Stellar Keyword Contest Week 2 Leaderboard

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Stellar Team

Week 2 is now done and we have the updated leader board for our Top 4. There is still plenty of time to make up some points as we still have 3 more weeks of the contest left! We will be announcing some more opportunities to gain extra points to catch up to the pack in the next few days, so stay tuned!

We’re also making a small change in the point system. We’re changing how much the workshops are worth. They will be dropping from 10 points to 5 points.

Week 2 Leaderboard

We also have another bonus question opportunity for those looking to make up some ground! The first 5 to answer the following question correctly in our Widget under Bonus Question  will receive 3 points!

Stellar Blue is known for our Responsive Web Design. Name 2 companies we’ve recently done RWD work for! (Hint: Check our Website under Responsive Design)

Have questions on how our Keyword Contest works? Be sure to check out our Contest Blog for all the details on how the contest works, as well as the How-To-Guide to learn how to use the Rafflecopter Widget!

 

 

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Using Twitter’s Advertisement Tool to Reach A Bigger Audience!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Stellar Team

In February’s blog post Expand Your Brand Awareness with Facebook Advertising, we talked about how you can use Facebook’s Ad system in order to help bring in more users to your page, as well as build awareness!  On Tuesday, Twitter announced that all users would now be allowed to use their advertisement system, so we thought it would be an excellent opportunity to go over the different options for Twitter!

Signing Up

The first step in getting access to ads involves signing up for them.  Twitter has a specific site just for businesses. By simply going to  https://business.twitter.com/, you’ll be able to sign up for Twitter advertising by pressing the “Let’s Go” button at the top of the page. Once you press that link, you’ll be asked where you will advertising, as well as how much you normally spend on digital marketing.  If you don’t have a Twitter account, you’ll do that next, otherwise it will take you to the next step in the process.

Choosing Your Audience

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be asked the type of audience you’ll want to reach based on categories. These can range from sports, food, hobbies, books etc. You have countless options when it comes to what type of category. You can even choose celebrities that are on Twitter as a basis, and Twitter will find common categories that many of these followers enjoy. This is a great feature that will help you reach the right audience and make sure your advertising isn’t going to waste.

The Advertisement Options

Once you’ve chosen who you want to reach, the next question is, how do you reach them? The first option you can use is promoted tweets. These are tweets that you have already made or will make that will get listed on the twitter feeds of your target audience. They will be at the top of the page, and have a “promoted tweet” message next to them signifying that they were paid for.  This option is for letting users know about something special you have going on, and gaining that interaction.

The second option is  promoted accounts. Every time you log-into Twitter, they always list a few people you may be interested in following based on who you follow. Every once in a while, they will list a promoted account, which lines up with your interests.  The promoted accounts will again focus on users who fit into the categories that you’ve chosen. This option is for getting users to follow your account.

Example of a “Promoted Account”

How does the billing work?

Once you have selected the type of ad you want to run, it’s now time to determine how much you are willing to spend. Twitter advertising works a lot like Facebook’s system. There is no set price that a user has to pay to advertise, you simply choose a dollar amount that you consider is your max budget, and Twitter will advertise to individuals based on that budget. The bigger your Twitter budget is, the better placement of ads will be within your target market.  You are charged based on how many times that ad was clicked, or if they followed your account. This creates a really flexible plan that businesses of all sizes can use.

With so many users now using Twitter, this expansion to allowing everyone to use the advertisement features is a big one.  Marketers will have to keep a close eye on Twitter, especially since marketing is constantly changing, and it wouldn’t surprise us if Twitter added even more functionality to their advertisement system.

Be sure to check out Stellar Blue’s own Twitter page to keep up with all the latest news in Marketing! The Keyword for Today’s blog is Promotion. To enter the keyword, be sure to head over to our Contest Widget!

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Kickstarter – The Future of Fundraising for Projects?

