Videos help sell products even when customers don’t watch them. Shoppers who viewed the videos bought at a higher rate than those who did not view, but based on multivariate testing, visitors who did NOT watch the videos converted at a significantly higher rate than those who saw the same product page without the option for video viewing.

Businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals are using Google web applications at little to no cost. This includes gmail, analytics, webmaster tools, Google Calendar, Trends, and a myriad of other extremely useful tools. It’s great that these applications are free, but what’s happening to all the other companies that can’t afford to give their products away at zero cost?

Looking to increase your visibility to Google AND get your business listed near top of Google for FREE in Local Business Center? Follow the easy steps below to do just that and move up in rank when a user types in your service oriented business followed by the city for their search.

I am a brand ambassador for Discover. I didn’t know that’s what I was, but that’s what marketing reports and studies would label me. They would call me that because I am a happy, enthusiastic, and loyal customer who tells others how happy Discover card makes me. I am an advertising executive’s dream. I am want you want your customers to be like. I am hundreds of thousands of free (and perhaps more effective) advertising dollars.

Like many people, I have a Twitter account. My personal account revolves around the indie film and video industry and the people I “follow” or “friend” or “subscribe to” tend to reflect that interest. One of those is Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich), Director of such Pixar classics as Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and the upcoming Toy Story 3. He also edited Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and A Bug’s Life.

Traditional Economic theory states that the reason a consumer acts or doesn’t act is incentives. Incentives entice, bait, and give the user a reason to act or abandon. Incentives also help a user stand out where all options seem the same.

You may have heard about a “David and Goliath” story being played out in the media lately. On September 14, 2009, the makers of Monster energy drink sent a cease and desist letter to Rock Art Brewery in Morrisville, Vermont claiming the brewer’s “Vermonster” label on select beers caused brand confusion with its “Monster” energy drink. Owners Matt and Renee Nadeau are fighting back, claiming there is no infringement issue and that the “nuisance lawsuit” is another case of corporate bullying and brand over-protection.

…The same can be said for our flashy websites, elaborate blogs, and hundreds of twitter apps – be sure you look for and connect with the people behind the text. If we forget who all of this is really for and what these tools really serve to do – connect us with other people – then we will be left with nothing but random noise and a confused expression on our faces. Social Networking is about creating relationships, and not even the coolest widget is a substitute for genuine human interaction – on OR off line.