Camp Tech Podcast with Avery Swartz

Guest: Shawn Hooper What He Does: Shawn has worked as a computer programmer for most of his life, and is currently the Director of IT for Actionable Books — His job entails developing all of the internal tools for their staff. He is also a WordPress core contributor. Ponderance: How do SSL certificates and HTTPS help to secure websites? Find him online: shawnhooper.ca In today’s episode, Shawn joins Avery to talk about issues of HTTPS and SSL Certification. During this discussion, Shawn explains some of the technicalities of these things, and puts them in a practical framework that listeners can apply to their own websites.   Key Takeaways: [2:50] SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer — this is actually an old protocol, and the new one is called Transport Layer Security, or TLS. SSL/TLS are cryptographic protocols that ensure that the data between your computer, and the computer that you’re getting data from, is encrypted for both sources. [4:50] HTTPS is a secure version of the HTTP protocol. This protocol is the standard that defines how a web browser and a web server exchange data. This covers permissions to request a page, how the server responds to that request, and how it handles errors. It requires an additional layer of security, so it’s HTTP over SSL. [6:30] In your web browser, when you look at the address bar, if it is secure you will see a little padlock. This means you are using https and the connection between you and the site is secure. The URL will also start with https, rather than http. [7:55] Web browsers are starting to call the attention of website owners and the visitors to websites to being more aware of security and to enable https to the websites we visit. The “not secure notice” shows up on pages where there is a form that requires a password or perhaps credit card information that is not secured with HTTPS. [10:05] Another type of warning could come on a page that is HTTPS, but isn’t fully secure. This is a sign of a broken implementation — it might be represented by a broken padlock or an i with a circle around it. [11:54] In addition to security, the biggest benefit of switching to HTTPS and having a secure site will help increase the trust between your customers and you. If they trust you, they are more likely to interact with the site much more easily. In some cases, having a SSL/HTTPS encrypted website is a requirement. This is required if you accept credit card data. Google will also give a slight increase in ranking to sites that are HTTPS. [14:05] To implement SSL/HTTPS, you need buy a certificate that will act as a “handshake” between your computer and the web server. This certificate identifies your server as being you, and allows your visitors’ browsers to recognize your website. There are three different types of certificates available: 1) domain-validated certificate, 2) organization-validated certificate, and 3) extended-validation certificate. From a technical standpoint from what they do, they all encrypt the same way. It is from a trust standpoint where they differ. [18:23] In terms of cost, you could get a domain-validated certificate for free. An organization called Let’s Encrypt offers free SSL certificates. Many web-hosting companies are building Let’s Encrypt right into their web offerings. A certificate from Let’s Encrypt expires after 90 days, rather than a year like most other SSL certificates, but it can be auto-renewed. This option is a great solution for those who want a little boost of trust but don’t necessarily need the higher-end validation of who you are. [20:48] If your web host doesn’t support Let’s Encrypt, you can get domain-validated certificates from a certificate authority for a couple of dollars a year. The other two types of certificates are more expensive. [22:19] Some factors that might affect the cost of your certificates: A wildcard certificate will allow you to secure a domain name and all of its host names in a single certificate. There is usually a premium that may increase the price. Along with this, Shawn and Avery discuss the probability of websites not using the “www.” domains. [25:20] As a non-technical person, should you reach out for technical help or can you do this? Shawn recommends contacting tech support for your web host or your web developer and see what the process is to determine what’s the best way to proceed. [26:13] Shawn talks through the process of putting an SSL Certificate on your website. A CSR (certificate signing request) is created by the web server that identifies it as the web server. This is submitted to the certificate authority, and you get a certificate that matches the CSR. Then these have to be connected together. [27:51] Once you set up the certificate, your website should be encrypted. To make sure, you can go to your HTTP website and see if it’s being redirected to the secure HTTPS version. You may have to change a setting to ensure your website is running the HTTPS. If you are still getting warnings, an element on the page may not be being transmitting using HTTPS. To be considered fully secure, each element must be changed to HTTPS. Shawn and Avery discuss some different situations of what could be causing mixed content warning. [33:30] Practical tips: Get in touch with your hosting company and try and get them to put the SSL certificate on your website for you. If you still getting the mixed content warning, then you may need to bring in a web professional. [36:14] It is important to make sure that we are doing as much as we possibly can to be secure on our computers and on our websites, and this level of encryption is just one extra step for your protection. It is much easier now than it was in the past.   Episode Highlights: Term Definitions: SSL and TLS Term Definitions: HTTPS URLs in specific Web Browsers Notices of Security Pros of switching websites to HTTPS How to Implement SSL and https to your website Purchasing an SSL Certificate Three types of certificates Price of certificates Resources for Obtaining Certificates Process of putting a SSL certificate on your website Mixed Content Warnings   Resources: Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1 Actionable Books Let’s Encrypt SSLs.com Camp Tech Website

