From our very first blog post over four years ago, the goal of the Qonverge Blog has been to educate, inform and entertain our clients, community and peers. We also view the blog as an inside look into the people that make their home “In the Q”.

Starting today you’ll be seeing less from us on the blog (that’s actually been happening for quite some time) and more through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and whatever comes next.

Given the proper commitment and dedication, blogging can be a powerful marketing tool. Frankly, we’re busy creating super cool Web sites, videos and print material and like working out, blogging is hard work. Social media on the other hand is quick, engaging and honestly a lot more fun.

While the medium may have evolved (subtle tagline plug)…our message remains the same. We’ll just be presenting it through more concise, timely and relevant media. After all, that’s what you’ve asked for and if nothing else we’re accommodating folks.

As always, your blog comments, Facebook posts and retweets are welcome.

Download your copy to Qonverge CEO Jason Piasecki’s presentation on “Maximizing Your Web Presence” given at the 2008 Michigan School Public Relations Association (MSPRA) Conference:

• Download Presentation
• Download School Web Marketing Guide

Resources:

School Web Site
www.charterschools.org

School Marketing Videos
qonverge.com/?page=schools

School Audio Podcast
www.reeths-puffer.org/Our_District/reethspufferpodcasts/

School Video Podcast
www.youtube.com/watch?v=juG-iIuTJQE

School Blogs
blogs.monashores.net/yarnotc

Higher Education Social Network
www.harump.com

wikipedia.org
myspace.com
facebook.com
itunes.com
linkedin.com
flickr.com
maps.google.com
youtube.com
twitter.com
blogger.com
digg.com
del.icio.us
reddit.com
meebo.com
pandora.com
netvibes.com

Enjoy the presentation! Feedback is welcome.

It’s hard to go a day without hearing something about Facebook, YouTube or Wikipedia. So what’s all the fuss about? These sites have one thing in common – they embrace Web 2.0 principals to create an unbreakable bond with users.

So how can your company take advantage of these Web 2.0 tools? First, you need to answer some questions about your current Web site. Has it been more than 2 years since you launched your latest site? Chances are it may be time to update its look and feel.

Next, you should examine who uses your site. For starters – you do. How is your business using it? Is it the source for the latest information on your company? Is it an active selling tool? Does it stack up to your competition? Are you taking advantage of viral media?

Then, view the site from your customer’s perspective. What can visitors do when they get there? Is the information current? Do customers use the site as a resource? Is it engaging enough to encourage repeat visits?

Finally, take a look at the functionality of your site. The Web is a dynamic communication medium. How often is your site is updated? Does it feature a CMS for making changes yourself? Should you be blogging? How about educating customers with podcasts? Ever thought about telling your story through video?

How can businesses take advantage of these Web 2.0 tools? The first step is the take the “Web 2.0 Challenge”. Then contact us to turn these buzzwords into bottom line results.

I am amazed at how my 6 year old twin daughters, and 4 1/2 year old son sit down at the keyboard and end up at all of their favorite Web sites. They don’t even need my help, they have Bookmarked all of their favorites! My daughters have just started to read (a little) and my son just learned to write his name, but yet they all can type in their username and password on all of the sites that they like to visit.

And they Google. If you have kids this age, I’m sure you can relate to the “potty joke” period. Well, last month my kids managed to Google the word “poop”. And guess what they pulled up? Of course – a YouTube video, kinda cartoonish, with (luckily) a subtitled video about potty training. It’s a good thing that they can only read certain “site words” because this was no ordinary video. Try it – you’ll see!

There are some great, free, somewhat educational sites out there. You have to draw the line somewhere though. I limit the kids computer time to 20 minutes daily. I also let them play a little music, as well as take a few pictures when they are on the Mac.

I do think it may be time to set some of the parental controls! Who knows where they could surf to next?

Here are some of their favorites:

• webkinz.com
• poptropica.com
• clubpenguin.com
• myepets.com
• starfall.com