Louisa Chan

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Understanding Mobile Phone Users – What That Means To You

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Understanding Mobile Phone Users
Mobile Web Sites For Mobile UsersThere are more people using smart phones and tablets (such as iPad II and Samsung Galaxy). And that is a big market whose demographic and users habits we want to understand.
Google did a study conducted by Ipsos OTX, an independent market research firm on “The Mobile Movement: Understanding Smartphone Consumers.”
The results are based on studies done at the end of 2010. It is based on 5,000 US mobile phone users.
If you are interested to better understand how mobile phones are used in your user’s daily lives and how they are influenced by their phones in the way they look for information, research, shop and respond to mobile advertising, watch this short and informative video.LINESPACE


If you have a business or a brand or if you have an online presence, it is now time to think about setting up a mobile site so your visitors on smart mobile phones can find and see you on their mobile devices.
You want them to be able to visit your landing pages, see your offers (products and services) and leave you their contacts (email or phone numbers) in exchange for future updates, tips and freebies.
Websites are great and you need to be thinking about setting up mobile presences because of the growing trend and the impact it can bring to your business.
Thinking of setting up a mobile site?  A mobile landing page? Building a mobile database (so you can continue to communicate with your market via their smart phones) or getting your mobile shopping cart ready? Just get in touch and contact us.
If you find this post helpful, feel free to pass this on to your friends and remember to leave me a comment or two. To get more tips on social media you can get a free report on Mastering Social Media In 1 Hour A Week Here.

Mobile Marketing: How To Scan A QR Code Or A 2D Barcode

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How Do You Scan QR Codes

How To Scan A QR Code
How To Scan A QR Code

I wrote about what QR Codes are in my previous post; my niece’s Nintendo has QR Codes / 2D Barcodes, and how we can decode these codes.
And since I have some questions raised about the purpose of having these codes and how one can interpret these codes, I am putting together a video and some additional explanations that will provide some clarifications.
If you see QR Codes and you want to know what information or data these codes are representing, you can do either of the following:
1 -Snap a photo of that code with your phone – any phone with a camera will do
2 -Download a free QR Code reader here
3 – You can now use the newly downloaded application to read your QR Code.
The decoded QR Code will bring you to a source of information, either a website, an image, a text or a video.
Or you can
1 – Download the free QR code reader onto your phone first
2 – Launch that application and use it to snap a photo of the QR Code
3 – The decoded QR Code will bring you to the same source of information.
You can watch this short video here – the part I took with my flip camera was not very clear and I was not able to keep the screen still (I was trying to demonstrate using my left hand as my right hand was holding the flip camera!).  But I hope you can see the demonstration as I stepped you through the process of scanning these codes.

How To Scan QR Codes or 2D Barcode

The purpose is to get information quick and easy. One scan of the QR code and it can tell you where a product is made (if code is on packaging).  I use a QR Code on my business card; one scan and you’ll have my website, contact details in your mobile phone for easy reference.
There are many applications for these codes and your marketing agent will be able to help you tap into the power of these codes. I can safely say that these 2D barcodes will be popping up more on printed material, T-shirts, stationery, restaurant menus and product packaging. Look around and you’ll see more of them popping up near you.
If you find this post helpful, feel free to pass this on to your friends and remember to leave me a comment or two. You will probably also like our free report on How To Master Social Media In 1 Hour A Week.

My Niece's Nintendo Has QR Codes / 2D Barcodes

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My niece’s Nintendo has QR Codes

 

Synergy Marketing Pro Facebook Page
Synergy Marketing Pro Facebook Page

My niece was playing with my iphone and asked why I take photos of square codes (the ones you see on the top left corner).

I explained the basics of QR Codes to her and demonstrated how this 2D Barcode works. She listened quietly.

Next morning, she asked me where she can find the application for scanning these QR Codes. She had found a QR Code that came with her Nintendo and wanted a firsthand experience of scanning it!

I pointed her to a free QR Code generator and she took to it like a duck on water! Since then, she has been experimenting with and helping me check in on Foursquare as well as updating my Twitter tweets and Facebook statuses using my mobile phone.

It all seems to come very intuitively to her. No wonder the teens and youth take to Social Media so easily!

OK, coming back to QR codes, so what are they? What do they do? Why would use them? And how do you make sense of or decode those weird looking square thingy? Basically these were the questions she asked me.

So let’s tackle this one by one.


