MLT Group will be closed on November 26, 2015 in observance of Thanksgiving. We are thankful for the relationships we build with our clients, the new members of our digital marketing team, and another year as part of the Rochester, MN community. We wish you all a wonderful holiday celebration with friends and family!
Since unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly called drones, burst onto the market in the early 2000s, it’s become easier than ever for amateurs and professionals to capture powerful video and photo images from a bird’s-eye-view. CEO Mike Pruett has been interested in RC technology for many years, and he purchased MLT Group’s first quadcopter in 2013.
Quadcopters and other UAVs offer three major benefits for aerial videography:
For these reasons, more and more people have been experimenting with quadcopters and other UAVs, and the technology has becomes quite the media buzzword in recent years. Now that buzz has reached the Department of Transportation, which has decided to begin implementing mandatory registration of drones starting in December. This means that many commercial drone operators may come into conflict with the FAA restrictions registration unless they have an exemption. MLT Group is the only video production company in Rochester, MN that possesses such an exemption.
Just recently, our videography team used quadcopters to capture footage for promotional video for McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing and to film a commercial for the local business Virgil’s Auto Clinic. They’ve also been recording the construction process of the new Rochester Civic Center. These are just a few examples of how aerial drone vehicles can be used commercially, and MLT Group’s Section 333 exemption gives our videography team permission to also use quad-copters for:
Given that aerial drone vehicles are so versatile and are becoming increasingly affordable, they are likely to become more and more widely used commercially by a wide range of industry professionals. However, don’t expect to see UAVs flying all over Rochester anytime soon.
The exemption process is a time-consuming and complicated process. It took 8 months and an attorney’s help for MLT Group to receive our Section 333 exemption status. While the FAA’s new registration requirements for drone may help normalize the use of drones, they probably won’t make the process operating commercial drones legally any easier for those who are new to UAV videography.
MLT Group is excited about the future of aerial videography and is proud to offer our clients high-quality video from unique perspectives at affordable prices. If you want to take your next promotional video or TV commercial to the skies, contact MLT Group and ask about our aerial video services!
When McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing, Inc, an Oshkosh Corporation Company, needed new video footage of their Dodge Center corporate headquarters, they knew just who to call: MLT Group. MLT Group has a long history of working with McNeilus, and over the last 28 years we’ve helped them develop numerous safety, surveillance and promotional videos. The shoot completed on October 15 and 16 was for a new promotional video and featured a lot of aerial footage.
Using a 4K (super HD) aerial camera mounted on our state-of-the-art quad-copter, MLT Group’s aerial videography team captured bird’s-eye images of the facilities and truck fleets across the sprawling 150-acre complex in just three hours. The only reason it became a two-day shoot was that the wind was too strong to navigate and get steady footage. MLT Group CEO Mike Pruett reported, “The first day the wind was about 45 mph, but the second day was a great day for flying! The wind was only about 20 mph and we got some great shots to finish up the project.”
Mike and his team also used the aerial quad-copter to take several still photos of the complex so McNelius could update the large photo of the facility framed in the headquarters lobby. When the original photo was taken decades ago, McNelius had to rent a plane and fly a photographer over the complex, but today MLT Group can get the same effect for a fraction of the cost and in half the time. Clearly, the quad-copter’s 4K camera is more than able to capture views that inspire and impress.
If you would like to learn more about MLT Group’s aerial video services, email us at sales@mltgroup.com or call 507-281-3490.
MLT Group recently designed a banner for one of our favorite clients, Gentling Dental. The big beautiful banner, featuring the company’s four partners and promoting “smiles and savings” at gentlingdental.com, was a fun project that will be seen by motorists traveling a busy Rochester roadway. Our team loves these kinds of projects because they represent a challenge in conveying a meaningful message with just the right imagery and very few words. After all, the experienced writer will say, “I’d have written less if I’d had more time”. Brevity is a beautiful thing, and a necessity when it comes to signage, banners and billboards.
With evolving search algorithms and digital environments, SEOs and digital marketing companies are required to adjust their methods based on the change being presented. Change management tells the digital marketing industry that we cannot stay in the past; we must adapt to the changing digital world. Change management is incredibly applicable when concerning link building and other methods commonly becoming dubbed as “dead” or “black hat” SEO strategies. Link building, a common practice among SEO, is not dead – it’s evolving.
Environment: What changed?
Following the Google Penguin algorithm update, link building practices changed significantly. In the past two years, both Google and SEOs have released statements about the changes – the decline of paid directories, articles, authorship, and guest blogging. Although these strategies have definitely declined in algorithm importance, we need to be careful to forfeit old strategies abruptly without a replacement solution.
