Episodes
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Guest: Shawn Hooper
What He Does: Shawn has worked as a computer programmer for most of his life, and is currently the Director of IT for Actionable Books â His job entails developing all of the internal tools for their staff. He is also a WordPress core contributor.
Ponderance: How do SSL certificates and HTTPS help to secure websites?
Find him online: shawnhooper.ca
In todayâs episode, Shawn joins Avery to talk about issues of HTTPS and SSL Certification. During this discussion, Shawn explains some of the technicalities of these things, and puts them in a practical framework that listeners can apply to their own websites.
Key Takeaways:
[2:50] SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer â this is actually an old protocol, and the new one is called Transport Layer Security, or TLS. SSL/TLS are cryptographic protocols that ensure that the data between your computer, and the computer that youâre getting data from, is encrypted for both sources.
[4:50] HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol. This protocol is the standard that defines how a web browser and a web server exchange data. This covers permissions to request a page, how the server responds to that request, and how it handles errors. It requires an additional layer of security, so itâs HTTP over SSL.
[6:30] In your web browser, when you look at the address bar, if it is secure you will see a little padlock. This means you are using https and the connection between you and the site is secure. The URL will also start with https, rather than http.
[7:55] Web browsers are starting to call the attention of website owners and the visitors to websites to being more aware of security and to enable https to the websites we visit. The ânot secure noticeâ shows up on pages where there is a form that requires a password or perhaps credit card information that is not secured with HTTPS.
[10:05] Another type of warning could come on a page that is HTTPS, but isnât fully secure. This is a sign of a broken implementation â it might be represented by a broken padlock or an i with a circle around it.
[11:54] In addition to security, the biggest benefit of switching to HTTPS and having a secure site will help increase the trust between your customers and you. If they trust you, they are more likely to interact with the site much more easily. In some cases, having a SSL/HTTPS encrypted website is a requirement. This is required if you accept credit card data. Google will also give a slight increase in ranking to sites that are HTTPS.
[14:05] To implement SSL/HTTPS, you need buy a certificate that will act as a âhandshakeâ between your computer and the web server. This certificate identifies your server as being you, and allows your visitorsâ browsers to recognize your website. There are three different types of certificates available: 1) domain-validated certificate, 2) organization-validated certificate, and 3) extended-validation certificate. From a technical standpoint from what they do, they all encrypt the same way. It is from a trust standpoint where they differ.
[18:23] In terms of cost, you could get a domain-validated certificate for free. An organization called Letâs Encrypt offers free SSL certificates. Many web-hosting companies are building Letâs Encrypt right into their web offerings. A certificate from Letâs Encrypt expires after 90 days, rather than a year like most other SSL certificates, but it can be auto-renewed. This option is a great solution for those who want a little boost of trust but donât necessarily need the higher-end validation of who you are.
[20:48] If your web host doesnât support Letâs Encrypt, you can get domain-validated certificates from a certificate authority for a couple of dollars a year. The other two types of certificates are more expensive.
[22:19] Some factors that might affect the cost of your certificates: A wildcard certificate will allow you to secure a domain name and all of its host names in a single certificate. There is usually a premium that may increase the price. Along with this, Shawn and Avery discuss the probability of websites not using the âwww.â domains.
[25:20] As a non-technical person, should you reach out for technical help or can you do this? Shawn recommends contacting tech support for your web host or your web developer and see what the process is to determine whatâs the best way to proceed.
[26:13] Shawn talks through the process of putting an SSL Certificate on your website. A CSR (certificate signing request) is created by the web server that identifies it as the web server. This is submitted to the certificate authority, and you get a certificate that matches the CSR. Then these have to be connected together.
[27:51] Once you set up the certificate, your website should be encrypted. To make sure, you can go to your HTTP website and see if itâs being redirected to the secure HTTPS version. You may have to change a setting to ensure your website is running the HTTPS. If you are still getting warnings, an element on the page may not be being transmitting using HTTPS. To be considered fully secure, each element must be changed to HTTPS. Shawn and Avery discuss some different situations of what could be causing mixed content warning.
[33:30] Practical tips: Get in touch with your hosting company and try and get them to put the SSL certificate on your website for you. If you still getting the mixed content warning, then you may need to bring in a web professional.
[36:14] It is important to make sure that we are doing as much as we possibly can to be secure on our computers and on our websites, and this level of encryption is just one extra step for your protection. It is much easier now than it was in the past.
