Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Debunking The Myths Surrounding Technology and Computer Networking

The myths surrounding technology and computer system repairs are plentiful.  In this article we will look to debunk common myths surrounding computer repair, networking and I.T. consultants.
The myth that only a true computer geek can eliminate issues with your computer or network is one that is completely false.  Computers and the systems that surround their effectiveness used to be considered unknown areas where only a technology geek could maneuver.  Now day’s desk top computers are set up so that most anyone can troubleshoot problems and most often fix them.  It is important to understand that to work within the I.T. industry you will need to obtain certain credentials and certifications to be of value to most employers.
The myth that one rate fixes all computers is a complete myth.  Different issues associated with your computer require different amounts of time to repair.  If you see a company offering a one size fits all approach to fixing your computer or charging you to repair your system run the other way.  A flat fee is commonly charged but the overall rate you will be assessed should be determined on a number of items such as techs needed to fix your particular problem, hardware and software needs and time spent to completely resolve your issues.  Many flat fee companies work to temporarily solve your problem without completely fixing all of the issues surrounding your network.
Unless you know what you are doing you should never attempt to defrag your computer at home.    Many people have been told that defrag can be done at home by anyone however this results in a myriad of issues from more sever computer problems, complete system failures and unnecessary hardware replacement.  Although a program to defrag your system may be pre-installed within your computers operating system it is indeed a service that should never be attempted without a good deal of knowledge into exactly what you are doing.
Just because you think your technician is the best does not mean they are equipped to handle every system that is in place.  If the technician that most often works on your computer considers the problem fixed yet you are still having issues with performance it is probable that the problem is something unique that they may have not seen before and therefore are unaware of how to fix.  Never be afraid to ask for a second opinion for another tech within the company.
Just because the company charges a nominal amount more than what others charge does not mean that the service or parts used are of higher quality or greater value.  In computer repair and networking value is seen in the work performed over not the fee paid.  This is one service industry that the old saying you get what you pay for is not always true.  Be prepared to pay a higher fee for companies with more techs that specialize in a variety of services.  Specializing in a number of different areas allows companies to charge more than those that only offer a few basic services.  This is the same concept as you find between an urgent care facility and a doctor that offers services in one unique field.
Myths are plentiful no matter what industry you are in charge of hiring services to be performed.  Be sure interview several different companies before determining which I.T. consultants best fit your technology needs and goals.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.

The Difference Between Paid and Organic Online Marketing

Online marketing remains one of life’s little mysteries for business owners looking to expand upon their online presence.  Confusion basically stems from two general differences: paid advertising and organic search rankings.
Let’s start out by talking about paid advertising.  Paid search engine marketing refers to advertising in which a business pays for ad placement based upon a targeted search.
Google Adwords is the term most business owners are familiar with when discussing paid advertising.  However it is important to note that Google is the most widely used search engine other options are available when it comes to paid ads.  Both Bing and Yahoo offer paid ad services.  Google is the most used search engine and therefore paid ads places within the search and display networks associated with Google will cost more than those places within Yahoo or Bing.  You are paying more because more advertisers are using the service and more traffic is essentially viewing your ads.
Many companies with smaller advertising budgets choose to place their paid advertising dollars on smaller search engines such as Bing largely because the costs per person reached are much lower than with Google.  The main disadvantage is the decrease in users associated with the less known search engines.
When you company is looking into paid ads it is important to be realistic.  If your paid operating budget for a month is five hundred dollars and you are in a highly competitive market, for instance home improvement, law, pest management etc… then it may be best for you to use your paid advertising on search engines with lower ad costs such as Bing, Yahoo, Microsoft etc…  The competition will be lower, the ad costs will be less and the amount paid per click will be less expensive which goes along with the theory that fewer people are using these search engines;  less ad competition results in less expensive per click fees, while reaching targeted consumers.
If your operating budget is unlimited and you are seeking to reach the largest number of people without expense being a concern paid advertising with Google Adwords is ideal.  The number of people using Google as a search engine is higher than Yahoo, Bing, and Microsoft etc….  The competition within Google is greater because of the number of advertisers seeking to reach targeted consumers because of the popularity that Google offers as a search engine therefore the competition for higher ad space is greater leading to a more expensive per click cost.
In both scenarios companies are paying for their ad to be placed in front of potential consumers based on results from targeted search terms.  No matter what search engine is used a user searching for Pest Control will find ads at the top and down the right hand side of business that have bid on the keyword Pest Control.   Higher ad placement goes to those advertisers willing to spend more per click.  Paid advertising is a key element when looking for consumers who are actively seeking targeted business services.
Another service that is offered to clients that is crucial to online marketing success is SEO, otherwise known as search engine optimization.  SEO refers to the method in which a company reaches higher organic search rankings.  This service involves a variety of activities that work with your website to increase your site rankings on search engines when your services are being targeted through a consumers search.
The process of SEO is complicated and constantly evolving.  Search engines are constantly changing algorithms and their methods of placement to avoid companies looking for higher rankings through unsavory online activities.
A combination of methods to achieve the highest possible organic search results for clients possible without the risk of being blacklisted.  We use a combination of blog creation and management, social media integration including the creation and management of Facebook, Google Plus, Instagram, Twitter, press releases, video marketing, article marketing and more.  Most importantly we focus on the content of your website to ensure it is evolving as the company continues to.  Our web team also places a high value on the backend of your site ensuring that is search engine friendly meaning that search engines will understand exactly what it is that is being offered based on title tags, site descriptions and tags used in programming your site.
Online presence is more important now than ever before.  Out are the days of reaching for a phone book and looking up a certain key phrase in the yellow pages to find a business to meet your need. In are the days at having information at the touch of a button.  Your business must be present online to draw in and retain customers.  Consumers are looking for information on your business right then and there while they are ready to take action.  Your website, social media presence, blog updates, reviews and testimonials will all say a lot about your business.  SEO companies are here to help ensure the message they are receiving is the one that you want to be presenting.
Computers Plus Service, in Brighton Michigan, provides a wide range of valuable services for residential computer repair as well as a variety of commercial computer services to the entire Livingston County area including Howell, Brighton and the surrounding areas.  You can find out more about the services offered by CPS at http://www.cpsmi.com.