Category: Small Business

How to Best Utilize Social Media

February 11, 2026 | Marketing, Small Business, Web, , , , ,

 

Social media icons on phone

Over the last few years, social media has grown and expanded into an intimidating beast. From Facebook to YouTube to LinkedIn—it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to stay on top of it all.

Here’s a tip: you don’t have to. If you’re struggling to juggle all the platforms at once to maintain brand awareness and advertise your business, here is how you can streamline your social media presence and increase your impact on your audience.

Step 1: Prioritize

Every platform has its purpose, and not all of them will fit your needs. Your first step is to identify what you want to accomplish, choose the right platform(s) to fit your needs and focus on just that. Social media is all about engagement. In terms of public image, it’s less harmful to have no page at all, than to have a “dead” page you don’t maintain.

Which platform is right for you?

  • LinkedIn: Spotlight business growth, recruit, and generate B2B leads
  • Facebook and X (Twitter): Grow brand awareness and connect with clients
  • YouTube and TikTok: Share video content relevant to your business
  • Instagram: Showcase your work with before and after comparisons, and progress images or timelapse videos

Step 2: Streamline

Maintaining multiple platforms at once can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are several tools that help you bring your social media into one dashboard where you can monitor all of your profiles and schedule posts with ease. Shop around, compare different tools and pricing, and pick the one that fits your needs. Here are a few options you can check out:

  • HubSpot: A robust platform that puts all of your marketing efforts under one roof with one all-encompassing Client Relationship Management (CRM) system.
  • EClincher: Similar to Hootsuite, this platform takes your social media management to the next level with AI tools and tons of integrations.
  • Zoho Social: For an affordable, scalable solution without all the pricey bells and whistles, Zoho Social is the way to go. Everything you need, in a simple, user-friendly interface.

Step 3: Engage

If you’re using social media like a stage with a spotlight, you’re doing it wrong. Social media is all about engagement. The content you post should be tailored to elicit a reaction, whether it’s likes, comments, or reposts. The more people interact with your content, the better your results will be.

And it doesn’t stop there. When people do interact, you should respond accordingly. If someone comments, Like or reply to acknowledge them. When they share or repost, offer a Like as well. You should also occasionally go outside your bubble and interact with other pages as well. This helps boost your visibility and engagement.

A few tips to make your posts more engaging:

  • Ask questions: This prompts visitors to respond to your post
  • Share and repost: Current events, community news, and relevant content from other businesses or industry professionals helps to solidify your credibility.
  • Include Media: Add images or videos to make your posts colorful and attract attention.
  • Add tags: Tags also help with discoverability. Don’t go overboard. Focus on the ones most relevant to the audience you want to attract. Think about what they would be searching for and include it as a hashtag. Aim for 5 or so for best results.
  • Be genuine and true to your brand: Set the tone you want your brand to convey (playful, professional, informative, friendly, supportive, etc.) and stick to it across your social media.
  • Include a call to action: Don’t forget, your goal on social media is to generate more business. It doesn’t have to be on every post, but at least 50-60% of them should include some kind of call to action that reminds your audience you’re open for business. Direct them to your website or a dedicated landing page where they can read more about your products or services and contact you directly.

Every business should have a website to help generate business. If you don’t have one, or you’d like to improve what you have, we can help!

Schedule a Free Consultation

Warning: Pace Yourself!

Social media can be an incredible time suck. Once you get into it, it’s difficult to come back out. This can have a negative impact on your productivity and time management. To avoid getting pulled into the black hole of doomscrolling, schedule a dedicated time slot for social media in your day, and stick to it. 15-30 minutes a day should be more than enough to log in, respond to comments, post something new, and log out. Remember: unless you’re an influencer or professional content creator, social media should be a supplement to your business, not its sole focus.