Episode Highlights:
Term Definitions: SSL and TLS
Term Definitions: HTTPS
URLs in specific Web Browsers
Notices of Security
Pros of switching websites to HTTPS
How to Implement SSL and https to your website
Purchasing an SSL Certificate
Three types of certificates
Price of certificates
Resources for Obtaining Certificates
Process of putting a SSL certificate on your website
Mixed Content Warnings
Resources:
Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1
Actionable Books
Letâs Encrypt
SSLs.com
Camp Tech Website
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Email marketing gets a little bit of a bad rap â people tend to forget about it because itâs old. Thereâs a lot of data out there that shows that it consistently works for many businesses and different types of organizations, including business-to-consumer and business-to-business. In this episode, Avery talks about some of her favorite aspects of and quick tips for email marketing, and what benefits this form of digital marketing can have for businesses. Email is one of the only forms of digital marketing that goes direct to the target audience, and is very affordable compared to other digital marketing channels. Listen today to hear all about email marketing!
Key Takeaways:
[5:37] Following the introduction about some of the positive aspects of email marketing, Avery shared her quick tips for listeners. The first tip is to think about all the ways you can capture email addresses â getting a lot of email addresses is a really powerful way to market to a large number of people. Think beyond the signup form on your website; give your customers information about what they will get if they sign up for your email newsletter.
[7:53] To get other people who arenât on your website interested, you may consider running a social media contest. In addition to this, Averyâs number one favorite way to get email addresses is to think of different ways you could potentially get that information from someone in person. You can set up a tablet with your email subscription sign up at a convenient place for your customers.
[11:53] When preparing to do your email marketing campaign, think about it as if someone is opening it on their smartphone first. Some hot and fast design tips for mobile: 1) Make sure youâre using an email program that can handle a different mobile design than the desktop or laptop email design.
[15:09] 2) Do more than just send out one marketing message to your entire marketing list. The best way to do targeted campaigns is to segment your email list. Get creative in the ways you could segment your list to reach more of your customers on a personal level.
[20:26] The final tip for today is: 3) If you are using an email marketing solution, many of them have reporting tools that are built in. You can look at these reports to see how different email campaigns performed. Look at things that could inform your next email campaign â where were the links clicked in the email? What was the best time and day of the week to send emails?
[23:00] If your email marketing solution allows you to do some AB testing before you send out a giant campaign, take advantage! You could test things like different subject lines, times and days of the week, or the content inside the message. You need to think about how all of the different parts of digital marketing play together, so you have a cohesive strategy for your business.
Episode Highlights:
Different Ways to Get Email Addresses
Email Marketing Campaigns
Mobile-First Thinking
Design Tips for Mobile-First
Targeted Campaigns/Segmented Email Lists
Reporting Tools
AB Testing
Resources:
Hover.com/camptechpodcast
MailChimp
Camp Tech Website
Really Good Emails
MailChimpâs Email Design Guide
Mobile Email Design Cheatsheet
The Modern Guidebook to Email Marketing
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With no guest joining Avery on this episode, she takes the time to talk about a very important subject â digital security. In todayâs show, she shares practical advice that anyone can use in a more convenience-based lifestyle. She covers everything from things to watch out for, to how differences devices might be affected, as well as sharing some tips and resources to improve your digital security practices.
Key Takeaways:
[2:05] Many small businesses donât always have their own dedicated IT department; in addition to installing software and getting email set-up, they also have to worry about security. There are things that could go wrong, and itâs important to have your security properly configured, to protect yourself and your information.
[4:31] The number one threat seems to be people getting Malware. Malware is an umbrella term that covers all sorts of bad things that could happen to your computer. This might happen if someone is trying to control your computer, or trying to spread something else around. People are also getting into the âMalware sceneâ for money (Ransomware). The average ransom demand is $649, and 43% of Ransomware victims are employees within organizations.
[8:29] Digital security should be practiced daily; it should become a habit just as your physical safety is.
[9:27] Setup: computers, smartphones, websites. Websites have security issues, and if you are the owner of a website, you need to make sure youâre thinking about security for your website. For computers, Macs tend to be a little more secure than PCâs, but they are still susceptible to viruses, etc. Owners of both computers need to configure their computers correctly. As with computers, if you have a smartphone there are safety and security vulnerabilities (Android phones more so than iPhones or other iOS devices).
[11:53] Once you have things setup, it will become a day-to-day practice of digital security. The two biggest vulnerabilities of digital security today are phishing emails and data breaches.
