5 Awful Website User Experiences

One of the most frustrating things I experience on a regular basis is bad website UI.  The worst thing about it is that most times, websites do them on purpose to increase click-throughs or drive traffic to their websites.

1. Paged Lists.  I’m a fan of lists, who isn’t.  They are easy to read, usually generate high traffic, and make collecting your thoughts easier.  But what drives me nuts is websites that actually put each item on it’s own page making you click through every one to read the entire article.  The premise here is simple.  The website owner is trying to increase their page views, which in theory, increases the value of their ad space.  It’s an awful user experience, and I usually turn away anytime I come across one.

2. Walled Content.  Unless your charging for your content (and justifiably so), don’t make users register on your site to access content.  We already have enough logins and passwords to manage, and don’t need any more.  Exception here is if you use Facebook Connect or the Twitter API to allow users to use their existing social media profiles to log in.

3. Opening Links In New Windows.  Ugh, I don’t need you to control my browsing experience.  If I want to open a new window, I’ll take care of mmmm’kay?  Usually some websites will have external links open new windows, but the biggest perpetrators are the ones who actually feel like opening new browser windows for the same site is a good user experience.  Ummmmm, no.

4. Pop Overs/Unders.  This is just uncalled for.  Seriously, you want to monetize your site?  Fine, slap some ads on the actual page, but don’t litter our screens with pop up ads.  In addition to being a terrible user experience, the click through rate on these types of ads is beyond abysmal.  Not even worth it.

5. Splash Pages/Ad Intros.  I don’t need an official announcement to your site, I already know where I’m going, and I definitely am not interested in an ad before visiting either, I get enough of that on TV.

Those are my top 5 website pet peeves.  What are yours?

Related posts:

1. How To Use LinkedIn Groups To Drive Website Traffic

Yes, Another iPad Review, But From Someone Who Still PCs Too!

I’ve made no attempt at hiding my love for many of Apple’s products.  It’s not easy admitting being an employee at Microsoft.  I just refuse to not enjoy and recognize great products even when they come from companies outside the one I work for.  I use an iPhone, and the reality is, there is not another phone on the planet that can match the hardware quality, and user experience it delivers.  If Microsoft did (or even came close), I’d be all over it.  My hope is that Windows Mobile 7 lessens the gap.

When the iPad hit, I knew it would be something I would want to get my hands on.  I didn’t really “need” it, but the cool factor definitely had me wanting one.  I opted for the Wifi version as 3G is skechy at best, and there are other options for mobile broadband even with the Wifi version.  That being said, here’s my initial thoughts on the device.

The Good

1. Form Factor – There’s no getting around it, using the iPad is bad ass.  It really is.  I love the form factor.  The build quality is outstanding of course.  It feels like a million bucks in your hands.  There’s just something really unique about busting out this device to check your email real quick, or look something up online.  I definitely see myself defaulting to the iPad many times over a traditional laptop for many of the things I do.

2. Media Monster – Music, movies and pictures are a blast on this thing.  It’s a true multimedia device, and an outstanding way to consume media.  I definitely see myself using it a ton to browse photos, manage music and watch movies.

3. Apps – The iTunes App Marketplace goes to another level on this thing.  It’s already money on the iPhone, but even more so now with larger screen real estate.  I can see this being a bonafide gaming device, and there are already some great inexpensive game apps that look amazing on this thing.

4. Battery Life – It’s crazy on this thing.  Easily lasts all day no matter what you are doing with some juice to spare.  Very impressive.

The Bad

1. No USB, Memory Card Reader – I really hate devices that are proprietary and don’t offer any universal plug in options.  I understand Apple is trying to ensure the quality of the user experience, but devices like this really could benefit from some input flexibility.  Now I have to purchase adapters to be able to plug in devices such as cameras or memory card readers.  Ugh.

2. No Multi-Tasking – It’s not an end of the world thing, but c’mon.  iPhone 4 is going to have it, so I’m guessing it’s just a matter of time before this feature hits, but it should have shipped with it.

3. No Camera – This isn’t a huge deal for me as I just wouldn’t see myself taking pictures with something like this, but I would DEFINITELY see myself video chatting.  Seems like another addition that wouldn’t have been difficult to implement.

The bottom line is that I see the iPad as a complimentary device.  Certainly not a laptop replacement, but definitely something I would see many people using quite a bit.  My guess is that I will decrease my traditional laptop usage by at least 50% if not more.  Browsing online, managing email, media consumption are all handled very well by the iPad and much more fun.  If you’re torn on whether to bite, consider just going with the Wifi version and saving a few hundred bucks.  There’s so much Wifi out there these days, I don’t see the value in spending more for the 3G and the monthly charges.

