What's Hot At Dmwebzing

Top 10 Web Marketing Trends of 2010: Trend # 3 - Email Marketing

2010-04-21T07:59:00.010-07:00

April 21, 2010 - How are you reaching customers?

Many consumers consider e-mail to be their main form of communication, so it only makes sense that e-mail marketing is a trend that's not going away any time soon.

10 - weeks : 10 - trends

In our third week of a 10-week review of what "they" say you should be doing on the Internet, it's already becoming apparent that using the Internet for Web Marketing is a lot about getting noticed and staying front of customers.

- 10 Internet Marketing Trends
- Why you should be participating, and
- How DMWebZing can help you make the most of each area

We can't say it enough: It's not so much about what you are doing differently this year, but where you should be doing it that may make all the difference in 2010.

Are you taking full advantage of your online presence?

Week in and week out, we continue remind you that Internet marketing can be complex and often uncharted territory to many. DMWebZing has successfully launched all of these trends for clients in the past year, so we encourage you to join us each week during this 10-week series to learn more.

From Entrepreneur.com: 10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010
Where to invest, what to test, and which deserve a rest
By John Arnold - December 24, 2009

Trend # 3: E-mail Marketing
Entrepreneur.com Advice: INVEST
DMWebZing Says: AGREE

This just seems like a no-brainer to the DMWebZing team. Whether you are maintaining e-mail blasts yourself or using a service to help you, the cost and investment to e-mail marketing is relatively low.

And while e-mail marketing has been actively used by many companies for years, there's no time like the present to get involved if your company isn't currently participating. From e-newsletters offering news and updates to coupons, discounts and special offers, e-mail is a great way to get in touch and stay in touch with your customers.

Is your e-mail list working for you?

Many companies spend years collecting email addresses and putting them in to a database. And, e-mail tools and services such as Constant Contact and Attain Response are making it easier for business owners to maintain their email lists and keep track of what they're, to whom e-mails are being sent to, and who is responding to them.

Just having an e-mail list and having an "effective" e-mail list may be the difference between sending e-mails with a purpose of publishing your thoughts and opinions and sending e-mails that will attract repeat customers, nurture leads in to referrals, educate consumers and generate new business.

Are you contacting the right people or just contacting people? Investing in an e-mail list may increase the probability your campaign is successful.

Fees for e-mail services and lists vary. But, if you aren't already using an e-mail service, we encourage you to take some time to research the different options available today. While one service may be working great for a friend or colleague, another service may be better in satisfying the specific goals of your e-mail marketing plan.

Are you weeding out the bad seeds of your email campaign?

Like so many other trends we will be investigating, including Social Network Marketing (next week) and Blogging (week 5), a lot of your investment may be in the time you spend cultivating your campaign. But like a well kept garden, if you don't weed out the bad e-mail addresses frequently, you may be maintaining a list that is doing damage or tracking erroneous statistics rather than providing success to your campaign.

It's worth noting that Entrepreneur.com states that 1/3 of consumers changed at least one of their e-mail addresses in 2009. Due to job changes and other economic factors, this is a good reminder to be mindful of current situations as you sift through your e-mail list for accurate and reliable sources. Size does not necessarily matter if your list is inaccurate, incomplete, contains old e-mail addresses or is targeting companies and people who are not relevant to your campaign.

How can DMWebZing help?

Step 1: Invest in a email service that will do the work for you

E-mail Marketing is one of those marketing avenues that your investment will probably be more in the time rather than in the money you actually spend.

If time is a high cost you can't or aren't willing to invest in, the DMWebZing team actively launches email campaigns and blogs several times each month for clients just like you!

DMWebZing can even help craft your campaign copy, choose the right e-mail service to support your campaign needs and see your entries are sent on-time and regularly throughout the year.

>> Contact us today to learn more

Step 2: If pictures are worth a million words... video is worth?

E-mails are great ways to stay in touch with clients. But can you imagine the impact your spoken word can have over a written message? Add a video message to your e-mail or blog entry!

Whether personalized to an individual recipient or a message that translates an entire user group or industry, CityZing.biz is a wonderful way to develop professional video at a fraction of a cost of most video production companies.