Posted on April 30, 2013 by Stellar Team

Raising money for projects and businesses use to be complicated and required knowing the right people in order to raise funds. But 4 years ago, the creation of Kickstarter completely changed the way people raise money.  Small Businesses that have creative ideas for products or projects now have a great source for making those dreams a reality.

What is Kickstarter?

Kickstarter began with a simple goal; help fund small projects for people with cool ideas with the help of the community. Anyone is able to post a project, product, or business idea that they want raise money for. They then post how much they are looking to raise, and how much time they need to raise enough money for that goal. Once the user has posted their project, anyone that feels the need to help out can donate money. Those who donate are called “backers.”  To help increase donations, incentives are created for those who donate. Popular examples of incentives for donating X amount of dollars, include behind the scenes details, phone conversations with the head of the project, or an advanced copy of the product once it’s finished.

Since the creation of Kickstarter, more than 40,000 projects have been funded, with over 588 million in donations from users. It’s safe to say that Kickstarter is off to a great start!

What types of projects are popular on Kickstarter?      

Small Business Ideas

  • Many Small Businesses in need of funding are able to pitch their ideas to the masses
  • These ideas can range from actual products, to start up cash for a company itself.

Music

  • Local bands are able to raise money in order to produce records
  • Backers get their names in the album, as well as back-stage treatment

Art

  • Many Up and coming artists are being able to showcase their talent
  • Backers receive paintings from the artist in exchange for cash

Movies/Plays

  • Independent film companies are able to pitch their movie ideas to the masses
  • Backers get rewarded with their name in the credits, as well as meeting the cast etc.

Gaming

  • Independent Gaming Companies are getting help producing games they normally would not be able to
  • Backers get the game ahead of the market, as well as credits inside the game

Stellar Blue is always staying up-to-date on the latest trends in business, technology, and social media. Be sure to keep up with our Newsletter!

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Stellar Keyword Contest Week 1 Leaderboard

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Stellar Team

Week 1 is in the books, and so far the contest is off to a great start! Here are the top 4 in points! We still have 4 weeks left so there is plenty of time to still get involved and win that Kindle Fire HD! Stay on the look out for keywords on our social media sites, as well as our blog and newsletter!

To help get some newer players into the game, we’re issuing our first bonus question! Just Click Here to go to our widget and answer the following question in our “Bonus Question” on the widget. The Question : Who is Stellar Blue’s Technical Director?  The first 5 people to answer the question correctly will receive 5 points!

Have questions on how our Keyword Contest works? Be sure to check out our Contest Blog for all the details on how the contest works, as well as the How-To-Guide to learn how to use the Rafflecopter Widget!

 

 

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Card Readers for Small Business and Beyond: The Square Card Reader Review

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Stellar Team

The rise of mobile devices is allowing businesses to turn to mobile credit card readers.  With $3.95 trillion of non-cash transaction volume recorded in the U.S. alone in 2011, competition is high in this space. A member of the Stellar Blue team, Liz Bladorn, has used the Square card reader for the iphone and shares some insight into the product for anyone interested in starting out with the Square or switching over.

A small business can reap the rewards of the Square as it seems cash is hard to come by when it comes down to the final purchase.  This product when compared to a leased stationary credit card machine is in a league of its own.  Leased machines come with swipe rates, compliance fees, and other hidden costs.   Any type of mobile card reader, for that fact is a  must have for a small business owner.

This tool can be very impressive as first, considering it is free to receive and activate.  It carries no monthly or yearly charges. You are only charged when a card gets swiped.

screen shot of squareSquare – iPhone Screen
After installing the app and being able to except credit cards, this is the main screen that will appear.   From this screen you can type in a description of the product , take a picture of it, and enter the products amount .  Prior to the first swipe you can set-up the Square to add current sales tax, which will automatically be added to the transaction.

As you move to the payment screen, instead of credit you may also choose cash to make records of all you transactions in one place. The final screen in the purchase process allows you to send a receipt via email, phone or skip the receipt completely. These are just a few of the features it offers initially.