[12:36] Phishing emails are spam emails that come in, but they are getting much better. They may look like theyâre coming from people or a company you know, and the messages are starting to look legitimate and professional. If you follow the links provided, your computer may get infected with a virus, or you might be tricked into sharing some kind of secure information you wouldnât want to share. Be very careful when youâre checking your email â check out the link destinations and the file names to discern legitimacy before you click it.
[15:27] With so many digital accounts, it is (unfortunately) highly possible that platforms will have a data breach. Password management â and having a different password for different logins â is very important. If, for some reason, your password gets shared in a data breach, and you only have one password, someone could easily access several of your accounts with one password. Avery suggests using a password manager.
[20:51] Keep everything updated, especially on your phone. Updating the apps and the operating system on your phone is one of the number one ways to block security vulnerabilities. Many times when there is an update, it is for a security patch.
[21:54] If you use your phone to message people, some messaging apps arenât totally secure. The most secure app Avery recommends is Signal, which offers end-to-end encryption.
[23:30] If a program offers you two-step authentication, use it! This system allows you to log in with your password, and then provides a second verification on another device before logging you in.
[24:42] VPN: Virtual Private Network. A VPN makes sure that whatever youâre doing online is encrypted. Whenever youâre on an open wifi source, you definitely need to turn on a VPN. They should work on any number of devices.
[26:52] Anti-virus software is generally not very effective â itâs not fast enough to keep up, and it can give you a false sense of security. Avery doesnât recommend running anti-virus software, but rather encourages best practices of digital security on a routine basis. This includes blocking advertisements from your web browser.
[29:43] Avery talks about security of email â they are about as secure as sending a postcard in the mail. Be very careful about the amount and type of information you are sending or attaching into an email. Good alternatives to email: fax machine, cloud-computing solutions, or a unique sharing tool: One Time Secret.
Episode Highlights:
Digital Security
Malware
Ransomware
Setup: Computers, Smart Phones, Websites
Phishing
Data Breaches
Password Management
Updating Operating Systems
Secure messaging
Two-Step Authentication
Virtual Private Networks
Anti-Virus Software
Malvertisements
Email Security
Resources:
Episode 1 with Shawn Hooper
Decent Security
LastPass
WhatsApp
Facebook Messenger
Signal
Tunnel Bear
One-Time Secret
Averyâs security article for the Globe and Mail
Averyâs security and privacy article for Chatelaine Magazine
camptech.ca
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In this episode, Avery and Dani talk about what sort of developments are happening today on various social media platforms, and how small businesses might use some of these developments in their business.
Key Takeaways:
[3:10] Dani discusses some of what is going on in todayâs social media. âDark socialâ refers to the concept that 80% of all sharing that happens on social media/text/email is hard to get readings on because of how people are sharing the information. Analytics can get tricky to track.
[5:40] How does this work with their clients? It is perhaps more imperative for larger companies, but smaller companies (most of Daniâs work) use Google analytics. Now they link the direct traffic back to social sharing and focus more on âclicksâ â this inflates analytics.
[7:47] What else is going on in the social media world? Instagram stories and Facebook My Day â posting a photo or video that will only be there for 24 hours. Both of these avenues offer a different, more casual way, to share information.
[12:02] Facebook My Day is in the Facebook Messenger App and is similar to the idea of Instagram stories, but is only available for profiles, not businesses. Eventually maybe there will be a My Day button for Facebook pages that would allow more access for everyone on Facebook. Avery and Dani also talk about Chatbots and how they are being utilized.
[17:25] Avery and Dani talk about Facebook as a staple in social media â itâs undergone many changes, but one of the keys to their success is that theyâre always integrating the newest possible technology.
[19:04] What do these changes in technology entail for businesses? The more developed technology gives businesses an opportunity for in-the-moment representations of who they are as a company and how they want to present themselves to consumers.
[20:07] Discussion about Snapchat (Snap) and some of their recent developments and the evolution of the app. It is a little harder to grow your followers on Snapchat versus some of the other social media platforms.
[23:20] Businesses and Snapchat: Dani tends to direct her clients away from Snapchat and focus more on things like Instagram stories. For now, the focus should be on the tools they can use well and the ones that are going to work for them. Dani also speaks to the fact that technology and social media is always changing, and who knows what weâll be using ten years from now?
