Error Pages and 404 Redirects Can Be Fun!

Carsonified Error Page

Well, maybe not fun, but less annoying for sure!

You’ve probably encountered a 404 or “Page Not Found” error in your web browsing experience. It is an HTTP standard response code indicating that “the client was able to communicate with the server, but the server could not find what was requested. 404 errors should not be confused with “server not found” or similar errors, in which a connection to the destination server could not be made at all. A 404 error indicates that the requested resource may be available again in the future.” This kind of error is commonly displayed after you click a broken link or follow a link to a page that has moved or no longer exists on a website. (If you want more technical details, check out Wikipedia.)

Of course no one wants their website to have errors, but sometimes they occur. There is definitely value in taking a little time to dress up your “Error” or “404″ page to decrease the frustration when a user encounters it. So what can you do to make the navigation process on your website less of a headache to users?

Read more

Consumers Engaged Via Social Media Are More Likely To Buy

1072725_55999791

A recent study of social media usage by market research firm Chadwick Martin Bailey and iModerate Research Technologies found that “60% of Facebook fans and 79% of Twitter followers are more likely to recommend those brands since becoming a fan or follower. And an impressive 51% of Facebook fans and 67% of Twitter followers are more likely to buy the brands they follow or are a fan of”.

Read more

Will Social Media hurt or help you?

KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA

The debate continues on blogs and in corporate board rooms around the world. “Should our company get involved in social media?” “Do the potential benefits outweigh the risks?” “Is it worth the investment?” Short answer? YES.

Read more

Managing Your Facebook Fan Page (Basics)

CapticoFacebookMakeAdminscreengrab

Now that you know HOW to Create Your Facebook Fan Page, lets talk about the basics of managing it. If you are familiar with Facebook and have a personal account, managing your fan page will be fairly easy. If not, I’ll walk you through the basic steps and share some advice.

Read more

Twitter: Breaking down the walls between companies and consumers

LeeUnkrichPixar

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.

Read more

Social Media and Public Opinion: Beer vs Monster

Monster Energy Drink Logo Picture

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.

Read more