Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
The internet has become all the rage these days.
Don't send a letter, pop it on an email.
Don't mail the customer anything, pop it in an email.
In fact, let's forget about letters altogether and do everything electronically.
I'm as guilty of this as the next person.
But recently I received a thank you card and it made me think a little differently.
You see, I receive (and appreciate) a bundle of emails every week thanking me for the emails I send out.
And nothing makes me feel better than knowing that as I write these emails from my lonely office, someone is reading them and hopefully applying them.
However a couple of weeks ago I received something in the mail which really stood out.
It was a thank you card from a guy called Greg Kumanovski from Global Pictures. All it said was...
"Thank you for your regular emails with all the helpful ideas. Have a great day"
But I've had that card sitting on my filing cabinet ever since he sent it to me.
And I think there's a lesson here for all of us.
Whether it's thank you cards or anything else, consider sending the hard copy version over the soft copy version.
In other words: when everyone else is zigging, why not zag and stand out from the crowd.
After all, mail order should be far more effective these days because nobody else is doing it.
For instance, yesterday I was chatting with a guy who sent out his proposals via email.
He was getting a lot of proposals requests coming in every week and would pretty much churn back a standard response with a quotation.
I suggested he set up a system where he could send them out via mail instead.
We worked out that all he would need to pay for the cost of the mail is a 1% increase in response.
My bet is that he would get it.
Especially when all of his competitors are probably doing everything via email as well.
So take a moment now to think of how you can do things differently... and use alternative strategies to stand out from your competition.
About the Author:
Scott Bywater is a direct response copywriter with extensive experience in B2B and B2C writing. Mr Bywater is the author of Cash-Flow Advertising and More Customers Made Easy. You can gain access to his copywriting and marketing tips via his entertaining and eye opening "Copywriting Selling Secrets" newsletter available at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Visit Scott Bywater's Copywriting That SELLS website.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Track And Measure Your Advertising, Customer Acquisition Costs, And The Lifetime Value Of A Customer
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Hunter Waterhouse
As business owners and managers, we need to look at a variety of numbers to gain a better understanding of our businesses. In this article, we are going to consider two very important metrics in business marketing - Cost Of Customer Acquisition and Advertising ROI (Return On Investment).
One of the most important numbers we need to always be mindful of is the "Cost of a New Customer" or "Cost of Customer Acquisition".
Understanding Customer Acquisition Costs
If you are unfamiliar with this concept, let me give you a quick tutorial on this advertising metric.
===============================================================>
Suppose you run an advertisement in your local newspaper for your furniture store. Suppose for the sake of this example that you paid $1000 for your display ad in the newspaper.
Now, suppose your advertising brought 4 new customers into your store, who bought from you. Suppose also that the average spend for each customer was $1500.
With the example I am drawing, your $1000 display advertisement in the newspaper brought in 4 customers who spent a total of $6000 in your store.
I am going to keep this example simple, so that more people can keep up with the numbers.
On the basic premise of our example, you generated 4 customers after an outlay of $1000 in advertising. So your basic Cost Of Customer Acquisition was $250 per customer.
If your business received fewer customers, from your outlay of $1000 in advertising, then your Cost Of Customer Acquisition is more expensive.
But, if your business earned more customers who spent money, then your Cost Of Customer Acquisition would be much smaller.
===============================================================>
In its simplest form, the Cost Of Customer Acquisition is the money spent to get the customer to your store divided by the number of new customers acquired. We will look at this in more detail, later in this article.
The Best Way To Measure Sales And Marketing Performance
Entrepreneur Magazine in a 1999 article reflected on the Cost Of Customer Acquisition in the dot com world. The article suggested, "the cost of new customer acquisition is one of the best ways to measure sales and marketing performance."
In 1999, the Cost Of Customer Acquisition for the following companies were:
BarnesAndNoble.com - $42
Amazon.com - $27.60
Priceline - $32.30
Beyond.com - $29.30
On the surface, these numbers may seem small. But, Amazon's Average Sale is in the $17-range! This makes the challenge that Amazon and other major retailers face fairly transparent. If these retailers could only count on one purchase from the newly acquired customer, then these businesses would be losing money by the truckload.
Fortunately, Amazon continues to perform well in Repeat Business from a single customer. The following calculations reflect additional numbers that we business people should also factor into our Cost Of Acquisition metrics.
The Real Value Of A Customer
Amazon's first-sale may only be $17, but in 1999, Amazon's Average Sales Per Customer was $116, up $10 from the previous year. Unfortunately, Amazon isn't very forthcoming with these numbers, so after two hours research, I was unable to come up with more up-to-date numbers for you to consider.
The point of mentioning this is that it is important for business owners and managers to recognize that the Value Of A Customer is not how much sales revenue is derived from the initial purchase, but more importantly, from the Lifetime Value Of A Customer.
If we looked at Amazon's Cost Of Customer Acquisition only in terms of that first sale, then they will be losing money hand-over-fist. With a Cost Of Acquisition of $27.60 and the first sale of $17, Amazon could not stay in business long if they were continuously producing numbers at that level. However, once you factor in the Lifetime Value Of A Customer, then Amazon is spending $27.60 to acquire a customer that is worth $116 in sales for them. Therefore, by measuring the Lifetime Value of a Customer, Amazon is spending only 24% of their revenue in order to acquire one customer.
Few businesses invest 24% of their revenue in advertising, but Amazon hopes that the Lifetime Value of a Customer will eventually exceed the $116 value, known to have existed in FY2000.
As the Lifetime Value of a Customer increases, the overall Cost of Customer Acquisition will fall, as an overall percentage value of Cost Of Acquisition divided by the Lifetime Value of the customer.
The Compounding Lifetime Value Of A Customer
If you have a hair-cutting salon and your advertising budget for one month is $1000, and you get 30 new customers through the door, who will spend an average of $20 for a hair cut, then your basic Cost of Customer Acquisition is roughly $33.34 to gain $20 in new sales.
But if only half of your 30 new customers become regular clients, then you can anticipate 15 of those customers coming to your hair salon at least once a month for the remainder of the year. Therefore, the first 15 customers will be worth $20 each, and the next 15 customers will be worth $240 each over the course of one year ($20 x 12 months). All told, your first 15 customers will put $300 in your cash register, and the next 15 customers will put another $3600 in your cash register.
Thus, in the hair salon example, your $1000 in advertising could generate new customers that will generate $3900 in new sales. Once you start to consider the Lifetime Value of a Customer, within the Cost of Customer Acquisition, then you will realize that the Cost of Customer Acquisition - although it might be higher than the initial sale - holds out the possibility and promise reducing itself as the Lifetime Value of a Customer increases over time.
As the end of the year winds down, you will be able to see that a $1000 expenditure was turned into $3900 in new revenue. In essence, for every dollar you spent on advertising that month, your return value was $3.90 over the course of one year.
In the second year, if only half of the original 15 regular customers or roughly 8 people stay with you for the full course of the second year, then the $1920 in revenue (8 people X $20 each X 12 months) you can expect from those customers could almost be considered free money. Of course, you will still have service fulfillment costs, but that second year will give you nearly $2000 in revenue that you will not have to chase.
Even if half of the customers drop off during the following calendar years, then a 50% customer attrition rate will allow you to have customers that could stay with you up to five years. Calculated against a 50% decrease in customers over each calendar year, your $1000 investment in advertising may translate into $7500 in revenues over five years ($3900 + $1920 + $960 + $480 + $240 = $7500), from the initial investment of $1000 in advertising.
The interesting thing about this scenario is that it is based on an advertising budget of $1000 ONE TIME. But, most businesses will continue the advertising process every month in every year. Therefore, the above example could compound month-after-month. Every month should bring the same or similar results to your business for the month and year.
Advertising Is A Process, Not An Event
Many small business owners have a dire misunderstanding of the nature of advertising and the value to be received from the advertising.
When business owners or managers fail to track and measure the new business generated from the advertising, then the business owners and managers will fail to see that advertising is an expense that can return huge dividends to the business.
When businesses fail to track and measure advertising successes, people tend to only see the money leaving the business without every seeing the reward coming back into the business. As a result, many business managers will employ advertising for a short time, then cancel the advertising, under the false belief that the advertising was not returning value to the business.
When businesses fail to understand the Lifetime Value Of A Customer, it is hard to appreciate any advertising method that fails to pay for itself in its first cycle. If Amazon was to only look at the initial sale generated by a new customer, they would quickly cancel all of their advertising efforts. Fortunately for Amazon, its management understands that the initial $17 sale is not the measure to use to determine the value of Amazon's advertising efforts. Amazon's management understands that the true Cost of Customer Acquisition should not be measured by the initial sale, but by the Lifetime Value of a Customer. In doing so, Amazon has ensured that it will continue to be one of the largest and most successful retail outlets on the planet.
When business managers fail to understand the Lifetime Value of a Customer, it is hard for them to appreciate and understand the compounding nature of the revenue stream for a business. It is hard for them to understand that money invested into advertising today, can deliver huge rewards over the next several years.
A Wake Up Call For Small Business Owners
According to Scott Shane, author of "Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths that Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By", only 29-in-100 businesses will remain in business after ten years. That means that a full 71% of businesses started in any calendar year will be out of business in only ten years.
It is sad to say, but the reason most businesses fail is that business owners and managers fail to understand the nature of advertising, the importance of tracking and measuring advertising results, the Lifetime Value of a Customer, and the compounding nature of the revenue stream.
I don't want to see your business on the trash heap of yesteryear. So, it is my hope that you will take this article as a wake-up call, as to the importance of advertising and its potential to lift your business into profits.
About the Author:
Hunter Waterhouse has been helping business owners advertise their businesses online for nearly a decade. He is ready, willing, and able to put his experience to work for Main Street Businesses that seek to generate walk-in traffic to their stores, from the online exposure of their business. To learn more about how Hunter can help advertise your local business, visit: http://onlinemarketinglocal.com/
Read more of Hunter Waterhouse's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Hunter Waterhouse
As business owners and managers, we need to look at a variety of numbers to gain a better understanding of our businesses. In this article, we are going to consider two very important metrics in business marketing - Cost Of Customer Acquisition and Advertising ROI (Return On Investment).
One of the most important numbers we need to always be mindful of is the "Cost of a New Customer" or "Cost of Customer Acquisition".
Understanding Customer Acquisition Costs
If you are unfamiliar with this concept, let me give you a quick tutorial on this advertising metric.
