What’s New

I have been asked several times recently about e-mail addresses. The beginning of the new year is the perfect time to make sure that all of your e-mail issues are solved. The biggest problem that we see is that people do not have professional e-mail addresses.

Do you have a Website? Of course you do! And that means your Web address is something like www.mybusinesswebsite.com. You should be using an e-mail address such as info@mybusinesswebsite.com. In other words your e-mail address should have your Web address in it. That is what looks professional.

Too many business owners are using generic e-mail accounts and not taking advantage of the e-mail systems that are built into their hosting packages.doing anything less makes you look unprofessional.

When you purchase a Website hosting package you also get an e-mail package. and in that package you can set up e-mail accounts. The number of e-mail addresses depends on your hosting account. For instance, at FatCow you get an unlimited number of e-mail accounts. All you have to do is log into your control panel and manage the accounts.

Once you have your e-mail accounts set up, you can get your mail with your favorite e-mail program such as Outlook or Thunderbird. Almost every one of these e-mail account packages also allows you to use Webmail. Webmail allows you to check your e-mail from any computer anywhere at any time.

But, let’s be blunt here. If you are a business owner, you should not be using generic or free e-mail accounts. Check this list-

- If you use Gmail you may look like a computer nerd, but it still means you’re using free e-mail instead of your own e-mail system and you’re missing out on an opportunity to advertise your business.
- Hotmail is about the same. While it has lots of great features, it also means you’re not very professional.
- If you’re using Time Warner, and that means your e-mail looks something like @nycap.rr.com if you live in the capital district, and you’re running a business. That means mostly you too lazy to set up your own e-mail accounts.
- If you use AOL. It means you’re living in the 1980s. And that indicates an amazingly low level of professionalism.

So, if you want to help your business and if you want to look more professional you should be using your own e-mail system. Log into your control panels, and get your e-mail accounts in order and start using them. If you’re trying to run a business. There’s no reason to miss an opportunity to promote your business.

We had had several requests recently for information about getting business locations better listed with Google. This is includes being placed on Google Maps and things like that. Well, it turns out that the whole process is pretty easy, but this is something that your should do.

Her is a brief overview of how to get listed and what you need to do. Remember, this is something that you should do. You do not need a professional, and it is amazingly easy.

First, go to http://www.google.com/places/ or at the very least go to Google and search “Google Places.” One way or another, you will end up at the right place.

You may see a link to “Get Your Business Found on Google,” or you may see another introductory page. It all depends on whether or not you have a Google account, such as one for Gmail or Analytics. If you have to, start a new account. If you do that, you will set up a Gmail address, password, and so on. Then you will be able to log into Places at any time.

The next thing to do is crazy-simple. You will be asked to fill in a bunch of boxes. That will include your business name, address, and so on. It is pretty obvious. If there is anything you don’t understand, notes are provided that explain everything.

A couple of the options are interesting and worth mentioning here. For instance, you will be asked how you want to specify your target area. You can select the area codes or towns that will include your typical customer base. Or, you can select a range around your location. You might select 20 mile radius, as an example.

One you have all the necessary information submitted, Google will mail you a post card with instructions about how to confirm your entry. Follow their steps and you will be neatly listed. Of course, once you are listed you can log into your account to make updates or other changes.

So, today’s tip is simple. Go to Google Places and get listed right away.

There is also a new Web site for The Vermont Inn! As all of you long-time readers know, The Vermont Inn has been a client for ages and ages. The Inn has recently changed ownership, and the new owners commissioned a total makeover for the site. That project is completed, and you can see it now at .

The new site is much warmer in appearance, features a bunch of HTML 5 goodies, and utilizes the latest CSS 3 features. But, wait until you see the new home page with the large slide show. Hmmm, hmmm, good, as the soup guys used to say.

The end of the year is turning out to be plenty busy! We are capping it off with another exciting site launch. This time it is for Shaker Rentals at www.shaker-rentals.com.

The site has a new look, new features, improved, photos, and lots more. You can check a Quick List to see what is available, and you can also download the Rental Guides.

Be sure to visit today!

That would be the World Famous Web Basement, in other words, right here! We have just launched a totally revamped Web site for The Yoga Loft at www.theyogaloft.net. The Loft has been one of our clients for ages and we have been pleased to have them on board. But the time came to do a makeover, so we got on it right away.

When you visit the new version of the site you will see that it is very similar, but more streamlined, easier to read, and has a smoother appearance. Behind the scenes it has all the goodies that new site should have. We really like it, and we think you will, too!

Yes, it is true, every now and then it pays to take you own advice. What advice is that? Update your Web site, of course! We have just completed a total top to bottom, front to back update of our site. You should notice faster downloads and improved layout.

Yes, it has been busy around the old office. We have launched a new site for Tabak and Kiosse LLP, attorneys at law here in Guilderland. Their site is currently located at www.tabaklawoffice.com but will be activating a new domain name very soon.

Visit this site today, I think that you will really like it.

One more travel-type Web site before you head out to Grandma’s: Do you wonder what is going on out on the tarmac when you are at the airport? Are you a fan of United’s Channel 9? Are you curious about why Aunt Zelda is held up at Newark? Check out www.liveatc.net to listen to air traffic control radio communications from around the world. This is a kick! Thousands of volunteers provide live feeds of communication between ATC, aircraft, and even on the ground chatter. Most big airports are covered, as are plenty of smaller ones. You can even listen in on your smart phone while you sit in the departure lounge.

Travel season, holidays, confusion, bad weather…. it can only get to be more fun. Not to worry, we have two Web sites that you need to check out to make your experience better.

First, to track flights, get flight history, and much more be sure to visit FlightAware. You can track flights, individual airplanes, and even get flight histories. Their map-based tracking feature is extremely handy if you are following the journey of loved ones.

If you are traveling be sure to check out Seat Guru. How many times have you reserved what you thought to be the perfect seat only to discover you got a knee-cruncher next to the lav? Or worse, did you get a surprise and find out that your seat was actually one inch narrower that the already narrow chairs in steerage-class because the aircraft tapers down at that point? Forget it! Go to Seat Guru and make sure that your seat is a good one, and while you are at it find out if you get power for your notebook and snacks for the tummy.

Busy week here! We have just launched a site for Linda Richards called “Your Body Wisdom” at www.bodywisdomhypno.com. This is a fascinating site that tells all about Linda’s services and experience. Please check this site out today. We think you will love it.