Email marketing gets a little bit of a bad rap — people tend to forget about it because it’s old. There’s a lot of data out there that shows that it consistently works for many businesses and different types of organizations, including business-to-consumer and business-to-business. In this episode, Avery talks about some of her favorite aspects of and quick tips for email marketing, and what benefits this form of digital marketing can have for businesses. Email is one of the only forms of digital marketing that goes direct to the target audience, and is very affordable compared to other digital marketing channels. Listen today to hear all about email marketing!   Key Takeaways: [5:37] Following the introduction about some of the positive aspects of email marketing, Avery shared her quick tips for listeners. The first tip is to think about all the ways you can capture email addresses — getting a lot of email addresses is a really powerful way to market to a large number of people. Think beyond the signup form on your website; give your customers information about what they will get if they sign up for your email newsletter. [7:53] To get other people who aren’t on your website interested, you may consider running a social media contest. In addition to this, Avery’s number one favorite way to get email addresses is to think of different ways you could potentially get that information from someone in person. You can set up a tablet with your email subscription sign up at a convenient place for your customers. [11:53] When preparing to do your email marketing campaign, think about it as if someone is opening it on their smartphone first. Some hot and fast design tips for mobile: 1) Make sure you’re using an email program that can handle a different mobile design than the desktop or laptop email design. [15:09] 2) Do more than just send out one marketing message to your entire marketing list. The best way to do targeted campaigns is to segment your email list. Get creative in the ways you could segment your list to reach more of your customers on a personal level. [20:26] The final tip for today is: 3) If you are using an email marketing solution, many of them have reporting tools that are built in. You can look at these reports to see how different email campaigns performed. Look at things that could inform your next email campaign — where were the links clicked in the email? What was the best time and day of the week to send emails? [23:00] If your email marketing solution allows you to do some AB testing before you send out a giant campaign, take advantage! You could test things like different subject lines, times and days of the week, or the content inside the message. You need to think about how all of the different parts of digital marketing play together, so you have a cohesive strategy for your business.   Episode Highlights: Different Ways to Get Email Addresses Email Marketing Campaigns Mobile-First Thinking Design Tips for Mobile-First Targeted Campaigns/Segmented Email Lists Reporting Tools AB Testing   Resources: Hover.com/camptechpodcast MailChimp Camp Tech Website Really Good Emails MailChimp’s Email Design Guide Mobile Email Design Cheatsheet The Modern Guidebook to Email Marketing

With no guest joining Avery on this episode, she takes the time to talk about a very important subject — digital security. In today’s show, she shares practical advice that anyone can use in a more convenience-based lifestyle. She covers everything from things to watch out for, to how differences devices might be affected, as well as sharing some tips and resources to improve your digital security practices.   Key Takeaways: [2:05] Many small businesses don’t always have their own dedicated IT department; in addition to installing software and getting email set-up, they also have to worry about security. There are things that could go wrong, and it’s important to have your security properly configured, to protect yourself and your information. [4:31] The number one threat seems to be people getting Malware. Malware is an umbrella term that covers all sorts of bad things that could happen to your computer. This might happen if someone is trying to control your computer, or trying to spread something else around. People are also getting into the “Malware scene” for money (Ransomware). The average ransom demand is $649, and 43% of Ransomware victims are employees within organizations. [8:29]  Digital security should be practiced daily; it should become a habit just as your physical safety is. [9:27] Setup: computers, smartphones, websites. Websites have security issues, and if you are the owner of a website, you need to make sure you’re thinking about security for your website. For computers, Macs tend to be a little more secure than PC’s, but they are still susceptible to viruses, etc. Owners of both computers need to configure their computers correctly. As with computers, if you have a smartphone there are safety and security vulnerabilities (Android phones more so than iPhones or other iOS devices). [11:53] Once you have things setup, it will become a day-to-day practice of digital security. The two biggest vulnerabilities of digital security today are phishing emails and data breaches. [12:36] Phishing emails are spam emails that come in, but they are getting much better. They may look like they’re coming from people or a company you know, and the messages are starting to look legitimate and professional. If you follow the links provided, your computer may get infected with a virus, or you might be tricked into sharing some kind of secure information you wouldn’t want to share. Be very careful when you’re checking your email — check out the link destinations and the file names to discern legitimacy before you click it. [15:27] With so many digital accounts, it is (unfortunately) highly possible that platforms will have a data breach. Password management — and having a different password for different logins — is very important. If, for some reason, your password gets shared in a data breach, and you only have one password, someone could easily access several of your accounts with one password. Avery suggests using a password manager. [20:51] Keep everything updated, especially on your phone. Updating the apps and the operating system on your phone is one of the number one ways to block security vulnerabilities. Many times when there is an update, it is for a security patch. [21:54] If you use your phone to message people, some messaging apps aren’t totally secure. The most secure app Avery recommends is Signal, which offers end-to-end encryption. [23:30] If a program offers you two-step authentication, use it! This system allows you to log in with your password, and then provides a second verification on another device before logging you in. [24:42] VPN: Virtual Private Network. A VPN makes sure that whatever you’re doing online is encrypted. Whenever you’re on an open wifi source, you definitely need to turn on a VPN. They should work on any number of devices. [26:52] Anti-virus software is generally not very effective — it’s not fast enough to keep up, and it can give you a false sense of security. Avery doesn’t recommend running anti-virus software, but rather encourages best practices of digital security on a routine basis. This includes blocking advertisements from your web browser. [29:43] Avery talks about security of email — they are about as secure as sending a postcard in the mail. Be very careful about the amount and type of information you are sending or attaching into an email. Good alternatives to email: fax machine, cloud-computing solutions, or a unique sharing tool: One Time Secret.   Episode Highlights: Digital Security Malware Ransomware Setup: Computers, Smart Phones, Websites Phishing Data Breaches Password Management Updating Operating Systems Secure messaging Two-Step Authentication Virtual Private Networks Anti-Virus Software Malvertisements Email Security   Resources: Episode 1 with Shawn Hooper Decent Security LastPass WhatsApp Facebook Messenger Signal Tunnel Bear One-Time Secret Avery’s security article for the Globe and Mail Avery’s security and privacy article for Chatelaine Magazine camptech.ca  