===============================================================>
Suppose you run an advertisement in your local newspaper for your furniture store. Suppose for the sake of this example that you paid $1000 for your display ad in the newspaper.
Now, suppose your advertising brought 4 new customers into your store, who bought from you. Suppose also that the average spend for each customer was $1500.
With the example I am drawing, your $1000 display advertisement in the newspaper brought in 4 customers who spent a total of $6000 in your store.
I am going to keep this example simple, so that more people can keep up with the numbers.
On the basic premise of our example, you generated 4 customers after an outlay of $1000 in advertising. So your basic Cost Of Customer Acquisition was $250 per customer.
If your business received fewer customers, from your outlay of $1000 in advertising, then your Cost Of Customer Acquisition is more expensive.
But, if your business earned more customers who spent money, then your Cost Of Customer Acquisition would be much smaller.
===============================================================>
In its simplest form, the Cost Of Customer Acquisition is the money spent to get the customer to your store divided by the number of new customers acquired. We will look at this in more detail, later in this article.
The Best Way To Measure Sales And Marketing Performance
Entrepreneur Magazine in a 1999 article reflected on the Cost Of Customer Acquisition in the dot com world. The article suggested, "the cost of new customer acquisition is one of the best ways to measure sales and marketing performance."
In 1999, the Cost Of Customer Acquisition for the following companies were:
On the surface, these numbers may seem small. But, Amazon's Average Sale is in the $17-range! This makes the challenge that Amazon and other major retailers face fairly transparent. If these retailers could only count on one purchase from the newly acquired customer, then these businesses would be losing money by the truckload.
Fortunately, Amazon continues to perform well in Repeat Business from a single customer. The following calculations reflect additional numbers that we business people should also factor into our Cost Of Acquisition metrics.
The Real Value Of A Customer
Amazon's first-sale may only be $17, but in 1999, Amazon's Average Sales Per Customer was $116, up $10 from the previous year. Unfortunately, Amazon isn't very forthcoming with these numbers, so after two hours research, I was unable to come up with more up-to-date numbers for you to consider.
The point of mentioning this is that it is important for business owners and managers to recognize that the Value Of A Customer is not how much sales revenue is derived from the initial purchase, but more importantly, from the Lifetime Value Of A Customer.
If we looked at Amazon's Cost Of Customer Acquisition only in terms of that first sale, then they will be losing money hand-over-fist. With a Cost Of Acquisition of $27.60 and the first sale of $17, Amazon could not stay in business long if they were continuously producing numbers at that level. However, once you factor in the Lifetime Value Of A Customer, then Amazon is spending $27.60 to acquire a customer that is worth $116 in sales for them. Therefore, by measuring the Lifetime Value of a Customer, Amazon is spending only 24% of their revenue in order to acquire one customer.
Few businesses invest 24% of their revenue in advertising, but Amazon hopes that the Lifetime Value of a Customer will eventually exceed the $116 value, known to have existed in FY2000.
As the Lifetime Value of a Customer increases, the overall Cost of Customer Acquisition will fall, as an overall percentage value of Cost Of Acquisition divided by the Lifetime Value of the customer.
The Compounding Lifetime Value Of A Customer
If you have a hair-cutting salon and your advertising budget for one month is $1000, and you get 30 new customers through the door, who will spend an average of $20 for a hair cut, then your basic Cost of Customer Acquisition is roughly $33.34 to gain $20 in new sales.
But if only half of your 30 new customers become regular clients, then you can anticipate 15 of those customers coming to your hair salon at least once a month for the remainder of the year. Therefore, the first 15 customers will be worth $20 each, and the next 15 customers will be worth $240 each over the course of one year ($20 x 12 months). All told, your first 15 customers will put $300 in your cash register, and the next 15 customers will put another $3600 in your cash register.
Thus, in the hair salon example, your $1000 in advertising could generate new customers that will generate $3900 in new sales. Once you start to consider the Lifetime Value of a Customer, within the Cost of Customer Acquisition, then you will realize that the Cost of Customer Acquisition - although it might be higher than the initial sale - holds out the possibility and promise reducing itself as the Lifetime Value of a Customer increases over time.
As the end of the year winds down, you will be able to see that a $1000 expenditure was turned into $3900 in new revenue. In essence, for every dollar you spent on advertising that month, your return value was $3.90 over the course of one year.
In the second year, if only half of the original 15 regular customers or roughly 8 people stay with you for the full course of the second year, then the $1920 in revenue (8 people X $20 each X 12 months) you can expect from those customers could almost be considered free money. Of course, you will still have service fulfillment costs, but that second year will give you nearly $2000 in revenue that you will not have to chase.
Even if half of the customers drop off during the following calendar years, then a 50% customer attrition rate will allow you to have customers that could stay with you up to five years. Calculated against a 50% decrease in customers over each calendar year, your $1000 investment in advertising may translate into $7500 in revenues over five years ($3900 + $1920 + $960 + $480 + $240 = $7500), from the initial investment of $1000 in advertising.
The interesting thing about this scenario is that it is based on an advertising budget of $1000 ONE TIME. But, most businesses will continue the advertising process every month in every year. Therefore, the above example could compound month-after-month. Every month should bring the same or similar results to your business for the month and year.
Advertising Is A Process, Not An Event
Many small business owners have a dire misunderstanding of the nature of advertising and the value to be received from the advertising.
When business owners or managers fail to track and measure the new business generated from the advertising, then the business owners and managers will fail to see that advertising is an expense that can return huge dividends to the business.
When businesses fail to track and measure advertising successes, people tend to only see the money leaving the business without every seeing the reward coming back into the business. As a result, many business managers will employ advertising for a short time, then cancel the advertising, under the false belief that the advertising was not returning value to the business.
When businesses fail to understand the Lifetime Value Of A Customer, it is hard to appreciate any advertising method that fails to pay for itself in its first cycle. If Amazon was to only look at the initial sale generated by a new customer, they would quickly cancel all of their advertising efforts. Fortunately for Amazon, its management understands that the initial $17 sale is not the measure to use to determine the value of Amazon's advertising efforts. Amazon's management understands that the true Cost of Customer Acquisition should not be measured by the initial sale, but by the Lifetime Value of a Customer. In doing so, Amazon has ensured that it will continue to be one of the largest and most successful retail outlets on the planet.
When business managers fail to understand the Lifetime Value of a Customer, it is hard for them to appreciate and understand the compounding nature of the revenue stream for a business. It is hard for them to understand that money invested into advertising today, can deliver huge rewards over the next several years.
A Wake Up Call For Small Business Owners
According to Scott Shane, author of "Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly Myths that Entrepreneurs, Investors, and Policy Makers Live By", only 29-in-100 businesses will remain in business after ten years. That means that a full 71% of businesses started in any calendar year will be out of business in only ten years.
It is sad to say, but the reason most businesses fail is that business owners and managers fail to understand the nature of advertising, the importance of tracking and measuring advertising results, the Lifetime Value of a Customer, and the compounding nature of the revenue stream.
I don't want to see your business on the trash heap of yesteryear. So, it is my hope that you will take this article as a wake-up call, as to the importance of advertising and its potential to lift your business into profits.
About the Author:
Hunter Waterhouse has been helping business owners advertise their businesses online for nearly a decade. He is ready, willing, and able to put his experience to work for Main Street Businesses that seek to generate walk-in traffic to their stores, from the online exposure of their business. To learn more about how Hunter can help advertise your local business, visit: http://onlinemarketinglocal.com/
Read more of Hunter Waterhouse's articles.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Santa Claus is Dead -- But Internet Marketing Get Rich Scams Aren't
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
Yes, Santa Claus IS really dead. Sorry for the news. And you might want to keep the kids from looking over your shoulder here for the next few minutes. :-)
As an Internet Marketing Coach, I hear all the time from new clients how they've wasted hundreds to thousands on Internet get-rich-quick schemes before coming to me.
Desperation and inexperience are the breading grounds that allow these scammers to prey.
Just this last week, one of my colleagues replied to a guy on a forum who wanted to start earning $5,000 each month -- oh, and within the next 30 days. And he had $80.00 to invest, a whole eighty dollars!
I'm sure the guy is nice, but he also sounds desperate. How is anyone going to start earning literally thousands of dollars a month within 30 days on just an $80.00 investment?
Isn't this scenario as realistic as saying ALL the employees at your local fast food restaurant earn $100,000 per year?
Yes, Saint Nick is gone and did I mention that The Tooth Fairly is on life support?
Let's get real.
Are You Real about Internet Earnings and the Business Costs Required?
Back to my big spender above who has just $80.00 to invest...where did he get the idea he could be a successful Internet marketer on an $80.00 investment?
My guess is he probably got that idea from some forum.
And that may bring up a good point: are you likely to get good advice going to forums?
Me personally, I'm too busy to participate in forums. Although to be fair, I do have successful SEO (search engine optimization) colleagues who do. But while you could encounter a talented person to give you -- free advice -- on a forum, my best advice to you is you are more likely to encounter people with -- free time.
If they have so much free time to participate in forums, how busy are they with paid work?
And about free advice...how many people do you personally know who work for free? How would they pay their bills?
Do YOU work for free now?
Are you going to be working for free with your online enterprise? If you're not, then why should someone else?
If you want to earn $100,000 per year form your Internet business, do you want your advice coming from someone offering free advice OR only charging $20.00 per hour?
OK, You've Got Some Money to Invest in Your Internet Business, What's Your Next Step?
Well, protect it and spend it carefully! Watch out for "blue sky" promises of anything that sounds too good to be true.
Compared to conventional advertising and marketing, you don't need that much money to market online. But you do need some.
You need money for a Web site and you need some for marketing, likely PPC (pay-per-click) and SEO.
The more cash you have to invest, the less time you have to invest. You can hire an Internet Marketing Company to perform much of the work for you.
OR, the less money you have, the more of your time that will be required. This can be a very good time to considering hiring an Internet Marketing Coach, to save you money and speed up the timetable for you to earn income.
The problem is the people with no money to invest OR with unrealistic expectations are the ones who fall prey to the Internet marketing scammers. Often, these are the same people who don't have the skills to do any of the work themselves or the desire to develop the required skills (sigh).
An Example of what To Do...and what NOT To Do
Consider another one of my clients who paid $1,000 for a well-known Internet marketing program. My client was told all sorts of inconsistent things, including that the course was for people new to online marketing, which that wasn't the case.
And he was told to market something online that he didn't know anything about or have any particular interest in.
