How to perform an SEO health check on your small business website

By Scott Benson

If you’re a small business owner, you’ve probably thought a bit about how customers find your website through search engines and maybe even the reputation your business has online. These are questions that hit the core of search engine optimization. Here are a few quick-hitting tactics to allow small business owners to check the health of their websites as well as a few SEO tactics to perform after you begin to monitor that health.

First things first – perform a “clean” search on your company name.

To continue on you search engine optimization journey and read the entire article click here.

About the Author: Scott Benson is the SEO Manager for Beltsville,Md.-based Vocus, a provider of cloud marketing software.

Summer Gear Guide 2012: Smartphones

By Zachary Lutz, Engadget

As you prepare for adventures with friends and fun in the sun, just remember that a great smartphone should be at the top of your gear list. Whether you’re looking for travel tips, a new place to hang or even directions to get there, your smartphone will have you covered. It can help you check-in for flights, rent a car and even get great deals on places to stay. Go ahead and leave your point-and-shoot camera at home, because many of today’s best smartphones excel at photography and allow you to immediately share your memories as they’re captured. If you plan to travel abroad, be sure to spring for an unlocked handset to avoid those nasty roaming fees. Whatever your particular needs, our smartphone selection is geared to make your decision as painless as possible – and more importantly, ensure that you have a fun and rewarding summer. Dive in on the other side of the break.

For the complete list of the summer guide for smartphones Click Here.

Editor’s choice: HTC One X 

By Mitch Lazar, TechCrunch

Staying on top of your game and understanding the competitive landscape is essential to winning in the modern business world. A huge component to staying ahead of the curve is keeping a close eye on competitors in your market, which entails maintaining a watchful eye on industry news. Some companies turn to expensive news monitoring services to keep track of their respective industry, but in reality there are more viable options. Emerging tablet news and information services like Flipboard, Pulse and others are proving an incredible companion to business and consulting executives in staying current with industry changes occurring around them.

Jeff Cavins, CEO of Fuzebox, recently wrote in Business Insider that the explosive uptake of tablet computers is fueling the growth of what he called the new “iPad economy.” Cavins said: “The iPad is shifting the way businesses function, changing how executives interact and transforming the economics of today’s business operations.”

The iPad economy is a growing reality across the globe, and businesses are turning to enterprise apps to help them succeed. Simple RSS readers are used to condense multiple streams of content from a variety of sources into single channels, granting users access to diverse content all in one place. Some applications have further simplified news aggregation by using innovative search technology that goes beyond the function of RSS readers to deliver richer streams of highly targeted information to business users – a critical asset to businesses large and small.

Better Search and Filtering Offers Essential Time Savings

Gesture Based Information Consumption Increases Efficiency

Bookmarking Makes for Easier Follow Up

Read More from TechCrunch Here

Editor’s note: Mitch Lazar is CEO of Taptu. He Founded CNN and Cartoon Network Mobile. He was a former journalist at CNN and one of the co-founders of CNN.com. Prior to joining Taptu, Mitch headed Yahoo! Mobile Europe.

New Orleans - Wi-Ex (www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, today announced at CTIA Wireless in booth #4050 a new case study “zBoost: Ringing in mCommerce” showcasing National Communications’ install at Western North Carolina Agricultural Center’s Davis Center.  National Communications, Inc.,  a full service Communications Contractor specializing in the design, project management, and installation of voice, data and fiber optic cabling projects, recently used zBoost Commercial Solution Division Kits to help WNC’s Davis Center help keep its largest combined trade show.

National Communications’ client WNC’s Davis Center had little to no indoor cell phone service.  The indoor cell phone signal was so poor inside the Davis Center that WNC was in danger of losing its largest combined trade show, The Land of Sky Knife and Gun Show.  The trade show exhibitors rely on their cell phones and smartphones to process credit cards and without a strong cell phone signal were unable to conduct business at shows.

“With mCommerce expected to reach $200 billion by 2012, a reliable cell phone signal is a quickly becoming a necessity for businesses,” said Michael Cummiskey of Wi-Ex.  “National Communications was able to successfully help WNC provide a strong cell phone signal to their clients and help them conduct transactions on the show floor and other business activities.”

Solution

National Communications installed zBoost Commercial Solutions Division Kits to improve the cell phone signal and allow the trade show vendors to successfully use their smartphones and cell phones for credit card transactions, as well as other business related needs.

