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Can't Buy Google's Love

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4495 Article rating: No rating

This article has been updated on 8/08/2019 with the article entitled "The Truth About SEO: Can't Buy Google's Love".

So you wanna be at the top of the search engines you say?  How much is it going to cost you, you ask?  Nothing. Nada. Zip.  Google’s love is not for sale folks.  You’re going to have to wine and dine her; you’re going to have to work for it a bit.  So, if you can’t buy a higher ranking, how does it work then?  And what, exactly, do you have to do to make it to the top?

Can I Help You?

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4466 Article rating: No rating

How did that sound? “Can I help you?” Did you read it in a polite, helpful way?  Or maybe you read “Can I help you?” and pictured a big burly man spitting into a tin and cracking his knuckles threateningly… (apparently I have a western movie playing in my head).  My point is, first impressions are important.  If someone were physically walking into your store, how would you approach them?  Now let’s look at your online presence; what first impression are you giving?

My Adventures With UI

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4101 Article rating: No rating

I wanted to take some time today to talk to everyone about my challenges with anything computer oriented.  I know, it’s crazy; I work on a computer all day long.  You should know this about me: from time to time I will google: [insert techy concept here] for dummies.  It goes without being said, I have several face palm moments a week.  A few weeks ago, I was asked to help develop a blog about User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX).  For those of you out there going, “Yes, go on.  Everyone knows what UI/UX is.” … just hold your horses.  And for the rest of you, “Isn’t UI a urinary infection?” people; this one is for you.

Address your Address

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 1 4590 Article rating: No rating

Occasionally I’ll come in contact with someone out in the cyber world who absolutely shocks me.  OK, ‘occasionally’ is putting it lightly.  If I send an email asking about the details to a professional event, and CutieGirl152 writes me back, you can probably guess I won’t be coming.  If your email address hasn’t changed since 1992, we need to talk.  What the heck is your email address saying about you, your company, or your organization?  If “GaGa4Poodles” is what you’re going for … well, I don’t know exactly how to respond to that.

I-Need-To-Start-Resizing-My-Pictures-Anonymous

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4801 Article rating: 5.0

Hey you, yeah you.  Your photo is so big it’s blocking the sun. 

When I started with Sprocket Websites, I learned something very interesting about myself.  I don’t know about the rest of you, but I needed to join “I-need-to-start-resizing-my pictures-Anonymous”.  I had no clue what I was doing.  Our Facebook page needs a photo you say?  Well, here! Let’s shove this gigantic image into a tiny box and see if we can make out what that section is supposed to say.  Better yet, let’s take this teeny tiny picture and put it into a cavernous abyss and see how wide it can stretch!  What fun this is!

New Year's Resolutions

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 1 4551 Article rating: No rating

That time of year has rolled around again.  The holidays are in full swing.  We’ve stuffed ourselves to the gills over and over the past two months and now, as we loosen another belt notch and try to squeeze into our new clothes that just fit last week, we make a couple resolutions.  We start each year with high hopes for the changes that we believe we can make in ourselves.  We resolve for more dieting, more exercise, working harder, studying more, spending more quality time with family, etc. etc. etc.  What about your business resolutions?  What are you going to do this year that’s going to help your business get that little extra boost it needs?  I’ve got a few ideas if you’re not quite sold yet on what your business resolution should be:

Be Connected

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4208 Article rating: No rating
This article has been updated on 7/10/2019 with the article entitled "Why Mom and Pop Shops Should be Marketing in the Digital World"

Most people who are reading this post are doing several other things at once.  You’re checking your email, you’re surfing the web, you might actually be getting a bit of work done.  You are connected.  This article goes out to all outside of this virtual world, each person who might be a little less than connected.

To DIY or not to DIY...That is one of several questions.

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 4568 Article rating: No rating

The wonderful world of websites is a lot of things, ‘impossible’ is not one of them.  So, you’re in the market for a website and you’re not sure what route to take?  Well, that’s no cause for panic.  A totally personalized from the ground up, fits like you wish your favorite jeans would fit, brimming with all the bells and whistles kind of site might be what you’re dreaming of, but not necessarily what your dusty wallet can afford.  First off, that’s OK.  Your business is not going to end.  You can unpack the getaway car, there’s no need to run.  You can DIY.  I repeat, you can DIY.

NetWORKing

DIY Sprocket Solutions

Breanne Bannon 0 5384 Article rating: 5.0
This article has been updated on 5/15/2019 with the article entitled "NetWORKing: The Most Powerful Business Tool"

Networking is work, let’s face it.  If you’re new to the game, you’re walking into a room full of strangers and trying to sell your business.  In reality, you’re trying to sell yourself.  You are the face of what you’re representing.  Therefore, you’ve got to network confidently and often.  It’s OK, wipe off your sweaty palms and listen in.  The first time I went to a networking event I was more than slightly terrified.  I’m not a shy person by any means; so, I can only imagine what it would be like if I were.  I felt a small victory every time I exchanged a business card.  My total count for the end of the night?  About 6.  Laugh away, but I felt a rush of confidence after that event.  I think the idea of walking into a room full of people you don’t know and having to approach each one of them is more than a little unnerving.  One thing that I don’t doubt, however, is that networking is invaluable.  It is an amazing tool for small businesses to meet the community, find other businesses who might be able to use their services, and make their name recognizable.  Word of mouth and a face to a name is a powerful tool in the business world; connections often prove priceless.   So, I say to you –chin up, head high, gather your wits, and say hello.
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