Windows 11: To install, or Not to Install

February 18, 2022 | Small Business, Windows

Windows 11 offers plenty for us to be excited about, from features that support new ways of working to additions designed to keep users secure. And if Microsoft is able to deliver on its promises, Windows 11 will deliver value to businesses of all kinds as they look to capitalize on new opportunities.

windows 11 start-on-white-tabletop

The Installation Assistant notifies you to install Windows 11 on a compatible PC the moment it releases. At this time, we are recommending to not upgrade to Windows 11. Although Windows 11 will have undergone extensive testing, both in the lab and during early-access, bugs are already occurring post-launch. Users have reported a variety of issues after installing Windows 11; some say they are experiencing poor Wi-Fi performance; some have found the Start menu search function is broken, and others are having problems with File Explorer. Also, it has been reported that Windows 11 suffers from memory issues that will eventually begin to cause slowdown. Like any new software update, Windows 11 will likely have its share of launch issues and bugs which hopefully will get better over time with new features.

Image of Windows 11 background

We are gearing up to enjoy our time with Windows 11, but we wouldn’t call it an essential upgrade just yet — at least not for everybody. With that being said, we’re thinking carefully about whether these benefits are worth the inevitable nuisances that our customers might face as early adopters. Sometimes, after all, the tortoise wins the race while the hare is sleeping.

How Secure is Health Tech?

March 25, 2021 | Healthcare, Security, Small Business, Small Client, Web

How Secure is Health Tech
You might be surprised to learn that even the most advanced health tech is extremely vulnerable to attack. 

For example, 100% of mobile health apps tested by Approov were found to expose “full patient records including protected health information (PHI) and personally identifiable information (PII).” 

Luckily, there are simple ways to safeguard your practice. Read on for tips from the cybersecurity experts at Nerd Crossing. 

Secure Your Email 

Working from home creates juicy opportunities for criminals to access patient data. For example, your house or apartment network is probably shared with others who should not be privy to patient information.

Phishing is the most common cyberattack facing healthcare professionals like you today. And emails are the most common area of weakness.

Always think before you click! Hover over links in your emails to make sure they point secure websites. Also, never download files or executables without verifying the source of a message!
 

Browse Safely 

An easy way to keep safe is to access your work email on a private network (VPN) and verify that the websites you are visiting use HTTPS.

You should also be using an anti-virus software and avoid creating weak or recycled passwords. Our favorite password managers include Dashlane, LastPass, and Password Safe.
 

Update Legacy Systems 

Before jumping on the health tech bandwagon, a bit of housekeeping might be in order.  

Processing data with a legacy system is a huge security risk. The top suspects include Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows XP. 

You should also check whether login information and credentials are truly stored securely. These include computer systems as well as medical devices and facility controls.

To manage dozens and up to thousands of devices and endpoints at a time, consider using a mobile device management (MDM) software. This will help your IT team allow for the use of personal devices while keeping patient data safe by locking up or even completely wiping devices if a breach occurs.   

Contact Our Health Tech Nerds

Feeling lost at exactly what to prioritize when it comes to cybersecurity? Our HIPAA certified Nerds are here to help!  

Schedule a Free Consult

An Insurance Company’s Guide to a Safer Workplace

March 22, 2021 | Insurance, Medium Client, Small Business, Small Client, Web

An Insurance Company’s Guide to a Safer Workplace
Nervous about going back to the office this spring? The CDC guidelines for workplaces and businesses are a great place to start. However, you may have a few other questions about going back to business as an insurance company. 

Your agents and customer service support are likely feeling the strain of working from home. As you start transitioning to a hybrid or fully remote mode, there are a few things you should be clear about. 

Below is a breakdown of the role business leaders and employees both have in creating a safer workplace from the IT experts at Nerd Crossing. 

Create Comfortable Workstations

Establishing a safe distance between employees can be done in a variety of ways. First, connect with your landlord about options that they can build in. 

Depending on your needs you can also consider the following: 

 

  • Screens and desk dividers that are easy to clean 
  • PPE stations and supply kits
  • Handwashing stations
  • Clear signs for maintaining social distance
  • Updating air filtration and HVAC systems

Fixed Scheduling

Once you’ve figured out a workable layout and environmental controls, you may want to add a bit of structure to who goes in and out of the office. Consider staggering schedules and establishing work pods to ensure that team members can collaborate on vital tasks. 

For contact tracing guidelines, visit the Google/Apple Bluetooth Exposure Notification (GAEN) platform. 

You can also check out the following: 

 

As a guideline, make sure that you are transparent with users on how their data is to be used for contact tracing. Minimize the data collection needed and be upfront about the type and frequency of communications that are to be received. 

