Protect your e-business!
In the world of eCommerce, protecting your company's data and your access to the internet are of the greatest importance. If anything compromises either of these, it can destroy your business, or at the very least represent lost income due to down-time. It is vital that you have in place a variety of programs to protect your computer and data, including a firewall, anti-virus program, and antispyware software.
We have covered firewalls and antivirus software elsewhere, but have not yet discussed anti-spyware programs. These programs can scan your computer for existing problems, isolate them, and delete them. Examples of issues detected by anti-spyware programs include adware, spybots, Trojans, keyloggers, unwanted toolbars and other screen accessories, browser hijackers, and more. Some of these problems are obvious when you run your PC, such as added toolbars and browser hijackers. Others remain hidden, and can potentially damage your computer and/or report to a hacker entries that you make using your PC, such as your account numbers, passwords, etc. The potential for compromising your business is serious, and every precaution should be taken.
How can you choose the best anti spyware software? There are a number of highly rated spyware programs, including McAfee anti spyware, SpySweeper, CounterSpy, Xoft Spy, Spyware Doctor and many others. A good program will pretty much do the job, but there are differences between them, and some are much more effective than others. A good review site can be very helpful in helping you to decide which anti spyware program is the best fit for your company.
For a complete rundown of all the features available, a cost comparison of each program, and ratings information including such factors as ease of use and effectiveness, visit a review site that offers anti spyware software reviews of the leading spyware programs. You can also find useful information such as definitions and terms that help you understand all the anti-spyware jargon and decide which program is the best for your circumstances.
While you are visiting, check the information on internet security, parental control, and related topics as well. Above all, stay safe online -- protect yourself, your family, and your business!
Build some buzz
One of the best ways to create some buzz for your online business is to build a community that has an interest in whatever you are selling. An easy (and free!) way to do this is by using a wiki, which will let you create a website on any topic you wish that can be joined by others.
If you are selling widgets online, create a widget website using a free wiki. Make an attractive banner for the top, and use lots of terms that relate to widgets in your text (but don't make it unnatural). Create pages about different kinds of widgets, a photo album of widgets, and a page where people can talk about their favorite ways to use widgets. Be sure to include some starter text yourself, and put your best tips on your pages.
Make some high-interest pages too. Maybe something like celebrities and their widgets, or "10 most embarrassing widget moments."
If there are practical bits of information, instructions, recipes, downloadable files, or other things that pertain to widgets and make them easier to use, more versatile, or more enjoyable, be sure to include pages that offer these extras as well.
Then invite others (perhaps using a past list of customers who want to receive updates) to visit your wiki. They can use the information provided there, and even better, they can add their own information to make your site even more valuable to others. Widget testimonials, or favorite uses for widgets would be great categories to point these users to. Before you know it, more and more people will be interested in widgets, and your product inquiries will grow!
And if you are interested in building buzz for a big brand, check out the related article on Wetpaint's "Just Add Wetpaint" service.