What Are QR Codes?

There are called Quick Response Codes as they can be read and decoded quickly by a cell phone. Sometimes also referred to as 2D barcode.These 2 dimensional barcodes encode data horizontally and vertically (hence 2D) and can therefore store much more data then the conventional barcodes.

What Do They Do?
These codes store compact information. On being decoded (after being scanned with a mobile phone or a decoder) it can link you to a source of information whether in text, an image or to a URL. So for example after you scan a 2D barcode your hand phone app may  bring you to a certain website.

Who Would Use Them and Where Can We Find These Codes?
Off line, we see these codes in magazines, text book covers, flyers, business cards, posters, T shirts, mugs, stationeries and yes even bill boards. You can also stick QR codes on product tags and packaging (for product description), basically anywhere that wants to store information.

QR Codes bring offline visitors to web sites, fan pages, event pages, coupons, and YouTube channels, to your online stores and websites. They can also bring those on mobile devices to offline local business stores. They are truly bridging the gap between offline and online.

QR codes allow you to bring a load of information to your customer in a quick and convenient way. With these 2D Barcodes, mobile phone users no longer need to type in long URLs (I can never type using those tiny qwert keyboards) and once scanned the data is stored in your phone for future reference. How convenient is that?

How Do You Make Sense Of Them?
You do not need any high tech, chunky hand-held scanner to decode these. If you have a mobile phone a with a camera you are ready to go. To decode these codes just follow the steps here:

1 – Go here to download the matching QR decoder for your phone model
2 – Activate the application (by tapping on the app) and snap a photo of a QR code (try the one on top left corner)
3 – It will read and decode the data and bring you to the pre-programmed destination page.


 

QR Code With Transition Page
QR Code With Transition Page

Sometimes, it may bring you to a transitional page (if you scan this QR code you will know what I mean) but all you have to do is follow instructions. You really can’t go wrong.

So the next time you see this funny looking square thing, just take out your mobile phone, snap a photo and let your decoder bring you to a place where more information is given for a product or service.

If the information or relevant and important to you it now stays in your phone and you can access it anytime you like. Isn’t that cool? Mobile devices make life easier and more fun.

If you find this article helpful, feel free to pass this on and remember to leave me a comment or two or sign up for our newsletter here.


Sticky Mobile Coupon – Are You Offering Your Clients The No-Hassle Digital Coupon?

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Mobile Coupon Stays And Does Not Require Clipping!

Most people are attracted to a special offered by vendors or service providers. They are more willing to try new things or use services and products that they would normally save up for special occasions like Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Customers look out for and diligently clip printable coupons from magazines or newspaper. These days there are digital and electronic coupons that you can add to your grocery cards as well as great deals based on aggregate sales offered by Groupon (who works in partnership with the vendors and takes a cut of the fee from the vendors).

But I am not talking about those.

As a service provider, whether you are an online or offline business, whether you are providing physical products or services to your clients, you are now able to provide them with a quick and convenient way of using your discounts offers – without having to pay any partners any fees. And that is through mobile coupons.

And you do not need any special software or subscribe to any costly service (unless you want to offer video coupons – which is really cool and I can get you those as well). And your clients do not need to go through lengthy process of entering in names and zip codes nor do you need to remember to carry any cards around.

All your clients really need is their mobile phone. Yes, if you clients carry and use mobile phones you can now offer them hassle free mobile coupons which they can redeem anytime before the expiration date that you set.

Here’s are some ways you can execute this:



Mobile Coupon for Synergy Marketing Pro
Mobile Coupon for Synergy Marketing Pro

 
If you have a Google Place Page, you are already “mobile coupon” ready. All your clients need to do is to visit your Google Place Page and tab on the offer link and your mobile coupon will appear (as shown).

Here’s an example of a mobile coupon: www.budurl.com/JuneCoupon – click on this if you are on a PC or tab on the link if you are seeing this on your mobile phone. And that’s all you’ll need to do!

Mobile Coupon For Synergy Marketing Pro
Mobile Coupon For Synergy Marketing Pro


Isn’t that easy?

Details are all given on their mobile phone and all they have to do is to present that mobile coupon to you when they visit your store/business centre.

They will not need to enter any information, not need to cut out anything nor remember to bring any cards. all they need is their mobile phone and your mobile coupon URL.


