SEM & Digital Marketing Advice New Orleans, Louisiana | WSI

The internet does, in fact, have a “dark side”

There was a story recently about an anonymous campaign of pro-hackers (people who use illicit methods of hacking for the betterment of our community) began on October 14^th, when members of a “hactivist” group found a cache of child-pornography websites while browsing a secret website called The Hidden Wiki.

So being in the internet business, I couldn’t help but want to read more about people who hack websites for a good cause, but what I found out about the internet really disturbed me.

Website hacking for a good cause (for once)

Members of an activist pro-hackers group are claiming responsibility for removing more than 40 child-pornography websites and singled out Lolita City, a file sharing website used by pedophiles, and leaked 1,589 active members to Pastebin on October 18^th 2011.

However, in targeting child-pornography web sites and in explaining its methods of counter attack, these Anonymous-affiliated hackers have revealed to the rest of the world a deeply disturbing side of the Internet unknown to most people.

The Hidden Wiki

The Hidden Wiki is a secret, invisible website which cannot be viewed by regular web users and is blocked from most internet search engines. It is compiled using state of the art technology and intentionally offers discretion to the most disturbing and traumatizing of human behavior.

The so-called “darknet,” from which this “Operation Darknet” hacking campaign takes its name, is any part of the Internet that is hidden from view — not just hard to reach, but deliberately concealed. In this instance, a darknet appears to have grown out of the free TOR routing service, which offers anonymous, encrypted Web browsing to any user.

It is important to remember that only computers that have installed TOR browser plug-ins can access the TOR-based darknet, including its guidebook the Hidden Wiki, the security site Infosec Island have  reported.  There are several good YouTube videos out there explaining how TOR works, how to install it and how to actually access the darknet.

What’s on the Darknet?

In short, anything illegal and explicit you could dream up. Whether you need to find a local drug dealer, browse child pornography, launder money or hire a contract killer – you can find it there.  Users update the hidden wiki which is organized into categories where individual services can be listed much like Craig’s List or other popular sites.

How can parents take an active role?

While we may all be aware to some degree the dangers that lurk online, it can take hard hitting facts like this to remember that child-pornography does in fact exist and can pose a real threat.  And with our young people as comfortable with technology as they are, don’t assume that they can’t find TOR and locate a drug dealer online.

There are many pro-active steps you can take as a parent or responsible adult to make sure our children are safe.

• Install parental controls into web browsing devices used by children
• Do not allow young children to browse the internet alone
• Educate your children on the dangers of the internet and talking to strangers
• Monitor their downloading patterns and behaviors, especially in older children
• Limit the social networks and the safety settings they currently use
• Be aware of who your children talk to online

With communication, education and strong parenting, the risk of your child becoming the next victim could be minimal, so do not hesitate in helping to implement a healthier, safer online community for everyone; especially for those most vulnerable and cherished.

The mobile market is driving the consumer market

While E-commerce sales via the internet are undoubtedly on the rise, the vast majority of consumer spending habits are still taking place in traditional shop front windows located in towns and cities near you.

But does that mean that internet marketing is not effective?  Definitely not!

The new digital sales cycle

Many of these offline sales are being generated by customers using online research prior to purchasing.  Customers continually report using their desktop and mobile phones (or ‘apps’) to research their purchases online before venturing offline to seal the deal.

Additionally, customers are also taking advantage of their mobile technology and the capabilities of their smart-phones by researching products while in a store or on the go.  This is reflected in the growth of technology tools such as QR codes to direct mobile users to specific production information in the store.

New data

According to a recent report summarized on eMarketer.com, statistics show that some 70% of consumers will check an online source before visiting a local store, business or restaurant. Google was the top source as stated by customers to gain this information, followed by Yellow Pages. Further down the list were review sites and Facebook.

A few statistics related to search include:

• 70% of customers will check an online source ahead of shopping
• 17% of customers rely on the top link in a search engine
• 15% of customers will check an item in-store on a mobile device
• 13% more of customers will use Google over any other search facility
• 13% of customers will rely on other customer’s reviews

How can the mobile market benefit me?

What this information tells us is that customers rely heavily on technology, mobile devices and the internet to find the services and products they require and that they are smart shoppers!

More and more research is being compiled on mobile services to find out why customers shop this way and what they require to make a compatible sale. From apps, surfing the web, to contacting stores, the device in the palm of their hand is a gateway to boosting your sales!

Top mobile incentives include:

• Coupons
• Reward schemes
• Product information
• Access to a product within their proximity

What this information already tells us is customers are always searching for a more convenient and satisfying service. By understanding how, we are able to implement exclusive services and products to customers build relationships and customer loyalty.

Top ways to engage mobile web users

• Better meeting the customer’s requirements
• Offering exclusive content on web and mobile optimized websites
• Focused online and mobile marketing tactics
• Better on and offline communication between companies and customers
• Brand loyalty and versatility

There’s a magical array of activities falling around the New Orleans skyline as we delve deep into the holiday season. All across the city, Southern Belles and Papa Noels are preparing to rekindle the flame of nostalgia. With soft glowing lanterns, blissful jazz flowing into the warm evening air, it’s hard not to become wrapped up in the romance of the Vieux Carré – our very own taste of Paris.