Huh??
How does THAT make any sense?
But at that moment, that was what he wanted to hear, because it was easy and didn't require much effort or time from him.
Here's the real deal: there are dozens, hundreds or thousands of people and companies marketing the same or similar product or service to yours. You have to do it BETTER.
That requires time and effort. It requires making an effort and using one's brain.
And this is where a qualified Marketing Coach or a Search Engine Optimization Firm can help you.
If you select well, the money you spend you will more than save in increased profits, much faster and avoiding the potholes and pitfalls that come with Internet marketing. Those pitfalls can be very expensive (and time consuming).
And there are actually Internet Marketing Coaches you can begin with for only a few hundred dollars, which could be money very well spent. :-)
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's a Marketing Coach expert offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his Marketing Coach LinkedIn profile and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
Yes, Santa Claus IS really dead. Sorry for the news. And you might want to keep the kids from looking over your shoulder here for the next few minutes. :-)
As an Internet Marketing Coach, I hear all the time from new clients how they've wasted hundreds to thousands on Internet get-rich-quick schemes before coming to me.
Desperation and inexperience are the breading grounds that allow these scammers to prey.
Just this last week, one of my colleagues replied to a guy on a forum who wanted to start earning $5,000 each month -- oh, and within the next 30 days. And he had $80.00 to invest, a whole eighty dollars!
I'm sure the guy is nice, but he also sounds desperate. How is anyone going to start earning literally thousands of dollars a month within 30 days on just an $80.00 investment?
Isn't this scenario as realistic as saying ALL the employees at your local fast food restaurant earn $100,000 per year?
Yes, Saint Nick is gone and did I mention that The Tooth Fairly is on life support?
Let's get real.
Are You Real about Internet Earnings and the Business Costs Required?
Back to my big spender above who has just $80.00 to invest...where did he get the idea he could be a successful Internet marketer on an $80.00 investment?
My guess is he probably got that idea from some forum.
And that may bring up a good point: are you likely to get good advice going to forums?
Me personally, I'm too busy to participate in forums. Although to be fair, I do have successful SEO (search engine optimization) colleagues who do. But while you could encounter a talented person to give you -- free advice -- on a forum, my best advice to you is you are more likely to encounter people with -- free time.
If they have so much free time to participate in forums, how busy are they with paid work?
And about free advice...how many people do you personally know who work for free? How would they pay their bills?
Do YOU work for free now?
Are you going to be working for free with your online enterprise? If you're not, then why should someone else?
If you want to earn $100,000 per year form your Internet business, do you want your advice coming from someone offering free advice OR only charging $20.00 per hour?
OK, You've Got Some Money to Invest in Your Internet Business, What's Your Next Step?
Well, protect it and spend it carefully! Watch out for "blue sky" promises of anything that sounds too good to be true.
Compared to conventional advertising and marketing, you don't need that much money to market online. But you do need some.
You need money for a Web site and you need some for marketing, likely PPC (pay-per-click) and SEO.
The more cash you have to invest, the less time you have to invest. You can hire an Internet Marketing Company to perform much of the work for you.
OR, the less money you have, the more of your time that will be required. This can be a very good time to considering hiring an Internet Marketing Coach, to save you money and speed up the timetable for you to earn income.
The problem is the people with no money to invest OR with unrealistic expectations are the ones who fall prey to the Internet marketing scammers. Often, these are the same people who don't have the skills to do any of the work themselves or the desire to develop the required skills (sigh).
An Example of what To Do...and what NOT To Do
Consider another one of my clients who paid $1,000 for a well-known Internet marketing program. My client was told all sorts of inconsistent things, including that the course was for people new to online marketing, which that wasn't the case.
And he was told to market something online that he didn't know anything about or have any particular interest in.
Huh??
How does THAT make any sense?
But at that moment, that was what he wanted to hear, because it was easy and didn't require much effort or time from him.
Here's the real deal: there are dozens, hundreds or thousands of people and companies marketing the same or similar product or service to yours. You have to do it BETTER.
That requires time and effort. It requires making an effort and using one's brain.
And this is where a qualified Marketing Coach or a Search Engine Optimization Firm can help you.
If you select well, the money you spend you will more than save in increased profits, much faster and avoiding the potholes and pitfalls that come with Internet marketing. Those pitfalls can be very expensive (and time consuming).
And there are actually Internet Marketing Coaches you can begin with for only a few hundred dollars, which could be money very well spent. :-)
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's a Marketing Coach expert offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his Marketing Coach LinkedIn profile and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
3 Key Points in Online Marketing to Avoid Tanking Your Results
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
With all the changes in Google AdWords and the increased competition these days, organic SEO looks more and more attractive to most of us.
The key is for your website optimization to out-perform your competition, without over spending with an online marketing consultant (or without taking up too much of your time if you're going the do-it-yourself route).
Remember, affordable Search Engine Optimization is about increasing quality traffic, thenconverting that traffic to a sale or a sales lead.
If you miss these points I describe below, your SEO goals of increased conversions will tank, even if you have a Number 1 Google Ranking.
I often notice these missed areas when I'm Coaching a business owner about their Web site and their need to increase sales and sales leads.
So, here are 3 points for you to review that I hope will help your SEO goals of increased conversions.
What's Above the Fold Counts Most, so Consider Monitor Resolutions
Living in the world of TV remote controls and browser back buttons, we have to capture our website visitors' attention ASAP. Our visitors aren't going to give us much time before making a decision to stay or to leave our website.
As much as this subject is discussed these days, it's amazing the number of sites I review that have critical information missing from "above the fold", in that area visible before your visitors scroll down.
This is the area to briefly summarize what people can do on your site and make your best case for your guests staying on your website and not clicking away. This may also be the area to place your contact information.
Keep in mind that what's above the fold on your monitor will likely be different from what's above the fold on the monitor for someone visiting your website. Browser resolution is set differently for various computers.
For instance, on my website, I know the top resolution of my visitors is 1280 by 1024 (53%) and the second most popular resolution is 1024 by 768 (37%). I get this information from my site's analytics script, although not all analytics programs provide this critical information.
Since I make sure my site looks great for these 90% of my visitors and make sure I communicate reasons to stay on my site above the fold (my value proposition), I draw more people into my site, encouraging them to scroll down.
Remember to cross test your site with recent versions of the most popular Web browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and maybe even Google's new Chrome.
These steps raise my conversion rate and they will raise yours, too. And increasing traffic and conversions is the whole point of affordable search engine optimization, whether using an online marketing consultant or d-i-y, right?
So, don't miss this important step.
Carefully Select Your Type Size and Font and Remember that White Space is Your Friend
I'm astounded by the improper text choices made by so many website owners today. Is there really any good reason to make people squint at your website, struggling to get the information they need?
Consider reviewing The Easy to Read Standard at Information Architects (you can Google it). I would encourage you to review the size of your text, the white space between your letters and words and between your paragraphs and headings.
Designers often believe whitespace is your enemy; if you want people to understand your message and stay on your website, whitespace is in fact your friend. :-)
Also consider that fonts with serifs are easier to read than fonts without serifs.
If you want to successfully convey your message to as many of your site visitors as possible, then make it as easy for them as you can. When we're talking about increasing conversions, it's all about the numbers and appealing to the largest number of people possible.
Use Opt-in Email or Blog Postings to Maximize Your Sales
All website owners would like for people to buy from their website the first time they visit. But is that realistic?
Consider these statics from the National Sales Executive Association:
2% of sales are made on the 1st contact; 3% of sales are made on the 2nd contact; 5% of sales are made on the 3rd contact; 10% of sales are made on the 4th contact (and) 80% of sales are made on the 5th - 12th contact.
For most businesses, if you don't offer an opt-in contact, like a regular email newsletter or blog postings, you're missing out on most of your potential sales!
When setting up an opt-in Internet marketing campaign, you should offer incentives to subscribe. To entice people to opt-in, you can offer:
special pricing for email list members a first look at new products ability for customer to select subjects and emails they receive (controlling the frequency of contact by choosing which of your lists to be on) promise not to share email or other personal info with other companies
Using opt-in contact allows you to significantly increase conversions by introducing yourself over time to your potential customers, in a soft-sell manner.
Website optimization is important; the goal is increased Internet traffic, sales and sales leads. But whether you've hired an online marketing consultant or you're doing the process yourself, Affordable search engine optimization by itself doesn't accomplish those last points of increased sales and sales leads.
You've got to remember to design your website to alleviate visitors natural apprehensions and make buying from you as easy as possible.
Properly mapping out the above the fold area of your Web pages, using appropriate size text, using adequate whitespace and offering an opt-in process to nurture your buyers will all help you accomplish the real goals you have with SEO and website optimization: increased sales and more sales leads.
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's an Online Marketing Consultant and an Affordable Search Engine Optimization specialist offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmarshallwebmarketing and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
With all the changes in Google AdWords and the increased competition these days, organic SEO looks more and more attractive to most of us.
The key is for your website optimization to out-perform your competition, without over spending with an online marketing consultant (or without taking up too much of your time if you're going the do-it-yourself route).
Remember, affordable Search Engine Optimization is about increasing quality traffic, then
If you miss these points I describe below, your SEO goals of increased conversions will tank, even if you have a Number 1 Google Ranking.
I often notice these missed areas when I'm Coaching a business owner about their Web site and their need to increase sales and sales leads.
So, here are 3 points for you to review that I hope will help your SEO goals of increased conversions.
What's Above the Fold Counts Most, so Consider Monitor Resolutions
Living in the world of TV remote controls and browser back buttons, we have to capture our website visitors' attention ASAP. Our visitors aren't going to give us much time before making a decision to stay or to leave our website.
As much as this subject is discussed these days, it's amazing the number of sites I review that have critical information missing from "above the fold", in that area visible before your visitors scroll down.
This is the area to briefly summarize what people can do on your site and make your best case for your guests staying on your website and not clicking away. This may also be the area to place your contact information.
Keep in mind that what's above the fold on your monitor will likely be different from what's above the fold on the monitor for someone visiting your website. Browser resolution is set differently for various computers.
For instance, on my website, I know the top resolution of my visitors is 1280 by 1024 (53%) and the second most popular resolution is 1024 by 768 (37%). I get this information from my site's analytics script, although not all analytics programs provide this critical information.
Since I make sure my site looks great for these 90% of my visitors and make sure I communicate reasons to stay on my site above the fold (my value proposition), I draw more people into my site, encouraging them to scroll down.
