Internet Marketing Workshop

About time I posted something about this event. . .

Anyway, at the request of the Tech-Connect interest group as part of the Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce, I (Steve) presented an Internet Marketing Workshop last week on Tuesday (Feb 2, 2010).  I was stunned by the number of people that had registered and actually came to the event, especially during normal business hours on a Tuesday.

When we arrived on the scene, the room was set up with 26 chairs, along with a number of tables.  Problem was that we had 35 confirmed reservations.  We scrambled around, found a bunch of chairs in the furnace room, re-arranged the room and we were good to go. 

As usual in my presentations, I ran through a mountain of material during the 1-1/2 hour presentation.  We covered topics ranging from SEO basics, SEM, Data Feed Marketing, Local Business Center, Google Base, Social Marketing and just about everything else you can imagine. 

During and after the presentation, there was a good amount of interaction in the form of specific questions and recommendations. 

After the event, many stayed around to enjoy some networking, Q&A and a frosty beverage.  I was delighted at the feedback that I received from several of the attendees.  Overall, the theme I gathered was that yes, there was a ton of information presented, the crowd was not overwhelmed.  Everyone I talked to agreed that I had provided them with some new information or ideas they could use in their business.  This was exactly my goal.

Since the event, I have had quite a bit of additional positive feedback on LinkedIn, Facebook and through personal emails from attendees.  I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to have such a positive reception from what I consider to be a tough audience - small business owners (like myself).

The Pinckney Chamber apparently heard about the presentation and requested that I repeat it for the benefit of their membership.  Of course, I am happy to oblige, and will be delivering a substantially similar workshop in the next 4-6 weeks. 

All told, the entire process has been a fantastic experience.  I feel like I have helped to advance the success of small businesses in the area.  The Brighton House put out a great spread and awesome hospitality as always.  We've made some new friends along the way, and I look forward to the next event.

Keep your eyes open for the next event.  Maybe after that we'll go on tour!

The All-New English Gardens.com from 4word Systems

Today, 4word Systems is proud to announce the launch of the all-new EnglishGardens.com.  With a rich history as a family-owned, Michigan-based business, English Gardens is known throughout the state as  a premier supplier of landscape & garden supplies.

The new website platform enables English Gardens to reach beyond the service area of their 7 Michigan locations and sell to a Nationwide audience.  At the launch, EnglishGardens.com is now offering more than 150 life-like Christmas trees available for sale online through the website.  Gift cards, workshop registration, and membership programs are also available for purchase online.  Plans are already in the works to dramatically expand the online product catalog throughout 2010.

We are delighted to have worked with English Gardens over the past 3 months to develop the website.  Please check out the new website and let us know what you think.

The All-New MobileAir.com

Today, 4word systems is proud to announce the launch of the all-new MobileAir.com. After 2-1/2 years of success generating online leads from the original 4word systems design, it was time for a refresh.

The new site, designed by our very own Harrison Miracle, (aka Mr. Awesome), offers a clean, fresh look with much-improved navigation.

Mobile Air is a regional leader in renting portable air conditioners and portable heaters for all types of applications. In recent months, Mobile Air has expanded their services to also offer portable air conditioners and portable heaters for sale through their ecommerce site MobileAirSales.com. 4word Systems is proud to be a part of the continued growth and success of this Michigan-based company with offices in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Missouri.

Another Site Launch

4word systems is proud to announce our latest website and e-commerce partnership.

Brighton Michigan based All Ways Unique, LLC has partnered with 4word systems to bring their extensive selection of quilt fabrics, patterns and accessories to a global audience online.

CreativeQuiltKits.com is the online extension of the All Ways Unique quilt shop, recently opened on Grand River Rd. Featuring the most popular fabrics from the biggest manufacturers. At time of launch, CreativeQuiltKits.com has more than 500 designer fabrics to choose from. New products are being added daily, with a projected total of more than 1,200 products in the catalog.

4word systems is proud to have designed, built and launched this worthy display for another local Michigan business.

AdWords Quality Score

We've been explaining to our clients for years about the dramatic impact of quality score on their cost of advertising with Google AdWords.

This video, produced by Google's Chief Economist, brilliantly explains how the "system" works.

Anyone who is running or considering running their own AdWords campaign should pay close attention and understand the material in this video:

http://adwords.google.com/support/aw/bin/static.py?page=guide.cs&guide=23572&topic=23573

There are clearly 2 things that stand out in the math:

1. Quality Score is the denominator of the CPC formula (Cost Per Click).
2. Quality Score is a multiplier in the ranking formula (determines Ad Position)
   

The implication is that achieving the highest possible quality score not only results in a higher ad position, but also a lower cost per click to be in that position.

Higher Quality Score -> Higher position, and therefore more clicks.
Higher Quality Score -> Lower cost per click, and therefore higher ROI

If your AdWords campaigns are not working for you, chances are it's got something to do with quality score. Work on improving it - a lot - and you will be rewarded.

A Giant Thank You!

To all of you who supported the MDA and Jerry's Kids. During the run-up to Steve's jail time, our friends, clients, vendors, and partners donated over $1,200 to the MDA. We are grateful for all of your kind support and we are proud to be able to contribute to this worthwhile cause.

Again, please accept our sincere gratitude for all that you have given during this campaign.

Important Update!

Our very own Steve Szettella is going to jail (for MDA).

This Wednesday, Steve is being "locked up for good" by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Jerry's Kids), and he NEEDS your support! So far, he's managed to raise a respectable sum, but the folks at the MDA have demanded a whopping $1,600 to secure his release.

The good news is that I think the company will run just fine (or better) without him there, but don't tell him that.

Please consider a small, medium, or large donation to this worthy cause. You can donate right online at the JoinMDA website. Every dollar helps. Even if you can only donate $5 or $10, it's a great cause, and it is much appreciated.

CLICK HERE to DONATE - Help Set Steve Free!! Please! (he paid me to say that)

Oh, and if you would rather just stop by and laugh at our hapless President, he will be at Stillwater Grill in Brighton from about 11:15am until he can raise enough money so they'll let him go. Heh, good luck with that.