I can’t remember where I came across this video but it moved and inspired me. Take a look!

Google recently launched its newest tool the +1 button. More and more online tools are being developed to enhance  users social search experience. An experience that bridges the gap between SEO and Social Media Marketing. Just in case you are wondering why you should care, here is a quick overview of the Google +1 button.

What it does

It allows Google users to vote on websites by clicking a +1  button and share with their friends and online followers website they like and approve. These buttons are going to be mostly seen in search results when you search a term and you receive the Google results page. When you hover to the right of a result in Google the  +1 button appears. This is not just for organic results, this will also show up for Google Ads. This will also start showing up on web pages, webmasters and bloggers are scrambling to customize and add this +1 button to their sites.

How to use it

To use you must join the experiment first on Google’s site and you must have a profile. A Google account can be set up under any email account you have, it does not have to be a Gmail account. Then you can search and start +1 sites.

Why this is important

• Google will use this tool to customize ads for searchers based on their +1 preferences. Similar to how Netflix suggests movies to you based on your ratings of other movies.

• Web analytics will measure the +1 button. According to Search Engine Watch “Web analytics may not necessarily need another metric but +1 button promises to help measure engagement. Official details on what data will stream from Google’s +1 button are not available yet, but Jim Prosser from Google confirmed that “we’re bringing data to Analytics, Webmaster Tools, and AdWords frontend soon”.

• Finally ranking factors — There are signs that this will eventually effect SEO results. Social search and real time results are becoming more important and changing the way information is being presented and exchanged.
  

Google is not the only search engine doing this, Bing has also launched their own version utilizing your Facebook account. To read more about the Google versus Bing tool, read here.

In short, social media is here to stay. Get online, get active and start engaging! If you aren’t out there talking about your business, someone else is and it is better to get involved and lead the conversation.

Another year has passed by and it is that time of year where we reflect on what is most important and practice gratitude.

I am always thankful for my friends, family and good health but these year I am especially thankful for my wonderful clients.

Without a great group of clients it would not be possible for me to be able to work for myself, travel and make my own hours. Therefore I am posting a list of 5 Black Friday deals for the savvy business owner. I know I will be taking advantage of several of these deals.

Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

Mac Mall’s 60-hour sale. Save up to $400 instantly on a Mac.

Stock photography at 123rf – use the code blackfriday123 to save 15% on a subscription or credits

Host Gator – They are giving up to 75% off of hosting and domain packages.

Staples – 2TB External Hardrive – $99

4ink jets.com – 10% coupon LEAF445 and FREE shipping on orders over $50

Today I had to find high resolution vector logos for a clients project and I came across a gem of a website, Seek Logo. I have used Brands of the World before and it is also a great resource for designers. However what I like about Seek Logo is that there is no signup required and you can download vector files. Yahoo! I love finding new sites that make my job easier.

Need to revamp your resume or want to start a new career? Pat Boer at the Center for Career/Life Planning can help you. Find out about her services or workshops at www.centerforcareerlifeplanning.com

Last week I had the pleasure of working with Michelle Weinstein from Optimal Nutrition to create a flyer for an upcoming charity event.

Here are the event details.

Come join us for a night of Cosmos, Compassion, & Comedy!
Special guest & host invites YOU to “Laugh it UP!” Comedy that smacks UP the things you have down!

All tickets must be pre purchased at D-Lux Events: Click here to purchase:
http://www.d-luxevents.com/products-page/

*All presale tickets MUST be picked up at WILL CALL between 7-7:45pm (Location: TBD)

All proceeds will be donated to Photo Charity & The Live Well Project.

I met with my client Von at Orrin Vineyards today to see the new Viognier label. I have to say they look pretty sharp. I learned a lot about wine label design on this project, there is a lot more involved than meets the eye. Von was great to work with, he gave me complete creative control to see what I could develop. What designer doesn’t love that? We started from scratch by redesigning the logo, then moved on to label design. Once both of those elements where set into place we researched papers, bottle shapes and colors, and wine top colors. Von decided to go with off-white linen paper with a prussia wine top. They’ve been getting rave reviews from sommeliers which means I did my job.

I’m so glad that Orrin Vineyards is happy with their new wine branding and I hope it brings in a lot of new wine lovers.

I’ve just purchased the thesis theme and I’m excited to start customizing. It might take me a week or so to get everything ironed out but in the meantime…let the blogging begin.

I past my Inbound Marketing University Exam from Hub Spot. Hub Spot provides amazing webinars and information on Social Media marketing. I’m finally a certified inbound marketer.