Adhering to the practice of change management, begin change with a strategy. Formulate a strategy by means of brainstorming and questioning: How will we replace old methods? What can we learn? What needs to stay and what needs to go? Do we have data to support these decisions? Once a strategy for change has been formulated, put a plan in place to innovate your strategies based on data, empirical research, and the knowledge that a new practice must be implemented to maintain the power of links on your website.
Industry: How do we change?
Once a strategy is in place and you’ve come up with a plan for change, you can begin to implement your plan towards digital innovation and change. Again, you must have a strategy and plan in place, or you may risk your rankings, your SEO’s morale, and your understanding of the change at hand. Changes that have been common in the recent year have revolved around the parallel between link building and PR. Many digital specialists say link building is digital PR. Rather than paying for links, using reciprocal links, and guest blogging, reach out to real companies, agencies, and sources on the web and begin to build REAL relationships. Along with building relationships, keep pushing out great content. And by great content, we mean GREAT content – no spammy advertising articles, no duplicated content, but real stories that will grab the attention of your customers and will hold the potential to be linkable, sharable, and hopefully viral content.
Change is necessary. Though it is not pleasant in digital marketing, if the integrity of the web is to be maintained, digital strategies must continue evolving to uphold the quality of the way we search and the way we find great content. Now is the time to adapt and adjust – set a plan for change and innovate your link building practices to yield the best results possible!
Headquartered in Rochester, MN, MLT Group has built a reputation for high quality video production, web design and development, copy writing, search engine optimization (SEO), and marketing services. Our web site design and development services, as well as many of our other marketing services, have benefited hundreds of companies in various industries. In addition to serving the businesses of Rochester and the Twin Cities we also provide services to companies all across the United States.
Our relaxed and fun atmosphere has helped us cultivate an energetic and skilled team of professionals who are passionate about what they do. Our top priority is our customers, which is why MLT Group is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. MLT Group is extremely proud of the skills and teamwork that has made us a leader in our market.
MLT Group is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
MLT Group is looking to fill our Web Development and Webserver Specialist position. The ideal candidate will be able to effectively communicate with team members and clients requiring support and have knowledge and experience in a variety of web languages and applications including HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
Key responsibilities:
•Splice Photoshop designs provided by our designers for web build out purposes
•Develop/build out and manage modern HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript websites
•Work with our existing team of programmers to manage online applications development
•Maintain/update client websites and applications, modules, extensions, and other various web related systems
•Offer internal and external support via email and phone as needed
•Provide email support for IMAP and POP3 users
•Respond to support tickets from clients and colleagues (answering client questions, resolving issues, etc.)
•Provide quotes on online application projects that are completed by you and your team
•Manage DNS, server, and renew domains and SSL’s for new and current client sites
•Provide excellent customer service offering guidance and providing solutions
•Provide support re: technical aspects in sales meetings as needed
Required Qualifications:
•Experience developing web-based applications using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JQuery and JavaScript
•Must be proficient in using the following: Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. PhotoShop & Illustrator)
Preferred Qualifications:
•Professional applicable experience and/or the ability to quickly learn the following tasks:
•Identifying and fixing browser compatibility issues
•Mobile/responsive website construction
•Familiarity with PHP and MySQL
•Familiarity with Apache server / Plesk a plus
•Experience with POP3/IMAP email and support
•Experience with e-commerce programs such as Magento
•Familiarity with WordPress
Education:
•BA/BS degree in Computer Science or related field preferred
Position is full time with salary based on experience. Benefit package (after 90 day probation) includes PTO and standard holidays.
MLT Group is looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist to join our fun and fast paced marketing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in content creation, search engine marketing (SEO and PPC), and digital marketing strategy. Candidate should possess the following skills: attentive and detailed, process-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, and communicate well with clients and co-workers (verbal and written).
Required Qualifications:
Applicable experience and/or the ability to quickly learn the following tasks:
•Implementing on-site SEO for websites
•An understanding of basic online and offline marketing principles
•Ability to analyze ranking results and website traffic data
•Proficiency in using the following: Microsoft Office, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Google Webmaster Tools, Moz Open Site Explorer
•Ability to edit websites via various content management systems (no coding required)
•Ability to write and edit blogs, website content, and other forms of online writing
•Ability to research and understand SEO industry trends on an ongoing basis
Preferred Qualifications:
•BA/BS degree in Marketing, Communications or related field
•1+ years of experience with SEO strategy for a variety of businesses and applications (e-commerce, franchise, corporate, small businesses, etc)
•Familiarity with WordPress blogs
•Ability to edit SEO website elements within HTML
•Familiarity with current SEO industry trends
•Experience creating and managing pay-per-click campaigns via Google AdWords
Position is full time with salary based on experience. Benefits include PTO and standard holidays after initial 90 days.
