Voice assistants move into the home
Smart speakers will be among many holiday gifts this year. When a speaker answers on a business's behalf, the business listing becomes its voice.
By Robert ScalesBlog · 2016
10 posts published in 2016.
Photo and video workflows for dive centres (and any small business)
The best photo of the week has no value while it remains on an SD card in a drybag. A simple workflow from the camera to the guest's inbox to Instagram.
By Robert ScalesSmall business management: running the numbers weekly
Five numbers, every Monday, on one sheet. A weekly review for a young seasonal business, and why we recommend the same approach for any small business.
By Robert ScalesPenguin goes real-time
Google has integrated Penguin into its core algorithm. Sites no longer wait two years for a refresh, and large site-wide penalties are likely to become rare.
By Robert ScalesInstagram Stories changes the daily post
Instagram has adopted Snapchat's format, and it may allow small businesses to post more informally again. Our observations after three weeks of Stories.
By Robert ScalesContent marketing for conservation, without the preaching
A beach cleanup photo can read as a lecture or as an invitation. How to tell conservation stories that people actually read and share.
By Robert ScalesChatbots on Messenger: first impressions
Facebook opened Messenger to bots last month. A bot can answer "what time do you open?" but not "is it safe for my child?" That difference matters.
By Robert ScalesLet's Encrypt and free HTTPS for small sites
Free SSL certificates are no longer a beta experiment. Switching to HTTPS is now straightforward, provided one frequently overlooked step is handled: mixed content.
By Robert ScalesAccessibility basics for small business websites
Grey text, unlabelled forms and phone numbers embedded in images are common barriers. The accessibility fixes a small site can make in an afternoon, and why they help every visitor.
By Robert ScalesAMP and the need for speed
Many business owners are asking whether they need AMP. For most small business sites, the answer lies in lighter images, a lighter theme and consistent measurement.
By Robert ScalesYour business deserves to be found.
Tell us about your project. We answer in English or French, and we travel anywhere in the MRC de Papineau.