Small Biz Blog Wiz - Easy, Affordable and Productive Blogging for Small Businesses

Choosing a Blogging Platform

This blog uses Typepad as its platform. I've also used most of the other major platforms and each one definitely has its own strengths and weaknesses. The top 4-5 (TypePad, Wordpress, Blogger, etc.) are all good choices when setting up your blog. I would recommend staying away from obscure platforms that are not being used by a lot of people. You want something that has a community around it and will be there for the long-run.

Who Are They? Where Are They? How Are They?

Building a web site is only part of the puzzle of on-line success. A crucial element in your ultimate web domination will be tracking and analyzing the visitors to your site. Where do they come from? How did they get to your site? What did they look at while they were there. Knowing the answers to these questions and using them to influence the design of your site is time well spent for the long-term growth of your web-based operation.

Web Tool: Pageflakes Start Page Demo

Customizable, all-encompassing start pages are all the rage. Whether it's Netvibes, Google, Pageflakes or the numerous others on the scence, the start page is the focus of attention for a growing number of business, and rightfully so. The start page is, obviously, where nearly every single web session begins. It makes sense that this page has developed into a business model. But, how you can you benefit from these flexible fountains of information. Well, let's take a look at PageFlakes, courtesy fo the ScobleShow, to find out.

Is Your Stuff Safe?

Are your business files safe from thieves, fire, and other disaster? Do you have your most important business documents, spreadsheets, files and data secured at an off-site location so you can actually sleep at night? If not, you better better wake up early tomorrow and consider some of the backup solutions from a few of the providers available. Shit happens. Make sure your stuff is safe.

Link: Off Site Data Storage

"Not that you won't want to save your files to your own computer as extra insurance, but the feeling of knowing all your long, hard hours of work are safely stored somewhere after you do experience a major computer failure can not only save your sanity, but your life."

Congratulations! You are Time's Person of the Year.

You did it! Wow, what an honor! You, yes you, are Time's person of the year.

 

In a move that acknowledges the ascendancy of the social web, Time magazine has named their Person of the Year for 2006, and it's you, me, all of us. Millions of people around the globe comprise the social web and the number is growing everyday. Today's Internet is an increasingly a place where people easily create and connect, transcending borders and time itself. It is a people-power thing. It is all about you.

The big players of the social web - YouTube, Flickr, del.icio.us, Blogger etc. - are the obvious catalyst for so much of the current evolution of the web and they get the requisite attention in the article, but the people, the contributors - the fuels for these sites is what what makes them great. And that fuel is you.

How to Build a Good, Solid, Profitable Small Business Web Site

The New York Times published a well-written article regarding the basics of good web site design for small businesses. Successful sites should focus on simple yet compelling copy, answering visitor's questions fast and keeping clutter to a minimum. The advice is sound, easy-to-understand and free. You better take a look.

Link: How to Make Your Web Site Sing for You - New York Times

"If a site does not answer a user’s questions about a business, then you have scored one for the competition. For example, the first thing customers visiting any restaurant’s Web site want to know is when it is open. But often that information can be found only by digging through multiple pages. As a result, “the site fails,” Mr. Nielsen said."

5 Mistakes to Avoid in Small Biz Web Design

Five common sense, easy-to-follow tips for avoiding simple yet costly mistakes when building a small business web site. Heads up - mistakes #1 and #4 can be fatal to your business.

Link: Jondi Gumz,: Spruce up that Web site - - - November 10, 2006.

"1. Hard to find information: Your site must be easy to navigate, and there should be easy and multiple ways to contact you.

4. Too complex: Keep things clean and simple."

Free Business Web Sites for All

Microsoft is offering businesses a free web site and web-based software suite. Right now the service is just in testing mode, known as beta. But on November 15 the service goes live and will offer small businesses a free, easy way to build their online presence. Microsoft assumes it can tap into the non-techie business owners who currently don't have web sites, which is a fair and reasonable assumption (the same one I operate under!). The quote below from the story summarizes the typical web site purchasing process for many small businesses. It is exactly what I seek to correct.

Link: A Web Site to Call Your Own - New York Times

"For nontechnical people, it’s all an expensive headache. No wonder half of all small businesses don’t even have Web sites."

Google Office Coming Together

Documents, spreadsheets, project management, intranets and much more in one place - on the web. Welcome to Google Office.

The race towards web-based office suites took another big step forward today as Google acquired JotSpot. For small business owners, the important information is that Google has added a robust collection of web-based software to their existing offerings. All of Google's software is easy to use, completely portable and offers instant collaboration with whomever you choose.

The ability to take your office anywhere is upon us. Use it, grow and prosper.

Moblogging Man with a Wireless Plan

Over the next few weeks, I will be posting to this blog with a hand-held device, which will allow me to keep the site up-to-date while I enjoy a little rest and relaxation from the daily grind. I've run a few tests and everything appears to functioning properly, so stay tuned for mobile posting as my summer travel season kicks into high gear!

And for you business owners out there, this easy-to-use moblogging functionality means there are no excuses for a stale small business blog! Whether you're on the road, in the office or at home, blogging is getting easier and easier.