“Installation of the zBoost saved WNC Agricultural Center’s largest combined trade show.  The Land of Sky Knife and Gun Show holds five sales per year in our newly renovated 45,000 square feet LEED certified Davis Expo Center,” said Matt Buchanan, WNC Agricultural Center Manager.  “With little to no cellular reception for credit card transactions and other business related needs, we were in danger of losing this event to another facility. Since the installation of the repeater system all I have heard are praises from both the promoter and vendors.”

Visit http://www.wi-ex.com/testimonials.aspx to read other Wi-Ex Case Studies and Testimonials.

Businesses’ Rapid Increase of Mobile Data Usage Increases the Need for Strong Signal

New Orleans – Wi-Ex (www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of commercial and consumer cell phone signal boosters, showcased today its zBoost line of consumer cell phone signal boosters including 4G, as well as new commercial cell phone signal booster kits for small businesses and commercial applications such as hospitals, factory floors, M2M, convention centers, museums, ATCO trailers, offices and high rises. Highlighted at CTIA Wireless in booth #4050 and CTIA Mobile Focus, the zBoost line provides consumers and businesses with a solution to the slow data and dropped calls caused by weak cell phone signal indoors.

“From homes and small offices that use the zBoost SOHO to installs of our Commercial Solutions Division Kits in convention centers and hospitals, we work closely with our dealers and installers to provide solutions to meet the needs of our customers,” said Michael Cummiskey of Wi-Ex. “In fact, just last week we worked with Spot On Networks to install zBoost signal boosters for the WIRED Business Conference: Disruptive By Design. The event organizers realized that the more than 400 thought-leaders in attendance would need (and expect), a reliable signal for their cell phones and tablets.”

Consumers and businesses rely on a strong cell phone signal for making calls, receiving and sending texts, checking email and ever increasing for their online multimedia applications such as gaming, downloading music, uploading pictures and streaming high-definition video at optimal quality and speed. A poor indoor cell phone signal results in millions of unhappy customers.

“As we continue to focus on developing solutions to meet the needs of today’s mobile society, zBoost is focused on two trends: the rapid increase in mobile data and the rapid adoption of smartphones and tablets,” said Sharon Cuppett, vice-president of marketing at Wi-Ex. “Recent industry stats predict that more than half of the Internet’s traffic will come from mobile devices by 2016 and when combined with the staggering growth of smartphones and tablets, there is the potential for millions of unhappy mobile users as a result of slow data and dropped calls.”

The newest addition to the zBoost line, the zBoost 4G-V, provides consumers using Verizon LTE with an end to slow data and dropped calls allowing them to enjoy all of the benefits of their smartphones and other connected devices.

With the zBoost 4G, consumers using Verizon LTE can maximize their 4G devices. For larger spaces, zBoost offers the zBoost Commercial Solutions Division Kits System available for coverage areas up to 20,000 and 40,000 square feet. The kits include all of the components for a complete system solution whether for commercial environments or large residential applications and utilize the proven zBoost technology from Wi-Ex to improve cell phone voice and data signals.

Benefits:

● Increases indoor signal coverage-up

● Supports multiple users simultaneously

● Increases voice and data transmission

● Decreases dropped or missed calls

● Easy to set up

● No cradle or connections to your phone

● Extends phone battery life (uses less power when signal is stronger)

● Protects the carrier network using patented technology

May 1, 2012 – Wi-Ex (www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, announced today that the fourth annual WIRED Business Conference: Disruptive by Design in partnership with MDC Partners is utilizing several zBoost by Wi-Ex cell phone signal boosters to provide the more than 400 thought-leaders in attendance with a reliable indoor cell phone signal.  The zBoost line allows consumers to take full advantage of data, voice and Internet services on their iPhones(TM), iPads(TM), connected devices and smartphones.

Held at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City, the WIRED Business Conference is a one-day symposium featuring C-level executives and thought-leaders featuring groundbreaking discussions on disruptive business practices, ideas, and innovations. Spot On Networks installed the zBoost signal boosters for the symposium.

“The building is a cellular dead zone due to the building’s exterior construction – primarily the lead tinted windows.  Prior to the installation of the zBoost solution, the only way to make a phone call was to open a door and go outside of the building,” said William Howard, Vice President of Project Management for Spot On Networks.  “The addition of the zBoost allows for the attendees to stay connected to their offices during the event.”

