The Right Profile (or Page)

Our recent seminar on Social Media Marketing emphasised the value of having a Facebook Page for your business. We showed the significance of a page over groups, and emphasised the importance of not using your personal profile for your business.

Nevertheless, people still use their own profile as their business 'listing' on Facebook. If that's the route you've chosen, be sure to check your privacy settings and ensure they are compatible with your goal of promoting your business! Specifically, make sure you're sharing key information publicly (such as contact details) without forcing people to be a Friend.

Google Revamps its Search Results

Last week Google released some major changes to the way it displays search results.

According to Google's VP of Search Products & User Experience Marissa Mayer said, "While we are constantly rolling out small changes and updates, today's changes showcase the latest evolutions in our search technology, making it easier than ever to find exactly what you're looking for."

The major changes include:

• NewLeft Side Navigation that allows for searching in different types of results: images, videos, blogs books, etc.
  
• Integration of 'Universal Search'
• Expanded Search options - for example, search for images of kitchen sinks by colour
• A smaller, cleaner logo

Good News

A search for 'Dominica' still returns our three Dominica sites in the top 10 results:

1. avirtualDominica.com
2. Visit-Dominica.com
3. News-Dominica.com

How to Make Your Site Look Good to Google in 2010

Google ~ What's New in 2010?

The Search Engine industry never stands still. Google has just released information about changes it is making to the way it will rank sites in 2010.

Some of these changes, such as site load time and proper use of keywords, get 'back to basics' in terms of website design and reinforce the tenets of web development that we at Delphis have followed since we began in 1997.

Other changes emphasise the need to keep up with changing technology by incorporating social media, video listings and real-time search content.

For details see the article by PJ Fusco of The ClickZ Network "How to Optimise Your Site for Google in 2010"

Join us at our Social Media Marketing seminar

For those of you in Dominica, don't miss the DHTA's Social Media Marketing Seminar by Delphis Ltd. The seminar will cover...

What is Social Media Marketing?
How can it help you get more business?

Get the tools you need to find new customers, to increase your internet presence, and to drive more traffic to your website. Learn the latest techniques and best strategies for:

• Social Networking
• Blogging
• Micro-Blogging
• Media Sharing

Date & Time: Wednesday, April 14th from 9 am to 1 pm.
Location: Fort Young Hotel
Price: $50 DHTA Members / $65 Non-Members

Space is limited. Register early with the DHTA.
http://www.dhta.org

Google's Realtime Search

Google announced several major changes yesterday to the way it will be delivering it's search results. They have recognised the impact of Twitter and other real-time applications in the importance of search relevance.

“The importance of relevance has gone through the roof as the amount of information out there is growing. Relevance has become the critical factor.” Amit Singhal, Google Fellow.

So starting yesterday, Twitter tweets and Facebook Status updates (for public pages) will have a place in Google search results. Watch the video below to see how this works.




Learn more about Google's realtime search:

• Read the Tech Crunch article "Google Aims To Push The Speed Of Light With Realtime Results. Seriously."

SVG launches new tourism website

The Ministry of Tourism’s “bright and vibrant” new website got the full approval of guests who witnessed its launch earlier this week.

The site, www.discoversvg.com, which replaced www.svgtourism.com, was officially launched on Monday, at the training room of the National Insurance Services at Upper Bay Street, Kingstown.

Equipped with modern technological amenities, including FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube and Google accounts, the site also allows visitors wishing to travel to any of the many attractions showcased on the site to book accommodations online.

The Ministry of Tourism and SVG Tourism Authority managed site was funded by the European Union to the tune of €150 as part of the Special Framework Assistance (SFA) 2006 Tourism and Private Sector Development Project, which got started three years ago.

It was designed by the Dominica-based web company, Delphis Limited.

Consultant and project web designer Steve McCabe, along with partner Wendy Walsh of Delphis Limited, gave a live demonstration of the site, to the “oohs”, “ahhs” and “wows” of the audience, which included various stakeholders in the tourism sector, as well as employees of the various tourism bodies and the media.

President of the SVG Hotel and Tourism Association, Bianca Porter, said at the launch that the new site captures and showcases key information about the country’s niche markets through its photographs and up-to-date information.

She applauded the initiative that allows on-line booking and said she hoped more business would be generated through this facility. Porter also expressed confidence that the improved site would generate more interest in St. Vincent, resulting in more visitors to the country.

Also speaking at the launch was Minister of Tourism Glen Beache, who indicated that the site, along with other initiatives, would make St. Vincent and the Grenadines a tourism force to be reckoned with.

He added that a tourism website required special attention, and praised Delphis Ltd for the detailed work done. He noted that the website would help to better market the product being offered by St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which he described as the most complete package in the region.

The completed website project is just one of four components under the SFA 2006 umbrella, the others being a 2020 master plan for the tourism sector, the establishment of a hospitality and marine institute and the construction of a boardwalk at Villa.

WordPress blog basics

Some good WordPress tips & tweaks:

http://lifehacker.com/5365600/the-beginners-guide-to-tricking-out-your-wordpress-blog