MLT Group is a fun and fast paced multi-media marketing and production company looking for an experienced Sales Representative. As one of Rochester’s most established video and web development companies, our continued success is dependent on the success of our sales team. Our Sales Rep will be charged with selling print, video, and web-related services in a competitive market.
Key responsibilities:
• Develop sales strategies for current and prospective clients and initiate contract discussions
• Write up proposals and contracts
• Work closely with Director of Operations and Production team for project assessment and strategy compilation
• Some travel required; mostly within the Rochester area and to the Twin Cities
• Assist in the development of other sales personnel
• Catalog relevant information pertaining to current and prospective clientele
• Participate in branch operation and sales meetings and any potential training programs
Qualifications:
• 2+ years of sales experience preferred. Sales experience should include gaining and following up on leads, conducting sales meetings, and contract/proposal writing
• Must possess a valid and current driver’s license and auto insurance
• Strong organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills (written & verbal)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
• Knowledge in the field of marketing, digital marketing, and SEO a plus
Education:
•Verifiable High School Diploma or GED is required. College degree is preferred.
Position is full time with salary based on experience, plus commission on sales. Benefit package includes PTO and standard holidays.
To apply, please visit any of the job listings above on Indeed or click here to submit your resume through out website.
Microsoft has officially announced that Internet Explorer will be phased out of use. The web browser has been battling a negative image and the growing popularity of browser competitors like Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox for many years.
Internet Explorer was first introduced in 1995 as part of the add-on package for Windows 95. In 2002 and 2003, IE held 95% of the usage share among browsers, but has since declined significantly. The last version to be released was Internet Explorer 11 in 2013, which works with both desktop computers and Windows 8 touch screen interfaces.
Codename: Project Spartan
Moving forward, Windows 10 will include two browsers, Internet Explorer and the new codenamed Project Spartan. IE will just be installed strictly for compatibility, or legacy support. Chances are you will really have to hunt to find it on newer systems.
Project Spartan is a browser that is meant to more easily streamline your apps across all Microsoft devices. This means that from smart phones to Surface Hub, Cortana can be used seamlessly across all devices. Project Spartan “will co-exist with Internet Explorer 11. Microsoft will have two engines in Spartan, one will be used for rendering modern websites and the other engine for legacy enterprise web sites,” says Microsoft News.
It’s still unclear whether Project Spartan will finally shake the negative image that Internet Explorer has obtained over the last few years. Microsoft has done plenty of research on consumer perception of new names, and signs point to the new browser being named “Microsoft ___”, with the brand name bringing about the most positive reaction among Google Chrome users.
What Does This Mean for You?
Support for older versions of Internet Explorer will be discontinued, and using the older version may cause websites to display incorrectly. To make sure you are getting the most out of your internet experience, upgrade today to either the latest version of Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox. We are excited to see what Microsoft will bring to the table with a newly redesigned browser!
MLT Group is a full service marketing firm located in Rochester, MN. We specialize in website design and development, and create digital marketing strategies that work. Contact us today for more information!
Google shook up the SEO world last month when it announced that “mobile-friendliness” will soon be added as a ranking factor in its mobile search algorithm. The change will be implemented worldwide on April 21, at which point websites with search-engine-friendly mobile versions will have a significant leg up on their search competition.
Like all Google search algorithm changes, the new ranking factor is intended to improve the search experience for users. Recent studies estimate that about half of all Google searches come from smartphones, and those searches account for nearly 40% of total website traffic across all industries. Those numbers are expected to continue climbing, which makes it easy to see why Google put an emphasis on rewarding high-quality mobile sites.
So what does this all mean for you and your website? Simply put, your mobile search visibility, rankings, and traffic will decrease starting April 21 if your site is not mobile friendly. You don’t want that to happen, so here’s what you need to do:
1. Visit Google’s mobile-friendly site checker and enter your homepage URL*. If your site passes, then you’re good to go!
*It’s important to note that this tool only checks the page entered. If your homepage passes the mobile-friendly test, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your whole website is mobile-friendly. To determine if your site is 100% mobile-friendly, you’ll have to check each individual page.
2. If your site fails, then you either have no mobile website or a poorly-designed mobile website.
No mobile website: If you don’t have a mobile version of your website, then the desktop version appears when accessed on a mobile device. For the most part, desktop websites are far too complex and crowded to be considered mobile-friendly by Google.