Related posts:

1. The iPhone 4 Review You’ve Been Waiting For!
2. Apple Magic Mouse Review
3. My 9 Favorite iPhone Social Media Apps
4. Mobilize Your WordPress Blog!
5. Dropbox It Like It’s Hot

Back From The Dead: Updates From The Blog Grave

Oh man have I neglected my blog.  No excuses really, just so busy with a variety of things, and I haven’t really thought of any topics that inspired me lately.  Therefore I’ll use this re-awakening as an opportunity to update all those that care (probably like 2 or 3 readers, of which 1 or 2 are probably bots).

New Job

Started a new gig back in March.  I’m a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office.  Fancy way of saying I manage the group of individuals that are professionally certified on the Office platform, and are the community leaders who provide insight, guidance, training, etc.  I’m their point person for the company.  It’s a pretty unique job, and I’m still trying to get my sea legs.  It will be awhile, and it’s certainly put the brakes on quite a bit of my social media involvement.  However I’ve got to get back on that bus, I miss it.

New Idea

I’m always going to be entrepreneurial in nature, and I finally got around to getting started on an idea I’ve had for quite some time.  I just finished reading Crush It, by Gary Vaynerchuk, and while I didn’t learn a ton, it was a bit inspiring, especially reading about his rise to the top.  The key takeaway for me was sticking to the premise of making sure whatever you dedicate your time to, is something you are passionate about.  You can’t fake that.  So I decided to work on launching AdultAthlete.com, a website that will be dedicated for adults who continue to compete in the amateur ranks.  Those that love sport, compete, and live a life of activity.  The site aims to be a place with rich content on a variety of sports, nutrition, equipment, etc., all geared for the 18+ demographic.  Still in the early stages, but I certainly plan to share my journey here as it continues to develop.  Be sure to visit the site for more info, or follow on Twitter and/or Facebook.

Tech Ed 2010 – New Orleans

I’m headed to Microsoft Tech Ed next week in New Orleans.  Never been to this event or the area.  Should be interesting as I don’t consider myself a very “techy” person, coming more from a Marketing background.  Regardless I always love to visit new areas, and I look forward to meeting a new group of people in a different part of the business.  Plus I get to put my video hat back on a help out with some interviews again.  More to share as I’m there next week.

That’s it for now.  I hope to get back on the blogging wagon, and share my insights on social media, community building etc. shortly.  Thanks for anyone that actually has stuck around!

More to come!

Related posts:

1. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!

9 Ways To Get Yourself Unfollowed On Twitter

Oh the wonders and gloriousness of being followed on Twitter!  It’s a tiny gift from the digital world that keeps on giving.  An invitation from those that you’ve never met, to share your deepest, darkest secrets and happenings (I know, sentence fragment, but it’s my blog!).  But careful Twitter lovers, because violate any of these 9 Twitter laws and you’ll find yourself on an unfollow smackdown!

1. Under Tweet – If you don’t provide any value, what good are you?  You’re just Twitter waste and taking up space.  Don’t expect much of a following if you aren’t posting at least 1-2 times a day.  It’s 140 characters people!  It doesn’t get much easier!

2. Over Tweet – Just like under tweeting, too much and you’ll find yourself alone in the Twitterverse.  Nobody cares about your Foursquare checkins and what you ate at The Olive Garden last night.  Simmer down Captain Tweet McTweeterson.

3. Don’t Value Tweet – Striking the right balance on frequency is only part of the game.  Like I said before, most people aren’t interested in knowing that burrito you ate gave you a belly ache.  Provide value by sharing interesting articles and media you find online.  Share a laugh or two.  Save people time by sharing what you find.

4. Don’t Follow Back – If someone deems you follow worthy, shouldn’t they be granted the same courtesy?  This one has proponents on both sides, but with new tools like Tweetdeck, Seesmic and Hootsuite, it’s easier then ever to organize who you follow so no need to be elitist here.  Return the favor.

5. Conversation Tweets – Look, if you really want to have a back and forth conversation, use DM, email or IM.  Don’t clog the streams with things like @name Thanks! or @name That was so funny!.  Nobody else knows what you mean.  It’s OK every once in awhile, but keep it up and you’ll only have each other!

