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wannacry ransomware

As you have probably heard, there is a new, very malicious ransomware out called “WannaCry”

If your computer has a Microsoft version less than Windows 10 – you are vulnerable to attack!
This includes:
Windows 8 if the updates are not installed
Windows 7 if the updates are not installed
Windows Vista
Windows XP
There will be variant in this RansomWare so it is important to stay current.

Immediate actions you should take:
1. Install Security patch from Microsoft.– Type “Update” in the Windows search box near the Windows/Start button and follow instructions to check for and install updates.  These updates will close the vulnerabilities in Windows.
2.  Refresh and/or update current Anti-Virus software. If you don’t have any security, start a new program. Even if it is just a trial version for now.  I use and recommend that you try Malwarebytes: https://www.malwarebytes.com/
3. Be wary of any link sent in an email! Ransomware is spread by phishing emails and malicious adverts on websites, questionable apps, and programs.
4. Back up your machine.
5. If you are prompted to pay a ransom for any reason, DO NOT pay it!!!

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By Julie Frenis
Yes, Content is Still King

Karen Vujnovic of Manta wrote a short post today highlighting that “All Hail Content, It’s Still King” –

Although the post was a teaser and lacked any real actionable information, It did cause me to nod my head in “yup, content has always been king”

Is it difficult to implement? Not at all. When you think about it, If a customer is searching for the things that your business excels at, and you have that answer on your website,

you are very likely to be served up near the top of the results that Google delivers.

The more specific the content on your site, the higher you will rank. For example, if a customer queries, “local bakery” sure a bunch of local bakeries will show up with a bunch of ads to boot. But, it a customer queries ” I’m looking for biscotti,” and you have a page dedicated to biscotti, Who do you think will rank better.

With the move of search engines toward semantic search, great content is even more critical.

If you would like to know more, give us a call. We are happy to talk with you.

 

Richard A Marti Jr.

 

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By Richard A. Marti Jr.
Adding or changing the email address associated with your Facebook account

Here is a short video explaining how to change your email address on your Facebook account.

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By Richard A. Marti Jr.
Why Social Media?

Social Media is just for people sharing pictures of their kittens right? Well Ok, that does happen but there is an important difference in conversations today than any time in the past. Today, a large percentage of conversations are now conducted in public. Some of those conversation are about you.

A few things to consider about this.

  1. Are you listening to what is being said?
  2. Are you correcting false information and spreading the good conversations? Are you engaging?
  3. Are you using social media to spread good press?
  4. Are you occasionally sharing any special offers?

Another consideration. Are you using social media advertising to deliver messages to the highly targeted audience? For example, are you trying to reach brides? Well, Facebook knows who recently got engaged. That’s pretty targeted. There is one other factor to remember. People who play in social media also have easy ways to share your content. That’s kind of hard to do with a billboard!

Is social media and important component in your marketing mix? Absolutely. You would not think about allowing a phone call to go unanswered in your business. Would you consider allowing customers to hear crickets when they ask questions or leave comments online where everyone they know can read them?

One more thought to ponder. We all know that marketing is more a dialog between consumer needs and our product or service offerings than advertising which is a vehicle to deliver messages. Social channels allow us to have direct feedback from our customers allowing us to better serve their needs.

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By Richard A. Marti Jr.