3.63 Gigawatts of Blog Power!
8/26/2016
Hopefully by now, you’ve seen the 1980’s movie, Back to the Future! If not, GO watch it! Please take the time, I don’t mind, better promise me, you’ll go back in time to watch it!
Okay, you're back! Everyone's watched the film now? Good! So in the movie, Doc Brown gets hysterical when he hears his recorded self tell Marty that they’ll need 1.21 gigawatts of electricity to power up the flux capacitor which is what makes time travel possible. So what's a gigawatt and how is that relevant to you? And how on Earth did we come up with 3.63 gigawatts? Let's find out!
Okay, you're back! Everyone's watched the film now? Good! So in the movie, Doc Brown gets hysterical when he hears his recorded self tell Marty that they’ll need 1.21 gigawatts of electricity to power up the flux capacitor which is what makes time travel possible. So what's a gigawatt and how is that relevant to you? And how on Earth did we come up with 3.63 gigawatts? Let's find out!
No no, I’m not talking about the 1.21 gigawatt drink here…although it does sound good! Turns out that a gigawatt is equal to one billion (10 9) watts or 1 gigawatt = 1000 megawatts. Now one may say that number is too scary to even think about because it’s too large and they don’t have time to do the math. Let’s face it, numbers can be scary; just ask some of your potential customers or go back in time and ask my former high school self! HA!
That’s right, just like Doc Brown, "some" customers can get hysterical when you send them your initial project quote for the 1st time and they believe that your Quote figures are too high for their business. So how, as a business, do you handle those types of customers? Do you get mad? Do they have point? Let's look at 3 Simple Steps to take when writing/submitting a quote to a customer.
1) A Price Quote is a Call to Action
This formal document is your pricing for a job or order and gives your customers a clear work cost. So prepare precise descriptions of the services you offer. No Hidden Costs. Be specific and to the point with everything that you are offering. Be honest, but DO NOT over promise things you can’t not full-fill. Lastly, assure your customers that your company is legit and highly rated in your industry. Who knows, maybe this will be the start of a brand new relationship... in turn, making them ambassadors to your brand.
2) Include a Surprise / Bonus in your Quote
Let’s face it, people like bonuses. I know I do! If you provide a little something extra in your quote (like an additional service or giveaway) that your customers were not expecting, it will help build positive emotions towards your brand…thus making the customers feel appreciated that you’re going the extra mile from what was originally discussed. Be unique, but keep in mind to target the customers business appropriately and thoughtfully. A little research goes a Long Way!
3) The FAQ Hot Zone
Personally, I’ve never met a customer that didn’t have a question or two after a quote has been submitted. This is generally where your customers are either having second doubts (if you've quoted fairly, this won't be the case) or they're just needing more information about your Quote. Steve Jobs once said, “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected”. In other words, no matter the situation that will arise, your goal is to be professional, levelheaded and believe that you are offering an excellent service that is built on quality, but with a fair value.
There you have it; a Call to Action, a Surprise and the FAQ Hot Zone. These are just 3 Steps (a few of) that my company, “Option 3 Media” tries to implement for every customer that we deal with. I’ll let you in on a little secret, by treating our customers openly, honestly and with a smile at all times…most of our customers have become close friends over the years. And that’s how we took Doc Brown’s 1.21 gigawatts of power…we multiplied it by 3! See you on the other side my friends!
Ryan Robinson
Owner / Creative Exec. Producer
Option 3 Media
1) A Price Quote is a Call to Action
This formal document is your pricing for a job or order and gives your customers a clear work cost. So prepare precise descriptions of the services you offer. No Hidden Costs. Be specific and to the point with everything that you are offering. Be honest, but DO NOT over promise things you can’t not full-fill. Lastly, assure your customers that your company is legit and highly rated in your industry. Who knows, maybe this will be the start of a brand new relationship... in turn, making them ambassadors to your brand.
2) Include a Surprise / Bonus in your Quote
Let’s face it, people like bonuses. I know I do! If you provide a little something extra in your quote (like an additional service or giveaway) that your customers were not expecting, it will help build positive emotions towards your brand…thus making the customers feel appreciated that you’re going the extra mile from what was originally discussed. Be unique, but keep in mind to target the customers business appropriately and thoughtfully. A little research goes a Long Way!
