Here’s a guy who brought something so simple to the rest of the world. That’s how one should approach their websites. It should be full of personality reflecting on who they TRULY ARE!

Remember when Search Engine Optimization was the rage?   For some businesses, it’s still a very important factor in SE rankings.  But seriously, who afford it or have time to learn it?  At Mattison Web, we offer it, but there’s a better and cheaper way: blogs.  Blogs are wonderful.  You can write anytime, anyday.  More activity to your blog, the more recognition for your business or organization.

Don’t limit yourself to blogs.  Facebook, mySpace, YouTube are just a couple of social media tools powerful enough to get you more recognition than the 15 minutes of fame on any reality show.  Ever heard of Obama Girl?  I am sure you have.  Just remember, YOU won Time Magazine’s person of the year in ‘06!

Recently, a client and I were at a huge Des Moines social function and ran into someone I knew.  Quite a nice person, said Hello, and immediately went to start chatting with new other folks without any other chit-chat with no further introductions.  There’s nothing wrong with that.  However, that’s leaving little information about that person and closing off anymore lines of communication.  That left the person I was with confused, ignored and lost interest with this old aquantence. 

If we ignore our websites, neglect our blogs, the will be no more audience to be curious to learn more about you, your business, and company.  There could have been further business and great networking opportunities in the future.  So, update your websites, blogs, adversting materials and other media.  That’s the same as ignoring your audience.

Just posting to wish everyone a refreshing weekend.  Plus, we should honor those who gave their lives for ours.

Today I met Mike Sansone from Converstations!!! Real fun and interesting person.  Mike has a lot of great ideas for blogging content.  The guy knows about communities and communicating.  Visit his site at converstations.com.

In our chat, he mentioned about ever-changing technology and communication.  It’s like rearranging furniture!  That’s right, furniture.  We all need a new look and new feng shui.  Do I interior design well??  No.  But help is always available.  If you want a great blog coach, contact Mike.  For Interior Design, call bybrookeinteriors.com  (I have been banned from interior decorating since the 1990’s.  Family and friends had an intervention back then.  Quite funny.  I had to get rid of my horse-shoe book shelf.)

Ever heard of Mr. Blackwell’s list?     He’s the person once a year that has both a worst and best dressed list.  Now, not all of us are celebrities, but landing on those lists could be a reflection a person’s success.  Take for example bad list honoree Paris Hilton.  She’s an heir to a huge hotel yet what has she really done besides being famous for being famous?  (Also to add the time in jail and partying).  I bet she’s a really nice person, yet wouldn’t be high on my list to lead in a serious major motion picture.

Reese Witherspoon was on the best dressed list and look what she has accomplished: an oscar and many get roles to play.  Looks like she has gotten it together.  Wouldn’t you like to be seen as put together as a business?  In graphic design, a professional design piece speaks volumes about an organization.  If it’s done right off the copier reprinted over and over, what’s the future client or customer to think?  My point exactly.

How cold it is.  Winter is still here but not much changes.  There is something to be said about Spring coming up and summer just around the corner.  One thing you might want to think about?  Updating your website!!!  Yes.  Some websites have information out there since 1998.  No kidding.  The search engines love new stuff.  I love new stuff.  I love to shop.  Anyway, getting off track here, websites need to be changed frequently for the SEO to pick it up.  If not, it will be like last years fashion craze, gone.  Remember shoulder pads???  Nuff said. 

We just survived another annual dinner with the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce. We had fun and casino night was even funner. They celebrated the 20th anniversary for the Chamber.

Wow, just read on Cnn.com that John Edwards is dropping out the presidential campaign. Well, may the best person win.

It’s really cold out there. Hope everyone is on their computers surfing the web. If you got some favorite websites, send them our way. We would love to hear your opinions on them.

Here it is. 2008 and yet I am on another diet! It’s good. It’s healthy. 2008 will be a kick-cool year. Mattison Web is getting out there. We are offering Graphic Design. Yep, business cards, brochures, manuals, folder…yeah, all that good stuff.

Now, I spent many years in school playing music. So, branding is big in business. So, we borrowed one from Garth Brooks and Huey Lewis remake of the 1980’s “Working for a Livin’.” Garth is a fun guy. Huey is cool. So are we. Enjoy the video!!!