In previous installments of this series, we talked about the differences between the pay-per-click advertising channels (Google, Bing, Facebook and LinkedIn) as well as how to determine which PPC is right for you.
Today, we get you started on optimizing your campaigns.
I’m in the process of helping our company become a Google Apps for Business Reseller which means I have been spending a lot of time migrating clients to Google Apps from various other platforms.
During this process it’s become more and more evident that Google Apps is the way to go for not only for Email, Calendar and Contacts but much, much more.
Here are five reasons why I would recommend switching to Google Apps for Business.
1. Convenience
Using Google Apps is convenient in many ways.
First of all you get a massive amount of storage for your mail (25 gigabytes) so that you don’t ever have to worry about running out of space or having to clean out your mailbox. With this vast amount of storage comes the ability to archive and retain mail. Many of the clients I have worked with were concerned about the fact that they were saving years of important client correspondence on the hard drive of their computer. After getting setup with Google Apps it is very simple to upload all of your saved email so that you have a safe replicated version on Google’s network.
Second it is very easy to use. The Web Interface is very powerful and intuitive and has more features than I have ever seen in a web based system. You literally can do everything you need to via a web browser.
Outlook is no longer necessary unless of course you still want to use it. If so, Google Apps syncs nicely with your Outlook and your smart phone. So if you send a mail, add a contact or setup and appointment from your iPhone or Blackberry a copy of that sent mail, contact or calendar event will instantly show up in Google and in your Outlook. Same goes for the reverse, etc. Gone are the days of having to copy yourself on a message or sync your smart phone with your computer to update your contacts or calendar.
2. Reassurance
I’ve already mentioned the ability to upload everything you’ve been saving on your local computer to Google’s network. In addition to all of the storage you’ll have the reassurance that your data is always being replicated and backed-up. Your data is secure and will also always be available; they guarantee 99.9% up-time. Google also provides 24/7 customer support via phone and email if you ever need help.
3. Productivity
In addition to the beauty of your mail, calendar and contacts syncing between your devices you have access to web-based office tools. Google Apps essentially replicates Microsoft Office on-line. This suite known as Google Docs comes with a word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software and several others. The Google Docs suite is also setup for collaboration so that several people can work on documents together. Google Docs gives you an additional Gigabyte of space for uploading any type of file you wish. For example, you can save a backup of your Quick Books file or store any other type of file for access from any Internet connected computer. Uploaded versions of other word processor documents or spreadsheets will automatically be converted to the Google Docs format.
4. Extras
In addition to everything I have mentioned Google provides a lot of exciting “extras” - Voice, Video chat and IM to mention a few. There’s also a powerful add-in for Google’s anti spam and virus engine, Postini.
Google Video allows you to upload and share video and Google sites gives you the ability to create power web sites.
Each Google apps account comes with an administrative function that will allow anyone in your organization to manage your entire domain (email@yourdomain.com). Administrators can add and remove users, turn on and off functions and enable any of thousands of other add-on apps that are available within the Google Apps community.
5. Cost
Google Apps for Business is only $50/user/year. This ends up being just over $4/month per user. That’s a hard price to beat for all of these features.
Comparatively I’ve seen Microsoft Exchange hosting (Outlook Mail, Calendar and Contacts) for closer to $120/user/year.
Google is also offering your first month as a trial and will even remind you before your trial expires. It’s very easy to back out but I don’t see why you would want to.
I think it’s pretty obvious why it makes sense to switch to Google Apps for Business but if you need to know more, there’s plenty to read on their website: http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en/business/index.html
Even better, take a month and give it a test run.
I’m interested to hear your feedback and questions about Google Apps. Feel free to leave a comment or shoot me an email - charlie@wris.com
June is shaping up to be a busy month for the WRIS team. A quick rundown of where we’ll be and when:
June 2: WIRE-net Rountable on Social Media
Led by WRIS Web Marketing Manager Carmen Fontana
Description: LinkedIn. Twitter. Facebook. YouTube. Among the many choices for social media marketing, what makes sense for manufacturers? This workshop will help you identify appropriate social media outlets and develop a strategy, as well as expose you tools to make the process simpler and less time-consuming. Part of WIRE-Net's Roundtable Series presented by US Bank, this event has been designed with the manufacturer in mind, so don't miss it!
Location: Summers Rubber Company, 12111 Berea Road, Cleveland, OH 44111
Registration Info: http://bit.ly/mOM5pL
June 8: Columbus Chamber of Commerce Business2Business Network Expo
Make sure you stop by our booth and pick up our legendary GROW kits!
Description: Connect with the Columbus region's top businesses, see their products, services and innovations, and learn how you can do business with them.
Location:
Greater Columbus Convention Center
Battelle Grand
400 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
June 26-29: International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference
Meet up with WRIS Client Services Director John Strathern
Description:
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the premier membership association for educators and education leaders engaged in advancing excellence in learning and teaching through innovative and effective uses of technology. ISTE is the trusted source in education technology for professional development, knowledge generation, advocacy, and leadership for innovation.
ISTE’s annual conference and exposition, formerly NECC, is one of the world’s premier education technology events. ISTE is also home to the NETS, education technology standards that deliver a roadmap for global digital-age learning skills for students, teachers, and administrators.
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
Registration: http://bit.ly/8ZvPbN
Full Name: Anthony Weiler
What is your favorite…?
Where were you born? Akron, Oh
Music/Band/Artist/Song: DC Talk/Toby Mac, Jason Mraz
What is your greatest accomplishment? Designed an item for my company in LA and it earned them $1,250,000
What personal or career Goal are you working towards in 2011? Doing the best I can to get my marriage off to a good start
If you were an animal, what would you be and why? A dolphin- because it always looks like they’re having so much fun!
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? Jerusalem- because of its history.
Are you a morning or a night person? Night person
What are your pet peeves or strange dislikes? When I’ve ordered an ethnic food dish and am told which spices I shouldn’t eat AFTER I’ve bit into them
Do you have any hidden talents? Drawing caricatures
What was your favorite subject in High School? Drawing/painting/drama class
What are two things that you are good/bad at? Good at brainstorming- bad at fixing cars.
Have you ever won a trophy? If so, for what? Yes- for Tae Kwon Do
What is the best vacation you have ever had? Going to Puerto Rico where I proposed to my girlfriend. She said Yes!
What do you think the secret to a good life is? Secret- huh? I’d have to say it has something to do with prayer.
Now that we know the functional differences between pay-per-click advertising on Google/Bing, LinkedIn and Facebook (And if you don’t, go back and read Part 1: Which pay-per-click advertising is right for you?), let’s talk about how to determine where to spend your money.
Even in a perfect world where you have unlimited time and money, you probably would not want to advertise on all three. Why? Because they have different objectives and target audiences.
Which leads to the main question you want to ask before you spend a single dime – Who am I trying to target?
If you answer the question with:
While you may never have the need to advertise on them all, you may want to consider advertising on one search (Google or Bing) and one demographic (Facebook or Linked).
For example, if you manufacture agitation equipment for the chemicals industry you may want to:
Next installment, we will discuss hints and tips for PPC.