3) The FAQ Hot Zone
Personally, I’ve never met a customer that didn’t have a question or two after a quote has been submitted. This is generally where your customers are either having second doubts (if you've quoted fairly, this won't be the case) or they're just needing more information about your Quote. Steve Jobs once said, “Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected”. In other words, no matter the situation that will arise, your goal is to be professional, levelheaded and believe that you are offering an excellent service that is built on quality, but with a fair value.
There you have it; a Call to Action, a Surprise and the FAQ Hot Zone. These are just 3 Steps (a few of) that my company, “Option 3 Media” tries to implement for every customer that we deal with. I’ll let you in on a little secret, by treating our customers openly, honestly and with a smile at all times…most of our customers have become close friends over the years. And that’s how we took Doc Brown’s 1.21 gigawatts of power…we multiplied it by 3! See you on the other side my friends!
Ryan Robinson
Owner / Creative Exec. Producer
Option 3 Media
IT TAKES "3" TO MAKE A WEBSITE RIGHT!
8/19/2016
In this day in age, most businesses by now are online, have a website and/or use some sort of social media either professionally or personally. But what makes a website stand out? What things need to be in place for a potential customer to find out more about who your company is, what services you offer and how you can help them to succeed, purchase, or get the answers they need?
Over the last decade we've slowly been seeing the decline of newspapers and magazines. A good part of that is because of the Internet Explosion/Expansion and how more and more of us are online. I'm also sure that a good part of that is economical in nature with people falling on hard times and cutting back certain resources each month.
But what if I told you that online videos were to blame and more people would rather watch funny cat videos on YouTube than read important stories in the Wall Street journal (paper or online)? Are online videos an advantage or disadvantage to businesses around the world? We'll get back to those questions in a bit so you can decide for yourself. Until then, here’s a Quick Snapshot of 3 Website Design Tips, brought to you in part by Geico. (Just Kidding!)
The Website Snapshot -
Over the years, I've talked with hundreds of clients about their websites...if they have a site at all. I've also researched thousands of online businesses and taken notes of things that look good or bad. So look out, you never know when I'm looking at your online business! Lol!
Basically, I've come to find a 60/40 split between those companies that do have great looking websites vs. those that have websites that look like they were created in 1991, the 1st year CERN published the very first website!
So what makes a good website you ask? Well if I went into every detail, we'd be here all day and as I’ve already told you that most people aren’t reading as much these days…I’d better get straight to the point then! HA!
So here are your 3 website essentials that you need to know to make a website start looking and performing right:
Over the last decade we've slowly been seeing the decline of newspapers and magazines. A good part of that is because of the Internet Explosion/Expansion and how more and more of us are online. I'm also sure that a good part of that is economical in nature with people falling on hard times and cutting back certain resources each month.
But what if I told you that online videos were to blame and more people would rather watch funny cat videos on YouTube than read important stories in the Wall Street journal (paper or online)? Are online videos an advantage or disadvantage to businesses around the world? We'll get back to those questions in a bit so you can decide for yourself. Until then, here’s a Quick Snapshot of 3 Website Design Tips, brought to you in part by Geico. (Just Kidding!)
The Website Snapshot -
Over the years, I've talked with hundreds of clients about their websites...if they have a site at all. I've also researched thousands of online businesses and taken notes of things that look good or bad. So look out, you never know when I'm looking at your online business! Lol!
Basically, I've come to find a 60/40 split between those companies that do have great looking websites vs. those that have websites that look like they were created in 1991, the 1st year CERN published the very first website!
So what makes a good website you ask? Well if I went into every detail, we'd be here all day and as I’ve already told you that most people aren’t reading as much these days…I’d better get straight to the point then! HA!
So here are your 3 website essentials that you need to know to make a website start looking and performing right:
1) A Great Looking Design – is essential for every website! The colors need to be appealing and consistent throughout the site. Your Site needs to be well branded and current with the latest design trends. So keep tuned to what others are creating and continually update your design. As for Pictures, make sure that all Pictures are either Professional Photos or Professional looking Graphic Designs. Either way, they need to be an integral part of the overall design, not sporadically placed in weird random places. Speaking of Design Trends, did you know that there are now 3 Times as many MOBILE Devices able to Access the Internet than PC’s?? Are You Missing OUT? Does your Website have Mobile Functionality across all Smart Device Platforms? If not, then you’re missing a LOT of Opportunities for your site to be seen. Both Designs of your Desktop Site and your Mobile site need to be consistent as well.