Here is a guide to some of the best holiday activities to enjoy in and around New Orleans:

Caroling in Jackson Square

Capture the traditional holiday cheer with the very merry Jackson Square Caroler’s. The event is free of charge and all ages are invited to come down on the Sunday before Christmas and sing along with classic carols.

Photo from NOLA.com

It’s also the perfect time, to admire the festive light decorations that adorn Jackson Square. You can join visitors and locals alike as they share a relaxed atmosphere, a round of hot chocolate and beignets from the world famous Cafe Du Monde. Bask in the melodies of the live street musicians, artists, and entertainers. There are even tarot card and fortune readers who may hold the key to your coming year.

Free Holiday Concerts

There is no such thing as a silent night in New Orleans. Free concerts are held throughout the city to celebrate the holiday seasons, most notably the St. Louis Cathedral. Family-friendly market places with a stream of live entertainment from both local and larger names, artisan arts and crafts, amusement rides, food vendors and fully licensed bars spring up across the city throughout the season. They are a great place to bag last minute and unusual gifts.

Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

What could be more piquant than riding in a horse-drawn carriage through the French Quarters? In true New Orleans style, there is always something to see every step of the way. From beautiful architecture, such as the Saint Louis Cathedral, the Cabilido or the ornate inner streets of the Quarters, you will be sure to find something to admire as you travel back in time.

Also recommended is an idyllic walk, hand-in-hand along the Mississippi Moon Walk as the old fashioned steam boats trawl up and down the river playing jazz from times gone by. And if you happen to walk far enough to stumble upon a ferry – hop on board! Foot passengers ride free to Algiers and back on what is assuredly the best view of the New Orleans skyline.

Celebration in the Oaks

An event you don’t want to miss is the Celebration of the Oaks in the regal New Orleans City Park, where over two million lights decorate one hundred-year-old oak trees – truly a majestic sight. Horse drawn carriages are available to hire, or you can even travel by car. For the full experience, you can also tour through the park by foot.

The Roosevelt Hotel Lobby

The Roosevelt New Orleans continues the tradition of offering a spectacular display of New Orleans holiday wonderland decorations, as luxurious and memorable as the historic property itself, for locals and guests to experience during the holiday season.  As you enter the hotel lobby, you can walk through the wonderful display of holiday lights and decorations unlike any other New Orleans hotel this time of year.

Photo from NOLA.com

And if you can find a seat, take off the chill at the Sazarec Bar with one of their famous New Orleans drinks.

New Years

And if you are still around the city after the holidays, New Year’s Eve in New Orleans is one not to miss – so make sure you ring in the New Year on Bourbon Street, where the party never ends! With every type of bar, tavern and club, you will be sure to find something to suit your taste and party requirements. Bourbon Street also hosts fantastic dining opportunities, such as the Oyster Bar, for the more adventurous, and plenty of window shopping with traditional New Orleans memorabilia.

Whatever you choose to do over the holiday season, may your blessings be bright, and may you have a safe and prosperous New Year!

Exciting news for businesses has emerged from Google; they have announced the launch of their new Google+ pages, pages specifically designed for businesses using Google+.

With a growing network of over 40 million members, Google+ pages are a great new internet marketing resource you need to implement and capitalize on today.  It can also give you an additional web property and links to your website which are important in today’s digital world.

Here are some quick and easy tips to make sure you gain the most from your Google+ pages and help you get started.

1. Setting up your Google+ account

Choose an accessible email address

Unlike Facebook, Google+ does not currently incorporate extensive administrative capabilities. To easily overcome this limitation, make sure you create a specific email address for your Google+ business page during the set up process to allow more maneuverability.

A common access email address will allow you to better monitor and manage the services provided by Google+ and offer you the opportunity to incorporate multiple member access and contributors to your Google+ business page, as well as monitor updates and allow direct communication in one easy to find place.

We often setup a gMail account that includes all of the Google services such as Analytics, AdWords and Webmaster Tools.  You can use this account for Google+ as well.

Create your page

To create a page, Google+ has made the set up process as simple as possible. Simply visit http://plus.google.com/pages/create and select ‘create a Google+ page.’

You will then be asked to select from one of the following:

• Local business or place
• Product or brand
• Company, institution or organization
• Arts, entertainment, or sports
• Other

After selecting your classification, complete your basic business information into the form as requested.

2. Customize your public profile

By customizing your public Google+ profile you will increase your presence online. Make sure customers know they have landed at the right place and why they should purchase your products by updating your profile with:

• Your tag-line – or business elevator pitch
• An image, such as your company logo
• Investing a little time to show off some good quality content
• Offer free downloads and incentives to potential customers

3. Promote your Google+ page

Once you have completed the basics of your Google+ business page, you will be asked to promote your page! This means you have completed the Google+ account activation, setup and have gone live to more than 40 million waiting customers!

All you have to do next is allow your Google+ business page to work for you! Great ways to continue in the success of your site is to focus on:

• Generating leads
• Always providing fresh content
• Reacting and responding to fans
• Become engaging
• Adapt your strategy as required
• Optimize your Google+ presence

Good luck incorporating these three easy steps to monetize your Google+!