Remember to cross test your site with recent versions of the most popular Web browsers: Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari and maybe even Google's new Chrome.
These steps raise my conversion rate and they will raise yours, too. And increasing traffic and conversions is the whole point of affordable search engine optimization, whether using an online marketing consultant or d-i-y, right?
So, don't miss this important step.
Carefully Select Your Type Size and Font and Remember that White Space is Your Friend
I'm astounded by the improper text choices made by so many website owners today. Is there really any good reason to make people squint at your website, struggling to get the information they need?
Consider reviewing The Easy to Read Standard at Information Architects (you can Google it). I would encourage you to review the size of your text, the white space between your letters and words and between your paragraphs and headings.
Designers often believe whitespace is your enemy; if you want people to understand your message and stay on your website, whitespace is in fact your friend. :-)
Also consider that fonts with serifs are easier to read than fonts without serifs.
If you want to successfully convey your message to as many of your site visitors as possible, then make it as easy for them as you can. When we're talking about increasing conversions, it's all about the numbers and appealing to the largest number of people possible.
Use Opt-in Email or Blog Postings to Maximize Your Sales
All website owners would like for people to buy from their website the first time they visit. But is that realistic?
Consider these statics from the National Sales Executive Association:
For most businesses, if you don't offer an opt-in contact, like a regular email newsletter or blog postings, you're missing out on most of your potential sales!
When setting up an opt-in Internet marketing campaign, you should offer incentives to subscribe. To entice people to opt-in, you can offer:
Using opt-in contact allows you to significantly increase conversions by introducing yourself over time to your potential customers, in a soft-sell manner.
Website optimization is important; the goal is increased Internet traffic, sales and sales leads. But whether you've hired an online marketing consultant or you're doing the process yourself, Affordable search engine optimization by itself doesn't accomplish those last points of increased sales and sales leads.
You've got to remember to design your website to alleviate visitors natural apprehensions and make buying from you as easy as possible.
Properly mapping out the above the fold area of your Web pages, using appropriate size text, using adequate whitespace and offering an opt-in process to nurture your buyers will all help you accomplish the real goals you have with SEO and website optimization: increased sales and more sales leads.
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's an Online Marketing Consultant and an Affordable Search Engine Optimization specialist offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmarshallwebmarketing and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Conserve the Forests with FSC Certified Wood Components
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Melody Buller
A huge source of apprehension for those concerned with forestry issues: the illegal exploitation of natural forests. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) has gone to great lengths to address this problem. They ensure that wood bearing the mark "FSC Certified" was harvested under all applicable laws and treaties. Those flying the FSC banner are assured to be honest and environmentally friendly.
As a customer concerned with environment, social, and forestry issues, purchasing island legs made with FSC Certified wood simply makes sense. It showcases that concern and demonstrates a willingness to get involved. FSC wood is a statement of concerned citizens -- those who wish to maintain high standards and healthy forests.
When purchasing island legs, corbels and other wood kitchen components made from FSC wood, it is essential to know you are getting wood from a FSC certified wood supplier. These individuals have gone to great lengths to make sure that the wood their customers receive is of the utmost quality while meeting high environmental regulations.
FSC certified wood guarantees that products made from wood are built with great consideration for the environment. So, when a customer orders products in an FSC Certified wood type from Osborne Wood Products, the customer can know that they are ordering wood that - from the moment it stood in the forest to the moment it is shipped from our facility - has been harvested, milled, and assembled in ways that promote reforestation and responsible forest stewardship, and are generally eco-friendly.
Kitchen island legs, table legs, corbels, wood brackets and other FSC certified products can be easily incorporated into your kitchen or furniture. Cabinetmakers, custom builders, and furniture makers can all appreciate the wholesomeness of FSC. It means producing islands, tables, and other items with FSC wood means customers receive a more environmentally friendly product.
One small purchase may seem insignificant. But every great journey begins with a single step. By purchasing a product made of FSC components, you and other conservation-minded individuals are helping forest workers and communities maintain workers' rights, as well as social and economic well being. By purchasing FSC Certified wood, you, the customer, provide job security, and hope for communities whose main source of income is maintenance of natural forests around the world.
When FSC wood products are purchased, the customer is not simply receiving a higher quality of wood, they are receiving a product that reaches beyond their purchase. FSC wood customers are reaching needs far beyond their jurisdiction: they are literally helping those all over the world. FSC customers are helping preserve forests, guarantee jobs, and maintain a healthier environment.
About the Author:
Melody Buller is a Product Development Specialist at Osborne Wood Products Inc., a major supplier of custom wood products. Read more about FSC Certified products, and place your order online at http://www.osbornewood.com/fsc-certified-wood-products.cfm
Copyright © 2009 Melody Buller
A huge source of apprehension for those concerned with forestry issues: the illegal exploitation of natural forests. The Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) has gone to great lengths to address this problem. They ensure that wood bearing the mark "FSC Certified" was harvested under all applicable laws and treaties. Those flying the FSC banner are assured to be honest and environmentally friendly.
As a customer concerned with environment, social, and forestry issues, purchasing island legs made with FSC Certified wood simply makes sense. It showcases that concern and demonstrates a willingness to get involved. FSC wood is a statement of concerned citizens -- those who wish to maintain high standards and healthy forests.
When purchasing island legs, corbels and other wood kitchen components made from FSC wood, it is essential to know you are getting wood from a FSC certified wood supplier. These individuals have gone to great lengths to make sure that the wood their customers receive is of the utmost quality while meeting high environmental regulations.
FSC certified wood guarantees that products made from wood are built with great consideration for the environment. So, when a customer orders products in an FSC Certified wood type from Osborne Wood Products, the customer can know that they are ordering wood that - from the moment it stood in the forest to the moment it is shipped from our facility - has been harvested, milled, and assembled in ways that promote reforestation and responsible forest stewardship, and are generally eco-friendly.
Kitchen island legs, table legs, corbels, wood brackets and other FSC certified products can be easily incorporated into your kitchen or furniture. Cabinetmakers, custom builders, and furniture makers can all appreciate the wholesomeness of FSC. It means producing islands, tables, and other items with FSC wood means customers receive a more environmentally friendly product.
One small purchase may seem insignificant. But every great journey begins with a single step. By purchasing a product made of FSC components, you and other conservation-minded individuals are helping forest workers and communities maintain workers' rights, as well as social and economic well being. By purchasing FSC Certified wood, you, the customer, provide job security, and hope for communities whose main source of income is maintenance of natural forests around the world.
When FSC wood products are purchased, the customer is not simply receiving a higher quality of wood, they are receiving a product that reaches beyond their purchase. FSC wood customers are reaching needs far beyond their jurisdiction: they are literally helping those all over the world. FSC customers are helping preserve forests, guarantee jobs, and maintain a healthier environment.
About the Author:
Melody Buller is a Product Development Specialist at Osborne Wood Products Inc., a major supplier of custom wood products. Read more about FSC Certified products, and place your order online at http://www.osbornewood.com/fsc-certified-wood-products.cfm
Sunday, November 15, 2009
How To Choose A URL By Conducting A Domain Name Ownership Search
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 John Khu
A successful web site or blog is always made meaningful by its domain name. The web address that you choose must suit the theme and tenor of the web site or blog. Make sure that your domain name matches the subject of the web site or blog. Almost all well-known web portals have a domain name that is short, easy to remember and type into the address window of the browser. You should understand the system by which a domain works and performs. An effective domain name is always catchy with a definite theme and subject. Your visitors will feel that the domain name of your web site is quite powerful as it can evoke very strong connections with something that is special to the web user.
As far as possible, use main keywords that connect to the theme and topic of your web portal. You may wish to avoid hyphens and underscores as they can confuse and mislead your site visitors. Complicated web domains are those that are very difficult to type and remember. Extra symbols and strange characters can put off web users.
For example, iknowhowthisstuffworks.com and lose-your-weight-in10days.com are strange and misleading domain names that no one in this world will like to remember.
Choosing a very meaningful and practical domain name is actually very simple and straightforward. You need to sit down and think over all possible combinations of good keywords and their phrases. If you want to choose a good domain name, you can start with a comprehensive list of prospective domain names and shortlist the best ones among them. When you create a list of good domain names, the next step is to check whether they are available for registration. To conduct this important search, you will need to use an online tool that tells you about the availability of domain names.
Domain ownership identification tool is a very simple utility where you will find out who is the owner of the domain is and whether the domain name of your choice is available or not. This tool provides you the complete details of domain ownership including the date of expiry. Choosing a domain name is a trial and error exercise most of the good domains are already in use and you may need to work hard to create a good domain name. Domain name tools provide you a number of alternatives when the domain name of your choice is not available. You can pick the one from the list that best represents your theme and business idea.
If there is a domain name available for purchase, you can pounce on it and buy before someone does it. Domain name industry is a highly competitive industry and you never know when someone is going to buy your domain name ideas. While searching for a domain name think of all possible keyword phrases and wordings because most web users have their way of choosing products or services. Keywords play an important role while searching for domains by using domain name ownership online tool. If you do not find the domain name of your choice, you can always sift through the alternative list to choose the best one. Most of the online tools are efficient in providing a listing of most probable choices that eventually allow you to find a domain name that best represents your business theme, topic, style and tenor. Another emerging trend is to buy expired domain names from registrars. You will need to be very careful while buying an expired domain because the name that you wish to buy may have a shady past. However, expired domain market is a very good place to find those domain names that are not available in the fresh domain name market.
The general rule of thumb is to buy a domain name immediately when it is available in a domain ownership tool. It is always better to buy the domain name of your choice even if you are not creating your web site right now. Never ever, allow someone to buy your domain name. You may regret your decision of not buying your domain name when it was available.
About the Author:
John Khu is an author and also a seasoned professional with vast experience in expired domain name business. He is also the owner of the path breaking web sites called http://www.expireddomainsecret.com and http://www.expireddomaingains.com which provides complete and up-to-date information on expired domains and their eternal secrets.
Read more of John Khu's articles.
Copyright © 2009 John Khu
A successful web site or blog is always made meaningful by its domain name. The web address that you choose must suit the theme and tenor of the web site or blog. Make sure that your domain name matches the subject of the web site or blog. Almost all well-known web portals have a domain name that is short, easy to remember and type into the address window of the browser. You should understand the system by which a domain works and performs. An effective domain name is always catchy with a definite theme and subject. Your visitors will feel that the domain name of your web site is quite powerful as it can evoke very strong connections with something that is special to the web user.
