More complex online search possibilities and the merging of data from multiple sources including social media will see the Internet reinvent itself all over again in the next couple of years, according to the experts at Traffika.

This means an effective digital marketing strategy has never been more important to a company’s success.

Traffika Managing Director Matt Forman said “already search engines are becoming more sophisticated to deal with how people are using more complex search terms to narrow down their results so the strategies companies use to achieve results need to become more advanced in their approach as well”.

Mr Forman said while many companies were still just dipping their toes into the waters of digital marketing through search engines and social media, the Internet was evolving at a startling pace.

“It is not enough to just set up a Facebook page or Twitter account and post items a couple of times a week.  To get real return on investment you need to take a strategic approach, just as you would with any other aspect of your business,” Mr Forman said.

“Web 3.0 or the Semantic Web as it is caled, is already in its early stages,” he said.

“This new evolution of the web will see search engines examine the human meaning of the search words and phrases before searching.  Then information from multiple sources will be merged to provide more meaningful search results,” he said.

“For example if you do a search for ‘best plasma tv’, information on the best models, prices, customer reviews and warranties can all be returned and presented in a single result.”

Mr Forman said there was also already a meshing of social media with search, where individuals could search for information posted by their trusted networks in a new digital evolution of word-of-mouth referrals.

“Another aspect, which is already moving forward at breakneck speed because of the increasing sophistication of mobile phones and other portable devices, is local search where your location and your online social network is taken into account by search engines so you are presented with information that is more relevant to you.

“For example, if you are looking to go out and grab a coffee your mobile device could give you information about cafes as well as the locations and activities of your friends to allow you to invite them to join you.”

Mr Forman said the future was already here.  “It’s all about the meshing of search, social, local and mobile technologies and companies need to ensure that they are geared up to maximise the opportunities it brings.”

In terms of search complexity research has shown that the length of search terms is getting longer.  In the four-week period to the end of February 2010, clicks made through searches over eight words grow by 8.3%, and by 5.3% for over seven words.  At the same time searches using one word fell by 1.1%, with search over two words falling by 1.5%.*

Mr Forman said because of all the development online it meant that digital marketing strategies also had to evolve to more astutely take advantage of the benefits the technology offered.

“These changes mean that consumers will be presented with more refined and limited results so digital marketing strategies need to address that.

“We call it 360 degrees digital.  Traffika develops cost-effective strategies that address all areas of the digital world – search, social, local and mobile – in a targeted way which achieves measurable results.”

He said strategies could include digital promotions encouraging social media referrals or mentions as well as integration of a company’s corporate web presence with its social media campaign through optimisation and other approaches.

“There isn’t any one size fits all approach because there are so many different variables for different businesses.  Businesses need to taker a professional approach and seek the advice of experts.  However this doesn’t mean it needs to be expensive and people should ensure that like other marketing activities they undertake, there are effective ways to measure results.”

Mr Forman said one of the beauties of the digital world was that everything was measurable so campaigns could be tailored as they went to achieve optimal results.

For more information about digital marketing and leading industry insight visit our blog or follow Matt on Twitter at @mattforman.

*Research from Experian Hitwise from a study of the four weeks ending 27 February 2010

Join in the festivities with Bloomhill Cancer Help as they deck their halls for the Christmas Yuletide on Wednesday, 23 June.

This annual fundraising dinner will be held at Headland Golf Club and will include great local entertainment and a three-course Christmas buffet style dinner with all the trimmings of a winter festival (Yuletide).

Peter McAllister, event organiser for last year’s event, said it was such a great night in 2009, that due to popular demand he and Bloomhill had decided to make it an annual event.

“We are really excited to have some great new performers added to the line up this year as well as some of last year’s favourites”, Mr McAllister said.

The line up includes performances by sixties acts including the Hot Ginger Chorus Inc, Brian Carion, Pete and the Cruisers and a special appearance by Elvis.

“At Bloomhill, Christmas doesn’t just come once a year,” said Mr McAllister.

“Christmas Yuletide really lifts people’s spirits because it gives them an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and ‘let their hair down’ in the middle of the working year,” he said.

Mr McAllister said he organised this event for people to have a great time and support a worthy cause.

“Bloomhill is truly amazing. The Sunshine Coast is so lucky to have such an amazing charity caring for the community and they need our support to continue their important work of assisting people with cancer and their families,” he said.