Other Features
As customers make payments, the time the transaction took place, the description of the product, payment type, and amount are all recorded.  This information can be accessed within the app as well as on any internet enabled device.  You can download spreadsheets with information on time, date, description, amount, tax, and type of payment, etc. The information can easily be manipulated to calculate inventory, profits, and other accounting information.

Fees
The square has a fee of 2.75% for each credit card swipe, and they now offer a per month charge.  Note:  if swipe transaction volume exceeds $21,000 per month, you are charged Square’s standard per-swipe fees for all subsequent transactions in the same month. The square takes major credit cards to include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

Mobile Devices
With the basic internet package or Wi-Fi signal for your mobile device you can accept credit cards anywhere.  Click here to see all the devices that are compatible with the Square.

Above are just a few of the things the Square can do for a business.  M-commerce is on the rise and there are lots of products out there.
M-commerce is the keyword in this blog post. Do your research and we hope you find the right solution for your business! Go to www.squareup.com to learn more.

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15 Things You Can Do With A Kindle Fire HD

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Stellar Team

“The Kindle Fire HD 7” is an amazing internet-enabled device and there are so many things to do with it. At Stellar Blue we are giving away a new Kindle Fire Hd 7” 16 GB (contest started yesterday, you definitely have a chance to win it).  Click here for details.

 

Below is a list of apps and things we found you can do with the Kindle Fire Hd:

1) Download e-books (price varies)

At Stellar Blue we are constantly downloading e-books.  Some great e-books staff picks are Free The Future of a Radical Price by Chris Anderson, Lovemarks by Kevin Roberts, and How to Sell Products and Services with Mobile Apps in 2013 for Local Businesses.

2) Get the free app of the day (free)

This is a game app or another app that amazon sponsors and gives away, they are fun to try out as they can always be deleted, and the best part they are free.

3) Get a free trial for a magazine (free)

Try out a magazine for 30-days and see how easy it is to read and flip through it on the Kindle Fire HD.

4) Check out the Kindle Daily Deal (free)

This is an awesome feature; you can purchase e-books at a fraction of the price.

5) Social Media Apps (free)

Download Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.  Browse, post images, and updates right from the Kindle Fire.

6) Go retro and play Atari games ($1.99)

Remember Atari.  This app lets you play these timeless games.

7) Find the Free WiFi spots (free)

This app allows you to find the closest free Wi­-Fi spots as well as the paid ones.

8) Use as a Tiny Flash Light (free)

Light up the room, including flashing police lights. Something fun to try at a party, with the kids, or in the dark it is sure to cause a craze!

9) Read Blogs (free)

Read Stellar Blue’s Blog on the Kindle Fire along with thousands more and some great places to view different blogs are on Tumblr.com and Technorati.com.

10) Scan a document (free)

Don’t have to leave home to scan a document, with the Kindle Fire Hd you can photograph a document and send a pdf version through e-mail to yourself and others.

11)  Drawing pad ($1.99)

This is a great app for all ages.  From fun stamp tools to crayons and paint brushes, this is a great tool to draw with for the Kindle, and then store the masterpieces you created or send through email.

12) Everything in one place (free)

Imagine all your social network feeds, plus updates from the blogs you read, plus professional editorial content, all turned into a stylish virtual magazine. That’s Flipboard. It’s highly customizable in terms of content, but also amazingly well designed and laid out.

13) Read whenever, wherever (free)

The Pocket app lets you add Web pages to your reading list, making them available offline to read whenever, even when you don’t have a Wi-Fi signal. The app lets you tag pages, and saves your scrolling position as a bookmark, which you can pick up from any other device such as your mobile phone with the same app installed.

14) Manage tasks (free)

The Producteev app allows you to manage your tasks.  Your account can be opened from the Kindle Fire, mobile devices, and laptop computers. Access your to-dos from anywhere.

