near me”, “local”, or “close by”. The popularity of keywords that include these phrases has increased over 500% in part due to voice searching.

Content should be structured for the intent of your users. What are your users looking for? What information are they trying to find from your site? Optimizing for Google means that your sites content gives answers to the user’s questions. Blogs or a blog series should be written in a manner that also answers your customers questions. Posts should specifically address questions that will be asked.

October 10, 2018October 10, 2018

Just How Important is a Contact Page to a Website Afterall?

It’s obvious that your sites HOME page is the most important page of your web site design. It is the landing page and will receive the most traffic of any of the pages within your website. The second most important page, is often the most neglected when optimizing your site, can you guess what page we are talking about? If you guessed the CONTACT page you are correct! Consider the goal of most of the pages on your website are created for the sole purpose of getting clients to reach out to you in one way or another. Yet the CONTACT page is most often the most underwhelming page on your website.

Considering that most CONTACT pages have very little information on them other than a basic fill information form, an email address, phone number, and perhaps a physical building address. Face it, that information can be a bit unenticing for website visitors. Since the goal of the page is to reach out and touch base with you, it is important that this page persuades them to do so.

Basic Contact Page Rules

Provide More Than One Method of Contact:

We have heard it over and over again that people hate being directed to fill out a standard, one-size fits all form on websites. We also get many businesses that don’t want to list their phone number because they don’t want to spend the day fielding phone calls. It is crucial to the success of any company that they don’t focus too much on what they want but instead focus on the customer, CONTACT pages are made for your customers not you. It doesn’t matter if you don’t want the phone number listed, if a customer prefers to call you then it is important they are able to easily do so. Give your customers every option possible on your websites CONTACT page: include an easy fill form, an email, a phone number, a physical address, and any other method of contact that you know your customers desire.

Invite Customers to Contact You:

Even if the CONTACT page seems self-explanatory it is important to note that for visitors to your site its not that simple. Your site must include a message that is welcoming and invites visitors to contact you with whatever method they are comfortable in doing so. I hear it all the time, “Just go ahead and slap up a contact form, people will know what to do.” Even though we can assume that visitors will see information to contact you, it is important to make them feel as if you are really waiting for them to reach out. Otherwise visitors may see the form as an abyss,
- “We are happy you found us and look forward to hearing from you!”
- “We are here to help, get in touch with us today and a representative will get back to you as soon as possible.”
- “We value your questions and input, please reach out to us today.”

It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or elaborate, just a welcoming message that lets visitors know their information will be followed up on.

Use Something Other Than “SUBMIT”:

More than one study has been done that shows website traffic is more likely to send information if the text button says something other than “submit”. Be more specific and illicit action: “Let’s Get Started Today”, “Send Your Message”, “Get in Touch with Us Today”, or any other way to get the message across.

Don’t Forget to Say Thanks:

A thank you page after visitors share their contact information with you is important for more than one reason. It not only allows you to keep track of conversions within Google Ads, it can also increase traffic to other pages on your site. A well optimized thank you page should offer visitors suggestions on other areas of the site to interact with while they are waiting to hear from you.

As the second most visited page to most websites, the contact page is an important aspect to remember when optimizing your company’s website. With proper optimization to this single page you can increase contacts and isn’t that the reason we have websites to begin with, more contacts equal greater business opportunities.

October 5, 2018April 3, 2019

Custom Website Design for Growing Businesses

Business of all sizes can benefit from custom web design services. Small businesses, or growing businesses as we prefer to call them are just one set of the many clients that we can help improve their online positioning and presence with a website customized to their unique business needs. The professional web development team at Creative Programs and System understand the needs of growing businesses as we are a growing company ourselves.

As a growing business we understand that expenses are everywhere and thus understand the importance of affordable services. A website does not have to cost tens of thousands of dollars to be exceptional. We are able and willing to work with small, independent business owners looking for an ecommerce site to sell their art and large scaled, international corporations. There are a number of companies that are not interested in working or designing websites for companies that are not looking to exhaust their budget on a website, which is most often a template anyway. You won’t find that at CPS; we believe custom websites should be designed specifically with our clients wants and needs in mind.