Tickets to the Christmas Yuletide, from 7pm on Wednesday 23 June, at Headland Golf Club, Golf Links Road, Buderim are $45 per person and available from Bloomhill Cancer Help, 58 Ballinger Road, Buderim or by phoning 5445 5794. Bookings are essential and must be received by 20 June.

With the pedigree of a new production racing yacht being built on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast it is no wonder that it is being heralded as having reached a new level of excellence in Australian yacht design.

The 42-foot Stallion RP42 was designed by one of the world’s best race boat designers, Reichel/Pugh Yacht Designs, who also designed yachts like Sydney to Hobart winners, Wild Oats and Alfa Romeo.

Stallion Marine director David Biggar said in fact every aspect of the yacht had been built using the best available components.

“We wanted to build a boat that left no questions unanswered and offered the best of everything,” Mr Biggar said.

“Added to the world-class design pedigree, the mast and rigging is from Southern Spars, and the winches and deck hardware are from Harken.  Both these companies are the best in the world at what they do,” he said.

The Stallion RP42 has a fully infused construction of e-glass and carbon fibre with a foam core.  It is a sleek design with clean decks including a fixed bow sprit, clean cabin top and hidden hallyards with twin carbon fibre wheels.  The interior is clean and minimalist in its style with removable furniture including three double beds.  There is also an option to have a lift keel which reduces the yachts draft and is good when transporting because it allowed it to be lifted from a single point.

Mr Biggar said two of the yachts had already been completed with the two different configurations available, one with full push button hydraulic operation and one optimised for IRC  racing.

“This means the Stallion RP42 offers the flexibility of streamlined shorthand cruising or full racing.”

Mr Biggar said he started Stallion Marine five years ago, beginning with performance catamarans.  The Stallion RP42 is the first single hull yacht to come from the stable.

“The Stallion RP42 design was completed in mid 2009, with the first two boats in the water by April and we are thrilled with the results,” he said.

“In fact thepush button hydraulic boat, Black Jack Too, took out the Queensland IRC State Titles @ the Royal Queensland Yachting Squadron in Brisbane recently – the first race it had competed in.”

Black Jack Too skipper Mark Bradford who has also skippered yachts in the America’s Cup said “I am very happy with the way the boat is performing and we are very surprised with her downwind speed”.

The Stallion RP42 starts from $599,000 for the IRC Optimised Configuration and from $689,000 for the full push-button configuration.  (Prices exclude GST)

For more information on the Stallion RP42including full configuration specs visit www.stallionmarine.com.au, email info@stallionmarine.com.au(or similar – need to configure an email address for public enquiries), or phone 0422 099 072.

Flexible, flat, fold-out footwear called Flexi Flats will give ladies with fatigued feet a fashion-forward alternative to painful, sky-high heels at Ladies Oaks Day.

As part of fundraising for the Ladies Oaks Day official charity Cystic Fibrosis Queensland (CFQ) the Flexi Flats, which come in black, silver and pink, will be sold for $15 a pair to raise much needed funds for the organisation while providing a style-savvy, comfortable option to women with sore feet and help avoid the fashion faux pas of bare feet at the racecourse.

The ballet-style Flexi Flats come with a bag so high heels can be stored while wearing the footwear, as well as being able to be folded up into a small, convenient handbag-ready package at the end of the day to be ready for the next fashion feet emergency.

The idea to offer Flexi Flats for sale at the Race Day was the brainchild of three University of the Sunshine Coast students who are coordinating CFQ’s fundraising efforts on the day as part of their Public Relations studies.

One of these students, Samantha Steele said she believed the shoes would be a lifesaver, particularly towards the end of the day.

“Flexi Flats will be heaven sent for sore feet at Ladies Oaks Day. It will be a great option when ladies feel like losing their shoes.  This way they can be comfortable and still look classy with these very fashionable flat footwear on their feet.”

Heel Candy, a cover for stiletto heels which stops them sinking into grass and prevent the damage the grass can cause, will also be available for sale through CFQ for $15 a pair.

Another of the students, Marlise O’Sullivan said the heel candy covers were a great invention.  “Heel Candy are another option for ladies wanting to keep their heels on while still preventing the danger and damage that sinking into the turf can cause.”

Cystic fibrosis is a condition that affects the lungs and digestion of sufferers and requires ongoing treatment. All funds raised will be dedicated to providing vital practical and emotional support to more than 100 families in the Sunshine Coast region living with this insidious and chronic illness.