Video can be embedded anywhere, making your investment of one video work across several Internet channels including e-mail campaigns.

>> Click hear to learn more about video

DMWebZing - Put some ZING in your website

To learn more about E-Mail Marketing and how we can help you make the most of your next e-mail blast, call or visit us online at DMWebZing.com. If it's on the web, it's web design... it's what we do and we can help you too!

DMWebZingTeam
D'Mention Systems
1690 North Stone Avenue - Suite 212
Tucson, AZ 85705
phone: (520) 229-8730
email: sales@dmnsys.com
online: www.DMWebZing.com

Coming up next time:
Week Three: Trend # 4 - Social Network Marketing

We love the impact that Social Network Marketing can have on businesses of all sizes. Are you on Facebook, MySpace, Linked In or Twitter yet? Learn more next week!

Previously on DMWebZing:
Week One: Trend # 1 - Search Engine Optimization

Week Two: Trend # 2 - Paid Search

Top 10 Web Marketing Trends of 2010: Trend # 2 - Paid Searches

2010-04-15T09:47:00.012-07:00

April 14, 2010 - Want to be on top... of search results?

It's what everyone wants... business owners of all shapes and sizes... to be #1 on search results when consumers hit the Internet seeking what you have to sell, offer or provide. And we're sure you are no different. We don't know a business owner who doesn't want to grow and gain exposure of their company, product or services.

10 - weeks: 10 - trends

As our journey continues, we are in week two of our 10-week review of what "they" say you should be doing on the Internet to get a competitive edge in 2010.

- 10 Internet Marketing Trends
- Why you should be participating, and
- How DMWebZing can help you make the most of each area

Remember: It's not so much about what you are doing differently this year, but where you should be doing it that may make all the difference in 2010.

Let's explore!

Week in and week out, we will remind you that Internet marketing can be complex and often uncharted territory to many. Are you taking full advantage of your online presence? DMWebZing has successfully launched all of these trends for clients in the past year, so we encourage you to join us each week during this 10-week series to learn more.

From Entrepreneur.com: 10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010
Where to invest, what to test, and which deserve a rest
By John Arnold - December 24, 2009

Trend # 2: Paid Searches
Entrepreneur.com Advice: INVEST
DMWebZing Says: AGREE

Google is the one site we get the most inquiries about. Clients just want to know: "how can I be at the top of Google?" In a nutshell, the short answer is time and money. But much like the lottery, you have to play order to be eligible to win.

With the evolution of Paid Searches, Google is no longer alone in their offer of paid advertising, cost-per-click (CPC), AdWords, AdSense, banner ads, impressions, price-per-click (PPC)... you name it... someone seems to be doing it these days. Online paid advertising opportunities seem to be everywhere.

Paid Searches are not new

People will continue to click on ads and use search engines to gather information. As Entepreneur.com points out, paid searches are not revolutionary - and no on anticipates people to stop using keywords for Internet searching anytime soon.

But there are more places where paid searches can be effective - Google is not the only gamer out there anymore. Your local television station offers banners ads and paid advertising opportunities on their websites, as do local charities, youth groups and more. In fact, Facebook recently jumped ahead of Google as the #1 website for Internet Traffic. And while their paid search capabilities may not have the years of statistics to back their performance like Google, people are jumping on board with fantastic results.

Interested in doing business with Seniors?

Can your CPC campaign target market people of specific age, demographic or professional status? One of Facebook's largest growing demographic group is the 55+ market and they are not alone. More and more seniors are using the Internet in ways most marketers didn't ever forecast. Many are retired and in order to easily communicate with family, friends and relatives - including their grandchildren - many seniors are turning to Social Networking sites in droves.

With Social Networking sites gaining popularity, sites like Facebook may be a great alternative for your Paid Search Campaign. Because they gather personal profile information, many of these sites can utilize that information to better ensure placement of your ad in front of people who are more likely to use your product or service.

Even Twitter just announced they are starting paid advertising too!

But... we will talk more about Social Network
Marketing in week four - stay tuned!

In the meantime, you need to not just investigate and stick your big toe in the waters of Paid Searches, you need to invest and hire a consultant, like DMWebZing who will apply their expertise to your ads and keyword selection.