2) (Note to Self about Text)…DO NOT MAKE YOUR WEBSITE READ LIKE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA!! Meaning…your readers will not take 30 minutes out of their day to read every word on every page you have. With that said, the average person is only spending no more than 2 minutes on a new website before they make a decision as to keep reading or not. Also, the Text needs to be of a legible size so that your reader doesn’t need a magnifying glass to see the words. In other words, use a consistent, legiable font that’s easy to read. Don’t use fonts or scripts that would take a “Graphologist” (Word of the Day) to Decipher!
2) (Note to Self about Text)…DO NOT MAKE YOUR WEBSITE READ LIKE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA!! Meaning…your readers will not take 30 minutes out of their day to read every word on every page you have. With that said, the average person is only spending no more than 2 minutes on a new website before they make a decision as to keep reading or not. Also, the Text needs to be of a legible size so that your reader doesn’t need a magnifying glass to see the words. In other words, use a consistent, legiable font that’s easy to read. Don’t use fonts or scripts that would take a “Graphologist” (Word of the Day) to Decipher!
3) A Website Video is a MUST! That’s right, you heard me…you need to have a video on your homepage, somewhere near the top. Let me explain because here’s where the whole “fewer people are reading vs. watching” online videos come to play.
(2nd Note to Self) Website Videos serve several functions. A well-produced video will help to dramatically increase the amount of time a new viewer spends on your site. The average video needs to be between 2-4 minutes in length and needs to answer the “who, what, when where, why and how’s” of your company. By having a web video, it will entice your viewer to stay on your site after the video is finished and “read” (that’s right “read”) more about who and what you have to offer. Website Videos also typically trend to be at the top of a Google Search and if you’ve put your video on YouTube, then you can share it across all Social Platforms giving you an increase chance in new website viewership. Remember this…Most People Retain 95% of the message in a Video, compared to only 10% of what they Read in Text”! PS – If you include Positive Testimonials in your videos, then it will give your company the “Guarantee” or “Seal of Approval” that people look for. Here's a website video example that we produced: https://youtu.be/fOAx4LOYVvM
So there you have it, a Website Snapshot with 3 Basic elements that you need to remember and utilize for your company website. Earlier I asked if you thought website videos were an advantage or disadvantage to your business. Hopefully, from my website video tips above, you’ve realized that they are advantageous and that they are very helpful to retaining time spent on your site and used as a learning tool as well. If you have any questions about your Business Website or a Website Video, please feel free to give us a shout and we’d love nothing more than to help you and your business, not only look good, but give you the tools you need to potentially increase your bottom line.
Until then, you may continue to watch your funny, YouTube Cat Videos... as will I!
Ryan
Owner/Creative Exec. Producer
Option 3 Media
(2nd Note to Self) Website Videos serve several functions. A well-produced video will help to dramatically increase the amount of time a new viewer spends on your site. The average video needs to be between 2-4 minutes in length and needs to answer the “who, what, when where, why and how’s” of your company. By having a web video, it will entice your viewer to stay on your site after the video is finished and “read” (that’s right “read”) more about who and what you have to offer. Website Videos also typically trend to be at the top of a Google Search and if you’ve put your video on YouTube, then you can share it across all Social Platforms giving you an increase chance in new website viewership. Remember this…Most People Retain 95% of the message in a Video, compared to only 10% of what they Read in Text”! PS – If you include Positive Testimonials in your videos, then it will give your company the “Guarantee” or “Seal of Approval” that people look for. Here's a website video example that we produced: https://youtu.be/fOAx4LOYVvM
So there you have it, a Website Snapshot with 3 Basic elements that you need to remember and utilize for your company website. Earlier I asked if you thought website videos were an advantage or disadvantage to your business. Hopefully, from my website video tips above, you’ve realized that they are advantageous and that they are very helpful to retaining time spent on your site and used as a learning tool as well. If you have any questions about your Business Website or a Website Video, please feel free to give us a shout and we’d love nothing more than to help you and your business, not only look good, but give you the tools you need to potentially increase your bottom line.
Until then, you may continue to watch your funny, YouTube Cat Videos... as will I!
Ryan
Owner/Creative Exec. Producer
Option 3 Media
Ryan Robinson
After 20yrs of working in television, I'm here to share my stories, my thoughts and my dreams. I hope you enjoy!
Archives
July 2018
May 2018
August 2016
June 2015
May 2015
Categories
Archives
July 2018
May 2018
August 2016
June 2015
May 2015
RSS Feed
