Highlights from around the web – 3/4/2010

Here are the latest things that caught my eye from around the web in the past few days. I subscribe to dozens of blogs and news sources via my Google Reader and share them. You can keep up with them by following me on Twitter or even subscribing directly. I will also post them here in my blog from time to time.

• Strategy Principles – Segmentation
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Kingdom Strategist
  Thoughtful article from Kevin Ring on using segmentation as part of your strategy. Good stuff!
• How Companies Are Using Your Social Media Data
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Interesting article on the importance of your social media data. That friend you have on Facebook may hurt your ability to get credit someday...
• Content Alone Doesn’t Cut It for Traffic, SEO
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  What is your search strategy? Great post from John Saddington on the other components to getting found.
• Growing Through Search Marketing – A Case Study
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  More SEO insights from OurChurch.
• Holy Holograms!
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Out of Ur
  Holy Holographic preachers! Is this the next step for "online church"? What do you think?
• Yelp for Android Gets Bookmark Sync and Draft Support
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  If you are a church or location-based ministry, have you checked to see if you are on Yelp? This article reminded me that the convergence of social and mobile will include these types of applications.
• Mobile Social Networking Usage Soars [STATS]
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Mobile and social. The match made in heaven. If mobile and social media are not in your strategy, it's time to update your strategy.
• Making Videos That Work Socially
  Posted: March 3, 2010
  From: tonysteward
  Here is some great insight on how to develop video for the online environment. From the new blog by Tony Steward. (HT: Collide Magazine)
• State of the Union of Church, Ministry and Search Engines
  Posted: March 1, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Jump in with OurChurch.com this month on search engine issues. If you aren't doing anything with your search engine results, this is a great way to get started!
• Developing a Social Strategy: Slides and Webinar Recording –Share It
  Posted: February 27, 2010
  From: Web Strategy by Jeremiah
  Trying to put together a social strategy? Jump in to this series!
• Google Adds New Location-Based Options to Search
  Posted: February 27, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Does Google know where your ministry is? If you are a location-based ministry, be sure you are taking advantage of this.
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Highlights from around the web – 2/26/2010

Here are the latest things that caught my eye from around the web. I subscribe to dozens of blogs and news sources via my Google Reader and share them. You can keep up with them by following me on Twitter or even subscribing directly. I will also post them here in my blog from time to time.

• 5 Fantastic Facebook Fan Page Ideas to Learn From
  Posted: February 25, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Great examples of the use of Facebook fan pages. Learn from these examples!
• The Future of the Non-Profit Internet
  Posted: February 25, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Predictions about the future of the Internet, with an emphasis on its effects on nonprofits.
• Facebook outreach and training
  Posted: February 25, 2010
  From: Digital Evangelism Issues
  A great look at how Facebook is the place to be for online evangelism.
• New and Upcoming Books on Technology, Media, and Faith
  Posted: February 24, 2010
  From: Don't Eat The Fruit
  Here are some books to consider for your reading list. I added my upcoming book in the comments.
• Social Media – What’s the Point?
  Posted: February 23, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Some good thoughts on social media from Paul.
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Highlights from around the web – 2/23/2010

Here are the latest things that caught my eye from around the web. I subscribe to dozens of blogs and news sources via my Google Reader and share them. You can keep up with them by following me on Twitter or even subscribing directly. I will also post them here in my blog from time to time.

• HOW TO: Build a Facebook Landing Page for Your Business
  Posted: February 22, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Here's one way to take advantage of Facebook right now. Create a landing page for your ministry using the "fan page" feature.
• ChatRoulette by Sarita Yardi
  Posted: February 21, 2010
  From: apophenia
  OK, this is an interesting one. ChatRoulette is a site that randomly pulls up a video chat with someone else on the site. Either party has the ability to hit "next". Sort of like Facebook "friending" I suppose, except at a much more intimate level. But the implications of something like this for ministry! What do you think?
• Being what they search for
  Posted: February 20, 2010
  From: Digital Evangelism Issues
  Great post about a strategic tool: Google Insights for Search. Take a look. And how can we use this for ministry?
• HOW TO: Make Your Small Business Geolocation-Ready
  Posted: February 19, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  This is a very nice primer on how to get involved in location-aware apps and why you need to start doing it RIGHT NOW. Churches, this is for you!
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Highlights from around the web – 2/19/2010