Cost-per-click campaigns are not for the faint of heart. They take time, money and patience. And like Search Engine Optimization, they do not necessarily have positive results overnight. They can... but results may not be typical for all users.

How can DMWebZing help?

Step 1: Landing pages are essential to a great campaign

Take the guess work out of a Paid Search campaign by hiring an expert like DMWebZing to make campaign decisions for you.

We will develop your ads, set-up your account, select keywords fitting to your business or and build effective landing pages for your campaign.

Once someone clicks on your online ad, you have 20 - 30 seconds to impress them in to making a critical decision. Will they go further in to your site and contact you to do business or will they simply click that big X in the corner? If they leave, it's likely you will never get that opportunity to be in front of them again. Are you willing to leave that to chance?

A custom designed campaign ensures your message is in front of the user from the moment they reach your site. Don't be like others who take the yellow pages approach of listing everything they do on one page. You do not want to lead users to wonder if you are a jack of all trades but master of none.

>> Contact us today to learn more

Step 2: Are you "talking" directly to consumers?

As an online business directory, CityZing.biz is a wonderful Internet tool to getting your business noticed online and naturally through search engine results. But did you know we also offer professional video services that will make your message truly come alive on your website or landing page?

Many business owners are confident in their ability to sell their products and services to anyone that walks in their door. What if you could get in front of every customer who wants to do business with you online too? With video you can! And using CityZing.biz for your video production is a cost-effective, local solution to making magic on your website.

And coming soon to CityZing.biz: Video Blogging

>> Click hear to learn more about video

We can help develop a new website, online marketing plan or enhance your existing online presence!

DMWebZing - Put some ZING in your website

To learn more about Paid Searches, call or visit us online at DMWebZing.com

DMWebZingTeam
D'Mention Systems
1690 North Stone Avenue - Suite 212
Tucson, AZ 85705
phone: (520) 229-8730
email: sales@dmnsys.com
online: www.DMWebZing.com

Coming up next time:
Week Three: Trend # 3 - Email Marketing

Learn more about making effective use of an E-mail Marketing Campaign and the many tools, such as Constant Contact, that can help make it easier on you!

Previously on DMWebZing:
Week One: Trend # 1 - Search Engine Optimization

Top 10 Web Marketing Trends of 2010: Trend # 1 - Seach Engine Optimization

2010-04-02T14:29:00.002-07:00

April 7, 2010 - Industry Confirmation of a Good Idea (or two)

So you have a website. You were confident in your ability to design a website or have a web designer to develop a website for you. You are on your way to success! Right? Ehhh... maybe.

What many business owners don't truly embrace is that web design is just one piece of the marketing puzzle. It takes involvement across several channels to not only gain online credibility but to also get noticed. Having a website is just step one.

Found online: a recent article on Entrepreneur.com confirming what the DMWebZing Team has always believed to be true: Web Marketing was growing at an amazing rate and it is not going away any time soon.

Not involved in Internet Marketing?

You should be!

So says Entrepeneur.com in their recent article:

10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010.

Reading their article put huge smile on our faces, knowing that we help clients utilizing all 10 of these areas. We believe our DMWebZing product line not only stands above our competition but provides business owners, just like you, a competitive edge in your industry as well.

Internet Marketing can be complex and often uncharted territory. It's no longer just about "being" online it's about taking full advantage of your online presence. DMWebZing has successfully launched all of these trends for clients in the past year!

10 - weeks : 10 - trends

And so it begins, a 10-week review of what "they" say you should be doing on the Internet to get a competitive edge in 2010.

- 10 Internet Marketing trends that your competitors are launching
- Why you should be participating, and
- How DMWebZing can help you make the most of each area

Join us as we set sail on a 10-week adventure, not to the unknown - but maybe to the not yet known part of your marketing plan. It's not so much about what you are doing but where you should be doing it that may make all the difference in 2010.

From Entrepreneur.com: 10 Web Marketing Trends for 2010
Where to invest, what to test, and which deserve a rest
By John Arnold - December 24, 2009

Trend # 1: Search Engine Optimization
Entrepreneur.com Advice: TEST
DMWebZing Says: AGREE

Consumers have already become more demanding with the Internet and in particular, the search results they receive. Never before, has the Internet seen such a savvy group of people, worldwide: using, searching, relying on and depending upon the content it holds.

