Someone at the top gets it. They have begun promoting new websites, targeting key marketing messages, the latest of which is www.rethinkyourshipping.com. This is a wise move on many levels, and they’ll gain a certain amount of web traffic from the SEO value of the domain name - but I think that more importantly, they put a little distance between them and the image of “snail mail”. The website touts many advantages, including online savings which will be very attractive to online merchants and eBay shippers.

Acquiring an additional keyword or themed domain name can only add value to your online marketing. Let’s face it. Everyone knows who the USPS is, and what they do. They didn’t really need another domain name for branding / name recognition. Likewise, if you don’t have an established relationship with your clients, or if you’re trying to add new clients - you may wish to add a few domains that establish the benefits of working with your firm, or one that incorporates popular search terms.

Once you’ve selected a domain, you’ll want to populate it with a mini-site that relates to your message, and link to your main website, adding value in the “eyes” of the search engines. You can also use the mini-site to collect visitor information, or sign them up for a newsletter or free report.

Ken Ivey is a veteran technology addict, consultant, author, and President of MidTN Technology, a marketing and web design firm. For more information about effective domain names or online marketing, call 615-278-9324 or visit www.midtntechnology.com

Marketing gold could be found in Web video - USATODAY.com
By David Lieberman, USA TODAY
NEW YORK — You don’t need a pan and a stream in California to join the next gold rush. A video camera, computer and high-speed Internet connection will do.
The article’s first few sentences are where the real gold is. Beyond this, the article abruptly shifts to network advertising on video.

In my opinion, the ads on web video (interruption marketing) are what kills it’s effectiveness. Video is used most effectively when it builds relationship with the audience.

I don’t think the networks will ever get it.Technorati Tags: Web Video

I learned from attending last year’s BarCamp Nashville, a convention of sorts for social media technology, that it’s very important to arrive early. The premium seats fill up fast, and I really wanted to get a good position this year. All sorts of people attend these meetings and that’s what makes it interesting.

Just as I was setting up my table, a big burly looking guy with lots of tattoos decided that my table would be a great place to sit. I suspected he was a member of a motorcycle gang or rock musician. Neither was the case. It turns out that he’s a pastor, as well as a famous DJ. Pastor Bob Beeman was one of the first radio professionals to syndicate a Christian rock band. How cool is that? I plan to interview Pastor Bob later, and I’ll be the subject of one of his Podcasts dubbed ” The Starbucks Confessionals”.

There were several speakers and the topics ranged from professional podcasting as a fulltime profession to optimal settings for web video. Popular discussions included using podcasting for marketing purposes and monetizing your podcast. I’ll be sure to incorporate these tips and techniques into my web design arsenal.