As far as possible, use main keywords that connect to the theme and topic of your web portal. You may wish to avoid hyphens and underscores as they can confuse and mislead your site visitors. Complicated web domains are those that are very difficult to type and remember. Extra symbols and strange characters can put off web users.
For example, iknowhowthisstuffworks.com and lose-your-weight-in10days.com are strange and misleading domain names that no one in this world will like to remember.
Choosing a very meaningful and practical domain name is actually very simple and straightforward. You need to sit down and think over all possible combinations of good keywords and their phrases. If you want to choose a good domain name, you can start with a comprehensive list of prospective domain names and shortlist the best ones among them. When you create a list of good domain names, the next step is to check whether they are available for registration. To conduct this important search, you will need to use an online tool that tells you about the availability of domain names.
Domain ownership identification tool is a very simple utility where you will find out who is the owner of the domain is and whether the domain name of your choice is available or not. This tool provides you the complete details of domain ownership including the date of expiry. Choosing a domain name is a trial and error exercise most of the good domains are already in use and you may need to work hard to create a good domain name. Domain name tools provide you a number of alternatives when the domain name of your choice is not available. You can pick the one from the list that best represents your theme and business idea.
If there is a domain name available for purchase, you can pounce on it and buy before someone does it. Domain name industry is a highly competitive industry and you never know when someone is going to buy your domain name ideas. While searching for a domain name think of all possible keyword phrases and wordings because most web users have their way of choosing products or services. Keywords play an important role while searching for domains by using domain name ownership online tool. If you do not find the domain name of your choice, you can always sift through the alternative list to choose the best one. Most of the online tools are efficient in providing a listing of most probable choices that eventually allow you to find a domain name that best represents your business theme, topic, style and tenor. Another emerging trend is to buy expired domain names from registrars. You will need to be very careful while buying an expired domain because the name that you wish to buy may have a shady past. However, expired domain market is a very good place to find those domain names that are not available in the fresh domain name market.
The general rule of thumb is to buy a domain name immediately when it is available in a domain ownership tool. It is always better to buy the domain name of your choice even if you are not creating your web site right now. Never ever, allow someone to buy your domain name. You may regret your decision of not buying your domain name when it was available.
About the Author:
John Khu is an author and also a seasoned professional with vast experience in expired domain name business. He is also the owner of the path breaking web sites called http://www.expireddomainsecret.com and http://www.expireddomaingains.com which provides complete and up-to-date information on expired domains and their eternal secrets.
Read more of John Khu's articles.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The Church and the Boy Scouts - How Leaders Can Encourage Leadership
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Matthew Osborne
Was Jesus a Boy Scout? Did he choose to develop character and maturity in a similar way to this model?
The Boy Scout Plan - Spurring Responsibility
A young man signs up, purchases a handbook, and is encouraged to read it. After some basic instruction, his new level of knowledge is affirmed by the group.
After a year or two, he is encouraged to begin to lead. He starts small: with cooking a few meals for the group. He may eventually grow to plan an event for a small group, and even for the whole troop. He is encouraged to mentor those with less experience than himself.
He may run for a position of responsibility and gain regular duties. The system provides enough such positions that most boys may hold one. Elections are generally held twice a year -- keeping the youth leadership from becoming "stale." Everyone a chance to see all operations up close, as they perform their role.
The young man who previously held the post will often be "on call" for any questions the new fellow might have.
The Youth Lead Troop - Responsibility Creates Personal Growth
The adult leadership stays in the background. Keeping order at times. Perhaps coaching the boys every now and again. Generally, though, they let them handle matters themselves.
The ultimate goal of the Boy Scouts is for the young men to develop ethics and character. Like any skill, character grows most readily with practice. For example: one becomes responsible by being entrusted with responsibility.
Another point: imagine what forty semi-experienced boys can accomplish if given the chance. Compared with five adults who do it all:
The Adult Lead Troop - Responsibility Gets Things Done
Sometimes responsibility falls to those most qualified. The experienced adults often know how things should be run. Sometimes they feel that as "leaders" they should be front and center, planning and making most of the decisions.
Things generally run more smoothly. On the downside, the boys often become dependent on the adults to the point that their growth is stunted.
Church Leadership
There are some interesting parallels here. It is well known that the mature in the faith are to do ministry. To get things done.
And perhaps another, more subtle role is to equip the rest of the Body to do ministry as catalyst for personal growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). The classic example is Jesus Himself. He did much of the work himself as he recruited volunteers to watch Him. After a time he passed along responsibility a little at a time. He gave them projects, sent them out, and helping them process what they experienced.
There is strength in being strong and competent -- an example. There is also strength in taking a lesser role, allowing others to take their turn.
About the Author:
Matthew Osborne is encouraging collaboration between Atlanta churches and denominations. He is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. An individual who believes each person can make a difference, he has experience in church administration, teaching, leading small groups, one-on-one mentoring, and other forms of ministry. Let your voice be heard at: http://www.atlantachristianfellowship.com/
Read more of Matthew Osborne's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Matthew Osborne
Was Jesus a Boy Scout? Did he choose to develop character and maturity in a similar way to this model?
The Boy Scout Plan - Spurring Responsibility
A young man signs up, purchases a handbook, and is encouraged to read it. After some basic instruction, his new level of knowledge is affirmed by the group.
After a year or two, he is encouraged to begin to lead. He starts small: with cooking a few meals for the group. He may eventually grow to plan an event for a small group, and even for the whole troop. He is encouraged to mentor those with less experience than himself.
He may run for a position of responsibility and gain regular duties. The system provides enough such positions that most boys may hold one. Elections are generally held twice a year -- keeping the youth leadership from becoming "stale." Everyone a chance to see all operations up close, as they perform their role.
The young man who previously held the post will often be "on call" for any questions the new fellow might have.
The Youth Lead Troop - Responsibility Creates Personal Growth
The adult leadership stays in the background. Keeping order at times. Perhaps coaching the boys every now and again. Generally, though, they let them handle matters themselves.
The ultimate goal of the Boy Scouts is for the young men to develop ethics and character. Like any skill, character grows most readily with practice. For example: one becomes responsible by being entrusted with responsibility.
Another point: imagine what forty semi-experienced boys can accomplish if given the chance. Compared with five adults who do it all:
The Adult Lead Troop - Responsibility Gets Things Done
Sometimes responsibility falls to those most qualified. The experienced adults often know how things should be run. Sometimes they feel that as "leaders" they should be front and center, planning and making most of the decisions.
Things generally run more smoothly. On the downside, the boys often become dependent on the adults to the point that their growth is stunted.
Church Leadership
There are some interesting parallels here. It is well known that the mature in the faith are to do ministry. To get things done.
And perhaps another, more subtle role is to equip the rest of the Body to do ministry as catalyst for personal growth and maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). The classic example is Jesus Himself. He did much of the work himself as he recruited volunteers to watch Him. After a time he passed along responsibility a little at a time. He gave them projects, sent them out, and helping them process what they experienced.
There is strength in being strong and competent -- an example. There is also strength in taking a lesser role, allowing others to take their turn.
About the Author:
Matthew Osborne is encouraging collaboration between Atlanta churches and denominations. He is also an Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. An individual who believes each person can make a difference, he has experience in church administration, teaching, leading small groups, one-on-one mentoring, and other forms of ministry. Let your voice be heard at: http://www.atlantachristianfellowship.com/
Read more of Matthew Osborne's articles.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Missing Element
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
to touch on a really important point most people (including myself, until recently) don't get.
You see, I've always thought the most important aspect of business was marketing.
And I still believe that.
For instance, I was having dinner with my extended family last night and they were talking about why some businesses in their franchise are more successful than others.
And you know what it all really boils down to: the successful businesses know how to sell.
But there's actually three elements to a successful business.
1. Understanding marketing such as what you'll learn at http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ and http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/cashflow
2. Thinking: coming up with new ideas. Focusing your business on the 20% of things that really matter. Planning and scheduling.
But the element most people miss is...
THE PUSH
So what exactly is The Push?
It's the ability to make things happen. It's not leaving to yesterday what needs to be done today. It's setting deadlines and sticking to them. ... because if you don't have some element or person in your business who's constantly pushing, things simply don't happen all that quickly.
In business, I believe "going with the flow" is a recipe for disaster because you've got no control where the flow is going to take you.
Makes sense, right?
For instance, I've been talking about creating more products for over 12 months.
I know that there is plenty more that I can give. But I've been so busy writing copy for my clients that I haven't made time.
But now it's time to bring the "pusher" into play and create the time no matter what.
And that's one of the things I've noticed with the most successful business people I have met.
The fact they are great marketers and thinkers is a given.
But the one thing that seperates the most successful from the also rans is their ability to push for things to get done.
So don't just get your hands on http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ and master the art of getting new customers.
Learn how to "push" as well so you can make it happen.
About the Author:
Scott Bywater is an income boosting, results focused direct response copywriter and the author of Cashflow Advertising and More Customers Made Easy. His popular ebook "7 ways to get more customers" has been downloaded by over 8,247 business owners over the past five years. You can get your hands on it by heading on over to http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more Articles written by Scott Bywater.
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
to touch on a really important point most people (including myself, until recently) don't get.
You see, I've always thought the most important aspect of business was marketing.
And I still believe that.
For instance, I was having dinner with my extended family last night and they were talking about why some businesses in their franchise are more successful than others.
And you know what it all really boils down to: the successful businesses know how to sell.
But there's actually three elements to a successful business.
1. Understanding marketing such as what you'll learn at http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ and http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/cashflow
2. Thinking: coming up with new ideas. Focusing your business on the 20% of things that really matter. Planning and scheduling.
But the element most people miss is...
THE PUSH
So what exactly is The Push?
It's the ability to make things happen. It's not leaving to yesterday what needs to be done today. It's setting deadlines and sticking to them. ... because if you don't have some element or person in your business who's constantly pushing, things simply don't happen all that quickly.
In business, I believe "going with the flow" is a recipe for disaster because you've got no control where the flow is going to take you.
Makes sense, right?
For instance, I've been talking about creating more products for over 12 months.
I know that there is plenty more that I can give. But I've been so busy writing copy for my clients that I haven't made time.
But now it's time to bring the "pusher" into play and create the time no matter what.
And that's one of the things I've noticed with the most successful business people I have met.
The fact they are great marketers and thinkers is a given.
But the one thing that seperates the most successful from the also rans is their ability to push for things to get done.
