Grow From Here

Recently I came across an interesting tool on Google Labs that show’s how most people using the world’s top search engine view content.

Using the tool, you can input any URL and get an insider’s look at how visitors see the site:

Click on the image to visit Google Labs...

Most people using Google to search don’t have a full sized browser window open. When a visitor does click on your website link, they will only see a certain amount of the content. The smaller the window, the greater percentage of visitors.

This tool is a fascinating insight into what people see when they look at a website – especially as our fixed computer screens get wider and wider.

Looking at these results, the first assumption would be that the ideal website would fit into the small purple area that most visitors see.  I disagree.  I think it is important to be aware of what people on mobile or other devices will see, but at the same time, you don’t want to waste the real estate screen that other visitors will see.

So my advice is to design your website so that the most important message is getting seen by everyone, be aware of what is most common and how changing behaviors will start to affect website design, and then make an informed decision about what will be best for your company.

What would a visitor to YOUR site see if they had a smaller window open?

Click here to learn more about this tool and check it out.  Or visit Google Labs to take a look at all the other fun stuff they’re working on.  And come back to tell us what you find

Search Engine Optimization, Technology, Tips browser size, Design, Google Labs, search engine, Website

Online Coupons Bringing In New Customers

CBC had an interesting interview recently related to the recent increases in online coupon usage.  They’re in huge demand these days and websites like Red Hot Deals are doing a booming business.  Online coupons can be a great way to attract customers and bring new people in to your location.   People are looking for ways to save money these days, and many are open to trying new suppliers/companies if they can get lower prices.  Coupons can be a great way to entice new customers, and the cost can be extremely low (close to non-existant) if you use online coupons.

Using the internet to distribute online coupons for some retailers has led to a reduction in catalouge production/distribution, saving both the consumer & the supplier money, not to mention lowering environmental impact by reducing paper waste.

Statistics on Online Coupon Usage:

Many retail franchises have traditionally used coupons to bring in new clients, and according to a site called Prospectiv, “Tough times are seeing more people using coupons – 72% of consumers are using more coupons than they did six months ago and three quarters say the state of the economy is the reason for doing so”.  This is strong evidence that using online coupons to promote your product(s) or service(s) is a sound marketing strategy.  When times change and new trends on consumer spending practices surface, they often become the norm for the long term rather just surfacing as a “fad”.

Prospectiv also quotes the following survey stats from polling 1,386 consumers, (August 2008): 

• 80% said they would be very likely or likely to increase their use of coupons if they could be tailored to their interests and delivered online.

• 87% of shoppers said they would be more likely to shop at a retailer that offered coupons.

• And the good news for newspapers: 47% found print and online coupons equally convenient, while just 9% reported online coupons were most convenient.

An article on how to market your coupons can be found at TamingTheBeast.net, where ideas such as; raising standard prices; offering a coupon sign up registry on your site; submitting your coupons to online coupon sites & setting up an affiliate program are discussed.

Creating Your Own Online & Print Coupons:

Other options are to create your own coupon(s) using websites such as MerchantCircle.com (for a fee, their service is to assist you with online advertising), or CouponsReady.com  (design your own coupon for your business website, or print distribution).  Each charges a fee for their service, but make the process of online coupon creation a relatively simple process.  Even better, you can set coupons up for free using Google Coupons.

Get set up with Coupons in 10 minutes or Less With Google:

If you’re not already set up on Google Maps, do that first (5 minutes).  Then go to www.google.com/local/add to create an online coupon for your company.

Google Coupons

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