By Molly Albrecht | July 21, 2011

Places

Did you know one in five Google searches is for local information? People of all ages now go online to look for details about local businesses and organizations. That’s why it’s so important for business owners to make sure they manage their web presence – one place to start is your Google Places listing. Are you listed? Have you “claimed” your listing? Updated it with correct phone numbers, addresses, websites, business hours, special deals and promotions, photographs and even videos?

Google creates basic Places pages for many businesses automatically, but the business owner has to “claim” and update it with complete information. Check if you already have a Places page by searching for your business name under Google maps, and clicking on your link when it shows up on the left. If there isn’t a listing for your business, you can create one. If one exists, you’ll have the option to claim it.

When claiming a business, you’ll need to choose a way to verify your listing. Google will either send you a postcard with a PIN number or call you with a PIN number; either way, you will need to type in your unique PIN to verify ownership and complete your Google Places listing.

Your Google Places page comes with a slew of benefits. Not only are the pages free, but they usually appear on the first page of local search results for your business. That’s because Google has given precedence to local searches, and this only helps your overall visibility.

Most importantly, your Google place page is interactive. Your URL, address and phone number are all right there, so a potential customer can go directly to your website, call your business, click on pictures of your business, see your location on a map, and get directions to travel there. All the information is in one place, which makes customers happy – and more likely to visit you.

By Kyle McCabe | July 21, 2011

We’ve come a long way since 2007, with incredible growth in the SEO/social media portion of our business. It didn’t come without a healthy dose of challenges, but that’s what we’re all about and we’re still going strong.

What we do isn’t easy in this changing world of Pandas and Zaarly’s; each new update or piece of technology brings a fresh challenge to our doorstep. Our task is to stay on top of it all *and* bring our clients with us. So we’re always reading, always experimenting, forming new strategies, brainstorming with the rest of RSA, attending seminars, trying to figure out the best approach, the reason for that traffic spike, or how to turn an apparent failure into a success or at least a lesson.

What we hear more and more often from clients themselves are things like, “I know it’s important and I have to do it at some point…,” or, “I noticed a drop in traffic when I stopped SEO,” or, “Every website should be optimized for search engines,” are becoming more common. Business owners and marketers are getting it – an invisible website is an invisible business.

So what’s the hang-up? Usually it’s budget. No one wants to throw thousands of dollars at something they don’t understand the mechanics of – even if SEO seems necessary it can still look like a bunch of voodoo.

That’s why we try to take the mystery out of it all. We tell you exactly what we’re doing and why, and show you the results.

By Coree | July 18, 2011

Love your nuts

Have you ever been so excited about something that it didn’t matter who you were talking to you just had to share it with them? Maybe it’s your favorite team or band, or maybe even your favorite brand.

That happened to me recently. I picked up a book and it’s one of those that just sets your brains on fire and you find yourself nodding or commenting audibly as you read. I happened to be lounging by the pool while I was reading this book, and as I laughed out loud and frantically made notes in the margin a shadow was suddenly cast over my pages.

“What’s that you’re reading?” I looked up and the person asking was notably intoxicated, barely able to stand on his own. Now the average person might not have bothered to give a serious answer, but I, being not average, took off into an animated rant about how the contents of the book could change people’s lives. The inquiring drunk stumbled off mumbling to himself, “that lady is nuts,” while I sat there grinning, thrilled to have shared what I was reading.

And I keep sharing! Why? Because I believe it; it resonates with me. It’s something I can identify with, something I can get behind and be a part of.

Maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of a similar diatribe and thought the very thing my inebriated Sherlock Holmes did: “this person is a nut!” But imagine for a moment this “nut” was raving about you or your product. Would they have your full attention then?

These proverbial nuts are the kind of customers every business should strive to have! They are your biggest fans. These are the people who will champion your brand long after you are gone. So rather than stumble away from them shaking your head, instead shake their hands and get to know them. Discover what it is they love so much about your brand and what you can do to make them happier still. Start a conversation that will keep them talking and ranting to everyone they meet – sober or otherwise.

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Photo courtesy of strangeones

By Ben Lippert | June 28, 2011

When you’re searching the web for a product or service in your area, where do you go to find it?

Many people start with Craigslist, then check out the area listings on Ebay and as a last-ditch effort they might even browse the Facebook Marketplace. These services are all tried-and-true methods of person-to-person commerce because they are well established and used by thousands of people each day.

Now, lets take a look at Zaarly, a brand-spanking-new e-commerce site who’s motto is,“what you want, when you want it.”

I’m telling you, this could be the next big innovation in person-to-person selling, and with over $1 million in transactions in less than a month, I don’t need to explain why.