6. Only Tweet Your Stuff – Self promotion is great and expected, but we can only take so much before you become a Me Monster.  Pepper in some useful stuff that doesn’t involve you and people are much more likely to check your stuff out.

7. Auto DM – Now, this one I don’t personally care that much about, but lots of people do.  Nobody wants to get some spammy auto DM from you with an affiliate link to some crappy “how to make a zillion dollars on the web” link.  Be genuine, keep it clean, and save us from your ineffective marketing techniques.

8. Mafia Wars, Farmville, “Enter Crappy Web Game Here” – I don’t want to join your Mafia, I don’t want to build an online farm.  Seriously people, one time is all you get.  After that it’s banishment to unfollow land.

9. Re-tweet Your Tweets – Hey, if no one else did the first time around, chances are they won’t the second time.  We all swing and miss once in awhile, just step back up to the plate and take another cut with something new.

What are some of your Twitter faux pas?

Related posts:

1. 9 Ways Twitter Can Actually Be Useful
2. Twitter Etiquette: Should You Follow Everyone That Follows You?
3. Twitter Auto DM: Just Say No!
4. 5 Ways To Become Social Media Relevant
5. How I Increased My Twitter Following by 45% In One Week

Olive Garden on Facebook: How To Not Use Social Media

UPDATE: It appears this is actually a scam.  The official Olive Garden Facebook Fan Page posted such.  Obviously Olive Garden is not behind this nor supports it.  However rather then pull this blog post, I still think it raises some good points around the importance of social media awareness and protecting your brand.  The bigger culprit here is Facebook for making it so easy to facilitate this sort of thing on their platform.

I was so irritated by my recent experience with Olive Garden on Facebook, that I just had to blog about it.  Upon my most recent daily visit, I came across an offer by Olive Garden to “dine on them this week”.  I’m not a huge fan, but a free meal at a relatively decent restaurant was worth the click through.

Once clicking through, it was clear right away that this wasn’t going to be a simple, “Become a fan”, and you’re entitled to a free meal.  That would be a lot of free meals.  I thought maybe, you would have to get 5 friends or so to fan them, or something to that effect.

Nope.  You see for some crazy reason Olive Garden thought it would be a good idea to partner with your traditional spammy outfit that entices people to sign up for INCREDIBLE offers that seem RISK FREE on the surface.   You see to earn your free $100 Olive Garden gift card, you actually not only have to become a fan, but sign up for multiple offers through this 3rd party company.  It’s very confusing, misleading, and certainly it does not end up being “free”, unless in most cases you cancel these trial memberships.

What an awful way to use social media to build buzz and awareness of your brand.  Really?  Olive Garden thought the best way to promote themselves on Facebook was associate itself with this sort of outfit?  Sure, maybe quite a few people will be esctatic initially (if they actually even get the gift cards), but how pissed are people going to be when they forget to cancel all these services they signed up for?

I know it’s entirely possible that this isn’t an Olive Garden fan page per se, but whoever it is certainly would have had to have Olive Garden’s approval to do such an offer and use their branding.  Regardless, in my opinion, bad move all around.  Even if it’s not an official Olive Garden brand, the fact is, most people will associate the offer with it coming from Olive Garden.

There are plenty of more effective ways to use social media then this, and quite frankly I’m surprised a brand so widely known choose or allowed this path.  Of the many restaurant chains out there, I actually find them to be one of the better ones in terms of quality and service.

Shame on you Olive Garden (Shame on Facebook!).  Even I could have steered you in a more effective direction.

Related posts:

1. Making Dough(nuts): A Real World Example of Using Social Media Effectively
2. 3 Up & Coming Social Media Tactics Every Small Business or Startup Should Consider
3. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!
4. Social Media Friendly Blogging
5. My 9 Favorite iPhone Social Media Apps

Dave Barnes & Matt Wertz: Music & Social Media Done Right

One of my favorite things to see regarding social media is when one of the products, services or things I enjoy use it effectively.  It’s surprisingly rare, but I’m finding more instances of this happening.  None more so then from 2 of my current favorite recording artists, Dave Barnes and Matt Wertz.

I actually found both artists by accident.  I found Dave’s website a few years ago perusing through a web design gallery, and just happened to take a listen to one of his hit songs “Until You”.  I was an instant fan, and after a few weeks then stumbled across Matt’s music through Dave as they are good friends.  Since then I’ve been following them not only musically, but socially.  Both Matt and Dave do a very effective job of using social media and their websites to build their following.  Both have a nice sized Twitter following, and use Twitter fairly proactively.  I find myself learning quite a bit about their musical journeys, and in most cases it’s the main source for late breaking news with their music endeavors.

