Internet use has so greatly taken over our everyday lives and business it may be hard to even remember what running a business took without the speed and ease of the online world. However, the fact that the internet and its’ take over has changed the way we live is already well known. It’s what to do next that is important in 2011 business. The first ten years or so have been spent playing catch up to a now ever-evolving virtual market place where consumers make the rules and businesses work tirelessly to create interpersonal relationships. As 2011 has begun, there has been a settling into this new frontier and it is now time to move past the amazing concept of its rise to power and focus on how to optimize, capitalize and thrive. The following are the top 4 internet related or integrated technologies and tools that are necessary for 2011 business success.

1. Content Management System. A company needs to maintain an online presence in order to create the relationships that drive consumers to action, aka, they need a website; but what else is new? They need to create a brand-centered experience. There may be the idea, the message, the target audience all designed, but how will a new website and consumer experience be managed? Simple; through a content management system (CMS). A CMS is not only a tool that will help manage a website, but also continually create this mentioned-experience through updates, edits, additions, and tailoring depending on market fluctuations. We recommend Sitefinity 4.0 for a comprehensive and user-friendly CMS.
2. Social Media. This approach to consumer relationship management and development has been praised and reviewed many times, but for good reason: it works. Facebook in and of itself has changed the digital relationship landscape. Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.- they are the biggest and most affordable tools existing today; just make sure your business has a website to follow through on the relationships built. Check out our social media trend projections for 2011 here, Digital Insights.
3. Analytics- You may have heard how easy Google Analytics are to use are or are anxiously awaiting the official announcement of Microsoft Analytics; either way, an analytic tool is a must for website monitoring and upkeep. The benefits of implementing these tools and utilizing them is that they provide an in-depth look at who is arriving at your site, what is capturing their attention most and least, and segment them out by demographics. This information is priceless in its ability to help move business and marketing forward. Think ROI and continual feedback on any chosen campaign.
4. A Blog. A blog is basically industry credentials and a must for that consumer relationship you’ve been working towards. Let’s face it, the internet is an overwhelming amount of information which means sometimes a well conceived and crafted message may not resonate with the right people. People are also smarter- they know that clicking a banner ad doesn’t guarantee the right details, or even the right product! Further, in a digital playing field, even the most obvious scams have the ability to create a website that oozes legitimacy. Blogging is a way to prove you’re as a solid part of an industry. Personally written insights and analysis of current industry trends not only establish credibility but also enable create conversation and personalize a company or brand.