The answer here is simple - if you haven't optimized your website and/or begun utilizing Search Engine Optimization tools, tips and tricks to gain exposure of your online presence - well, you should be.

SEO is not a quick fix to increasing business.

While Entrepeneur.com discusses the growing need for more personalized results, DMWebZing contends that SEO does not happen overnight. It takes an effort in dollars and time to get the best results.

While many people enjoy the immediate gratification and inexpensive cost of DIY websites tools, patient SEO is the only way for your website to be consistently and regularly found. With nearly 200 million websites on the Internet, you are simply a star in this world wide galaxy... one small fish in the giant pond... if you aren't "investing" in your Search Engine Optimization.

Effective Search Engine Optimization can be costly and time consuming, but what it is NOT is a quick fix. You know your business better than anyone. You know your market. You know your competition. What are the buzz words consumers & clients are searching to find services just like yours?

Many companies promise you top billing on Google, but is it using a keyword that is completely relevant to your product AND relevant among people you want to do business with? Congratulations! You may be at the top of Google for a keyword that no one is even searching let alone your best customers!

It's well worth a budget to hire a consultant like the DMWebZing Team to help you evaluate the tools of the trade and test the search results your industry is getting. If driving traffic in your doors in 2010 means stepping up your online marketing efforts, you must ensure people can find you when they go searching for you.

How can DMWebZing help?

Step 1: Website Check-up and SEO Analysis

This is a great way to get an expert opinion about your industry with real tips on how to improve your website and get search engines finding you. Even if you (or a friend - cough cough) has built your website, DMWebZing can offer advice on what you can do to enhance your online presence and take steps to optimizing your website.

Starting a just $ 149.99, DMWebZing will do a keyword analysis of your current site and industry then offer a plan for attracting more business. We can even provide you a detailed list of website recommendations and SEO insight for you to do yourself. Ask us how!

>> Contact Us Today to learn more!

Step 2: Get Listed on CityZing.biz

CityZing.biz is a wonderful tool to getting your business noticed and driving traffic to your website. As an online business directory, CityZing.biz offers Tucson businesses a unique way to get in front of your customers.

CityZing.biz - Where people talk about local businesses is more than just a tag line, it's a way to do business. Seriously... if word-of-mouth referral is a proven way to do business in person, why shouldn't it happen the same way online?

The only Video Business Directory of it's kind, CityZing.biz is already providing positive search results on Google within our business categories as well as the individual business names themselves. And best of all, a CityZing.biz business listing is FREE. Get listed today!

>> Click here to get listed on CityZing.biz

DMWebZing - Put some ZING in your website.

We can help develop and/or enhance your online presence!

>> Click here to watch founder Mike Liskow talk about how DMWebZing can help you and your company!

To learn more about Search Engine Optimization, call or visit us online at DMWebZing.com.

We look forward to helping you gain online exposure in 2010.

DMWebZing Team
D'Mention Systems
1690 North Stone Avenue - Suite 212
Tucson, Arizona 85705
(520) 229-8730
email: sales@dmnsys.com
www.DMWebZing.com

Coming up next time:

Week Two: Trend # 2 - Paid Search

Learn more about Google AdWords and other Cost Per Click advertising available on the Internet.

FREE Online Business Listing... on CityZing.biz - January 2010

2010-01-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

DMWebZing is proud to announce CityZing.biz

Being listed on a professional Business Directory adds value to your web presence by driving website search results to your products and services. Increased targeted Internet exposure can lead to warm leads and sales online.

A CityZing.biz listing is a perfect way to increase awareness of your business online for prospects in the local community.

Don't have a website? No worries!

Save time and money, and use your FREE CityZing.biz listing as your primary web presence.

Create one or more specialized Internet domain hosting(s), and direct them to your CityZing.biz listing(s)--

Click here to read more about specialized
domain hosting at CityZing.biz

We can also help you choose the perfect domain name and direct targeted traffic to it--

Click here to read more about creating traffic
campaigns around specialized domains

Time to get listed on CityZing.biz

Be among the first to list your business with our new online free business listing form. What are you waiting for! Get listed today! It's FREE!