Convenience and Stickiness of Your Mobile Coupon


Another thing you can do very easily is to offer Foursquare Specials – especially if you are a local business with a store front. These are not difficult to implement – if you have the expertise.

So get in touch with your marketing agent and have them set up mobile coupons for your prospects and clients and see your sales increase!

Social Media 101 – 2 Practical Steps Before You Sign Up For Your Social Media Accounts

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Social Media 101 For Newbies
If you want to maximize your social media or social networking efforts and minimize the sense of overwhelm and “not sure where to start” syndrome, here’s an 11-page document for Social Media Newbies to check out.

It’s called “Social Media 101 – 2 Steps Before You Sign Up For You Social Media Accounts”.this short and useful report (and loads of other resources) will be a helpful read.

This report preps you before you start on your social networking sites so you can cut down on reworks and wasted efforts. I wish there was something like that before I started working on my Social Media Platforms.
 

Social Media 101 For Newbies With Synergy Marketing Pro
Social Media 101 For Newbies With Synergy Marketing Pro

Content discussed includes the following:-
– Why you need to use Social Media
– How you can use it to your maximum benefits
– Who you can reach with these social networking sites
– What you can do using these sites
– and more

It is an interesting read and provides insights into the kind of preparation one needs to think through before rushing onto the various social media platforms.

I hope you find this report useful and practical and let me know if you have any questions or feedback!


Full Report On Social Media 101 Here:

This costs you nothing to download, read, print or even embed it on your site (blog or facebook). No opt-in required, just a free gift to you.

Feel free to pass on the report and share this with your friends. For a more detailed discussion of using social media for the busy executives or entrepreneurs you can download this free report 5 Steps to Mastering Social Media In 1 Hour A Week.

The Right Facebook Page For Your Business

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The Right Facebook Page For Business Use
The Right Facebook Page For Business Use

When we talk about setting up a Facebook Page for a brand, we normally refer to a Facebook Business Page and not a Facebook Community Page.


A Facebook Community Page is adminstered by Facebook and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, anyone associated with the topic.


These pages link from fields you fill out in your profile (such as interest and hobbies) and are generally for unofficial interesting stuff.


Use The Right Facebook Page For Your Business

If you are using Facebook for your business or brand you want to set up a Facebook Business Page or a Facebook Fan Page.  That is a Page you can have some control of and use to promote your brand or expertise.


This 2-minute video will show you the difference between the two types of pages:

 
[S3VIDEO file=’freeline/lms/RightFanPage.mp4′ bgimage=’http://www.AbundantLivesCoaching.com/myblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/rightpage.png’ height=’240′ width=’320′ sitemap=’true’ thumbnail=’http://www.AbundantLivesCoaching.com/myblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/upload.png’ redirect=’http://SynergyMarketingPro.com/1HourSocialMedia’ wmode=’transparent’]
You can watch this video on my Facebook Page here Using the Right Facebook Page.

Setting up a Facebook Page is not difficult but to optimize it and to use it effectively requires some planning and strategies. If you like to have your Facebook Page set up and optimized or if you want to use it as a tool for your marketing, you can contact us here.

If you like this post, feel free to pass this on and share this with your contacts. Also remember to leave me a comment of two below!  For more tips on how to use social media for your business, click here.
 

How To Update Facebook Page With Your Mobile Phone

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How To Do Mobile Upload To Facebook Page
How To Do Mobile Upload To Facebook Page

We talked about using Facebook Business Pages for business purposes in our previous posts. One thing you’ll want to do is to keep content on your Business Page (or Fan Page) fresh and interesting.


You do not need to update it everyday, but whatever frequency you have decided on, you want to be consistent in posting.



That way, your readers get fresh updates, tips and resources from you on the latest development and trends and are kept in the know. They also have a reason for coming back to your page again and again.


Updating Facebook Page with Your Mobile Devices

We are not at our desk with our PC all the time, but we are with our mobile devices all the time. Wouldn’t it be great if we can update our Facebook Fan Page while we are on the go, during the day when we are out and about using our mobile phones or mobile devices such as  your iPad, iPod, iPhones or tablets?


Well. you can do that. And here’s how, just follow instructions in this 2-minute video:

 
[S3VIDEO file=’freeline/lms/Upload2Page.mp4′ bgimage=’http://www.AbundantLivesCoaching.com/myblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/upload.png’ height=’240′ width=’320′ sitemap=’true’ thumbnail=’http://www.AbundantLivesCoaching.com/myblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/upload.png’ redirect=’http://SynergyMarketingPro.com/1HourSocialMedia’ wmode=’transparent’]
You can watch this video on my Facebook Page here Using the Right Facebook Page.