Zaarly is completely location based and has a super clean interface, unlike Craigslist, which is cluttered and unattractive. The social backbone of Zaarly lets you easily login with your Facebook or Twitter account and provides an internal means of communication between the buyer and seller.

Unlike other websites, Zaarly lets you do favors for people. This simply means that not all transactions that take place on Zaarly involve the exchange of money for goods or services.

Say someone needs a chainsaw but they don’t want to pay big bucks to buy or rent one. Well, just Zaarly it and see who will provide. You could say, “I’m looking for a chainsaw to use for three hours,” then add some details about the preferred chainsaw (engine size or blade length specifications), and post it.

The most frequently exchanged items on Zaarly are tech gadgets like iPods, but there are also some unusual requests, like a space suit or in-office concert.

What’s going on in South Dakota?

Zaarly action as been pretty limited in South Dakota, but that goes with the territory. It’s a common trend for new technology to start at the coasts and major U.S. cities before working its way into the Great Plains. Currently there and only a few dozen Zaarlyers, and most of those transactions are odd requests, like a Dairy Queen Blizzard delivery in Sioux Falls.

There’s no reason why South Dakotans need to be the last group of people to adopt a cool new idea. Make a listing on Zaarly today and see what can happen. Tell your friends about it and you might be surprised how quickly the idea can spread.

The goal of Zaarly is to make sharing your skills and resources easier; I don’t have time to wash my car, but maybe the guy just down the street would like to make an extra ten bucks. Take advantage of this new service and see what can happen!

What do you think of Zaarly? Will you, or have you tried it yet? Tell us in the comments section below.

By Amanda Simpson | June 20, 2011

Your marketing materials may target various demographics, but they should also present a consistent message about your brand; including the features, benefits and quality of your products. When potential customers encounter your business card, brochure, catalog, billboard, television ad, website or other marketing materials, it should be apparent they have a connection with the same brand.

Here are 5 ways to keep your brand consistent:

1. Use similar graphics on each piece

Keeping the imagery similar and repeating some elements across different materials and media creates a clear connection between them all, making sure those who encounter multiple pieces ‘get’ the repetition. Without doing this, your pieces may seem to be disconnected as if they each advertise a different brand.

2. Place key graphics in similar locations

If there is a focal image for the campaign, or even just your logo, keeping it placed in the same or similar place on each piece helps create that cohesive feel that speaks to people of a solid, consistent brand.

3. Use consistent fonts

Much like imagery, typeface inconsistency can be detrimental to your campaign. Many small businesses and new marketers and designers fall into the trap of trying to use too many typefaces in one piece or across a whole campaign. This ruins cohesion and can create a sense of chaos and instability; useful sometimes, perhaps, but most likely not in your case. Avoid this by choosing just 2-3 typefaces for the campaign.

4. Use the same color palette

There’s no good reason to use one shade of blue on one piece and another on a second piece. Yet there are many reasons to use the same shade on both: consistency, cohesiveness, and efficiency, to name a few. Help give your brand a solid position in the minds of consumers by keeping your colors consistent across media.

5. Coordinate paper for your print materials

The kind of paper you print on can be just as important as the imagery, type, and colors you choose. Make sure each paper you choose works together instead of creates a sense of inconsistency.

Bonus: Don’t forget web!

If you’re also developing a website for your company, it should have a clear marketing message that fits your product. It should offer support materials, contact availability and background that is suitable for the product or service you are selling. The visual appeal of the site should reflect that of your printed marketing materials. Using similar graphics and even repeating some of the same elements in consistent places will aid in unifying your marketing message.

By Justin Mather | June 20, 2011

RSA’s print department is like a well-oiled machine, a machine that runs on variety and creativity. Our passion is providing clients with top-notch designs and superb customer service. We thrive on the day-to-day challenge of conjuring fresh ideas for effective graphic design. No two projects are ever the same – and we love that! Here are some of our latest endeavors:

• Dakotah Steakhouse menus, billboards, print ads and table toppers
• South Dakota Lottery game POS and banners
• Jolly Lane billboards and newsprint
• Sturgis Rally magazine ads
• Sioux Empire Fair event guide and newsprint
• Black Hills BBQ Festival billboards and posters
• American Sprayed Fibers Inc. logo
• Casa Real mailer, restaurant and bar menus
• Reptile Gardens posters, brochures, billboards and van wrap
• MyTown.kotatv.com logo
• Security First Bank annual report and brochure
• South Dakota Community Foundation annual dinner collateral materials
• Wyoming State Fair event guide, billboards, newsprint and magazine ads
• Western Dakota Tech car wrap
• Ramada Inn & Suites rack cards and billboards
• Wheel Jam posters and print ads
• Rapid Transit outdoor signage
• McDonald’s signage and billboards
• Coupongous logo
• 24/7 Intoximeter brochure

Our expert team truly enjoys helping clients keep their print projects and brands consistent, yet fresh. Far too many times we see brands using a variety of fonts, colors and logos from one design to the next, making for an inconsistent design and confusing brand. We know it’s tempting to try designing everything on the cheap, but realize when you hire us you are hiring a team of professionals who eat, sleep and breathe design every day.

