Online (& In-Person) Social Networking – Part 1

Most new businesses seem to be illuded by social networking; from businesses thinking Facebook is useless, to others thinking in-person networking is not for them.

Then there are those that have jumped on social networking in the digital world, only to ditch any in-person networking events altogether.

The fact: Networking – whether it is online through the use of Facebook, or in-person at networking events – is a key survival tool. Read more

Just Launched: Ann Snead

St. Catharines Playwright Ann Snead was in need of a website that conveyed her witty and thought provoking writing style, as well as a sense of professionalism.

The site was designed to be simple and elegant to reflect her personality as well as her work.

Visit: annsnead.com

Photo of Just Launched: Plumbtech & Heatech Mechanical

Just Launched: Plumbtech & Heatech Mechanical

Plumbtech and Heatech Mechanical were looking for a better web presence and improved search engine optimization (SEO) for both their websites.

These two businesses required different websites, but were on a budget. We offered to design and build one website, and rebrand it for the other. This solution saved Plumbtech and Heatech Mechanical money without sacrificing quality.

Visit: plumbtech.com | heatechmechanical.com

Google's (Hard to Find) Website Tools

Every website owner should understand and use Google’s webmaster tools. The problem is they aren”t easy to find. Google Analytics is well heard of, but have you ever heard of Google”s Webmaster Central, or Google Places? We have done some of the hard work for you; compiled a list of their most useful tools for website owners: Read more

Essential Reading: The Origin of Brands – Al & Laura Ries

The Origin of Brands

Applying Charles Darwin’s concept of divergence to marketing.

The concepts of branding examined at its core level, and applied against Charles Darwin’s less popular concept of divergence.

Every category in branding diverges (with a few exceptions of course) – creating unseen opportunities for start-ups.

How is this important to your small business in Niagara? Understanding how your consumers think about your brand, and how-to see and understand opportunities could make a brand, like yours, go global.

Grab it from Amazon.ca

Launched: CFAV Website

CFAV, Centre for Advanced Visualization, is an advanced 3D visualization & animation company in Niagara-on-the-Lake. They recently updated and changed their corporate branding and logo, and needed a website that reflected their quality and professional services.

The website acts as a portfolio, with a large video area at top of every page. Most of the main pages feature video content, while others incorporate a slideshow of rendered work.

They also required a way to easily update their content. We integrated a simple to use content management system that they can use to quickly edit and add content to their existing pages without knowing HTML.

The website is built using XHTML/CSS, JavaScript, and Flash video.

Visit: http://www.cfav.com

Hearts for Haitians at the Pen Centre

Pen Centre - Hearts for Haitians

The Pen Centre is encouraging shoppers to open their ‘hearts’ and their wallets with the launch of their Hearts for Haitians fundraising campaign.

Hearts For Haitians is a 20 VIC Management Inc. fundraising program aimed at providing the public with accessible locations to make cash donations for Haiti disaster relief efforts. In return for their donation, customers will receive a Hearts for Haitians lapel sticker and a donation card on which they can put their name.  These heart-shaped cards will be displayed at Customer Service at the Pen Centre to help create awareness for this important cause.

For more information please visit: http://www.heartsforhaitians.com/

Taken directly from the Hearts for Haitians press release.

15% off new website projects until March 31, 2010!

Best part? It’s true.

What is the deal?

All new website projects that start now until March 31, 2010 receive 15% off before taxes. All website work is included in the promotion. vxFusion reserves the right to cancel or change this deal at any time. Valid until March 31, 2010 on new website work only.

Where do I sign up?

Call us at 905-734-7410 or email us at info@vxfusion.com to get a free quote – don’t forget the promotional code: WEBDEAL2009.