CFQ will also be collecting donations on the day as well as selling raffle tickets, to be drawn on the day. All funds raised by CFQ will be used to help Queenslanders suffering from cystic fibrosis as well as funding research into the condition.

Ladies Oaks Day is being held on 28^th May at Corbould Park at Caloundra with $2 from every entry fee being kindly donated to Cystic Fibrosis Queensland.

Food and health are the passions of Australia’s low-fat cookbook queen Annette Sym and now she is joining forces with women’s fitness expert Jen Forster from Goal Power Training for an inspiring event to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Symply Food, Symply Fit, Symply Pink will be held at the Events Centre @ Maroochy on Tuesday, 22 June with Annette and Jen both sharing their expertise in a night full of ‘symple’ steps towards greater energy, vitality and good health.

Reward yourself and do not miss out on this fun, informative and inspiring event. Tickets are just $20 each, with every cent going to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Not only will the event give you the keys to better health and fitness, but will also assist Annette and Jen’s quest to raise $10,000 dollars to help find a cure for breast cancer.

You will learn from the low-fat cooking guru herself with a cooking demonstration and be motivated and inspired by Annette’s weight loss secrets while taste testing samples from her upcoming Symply Too Good To Be True Book 6.

Annette Sym has written the best selling Symply Too Good To Be True Books 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 which has helped thousands of people to win their weight loss battle. Learn her tips and secrets at this event about how you can indulge without the guilt.

“The ‘Symply Food, Symply Fit, Symply Pink’ event will give everyone the opportunity to access valuable insights into the world of health and wellness. All of which will ultimately show you ways to take a hold of your life and embrace its challenges”.

“Breast Cancer has touched the hearts of many of us. That is why I am excited to join forces with Jen Forster for a night full of food, fitness and fun to support a great cause,” Annette said.

Jen Forster from Goal Power Training will also share her fitness training tips and show you how easy it is to train effectively at home. Known as the ‘women’s health expert’, Jen has the passion and experience to show women how they can discover a new ‘normal’ for life! Goal Power Training will give everyone who attends a take home ‘no weights necessary’ training program.

“When my sister, Michelle, was diagnosed with breast cancer on her 39^th Birthday, I realised that we can either sit back and wait for a cure or we can get off our butts and make it happen! Come and join Annette and myself at our ‘Symply Food, Symply Fit, Symply Pink’ event – and help us raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation to find the cure.  You’ll not only be helping yourself, you will helping so many others too,” Jen said.

Buy your ticket soon as the first 100 to book will receive a fantastic gift bag jam packed with food and fitness goodies and so much more. Everyone attending the event will also go in the draw to win a ‘major mystery prize’.

Book your tickets online at www.goalpower.com.au. The event will run from 6:30pm till 9:30pm.  For further information contact Jen Forster on 0403 236 783 or email her at jen@goalpower.com.au.

A trio of University of the Sunshine Coast public relations students aim to raise $10,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland (CFQ) at the Ladies Oakes Day at Corbould Park on Friday 28 May.

The three students, Karis Howard, Marlise O’Sullivan and Samantha Steele, with group mentor Michelle Smytheman, from Reflected Image PRoductions, hope to use the day to raise awareness and much-needed funds for the Sunshine Coast branch of CFQ.  It was nominated by Hot 91 as the official beneficiary of the day. Two dollars from every entry ticket sold will be donated.

The students have been working since February to plan events for the day including a monster raffle and merchandise stand, which will include CFQ products.

Karis Howard said she was excited to put theory from her degree into practice, particularly when it is for such a worthy cause.

Marlise O’Sullivan believes the work the team is doing throughout the subject is going to give them edge when they enter the workforce.

“This PR subject gives you great practical experience because we get to organise a major fundraiser at an event like Ladies Oaks Day,” said Miss O’Sullivan.

Cystic Fibrosis is a condition that affects the lungs and digestive system of sufferers. At this time there is no cure for the condition.  Funds raised for CFQ contribute to research of Cystic Fibrosis which helps find new treatments and aims to find a cure.

CFQ provides support to people with Cystic Fibrosis and their families which include medical equipment, counselling, accommodation and education.

