Jared Pomranky is the COO of Next Level Technology. Centered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Next Level Technology is a single source provider for websites, custom software development, mobile and web apps, SEO and general business and technology consulting. With Jared's permission I have reprinted a few of his latest posts that I pulled from LinkedIn. You can follow Jared’s thoughts on LinkedIn or peruse his blog at www.nltsf.com.

​Mapping out your content marketing strategy should include creating a rough schedule. There’s a good chance you’ll end up straying as new developments force you to change and adapt your strategies, but having a basic guide in place will give you something to come back to.

​​Videos are highly effective lead magnets.
 
Videos are called “sticky content” because they hold the interest of the viewer longer than text and images.

​​When uploading a photo or image, make sure to use keywords in the file name and alternate text field. In this example, you would add the manufacturer and model of the tires.

​​When it comes to saving on your Pay Per Click (PPC) budget, it’s just as important to know who not to target as it is to know who to target. Eliminate reaching people who are not in your target audience by identifying negative keywords.

​​Design is a key component of a good website and as ecommerce shifts more and more to mobile phones and tablets it is going to grow more important.

This is as much to remind myself as for all my coding friends in the tech world.

The new year means tax returns, renewal of business insurance and HR benefits, health-conscious lifestyle changes AND website footer updates! Oh No! You haven't updated your footer copyright date in how many years?

Here's the php code to add in to your site. <?php echo date("Y") ?>

So your code might look like this.

      <p>Copyright 2010-2015</p>

And you can edit it to look like this so the current year will always appear following the dash.

     <p> Copyright © 2010-<?php echo date("Y") ?></p>

A small detail but one that professionals will notice. 

Now that you have created your Facebook business page (see Facebook Business Page for Startups) let's move on to the meat of what this can do for your small business - grow your audience. Growing your audience through any social media channel is dependent on "Engaging" content. Know your audience and give them scoops, interesting facts, personal stories, tips, and opportunities to share all of the above with their friends. When your audience likes or shares your content your audience grows organically, without lifting a finger AND they are qualified connections who see value in your content.

If you are a Windows 8 or Windows RT (Surface tablet) user you can upgrade to 8.1 for free. Here's the link to Microsoft's "how to upgrade" page. Before you begin, backup your personal files. If you are on a laptop, or tablet, plug-in.

Be patient during the various steps that seem to be taking too long....it could be your internet or the Microsoft server that is slowing things down. A reboot is a required final step and this too will take extra time as the operating system is reconfigured and upgraded.

Microsoft provides a 10-step tutorial on the new features of 8.1 to help users get the most out of their computer software. I recommend that you spend 10-15 minutes reviewing this information where you will find helpful tips to improve your Windows 8.1 experience.