Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
What Marketers Need to Know About Facebook’s Switch to iFrames
Google AdWords Optimize for Conversions Ad Setting Now LIVE: What Does it Mean for Your AdWords Campaigns?
This is particularly important for small businesses. If you are a local business with a fairly restricted market, you want more conversions rather than clicks. This might be a good opportunity to go ahead and tweak your AdWords campaigns. As a social media consultant, I am definitely going to suggest this to my clients!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Article: WordPress 3.1 Goes Live: Here’s What’s New
WordPress 3.1 Goes Live: Here’s What’s New
http://mashable.com/2011/02/23/wordpress-3-1/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Mashable+%28Mashable%29
Mashable | The Social Media Guide
Trending Stories
WordPress 3.1 Goes Live: Here’s What’s New
The WordPress team pushed out version 3.1, code name “Reinhardt,” on Wednesday, bringing a host of new and updated features to users and developers.
WordPress 3.0 was released back in June 2010, along with its own set of new functions and features. The 3.1 release cycle was originally expected to be completed before the end of 2010, but bugs and various changes pushed that date back.
I have been using the various beta and release candidate versions of WordPress 3.1 since November and am especially excited about a few of the new additions and improvements.
From an interface perspective, WordPress 3.1 shares the same look as WordPress 3.0. A few minor changes have been made to give the WordPress dashboard a cleaner look, but the overall design remains the same. The one exception is for users of the blue admin theme. The colors and stylings for the blue theme have been refined and improved across the board.
Post Formats, At Last
My favorite new feature in WordPress 3.1 is the addition of Post Formats. Not to be confused with the similar sounding Custom Post Types, Post Formats can be used by theme authors to customize the way a WordPress post is presented on the web. Post Formats is not a required feature, but it is something that theme designers can implement to better show off certain content types.
Post Formats are especially useful for users who want to create a Tumblr-like experience on their WordPress blog. That means that users can designate a post as an aside, link, video, image, quote, status, audio, chat or gallery. That designation can then help a theme determine how content should be displayed.
That means that a post formatted as a quote might display a quote in a big italicized font, whereas a video post has a custom width.
Over the past few months, a number of WordPress theme developers have instated their own versions of Post Formats into themes, but with the new standardization, we expect to see the feature crop up in more places. Adding support for Post Formats requires theme authors to add a few lines of code to their templates and stylesheets.
WordPress contributor Otto wrote a great post about Post Formats several months ago that is definitely worth the read.
Internal Linking
Internal linking is a new feature in WordPress 3.1 that makes it easier for publishers to find and link back to previously published content. At Mashable, we often use internal linking to refer back to earlier coverage or give additional insight into a topic or idea.
Most of the time, the process of finding the link requires either searching the site or doing a custom Google search to get a specific URL. I use TextMate for all of my writing and have a custom bundle that actually lets me search the Mashable archives by entering a keyword or phrase without having to leave my editor.
WordPress’s internal linking tool isn’t quite that slick, but it does make the process of finding and linking to content much faster. Simply click on the link button in the writing panel and enter in a word or phrase. Related entries will show up and clicking on an entry will fill the link field with the correct URL.
For sites with lots of content, we can see this feature being very useful.
The Admin Bar
WordPress.com users are probably familiar with the admin bar that appears atop every WordPress.com-hosted site when they are logged into their accounts. The menu provides quick access to various tools and lets users quickly create new blog posts or access back-end features.
The WordPress.org admin bar will only work when users are logged into their own sites. When they are, visiting the site will display an admin bar that will then provide easy access to comments, the dashboard and other assorted tools.
I personally am not a fan of the new admin bar — and I dislike that it is enabled by default. I can see how it can be useful, especially for administrators of large blogs, but for me, it’s a hindrance. Fortunately, the WordPress team listened to some of the complaints and added the option to turn the bar on or off in the dashboard’s “Users” panel.
For individuals that want to disable the admin bar entirely, Joost de Valk has a great guide.
Update Now
WordPress 3.1 is available for download and existing WordPress users can perform the upgrade from the dashboard.
Is the admin bar a useful tool? Let us know what you think of WordPress 3.1 in the comments.
Topics to follow
For more Dev & Design coverage
More Stories in Dev & Design
Top Related Stories
HOW TO: Use QR Codes for Event Marketing
Matthias Galica is CEO of ShareSquare. Via a self-serve mobile web app CMS and QR codes, the ShareSquare platform enhances real world promotions for artists, agencies & brands. Mashable readers can sign up for the private beta for free by clicking here. He will also be presenting on the topic of QR code adoption at the Where 2.0 Conference.
Nearly every year since 1994 has been hyped as the year that QR codes pierce the mainstream, but in 2011 the hubbub is finally reaching a fever pitch.
This is thanks to a confluence of factors: Critical mass in smartphone penetration, a large installed base of many barcode-scanning apps, and an approaching social tipping point of awareness. QR codes are finally becoming an effective tool for driving offline-to-online interactions at scale.
Combine this with the fact that enhancing real world promotions in music, film and brand marketing is among the best applications of this technology, and next month’s SXSW has the potential to be the breakout event for QR codes in America.