Poorly-designed mobile website: Just because there’s a mobile version of your website doesn’t mean Google will consider it mobile-friendly. To meet Google’s mobile design standards, be sure that your site…
To fix these issues yourself, consult Google’s Mobile Guide for extensive information regarding mobile design, development, and usability.
3. If you don’t have in-house web development capabilities, then you’ll need to work with an outside web developer/designer. The company or professional that built your site can probably build you a mobile site as well, although you should do some research to make sure they know what they’re doing.
The clock is ticking – April 21 will be here sooner than you think! Start your site’s mobile-friendly conversion today or you’ll risk losing website visitors and potential customers.
At MLT Group, we design, build, and optimize websites for a wide variety of clients. Our responsive websites automatically adjust to be viewed on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Google loves our websites because they’re well-designed, user-friendly, and compatible with all browsers and devices.
In all honesty, it’s probably time for a website update. The rapid advancements in applications and technology have rendered websites designed five years ago as “behind the times.” You don’t have to take our word for it, though. Follow along with our website redesign questionnaire below to assess your own digital presence!
Is my site functioning like I need it to?
Broken forms, 404 errors, and complicated navigations are just a few of the problems that a user can experience on your website. A user-friendly design and a clear call-to-action keeps visitors on your page and encourages them to contact your business. Additionally, your site needs to be targeting the right market. Whether you provide services nationwide or just to your local community, your website and its content needs to express your intent and appeal to your target.
Are you keeping up with your competitors?
You shouldn’t necessarily copy your competitors, but you should ensure that the digital playing field is fair. It’s important to make sure you are keeping up with or surpassing the standard of your industry. One common advancement that all industries need to consider is a responsive design for their website – a design easily viewed and navigated across desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones alike.
Are all your services displayed?
Since your website was built, have you added services or expanded in any other way? Maybe you now serve a different area, or offer in-field services instead of customers visiting your store. Make sure your website reflects everything your business has to offer or consumers may miss your business entirely.
Do you have someone on staff with the skills to build a new website?
This article from Forbes hits the nail on the head when it comes to deciding whether to contract a project or not:
“At this point, your website is as much the face of your company as any brick-and-mortar office (if you even have one). So this isn’t the area to cut corners. If you happen to have someone on staff who possesses the skills to carry out this project, that’s great – you’ll save time and money. But if you don’t have someone already on your team who can genuinely do this job as well as it can possibly be done, don’t let your desire to save time and money force you into making sacrifices on the quality of the end product. There are a lot of brilliant web designers out there – it’s more than worth it to invest in working with one.”
Does my logo translate well on the web?
No matter how updated your website is, an old logo can easily send it back in to the 90s. There may even be technical issues associated with your logo, such as too many colors or gradients that don’t look as nice on a web page. If you and your customers aren’t extremely attached to a logo, consider upgrading it according to the Just Noticeable Difference theory. Every few years, update a small part of your logo to keep it modern and current, like so.
Is your website being found?
The most well-designed website won’t be much of an asset to your business if it isn’t found by consumers. On-site SEO for your recently designed website is key to making your online presence work for you. Digital marketing is not a separate item entirely, but a holistic approach to being found by consumers. Make sure your website is doing all that it can for your business!
If you answered no to any of the above questions, it’s time to update the design of your website to keep your business relevant and competitive. MLT Group offers advice like this, as well as web design and development, to businesses and organizations in Rochester, MN and beyond. An all-encompassing digital marketing strategy, starting with a website, will help bring more traffic to your business. Today is the day to start.
MLT Group is looking to fill a Web Development and Webserver Specialist position. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge and experience in a variety of web languages and applications. The candidate should also be able to effectively communicate with team members and clients requiring support.
Required Qualifications:
• Experience developing web-based applications using HTML5, CSS3, PHP, JQuery and JavaScript
• Must be proficient in using the following: Adobe Creative Suite (i.e. PhotoShop & Illustrator)
Preferred Qualifications:
• 3 years of professional applicable experience
• Experience identifying and fixing browser compatibility issues
• Experience in mobile/responsive web building
• BA/BS degree in Computer Science or a closely related field
• Familiarity with PHP and MySQL
• Familiarity with Apache server / Plesk a plus
• Experience with POP3/IMAP email and support
• Experience with e-commerce programs such as Magento
• Familiarity with WordPress
To learn more and apply, please view the job listing on Indeed. Position is full time with salary based on experience. You can also submit your résumé here.