In this episode, Avery and Dani talk about what sort of developments are happening today on various social media platforms, and how small businesses might use some of these developments in their business.   Key Takeaways: [3:10] Dani discusses some of what is going on in today’s social media. “Dark social” refers to the concept that 80% of all sharing that happens on social media/text/email is hard to get readings on because of how people are sharing the information. Analytics can get tricky to track. [5:40] How does this work with their clients? It is perhaps more imperative for larger companies, but smaller companies (most of Dani’s work) use Google analytics. Now they link the direct traffic back to social sharing and focus more on “clicks” — this inflates analytics. [7:47] What else is going on in the social media world? Instagram stories and Facebook My Day — posting a photo or video that will only be there for 24 hours. Both of these avenues offer a different, more casual way, to share information. [12:02] Facebook My Day is in the Facebook Messenger App and is similar to the idea of Instagram stories, but is only available for profiles, not businesses. Eventually maybe there will be a My Day button for Facebook pages that would allow more access for everyone on Facebook. Avery and Dani also talk about Chatbots and how they are being utilized. [17:25] Avery and Dani talk about Facebook as a staple in social media — it’s undergone many changes, but one of the keys to their success is that they’re always integrating the newest possible technology. [19:04] What do these changes in technology entail for businesses? The more developed technology gives businesses an opportunity for in-the-moment representations of who they are as a company and how they want to present themselves to consumers. [20:07] Discussion about Snapchat (Snap) and some of their recent developments and the evolution of the app. It is a little harder to grow your followers on Snapchat versus some of the other social media platforms. [23:20] Businesses and Snapchat: Dani tends to direct her clients away from Snapchat and focus more on things like Instagram stories. For now, the focus should be on the tools they can use well and the ones that are going to work for them. Dani also speaks to the fact that technology and social media is always changing, and who knows what we’ll be using ten years from now?   Episode Highlights: Dark Social Analytics Facebook My Day Instagram stories Facebook Messenger Chatbots Yuval Noah Harari’s books: Sapiens and Homo Deus AI — Artificial Intelligence Snapchat Snap Spectacles Businesses and social media platforms Changing social media   Resources: Hover.com/camptechpodcast Episode 9 of Camp Tech Dani G Inc Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow The Globe and Mail Small Business Summit Camptech.ca

Guest: Brock Murray What He Does: Brock works as a digital marketing specialist, and the co-founder of seoplus+, focusing on generating sales and leads for small and medium businesses. Additionally, he works as an instructor for Camp Tech. Ponderance: How can small, local business improve their rankings on a Google search? Find him online: seoplus.ca In this episode, Brock and Avery discuss several different ways small business owners can work to improve their rankings on search engine websites. They cover everything from polishing your website, getting reviews, connecting with local businesses, and optimizing your social media presence. Tune in today!   Key Takeaways: [2:16] Responding to a piece of listener mail: What is the most cost efficient way to improve your ranking on a Google search, if you have a specialized, local-area business? [3:11] Brock follows an approach for local SEO: invest in your website to make it optimized correctly and mobile-friendly, focus on the content of your website, get links from other websites, and get connected with Google My Business. [7:51] An important piece for the local aspect is Google My Business. This profile is linked to your business’s physical location, and once your profile is verified, you have the opportunity to show up in local business searches. [10:27] For local SEO, getting good reviews on major sites is critical. You will drive more business when people see that you’re getting good reviews. As a business owner, a very simple way is ask your customers to leave a review, and guide them to where they can leave them. [14:30] Another big part of local SEO is being in local directories — websites that list local business, like Yelp or FourSquare, will complement your SEO strategy and help your business rank better as well. [17:07] Avery and Brock talk about the importance of your social strategy, and how it, too, can complement your SEO strategy. Being intentional about which social network you want to target is important for driving your business. Getting connected with other local businesses on social media can also enhance your SEO growth.     Episode Highlights: Process for approaching local SEO Building good content for your website Get linked locally - Google My Business The power of Google reviews Encouraging customers to leave reviews Local directories Managing your social profile Getting connected with other local businesses   Resources: Camp Tech Episode 8 — Remarketing Digital Ads Help A Reporter Out Google My Business avery@camptech.ca  