Already the students have held a warm up sausage sizzle at the University of the Sunshien Coast Uni Club on Wednesday 12 May where sausages were sold for a gold coin donation, thanks to the support of Mick’s Meat Barn.  Funds raised from this warm-up event will contribute to the students’ $10,000 goal and help recruit volunteers for Ladies Oaks Day activities.

A Facebook page “Reflected Image Roses generating awareness for Cystic Fibrosis Queensland” has also  been established to help raise awareness of the organisation and promote CFQ’s presence at Ladies Oaks Day.

For more information on Cystic Fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Queensland visit www.cysticfibrosis.org.au

Driven by the lifestyle desires of husband and wife Directors, Zane and Carey-Ann Wood, Handylocals have moved their headquarters to the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre.

An online company with the potential to be based anywhere in the world, the decision to locate Handylocals on the Sunshine Coast was an easy one.

“There was never any question of choosing to locate to the Sunshine Coast. We visited Australia Zoo on a holiday a few years ago and knew this is where we wanted to live,” owner Zane Wood said.

“The one thing that stood out above all else is no matter who we spoke to – everyone loved living here. The Sunshine Coast offers absolutely everything in a neat, beautiful package,” Mr Wood added.

Based on a UK business model that has achieved phenomenal growth over the last 5 years, Handylocals provides marketing solutions to small and medium sized businesses to help them capture the local market.

Mr Wood said with most business receiving up to 80% of their income from the local community, Handylocals concentrated on helping their members capture this audience.

“Our point of difference is we promote only three businesses within an area. We market our clients extensively on and offline in the community through the exclusive use of the Handylocals brand.”

Innovation Centre Entrepreneur-in-Residence Nigel Hall said “Handylocals has a great business model, offering the top three recommended businesses in the region the opportunity to replace the costly yellow pages as their main source of leads, with a minimum annual spend.”

“My main concern was that there was no way they could provide so much value for $248 per year, but having crunched the numbers with them, it’s possible!”

“The value of their service is highly visible, it gives SME’s access to internet advertising such as Facebook, Google and Twitter, as well as more traditional media such as radio,” Nigel added.

The Innovation Centre’s ideal position on the edge of the USC campus, along with access to an attractive package of business services were major drawcards for Handylocals.

“With fantastic resources such as networking, technology, mentoring and a community of thriving, local businesses, the Innovation Centre was our first choice as a base for our business,” Zane Wood commented.

“In our line of work, being up to date with technological advances and consumer trends is a necessity. The University is a thriving community representing the future on the Sunshine Coast.”

To find out more about Handylocals visit www.handylocals.com.au. For more information on the Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast visit www.innovation-centre.com.au.

Locating offices in what will be Australia’s most dynamic University Town is far more valuable for business than plush offices with a harbour view, according to Innovation Centre Sunshine Coast CEO Colin Graham.

Mr Graham said the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Innovation Centre housed over 30 businesses which proved that statement, with all taking advantage of the benefits that the location brought, including access to student talent and training, dedicated high-speed internet connection and of course the lifestyle benefits of the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

Now, a rare opportunity exists for companies wanting to join these high-growth businesses from the Clean Tech, Digital and Creative industry sectors with some of the best office locations in the building becoming available.

Described at the United Nations of Innovation because of the diverse and vast experience of the over 150 people working there, the Innovation Centre offers companies the opportunity to be a part of a collaborative environment.

“With a wealth of experience and talent all under one roof, businesses are able to build complementary and beneficial business relationships with other companies at the Centre,” Mr Graham said.

“Our connection with the University of the Coast provides companies with the opportunity to benefit from the University’s dynamic and creative campus environment. This campus location also makes it easy for businesses to tap into talent via student internships and graduate recruitment.

“The Innovation Centre is a prospering community of like-minded business. There is a wealth of experience and knowledge that can be gain through simply having your business located here and it is at the hub of the new multi-million dollar Sunshine Coast Business and Technology Precinct, an area being developed around the University that will bring greater economic diversity to the region.

“Internationally, clusters of businesses have grown around Universities – such as Silicon Valley out of Stanford University and the technology cluster around Cambridge in England.  Many big companies – such as Microsoft and Apple – also describe their headquarters as a campus reflecting a dynamic, young community feeling and culture.  We are helping to build Australia’s first university town and a campus location is very attractive to many businesses,” he said.

Mr Graham said just one of the businesses recognising the potential of the campus view was dtb! Advertising, which late last year relocated its offices from a picturesque location at Cotton Tree where their offices had a 180-degree water view.