Episode Highlights:
Dark Social
Analytics
Facebook My Day
Instagram stories
Facebook Messenger
Chatbots
Yuval Noah Harariâs books: Sapiens and Homo Deus
AI â Artificial Intelligence
Snapchat
Snap Spectacles
Businesses and social media platforms
Changing social media
Resources:
Hover.com/camptechpodcast
Episode 9 of Camp Tech
Dani G Inc
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind
Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow
The Globe and Mail Small Business Summit
Camptech.ca
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Guest: Brock Murray
What He Does: Brock works as a digital marketing specialist, and the co-founder of seoplus+, focusing on generating sales and leads for small and medium businesses. Additionally, he works as an instructor for Camp Tech.
Ponderance: How can small, local business improve their rankings on a Google search?
Find him online: seoplus.ca
In this episode, Brock and Avery discuss several different ways small business owners can work to improve their rankings on search engine websites. They cover everything from polishing your website, getting reviews, connecting with local businesses, and optimizing your social media presence. Tune in today!
Key Takeaways:
[2:16] Responding to a piece of listener mail: What is the most cost efficient way to improve your ranking on a Google search, if you have a specialized, local-area business?
[3:11] Brock follows an approach for local SEO: invest in your website to make it optimized correctly and mobile-friendly, focus on the content of your website, get links from other websites, and get connected with Google My Business.
[7:51] An important piece for the local aspect is Google My Business. This profile is linked to your businessâs physical location, and once your profile is verified, you have the opportunity to show up in local business searches.
[10:27] For local SEO, getting good reviews on major sites is critical. You will drive more business when people see that youâre getting good reviews. As a business owner, a very simple way is ask your customers to leave a review, and guide them to where they can leave them.
[14:30] Another big part of local SEO is being in local directories â websites that list local business, like Yelp or FourSquare, will complement your SEO strategy and help your business rank better as well.
[17:07] Avery and Brock talk about the importance of your social strategy, and how it, too, can complement your SEO strategy. Being intentional about which social network you want to target is important for driving your business. Getting connected with other local businesses on social media can also enhance your SEO growth.
Episode Highlights:
Process for approaching local SEO
Building good content for your website
Get linked locally - Google My Business
The power of Google reviews
Encouraging customers to leave reviews
Local directories
Managing your social profile
Getting connected with other local businesses
Resources:
Camp Tech Episode 8 â Remarketing Digital Ads
Help A Reporter Out
Google My Business
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Guests: Jordan Deutsch and Trudy MacNabb
What They Do: They run a development-focused agency called Up At Five, and work predominately on web applications.
Ponderance: What tips can they share on how to approach an app project?
Find them online: upatfive.ca
Description: On todayâs episode, Avery meets with Jordan and Trudy of Up At Five, a digital studio focused on data-driven web applications. They cover everything from what it means to build one, what it might cost, and what kinds of considerations one should have as they plan to develop and produce a web application.
Key Takeaways:
[3:44] Avery, Jordan, and Trudy cover exactly what a web app is, and how it differs from an app on your phone or a website. Unlike phone apps, web apps are âoperating system agnostic,â so you can run it through any browser, and it also allows for more user interaction.
[6:18] Native applications â some web apps can be adapted to utilize special features of certain devices or operating systems.
[9:39] Listener mail from Orrest: He found that the existing accounting websites, while they work for general businesses, he is looking for something that will support the needs of a specific industry. He wants to know what it takes to build a working model, and what steps or procedures are needed to develop such a site.
[11:48] Assuming the listener was trying to develop a web app, where would one even start? Understanding the features that will differentiate you from other products on the market is very important in developing something new.
[12:42] What is the process like to work with the Up At Five team on a project? Typically they start with an exploratory phase that considers expertise from the industry, as well careful consideration of what good things current programs have, and what things you think could be added or improved.
[14:26] Once high-level features have been nailed down, they go through a wire-framing process. This includes what a user flow would look like, and more finite detail about how the application will store and process information.
[16:04] They discuss the role of user testing in the development process, as well as the benefits of user testing. Not everyone is going to use a product in the same way, and itâs important to consider the widest variety of people in your user group. Synthesizing the feedback from different users helps to shed light on strengths and weaknesses.
[19:26] How much does a startup project for web apps cost? Jordan and Trudy recommend a website (see below) that allows you to enter the information for your project to get an idea of how much your idea might cost.
[22:06] They discuss long-term maintenance of web apps, in order to keep them current from both a content side and a technical side. It would be ideal to have someone technical, either in house or readily available.