Put some ZING in your business!

2010 is here, and there's no better time than now to add some ZING to your business.

... and there is no better place to start than your online presence!

_____________________________________________________

Where people talk about local businesses.
_____________________________________________________

For more information, contact us today! Visit CityZing.biz or call our DMWebZing Team at (520) 229-8730

UPGRADE YOUR CITYZING.biz LISTING

The Power of Video Testimonials

Unleash the power of video by upgrading your CityZing.biz business listing with a Web-mercial or Video Testimonial. Now business owners can talk directly to consumers and happy clients can tell others about their experiences.

One Video Increases Online Presence
Case Study: Mayfield Agencies, Inc. - Tucson, AZ 85719

Below are three examlpes of a DMWebZing Video Web-mercial at work. One company, same video, launched in three places for maximum exposure and a fantastic return on investment! How does it work?

Upgrade your CityZing.biz listing to include a web-mercial for your business (see example)
Then, include that same web-mercial on your website as well (see example)
Finally, launch it on YouTube (see example) and/or other social networking sites for maximum online exposure

Consumers can "experience" your website and learn about your business like never before with CityZing.biz. Contact us to learn how to upgrade your business listing with Web Video!

If you have technology need, we have a technology solution. D'Mention Systems... Business Technology Solutions from Front to Back. Getting started is just a phone call away. Call (520) 229-8730 or contact us for a free consultation today!

Introducing CityZing.biz Business Directory - October 2009

2009-10-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

October 2009, D'Mention Systems and DMWebZing proudly announces the launch of the newest web-based business directory, CityZing.biz.

CityZing! provides Tucson area businesses a unique opportunity to gain exposure on the internet while talking directly to consumers.

Your customers are talking... so why not have them provide an online testimonial that other consumers can watch and learn about your business. CityZing! also gives business owners a place to provide Webmercials... to highlight your products and services and talk directly to local consumers... to tell them why they should be doing business with you!

We are proud to showcase our involvement in this ground-breaking new project as both a founding force, a website and software developer and support contractor. CityZing! is a fine example of D'Mention Systems' commitment to local business community.

CityZing! officially launched in early October 2009 and already has several listings and people promoting their businesses through online testimonials and webmercials filmed in-house at the video studio of our own Zing Promo Center.

For more information about CityZing! log on www.CityZing.biz and get connected. Basic business listing on CityZing! is FREE so contact CityZing! or DMWebZing to get started!

Holiday Special from DMWebZing and CityZing! Business Directory:

The holidays are just around the corner, and DMWebZing with CityZing! is offering new video solutions to connect businesses with their most loyal customers, vendors, colleagues and clientele. Ask about the Sales Team Sleigh Ride. Film and launch this specialized holiday themed 30 second video on CityZing! to wish everyone warm wishes this upcoming season! Only $ 29.99... includes holiday inspired background and free listing on CityZing! Call (520) 229-8730 to schedule a Sales Team Sleigh Ride at your local Zing Promo Center.

If you have technology need, we have a technology solution. D'Mention Systems... Business Technology Solutions from Front to Back. Getting started is just a phone call away. Call (520) 229-8730 or contact us for a free consultation today!

Chroma-key video for flash-player web delivery

2009-09-21T14:26:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the September 2009 meeting of the Tucson Adobe User Group?

If so, you missed D'Mention Systems' own Dan Wilhelmsen provide an engaging presentation on the subject of "Preparing Chroma-key Video For Flash-Player Web Delivery Using The CS4 Toolset".

Thanks Dan! We had a great time listening and learning more about CS4. Click HERE to learn more about this months presentation!

Want to produce your own website video?

D'Mention Systems can help! Call today, to schedule a tour of our in-house studio or visit us online at DMWebZing!

Tucson Website Design

2009-09-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

For world class flash animation, web site design, Internet video productions, and an outstanding in-person technical consulting experience in Tucson, Arizona, please give us a call at D'Mention Systems: (520) 229-8730.

-Email Setup

-Flash web design

-Business websites

-Custom websites

-SEO campaigns

-Email and marketing campaigns

-And so much more

Click here for a free inquiry!

