Mobile-friendly websites and mobile optimized websites are two different types of websites. If a website is Flash-based, it falls into neither of these categories. As the mobile space continues to see unprecedented growth, the importance of understanding the difference is becoming crucial. It could mean the difference between winning or losing a prospective client.

GUEST BLOGGER: Michael Silverman, CEO, Duo Consulting

When most professional service firms think of social media, they envision Facebook and Twitter followings. Then again, how many new clients have you gained from these social channels? You could probably count them on your fingers.

What we know now about website design compared to a few years ago, is that more focus is given to user experience not owner experience. Seems obvious, right? Well this is easier said then done. You may say, "of course I care what my targeted audience wants" but your actions say "I'm spending a small fortune on my new brand and web presence, so I'm going to tell them what I want." You certainly have every right to think that, but if you want to achieve both, you're going to have to forget what you think you know about websites and listen to those who do. Users (and agencies like us ;) ).

QR codes and barcodes have been around for some time. As an agency and someone interested in the latest technology, we have been aware of them for years as a viable marketing tactic and as a part of a larger campaign.

It has only been recently that clients/prospects have recognized QR codes as a marketing tactic. However, there is a lack of education on how to appropriately use and implement them, causing distress among consumers in many different marketplaces.

Recently, I spoke at a Legal Marketing Association (LMA) Conference regarding web technologies and how advancements are changing the way professional services firms respond to the delivery of information needs to clients. Today, just realigning or “refreshing” your website, while helpful, may not be enough to stay competitive. When I reached the section on mobile websites (mobi) during my presentation, I was bombarded with questions regarding the difference between an app and a mobi, including.

Your firm’s website is the single most important component to your firm’s marketing communications efforts. Period.

It’s the lynchpin on which all of your other mar/com efforts rest, it’s your “first impression”, your opportunity to communicate with targeted clients on a regular basis via blogs, and hopefully it supports your firm’s business development efforts.

We hear it all the time in blogs, white papers, newspaper articles and from industry experts. “….marketing budgets continue to be slashed, programs are being dropped and marketing staff are being laid-off.” This creates the challenge of strategically choosing the marketing tactics that make the most sense for your firm and your brand.

If you ever built a house, you understand the importance of designing the structure or floor plan with an architect before laying the foundation. If you are an attorney, you understand the importance of doing some discovery about your client and case before presenting to a judge.

GUEST BLOGGER: Matthew Gallizzi, CEO - NotixTech

Facebook mobile has over 100 million users and is growing faster than desktops. Morgan Stanley believes that more users will be connected to the Internet via mobile devices than desktop PCs within five years. Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha told Reuters that Android-powered mobile devices are selling faster than they can be manufactured.

I remember being eight and all I wanted for Christmas was "Game and Watch" games. Game and Watch by Nintendo, was a handheld gaming unit made in the early 80s, with an LCD screen and very simple motion. In my mind, this was the seed of the moblie generation and I'd like to believe that this revolution may have started with me. ;)