Guests: Jordan Deutsch and Trudy MacNabb What They Do: They run a development-focused agency called Up At Five, and work predominately on web applications. Ponderance: What tips can they share on how to approach an app project? Find them online: upatfive.ca   Description: On today’s episode, Avery meets with Jordan and Trudy of Up At Five, a digital studio focused on data-driven web applications. They cover everything from what it means to build one, what it might cost, and what kinds of considerations one should have as they plan to develop and produce a web application.   Key Takeaways: [3:44] Avery, Jordan, and Trudy cover exactly what a web app is, and how it differs from an app on your phone or a website. Unlike phone apps, web apps are “operating system agnostic,” so you can run it through any browser, and it also allows for more user interaction. [6:18] Native applications — some web apps can be adapted to utilize special features of certain devices or operating systems. [9:39] Listener mail from Orrest: He found that the existing accounting websites, while they work for general businesses, he is looking for something that will support the needs of a specific industry. He wants to know what it takes to build a working model, and what steps or procedures are needed to develop such a site. [11:48] Assuming the listener was trying to develop a web app, where would one even start? Understanding the features that will differentiate you from other products on the market is very important in developing something new. [12:42] What is the process like to work with the Up At Five team on a project? Typically they start with an exploratory phase that considers expertise from the industry, as well careful consideration of what good things current programs have, and what things you think could be added or improved. [14:26] Once high-level features have been nailed down, they go through a wire-framing process. This includes what a user flow would look like, and more finite detail about how the application will store and process information. [16:04] They discuss the role of user testing in the development process, as well as the benefits of user testing. Not everyone is going to use a product in the same way, and it’s important to consider the widest variety of people in your user group. Synthesizing the feedback from different users helps to shed light on strengths and weaknesses. [19:26] How much does a startup project for web apps cost? Jordan and Trudy recommend a website (see below) that allows you to enter the information for your project to get an idea of how much your idea might cost. [22:06] They discuss long-term maintenance of web apps, in order to keep them current from both a content side and a technical side. It would be ideal to have someone technical, either in house or readily available. [25:49] Make sure to leave time and money for the promotion of your product! [26:14] What tips do the girls have for someone who wants to start a web app, in terms of working with a professional? Don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring up new ideas! There are a lot of exciting stories of success to use for inspiration!     Episode Highlights: What is a web app? Difference between web app, phone apps, and websites Benefits of web apps Process of creation of a technical project Role of user testing Cost of starting a web app Long-term maintenance of a web app   Resources: Up At Five Website Howmuchdoesawebsiteco.st Show Notes Camp Tech Website Avery@camptech.ca

Today Avery talks about the digital tools Camp Tech uses to keep their business running. She dives into some of the “tiny but totally necessary” tools they use on a day-to-day basis at Camp Tech. If you’re a small business owner, tune in today to hear what they use these different tools for, how much they may cost for your business, and how you can begin incorporating them. See the “Resources” below for a comprehensive list, with links to each product.   Key Takeaways: [1:40] Avery’s take on tools: follow a general principle of using what was most appropriate for them at the time. A small business could very easily grow with a tool or outgrow a certain tool. This evolution is okay! [2:10] Avery talks about different communication tools, and how they use each at Camp Tech. These make it easy for the management team to discuss a wide range of things, despite being in different working locations. [4:42] Avery talks about the programs they use to conduct customer service and communicate with their client base. [6:22] How do they talk to their team around the country? Avery covers everything from how they video chat to conference calls. [7:30] Avery shares how they run the telephone system at Camp Tech; not only the business tools they use, but their process as well. [9:41] Avery talks about how they handle email correspondence, specifically between Camp Tech and their customers, rather than between the Camp Tech team. [10:39] Avery talks about the different website tools they use. Since they also have to sell tickets to their workshops as part of their business, she goes into more detail about Shopify and its supporting apps. [13:06] Avery talks about the tool they use to track their monthly expenses at Camp Tech, and the small challenges that they’ve had to overcome with this program (and how!). [17:40] What marketing tools do they use at Camp Tech? The programs they use are primarily used for day-to-day business and well as sending out newsletters. [19:41] Avery talks about how they use social media at Camp Tech, and some of the programs they use to organize their social media marketing. [21:06] What tools do they use day-to-day to keep them going? The tools they use allow for to-do lists, as well as measuring productivity by tracking time.     Episode Highlights: Communication Tools between teams Communication between you and your customers Telephone Systems Email correspondence Admin Finance Tools Marketing Tools Social Media Tools Productivity Tools   Resources: Camptech.ca Basecamp Slack G Suite Help Scout Skype Google Hangout UberConference Dialpad Boomerang for Gmail Hover Bitly Episode 15 Shopify and Evey FreshBooks QuickBooks PaymentEvolution Square MailChimp Office 365 Adobe Creative Cloud Canva Feedly Episode 14 Hootsuite Todoist Harvest Email avery@camptech.ca to ask questions!