Here are the most interesting, instructive, and innovative articles from around the web that I’ve read in the past few days.   I am sharing these, along with my comments on them, via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• A history of media technology scares, from the printing press to Facebook. - By Vaughan Bell - Slate Magazine
  Posted: February 17, 2010
  From: www.slate.com
  A brief history of how technology has ruined our society over and over and over...
• Are We All Asking to Be Robbed?
  Posted: February 17, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  The flip side of the location-based technologies, such as Foursquare, are that by telling people where you are, you are also telling them where you are not...
• Microsoft Will Charge Carriers for Windows Phone 7
  Posted: February 17, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Here's an early take on why Android phones will become the default operating system for phones - what do you think?
• The State of the Internet, Does this Change our Online Ministry Strategies?
  Posted: February 16, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  This is a cool graphic. But when you are developing your online strategy, you probably need to focus more specifically on your demographic than this graphic gives. But this is a starting point.
• Facebook Is the Web’s Ultimate Timesink [STATS]
  Posted: February 16, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Some good statistics on the use of Facebook and other web technologies. Trying to figure out where to focus your energy? This may help.
• Understanding Users of Social Networks
  Posted: February 16, 2010
  From: HBS Working Knowledge
  This one's a little old, but I just ran across it. Here is a report on some research about the use of social networks out of Harvard Business School. Some interesting findings and comments on just what a "social strategy" is.
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Highlights from around the web – 2/16/2010

Here are the most interesting, instructive, and innovative articles from around the web that I’ve read in the past few days.   I am sharing these, along with my comments on them, via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• Rob Bell on the Dangers of Video Preaching
  Posted: February 15, 2010
  From: Out of Ur
  A caution on the use of video from Rob Bell.
• The Case for Excellence - Honoring God with Our Best
  Posted: February 15, 2010
  From: State of Ministry Online
  Here's Paul Steinbrueck's take on excellence in online ministry. I like how he gives some very specific details about what it means to be excellent.
• Google Buzz Has Completely Changed the Game: Here’s How
  Posted: February 14, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Better pay attention to that buzzing sound coming from Google...
• Web Strategy Matrix: Google Buzz vs Facebook vs MySpace vs Twitter (Feb 2010)
  Posted: February 13, 2010
  From: Web Strategy by Jeremiah
  Here's a great comparison of some of the top social media tools.
• Is SEO the future of evangelism?
  Posted: February 12, 2010
  From: churchrelevance.com
  Very interesting article on using search. Search is the #1 way people find you on the Internet. And the Internet is usually the first place they look...
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Highlights from around the web – 2/12/2010

Here are the most interesting, instructive, and innovative articles from around the web that I’ve read in the past few days. I am sharing these, along with my comments on them, via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• Ed Stetzer on Pastors and Change
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: Out of Ur
  Wow. This post gives great insight into where "the Church" is headed. While not all of it is relevant to online ministry, the basic premise is: be ready to change!
• BREAKING: Iranian Government Bans Gmail
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  If you are considering a move to "cloud computing" for your ministry, take note of this article. I realize that here in the US, the chances of something like this happening are slim (after all, the government can't shut down Google, can they?), but if your ministry has a presence in a restrictive country, this could paralyze your communications. And think of all the saved email you would lose access to as well! If you use other "cloud" services to store documents, client information, presentations, etc., this is a call to be sure you have them backed up!
• 7 Ways to Promote Your Offline Event Using Social Media
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Here's a nice primer on using social media for "real world" events. I am all about online/offline integration, so here is one way to do it!
• 3 Ministry Podcasting Options with Wordpress
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  This is a great addition to my series on "web 2.0" for churches: using free web 2.0 tools, you can put your ministry fully online. You can read the series at http://genesys11.com/lessonsfrombabel/2007/05/14/web-20-suite-wrap-up/.
• Visualizing 6 Years of Facebook [INFOGRAPHIC]
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Some good data on how Facebook is becoming THE social media tool. Need some stats to convince your ministry leaders or board that you should be on Facebook?
• Wed. Website Weview & Extreme Makeover Winner: Faith Bible Church
  Posted: February 10, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Another review of a church website with good recommendations.
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Highlights from around the web – 2/9/2010

Here are the most interesting, instructive, and innovative articles from around the web that I’ve read in the past few days.   I am sharing these, along with my comments on them, via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• 5 Insightful TED Talks on Social Media
  Posted: February 8, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Five great speakers give their take on social media from past TED conferences.
• 12 Reasons to Redesign Your Website
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  When was the last time you redesigned?
• 10 Reasons Why Your Church Should Seriously Consider Google Apps
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  Here is an article suggesting the use of Google Apps for churches... Though I love Google Apps myself, I am not so sure. See more of my POV in the comments on this article.
• 5 Real Challenges For Non-Profit Texting Campaigns
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Thinking about integrating texting into your ministry? This article gives some of the downsides that this can bring.
• Prayer Engine Launches, Customizable Web-Based Prayer Wall
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  I've been looking for ways that social media could play a role in prayer. This app looks promising...
• How Social Media Helps One Small Business Connect with Fans
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  If it can work for this small company, can it work for your ministry? What if your Facebook page became your PRIMARY focal point for interacting with web users?
• Facebook’s Major Redesign Emphasizes Search and So Much More
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Facebook redesign - do you have it yet?
• Smartphones Are Selling Like Crazy
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Smartphone sales are now slowing down... just a reminder to be sure your ministry is updating its strategy to integrate mobile!
• Pew Study Points to Facebook as Personal Blog Killer
  Posted: February 5, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Paul points out something in the new Pew report on teen usage of the Internet: blogs are fading, social networks are replacing them.
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Highlights from around the web – 2/5/2010

