To better serve our clients on the West coast, the Schipul team is opening up shop in the San Jose Bay Area next month!
Initially led by the fearless April Kyle, sales gal extraordinaire, this new Silicon Valley web design office will help nonprofits and businesses alike with their web marketing, social media training and SEM polishing needs.
We’ll be working from the oh-so-convenient Office of Silicon Valley (where Guitar Hero was created, you know) helping area web sites make things happen. Are you on the West coast and need some training or a little Schipul web time, give April a call at 408-430-3137! No matter what coast you’re on, we can’t wait to talk to you!
To celebrate our second office opening, we are offering clients a great discount to transition to the up and coming Tendenci 5 platform, we shouldn’t be the only ones having all the fun! Check out our Silicon Valley page for more details.
Schipul is incredibly excited to show off some new stamps we’ve had created with the help from our friends at Gowalla.
While we are still trying to figure out everything there is to know about location based social media, we LOVE the way Gowalla allows locations to easily customize their visitors’ experience. These three stamps are our first steps to helping our clients get more out of Gowalla, and help them find new ways to interact with their customers, visitors and patrons.
The Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park will be held Friday, March 25 through Sunday, March 27 in Memorial Park. The Bayou City Art Festival is produced by the Art Colony Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to producing high quality art festivals and events, which provide financial support to local nonprofit organizations. Over the past 39 years, Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park and Bayou City Art Festival Downtown have raised $2.6 million for local nonprofit organizations.
The 2011 Miller Outdoor Theatre season kicks off March 23 with Swing, Jive and Pop! Into Dance presented by the Houston Metropolitan Dance Company. The performance incorporates history, fashion, music and the arts into an interactive blast of excitement. The company dances through the eras of the 1930’s Lindy Hop, bops into the 1950’s, grooves into the 1970’s and ends into the Hip Hop music of today.
For more information on this and other performances, check out the Miller Outdoor Theatre web site.
The world of the internet is an awesome (um… and really giant) sharing platform; a way for everyone to share, like or favorite almost anything possible, right? And sharing is an excellent way for products, Websites and brands to gain exposure and increase their company’s following and reputation.
But what if you’re not a large company?
What if you don’t even sell anything? Many companies and personal blogs belong to a certain niche. Gardening. Watercolors. Specialty Pet Food. Business Management Techniques. The most widely used method small niche blogs like these use is social media; and social media takes time. Lots of time if you want to do it well, interact with your followers and build reputation and influence. New bloggers sometimes have a hard time with this.
Here comes Social Blogmarking.
Social blogmarking is exactly what it sounds like. Similar to bookmarking a site, social blogmarking sites allow you to write a post, submit it to a blogmarking site and allows users vote it “up” or “down” or to the front of the page depending on how well they enjoyed the content.
Blogmarking is great for niche websites.
Social blogmarking can be utilized to draw more focused attention to your blog. The traffic you try hard to target through social media may find you on their own through a blogmakring site. It is also a great way to network with other bloggers and explore possible competitors.
Many social blogmarking sites, such as Blogengage and DesignFloat have navigation menus that allow you to search other niches, read and vote. This is not to say at all that social media is better or worse. Social media works amazingly for brand building and connecting to your audience, but takes far more time and dedication than blogmarking.
Personally, I believe good results should come from good, hard work’ so more hours poured into Social Media outlets should return favorable results. Realistically, however, not everyone has just a few extra hours laying around everyday to promote themselves properly.
Social blogmarking in the end…
Using both methods of social media and blogmarking may work well for some. If you have written a blog, share it with Social Media like Facebook or Twitter! Let others spread it across the world for you and shout it from the mountain tops! And while you’re at it, submit it to a social blogmarking site.
I suggest Blockube; so far I’ve found this site to be more stylish and easier to navigate than other blogmarking sites . It’s simple to blogmark your own posts and let others vote on its relevance, content and readability (less of a popularity contest, more focused on content). Also, remember to pay attention to the votes you get; you can use social blogmarking sites to learn what you are doing right or wrong by what kind of votes you receive.
Yiying Lu is the artist behind the Twitter Fail Whale
** UPDATED 2/21/11 ***
UberTwitter changed its name to UberSocial and is up and running! Download the new app.
Don’t be alarmed. But prepare to be disappointed:
Twitter has suspended the popular third-party mobile applications UberTwitter (Blackberry smartphones) and twidroyd (Android phones).
So far Twitter has said the apps were “suspended due to policy violations,” and that they suspend hundreds of applications on a daily basis for the same reasons. As for today’s explanation, Twitter said,”We are taking the unusual step of sharing this with you because today’s suspension may affect a larger number of users.”
The Huffington Post reports that roughly, twenty percent of all daily updates to Twitter are sent using apps from UberMedia , the company that owns both UberTwitter, Twidroyd and TweetDeck (another popular third-party Twitter app). While the suspension doesn’t seem to have a due date, waiting it out may be tough for those already experiencing twithdrawls.
Fear not, check out these other twitter apps for Blackberry and Android smartphones.