In this episode, Avery takes questions from Camp Tech listeners. Today’s episode focuses on long-term data storage, specifically for personal data files. She discusses the different options for data storage, considers monetary value, as well as tips to help keep your files protected in storage.   Key Takeaways: [1:48] Question for Avery: What do you recommend for long term data storage? What is the best way to store things like photos that you want future generations to access? What stable options exist, if any? [2:51] This episode focuses on personal data back-ups, but it is encouraged to backup your website, as well, if that is part of your business. In addition, if your data is very sensitive, and security is paramount, you may seek further advice from an IT company. [5:09] Things that will be covered: taking the time to backup your files, where to back them up, backing up from multiple sources, security, cost and value for this project, and ensuring you can access your files where and when you need to, as well as what file format. [7:30] Two biggest options for back-ups: the first is a physical media, such as a USB stick or an external hard drive. While these usually only require an upfront cost, you may need to consider how technology is changing and whether you will be able to access your files with these devices. [10:25] Another thing to consider with physical backups is the fact that they could also crash or could be stolen or damaged in an incident. They are relatively inexpensive and do last a while. [12:02] The second option is cloud storage, or internet storage. The files you back up from your computer are copied to a computer in a remote location. There are free and paid options for cloud storage, as well as options that allow a certain amount of storage for free before you have to start paying. [14:02] Pros of cloud storage: it is off-site, so the potential of damaging incidents is decreased, and these companies are also making backups of their backups. Additionally, once the files are backed up, they are accessible pretty much anywhere. [15:29] Two biggest downsides to cloud storage: 1) It is usually a recurring fee, and might end up being more than buying an external drive, though the cost is coming down. 2) Security is extremely important — you really need a strong password and use of multiple passwords for different services. [18:29] Avery shares some personal instances of backup solutions that have been successful in the past. [20:45] One of the big concerns about cloud storage is if you have all your information backed up to the same place, what happens if something happens to that solution? Avery is a fan of multiple backups, and uses a multi-tiered backup solution: an external drive, a redundant external drive, as well as cloud storage. [23:25] In many cases of the cloud storage, your apps will automatically sync to the cloud storage, so as you update, your backup files are also being updated. [25:13] If you are looking to just get started now, the cloud is Avery’s suggestion for the way to go. There are many benefits to using this solution and is very accessible for many people. Once you take the time to do an initial backup, it should get easier and easier to do each time. The initial backup is also a great time to go through and decide what files are most important, and which ones you definitely want to keep.   Mentioned in This Episode: Hover Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1 with Shawn Hooper Solutions for Cloud Storage: iCloud, GoogleDrive, AmazonDrive, Dropbox, BackBlaze, Mozy, Microsoft Cloud Password Storage App: LastPass Reply All Podcast: Episode 71 Listener Mail: send e-mails to avery@camptech.ca     Summary: In this episode, Avery takes questions from Camp Tech listeners. Today’s episode focuses on long-term data storage, specifically for personal data files. She discusses the different options for data storage, considers monetary value, as well as tips to help keep your files protected in storage.   Episode Highlights: ● Making the time to backup your files ● Two main options for where/how to backup your files ● Pros and cons of physical storage ● Pros and cons of cloud storage ● Cost and value for each type of storage ● Security in regards to cloud storage   Resources: ● Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order) ● Camp Tech Podcast Episode 1 ● Solutions for Cloud Storage: iCloud, GoogleDrive, AmazonDrive, Dropbox, BackBlaze, Mozy, Microsoft Cloud ● Password Storage App: LastPass ● Reply All Podcast: Episode 71 ● Email questions for a future episode! Send them to avery@camptech.ca

I decided to switch things up this episode and forgo having a guest. Instead, I briefly discuss how to set up a vanity e-mail and how to create branded short domains. These are great things to know about for both personal and professional reasons. Once you know how to set these up, you can also help friends and relatives do the same; it’s that easy!  Episode Highlights:   How to create a vanity e-mail address  Picking a memorable domain name  Changing DNS settings  Hooking up your mail server to the domain name  Branded short domains  Picking a short domain  Changing your A Record   Resources:   Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)  Follow Camp Tech on Twitter  Follow Avery on Twitter  Google’s G Suite   The MX records for Google’s G Suite  How to setup a custom branded short domain with Bitly  Email us your questions for a future episode! Send them to avery@camptech.ca 