[25:49] Make sure to leave time and money for the promotion of your product!
[26:14] What tips do the girls have for someone who wants to start a web app, in terms of working with a professional? Donât be afraid to ask questions or bring up new ideas! There are a lot of exciting stories of success to use for inspiration!
Episode Highlights:
What is a web app?
Difference between web app, phone apps, and websites
Benefits of web apps
Process of creation of a technical project
Role of user testing
Cost of starting a web app
Long-term maintenance of a web app
Resources:
Up At Five Website
Howmuchdoesawebsiteco.st
Show Notes
Camp Tech Website
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Today Avery talks about the digital tools Camp Tech uses to keep their business running. She dives into some of the âtiny but totally necessaryâ tools they use on a day-to-day basis at Camp Tech. If youâre a small business owner, tune in today to hear what they use these different tools for, how much they may cost for your business, and how you can begin incorporating them. See the âResourcesâ below for a comprehensive list, with links to each product.
Key Takeaways:
[1:40] Averyâs take on tools: follow a general principle of using what was most appropriate for them at the time. A small business could very easily grow with a tool or outgrow a certain tool. This evolution is okay!
[2:10] Avery talks about different communication tools, and how they use each at Camp Tech. These make it easy for the management team to discuss a wide range of things, despite being in different working locations.
[4:42] Avery talks about the programs they use to conduct customer service and communicate with their client base.
[6:22] How do they talk to their team around the country? Avery covers everything from how they video chat to conference calls.
[7:30] Avery shares how they run the telephone system at Camp Tech; not only the business tools they use, but their process as well.
[9:41] Avery talks about how they handle email correspondence, specifically between Camp Tech and their customers, rather than between the Camp Tech team.
[10:39] Avery talks about the different website tools they use. Since they also have to sell tickets to their workshops as part of their business, she goes into more detail about Shopify and its supporting apps.
[13:06] Avery talks about the tool they use to track their monthly expenses at Camp Tech, and the small challenges that theyâve had to overcome with this program (and how!).
[17:40] What marketing tools do they use at Camp Tech? The programs they use are primarily used for day-to-day business and well as sending out newsletters.
[19:41] Avery talks about how they use social media at Camp Tech, and some of the programs they use to organize their social media marketing.
[21:06] What tools do they use day-to-day to keep them going? The tools they use allow for to-do lists, as well as measuring productivity by tracking time.
Episode Highlights:
Communication Tools between teams
Communication between you and your customers
Telephone Systems
Email correspondence
Admin Finance Tools
Marketing Tools
Social Media Tools
Productivity Tools
Resources:
Camptech.ca
Basecamp
Slack
G Suite
Help Scout
Skype
Google Hangout
UberConference
Dialpad
Boomerang for Gmail
Hover
Bitly
Episode 15
Shopify and Evey
FreshBooks
QuickBooks
PaymentEvolution
Square
MailChimp
Office 365
Adobe Creative Cloud
Canva
Feedly
Episode 14
Hootsuite
Todoist
Harvest
Email [email protected] to ask questions!
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In this episode, Avery takes questions from Camp Tech listeners. Todayâs episode focuses on long-term data storage, specifically for personal data files. She discusses the different options for data storage, considers monetary value, as well as tips to help keep your files protected in storage.
Key Takeaways:
[1:48] Question for Avery: What do you recommend for long term data storage? What is the best way to store things like photos that you want future generations to access? What stable options exist, if any?
[2:51] This episode focuses on personal data back-ups, but it is encouraged to backup your website, as well, if that is part of your business. In addition, if your data is very sensitive, and security is paramount, you may seek further advice from an IT company.
[5:09] Things that will be covered: taking the time to backup your files, where to back them up, backing up from multiple sources, security, cost and value for this project, and ensuring you can access your files where and when you need to, as well as what file format.
[7:30] Two biggest options for back-ups: the first is a physical media, such as a USB stick or an external hard drive. While these usually only require an upfront cost, you may need to consider how technology is changing and whether you will be able to access your files with these devices.
[10:25] Another thing to consider with physical backups is the fact that they could also crash or could be stolen or damaged in an incident. They are relatively inexpensive and do last a while.
[12:02] The second option is cloud storage, or internet storage. The files you back up from your computer are copied to a computer in a remote location. There are free and paid options for cloud storage, as well as options that allow a certain amount of storage for free before you have to start paying.