Here are the most interesting, instructive, and innovative articles from around the web that I’ve read in the past few days.   I am sharing these, along with my comments on them, via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• Announcing the Excellence in Online Ministry Survey
  Posted: February 3, 2010
  From: State of Ministry Online
  State of Ministry Online is launching their survey. If you are part of an online ministry, take a few minutes to do the survey and you'll score a discount to the CLA 2010 conference.
• Teens Just Don’t Blog or Tweet [STATS]
  Posted: February 3, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  The Pew Internet project just released a new report on teen use of the Internet. If you are targeting teens with social media, this is the scoop on what they do.
• Who We Are Is Who We Are
  Posted: February 3, 2010
  From: Collide Magazine
  A great perspective on the use of social media by...everyone. How do you use social media? How do those in your ministry see you using it?
• 3 New Ways to Measure the Social Web
  Posted: February 3, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  One of the keys to a good online strategy is to have measurable goals. This article gives you three ways to measure your social media interactions. Are you using any of these?
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Tags: pew internet

Highlights from around the web – 2/2/2010

Here is the latest online ministry news and opinion from around the web.  I am sharing these via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• Microsoft’s Tag Links the Physical World To the Internet
  Posted: February 1, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Wouldn't it be great if you could put up ads with one of these barcodes that people could use to see a video about your ministry or share the gospel? Say in a bus station, or in a magazine ad, or even in your church mailings?
• A Blog-centric Multi-Ministry, Multi-Channel Church Communications Strategy
  Posted: January 31, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Here's an interesting strategy for church communications. I think I like it (read my comments). Read the article and comment on it to give Paul feedback.
• How Facebook Ads Filled My Church
  Posted: January 31, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  Here is a story of how Facebook ads worked for a church. Facebook allows you to focus ads to particular users based on many demographics: location, age, gender, group membership, etc. Who would you target your ads to? Would your church or ministry consider advertising in this way?
• Baby Boomers and Seniors Are Flocking to Facebook [STATS]
  Posted: January 28, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  If your social media focus has been on the under 30 crowd, time to expand your horizons!
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Highlights from around the web – 1/28/10

Here is the latest online ministry news and opinion from around the web.  I am sharing these via Google Reader – you can read them all there or subscribe to the feed if you like.

• iBooks: Apple Answers the Kindle with a Digital Bookshelf Like No Other
  Posted: January 27, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  OK, this confirms it (if it wasn't already): eBooks are here to stay and are moving mainstream. Are you going to make your ministry's materials available to eBook readers? Time to start looking into it!
• Controversial Church’s Next Picketing Project: Twitter HQ
  Posted: January 27, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  OK. A church is picketing Twitter and tweeting about it... Sorry, I can't get behind this.
• Wednesday Website Weview – The Kingdom of God Christian Community
  Posted: January 27, 2010
  From: Christian Web Trends Blog by OurChurch.Com
  OurChurch reviews a new online church as part of the "Wednesday Website Weview". Some good advice for a new online church. I would love to see a review of an established church - anyone up for it?
• What the Web of Tomorrow Will Look Like: 4 Big Trends to Watch
  Posted: January 26, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Sink your teeth into these predictions and the implications they will have for your online presence.
• The Pope and Catholic Church: Thou Shalt Blog! Cyberpriests FTW!
  Posted: January 26, 2010
  From: ChurchCrunch
  Looks like the Pope's on board...
• 4 Myths About Social Media and Business
  Posted: January 26, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  A good overview of the use of social media for smaller ministries and churches.
• What's Changing, What's Not
  Posted: January 26, 2010
  From: Out of Ur
  Some trends to consider when developing strategy for your ministry...
• 5 Ways Small Businesses Can Avoid Social Media Panic
  Posted: January 22, 2010
  From: Mashable!
  Yet another great guide from Mashable. This is very applicable to churches and ministries.
• Mike Elgan: Google quietly changes the world again
  Posted: January 22, 2010
  From: www.computerworld.com
  Interesting Computerworld article about new Google location services being rolled out. Imagine if people could walk up to your church and pull up all the notes that people had left about it: "I got saved here!" "Check out the bookstore" "I came here and no one talked to me"...
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