Ask our clients, then become one. We’ll make sure your product or service is highlighted in a uniquely creative way.

- Justin Mather, Print Production Director

By Ben Lippert | June 7, 2011

There are all sorts of tools that you can use to help your start-up, small business or established corporation grow. Whether you want to improve communication with your employees or provide a better buying experience for your clients and customers, there is probably a tool for that.

It’s no secret, and you’ve probably heard it before – we live in an information age. There are always new gadgets coming out and it can be difficult to keep your business on top of the latest trends. We’re here to help!

These are a few tools that I have found most successful for social and business communications.

1. Skype: This application lets you easily connect with people that you would otherwise never see. Maybe you have a client that lives across the state. Use this tool to improve relations with customers, co-workers and even your distant relatives and family members. Most laptops already come with a built-in webcam and if your desktop computer doesn’t have one they can be purchased for less than $30.
2. Dropbox: If your business doesn’t already have an internal file sharing program you should give Dropbox a try. This application is free to download and super easy to use. You can create folders for different projects and share them with select people. The more you spend, the more storage space you will get. Try out the free version and you will get 2 GB storage space. If you like the program you can upgrade to the 50 or 100 GB plan.
3. Square: A relatively new product, Square is a miniature credit card reader that plugs into the headphone outlet of your iPod, iPhone, iPad, Droid or whatever smart device you have. The device is free and adding your personal or business bank account is easy. Now you can accept payments wherever you are, not limited by cash or check-only purchases. The cost of renting a standard counter-top card reader is expensive and takes up a lot of space. With Square, you can save money and have the option of mobility when going to trade shows and business meetings.

I would talk about Facebook, Twitter and other social media but by now I’m sure you already know the value of those tools.

Don’t be afraid to try something new. The tools listed above and many others like it are proven time-savers and moneymakers. You can maximize efficiency, gain new business, be social and have fun while doing it.

By Allan Emerson | May 26, 2011

website optimization...yes, it's just like this

To a web developer, website optimization* is a worthy goal all by itself. There’s a certain pride in managing to create a site with the fewest lines of code possible, only the most essential element ids and classes, a robust CSS file and nary an unnecessary <img> tag to be found. But this isn’t just web geeks trying to earn more points on our geek cards. There are also some practical advantages to website optimization, and choosing a good web designer will make sure you benefit from them.

Website optimization: Page Load Speed

Do you like waiting for a page to load? Does anybody? Several factors can add to page load times, from extra communication with the web server and lots of user-side scripting to plain ‘ol bloated code. But clean code reduces page load speed because the web browser simply has less to construct before showing you the page. If your web developer isn’t concerned with website optimization, they’re slowing this process down unnecessarily.

Furthermore, search engines know that a slow site negatively impact the user’s experience, so they are now grading on site speed and factoring that into their ranking algorithms. Everything you do to help your site load faster has built-in SEO benefits as well. Bonus!

Website optimization: Browser Issues and Maintenance

Ugly old code tends to make the site look different from browser to browser. Website optimization using tried and true coding methods, in my experience, leads to less surprises when it comes to browser testing. What looks beautiful in Firefox doesn’t always look the same in Internet Explorer, so the less opportunity you give IE to get it wrong, the better.

When it’s time to update a site after launch, the whole process slows way down if you have to dig through piles of code just to get to the content. Website optimization using clean, elegant code from the start means less development time, fewer browser issues and less maintenance after launch.

Website optimization: Bandwidth

“Sorry, this site has exceeded it’s bandwidth requirements.” Ewwww, no one likes to see that message. Granted, a few extraneous lines of code here and there are not going to cause major bandwidth issues, but if your site receives high traffic, each kilobyte adds up. Say a page currently weighs in at 60kb, and in reality, it should only come in at 30kb. A 50% savings each and every time the server loads that page is nothing to gloss over.

Website optimization can be accomplished in many ways, but I’ll save you the geektastic details. The important thing to remember is your site performs better the “lighter” and “cleaner” it is (read: optimized), and this is especially true when viewing on mobile devices where connection speeds may be slower and the user is getting charged by the amount of data transferred.