[14:02] Pros of cloud storage: it is off-site, so the potential of damaging incidents is decreased, and these companies are also making backups of their backups. Additionally, once the files are backed up, they are accessible pretty much anywhere.
[15:29] Two biggest downsides to cloud storage: 1) It is usually a recurring fee, and might end up being more than buying an external drive, though the cost is coming down. 2) Security is extremely important â you really need a strong password and use of multiple passwords for different services.
[18:29] Avery shares some personal instances of backup solutions that have been successful in the past.
[20:45] One of the big concerns about cloud storage is if you have all your information backed up to the same place, what happens if something happens to that solution? Avery is a fan of multiple backups, and uses a multi-tiered backup solution: an external drive, a redundant external drive, as well as cloud storage.
[23:25] In many cases of the cloud storage, your apps will automatically sync to the cloud storage, so as you update, your backup files are also being updated.
[25:13] If you are looking to just get started now, the cloud is Averyâs suggestion for the way to go. There are many benefits to using this solution and is very accessible for many people. Once you take the time to do an initial backup, it should get easier and easier to do each time. The initial backup is also a great time to go through and decide what files are most important, and which ones you definitely want to keep.
Mentioned in This Episode:
Hover
Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1 with Shawn Hooper
Solutions for Cloud Storage: iCloud, GoogleDrive, AmazonDrive, Dropbox, BackBlaze, Mozy, Microsoft Cloud
Password Storage App: LastPass
Reply All Podcast: Episode 71
Listener Mail: send e-mails to [email protected]
Summary: In this episode, Avery takes questions from Camp Tech listeners. Todayâs episode focuses on long-term data storage, specifically for personal data files. She discusses the different options for data storage, considers monetary value, as well as tips to help keep your files protected in storage.
Episode Highlights:
â Making the time to backup your files
â Two main options for where/how to backup your files
â Pros and cons of physical storage
â Pros and cons of cloud storage
â Cost and value for each type of storage
â Security in regards to cloud storage
Resources:
â Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)
â Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1
â Solutions for Cloud Storage: iCloud, GoogleDrive, AmazonDrive, Dropbox, BackBlaze, Mozy, Microsoft Cloud
â Password Storage App: LastPass
â Reply All Podcast: Episode 71
â Email questions for a future episode! Send them to [email protected]
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I decided to switch things up this episode and forgo having a guest. Instead, I briefly discuss how to set up a vanity e-mail and how to create branded short domains. These are great things to know about for both personal and professional reasons. Once you know how to set these up, you can also help friends and relatives do the same; itâs that easy!
Episode Highlights:
How to create a vanity e-mail address Picking a memorable domain name Changing DNS settings Hooking up your mail server to the domain name Branded short domains Picking a short domain Changing your A RecordResources:
Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)
Follow Camp Tech on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Googleâs G Suite
The MX records for Googleâs G Suite
How to setup a custom branded short domain with Bitly
Email us your questions for a future episode! Send them to [email protected]
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On todayâs episode, fellow Camp Tech colleague Tara Wilkins and I discuss digital marketing for small businesses. Since small businesses are often operating on a shoestring marketing budget, Tara talks about techniques and strategies to increase brand awareness without breaking the bank. We also get into ways the success of a marketing campaign can be measured.
Tara got her start in fashion, but became a volunteer at Camp Tech in order to pivot her career towards digital marketing. Her plan worked and now she is Camp Techâs Marketing and Admin Manager. Tara also teaches a course about digital marketing on a tight budget. During this podcast, she shares her learned expertise about marketing strategies. This is a great episode, especially if you are a small business owner looking for marketing tips and tricks.
Episode Highlights:
Taraâs professional journey The marketing challenges small businesses face The importance of having a plan What a small business marketing plan might look like How to measure the effectiveness of a marketing strategy Creating brand awareness When to hire a professionalResources:
Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)
Follow Tara on Twitter
Follow Camp Tech on Twitter
Follow Avery on Twitter
Brock Murrayâs Camp Tech podcast episode
Feedly.com
Smartinsight.com
Traction book by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares
Email us your questions for a future episode! Send them to [email protected]
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On today's episode, my guest and I discuss the often overlooked issue of website accessibility. Returning guest Linn Oyen Farley is a Web Developer and Designer, who is not only a fellow Camp Tech instructor, but also someone with whom Iâve created websites.
