Why You Really Need Twitter

In this day and age you really can't deny the marketing power of the internet. Those who hope to have a chance at success know they must have some sort of internet presence. 5 years ago, every business had to have a website. 

 

Today, many businesses have opted to only have a Facebook web presence and save the costs of designing a full fledged website. There is no doubt that a web presence can impress a potential client, but the amount of potential clients that can be marketed to via Facebook is undeniable. The costs involved in getting a Facebook presence are nearly zero. You would be leaving money on the table if you do not utilize the other social media giant, Twitter. 

 

Twitter has around 500 million users. Not quite as many as Facebook, but the overlap in users isn't always static. If one can reach thousands of users on Facebook with the click of one button...why ignore the other half? Twitter represents the ability to market yourself on the go, and to a captive audience. The ability to re-tweet a post hold serious social implications. While someone can simply like a post on Facebook from your company, if someone likes something you have written on Twitter, it can be re-tweeted, and you see a pyramid effect. One person re-tweets, and automatically 20 people who weren't following your twitter post before now see the marketing message you just posted. If even one of those people re-tweet, 20 more people who simply would have missed your post have now been exposed. The power here for exposure is great. 

 

Twitter is seen by many businesses as inferior because your marketing is limited to text only, and in short bursts. But if your message is effective, you can reach people faster, and direct traffic back to your company's website for more information. All of this sounds great, and we haven't even explored Twitters greatest asset to a company...trends. If your message ends up getting spread around quickly, you can become a trending topic, and that exposure can be like hitting the jackpot for marketing. People who may have never heard of your company will now see you as a trending topic and explore your link. Twitter really is a traffic driver more than a replacement for your company's web presence.  

 

Twitter is worth joining, simply to utilize its community as a research tool, but that's for another post. Stay tuned!

 

-John Lembo

Protecting your Digital Identity

The Internet is full of fun, useful and necessary information. It's easy to pay bills, go shopping, keep in touch with family and friends, and manage a majority of life without ever leaving the computer. While all of these things make life easier, they also open users up to fraud, theft and danger. Too many people don't understand the necessity of protecting their digital identity until it's too late.

Passwords

Don't use the same password for financial accounts that you use for social and email accounts. It's a pain to remember username and passwords for several different sites, but it's also essential. This way, if a social account is hacked, the hacker doesn't gain access to your banking or credit card accounts.

It's also important to change passwords every few months. Make your password something difficult to discover. Don't use names of family members, birth dates or nicknames. The password should contain both letters and numbers, and it should be at least seven characters long. The longer the password, the harder it is to guess. If you're using a public Internet connection never click the save password option. This will give anyone who uses the computer after you access to your personal information.

Email

Never click a link sent to you in an email. Even if the email comes from someone you trust, it's better to type the URL into the address bar. This is a frequently used hacker trick, and once you click the link, you are taken to a page that allows them access to your personal information. Speaking of personal information, never give your social security number, address or bank information in an email. Reputable companies will never ask for this information in this way.

Wireless Home Networks

Make sure you set a password on your wireless network. The best option for home users is WEP security. This allows people approved to access the network with a password, but prevents outsiders from using it. If a hacker makes it onto your home network, it's possible for them to access the attached computers and gain access to your personal information.

Software

Every computer should have virus software that protects from malicious viruses that broadcast personal information over the Internet. It's also important to keep your computer up to date. Make sure to apply all updates from the manufacturer of the operating system. If you do this, you are better equipped to protect yourself from those who may attempt to bypass security to access your information.

-John Lembo