Reconsider BYOD

As you start scaling up purchases to maintain a safer office, your technology may also be due for an upgrade. For example, your client-facing employees are likely to use personal devices for work. 

The pandemic has opened up a Pandora’s box of risks for insurers of all sizes. While working from their own devices may be convenient, your employees could be unwittingly exposing company secrets to bad actors. Even on a secure network, your employee is likely using business-critical applications in addition to those that are prone to breaches. These include email clients, social media accounts, and more. 

According to Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, organizations have experienced a 72% increase in the average cost of cybercrime over the last 5 years. That’s about 13 million dollars!

The cost of purchasing laptops and phones for employees could actually save you precious time and money. At minimum, here are the policies all insurance companies should implement when managing employee devices: 

  • Mandating the use of a VPN (virtual private network) 
  • Discouraging the use of work accounts for social media and personal purchases
  • Implementing a password manager and 2-Factor Authentication
  • Using only approved communication channels to interface with clients

Need an IT Nerd for Your Insurance Company? 

Here at Nerd Crossing, we’ve helped insurance companies at all scales implement safer offices for remote, hybrid, and in-person collaboration. We believe that an adequately equipped and staffed IT support team will help you employees navigate these challenging times. 

Contact us today to learn about our discounts for physical as well as digital safety. 

Why has Apple put its password manager on Chrome?

February 23, 2021 | Security, Small Business, Small Client

By Robert Davis, Network and Systems Engineer, Nerd Crossing

Apple is getting in on password management for the big bucks — and to make password security an actual priority for customers. However, today’s in-browser password managers are still insecure.  

Why? It’s simple — if you’re not prompted to provide a secret to verify your identity, then that means it’s available to anyone who is on your device during a given session.  

Nerd Crossing still highly recommends using a third-party password application like LastPass, 1Password, and Dashlane.  

 My other tips include never providing admin access to your personal password manager, not saving passwords in your browser, and using a strong complicated password for all accounts. 

As for *online* passwords password manager solutions, those accounts definitely benefit from rotation as websites have their password databases leaked regularly.  

Though they are encrypted, once leaked hackers will start to brute force the weakest passwords first, and if they are still current, gain access.  

Need tips on more than password managers?  

Contact the Nerds Today

Hybrid Learning Essentials for Educators

February 2, 2021 | Schools, Security, Small Business, Small Client, Web

By Jim Hammack, CEO, Nerd Crossing 

Blog — Hybrid Learning Essentials for Educators in 2021

Even with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout underway, there’s still much uncertainty around safeguarding students this upcoming school year. 

Exactly what hybrid or blended learning model learning should educators adopt? It really depends on your level of readiness and of course, the needs of individual students, teachers, and administrators. 

Here are some essential planning questions you should be asking: 

Are Student Basic Needs Being Supported? 

Young learners and their families have experienced a range of emotional, financial, and physical strain. A hybrid learning plan can help school districts deploy the resources so many rely on during the year.   

Here are a few ways that tech can enhance hybrid learning: 

  •  Live collaboration and real-time student engagement and goal monitoring 
  •  Transparent communication — allowing educators to monitor disease levels 

 How Strong is Your Wireless Connectivity? 

Students need fast, reliable Wi-Fi — and that’s challenging when they are working from home full-time or slowly getting back to the classroom. Whenever you deploy devices en masse, make sure you have enough access points. 

Keep in mind that a school environment where hundreds may be accessing the network will need much more support than at home. Contact us about some of the best alternatives to store-bought access points. 

Are You Cybersecurity Ready? 

It’s no secret that schools with outdated IT are sitting ducks for cybercrime. Having a disaster incident response protocol is just the first step. You’ll also want to implement at least a bi-annual security screening.  

The most common areas of cybersecurity weakness today include: 

  • Lax bring-your-own device (BYOD) policy
  •  Insecure data and document storage 
  •  Improper administrative access 
  •  Password mismanagement   

How Robust is Your Infrastructure? 

Pivoting to online learning overnight probably came with quite a few tech headaches. And this time around, schools may want to take a much closer look at exactly what resources and staffing will be needed to achieve their learning goals. 