"Is your Website Optimized" September, 2009

2009-09-08T14:00:00.001-07:00

Is your website Optimized?

We get that question a lot. And it seems to be coming up more and more often these days. While the question, in and of itself, is simple... the answer to making sure your site is fully optimized is sometimes a bit more in depth. There are countless tools and resources to help optimized a website.

How can I "drive" business to my website?

Another good question, still with in depth answers. But asking the question is the right path to getting started. Economic times have put businesses in a position, more than ever, to be proactive about "getting" business in their door. A good Internet strategy can allow business to "find" you rather than spending energy and resources to "get" them in to the front door, and this is a perfect time to get started.

Labor Day means more than just another 3-day weekend. It means the end of the summer, kids are back in school, vacations are done, fiscal year end is near, and 2010 is just around the corner. Time to get back to work. But where to begin?

Plan Your Work - Is SEO right for me?

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process. To be effective and somewhat measurable, optimizing your website takes time, strategic planning, long-term goals, a budget and a commitment combined with patience.

Like any effective marketing tool, SEO must be part of your overall business goals. There is not always a quick fix, discounted, or sure-fire way to get your business on top of a search query. And, the strategy you start with may not necessarily be the one that results in conversions or sales, so an open mind throughout the process is essential in finding what works best for your industry and/or targeted market.

And while this may be a new subject to you, many of the businesses that are on top of the search pile have been there for years. Some of them have naturally evolved to that position, while others have been investing vast resources of time and money to be there.

Even if you become successful at getting people to your site through SEO, you may need to re-think your websites design to make sure it is optimized for some kind of conversion, sale, or at minimum, knowing that the visitors you attract are interested in learning more about your products and services.

Look & Feel - Does my site accurately reflect my business?

You have planned, set a budget, and committed to SEO. Great!

Traffic is coming in to your site like never before. Awesome!

What's not great is if business isn't streaming in your doors.

Regardless of whom you know or what you pay, the advice of friends or the personally selected keywords you have used, conversion failures can fall directly on the layout and design of your website.

So ask yourself this: Does your website provide customers what "they" need?

Web design can be a very personal and creative process. The Look & Feel of a website mus immediately reflect your business and you as an owner. This is your online store front. We have all heard the expression, "don't judge a book by its cover". But seriously... if your site doesn't provide customers the look & feel of a professional organization, why should they do business with you?

Organized chaos or a marketing tool that results in conversions?

If customers do manage to get through your "front door", are they finding what they need on your "shelves"?

The pages of your website must provide customers what they are looking for. It must educate them, provide a concise message, but moreover, must provide a clear way to do business with you. Do you have a clear call to action? Are you asking them for their business or leaving it up to them to make that decision on their own? Does the website result in conversions, sales, or some kind of desired result for your business?

There are plenty of services out there offering cheap web design services with predesigned templates... and as we discussed in our July DIY article, you can do it yourself too.

If you have truly taken the time to plan and invest in the process... are you willing to sacrifice your ROI because you didn't hire a professional to care for your newest asset... your online location... your website? Or are you willing to evolve your website to produce conversions, desired results, and sales as you learn about your online visitors?

Tech savvy professionals, like D'Mention Systems, are equipped with industry tools to analyze the traffic that comes to your site. These tools help you make decisions about evolving your site in to an asset that results in conversions and sales.

Work The Plan

Putting a website online is not the end of this plan... but merely the beginning. The plan must be worked from inside your company, within the infrastructure of the website, and from outside, in the real world. Remember, a website is just one tool... one piece of the puzzle. You must see this through from beginning to end. Service expectations may start online, but the experience must shine through when the customer walks in the your door.

But customers won't rush through your door if they don't know you're out there. Your website is a potential lost soul in the World Wide Web and it should not be the best kept secret in town. Marketing plays a critical role in your overall plan at this point. Time to take her out for a spin!

Blogs, newsletters, social networking sites, e-mail blasts, video commercials, product demonstrations, business cards, direct mail, brochures, in-store displays, podcasting, networking groups, and more! Add Search Engine Optimization to the long list of marketing tools, and you are on your way to telling the world your newest location is open for business.