On today’s episode, fellow Camp Tech colleague Tara Wilkins and I discuss digital marketing for small businesses. Since small businesses are often operating on a shoestring marketing budget, Tara talks about techniques and strategies to increase brand awareness without breaking the bank. We also get into ways the success of a marketing campaign can be measured.   Tara got her start in fashion, but became a volunteer at Camp Tech in order to pivot her career towards digital marketing. Her plan worked and now she is Camp Tech’s Marketing and Admin Manager. Tara also teaches a course about digital marketing on a tight budget. During this podcast, she shares her learned expertise about marketing strategies. This is a great episode, especially if you are a small business owner looking for marketing tips and tricks.    Episode Highlights:   Tara’s professional journey  The marketing challenges small businesses face  The importance of having a plan  What a small business marketing plan might look like  How to measure the effectiveness of a marketing strategy  Creating brand awareness  When to hire a professional   Resources:   Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)  Follow Tara on Twitter  Follow Camp Tech on Twitter  Follow Avery on Twitter  Brock Murray’s Camp Tech podcast episode  Feedly.com  Smartinsight.com  Traction book by Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares  Email us your questions for a future episode! Send them to avery@camptech.ca 

On today's episode, my guest and I discuss the often overlooked issue of website accessibility. Returning guest Linn Oyen Farley is a Web Developer and Designer, who is not only a fellow Camp Tech instructor, but also someone with whom I’ve created websites.   Accessibility is an issue that can be overlooked when developing websites. Linn and I explain what web accessibility is, the technology that increases accessibility, and where that technology is headed in the future. If you are developing a website, it is always important to consider how different types of people will be able to access your content. Listen in as we explain accessibility and some strategies for making the web open to all.   Episode Highlights:   What does “Accessibility” mean in terms of the web?  Barriers to accessing online content  Technology that enables accessibility  The parties responsible for making the web more accessible  Legislation of accessibility  Ways to detect potential accessibility issues on your website  Screen Reader tips  Design considerations for accessibility  Accessibility Plug-ins  Questions to ask during website development   Resources:   Hover (use promo code CampTechPodcast to get 10% off your first order)  Worker Bee  Linn's website  Linn on Twitter  Camp Tech on Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Stats on People with Disabilities in Ontario  Ontario's (Canada) AODA Website Accessibility regulations  Section 508 Standards (USA)  Section 508 (USA) Quick Reference  WebAIM's Wave Website Accessibilty Checker  Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 Guidelines  WCAG Quick Reference  Color Oracle  Web Accessibility Initiative  How People With Disabilities Use the Web  Google's Annoucement About Intrusive Pop-Ups on Mobile Websites 

Today, I sit down with Dara Skolnick, a Web Developer and Designer. We discuss everything from the definitions of each job to how to communicate effectively with them (especially if you are not technically savvy).   Dara is unique in that she is both a developer and a designer. This rare combination has allowed her to open her own business, which has been running smoothly for the past three years. She has a fresh perspective on how to deal with both clients, developers, and designers. Listen in as we get into the meatier issues of website creation.   Episode Highlights:   Difference between a Web Developer and Web Designer  Being an effective communicator  The easiest websites to make  The technical aspects of building sites  Important questions to ask Web Developers and Designers  Things to consider when hiring Developers and Designers  How to get the most out of your relationship with Developers and Designers  How developer culture has improved   Resources:   Dara’s Website  Dara on Twitter  Camp Tech on Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Website Accessibility Test   

On today’s episode, I get to chat with Leslie Hughes, LinkedIn aficionado, about the best ways to use the networking site. LinkedIn is a great way to market yourself and expand your professional circle. Leslie explains ways to boost your visibility and amp up your profile.   Leslie Hughes is not only a LinkedIn expert and instructor at Camp Tech, she is also a Principal at Punch! Media, where she works as a strategist. As if this weren’t enough, she is also a part-time Professor of Social Media. Join us as Leslie explains this often-misunderstood professional networking site.   Episode Highlights:   The three key areas of your LinkedIn profile on which to focus  Considering your “searchability” on LinkedIn  Taking advantage of the free month of premium services  Building professional relationships  The etiquette of “connecting” with other people on LinkedIn  The fear of others poaching staff members and connections  Using the blog feature in LinkedIn  The best qualities of LinkedIn   Resources:   LinkedIn  Leslie on LinkedIn  Leslie on Twitter  Camp Tech Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Punch!Media   Simon Sinek’s “How Great Leaders Inspire Action” Talk 

On today’s episode I get a chance to speak with Spencer Callaghan, a writer and digital content strategist. He lets me know what makes killer web content and how others can create exciting material for their organization’s websites and digital presence.   Spencer Callaghan is an Account Director for Thornley Fallis, an integrated communications agency which helps their clients with PR, web content, and social media management. Having worked on accounts for an array of for and non-profit organizations, Spencer has some great insights to offer in terms of creating and maintaining awesome web content.   Episode Highlights:   Writing for the web  Appealing to both humans and SEO  Measuring the appeal of your content  Whether to outsource or self-produce content  Niche marketing  Web content mistakes  Crafting your message  Who creates great content   Resources:   Spencer on Twitter  Camp Tech on Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Thornley Fallis  Spencer’s Blog on Yummy Mummy Club  MailChimp  Buffer  GoPro 