The phone signal boosters were installed in several locations within the three-story building including the auditorium and conference rooms, the lunchroom, lobby area and reception area.

“Smartphones and tablets are an essential part of staying connected to the office, however a poor indoor cell phone signal can make this a challenge,” said Michael Cummiskey of Wi-Ex.  “With Spot On Networks help, we provided the attendees of the WIRED Business Conference with the ability to stay on top of emails, phone calls and texts, as well as Tweet the latest conference news all while still enjoying the conference.”

 Benefits of using a zBoost cell phone signal booster include:

• Increases indoor signal coverage
• Supports multiple users simultaneously
• Compatible with all U.S. carriers and mobile devices using 800 & 1900 MHz (except Nextel/iDEN or 4G, 2100MHz phones)
• Increases voice and data transmission
• Decreases dropped or missed calls
• No cradle or connections to your phone
• Extends phone battery life (uses less power when signal is stronger)
• Protects the carrier network using patented technology

Wi-Ex (http://www.wi-ex.com), a leading provider of consumer and commercial cell phone signal boosters, today announced a new case study, “zBoost: Ending the Run to Answer Calls or Truck it for Data” showcasing Pro Comm Solutions’ install at a large natural gas producer client. Pro Comm Solutions, a communications company specializing in wired and wireless solutions for its clients, recently used zBoost to help its client enhance its business productivity.

The large natural gas producer client has numerous remote locations that require cell phone and Internet service. One particular location has extremely weak cell phone coverage and due to the remote location relies on cell phones for both voice and data services. The building is an ATCO office trailer with metal siding which also creates a hindrance to using their cell phones. To receive cell phone calls the client was leaving their cell phones in their trucks hooked to a booster and using a Bluetooth headset to make and receive calls. This resulted in several missed calls a day. In addition, to send and receive emails, they would take their laptops to their trucks. This was causing a problem with receiving information in a timely manner.

“For clients like Pro Comm Solutions’ natural gas producer a reliable cell phone signal is a necessity and makes a real difference in the productivity of their employees” said Michael Cummiskey of Wi-Ex. “From small offices to large commercial properties, the zBoost solutions help installers provide their clients with a strong cell phone signal to help their clients end missed calls and slow data.”

Solution
Pro Comm Solutions installed a zBoost YX545. zBoost YX545 cell phone signal boosters extend a Cell Zone™ for multiple users and all devices operating on 800 and 1900 MHz frequency bands except those using Nextel/iDEN, 4G or 2100MHz. zBoost SOHO boosts signal up to 3000 square feet.

They installed the antenna on the edge of the roof and the booster near the middle of the building.. The signal strength improved significantly, as did the data download speeds. They are now able to log into the company’s network and information is received and sent in a timely manner. Phone calls are no longer being missed or dropped.

“The zBoost solution is extremely easy to install and provided our client with excellent results that enabled their employees to more efficiently do their jobs. The client was extremely impressed and is interested in installing additional units in some of their other locations,” said James Sackman with Pro Comm Solutions.

To read the full case study visit: http://www.Wi-Ex.com/Testimonials.aspx

“Since an increasing number of small business owners are using internet for advertising, promoting or for doing some basic activities, they are becoming an easy prey for hackers who are still living at large. Though steps have been taken both at region and country level to contain such cases, there is no apparent signs of immediate relief. Small business organizations just like their big corporate counterparts are very much susceptible to external and internet security threats and if these treats are overlooked, this might have a serious consequences later on. Here we are going to share 5 tips that a small business company can adopt.” Just take a look:

Posted by Noobpreneur Team at www.Noobpreneur.com This article is one of the excellent contributions from our team of experienced guest authors.

Have a backup ready
You never know when things may go away of your hands and you lose all the data that holds key to success to your business.

Pinpoint the Weakness
Since you are a small business owner, you have to make sure that you have perfect knowledge of most the vulnerable areas of your business.

Get Your Workers Educated About Security
To uplift a culture of security, you need to take some steps proactively.

A Contingency Plan
Though you will certainly despise the idea of being targeted by hacker, this might befall at any point of time.

Security Agreement
It is good to get your employees signed into a security agreement, as they will have a legal obligation to inform you whenever they see something unusual.

Click here for the complete list of  the 5 tips.

Lose a Smartphone, And You Lose a Lot

By JEANETTE  PAVINI

Say you just lost your wallet with $40 cash in it. You’d feel bad, right?  There’s the inconvenience of canceling cards, getting a new driver’s license,  etc. But what if you lost your wallet with $900 in cash in it, plus your address  book and your bank passwords? That’s what it’s like when you lose your  smartphone.