Below are a few areas that may be lacking in your IT plan: 

  •  Maintaining data privacy and compliance 
  •  Responsive tech support for staff, students, and families 
  •  Communication plans for deploying critical messages, gathering and implementing feedback 

What’s On the Horizon for Hybrid Learning? 

California’s schools will face mounting risks in 2021, but many still lack a functional policy for hybrid learning. We hope that educators, students, and their families can stay safer online with the above tips. 

  Here are some emerging areas that you should focus on this school year: 

  •  Data, device, and identity management 
  •  Phishing, ransomware, and cyberbullying 
  •  DDoS, backdoor threats, and zero-day exploits 

About Nerd Crossing 

Nerd Crossing works with private schools, charter schools, and public institutions of all scales in the California Bay Area and beyond. We specialize in working with educators that are just beginning their transition to hybrid and fully-remote learning. 

Our friendly tech experts address all current technology issues while also planning for future needs when kids are finally back in class. We combine distance and onsite learning solutions that meet the long-term goals of school districts. 

Our specialties include Tech Support for Parents and Teachers, Wi-Fi Setup and Connectivity, Safe Browsing and Web Filtering, Educational Apps and Software, Data Storage and Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure Setup, and IT Roadmapping. 

 

Self Care for Small Business Owners 

November 24, 2020 | Small Business, Small Client

By Jim Hammack 

Smiling Man

Busy holding things together at your small business? Don’t forget to take time off for you!

This year has been especially difficult, and you may have overwhelming worries about keeping the doors open while keeping yourself and your employees safe. No matter how you are coping, Nerd Crossing has a few tips which we hope will help you during these unprecedented times:  

Slow Down and Reclaim Space 

Stack of stones 

The holidays are approaching, and we hope you block out some much-needed space to get re-energized for the next year. Guided meditation is a great option for you if you’re feeling especially disconnected from others. It can also reduce stress, tame anxious feelings, and even boost your creativity. 

Here are some of our favorite mediation apps: 

Invest in a Comfy Chair 

office girl on phone

Working from home indefinitely? A high-quality chair will help preserve your posture. The back has a natural curve, so choose one with lumbar and backrest adjustment options and an armrest that allows your shoulders to be relaxed.

Our favorite places to shop are Wayfair, Amazon, Staples, Target, and Overstock. 

Break Up Your Break Time 

Hiker with kid on back

Has the 9-5 turned into a 12-hour workday? It may be hard to keep up with your regular break times, but they are crucial for your physical and mental health.   

If you simply can’t take a 30-minute lunch break, try breaking it up into two 15-minute walks around the block. You can even get creative with burpees, pushups, and other stationary exercises.  

Rest Your Eyes 

Group of office workers

Staring at a computer screen for too long can result in eye strain — resulting in soreness and even vision loss! To prevent yourself from increased sensitivity, you may want to consider the following:  

  • Purchase an anti-glare monitor and document holder 
  • Take breaks in-between computer sessions 
  • Adjust the lighting in your workspace 
  • Reduce the circulation of dry air with a humidifier 
  • Use an eye compress and artificial tears 

Maintain Healthy Eating Habits 

Woman in kitchen

Skip the sad desk lunch at home and try planning out your meals during the weekend or your off-days. Yes, this means actually taking a lunch break!

Sticking to a regular eating schedule will help you maintain consistent levels of energy throughout the day.  

 Below are some of our recommended apps for meal planning:  

Working from home shouldn’t make you feel like a workhorse. And as an entrepreneur, I’ve found that giving our bodies time to heal is just as important as being productive throughout the day. Take time to stop, breathe, and cherish the small moments! 

We hope that these tips help you navigate these challenging times with a clear mind and nourished spirit. 

Work From Home Guidelines

March 20, 2020 | Nerd News, Small Business, Small Client, Web

Given the state-wide shelter in place, we are getting a lot of requests to support your employees’ efforts to work from home.  We wanted to share some guidelines that we are recommending to all of our clients as they allow more and more employees to telecommute.  These are not only to make sure your employees are able to work as productively as possible, but to also make sure your company is protected from the additional risks of telecommuting. Continue reading “Work From Home Guidelines”