Successful Website Planning

A successful website plan begins and ends with a professional who can consult, design and build your website. And once it's up and running, a company who will care for your site and business with reliable hosting, email servicing, and more. The D'Mention Systems' WebZing Team is made up of graphics, IT, marketing, programming, video and web design professionals who have proven experience in all facets of web design including search engine optimization, Google Ad Words and Ad Sense campaigns.

It only makes sense to consult with us first if you want to learn more about effectively marketing and optimizing your website. There are so many ways we can effectively design a website to meet any size budget as well as the needs of your consumers.

Design tools such as Content Management Systems (CMS) and services such as our A+ Maintenance Program, empowers clients with the latest technology tools to help put you in front of your customers, one-step ahead of your competition, and keep your message alive and meaningful.

If you have technology need, we have a technology solution. D'Mention Systems... Business Technology Solutions from Front to Back. Getting started is just a phone call away. Call (520) 229-8730 or contact us for a free consultation today!

"CMS - Taking Control" - August 2009

2009-08-06T12:49:00.000-07:00

CMS - Taking Control (of your Web Presence)

Do you wish you were in control more often? Would it be nice to get rid of the middle man, and just do things yourself? At times, it convenient to let someone else do the work for you, but it isn't always necessary. Even for those who do not have a lot of experience with websites, a content management system is a quick, effective way of organizing and editing your site.

What is CMS?

A Content Management System, or CMS is a simple tool to update text, graphics, and other HTML content without a web tech professional. A CMS allows you to delegate multiple users and passwords to those you want to have access to your site. Having a Content Management System is a beneficial tool because it helps facilitate content control and maintenance of your website. You are in control of your content and there is no need to call a web designer every time you need your site updated.

What can you do with it?

When you are in control of your own content you have the ability to add the "WOW" factor to your site on your own terms. Actions like adding graphics and text content are just a simple click away. There are also other content items such as managing your own blog/news letter that can be handled with a CMS.

The saying holds true "the more, the merrier", in part because having a CMS allows you to provide access to your site to others from your organizational team. This pertains to those who run and manage their own business, but this can also apply to anyone who needs to have multiple users' update web visitors on current events and other information.

In addition to providing access to anybody, you can obtain access from anywhere. You don't have to be at the office in order to login, you can it from any computer that has internet access. Multiple users can update a site at the same time from any location in the world. This process saves time because the website can be updated quickly, without having to access your server.

Click here to see D'Mention Systems' example on using a content management system.

Conclusion

A Content Management System is an incredibly powerful tool that will benefit any business, big or small. It allows you to have a more profound web presence at half the cost and time than one with a traditional site. If you would like to learn more about CMS or have questions about other web applications, please contact us.

If you have technology need, we have a technology solution. D'Mention Systems... Business Technology Solutions from Front to Back. Getting started is just a phone call away. Call (520) 229-8730 or contact us for a free consultation today!

July 2009 - "Doing it yourself"

2009-07-16T14:11:00.000-07:00

D.I.Y.

When you think of D.I.Y (Do It Yourself), most think of places such as Home Depot or Lowe’s where people can find a plethora of materials to fix their homes. Some people go to such places get the supplies and tools they need to do a project big or small. They are able to talk to sales people who have experience and knowledge on how to work on a project yourself. For others they hire someone else to work on their house because they have neither the time or experience to handle such a big task. They also have the experience and knowledge to do the work, you just end up having to pay them more than if you were to do it yourself.

WEB DEVELOPMENT

Related to website development, there are those who like to do-it-themselves, and others who hire professionals to make products for them. There are a seemingly endless number of web-widgets, blog gadgets, and tools on the Internet that make the process of making your own website easier. You have to look carefully and do research before you decide to start up your own website. We support both the do it yourself and the professional route (Yes, we really do!) Here are two examples of what we are talking about.

WEBSITE TOOLS TO CONSIDER

One great website development tool that we created a live sample with was Google Sites. Google, in addition to providing search services, is a one stop shop for everything associated to the Internet. With the Google Sites D.I.Y. tool anyone can make a working website for free.

