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

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

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 aroun

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:

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

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 Orres

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

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

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

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

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 

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:  

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  Buf

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 “Boat

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  Av

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 spo

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