It’s no surprise that Facebook has issued another change to the hugely popular social media platform. I admit, I’m usually one of those “resistant to change – don’t touch my facebook layout” types, but I can completely get behind the recent changes Facebook has implemented. Mainly, because it gives Facebook Pages a broader reach, more options and the ability to interact with other pages and some personal users.
Admins Rejoice!
One of the key new features for a Facebook Page will make things a whole lot easier for Page owners and administrators. Basically, facebook page owners will be able to interact in ways previously only personal users could. Facebook Page owners and admins can comment on other pages as the page itself. This will increase Facebook Page interaction with users and allow a Page to make known their existence on Facebook in new ways.
Where before, a Facebook Page seemed to be just an abstract, bureaucratic company posting on various promotions, now Facebook Pages can feature their admins and put a face behind the Facebook Page. This will add depth and a personal touch will add to user interaction. Facebook Page admins will also be able to receive live notifications which will help with real-time interaction .
Page Owners will be able to “like” other pages and view their own news-feed similar to personal user pages. This will make it easier to keep current on what is going on on similar pages, pages of business partners or even competitors.
Photos and Layout. Since the new Facebook Pages layouts are similar to personal user accounts, you’ll notice that photos are at the top. This will prompt an opportunity for page admins to upload photos more often and change the scenery on their Page more often.
Since the layout is different, you’ll notice the “tabs” are now in the left margin. This does make them less noticeable to see, but the tab names will be able to be a bit longer.
Facebook Fan Appreciation
Now, when you look at a Facebook Page for a business and such, the feed automatically defaults to “Everyone”. So, instead of just showing what the Page/Organization has been up to, the new default settings show fan comments and posts as well.
The added variety and noticeable interaction lets other fans see how peers engage with your Facebook Page. High levels of interaction show an organizations efforts to be involved and how users view the organization in turn.
Hmmm…
Overall, adding personal touches to Facebook Pages will ultimately increase a page’s views, fan base and promote user interaction – these are all great things for businesses and I’m happy about the changes.
Despite being pushed back a week due to bad weather, the turn out at this month’s Houston Social Media Breakfast was memorable.
The popular social media meet-up came with a new location and a fresh presenter. Schipul Creative Director David Stagg, discussed The Next Generation Website. View the slides from Stagg’s presentation below.
Stagg told attendees, “Your website is the most cost effective way to market your business.”
Based on that premise, it’s important to anticipate major changes to the web. This is the type of knowledge that will help businesses get ahead of the curve or at the very least, keep pace with how consumers access and share information.
Stagg pointed to the upcoming CR-48 laptop by Google as an example of what could lie ahead. The machine runs solely on Chrome, a web browser by Google, and takes an app-centered approach to navigating the Internet.
The CR-48 laptop by Google takes an app-based approach to surfing the net.
“The web will look like what we conventionally think of as a computer application in the future,” Stagg said.
Apps Make Life Easy
If necessity is the mother of invention, Stagg would contend, “Laziness breeds innovation.” At least when it comes to web applications. Whatever the motivation for them, the practical uses for web apps can’t be ignored.
“Use third-party tools to extend your business beyond your home base,” Stagg told attendees. Apps reviewed in his presentation include:
Boxee – lets you experience your online programs vie your television (Pandora, Netflix, sports, and more)
Splashtop – turns your tablet or smartphone into a remote. Practical use: during a presentation. (Stagg gave a live demo using an iPad to control the laptop he used for his presentation. Within seconds he opened a music player and scrolled through snippets of Katy Perry’s “Fireworks” and Wiz Khalifa’s “Black and Yellow”.)
Adobe Ideas – digital sketchbook. Lets you quickly convey ideas using your hand and a tablet device such as an iPad or iPhone
Follow the Conversation
Check out comments from today’s attendees and follow live updates of the event via the Twitter hashtag #smbh.
The Houston Social Media Breakfast happens the first Friday of every month. To learn more about the next one, fan the event on Facebook www.facebook.com/HoustonSocialMedia.
Superbowl Sunday is coming, and for many that means chips, dip, friends and football. If you are video guy, like me, then that means the commercials. The Superbowl is well known for the ground breaking and buzz worthy commercials that play every year to an audience of nearly 40 million viewers.
Big corporations make video stars with user generated commercials
Some companies, like GoDaddy and Doritos, have taken the opportunity to promote their brand to an enormous audience and save in advertising expenses by opening Superbowl, Indy 500 and other major sporting event video contests to the general public. By offering large case prizes and a chance to showcase your work, these companies not only harness fresh talent and new ideas, but have entries submitted by top industry production companies.
Tips on winning a Superbowl commercial contest
Last year Francis De La Torre and his team entered and won the $100,000 top prize GoDaddy Indy 500 video contest with their entry ‘Go Mammaâ€. They utilized mass emailing, social networking and word of mouth to get in one of the top spots for judging. GoDaddy made this simple by utilizing Vimeo and YouTube links for entering your video. They also made it easy to share your video online by placing Facebook, Twitter, and other sharing options on each entry to send to your friends and family.