Of course, there are more factors to who you hire to design your website than cost. However, even if you don’t have a ten-thousand-dollar budget it is important to note you often get what you pay for when it comes to $500/cheap, template websites. You must understand what you are agreeing to before you sign a contract to design or re-design a website. Some companies can offer low cost websites because they are purchasing templates and fitting your business needs into the template. This is not the ideal type of site for most growing businesses.

Additional services can add to the total budget needed for a new website. If you are looking to add in services such as logo design, content creation, and in-depth search engine research and development it is important to note that these services are an additional fee above and beyond the initial design and development of your website. If you are looking into additional services, it may be important to consider your site development in stages.

When you meet with professional website developers it is important to consider their professional advice. Some fancy features may not be only be unaffordable, they may also detract visitors. Flash, reverse type, awkward navigation, music, videos, and other special effects actual cause a distraction and have been proven over and over again to not add the expected value. When planning your strategy online with a limited budget these are options to skip, even with an unlimited budget some of them should be avoided.

Your website should be all about your customers. It is easy to get swept up in what you think is desirable but in reality, the only thing that is important is what your customers want. Remember, most customers are looking for information and outcomes. If they want to purchase a new car, they are looking at your site for valuable information on the product and how to easily go about obtaining it. All website design should consider what the customer is looking to obtain from it and be designed around this.

Content is a key element not only for your customers value but also for search engine rankings. When creating content or having content created for your company it is important to take into consideration what your customers are looking for and how your content can answer this need. If your visitors find the information on your site reliable and useful they are more likely to become a customer over those that cannot find answers to what they are looking for.

September 20, 2018

The Many Reasons Every Business Needs a Mobile App

Mobile apps are becoming more and more of a necessity when it comes to maintain and growing your business. No matter what you do or how your company interacts with clients a custom designed mobile app will allow you to be more efficient and effective. Mobile apps are not solely for large, well known companies like Home Depot. In fact, more now than ever small and mid-sized companies with unique needs are benefiting from custom apps to round out their company’s mobile strategy.

If you are still on the fence on why your business needs a mobile platform and how they can benefit from a custom app this installment should provide a clearer picture to its importance in our ever-changing world of business and customer relations.

Benefits of Custom Mobile Apps

Visibility to Customers 24/7

Would you believe it if someone told you that the average American spends more than two hours a day using their mobile device. Most users only use a handful of apps on their phones however, each time they open an app yours will be right there. Even if it is unconscious, the image of your app will be there and thus always top of mind.

Direct Marketing

Mobile apps function in several ways to assist customers. From general pricing to account information and more. The biggest benefit of providing customers with a mobile app is that any information you desire your customers to have at their fingertips from special promotions to sales, it is all there at the touch of a button.

Added Value

Another benefit of having a custom mobile app for your company is the added services of value that you can offer to clients that interact with it. For instance, the app can be designed in a manner that allows customers to collect rewards for interactions, a type of loyalty program. What results for your companies is that more and more users will want to download your app to achieve rewards thus leading to a higher number of repeat customers.

Brand Awareness

Mobile apps can significantly increase the awareness of your brand. The app is like a walking billboard for your company. You can change it as often as desired creating a different appeal every day. The theory of effective frequency states that people seeing or hearing about your company more than 20 times are more likely to recall your information when they need your products or services.

Beneficial to Employees

Mobile apps are super useful to your employees as well. They can be used to complete everyday tasks as well as be a source to relay information easily to one another within your company. The great thing is that as the wants and needs change for your growing business so can the app. Mobile apps can be customized to the growing needs of employers leading to a more efficient way to manage employee relationships.

Creative Programs and Systems specializes in custom mobile apps for both iPhone and Android users. For more information on what the Android app developers and iPhone applications developers at CPS can do for your growing business check us out at https://www.cpsmi.com.