Now that really hurts.

If you lose your smartphone, what will it cost to replace  it and what steps should you take once you realize your phone is gone?  MarketWatch’s Jeanette Pavini has some answers on Lunch Break. Photo:  AP

How much does it cost to lose a smartphone? One of our readers found out the  hard way. Her iPhone was stolen while she was on public transit. She didn’t have  phone insurance, her renter’s insurance didn’t cover the loss, and she was told  if she canceled her phone contract, she would be liable for a hefty early  termination fee. In the end, she paid a small fortune and learned a big  lesson.

Some 60 million smartphones and cellphones are lost, stolen or damaged each  year, according to Asurion, a provider of cellphone insurance.

Your total cost will depend on your carrier, what kind of device you have,  and whether you’re willing to settle for a reconditioned, used device or want a  new smartphone.

If you lose your top-of-the-line iPhone, say, and want to replace it with the  same device—and you aren’t eligible for an upgrade anytime soon—you could pay as  much as $849 for the device alone.

Here are some tips to keep in mind if your smartphone goes missing:

1. Find my phone.

Many new smartphones, including the iPhone, come with a “find my phone” app  that allows you to locate the device, regardless of your carrier or insurance.  See whether your device has this option and activate it.

2. No new replacement.

Your smartphone insurance likely does not cover a brand-new replacement  device. You’ll get a reconditioned phone and it may not be identical to the one  you lost.

3. Check your calendar.

Keep track of when you are due for an upgrade on your carrier contract. You  might be able to use an old phone until you qualify for the new replacement  smartphone at a discounted rate.

4. Keep your old phone.

Whenever you buy a new smartphone, hold on to your old device. If the new one  is lost or stolen, that old iPhone or Blackberry could come in handy.

5. Assume the worst.

No matter which carrier you use, treat your phone as stolen, even if you  think it’s only misplaced. It’s not just a phone; it likely also contains  important personal information, and phone and email contacts.

6. You may not have to pay.

If someone makes unauthorized long-distance calls, you may not be liable for  these charges—even if your carrier says you are until the phone is reported lost  or stolen. Some states have laws on the books protecting consumers from  unauthorized charges from any telecommunications device.

7. Watch out for shady deals.

Beware of buying smartphones from third-party sellers or from private parties  via classifieds like Craigslist. These phones might be stolen or damaged and  you’ll have no recourse against the seller.

To see specifics by carrier and to view a related video click here. http://online.wsj.com/video/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-smartphone/3BCF6141-7D00-4A7C-82D3-E9DF273BB995.html?

“Every self-help program talks about the importance of taking a 10-15 minute break to boost your productivity. Breaks give us much needed time to rest our eyes, move around, stretch our stiff muscles, get more blood and oxygen flowing to our brain, to unwind and obtain a fresh outlook on complex work problems.”

By Arina Nikitina Stepcase Lifehack

1. Listen to a guided meditation. There are plenty of 10-15 minute meditations that allow you to trigger your creativity, let go of muscles tension and take your mind of the work at hand.

All you have to do is put on a headset, close your eyes and enjoy peace and relaxation even in the midst of work chaos.

2. Share your break with a co-worker. Alone, you might not always have the strength to pull yourself away from the computer, but if you have a friend taking breaks with you, it is much easier to stick with your break routine. In addition, it offers a great opportunity to bond with your colleagues and get to know them better.

3. Step outside for a fresh perspective. Leaving a stuffy office and letting yourself enjoy the warmth of the sunlight, the coolness of a breeze and the freshness of the spring air can do miracles to your mind and body. You will come back feeling rejuvenated and ready to approach your work with new energy and a fresh perspective.

4. Close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths. Stand up and walk away from your desk. Find a quiet place, where you can sit down, close your eyes, smile to yourself and take a few deep breaths. Imagine tension, stress and anxiety leaving your body as you breathe out, and peacefulness, positivity and relaxation filling your mind with every breath that you take.

5. Say NO to tension headaches. Slowly roll your neck to the right noticing a slight tension in your neck muscles. Hold this position for a count of 120 (2 minutes), then turn your head to the opposite side and repeat. Enjoy the feeling of warmth and flexibility return to your neck and shoulders.

Read all 21 ideas here.