15) StumbleUpon (free)

Put your favorite things into the settings of this app and it searches the web for matches.  You can see a lot of the neat things people are posting all over the world.

These are just a few of the things you can do with the Kindle Fire HD. The keyword for this blog post is Kindle. Here are two other websites for more information:

Tips and Tricks for your Kindle Fire HD
Get the most out of your Kindle Fire HD

 

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Stellar Blue is Hiring a Part Time Web and Mobile Developer

Posted on April 23, 2013 by Stellar Team

General Description – Web and Mobile Developer

The employee is responsible for the development and timely delivery of mobile products created by Stellar Blue. Responsibilities would also include database and website development & programming. Using a combination of programming, creative skills and technical knowledge of how mobile and web products are created, the work involves an array of skill sets.

Main Job Responsibilities:

  • Monitors networks’ broadcast landscape for programming and development trends. Makes recommendations to full team for potential strategy development and growth.
  • Assists Lead Mobile Developer and Technical Director in implementation of all primary mobile elements.
  • Discusses research results with creative executives and helps creative team strategize to implement key findings.
  • Maintain project deadlines and assist in development when needed.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

  • Pursuing a degree in a related field.
  • Must be effective in prioritizing tasks and responsibilities.
  • Strong familiarity with, and interest in, website development, mobile website development, native app development, and responsive web design.
  • Must have knowledge of computer software with working knowledge of HTML5, CSS3, PHP, MySQL, Javascript, jQuery, and Git.
  • Ability to apply user interface and interactive design best practices to projects.
  • Test and maintain websites and apps on multiple devices, operating systems, and web browsers.
  • Have a valid drivers license.
  • Continually uphold all company values and standards.

Job Recommendations

  • Mobile web application development (Jquery Mobile and/or Sencha Touch knowledge would be beneficial but not required).
  • Cross Platform Native App Development (Titanium Studios knowledge would be beneficial but not required).
  • Knowledge of Java and/or Objective C for true Native App Development would be beneficial but is not required.
  • Experienced with Code Igniter or other MVC framework is desired.
  • Knowledge of Linux command line and server administration is highly desired.

Please e-mail cover letters and resumes to info@stellarbluewebdesign.com.  Include work examples and two reference contacts.  Chosen prospects will be interviewed immediately, so please indicate in your cover letter which day and time will be best for your schedule.

 

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How to use Rafflecopter for the Stellar Keyword Contest!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Stellar Team

With our Stellar Keyword Contest launching today, we wanted to make it easy for everyone to understand how to enter our contest! Here are a few simple steps in using Rafflecopter!

Step 1. Locate your keyword

As we mentioned before, this contest revolves around finding keywords in our blogs, newsletter, social media sites, and workshops and using them to earn points. Keywords on our website will always be in Orange. Keywords on our social media sites will pointed out in each post. Our keyword for this step-by-step is Practice. This keyword will be worth 2 points!

Step 2. Access Rafflecopter Widget and Like us on Facebook

Now that you have your keyword, you’ll want to enter that keyword into our Rafflecopter Facebook Widget! You’ll want to locate the widget on our Facebook Page. As soon as you enter the page, you’ll see the Widget App next to our photos and events tab. Click on the tab that says Giveaway. If you haven’t liked our page, it will ask you to like our page in order to see the widget.

Step 3. Enter Keyword into Rafflecopter Widget

Once you have verified that you have liked our page in the Rafflecopter Widget, you will have access to all of the Keywords for the week. You’ll see one of the first options on the Widget is our How to Use Rafflecopter Keyword. Click the +1 to open up the option. It will look like this once you have opened it.

You’ll type in Practice into the text box and then click enter! Just like that you’ve already earned 2 points for Stellar Keyword Contest! Throughout the week you’ll have more opportunities to use this widget to enter in more keywords for points. Be sure to not fill out these other options until you have the keyword, as you’ll only have one entry per keyword, so use them wisely!