So don't just get your hands on http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ and master the art of getting new customers.
Learn how to "push" as well so you can make it happen.
About the Author:
Scott Bywater is an income boosting, results focused direct response copywriter and the author of Cashflow Advertising and More Customers Made Easy. His popular ebook "7 ways to get more customers" has been downloaded by over 8,247 business owners over the past five years. You can get your hands on it by heading on over to http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more Articles written by Scott Bywater.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
How To Buy Real Estate in Mexico
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Fernanda Rodriguez
Buying Property In Mexico
Buying property in Mexico has become more popular every year. Whether you would like to purchase a vacation home or are planning on retiring there, owning real estate in Mexico is easy and safe. With its incredible natural resources, rapidly improving economy and modern facilities and infrastructure, Mexico is the place to make your dream home a reality.
Working With Professionals.
Who better than the Costa Realty team to serve as your Real Estate Agents and Advisors when looking to buy property in Mexico? With decades of experience representing residential and commercial clients on both sides of the border, our expertise provides you with the knowledge and security that you need when deciding to invest.
Financing.
With the increase of American investors in Mexico there is a greater availability of mortgage financing for American buyers. With long term financing you tie up less capital and enjoy the same high returns that the Mexican market offers. Also, more and more Mexican banks are offering mortgage opportunities to Americans buying real estate there. We can recommend a number of options to fit your needs
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can Foreigners own property on the beach in Mexico?
Mexican law permits foreign ownership of real estate on or near the beach through a Mexican Bank Trust or "Fideicomiso". All land within 30 miles of the Mexican coast and 60 miles of a national border is regulated through the use of a Bank Trust for foreign investors. Mexican banks are the only institutions that can hold Trust of the deed for foreign buyers.
What is a Mexican Bank Trust?
The Mexican Government issues a permit to the Mexican Bank of your choice allowing the bank to hold title to the property and the purchaser holds title to the beneficiary rights (almost all Mexican Banks are owned or in partnership with American or European Banks). The bank acts as the Trustee and you are the Beneficiary of the Trust. The Trustee only takes instructions from the Beneficiary or foreign purchaser.
What rights and obligations does the Beneficiary receive?
It gives you all the rights of ownership such as the right to occupy, use, sell, rent and build on or improve the property. You may also mortgage the real estate and instruct the Bank to transfer title to another person or corporation. You will be obliged to pay property taxes, utilities and condominium maintenance fees if applicable, and the Trustee's annual fee which varies from bank to bank.
What happens to the trust if I sell my property?
Upon the sale of property held under a Trust, the Secretary of Foreign Relations is required by law to issue a new Trust permit to the buyer or if the property is sold to a Mexican, the Trust can be terminated and it can be owned directly.
What is the duration of a Trust?
The initial term of the Trust is 50 years. It is renewable for an additional period of 50 years within the last year of each 50 year period and this can be continued indefinitely.
What happens if the Beneficiary should die during the legal period of the Mexican Trust?
The Beneficiary has the right to appoint a substitute beneficiary (ies) who will receive all the rights and obligations that arise from the Trust if the Beneficiary should die. Your heirs will not need to follow any probate proceeding before the Mexican courts. They would only have to give notice to the Bank/Trustee and show the death certificate and their identifications. The Bank will register them as the new Beneficiaries of the Trust without any cost.
What requirements are necessary to open a Trust?
Our professional agents will be by your side to guide you along the way; however these are the basic requirements:
1. Copy of your photo ID, birth and marriage certificates, Visa or Tourist Permit
2. Your address, occupation, phone number and e-mail address
3. Name, nationality, address and phone number of the substitute Beneficiary(ies) in case of death
4. Copy of the current Real Estate deed and free of lien certificate (given by the seller)
5. The agreed purchase price
What expenses are involved?
The total expense of opening a Trust is between 5% and 6% of the sale price. This includes the following: the initial fee to set up the Trust, obtaining the permit from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, recording of the Trust Deed at the National Registry of Foreign Investments, the bank appraisal fee, and the first annual fee for handling and servicing the Trust.
How long does it take to obtain a Trust?
The Public Notary takes care of the entire procedure and on average we can obtain your Trust within 30 to 60 days.
What is the function of the Public Notary?
In Mexico a Public Notary is quite different than in the U.S. They are lawyers appointed by the State Government and are the only attorneys authorized to validate the title transfer process. The resulting document is registered at the Public Registry of Properties.
Can I get U.S. Title Insurance for Mexican property?
To provide full security to real estate transactions, Costa Realty recommends the services of Stewart Title. From Title Insurance, Escrow, Closing Coordination to Mortgage Services, Stewart Title assists real estate agents, buyers, sellers and lenders in closing real estate transactions with peace of mind.
The Process
There are many beautiful places in Mexico boasting much lower real estate prices than can be found in the U.S. and Costa Realty has a wide range of great investment opportunities in some of Mexico's most amazing coastal resorts.
Book a trip
Take time to get to know the area and ask the pertinent questions. Nothing compares to being there. We can be of great help getting you there and in arranging your personalized real estate tour.
Find the right advisor
Costa Realty has the professionals with all the right answers and years of experience showcasing and selling properties in Mexico.
Make an offer
Your proposal is important and we're here to get you the very best deal. Our goal is to achieve the best terms and prices possible for your real estate transaction.
Closing the transaction
We will make sure that all the necessary documents for your new property are presented to the Public Notary and that they are validated and legal.
About the Author:
Written by: Fernanda Rodriguez. At Costa Realty, they are committed to helping you to realize your dream of owning a property in any of the fabulous Mexican beach resort destinations they serve. Owning a Mexican waterfront property is the best Real Estate investment in the market, see for yourself! http://www.mexicocostarealty.com/
Read more Articles written by Fernanda Rodriguez.
Copyright © 2009 Fernanda Rodriguez
Buying Property In Mexico
Buying property in Mexico has become more popular every year. Whether you would like to purchase a vacation home or are planning on retiring there, owning real estate in Mexico is easy and safe. With its incredible natural resources, rapidly improving economy and modern facilities and infrastructure, Mexico is the place to make your dream home a reality.
Working With Professionals.
Who better than the Costa Realty team to serve as your Real Estate Agents and Advisors when looking to buy property in Mexico? With decades of experience representing residential and commercial clients on both sides of the border, our expertise provides you with the knowledge and security that you need when deciding to invest.
Financing.
With the increase of American investors in Mexico there is a greater availability of mortgage financing for American buyers. With long term financing you tie up less capital and enjoy the same high returns that the Mexican market offers. Also, more and more Mexican banks are offering mortgage opportunities to Americans buying real estate there. We can recommend a number of options to fit your needs
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can Foreigners own property on the beach in Mexico?
Mexican law permits foreign ownership of real estate on or near the beach through a Mexican Bank Trust or "Fideicomiso". All land within 30 miles of the Mexican coast and 60 miles of a national border is regulated through the use of a Bank Trust for foreign investors. Mexican banks are the only institutions that can hold Trust of the deed for foreign buyers.
What is a Mexican Bank Trust?
The Mexican Government issues a permit to the Mexican Bank of your choice allowing the bank to hold title to the property and the purchaser holds title to the beneficiary rights (almost all Mexican Banks are owned or in partnership with American or European Banks). The bank acts as the Trustee and you are the Beneficiary of the Trust. The Trustee only takes instructions from the Beneficiary or foreign purchaser.
What rights and obligations does the Beneficiary receive?
It gives you all the rights of ownership such as the right to occupy, use, sell, rent and build on or improve the property. You may also mortgage the real estate and instruct the Bank to transfer title to another person or corporation. You will be obliged to pay property taxes, utilities and condominium maintenance fees if applicable, and the Trustee's annual fee which varies from bank to bank.
What happens to the trust if I sell my property?
Upon the sale of property held under a Trust, the Secretary of Foreign Relations is required by law to issue a new Trust permit to the buyer or if the property is sold to a Mexican, the Trust can be terminated and it can be owned directly.
What is the duration of a Trust?
The initial term of the Trust is 50 years. It is renewable for an additional period of 50 years within the last year of each 50 year period and this can be continued indefinitely.
What happens if the Beneficiary should die during the legal period of the Mexican Trust?
The Beneficiary has the right to appoint a substitute beneficiary (ies) who will receive all the rights and obligations that arise from the Trust if the Beneficiary should die. Your heirs will not need to follow any probate proceeding before the Mexican courts. They would only have to give notice to the Bank/Trustee and show the death certificate and their identifications. The Bank will register them as the new Beneficiaries of the Trust without any cost.
What requirements are necessary to open a Trust?
Our professional agents will be by your side to guide you along the way; however these are the basic requirements:
1. Copy of your photo ID, birth and marriage certificates, Visa or Tourist Permit
2. Your address, occupation, phone number and e-mail address
3. Name, nationality, address and phone number of the substitute Beneficiary(ies) in case of death
4. Copy of the current Real Estate deed and free of lien certificate (given by the seller)
5. The agreed purchase price
What expenses are involved?
The total expense of opening a Trust is between 5% and 6% of the sale price. This includes the following: the initial fee to set up the Trust, obtaining the permit from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, recording of the Trust Deed at the National Registry of Foreign Investments, the bank appraisal fee, and the first annual fee for handling and servicing the Trust.
How long does it take to obtain a Trust?
The Public Notary takes care of the entire procedure and on average we can obtain your Trust within 30 to 60 days.
What is the function of the Public Notary?
In Mexico a Public Notary is quite different than in the U.S. They are lawyers appointed by the State Government and are the only attorneys authorized to validate the title transfer process. The resulting document is registered at the Public Registry of Properties.
Can I get U.S. Title Insurance for Mexican property?
To provide full security to real estate transactions, Costa Realty recommends the services of Stewart Title. From Title Insurance, Escrow, Closing Coordination to Mortgage Services, Stewart Title assists real estate agents, buyers, sellers and lenders in closing real estate transactions with peace of mind.
The Process
There are many beautiful places in Mexico boasting much lower real estate prices than can be found in the U.S. and Costa Realty has a wide range of great investment opportunities in some of Mexico's most amazing coastal resorts.
Book a trip
Take time to get to know the area and ask the pertinent questions. Nothing compares to being there. We can be of great help getting you there and in arranging your personalized real estate tour.
Find the right advisor
Costa Realty has the professionals with all the right answers and years of experience showcasing and selling properties in Mexico.