Today, I get a chance to speak with Dani Gagnon about social media platforms and how businesses and organizations can use them to their advantage.   Besides being one of the earliest hires at Camp Tech, Dani also runs Dani G. Inc, which specializes in social media management. For the last seven years, her company has helped to create and maintain the social media accounts for numerous for-profit and non-profit businesses. Listen in as Dani lets us know how to use social media and effectively grow your following.   Episode Highlights:   Most popular forms of social media  Demographics of social media platforms  Facebook’s evolution and current popularity  Users’ resistance to change  How platforms’ algorithms work  How businesses can get started on social media  Best advice for creating content for your business  Using HootSuite to manage profiles and tweets   Resources:    Dani G Inc Website  Dani on Twitter  Camp Tech on Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Hootsuite  The background of the “Boaty McBoatface” story  Wendy’s on Twitter  

Today, my guest is Brock Murray, co-founder of seoplus+, a digital marketing agency. Together, we discuss remarketing (or retargeting), which is the ability to target your site visitors via ads after they have left your site.    Brock got his start in high school where he created online games using PHP. His continued interest in programming and graphic design, led him to create websites for family and friends. From there, he went on to co-found seoplus+. Brock exhibits his expertise and explains not only how remarketing works, but also how you can make it work for your business.   Episode Highlights:   How the technology behind remarketing works  Where to get started with remarketing  The cost of clicks or impressions  Which platforms are available  Different ways to remarket  The importance of cookies and ad-blockers  Image ads  Frequency capping  Setting up conversion tracking with Google Analytics  Resources:  seoplus+ website  seoplus+ on Twitter  Brock on Twitter  Camp Tech on Twitter  Avery on Twitter  Geek vs Nerd infographic  Remarketing through Google AdWords  Remarketing through Facebook  AdRoll  Google Analytics  Conversion Tracking with Google AdWords and Analytics  7 Retargeting Case Studies That’ll Boost Your Current Campaigns  Remarketing Tips from a Paid Ads Expert     

On today’s episode, I get a chance to speak with Camp Tech’s very first instructor, Linn Øyen Farley. Linn is here to explain the basics about domain name registration, e-mail, and website hosting.  Linn runs a web studio where she designs and develops websites. As such, we have collaborated on a number of projects together. Her insight into the basics of creating a web presence will prove useful to those seeking to promote personal projects or professional services alike. Listen in as we chat about some need-to-know topics!  Episode Highlights:  Basic needs in terms of web presence  Domain names  Pointing  Differentiating between domain name extensions (.com’s, .org’s, etc.)  The cost of domain name registration  Avoiding lengthy hosting contracts  Website hosting and what it means  Which type of hosting service/package to use  Shared vs. Managed hosting  E-mail hosting explained  Hosting bundles   Resources:  Linn’s Website  Linn’s Twitter  Camp Tech Twitter   

On today’s show, I talk to Wendy Kam Marcy, a lifestyle blogger and digital marketer, about online advertising and how to successfully monetize a website.  Wendy co-founded the popular lifestyle blog “Hip & Urban Girl”, as well as Adfluent Media, an ad agency that specializes in digital strategy and affiliate marketing. She has worked with over 50 big-name brands and has a long list of connections in the advertising world. As both a blogger and a marketer, Wendy has keen insight into what it takes to advertise websites via different methods and platforms. Listen in as we discuss different approaches to monetization.  Episode Highlights:  Starting her blog for friends and family about a love for food and travel in Toronto  Affiliate Marketing  Paid social media marketing  Sponsored content: how it works, and how to attract sponsors  The morality of sponsored content  The dilemma of turning down a lucrative sponsor  Writing what you’re passionate about  The importance of consistency  Seeking out sponsors and being proactive  Google AdWords and how it works  Ways to advertise your products and services  Is professional marketing help necessary?  Common mistakes people make when trying to promote their sites  Resources:  Hip & Urban Girl  Adfluent Media  Follow Wendy on Twitter  Follow Camp Tech on Twitter   Quotes/Tweets:   “It’s a lot of work, but like a lot of things in life, you get what you put into it.” -Wendy Kam Marcy on Sponsored Content  “When it comes to working with bloggers…I know who is influential.” -Wendy Kam Marcy  “Always create content that is valuable and relevant to your audience.” -Wendy Kam Marcy 

On today’s episode, I sit down with photographer Vivienne McMaster and discuss ways to take awesome photos with nothing other than your camera phone. Obviously, camera phones have greatly improved since their advent, but there are still ways to improve upon composition and style.   Vivienne is a professional photographer and Camp Tech Vancouver instructor. She also teaches a popular workshop series called “Be Your Own Beloved” which helps people learn to embrace their own self-image via photography. During this episode, she outlines great tools and tips for improving your skill as an amateur photographer. This is a great listen for tourists, shutterbugs, and Instagrammers alike.  Episode Highlights:  How cameras on cell phones have improved  Tips for shooting with any camera phone  Lens attachments for smartphones  Useful photo apps for smartphones  Storage and backup options  Favorite places to share photos online  Resources:  Be Your Own Beloved Course Information  Gorillacam App  Ollo Clip  VSCO Cam  Mixtures App  Diana Photo App  Follow Vivienne on Twitter  Follow Camp Tech on Twitter   