After several years at that location, dtb! Managing Director Michael Molloy said the move to the Innovation Centre had been great for business.

“Being here has generated a lot of new work for us.  The collaborative environment and the collocation of other complementary businesses means we have also developed some strong business alliances,” he said.

dtb! Advertising have also already employed three University of the Sunshine Coast graduates to join their team and are participating in work experience and internship programs with the University.

With an occupancy level of more than 70% the Innovation Centre currently has its last few vacancies available for suitable tenants including:

• The Anchor Tenant space – 289m² located upstairs with views looking over a nature reserve to the University campus
• 109m m² located upstairs
• 184² ground floor space including three offices of 69m², 82m², and 33m²

For more information visit the Innovation Centre website at www.innnovaton-centre.com.au or call 07 5450 2600.

As the Sunshine Coast public showed its community spirit for the athletes of the Mooloolaba Tri, so too did they show their support for Bloomhill Cancer Help at the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival this year, raising over $4,500 for the charity.

The sunny weather and fantastic race events encouraged both competitors and the public to support the local charity throughout the festival weekend of 26^th to 28^th March.  The proceeds will be presented to Bloomhill this Friday, 30 April at 10am.

Bloomhill Cancer Help, which assists people throughout the Sunshine Coast to live with cancer, is very grateful to USM Events, organisers of the Triathlon, for once again selecting Bloomhill as the nominated charity this year, which provided an opportunity to raise funds and awareness at the Triathlon.

Bloomhill vice-president and Triathlon competitor, Brett Graham said USM had really shown their strong support for the charity and the work they did which included offering practical as well as emotional support for people with cancer and their loved ones, including counselling, support groups, complementary therapies and transport.

“This year is the second year USM has chosen to support Bloomhill at the Mooloolaba Triathlon and we look forward to continuing this successful relationship with USM Events for many years to come.

“Bloomhill relies on the generosity of the public and without the strong support from the Sunshine Coast community, we would not be able to continue assisting over 700 people throughout the Coast to live well with cancer,” he said.

The dedicated team of Bloomhill volunteers rallied together throughout the festival weekend not only receiving support by selling raffle tickets and collecting donations, but also a fantastic turn out at the Bloomhill Breakfast Barbecue at The Courier-Mail Superkidz event.

“It is always great to see the tremendous support we receive at the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival every year,” said Brett.

He said everyone at Bloomhill was very excited about the thousands raised and were looking to being presented with the funds on Friday.

One of Australia’s most admired and entertaining professional speakers, Amanda Gore, will be helping others to find ‘the Joy of Change’ at Bloomhill’s May Motivational Morning Tea on Thursday, 6^th May.

Known as the “people whisperer”, Amanda Gore is a Brisbane born-internationally acclaimed speaker and author, with a long list of credentials including training in stress management, psychology and occupational health.

“Amanda has received raving reviews from other charities and businesses and we are really excited to have her speak at our morning tea,” Bloomhill Cancer Help manager of patient care Anne’ Braaten-Pow said.

Bloomhill Cancer Help is a Sunshine Coast based charity that provides support and assistance to people and their loved ones who are affected by cancer. Operated by a team of dedicated professional staff and volunteers, Bloomhill offers emotional support through counselling, support groups, respite care in the home and a range of complimentary therapies and other services.

Cancer affects people in so many ways and the emotional difficulties that often the whole family experience is often overlooked. Every day at Bloomhill we witness what an enormous difference it makes in peoples lives when they have the right support around them.

Anne said the main focus of Bloomhill is to help people to live well with cancer and that the monthly Motivational Morning Teas can give people tools and techniques to achieve this. She said however anyone could come to these morning teas, which allowed the community to also experience what a beautiful place Bloomhill was.

“The morning teas and particularly Amanda’s presentation is designed to give people new ways to think about and deal with stress and change, to balance work and life, to laugh more and rediscover joy.

Amanda Gore said “it is joy, rather than happiness that most people seek. Happiness is about wanting something more, bigger or better. Where as, joy is about giving, connecting and helping others. Joy is the perfect antidote to depression”.

“The aim is to enter a joyful state of contentment, inner peace and the feeling that ‘all is right in my world,” Amanda said.

Amanda said she hopes to inspire people to live and work more effectively through improving emotional and social intelligence, relationships and connections, enthusiasm and attitudes to lead a life of less stress and more joy.