Unfortunately, many well-intentioned early adopters will waste the opportunity by not delivering enough value or making some very simple mistakes.
I’ve spent nine months isolating the best practices and highest converting use cases specific to these applications. Taking over where Jamie Turner left off with his post on the 10 commandments for marketers using 2D codes, below is a “brass tacks” breakdown of the minimum value each marketer needs to offer to be successful.
What Should My QR Code Do?
It should direct users to a mobile-optimized webpage with functionality tailored to your audience and application. Below are recommendations based on the calls-to-action that we’ve seen achieve the highest engagement. You’ll notice the following themes recur: Exclusivity, rich media, downloads, social media, incentives like prizes and contests, and contextual relevance.
Music and Artist Performances
Must-Haves: Provide immediate music playback via an online service like YouTube or Rdio. Show a bio along with performance and venue information. Allow users to “Like” on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
Extra Credit: Link to native apps like those made by Mobile Roadie; offer free downloads in exchange for e-mail submissions; win VIP access or free schwag; offer mobile e-commerce through a provider like TopSpin or BandCamp.
Examples: The Grammys, Mitchel Musso.
Film Releases and Screenings
Must-Haves: Show the trailer (ideally an exclusive); put sneak peek images into a slideshow; provide screening and venue information; pre-populate status updates and tweets to help new fans spread the word.
Extra Credit: Deleted scene downloads; free passes; ticket purchases.
Examples: Ironman 2, Ray Kurzweil’s Transcendent Man.
Technology Launches and Exhibitions
Must-Haves: Show screenshots; play a demo video; link to all your native apps (if you have them); display company info, “Like” on Facebook and follow on Twitter.
Extra Credit: Offer early access; send private invites, or register the scan as a check-in.
Brands and Sponsors
Must-Haves: Offer exclusive content or information; free prizes, coupons or giveaways; incentivize Facebook Likes and tweets to drive virality.
Extra Credit: Treasure hunts or collection games like those provided by SCVNGR; mobile e-commerce purchases.
Examples: Chevy at SXSW 2010, Calvin Klein.
Fans, Consumers and Event Attendees
Must-Haves: Install a good scanner like RedLaser on your iPhone, ShopSavvy or Barcode Scanner on Android, or use the native scanner inside BBM 5.0 on Blackberry.
Extra Credit / Example: Add a QR code to your business card.
Where Should I Put My QR Code at a Major Event?
Put your QR code on every single piece of promotional material you have. This goes for every marketer. Posters, flyers, stickers, merchandise tags, press kits, temporary tattoos; The more unusual the better. Any promotion without one is a missed opportunity at major events, especially tech-forward gatherings like SXSW.
What Not To Do
There are pitfalls you need to avoid at all costs, or else your QR code campaign will fail miserably:
- Don’t use proprietary code formats like those from AT&T Barcode Services or any other that requires a particular scanning app to work. Your QR code should simply contain a URL directing to your mobile web presence. You can easily create a free QR code with services like bit.ly or goo.gl, and they come with the added benefits of shortening your URL (which compresses the size of the QR code) and some basic tracking.
- Don’t link to a non-mobile-optimized site, or (heaven forbid) any pages containing Flash.
- Don’t forget to prominently place a compelling call-to-action (e.g. “Scan to Win”) near the QR code so that your audience immediately knows why they should bother scanning your code.
- Don’t forget to test-scan the proofs for your creative. Make sure your QR code works as intended before you produce a bunch of collateral.
It’s also a good idea to set up your QR code and the corresponding mobile webpage with analytics. This will give you the ability to track and optimize your campaign, and if you’re using a plug-and-play CMS, even make updates during the event.
What Results Should You Expect?
At my company, we’re seeing an average time on the mobile page of about 4 minutes, with bounce rates in the low 20% range. When your call-to-action is valuable, and well aligned with your application, you’ll find that you can delight your audience and capture the precious attention that you wouldn’t have before. Your mileage will vary on the total number of scans, which is why a shotgun approach with a variety of different placements will give you the best odds of standing out from the crowd.
We’re also upping the game for SXSW, which I predict will be a big event for QR codes. My company will be displaying real-time Austin heat maps of scanning activity happening on our platform, as well as aggregating leader-boards of the “Most Scanned Bands.” We’ll be giving those artists extra attention and visibility, in addition to some special prizes we’ll announce at the event. I hope to see you, your QR codes, and some effective mobile calls-to-action in Austin next month.
More Business Resources from Mashable:
- HOW TO: Grow Your Sales and Revenue Using 2D Codes
- 2D Codes: The 10 Commandments for Marketers
- How The iPad Is Helping Businesses Go Green
- HOW TO: Jump-Start Your Career by Becoming an Online Influencer
- 4 Small Business Mobile Predictions for 2011
Image courtesy of iStockphoto, fberti
More About: 2d code, business, entertainment, location, MARKETING, mobile marketing, qr code, social media, social media marketing, sxsw
For more Business & Marketing coverage:
- Follow Mashable Business & Marketing on Twitter
- Become a Fan on Facebook
- Subscribe to the Business & Marketing channel
- Download our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
The Art of the Facebook Page Design
Some companies opt to bring users directly to the page wall or other tabs (e.g. info, photos, RSS/blog, discussions and links) and use product images or company logos instead of more elaborate landing pages.