Making a Google website also allows you to use a variety of tools such as Google Maps, Calendar, AdSense, Spreadsheet, PowerPoint and much more. Google Sites also has privacy settings so you can control who can see and edit your site. Overall it was fairly simple to use, but it helps to find some information on basic website development and even HTML to help get your site at the level you want it. Take a look at our do-it-yourself project here.

EXCITING, CREATIVE, INEXPENSIVE

For those who would enjoy it as a hobby or have some basic knowledge and website development, D.I.Y. would be the way to go. Even those who are part-time self-employed micro business owners would be able to make a great website on their own. This option not only saves money, but allows you to be creative by doing something fun, and learning new things.

BUSINESS

For those who are full-time self-employed business people, or the small business looking to grow, do-it-yourself may still actually be the way to go. But, one might still consider evaluating not only time constraints, but whether maintaining a website is effective or cost-saving.

To D.I.Y. or not to D.I.Y. - TOP 5 KEY QUESTIONS

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself to determine if it might be cost effective to have a website developed from the outside:

1. Does anyone I know well, or within my organization have recent experience in making a professional business website?

2. If someone I know or work with can do a website, will he/she be around when it's time to make updates/changes?

3. Would it be more comfortable for me, and compelling for visitors if my company's story was told by someone else?

4. Is my time better used in the business operation rather than in developing a website?

5. How important is it for my website to get online quickly, and would it be more rapidly developed by an outside company?

EITHER WAY, WE'D LIKE TO HELP

Whether you decide to develop your own site, or hire a company to develop one for you, we would like to help. We can be a great resource if you have any questions on making your own site. Our Co-Owner Mike Liskow, has a more detailed blog about do-it-yourself vs. hiring professionals. For those who might be interested in hiring someone to develop a website, contact us. We can give you more information about our services, and can even give you an estimate on the work you want done. You can also take a look at some of the website we have already developed at DMWebzing

"Process--just as important as technology"

2009-06-16T13:09:00.000-07:00

When we think of web videos, interviews, and in-person addresses we often think of the technology and equipment needed to create it such as: cameras, green screen studios, and microphones. An effective video production, like the one we made for Mayfield Agencies in Tucson, has a fair amount of production planning around it in order for it to become a successful video. We are going to take you though a step by step process on how we write, produce, and edit web videos at D'Mention Systems.

DISCOVERY

Many clients like Mayfield Agencies have a range of complex-sounding products, in this case financial, which are not always easy to understand. Our production process employs a 3-step discovery process with the client:
Step 1: Involves an initial interview to get a basic understanding of what the product is and what needs to be presented. This interview involves learning about the product and what a client wants viewers to understand about it. This gives us ideas that lead to step 2.
Step 2: We then compose a script based on what we learned in the initial interview. Depending on the product, the presentation may be easy or difficult to develop into a video concept. We keep in mind what the client wants but we also put in some of our own ideas when creating a script.
Step 3: We have a second interview with the client to present our script to them to confirm that we understand what the product is and what they wanted presented. This is where the client puts in their two cents on if we captured what they wanted. We don’t follow through the rest of the production until we know that the client is happy with the script.

PRODUCTION PLAN

Choosing the most effective type of production is very important. This is based on the complexity of the message content, time schedule, production budget, and the performer. In the case of Mayfield Agencies, we blended an in-person on-camera direct address with blended cutaways to slide-show elements. We utilized the three step process from earlier to develop a script, gather graphical elements, and produce a scene and animation time line.

PERFORMANCE

Even for an amateur on-camera performer, a good production plan can make a performance much easier. For Mayfield Agencies, performance was completed in about an hour and 15 minutes. Scripting was strategically broken into takes to reduce pressure. Coaching and preparation on basic breathing and intonation was also provided. These kinds of steps in production planning produces the best results because it provides a relaxed, focused environment for the performer.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER--POST PRODUCTION

Finally--post production takes the audio, scene line, and performances and combines them altogether. Web animation software is used to adjust audio, video, and compile product down to web-ready formats. As you can see, the whole planning process is essential for an effective product. It’s more than just having the right equipment; it’s about having the right team behind the scenes to pull it all together.

Welcome to "What's Hot At DMWebZing"

2009-06-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

This is a sample first post to be edited later.