Perfect tools
to improve online presence
Sure, people still show up in large numbers for photo editing and design workshops, but it seems to be the online topics that are really bringing them out. Could it be that we’re really moving to a paper-less world? Are all these publishers ready to convert their publications from print to web based? No. That’s not what’s happening. But it does seem like newspapers are looking for ideas and tools to make their online presence more compelling and profitable, without having to invest unreasonable amounts of time in the process.
Kevin Slimp
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n interesting trend I’ve noticed at newspaper conferences lately, the sessions of online journalism are drawing the biggest crowds. Recently in New Orleans, a packed house listened attentively as I told them about the latest tools available to news media sites. Two days later, we wondered if anyone would show up in Orange Beach, Alabama for a morning session titled, ‘Online Journalism: What You Need to Know’. After all, it was Saturday and the convention was being held at a beach resort. No worries, though. The room was full when it was time to begin.
Let me share a few of the ideas that seem to make the audiences light up:
- tynt.com: tynt provides users with a simple javascript that can be placed in the code for your web-site. And it’s much easier than you think, anytime a visitor copies and pastes text from your website, it automatically appears with a link to your site. For example, say Joe Visitor selects and copies the following text on your web page:
The moon is bright tonight.
When the text is pasted onto another website or into an email, it would appear something like this:
The moon is bright tonight.
Read more at: http://www.ournewspaper.com
How much text gets copied from newspaper websites? A lot. And this helps make sure the reader is guided back to you. tynt also has tools to help users keep track of how often text is copied from their sites.
- OnlyPodcasting.com: Still don’t know how to create a podcast for your community? OnlyPodcasting.com has step by step instructions that will give you the basics of creating a podcast. In addition, you’ll find an area on their site specifically related to podcasts created by newspapers. What more could you ask for?
- Pocket Video Camcorder: My choice is the Kodak Zi8. This camcorder captures video in stunning 1080p high definition. Stay in focus while you’re on the move with integrated image stabilization. I also like the Flip Ultra HD, with 720p high definition resolution and prices around $179. But for $149, it’s hard to beat the Kodak Zi8.
Another topic that has been popular at newspaper conferences this year has been ‘Simple Ideas to Make Money on Newspaper Websites’. If you’re looking for a simple way to increase revenue from your website, one is to offer direct links to florists in your obituary section. I’ve visited with several newspapers that do this and it seems to be a very popular - and profitable - idea. Simply sell the idea to a local florist, then create a link at the end of each obituary that says, “Click here to order flowers” or “Send flowers now.” After clicking on the link, the visitor immediately goes to the florist website where they can place an order.
OK. This doesn’t mean you can skip my sessions when I’m speaking in a town near you. There are a lot more ideas where these came from.
(Kevin Slimp is director of the Institute of Newspaper Technology and technology guru. Read past columns at www.kevinslimp.com. Newspapers can sign up to spend an hour with Kevin during live webinars at www.braincast.biz)