Now you can not only update your status with text but with photos. So the next time you are at an event or seminar or when you are out and about and you see something that you want to share with your Facebook Fans – just snap a photos and upload that to your Facebook Page!


Keep Your Facebook Content Fresh and Interesting
Remember to keep your Facebook Page fresh – with new and valuable content. Your visitors need a reason to come back and visit your Page as well as to recommend it to others. Having a Facebook Page does not guarantee that your fan base will grow. You need to work it.


If you like this post, feel free to pass this on and share this with your contacts. Also remember to leave me a comment of two below!  For more tips on how to use social media for your business, click here.

 

7 Tips To Using Facebook Fan Pages

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Sign Up For Facebook Fan Page – Everyone’s Doing It



Facebook Welcome Tab
Facebook Welcome Tab

More people see the need for a Facebook Page for business purposes. And I see more Facebook Pages popping up everywhere these days.

In fact some people create tons of pages.

Now while it is not hard to create a Facebook Page, you do need to know how to optimize your page so that it helps in your total marketing mix.


If you were to create a beautifully looking landing tab without the fundamental marketing strategies behind the structure, it is not going to do much.

It’s like creating the many lonely blogs out there in cyber land. There are millions of blog sites but not many are bringing in business to the site owners although they may look flashy and colourful with lots of graphics.


So Is The Facebook Welcome Tab The Answer To Great Fan Pages?


I am also seeing more people using special welcome tabs (some people call it a Facebook Landing tab). That is where the Page Administrators will typically encourage visitors to join their page and click the Facebook Like Button.

Yet it is not often that I see administrators giving visitors a reason to “like” the page!

Consider these two scenarios. You are using Facebook for business purpose and you created a 2 different Facebook Pages. On Page A you uploaded a video or a report that highlighted some trends or gave some marketing strategies or tips with a follow up call to join the page.

On the other hand, you have Facebook Page B with a big red arrow pointing at the Like Button and asks others to “Please like my page and help my page grow”.

If you were the visitor, which one will you “like” or join?
Having a welcome tab by itself will not help too much, marketers’ need a new mentality.

Using Facebook For Business Needs A New Mentality

A. Marketers need to turn from being self cantered to customer centered. Prove yourself worthy and contribute before you make any offers. Facebook Page is definitely not a place for marketers to squeeze everything out of your prospects and customers.

Facebook is a social network platform, where people engage with each other and connect. Visitors will not stay or engage if you are only out to get as much as you can from the community.

B. If you are in business then you will know that support is paramount.
Never ignore your clients’ and prospects’ requests or queries unless you want to lose them.

Facebook is actually a great place to tap into your clients’ mind, listen to what your clients want and then cater to those needs. Think about what solutions you can offer your visitors and see if your fan page will steadily grow.

C. Hard selling will not work on social media platforms. Facebook dislike spammy links and if you do it once too often your fans will ignore you!

D. Merely doing fan exchange or even buying fans will not bring sustaining growth to your Facebook Page. 

And my point is not to upset you but to point out that while this may temporarily increase your fan base, you really do want to have real people who are interested in the cause you are promoting on your page.

Surely you want to talk to and help people who are looking for solution with you and not just want some empty shells who have no real interests in your topic?

E. Do not repeat the same message 50 million times by recycling them. It gets boring and things are always changing in every field, Surely you would have updates and new trends to talk about? At least talk about if from a slightly different angle.

F. Do not merely post links to article or videos without giving you own view. As a brand and an expert others are interested in your insights and strategies. Just slapping a post onto the wall as a quick way of getting on with social media gives little value.

G. Quantity of fans means nothing if you do not care about what your fans are looking for. Your fans will probably also not care about what you post on the page either. So all you have are numbers on your page; liveless.

In the next post, we will talk about the sure way to grow your fan page. Stay tuned and remember to leave me a comment or two or sign up for our newsletter here.

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About Louisa Chan

Louisa is an Author, Content Strategist, Coach and Trainer. She helps you build rewarding businesses so you have the time to serve bigger purposes.

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Get in touch anytime if you would like to find out more about having public or in-house corporate training or for for coaching for online teaching or content creation.