In addition they use Facebook (but Twitter is where they really shine), and there websites are slick, and full of useful information.  Most recently, both artists have releases that are dropping in the next few weeks, but what’s really cool is how they used their sites and social media to give their followers early access to purchase the album before the official release.  Both Dave and Matt revamped the front page of their sites to offer exclusive special packages with a variety of goodies along with their digital albums.  It was a great way to reward their fans, and I bet it will help give both of them a boost in album sales and buzz prior to their official release.

If you’re an aspiring musician, both Dave and Matt are great examples of how to use social media and the web to become a successful musician.  Be sure to check them out and have a listen.

Dave Barnes (Website, Twitter, Facebook, iTunes)
Matt Wertz (Website, Twitter, Facebook, iTunes)

Related posts:

1. Olive Garden on Facebook: How To Not Use Social Media
2. 3 Up & Coming Social Media Tactics Every Small Business or Startup Should Consider
3. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!
4. My 9 Favorite WordPress Social Media Plugins
5. Social Media Friendly Blogging

Me & Microsoft: Round 2

10 months ago, I had the misfortune of being one of many Microsoft casualties in their rounds of layoffs.  It was a pretty jarring experience losing your job and all.  Especially when the reason you moved across the country was to work for the company.  While I was certainly impacted from a financial perspective along with the worry of what’s next, I actually felt more disappointed that they were letting someone go that had done quite well up to that point and had been a huge advocate for many things Microsoft.  Bottom line, my feelings were hurt.  However, wounds heal.

Now, 10 months later, and what I had predicted the day I walked out has come true.  They would want me back some day.  That day will be March 15th when I start my new role as a Senior MVP Lead for Microsoft Office.  Very much a community management type of role managing the relationships with Microsoft Office MVPs.  It’s an exciting and challenging opportunity that I’m thrilled about.  I always loved working in the halls of Microsoft, and I couldn’t be happier to be aligned with what I can no doubt say is an industry leading product that I love using.  Microsoft certainly has it’s work cut out in many areas, but I do feel like Microsoft Office is and always has been a winner.

A lot of people that were let go were angry, upset, and let their frustrations get in the way for a long time.  If there’s one thing I’ve learned in this whole process, is that it was never personal.  Yes, I think it was a foolish decision really only meant to appease stockholders, because let’s face it, the money never mattered.  But that’s one of the risks of working for a company of that size.  I truly believe that if you work hard, are smart, and treat people well personally and professionally, good things will find there way to you.  My patience and approach paid off for me, and I’m ecstatic to be back.

And to celebrate my new found career, I decided that it was time for me to enjoy my commute a bit more.  So I went and ordered this guy:

New job, new car.  Now I just need a new haircut….oh wait…

Related posts:

1. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!
2. Vanns Community Manager Update: I Turned The Opportunity Down

iPhone 101: How To Sync Gmail Contacts Without Using Exchange

I felt compelled to share how to go about synching your Gmail contacts without burning your allotted ONE Exchange account on the iPhone.  Not entirely sure why this limitation is in place, but for the longest time I simply used Google’s simple instructions to use Exchange to sync my email, calendar and contacts in one simple step.  Works like a charm, and never really had any issues.

But after returning to Corporate America, I quickly found that not being able to check my work email easily on my phone became a pain in the butt since I already was using the Exchange account for my personal stuff.  I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out a way to do both, and today I stumbled across a very simple process to accomplish just this.  Quite simply, there’s an app for that.

Sync In A Blink.  Simply put, this $4.99 app does exactly what it says.  It allows you to sync your Gmail contacts with your iPhone using their simple to use app to do such.  Plenty of options to sync in exactly the way that works for you, and after entering your Gmail credentials, it’s a snap to get your contacts on your phone seamlessly.  By using this program, and CALDAV for my calender sync (see here for how to do just this), I can now simply use the Gmail account adder in the mail setup, and free up my Exchange option for my business email.

Yes, it was $4.99, but it was so simple, I feel sometimes it’s worth a few extra bucks to accomplish what it is you need on your devices.  Should Apple just allow for multiple Exchange accounts on the iPhone?  I think so, but for now, my needs are met.