Accessibility is an issue that can be overlooked when developing websites. Linn and I explain what web accessibility is, the technology that increases accessibility, and where that technology is headed in the future. If you are developing a website, it is always important to consider how different types of people will be able to access your content. Listen in as we explain accessibility and some strategies for making the web open to all.
Episode Highlights:
What does âAccessibilityâ mean in terms of the web? Barriers to accessing online content Technology that enables accessibility The parties responsible for making the web more accessible Legislation of accessibility Ways to detect potential accessibility issues on your website Screen Reader tips Design considerations for accessibility Accessibility Plug-ins Questions to ask during website developmentResources:
Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)
Worker Bee
Linn's website
Linn on Twitter
Camp Tech on Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Stats on People with Disabilities in Ontario
Ontario's (Canada) AODA Website Accessibility regulations
Section 508 Standards (USA)
Section 508 (USA) Quick Reference
WebAIM's Wave Website Accessibilty Checker
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Guidelines
WCAG Quick Reference
Color Oracle
Web Accessibility Initiative
How People With Disabilities Use the Web
Google's Annoucement About Intrusive Pop-Ups on Mobile Websites
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Today, I sit down with Dara Skolnick, a Web Developer and Designer. We discuss everything from the definitions of each job to how to communicate effectively with them (especially if you are not technically savvy).
Dara is unique in that she is both a developer and a designer. This rare combination has allowed her to open her own business, which has been running smoothly for the past three years. She has a fresh perspective on how to deal with both clients, developers, and designers. Listen in as we get into the meatier issues of website creation.
Episode Highlights:
Difference between a Web Developer and Web Designer Being an effective communicator The easiest websites to make The technical aspects of building sites Important questions to ask Web Developers and Designers Things to consider when hiring Developers and Designers How to get the most out of your relationship with Developers and Designers How developer culture has improvedResources:
Daraâs Website
Dara on Twitter
Camp Tech on Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Website Accessibility Test
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On todayâs episode, I get to chat with Leslie Hughes, LinkedIn aficionado, about the best ways to use the networking site. LinkedIn is a great way to market yourself and expand your professional circle. Leslie explains ways to boost your visibility and amp up your profile.
Leslie Hughes is not only a LinkedIn expert and instructor at Camp Tech, she is also a Principal at Punch! Media, where she works as a strategist. As if this werenât enough, she is also a part-time Professor of Social Media. Join us as Leslie explains this often-misunderstood professional networking site.
Episode Highlights:
The three key areas of your LinkedIn profile on which to focus Considering your âsearchabilityâ on LinkedIn Taking advantage of the free month of premium services Building professional relationships The etiquette of âconnectingâ with other people on LinkedIn The fear of others poaching staff members and connections Using the blog feature in LinkedIn The best qualities of LinkedInResources:
LinkedIn
Leslie on LinkedIn
Leslie on Twitter
Camp Tech Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Punch!Media
Simon Sinekâs âHow Great Leaders Inspire Actionâ Talk
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On todayâs episode I get a chance to speak with Spencer Callaghan, a writer and digital content strategist. He lets me know what makes killer web content and how others can create exciting material for their organizationâs websites and digital presence.
Spencer Callaghan is an Account Director for Thornley Fallis, an integrated communications agency which helps their clients with PR, web content, and social media management. Having worked on accounts for an array of for and non-profit organizations, Spencer has some great insights to offer in terms of creating and maintaining awesome web content.
Episode Highlights:
Writing for the web Appealing to both humans and SEO Measuring the appeal of your content Whether to outsource or self-produce content Niche marketing Web content mistakes Crafting your message Who creates great contentResources:
Spencer on Twitter
Camp Tech on Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Thornley Fallis
Spencerâs Blog on Yummy Mummy Club
MailChimp
Buffer
GoPro
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Today, I get a chance to speak with Dani Gagnon about social media platforms and how businesses and organizations can use them to their advantage.
Besides being one of the earliest hires at Camp Tech, Dani also runs Dani G. Inc, which specializes in social media management. For the last seven years, her company has helped to create and maintain the social media accounts for numerous for-profit and non-profit businesses. Listen in as Dani lets us know how to use social media and effectively grow your following.
Episode Highlights:
Most popular forms of social media Demographics of social media platforms Facebookâs evolution and current popularity Usersâ resistance to change How platformsâ algorithms work How businesses can get started on social media Best advice for creating content for your business Using HootSuite to manage profiles and tweetsResources:
Dani G Inc Website
Dani on Twitter
Camp Tech on Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Hootsuite
The background of the âBoaty McBoatfaceâ story
Wendyâs on Twitter
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Today, my guest is Brock Murray, co-founder of seoplus+, a digital marketing agency. Together, we discuss remarketing (or retargeting), which is the ability to target your site visitors via ads after they have left your site.