Make an offer
Your proposal is important and we're here to get you the very best deal. Our goal is to achieve the best terms and prices possible for your real estate transaction.
Closing the transaction
We will make sure that all the necessary documents for your new property are presented to the Public Notary and that they are validated and legal.
About the Author:
Written by: Fernanda Rodriguez. At Costa Realty, they are committed to helping you to realize your dream of owning a property in any of the fabulous Mexican beach resort destinations they serve. Owning a Mexican waterfront property is the best Real Estate investment in the market, see for yourself! http://www.mexicocostarealty.com/
Read more Articles written by Fernanda Rodriguez.
What's Most Important
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
The other day I was speaking to a guy who runs a company which teaches people to trade the stock market. And we were talking about psychology and how it's the most important element to your success.
He was telling me about how you can give EXACTLY the same trading system to one person and they'll go and turn it into a fortune, achieve their dream lifestyle and all that sort of good stuff.
Another will do nothing with it and claim it doesn't work.
It doesn't make any sense, does it?
But I know how true it is.
Because the reality is the same thing happens with advertising and marketing.
I can write an ad for one person. And they won't even place it.
Another person will use that same ad to make millions of dollars, like David Warne from A Crown Roast did with an advertisement I wrote for him.
I remember creating an ad for a real estate agent years ago.
The ad worked. The phones rang. People were interested.
But he claimed they were all dud leads.
I know for a fact they weren't.
They just weren't followed up properly.
He didn't send them newsletters. He didn't invite them to seminars. He didn't take the time to forge a relationship. In essence, he threw away a six figure system simply because he wouldn't put the work into follow the system. (and I know this to be true because I do it myself and have seen plenty of others succeed with this same system over the years).
I've seen this happen over and over again throughout the years.
The number one element to success is psychology.
You've got to believe a strategy can succeed. And you've got to be willing to follow the system.
It's true in the stock market. It's true in marketing. It's true in advertising. It's true in sport. And it's true in virtually every area of life.
So before you get your hands on any information product - yes, even my http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ program - or begin any marketing or advertising strategy, make sure you...
a. Believe you can succeed.
and
b. Commit to following the system.
Otherwise you'll just be wasting your time and money.
I'll leave you with this quote from writer and economist, Stuart Chase
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible"
and one more from the inventor of the electric starter, Charles Kettering:
"Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail"
About the Author:
Scott Bywater is a direct response copywriter and the author of "Cash Flow Advertising" and "More Customers Made Easy". Although Scott is accepting very few clients, he generously shares his experience on copywriting at his web site at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more Articles written by Scott Bywater.
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
The other day I was speaking to a guy who runs a company which teaches people to trade the stock market. And we were talking about psychology and how it's the most important element to your success.
He was telling me about how you can give EXACTLY the same trading system to one person and they'll go and turn it into a fortune, achieve their dream lifestyle and all that sort of good stuff.
Another will do nothing with it and claim it doesn't work.
It doesn't make any sense, does it?
But I know how true it is.
Because the reality is the same thing happens with advertising and marketing.
I can write an ad for one person. And they won't even place it.
Another person will use that same ad to make millions of dollars, like David Warne from A Crown Roast did with an advertisement I wrote for him.
I remember creating an ad for a real estate agent years ago.
The ad worked. The phones rang. People were interested.
But he claimed they were all dud leads.
I know for a fact they weren't.
They just weren't followed up properly.
He didn't send them newsletters. He didn't invite them to seminars. He didn't take the time to forge a relationship. In essence, he threw away a six figure system simply because he wouldn't put the work into follow the system. (and I know this to be true because I do it myself and have seen plenty of others succeed with this same system over the years).
I've seen this happen over and over again throughout the years.
The number one element to success is psychology.
You've got to believe a strategy can succeed. And you've got to be willing to follow the system.
It's true in the stock market. It's true in marketing. It's true in advertising. It's true in sport. And it's true in virtually every area of life.
So before you get your hands on any information product - yes, even my http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/ program - or begin any marketing or advertising strategy, make sure you...
a. Believe you can succeed.
and
b. Commit to following the system.
Otherwise you'll just be wasting your time and money.
I'll leave you with this quote from writer and economist, Stuart Chase
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible"
and one more from the inventor of the electric starter, Charles Kettering:
"Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail"
About the Author:
Scott Bywater is a direct response copywriter and the author of "Cash Flow Advertising" and "More Customers Made Easy". Although Scott is accepting very few clients, he generously shares his experience on copywriting at his web site at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more Articles written by Scott Bywater.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
List Building - 5 Steps To Generate Viral Traffic To Your Website
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Alan Cheng
If you can create viral traffic then you've won the battle for traffic generation. Driving traffic is a continuous task, so viral traffic which grows on its own is a dream for all online business owners. But not many online business owners know or even try to implement it. Here are 5 steps to creating viral traffic so that your traffic building efforts produces the most amount of visitors and subscribers.
1. Create A Squeeze Page
Get a landing page which does nothing but offer some free gifts in exchange for the visitor's email. This is where you start to build your list.
Hire a good graphics designer and come up with attractive gifts such as valuable reports and/or free software.
2. Create A Report To Sell
Your next task is to create a report which you're going to sell. Again, make sure the graphics are eye-catching and pay a good graphics designer to create your website.
Your report has to look fantastic and the information needs to be good. Do the required research and put as much information as possible into this report.
With your website, sell the report for $97. This is a steep price for a report but your objective is not to sell many copies of it. Do the necessary promotion and get the word out about your report. And don't forget to put links in the report to your website.
3. Free Gift
When people sign up to your list via your squeeze page, send them to a page where you will offer your $97 report as a gift. To claim the gift, the subscriber needs to refer at least 3 of their friends to your squeeze page.
Now when your subscribers see that your gift is worth $97 and that you are currently selling it for that price, it will drive conversions through the roof.
No one can resist a true free gift that is currently selling for $97. This can help you generate viral traffic. Your subscribers' friends might sign up to your list and repeat the whole process by referring their friends to your squeeze page.
4. Email To List
Now while your squeeze page is building your list virally, you can create a report and continue to send it to your list for free. Of course, they would have to refer 3 or more of their friends to download the free gift.
Using this technique you are training your list to refer their friends in order to get your free reports. You are also testing to see which kind of offers create the best responses.
5. Contest
When you know which type of offers send you the most amount of referrals, you can create a contest and announce it to your list.
For the contest you will need to provide something which is perceived to be a high priced item otherwise it won't work. The best type of offers are video training with personal coaching from you based on the offer with the most responses.
Offer your prize to 3 winners only. Since you are offering personal coaching and video training, you can set a high price for the prize. Pricing it at $1,000 is not unreasonable.
To win the contest, your list needs to send you traffic to your squeeze page. The top 3 who sends the most subscribers will win the $1000 prize. This is very attractive.
Once they spread the news by telling people about your contest, more and more people will join your list and promote the contest.. This is the viral effect you're looking for. You can even issue a press release to inform more people about your contest.
Carrying out these 5 steps will ensure unstoppable viral traffic to your website. It needs planning and setting up the system for it to work and creation of the reports, but you are sure to get an avalanche of traffic. Using this viral traffic to get people subscribed to your list, you can promote your information products to them and push those sales figures through the roof.
About the Author:
For more tips on how to promote your online business and increase sales, visit information product creation. To hire professionals to create your own best selling information products, visit http://www.eliteghostwriters.com/infoproducts.html - Alan Cheng, Elite Ghostwriters.
Read more of Alan Cheng's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Alan Cheng
If you can create viral traffic then you've won the battle for traffic generation. Driving traffic is a continuous task, so viral traffic which grows on its own is a dream for all online business owners. But not many online business owners know or even try to implement it. Here are 5 steps to creating viral traffic so that your traffic building efforts produces the most amount of visitors and subscribers.
1. Create A Squeeze Page
Get a landing page which does nothing but offer some free gifts in exchange for the visitor's email. This is where you start to build your list.
Hire a good graphics designer and come up with attractive gifts such as valuable reports and/or free software.
2. Create A Report To Sell
Your next task is to create a report which you're going to sell. Again, make sure the graphics are eye-catching and pay a good graphics designer to create your website.
Your report has to look fantastic and the information needs to be good. Do the required research and put as much information as possible into this report.
With your website, sell the report for $97. This is a steep price for a report but your objective is not to sell many copies of it. Do the necessary promotion and get the word out about your report. And don't forget to put links in the report to your website.
3. Free Gift
When people sign up to your list via your squeeze page, send them to a page where you will offer your $97 report as a gift. To claim the gift, the subscriber needs to refer at least 3 of their friends to your squeeze page.
Now when your subscribers see that your gift is worth $97 and that you are currently selling it for that price, it will drive conversions through the roof.
No one can resist a true free gift that is currently selling for $97. This can help you generate viral traffic. Your subscribers' friends might sign up to your list and repeat the whole process by referring their friends to your squeeze page.
4. Email To List
Now while your squeeze page is building your list virally, you can create a report and continue to send it to your list for free. Of course, they would have to refer 3 or more of their friends to download the free gift.
Using this technique you are training your list to refer their friends in order to get your free reports. You are also testing to see which kind of offers create the best responses.
5. Contest
When you know which type of offers send you the most amount of referrals, you can create a contest and announce it to your list.
For the contest you will need to provide something which is perceived to be a high priced item otherwise it won't work. The best type of offers are video training with personal coaching from you based on the offer with the most responses.
Offer your prize to 3 winners only. Since you are offering personal coaching and video training, you can set a high price for the prize. Pricing it at $1,000 is not unreasonable.
To win the contest, your list needs to send you traffic to your squeeze page. The top 3 who sends the most subscribers will win the $1000 prize. This is very attractive.
Once they spread the news by telling people about your contest, more and more people will join your list and promote the contest.. This is the viral effect you're looking for. You can even issue a press release to inform more people about your contest.
Carrying out these 5 steps will ensure unstoppable viral traffic to your website. It needs planning and setting up the system for it to work and creation of the reports, but you are sure to get an avalanche of traffic. Using this viral traffic to get people subscribed to your list, you can promote your information products to them and push those sales figures through the roof.
About the Author:
For more tips on how to promote your online business and increase sales, visit information product creation. To hire professionals to create your own best selling information products, visit http://www.eliteghostwriters.com/infoproducts.html - Alan Cheng, Elite Ghostwriters.
Read more of Alan Cheng's articles.
