FLOORtalk

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics, discusses Googles practice of categorizing websites by channel, based on the products a company offers or manufacturers, with information captured on the firm’s website being the source of the decision. He discusses how sufficient information is gathered to make these decisions and how Google provides answers to user questions. Also discusses are the factors that determine the interval which search engines crawl website, including popularity, activity, updates, and traffic on the site. Simonson also talks about how flooring retailers can enhance their standing on search engines.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics, discusses the National Deck and Remodeling Show (NADRA) recently held in Nashville, Tenn., its turnout, and the floor covering suppliers exhibiting at the show. Simonson talks about the products launched at the show, potential in the decking industry for select floor covering retailers, and contractors and the educational opportunities at the show.

John Simonson, president of Webstream Dynamics, talks about Google's practice of categorizing websites by channel, based on the products a company offers according to the firm’s website. He discusses how sufficient information is gathered to make these decisions and how Google provides answers to user questions. Simonson also discusses the factors that determine the interval at which search engines crawl websites, including popularity, activity, updates, and traffic on the site, and how flooring retailers can enhance their standing on search engines.

Evan Acton, manager at Acton Flooring, talks more about the industry’s installation problem and the shortage of qualified installers, the role installer pay has played in fostering this problem historically, and the problems the industry will face attempting to reverse it. Acton talks about the position of consumers and end users in the possible solutions in this situation and how installer requirement plans can best be initiated.

Evan Acton, manager of Birmingham, Ala., Acton Flooring, talks about the installation shortage, developments with the company, and possible solutions for the problem. Acton also discusses the benefits of having certified installers and recruitment of the next generation.

Evan Acton, manager of Birmingham, Ala., Acton Flooring, talks about the history of this floor covering installation contractor, its long history within the floor covering industry, developments after the recession, and its affects on the Acton organization. Acton also talks about the installation shortage, developments with the company, and possible solutions for the problem.

Cynthia Dean, director of accounting and member services for Canada Nufloors, discusses some of the group's recent marketing work, the development of the group’s website, and the company’s online philosophy. Dean also shares her thoughts on competition in the field, particularly big box competitors.

Cynthia Dean, director of accounting and member services, Canada Nufloors Group, talks about the group and its history as well as the recent organizational changes in the group, including giving its member board of directors responsibility for managing the group, replacing the general manager. Dean talks about the group’s board and its member’s individual responsibilities as well as trends she is seeing among the group’s membership.

Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz, discusses gathering demographic marketing data such as real estate values and income levels in the area immediately surrounding the retailer’s store and the use of industry-specific software for storing and managing that data correctly. He talks about incorporating all staff members in the collection process and how best this personal data can be used in personal emails, email blasts, and a variety of additional mailings.

Paul Friederichsen, president of Brand Biz, talks more about the collection of marketing data by retailers and how this data can be utilized effectively in a variety of marketing efforts. Friederichsen discusses the wide variety of data that should be sought, such as personal information, product preferences, and observations gathered at time of measure. Friederichsen also gives tips on how and how not to collect data.