MikeWittmer.com

Pretty much everybody knows when you click a hyper-link (a.k.a. “link”) your computer typically takes you to a web page.  But, if you are on the internet, it’s worth taking a few moments to learn a little more about how links work.  This knowledge will keep you safe from some of the pervasive viruses and internet worms floating around today. 

What is a URL?

Since you are going to need to know what a URL is for the next section, I’ll explain it here.   URL stands for Uniform Resource Locator.   In simple terms, a URL is the web address of a website.  URLs are what you type in the address field of your browser and typically start with http://.  A lengthy technical overview of URL can be found here.

Anatomy of a Hyperlink

Every link on the internet or sent by email contains two properties.  The text that is displayed (text property) and the Target URL it points to (URL property).  The Text Property can be totally different from the URL Property.  For example, here are two links to a favorite store of mine: 

·         http://halfpricedbooks.com

·         HPB

If you hover your mouse over the links above, you will find that both of these point to the same website: halfpricedbooks.com.  In some programs, mouse hovering is one way to determine what the Target URL is – in other words, where the link points to.  Within your browser, you can typically hover over links and see the Target URL associated with them displayed in a small horizontal bar at the bottom of the browser window (see example below).  Or, you can right click any link and select ‘Properties’ to see where the link points to.   It’s always a good idea to look here before clicking to ensure you are being taken to the website you intend to visit.

Often you can hover over or right click graphics, like buttons, etc. and select properties to view their target URLs.

Why do I want to see where a link points to?

Many viruses are contracted by clicking on fraudulent links.  I received a message from a business associate recently that contained a link to what appeared to be a YouTube video.  However, the link actually pointed to a website designed to infect me with the Koobface virus.

Links Demystified Part 2 will (most likely) contain information on URL Shortening, URL Parameters, and Validating URLs.

Please leave a comment or email me with any questions regarding this article.

I upgraded my recording studio to Pro-Tools 8.0.3 this weekend.  I’m looking forward to using it for audio blogging as well as some music production.  Next in line is video production and streaming media, a la ustream.com.  I’ve been receiving counsel from Casey Griffith of TM Television on what technologies are best suited for my needs.  If you know anyone in the market for video editing software, cameras or other video related gear, I highly recommend Casey.  And, if you know anyone in the Houston area that is interested in starting a podcast or video blog, please send them my way.  I’m looking for new projects in this arena.

Disseminate your content using online services.  When you update content on your blog or website you need to promote it using social media tools.   Update your statuses on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, Tumblr, Friendster and any other online social media networks you belong to with a link to your new content.  You can save time by using tools like Tumblr or Tweetdeck to post to multiple services at one time.  A word of caution: try to provide something of value to your readers.  Don’t just sell-sell-sell.  You want to build reputation and relationships.  Even if you fully believe in your brand, be careful not to come off as selfish or greedy.

This might be the tip with the closest expiration date.  Not because the tip with be useless in two months, but because the services you will use to do this change like the wind. 

I’m speaking at my daughter’s 3^rd grade career day today.  In contemplating how my daily work might relate to an 8 year old, I recognized how important literacy is in almost every area of my business.  I started thinking about how to convey the importance of reading and writing within my presentation.  I came up with a few ideas and then I decided to stop by Half-Priced Books in Pearland and see if I could score some coupons for the kids.  Needless to say, Autumn, the shift supervisor, hooked me up.  She called her district manager, Lane Garrison, and received approval to give me loads of coupons and pencils for the kids.  I think they are going to love it.

Thank you so much, Lane Garrison, Autumn, and Half-Priced Books!  You are first class!

Give a little.  Get involved in online communities that are in your space.  Just like face to face networking, you need to get out there on the internet and mingle… Ouch, that sounded corny.  What I mean is, find the premiere bloggers in your industry/vertical.  Visit and study their blogs, and leave insightful/helpful feedback in the comment section.  Make sure you stay positive.  Try to add something of value.  And always, always, always, have your website URL present in the signature section of your comments.  If you build a reputation as an expert in your field, people will check you out.

Get Your Blog On. Your business website should have a blog. This allows you add and update content regularly and keep your customer’s interested in your business/industry. It also has a positive effect on your search engine ranking. A blog can take many forms: written word, video, photo, and audio. Consider integrating a blog using the styles of communication you are most comfortable with. If you are an extremely energetic personality, maybe a video/audio blog would be most fitting. If you are a great writer, you should consider starting a written blog.

Get Creative!  A karate or MMA school may have a video blog where they post different maneuvers and techniques, clips from bouts with analysis/commentary, social events.  These things can be done at little cost now and are very effective in building interest and traffic to your site and business.