Summary

Not only does an older website probably need a fresh assessment over content and strategy, there’s also a good chance it could use an overhaul under the hood as well. While this may or may not affect how the site looks, it will for sure affect how the site feels. Users will notice improved performance, the server will be less bogged down and as a positive side effect, search engine visibility may improve.

One final note: the cleanest, most elegantly coded site in the world is still at the mercy of the server it sits on. If the web hosting provider isn’t up to par with its equipment, the site will suffer. Be sure to choose hosting carefully.

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Photo courtesy of Axion23

* Although loosely related, website optimization and SEO are different things.

By Tony Dodd | May 25, 2011

The RSA web development team has been hard at work creating highly optimized, effective websites. We have many exciting sites we’re currently working on:

• City of Huron
• Scotchman Metal Fabricating Solutions
• Dawes County Tourism
• Kelly’s Frozen Yogurt
• CD Hopkins Financial
• Bridges to Buttes By-Way
• Murphy’s Pub and Grill
• Knecht Home Center and Mead Lumber
• RCS Storage
• Lehman Trikes
• Casey Peterson and Associates
• Waste Connections of Denver
• Faith Veterinary Clinic
• Sioux Empire Fair
• Wyoming State Fair

Also, coming very soon to the web, fresh from our team’s creative fingers:

• South Dakota Farmers Union
• Powderhouse Lodge
• Radiant Systems
• International Metals

We are also excited to announce our newest service offering: mobile websites! We’ve been creating mobile sites since early 2010, and would now like to offer it as a standard service. RSA can produce the mobile version of your website, which usually contains fewer graphics and more text, quickly and inexpensively.

We’re currently working on mobile sites for the Ramada Tropics Resort, Des Moines, and Ramada Sioux Falls, having just completed our own mobile website.

We’re always developing new, effective solutions in our creative and interactive departments, and our business is always growing and evolving. We have our clients to thank for that. Keep up the good work, everyone, and thanks for your business!

- Tony

By Marsha Ahrenkiel | May 6, 2011

Scanning a QR Code with a smartphone

I first crossed paths with a QR code a couple of years ago. I was in the Denver International Airport, with a long wait ahead before my flight to Rapid City. Displayed at a huge size on a 1stBank billboard, and looking more like modern art than advertising, a beautiful blue QR code was accompanied by an invitation to get free books and Sudoku puzzles. Just what I wanted! Just what I needed!

But with no concept of how to proceed…no free reading materials for me.

By now you’ve probably seen QR codes.  They’re increasingly common these days – on billboards, in magazines, at websites, in malls and stores. With that eye-catching appearance, they look creative and artsy, but they originated for a more mundane purpose: to improve the scanning and tracking of inventory.

Japanese company DensoWave came up with QR codes (also known as 2D codes) as an improvement over bar codes. The more complex pattern can store more information for scanners to read. From there, QR codes quickly made their way into the advertising arena in Asia, riding the growing wave of smartphones with scanning capabilities. They’ve been slower to take hold here in the U.S. but with the smartphone market still growing swiftly, it’s likely you’ll continue to see more of them.

QR Codes and You

So let’s back up a step – what did I need to do in Denver to get free books and puzzles? I needed a smartphone with a camera and a bar code scanner.

Once you have a smartphone, you can download a bar code scanner app for free. Use the camera in your phone to scan a QR code, and the code’s message will be revealed by the QR reader. It’s usually a website URL, phone number, or a short text message. You might be directed to videos, coupons, maps or other kinds of information.

Advertising with QR codes has its advantages and its drawbacks. On the plus side, it’s inexpensive, cutting-edge, gets attention, and allows the quick communication of a significant amount of information. Museums, parks and libraries are using QR codes to provide detailed directional information. Rock bands have used them on their promotional materials, even on their clothing, to help connect their fans with their music. Creating your QR code is easy – there are many free QR code generators on the internet.

Drawback of QR Codes

The drawback, of course, is that there are still a significant number of people who will be as incapable of reading your QR code advertisement as I was of getting free Sudoku in Denver. You can’t rely on it alone to reach your entire audience. But with more and more people getting smartphones, QR codes should grow in popularity.

If you plan your campaign carefully and understand the audience you are going to reach, it might be a perfect time to use QR codes. It’s new enough to still have an element of novelty, and established enough to have a user base that will engage with it. RSA can help you with a creative QR code strategy.

It worked for 1stBank – their billboard campaign at DIA resulted in 25,000 scans of their QR codes, and won them an OBIE award for excellence in advertising.

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Photo courtesy of preetamrai