Brock got his start in high school where he created online games using PHP. His continued interest in programming and graphic design, led him to create websites for family and friends. From there, he went on to co-found seoplus+. Brock exhibits his expertise and explains not only how remarketing works, but also how you can make it work for your business.
Episode Highlights:
How the technology behind remarketing works Where to get started with remarketing The cost of clicks or impressions Which platforms are available Different ways to remarket The importance of cookies and ad-blockers Image ads Frequency capping Setting up conversion tracking with Google AnalyticsResources:
seoplus+ website
seoplus+ on Twitter
Brock on Twitter
Camp Tech on Twitter
Avery on Twitter
Geek vs Nerd infographic
Remarketing through Google AdWords
Remarketing through Facebook
AdRoll
Google Analytics
Conversion Tracking with Google AdWords and Analytics
7 Retargeting Case Studies Thatâll Boost Your Current Campaigns
Remarketing Tips from a Paid Ads Expert
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On todayâs episode, I get a chance to speak with Camp Techâs very first instructor, Linn Ăyen Farley. Linn is here to explain the basics about domain name registration, e-mail, and website hosting.
Linn runs a web studio where she designs and develops websites. As such, we have collaborated on a number of projects together. Her insight into the basics of creating a web presence will prove useful to those seeking to promote personal projects or professional services alike. Listen in as we chat about some need-to-know topics!
Episode Highlights:
Basic needs in terms of web presence Domain names Pointing Differentiating between domain name extensions (.comâs, .orgâs, etc.) The cost of domain name registration Avoiding lengthy hosting contracts Website hosting and what it means Which type of hosting service/package to use Shared vs. Managed hosting E-mail hosting explained Hosting bundlesResources:
Linnâs Website
Linnâs Twitter
Camp Tech Twitter
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On todayâs show, I talk to Wendy Kam Marcy, a lifestyle blogger and digital marketer, about online advertising and how to successfully monetize a website.
Wendy co-founded the popular lifestyle blog âHip & Urban Girlâ, as well as Adfluent Media, an ad agency that specializes in digital strategy and affiliate marketing. She has worked with over 50 big-name brands and has a long list of connections in the advertising world. As both a blogger and a marketer, Wendy has keen insight into what it takes to advertise websites via different methods and platforms. Listen in as we discuss different approaches to monetization.
Episode Highlights:
Starting her blog for friends and family about a love for food and travel in Toronto Affiliate Marketing Paid social media marketing Sponsored content: how it works, and how to attract sponsors The morality of sponsored content The dilemma of turning down a lucrative sponsor Writing what youâre passionate about The importance of consistency Seeking out sponsors and being proactive Google AdWords and how it works Ways to advertise your products and services Is professional marketing help necessary? Common mistakes people make when trying to promote their sitesResources:
Hip & Urban Girl
Adfluent Media
Follow Wendy on Twitter
Follow Camp Tech on Twitter
Quotes/Tweets:
âItâs a lot of work, but like a lot of things in life, you get what you put into it.â -Wendy Kam Marcy on Sponsored Content
âWhen it comes to working with bloggersâŠI know who is influential.â -Wendy Kam Marcy
âAlways create content that is valuable and relevant to your audience.â -Wendy Kam Marcy
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On todayâs episode, I sit down with photographer Vivienne McMaster and discuss ways to take awesome photos with nothing other than your camera phone. Obviously, camera phones have greatly improved since their advent, but there are still ways to improve upon composition and style.
Vivienne is a professional photographer and Camp Tech Vancouver instructor. She also teaches a popular workshop series called âBe Your Own Belovedâ which helps people learn to embrace their own self-image via photography. During this episode, she outlines great tools and tips for improving your skill as an amateur photographer. This is a great listen for tourists, shutterbugs, and Instagrammers alike.
Episode Highlights:
How cameras on cell phones have improved Tips for shooting with any camera phone Lens attachments for smartphones Useful photo apps for smartphones Storage and backup options Favorite places to share photos onlineResources:
Be Your Own Beloved Course Information
Gorillacam App
Ollo Clip
VSCO Cam
Mixtures App
Diana Photo App
Follow Vivienne on Twitter
Follow Camp Tech on Twitter
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