Regardless of where a user lands when they first arrive, something needs to capture their attention.
As we’ll see in the examples of pages from the 50 Top Facebook Pages of Brand’s Worldwide represented below, some pages may come right out and ask for the “like”, some may have a variation on the call to action with a contest, gift, upload, sign-up now, or shop now type message. Some may appeal to emotions. Some will be memorable. And some, quickly forgotten.
In truth, Facebook is about more than the ongoing interaction between businesses and users via status updates. We believe it’s also about the art and design of engagement and a vital new component to the corporate brand identity—the Facebook page design.
Coca-Cola
Total Fans 22, 113, 350 | Food and Drink | United States
Starbucks
Total Fans 19, 386, 229 | Restaurant | United States
Oreo
Total Fans 16, 509, 052 | Food and Drink | United States
Red Bull
Total Fans 15, 002, 570 | Food and Drink | Austria
Skittles
Total Fans 14, 903, 838 | Food and Drink| United States
Converse All Star
Total Fans 12, 522, 419 | Fashion | United States
Victoria’s Secret
Total Fans 11, 273, 214 | Fashion | United States
Converse
Total Fans 10, 903, 272 | Fashion | United States
Windows Live Messenger
Total Fans 9, 555, 443 | Technology | United States
Pringles
Total Fans 8, 902, 303 | Food and Drink | United States
PlayStation
Total Fans 8, 328, 915 | Technology | Japan
Monster Energy
Total Fans 8, 264, 999 | Food and Drink | United States
Zara
Total Fans 7, 907, 457 | Fashion | Spain
Victoria’s Secret Pink
Total Fans 7, 861, 520 | Fashion | United States
Dr. Pepper
Total Fans 7, 730, 330 | Food and Drink | United States
Nutella
Total Fans 7, 482, 885 | Food and Drink | Italy
Ferrero Rocher
Total Fans 7, 464, 229 | Food and Drink | Italy
Starburst
Total Fans 7, 428, 300 | Food and Drink | United States
Disneyland
Total Fans 7, 227, 700 | Attraction | United States
McDonald’s
Total Fans 7, 015, 657 | Restaurant | United States
Adidas Originals
Total Fans 6, 983, 666| Sports | Germany
Reese’s
Total Fans 6, 446, 255 | Food and Drink | United States
Xbox
Total Fans 6, 216, 176 | Technology | United States
H&M
Total Fans 6, 111, 927 | Fashion| Sweden
Starbucks Frappucino
Total Fans 5, 632, 778 | Food and Drink | United States
Google Chrome
Total Fans 5, 452, 638 | Technology | United States
Taco Bell
Total Fans 5, 398, 834 | Restaurant | United States
Walt Disney World
Total Fans 5, 224, 835 | Attraction | United States
BlackBerry
Total Fans 5, 196, 258 | Technology | Canada
Picnik
Total Fans 4, 680, 341 | Technology | United States
SUBWAY
Total Fans 4, 663, 512 | Restaurant | United States
Nike Football
Total Fans 4, 622, 955 | Sports | United States
Lacoste
Total Fans 4, 493, 274 | Fashion | France
BMW
Total Fans 4, 429, 660 | Automotive | Germany
Hollister Co
Total Fans 4, 178, 668 | Fashion | United States
Mountain Dew
Total Fans 4, 127, 589 | Food and Drink | United States
Burberry
Total Fans 4, 024, 562 | Fashion | United States
5 Gum
Total Fans 4, 021, 548 | Food and Drink | United States
Forever 21
Total Fans 3, 972, 013 | Fashion | United States
Buffalo Wild Wings
Total Fans 3, 864, 310 | Restaurant | United States
Nike
Total Fans 3, 826, 717 | Sports | United States
Target
Total Fans 3, 816, 027 | Retail | United States
Chik-fil-A
Total Fans 3, 719, 656 | Restaurant | United States
Puma
Total Fans 3, 715, 460 | Sports | Germany
American Eagle Outfitters
Total Fans 3, 689, 587 | Fashion | United States
Subway
Total Fans 3, 679, 491 | Restaurant | United States
Gucci
Total Fans 3, 659, 709 | Fashion | Italy
Sony Ericcson
Total Fans 3, 656, 301 | Technology | Sweden
Abercrombie & Fitch
Total Fans 3, 653, 314 | Fashion | United States
Aéropostale
Total Fans 3, 604, 929 | Fashion | United States
Written and compiled exclusively for Webdesigner Depot by Debbie Hemley. Debbie is a blogger and social media aficionado. She works with businesses to develop content and social media strategies. Read her blog posts on All the News and follow her on Twitter
Have you been creating Facebook pages for your clients? What have your design experiences been like?
If you find an exclusive RSS freebie on this feed or on the live WDD website, please use the following code to download it: O1Rs1S
| Get 3 Premium Themify Themes for only $29 |  |