Related posts:

1. My 9 Favorite iPhone Social Media Apps
2. The iPhone 4 Review You’ve Been Waiting For!
3. What I’ve Learned About Blogging Based On A Year’s Worth Of Data

Social Media Friendly Blogging

Over the past year I’ve learned quite a bit about building traffic and driving awareness of my personal blog.  I haven’t done very well from a search perspective.  There are certainly some improvements I could make that would make my blog a little more search friendly, but I just haven’t made it a priority. 

What I have done well however is utilizing social media.  It’s pretty much the sole source of all my blog traffic, and in my opinion, much more fun to manage.  The following are the steps I’ve taken that I use and have found success in using social media to drive traffic to my blog.

Enable your readers. Make it as easy as possible for your readers to share your content.  Utilize above the fold share buttons like Tweetmeme & Facebook Share.  Also add more robust sharing options below the fold.  My personal fav is the Sexy Bookmarks plugin for WordPress.

Write effectively. Most people are not interested in reading long winded blog posts.  Getting to the point quickly and concisely is the way to go.  Even better is using lists.  Anything that allows people to scan and move through your blog posts effectively makes for a better read.

Titles are everything. When you share your blog posts on social media channels, in most cases you have one chance to entice someone to actually click through.  Your title is the key.  Be clever and descriptive, and once again, lists have a much higher click thru rate.

Share Share Share! It goes without saying that after you post, to share your content everywhere.  Don’t just stop with Twitter or Facebook.  Linked In Groups are a great way to drive additional traffic, and don’t forget secondary channels like Reddit, Digg and Stumbleupon.  It only takes a few extra clicks on your part for the extra eyeballs.

Be vain. It’s OK to toot your own horn on your blog, within reason of course.  If you begin to build a nice following on Twitter or with your RSS subscribers, let your readers know.  By displaying your following, you build instant credibility, and your new visitors will be more likely to want to stick around and come back for more.

Eye catching image. While it may not seem very important, I’ve found that associating a relevant, eye catching image to my blog posts go a long way towards driving more people to my posts.  Not all channels use a preview image, but ones such as Facebook and Digg do, and if you choose smart, they can contribute to higher click-thrus.

I’ve found all of the above to help contribute to growing my blog’s readership and traffic.  I’d love to hear what has worked for you.

Related posts:

1. What I’ve Learned About Blogging Based On A Year’s Worth Of Data
2. My 9 Favorite WordPress Social Media Plugins
3. 5 Ways To Become Social Media Relevant
4. Olive Garden on Facebook: How To Not Use Social Media
5. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!

My 9 Favorite iPhone Social Media Apps

As if spending countless hours on the computer with social media wasn’t enough, there’s a quite a few excellent apps out there that help you manage, monitor and communicate through your social media channels on the go. While some of these are quite obvious, perhaps a few in here are new to you. Regardless, here are my 9 favorite social media iPhone apps.

1. Facebook – Really if you don’t have this one on your phone, you really aren’t interested in this article to begin with right?

2. LinkedIn – Their first version was pretty lame, but the most recent update brings the app into usable form.

3. Tweetie 2 – In my opinion, the crown jewel of Twitter iPhone apps. Slick interface, easy to use, and a front pager for me.

4. Meebo – Recently launched, a free IM client that is terrific. Works like a charm, and practically supports every IM client there is including Facebook.

5. Yelp – Perhaps a social media reach, but the fact is, Yelp has many social media aspects to their site, and I use this app quite a bit. My fav app to find everything on the go, and read reviews from the community.

6. WordPress – Again, another example of the 2nd version of the app breaking through.  I don’t really blog with the app, but monitoring comments is very useful on the fly.

7. Mashable – Recently just launched, a slick little app to stay on top of social media and technology stories quickly and easily.

8. Byline – There are quite a few RSS iPhone apps, but I’ve found Byline to fill my needs quite nicely.  Synchs with Google Reader seamlessly, and I can easily stay up to date on my fav blogs.

9. Ustream Live Broadcaster – Maybe not for everyone, but it’s still pretty amazing to be able to stream live video straight from your phone…for free!

_____________________________________________________________________________

If you are planning to take on ccna voice exam then join testking ccna online training for guaranteed success on time plus also practice for a+ certification exam.

Related posts:

1. My 9 Favorite WordPress Social Media Plugins
2. 9 Great Social Media, Digital Marketing & Productivity Tools
3. The Office For Mac Social Media Extravaganza!
4. Dave Barnes & Matt Wertz: Music & Social Media Done Right
5. 3 Up & Coming Social Media Tactics Every Small Business or Startup Should Consider