On today’s episode, I discuss the steps to producing a successful Kickstarter campaign, as well as methods for self-publishing. My guest is Jeff Goldenberg, a startup vet and growth marketer who co-authored the book, “The Growth Hacker’s Guide to the Galaxy”. Jeff is currently the head of growth and development at Borrowell, an online marketplace for personal loans. His experience co-authoring and self-publishing his book is sure to prove him a useful resource for listeners looking for further insight into becoming self-starters. Listen in as he breaks down exactly what made his Kickstarter campaign and ensuing product such successes. Episode Highlights: Reasons for self-publishing Figuring out how to successfully self-publish Making connections Kickstarter and the pressure to perform Why Kickstarter vs. other fundraising platforms Steps to launching a Kickstarter Campaign The need for a back-up plan Resources: Jeff Goldenberg’s Blog Borrowell Jeff on Twitter Camptech

On today’s episode we discuss the production of online courses with Marie Poulin. Marie is a former designer who became a digital strategist and co-founded the course-building site, Oki Doki. As an experienced guide, Marie walks us through the stages of online course production.   In discussing the production of online courses, we cover all the important steps one must take to be a successful instructor. Marie drives home the importance of market research (i.e. is your course topic in demand) and also the steps to building a product that fully engages your customers. Marie and Avery also discuss the pros and cons of hosting with user-friendly, customizable sites or going it alone. After this episode, listeners will be ready to set forth and create interactive, in-demand, and unique courses with confidence.  Episode Highlights:  Check your motives: Are they altruistic or simply about the money?  How to build a product customers need  Market research steps  Focusing on your strengths as an instructor (are you best with audio, video, or written content?)  Levels of course interactivity  Where to build and host your course  Beta testing  Promoting your course  If you would like to work with Marie Poulin, you may contact her at MariePoulin.com or go straight to her company’s website, OkiDoki.   Resources:  18 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Build an Online Course by Breanne Dyck  OkiDoki  Udemy  Skillshare  Creative Live  Wish List  Member Press  Memberium  Course Cats  Thinkific  Teachable  Teachery  Pathwright  Kajabi 

On today’s show, I speak with Shawn Hooper, the CTO of Actionable Books, a startup in the learning and development space.  Shawn is also a Camp Tech instructor. He fills us in on the current state of website security, as well as ways to prevent hacks and remedy your website once it has been compromised.     Hacking has become a widely publicized problem and is on the minds of most sites that operate businesses on the web; website security is an important facet of this. However, it is often overlooked or neglected simply out of ignorance. Whether you are hosting your own site, your site is hosted by an inexpensive service, or you’re working with Wordpress, there are always things you can do to beef up your security. Shawn soothes our fears and outlines extremely simple ways to not only avoid a hack, but also how to make sure that your website stays up and running in perpetuity.      Episode Highlights:    Why security matters  Wordpress’ unfortunate reputation and the benefits of hosting on that site  Why would someone hack your site?  Steps to preventing hacks  How to recognize a hack  What ransomware is and why it’s a growing concern  How to fix a site once it has been compromised    Shawn works from Camp Tech’s Ottawa location. To learn more about WordPress and the other things he is involved with, check out our Camp Tech website.  Shawn blogs about web technology and WordPress at http://www.shawnhooper.ca/    Resources:    Backblaze cloud storage  Succuri website security  Lastpass password vault  1Password password vault  Actionable Books     

Fashion is becoming smart and technology is becoming fashionable. A quick review of runways, museum exhibits, and even celebrity performances shows that fashion/tech collaborations are very now. Our guest Amanda Cosco is an expert on the future of fashion tech. During today’s episode we discuss how the future goes far beyond the tech hiding wearables we know to include textiles that will revolutionize how we interact with the world.      Amanda Cosco is a journalist, speaker, and enthusiast of all things fashion tech. She’s spoken on topics such as wearables for women and next gen retail at a variety of industry events. Amanda founded Electric Runway as a base for her love of fashion technology. She describes her topic of choice as “the intersection of fashion and technology.”    Episode Highlights:    How will technology be integrated into our everyday clothing?  The exciting future of techie textiles.  Examples of collaborations between fashion designers and engineers.   Amanda’s thoughts about the progression from runway to closet.  How is the Maker Movement inspiring design for consumers?  What one fashion tech item does Amanda covet?    Resources:    Electric Runway    Follow Amanda on Twitter    Daniel Christian Tang    Ringly    Cute Circuit    Oura Ring    Follow Camp Tech on Twitter