For your enjoyment and edification, BCBusiness has archived its popular web strategy blog, The Shift Key, which ran from 2009 to 2011. In it, Vancouver web entrepreneur Tommy Humphreys illuminates the many decisions that go into building a provocative, and profitable, 360 web strategy. Peruse the Shift Key archives for essential tips and clever hints.
The Shift Key bids its readers farewell as Tommy Humphreys saddles up for his sunset ride.
It’s been a good run for the fresh-faced kid who promised to help you bolster web strategy for your small or medium-sized business. For over a year blogging at the Shift Key, I've tried to simplify the complexities of the online world, along the way dispensing tips and suggestions on topics as wide as design and functionality, social media and digital trends. We’ve gone through ups and downs together...
Imagine if Murray Pezim in his heyday had Twitter? As Howe Street goes digital, sleaze and boosterism may jump, but the web has one weapon to hold them in check.
Imagine, for a moment, the Pez on Twitter. The fabled mining promoter was a social guy and made a career of talking up his latest mining play over a few drinks in his favorite bar. Just think what he could have done with social media. Some of today's promoters are doing just that.
Vancouver junior stock promoters, stalwarts of the Vancouver business scene for decades, are enjoying one of their periodic renaissances at the...
Taking cues from Jimmy Pattison, the man who’d mastered personal branding before it was a buzzword.
When I was 18, the executive who oversaw the mailroom I worked in told me to scrap the name “Tommy” for “Tom” or “Thomas.”
Tom, he insisted, sounded more professional, more appropriate to the business world. Although I had always been called Tommy, his comment made me wonder if a change was needed.
After all, he was older, and an executive.
I was still confused about it a week later when my family and I were discussing it over a...
Save time and money in Web design with do-it-yourself wireframes.
A wireframe is a basic visual guide that shows the intended content structure of a website and the relationships between its pages. Done right, a wireframe will successfuly guide both client and agency during a website redesign project.
Typically, wireframes are made by agencies, and not by clients, but I don't necessarily agree with that. Sure, a web designer has expertise, but you'll avoid unnecessary and costly back and forth if you show up at your agency with a draft of your wireframes ready for discussion.
What every entrepreneur should know about pay-per-click marketing.
Pay-per-click campaigns are one of the best ways to get traffic to your site: they're quick to set up, easy to monitor, and best of all, pay as you go.
Anyone who is motivated to do so can learn the basics of PPC. The Big Three on the Web – Facebook, Google, and Microsoft – all make it easy for a novice to set up a campaign that gets traffic coming...
Content may be king, but, on the Web, promotion is queen. Here's how to make sure your blog gets seen.
Writing a blog is a major commitment for any busy professional, especially for those of us who aren't natural writers. Personally, I'm jealous of people who can whip up a blog post in 15 minutes – mine tend to take several hours, and that's with a bit of editing help. Regardless of your writing skills, maintaining a blog is a major commitment. Here are some tips to make sure you get the most out of your time investment:
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