Are you looking for new ways to improve your business during the recession?

Do you want an insight into how others view your company?

Then we want to hear from you.

We’re looking for business owners who really want to get to the heart of how their business operates. Think of it as installing the most effective and dynamic suggestion-box possible.

Contact Ruth Roden ruth@totoproductions.ie  for more information and to apply.

The post Looking for new ways to improve your business during the recession? appeared first on Write On Track.

Interesting article in the Digital Times this week with some timely advice for SMEs.

Once again we receive another report saying Ireland is not embracing and not capitalising on the economic and social opportunities presented by the internet.

The annual report (for 2010) of the Digital Hub Development Agency (DHDA) also highlights the potential cost savings, time efficiencies and service improvements that could be delivered by public and private sector organisations through increased use of the web and digital media tools.

“Despite the huge advancements of recent years, many organisations have been slow to embrace the internet opportunity. Recent surveys indicate that only 20 per cent of SMEs in Ireland are truly active on the internet, for example, compared to 40 per cent in our nearest competitor market, the UK,” says Philip Flynn, chief executive officer of the DHD.

“If harnessed well, [the web] will allow our arts and cultural products to extend their reach to global audiences and our indigenous commercial businesses to grow and expand in world markets.”

Public institutions and SMEs in Ireland generally have been slow to capitalise on the potential of the digital world.

Over the coming year, our priority is to work with the Government to develop a cohesive internet strategy for Ireland. We must foster a spirit of technological advancement and creativity across the country, from our schools to our boardrooms,” says Leonard Donnelly, chairperson of the DHDA.

Some basic ways to capitalise from the digital planet

• First and foremost, making products and services available to purchase online, where feasible – and in the public sector delivering services more conveniently through the use of online tools.

• Capitalising on the pervasive use of social media to interact better with customers; to attract new business from new global markets; to build and sustain a loyal community of customers and clients; and to engage more effectively with members of the public.

• Increased use of ‘webinars’, virtual meetings and conference calls to cut back on meeting costs and travel expenses.

• Making calls via the internet, rather than through traditional telephone lines, to avail of cheaper rates.

Lorna and I think this great advice and fully endorse the report, with one addition – the value of a great blog and engagement with social media to drive online sales, improve customer relations and build a community around your brand.

If you would like to talk to us some more about how we can help you can capitalise upon the new social media platforms then get in touch with us for a free consultation.

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Social media is of most relevance to transactional websites. Social features integrated on the website can improve e-commerce revenues and boost consumer loyalty. Such features include Facebook like, follow or share; e-mail to a friend; share and follow links; product reviews by customers; Twitter tweet or follow and Facebook store.

Web consultancy Amas recently reviewed 100 Irish e-commerce sites, ranking them by how many of 10 social features the websites were deploying. On the Amas criteria, the most social websites are Amazon, HMV, CD Wow and Littlewoods.

Among Irish retailers, the most sociable are Dabs, Elverys, Carrolls Irish Gifts, ESB, Meteor and Micksgarage. A fifth of the sites surveyed had no social media features at all, including, ironically, Bord Gáis, sponsor of the Social Media Awards.

You can read the rest of the article here.

The post Brand managers adapt as social media sites put power in hands of consumers appeared first on Write On Track.

It will also position you as an expert in your field, demonstrate your passion and commitment and fix your corporate identity more firmly in the minds of your customers.

If you are interested in learning more about how a blog can drive more traffic to your site then check out this presentation given to a group of Irish business owners last October.

Stay tuned to the blog as we will be adding lots more tips on how to get more blog traffic in the coming weeks.

The post How to get more website traffic appeared first on Write On Track.