Google's Real-time Search: Be informed in no time, or at least very little time.

In a recent post I gave my opinion about the problems I see with real-time search. I do concede that Google probably is aware of all my concerns surrounding real-time search and that they probably feel the benefits it provides outweigh the problems it may cause, and so do I.

In my previous posting on this issue I claimed that a lot of the information coming through the real-time feed does not hold a lot of relevance in that some of it either was either not all that credible, or was simply capitalizing on a particular hot topic on Twitter, as well as all the random chatter from Twitter users. I admit that this may particularly have been the case because I used Tiger Woods as my search example. Using Tiger, or any celebrity or that matter, would have had the same results through a real-time search as what I found.

The Relevance Test

For this article I took a look at another issue that has a lot of conversation surrounding it; Healthcare Reform.

With this topic, as may be expected there were a lot more links to known news sites and less twitter banter about the topic. I found several interesting articles within a matter of minutes, seconds for some, of their posting.

Here are three headlines I found while searching, two of which I found to be very interesting and informative, the third supports my earlier blog argument about the problems of real-time search relevancy, in this case however I do not fault the author of the article.

CNBC Stock Blog — 4 Stocks to Benefit From Health Care Reform ...

Sanders to introduce amendment stripping 'Cadillac' tax from ...

Tiger Woods and the thorny matter of racial identity

The first two articles one comes from a reputable news source, and the other from a political blog both were good examples of how real-time search can increase the speed in which we are informed.

In the third example this article was in the real-time feed because he mentions health care reform in the first few lines of the opening paragraph to help emphasis his point about Tiger Woods. The author may be trying use this as a keyword to drive traffic or he may not. I only found health care reform used only the one time in the article.

More Relevant Information

The speed in which relevant information, as was the information I found in my first two examples, as well as exposure to numerous new sources is what makes real-time search great. The increased speed of how information is delivered could lead to an increase of informed conversation about important issues.

Google's real-time search still has some bug's but overall provides a valuable resource to web surfers.

Owning Your Own Future in a Down Economy

Owning Your Own Future

Economic challenges have spread across the nation. With stories of foreclosures, debt, and suffering businesses, there is a flip side to this coin of the economy that demonstrates business is not all bad. At Heritage Web Solutions, we have witnessed and aided the drive of many small businesses that are flourishing and are becoming even more successful than before the drastic changes that rocked our nation.

What is the key to this success?
Some may argue it is simply the type of services and products you offer. Others claim it depends on the region your business serves. While each of these can affect a business’s success, a combination of many factors can lead to owning your own future in today’s changed economy.

Customer Focus
Pinpoint the specific types of customers you are looking to attract and then reach out to them based on research of what they need. Surveys and third-party perspectives can help determine customer needs. Even more important, be loyal to the customers you already have. Studies have shown that attracting a new customer can be up to 8 times as expensive as maintaining a current one. Communicate consistently with past, current, and new customers so that they know what is occurring in your business and can take advantage of your services. Newsletters, e-mail ads, and phone calls all serve as reminders and help show that you value your customers. Heritage has many products that can help you stay in touch with your customers.

Updated, Modernized, Integrated Business
With new technology and a move toward a global economy, you must use the modern tools available and update your services and marketing strategies. Because of the expansive reach of the Internet, establishing a web presence has become a vital tool in today’s society. Integrate your business into today’s business world by establishing yourself online and including the programs, technology, and tools competitors offer their customers.

Taking the Lead
Do even more than keep pace with competitors by taking the lead in the business race through innovation and creativity. Be different and know how to communicate it, whether it be through the products you provide, exceptional customer service, or unique advertising techniques. Set yourself apart from your competitors and continually change and add to what you offer or how you offer your services to keep your business fresh and thriving.

With these and other tactics and an overall opportunistic mindset small business owners can drive their business to success even amidst the rise and fall of the changing economic waves. Some of our nation's greatest businesses have arisen from the challenge of hard times. Whatever tools and strategies you use, the face of opportunity is looking your business straight in the eye and there may never be a better time take charge of your success and begin owning your own future.

Small Business in the New Economy

The New Economy:
How can small businesses help the current financial crisis?

You may be aware of the significant differences between small businesses and commercial chains. At HIT Web Design, we support small businesses by providing web hosting and building custom websites for entrepreneurs.

While that Ma and Pa craft store on the corner may not have as big a parking lot (or massive database website) as the retail chain across the street, could there be an advantage to investing in members of our own community?

Some of the reasons the American economy is in its current state are connected to the disconnect between small businesses and large commercial enterprises. Consider the differences between Wall Street and Main Street, or in other words, big businesses and small businesses. It could be compared to shopping at your local Farmers Market versus a large grocery chain. Instead of funneling all our capital into overseas markets, foreign oil production, and imports, we can circulate the resources in our own communities, thus bolstering our local economies. Is it really that simple?

In many ways, it is. While small businesses may feel overshadowed by large commercial monopolies, there is no reason to give up on Uncle Ted's Diner or Frank's Auto Service. Consider some of the real advantages of small businesses:
• Small businesses can respond more quickly to needs in the community.
• Owners of small businesses can be their own bosses, supporting their own personal values.
• Small businesses can specialize in unique products that can't be found in retail markets.
• Small businesses, through more focused means of production, can produce higher quality, environmental products that aren't mass produced or made with low-quality materials.
• Small businesses are very well-suited for online marketing, which is a main focus of HIT Web Design.

Not only do the reasons listed above give small businesses a leg up in our communities, but buying and producing locally stimulates the national economy as a whole. So while owning or supporting a small business may initially require more risks, planning, or even work hours, it may be well worth the investment in the long run.

The staff at HIT Web Design can help your business flourish by building a custom website that will help you reach communities that matter to all of us. If you need help getting your small business on its feet, don't hesitate to contact HIT Web Design for your online marketing needs.