I have installed the WordPress app for my iPod touch. I am using it to male this post. More and more I am seeing people browse the web with small mobile devices. But, it seems like few sites are developing sites optimized for small screen devices.
I am checking www.wordpress.mobi to see about adding the mobile plugin to my own site to create a mobile version. I will keep you all posted.
While listening to Avinash Kaushik on JMP’s podcast (www.jmp.com), I heard about 4Q – a very simple (and free) suvey tool to start to gather some information from you site visitors.
You sign up to use the service, make some basic customizations, upload your logo and voila – you are ready to go.
I’ve got it instlalled on this site. About 30% of you should get an invitation. 30% of those who visit the site will be presented with an overlay that says they have been picked to answer a very simple 4 question survey (hence the name 4Q) about their experience with this site. If they agree, a new window opens up at the bottom of the screen ready for them to answer once they are done at the site.
I haven’t had the service installed for any time yet, so I have no idea about how effective it is. But, we’ll see. According to Avinash, something simple like this is a great way to gather data.
Typically when we think about analytics, things like muti-variant testing, A/B Comparisons, Regressions and all other sorts of complicated statistical things pop into our minds. But, by simply asking people visiting our site -
1. Why did you visit our site
2. Were you able to accomplish your purpose
3. Why not (if no)
By simply asking people answers to these questions, we can figure out a tons of information.
It looks like a great service. I’ll keep you up to date on what I find out.
Just watched this video on FastCompany.tv:
Made me think a whole lot more about how I use – or better yet – fail to use a simple free Analytics systems – Google Analytics. This simple and free program gives me the ability to know a ton about who is visiting, what pages they are visiting, how long they stay, what links they click on, etc.
It’s really a great tool. I simply don’t pay enough attention to it.
I’ve been using twitter a lot more lately. I have to admit it, I’m not totally sure why. There are probably a couple of reasons. Some of the reason are good (probably). But, one reason is that I just feel like I SHOULD. As a web developer, designer, etc. I just sort of feel like I should be using it. I’m not sure I need to or am really gaining anything out of it. But, I feel the pressure to do the latest, etc. And, twitter is one of those… So, I’m using it.
In just a couple of months of using Twitter, I’ve run across 15 or so people I’m following and about the same number who are following me. I guess that’s good.
I’ve put out some requests (tell me about good books, etc.) and received back some decent input.
And, as much as I hate to admit it, one of my favorites on Twitter is Barack Obama. I love how often he (I assume his staff) updates, how they direct me back to web site, etc. He’s now like the #3 most followed person on Twitter – behind Leo Laporte and Kevin Rose (#1)). Possibly as a political statement – I can’t even find the “OFFICIAL” John McCain twitter. That has got to say something about the two campaigns.
But, perhaps the most interesting thought about Twitter was found in this link:
http://johnvoelzblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/twitter-church.html
Apparently, this church had a live Twitter feed going on during church. People contributed throughout the service. Very interesting. Not sure if it is the right technology or not, but it LOVE the thought. I love the idea that technology is about a whole lot more than just a cool web site, a new thing, etc. I love that technology can be about people. About community. About connecting people. I think that’s really the power.
Maybe Twitter is more valuable than I thought?