Francis says there are three key things to keep in mind when entering an online video contest:
1. Know your contest
This is vitally important when submitting your video. Some things to consider are: Will a panel of judges be picking the winner, or will it be by community vote? This can greatly affect how you produce and target your video. If it’s a panel of judges, you may want to research who will be watching the video to better understand what they may be looking for. If it’s the general public, you may want to go for a broader approach that appeals to the masses.
2. Use Social Networks
Francis considered this the base for garnering votes for his video. He also encourages people to visit non-mainstream site (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Myspace etc..) and visit film making / video online forums, and user groups to gain exposure.
3.Think outside the box
Create a Facebook event that encourages people to watch the video together and vote together at the same time. Host a small party to premiere your contest entry and hand out information on how to vote for your video. Create and online presence for the characters in the video. There are a number of ways to promote your entry. Be creative!
If you would like to enter a video contest, a great place to start is Poptent. Poptent gathers online contests from all over and puts them in one place for you to choose from.
There are many factors when entering a video contest for a large company. So do you research, build your support base, get creative, and win some sweet cash!
A two day conference made up of both traditional and unconference scheduling.
The point of the conference is to bring together several state and local officials as well as interested citizens with a goal of making government more transparent and accessible.
Overall the conference went well. It had it’s slow starts and the turn out was a little disappointing but it did not take away from the quality of brains that were made available.
My favorite presentation was made by Keynote Evan Smith. He defines Data Driven Journalism, using live examples from The Texas Tribune. A newspaper dedicated to presenting citizens with usable information in story, graphical, interactive, and raw format.
His passionate straight talk about our government, our data, and our citizens is enough to get anyone inspired. Amazing presentation.
It’s my understanding that these video’s are unedited raw coverage and that they will be edited soon. I watched a couple of these archives and they are not the highest quality, but I appreciate the efforts made by EFF Austin for both the live feed and holistic set of videos they’ve put together.
My takeaway from this event is that we are a lot further behind in government transparency and accessibility than I had originally believed.
Some wonderful quotes that can more accurately explain my takeaway. I apologize for not sourcing the majority of these quotes and some are paraphrased. Although I can tell you that the last quote is by Evan Smith, CEO & Editor in Chief of The Texas Tribune
“We cannot wait for government, we must set an example for government to follow.”
“Elephants don’t dance very well.”
“Today’s transparent government websites are equivalent to giving people a phone book and asking them to look for a specific phone number.”
“It takes individuals to make a parade, and there is no parade to join yet.”
As we come to the end of 2010, I’d like to take a look at the fastest growing segment of social media this year, Location.
There are 3 you should know, but you only need 2
Location is dominated by three major companies, Foursquare, Gowalla and SCVNGR. You only really need Gowalla and SCVNGR. Gowalla now allows you to check-in on Foursquare. All that means is you no longer have to choose between the two, and Gowalla has always been more fun and had more functionality, although Foursquare’s recent update evened that playing field.
As for SCVNGR, I see it becoming the eventual winner of all three. It gives users more freedom to create ways to interact with different locations, and is just more fun to use.
It will NEVER be okay to check-in to your house
Do NOT, under ANY circumstances, add your home to any of these services. This would also include never checking into your apartment complex or building. It’s irresponsible, dangerous and just plain STUPID. Get your home off these services ASAP if you were ignorant enough to create the location. It should go without saying that you should never add your friend’s home either.
Seriously, don’t be an idiot.
Privacy shouldn’t be an issue
Of course, you don’t want everyone to know where you are at all times of the day. Using these services effectively does not require you check in EVERYWHERE. The whole point of these of the check-in is to share an experience at or with a particular location. If you’re not in the sharing mood, don’t check in! 🙂
Share on Facebook and Twitter . . . sparingly
All of the apps will allow you to share your activity via Facebook and Twitter. #1 thing to know is you should turn off ALL automatic updates. Everything you do one these services is of interest to your friends and followers. Generally speaking, you only want to share those instances where there is a point to you being at a particular location. This is a really gray area, and one that even I don’t really get right all of the time. However, you need to go into using these apps with the understanding that sometimes the activity is for these apps only. Common sense should be enough for you to figure this out on your own.
Those people annoy me too
You, I, someone we all know are one of those people from time to time. And that makes the thought of checking in everywhere you go another opportunity to be one of those people. I’ve been thinking about this lately as I have started using Gowalla and SCVNGR more and more. My tip for you here is to check in BEFORE you walk into somewhere. Before leaving your car, do all of your checking in.
One of the goals of these services is to provide insider information for different locations like bars and restaurants. What to order, what to drink, etc. If you take the time to peruse this information BEFORE you walk in, you look that much better when you walk in like you own the joint.
Always remember, Location, Location, Location
The purpose of these services is to share your experiences at a particular location. Use them when those stories happen. Have a great meal? Share a special memory? Share it with your friends! And as always, HAVE FUN!
Be sure to connect with all of these AMAZING nonprofits online
Thank goodness we relied on the ever-handy Random Integer Generator to pick our winner, as we never could have made a decision with such great organizations represented. If you haven’t read through the great comments, you really must connect with these nonprofits online:
And just because we are geeky, here’s a screenshot of our randomly selected integer:
As always, we love hearing from you! If you work with a nonprofit that deserves some recognition, leave a comment below so we can add them to the list.