The more active you are, the more likely you are to win that Kindle Fire HD! So have fun, and stay connected to our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn in order to maximize your points! If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the official Contest Blog Post!

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Spring Stellar Keyword Contest!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Stellar Team

 

We are pleased to announce our Spring stellar Keyword contest! Search engine optimization (SEO) is an important function of Internet marketing, and to have a little fun with the subject this spring we’ll be running a SEO themed Keyword Contest!

HOW TO ENTER:

  • Starting April 22nd, “Like” Stellar Blue Web Design on Facebook to have access to the contest widget.
  • Each week, read our blog and newsletter, attend our workshops, and check our social media sites for “Keywords”
  • These Keywords will be in Orange
  • Each week on our Facebook Page, enter by clicking on our contest “RaffleCopter Widget” so you can enter those keywords for different amounts of points

Point Break Down:

  • Social Media Keywords – 1 point each
  • Blog Post Keywords – 2 points each
  • Newsletter Keywords – 5 points each
  • Workshop Keywords (Attendance) – 5 points each  (Was worth 10 points for the first two weeks)
  • Bonus Keywords – Varied Points Each

*Point Totals are Subject to change as the contest progresses

Refer-a-Friend

You will receive 2 points for every person that you refer to the Stellar Keyword Contest! (Up to 5 refers) Simply have the person that you refer put in your FULL name in the “ Who Referred Me“ box.  (They can only do this once) They will also receive 2 points for putting down the name of the person that referred them as well. So both parties benefit.

ENTRIES ALLOWED:

Limit 1 Facebook account per person. You will be allowed to answer each Rafflecopter Option once a week. At the end of each week, a new widget will be created with new keywords. For every week that you answer one option, regardless if the answer is correct, you will be entered into the random drawing for the chance to win one of three $20 Amazon gift cards.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Only legal U.S. residents who are eighteen (18) years of age or older are eligible to enter.

DURATION:

Stellar Blue’s Keyword Facebook Contest will start at 12:01 A.M. Central Time on Monday April 22nd 2013 and will end at 11:59 P.M. Central time on Friday May 24th.

PRIZES:

  • 1st Place Prize (Most Points) Kindle Fire HD ($199 Value)
  • 2nd Place Prize (2nd Most Points) $100 Amazon Gift Card
  • 3 $20 Amazon Gift Cards – 3 Random Drawing Winners at the end of the contest

Widget
Click Here to go to our Rafflecopter Widget!

Now that you know all about our contest! Go to our How-To Blog Post to pick up your first Keyword for 2 points!

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Calculate Your Mobile ROI with the Help of Google

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Stellar Team

Google is known for their large assortment of solutions to help businesses succeed in the increasingly competitive online world. Although they offer many options to help business perform well, how do you know if you are actually making money on what you are spending? With Google’s new Full Value of Mobile Calculator, it’s now possible to measure the ROI on your mobile advertisement spending.

With the help of this new tool, marketers can now track sales leads in the form of the following:

  • Phone orders driven from mobile advertisements
  • Certain mobile application metrics
  • Mobile website visits
  • In-store sales driven by mobile
  • Purchases made from using multiple devices

How does it work?

Businesses can upload information from Google AdWords as well as their mobile websites to track their performance. This new tool by Google doesn’t look at just your mobile website, but rather all aspects of mobile and how it impacts your sales. Although this is meant primarily for e-commerce oriented businesses, others may be able to use the Full Value of Mobile Calculator to track app downloads and other useful mobile metrics.

Why should I use it?

Whenever your business launches an advertising campaign, you should be tracking it. Advertisement keywords, messages, offerings, etc. can all be evaluated to measure the success of each advertisement. This allows you to change the messages to better resonate with your target audience. Messages that fit your target audience more appropriately translates into a much more effective use of your advertising budget with subsequent higher returns. The bottom line – you get more for what you pay for.

To get your company on board with the mobile world, Stellar Blue has solutions to fit every company’s specific needs. Come check them out here! 

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