How To Generate Free Website Traffic FAST
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Willie Crawford
It goes without saying that if you don't have website traffic, the other components of your web business can't work very effectively. Without eyeballs on your sales letter, you won't make any sales!
There are many ways to generate fast free website traffic, but many of them aren't readily available to the average, lesser-known marketer.
Joint ventures are an excellent way to get tons of others to send you there traffic. However, joint ventures hinge upon relationships/connections, and many of the people with the most traffic have tons of their own products to promote. Those who own large lists are also approached about joint ventures so often that they may have commitments that extend out past six months.
If you do have a large list, getting immediate traffic to your website can be as simple as sending a compelling email. However, it takes time to build a quality list. It also takes time to build strong relationships and trust with your list members.
Another one of my favorite ways to generate lots of free traffic is by creating an inexpensive product and then allowing others to selling it and keep 100% of the profit. However, that does require a product on a really hot topic, and you still have to recruit affiliates.
You are also giving away 100% of the money on the sale (sacrificing early profits), and your goal there is not so much traffic but to build a list. I do often do this, using a script called Rapid Action Profits, which deposits proceed from the sale directly into my affiliates Paypal accounts while adding the new subscriber to my list automatically.
However, for generating traffic that is free, fast, and even long-term, I recommend creating lots of content and putting it in the path of the search engines. In fact, I often do this when I'm launching a new product, or even promoting a new affiliate product. Here are the down and dirty steps that I take:
1) Do your keyword research, striving to identify the "buying keywords" that your target customers are using. One easy way to do that is to use the "Google External Keyword Tool" to research which keywords get the most searches. This tool is free to use, and will also suggest related keywords to you.
What you are looking for is evidence that people are searching on a given phrase, and that those people are spending money. The Google External Keyword Tool will tell you this.
You can also enter a keyword phrase that you plan to target into the regular Google search box, and look at how many Google AdWords ads display on the right side of the page. These are people paying for each click from people who search on that term, and then click through to their sites. Presumably, they wouldn't pay for those clicks unless these customers were spending money.
2) Use your target keywords to craft titles for 20 articles. In addition to the keywords make sure that your title also promises some benefit. The article title is what's going to get you the most traction in the search engines.
3) Actually write those 20 articles. They can be as short as 400 words. If you have trouble writing, go to several of the bigger article directories and read what others have written on the topic. Also Google the keyword and look at what experts have had to say on the topic. Then write the articles.
If you are still stumped, simply plug your mike into your computer and then talk about the topic. Most of us are certainly good at talking. Record your thoughts then go back and organize them and you have an article (or several articles).
Add a resource box to the article that tells the reader to go to your site for more information, or resources (your product) on the topic. When linking back to your site, use your keyword as the anchor text where permitted.
4) Turn each article into a video. The simplest way to do this is probably to put your main points on PowerPoint slides. Then as you read your article, flip through the slides, and record it using Camtasia screen capture software. As easy as that, you have a movie.
5) Turn each article into a podcast (an MP3). Just read the article and record it using software built right into your computer. You can also download free recording software for tons of places on the internet. One of my favorites is Audacity.
6) Write several press releases using the article titles as your topic. Here you need to get a little creative, but as an example, for this article I would use, "Website Traffic Expert Reveals How To Generate Free website Traffic Fast."
These press releases are being written for SEO purposes, so the exact wording is not so critical. You are going to share several point in the press release and then you are going to link to one or two websites that you want to call attention to. Your links will use your keywords as the anchor text.
7) Submit these articles, videos, podcasts, and press releases to article directories, video sharing sites, podcast aggregators, and free press release sites. Since I do this for numerous products and projects, I use an automated submission site. Being a very prolific writer, I have weeks when I may do 20-40 articles (while still running my web business).
8) "Rinse and repeat!" What happens over time is that you'll soon have so much content in cyberspace that you'll achieve critical mass. At that point you'll rank for your most important keywords as well as lots of longtail keywords. At that point, you'll be amazed at the traffic.
To speed up the process you can also post your articles to an optimized WordPress blog that's been configured to "ping" RSS aggregators, social networking sites, and bookmarking sites each time that you post. If you don't know how to do that, it's beyond the scope of this article, but most webmasters familiar with WordPress can set that up quickly for you. WordPress is very simple, yet very powerful.
There you have it, "How to generate free website traffic fast!" Yes, there is work involved, but when you see the results, you'll know that it was well worth it.
About the Author:
Willie Crawford has been marketing online for 13 years, and used article marketing most of that time (writing over 1500 articles). His favorite tools for automatically distributing his articles, videos, podcasts, and press releases is the automated submission site: http://EasyPushButtonTraffic.com/
Follow Willie Crawford on Twitter.
Copyright © 2009 Willie Crawford
It goes without saying that if you don't have website traffic, the other components of your web business can't work very effectively. Without eyeballs on your sales letter, you won't make any sales!
There are many ways to generate fast free website traffic, but many of them aren't readily available to the average, lesser-known marketer.
Joint ventures are an excellent way to get tons of others to send you there traffic. However, joint ventures hinge upon relationships/connections, and many of the people with the most traffic have tons of their own products to promote. Those who own large lists are also approached about joint ventures so often that they may have commitments that extend out past six months.
If you do have a large list, getting immediate traffic to your website can be as simple as sending a compelling email. However, it takes time to build a quality list. It also takes time to build strong relationships and trust with your list members.
Another one of my favorite ways to generate lots of free traffic is by creating an inexpensive product and then allowing others to selling it and keep 100% of the profit. However, that does require a product on a really hot topic, and you still have to recruit affiliates.
You are also giving away 100% of the money on the sale (sacrificing early profits), and your goal there is not so much traffic but to build a list. I do often do this, using a script called Rapid Action Profits, which deposits proceed from the sale directly into my affiliates Paypal accounts while adding the new subscriber to my list automatically.
However, for generating traffic that is free, fast, and even long-term, I recommend creating lots of content and putting it in the path of the search engines. In fact, I often do this when I'm launching a new product, or even promoting a new affiliate product. Here are the down and dirty steps that I take:
1) Do your keyword research, striving to identify the "buying keywords" that your target customers are using. One easy way to do that is to use the "Google External Keyword Tool" to research which keywords get the most searches. This tool is free to use, and will also suggest related keywords to you.
What you are looking for is evidence that people are searching on a given phrase, and that those people are spending money. The Google External Keyword Tool will tell you this.
You can also enter a keyword phrase that you plan to target into the regular Google search box, and look at how many Google AdWords ads display on the right side of the page. These are people paying for each click from people who search on that term, and then click through to their sites. Presumably, they wouldn't pay for those clicks unless these customers were spending money.
2) Use your target keywords to craft titles for 20 articles. In addition to the keywords make sure that your title also promises some benefit. The article title is what's going to get you the most traction in the search engines.
3) Actually write those 20 articles. They can be as short as 400 words. If you have trouble writing, go to several of the bigger article directories and read what others have written on the topic. Also Google the keyword and look at what experts have had to say on the topic. Then write the articles.
If you are still stumped, simply plug your mike into your computer and then talk about the topic. Most of us are certainly good at talking. Record your thoughts then go back and organize them and you have an article (or several articles).
Add a resource box to the article that tells the reader to go to your site for more information, or resources (your product) on the topic. When linking back to your site, use your keyword as the anchor text where permitted.
4) Turn each article into a video. The simplest way to do this is probably to put your main points on PowerPoint slides. Then as you read your article, flip through the slides, and record it using Camtasia screen capture software. As easy as that, you have a movie.
5) Turn each article into a podcast (an MP3). Just read the article and record it using software built right into your computer. You can also download free recording software for tons of places on the internet. One of my favorites is Audacity.
6) Write several press releases using the article titles as your topic. Here you need to get a little creative, but as an example, for this article I would use, "Website Traffic Expert Reveals How To Generate Free website Traffic Fast."
These press releases are being written for SEO purposes, so the exact wording is not so critical. You are going to share several point in the press release and then you are going to link to one or two websites that you want to call attention to. Your links will use your keywords as the anchor text.
7) Submit these articles, videos, podcasts, and press releases to article directories, video sharing sites, podcast aggregators, and free press release sites. Since I do this for numerous products and projects, I use an automated submission site. Being a very prolific writer, I have weeks when I may do 20-40 articles (while still running my web business).
8) "Rinse and repeat!" What happens over time is that you'll soon have so much content in cyberspace that you'll achieve critical mass. At that point you'll rank for your most important keywords as well as lots of longtail keywords. At that point, you'll be amazed at the traffic.
To speed up the process you can also post your articles to an optimized WordPress blog that's been configured to "ping" RSS aggregators, social networking sites, and bookmarking sites each time that you post. If you don't know how to do that, it's beyond the scope of this article, but most webmasters familiar with WordPress can set that up quickly for you. WordPress is very simple, yet very powerful.
There you have it, "How to generate free website traffic fast!" Yes, there is work involved, but when you see the results, you'll know that it was well worth it.
About the Author:
Willie Crawford has been marketing online for 13 years, and used article marketing most of that time (writing over 1500 articles). His favorite tools for automatically distributing his articles, videos, podcasts, and press releases is the automated submission site: http://EasyPushButtonTraffic.com/
Follow Willie Crawford on Twitter.
How to Turn Casual Customers into Raving Fans
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Judy Murdoch
One piece of advice I'm hearing again and again is the importance of taking good care of your "core customers." The customers who have been working with you for years, who send you referrals, and who return again and again to buy from you.
Loyal customers are vitally important during difficult economic times like we're currently experiencing because they're less expensive to sell to: you don't have to spend weeks sometimes months building credibility because they're already sold.
But what if your business is relatively new and you just don't have many customers who are coming back yet? Or what if you just lost several of your business customers and you need to cultivate new relationships?
Can you do something to accelerate the process of turning casual customers into raving fans who sing your praises?
Enter the art of creating a fully satisfying customer experience.
=========================================
A Satisfying Experience is the Key
=========================================
A "satisfying customer experience" means that the many ways that your customers interact with and use your products are designed to satisfy in a meaningful way.
This goes far beyond solving the customer's basic problem.
And this is where the magic can happen.
=========================================
Dimensions of a Fully Satisfying Experience
=========================================
Customer experience is all about "how" a problem is being solved. And this "how" can be broken down into different types of experience including:
Physical senses: sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch
Emotions that come up (happy, curious, interested, annoyed, amused)
Heart-based connection (feeling like the other people have empathy for your situation)
Intellectual connection (how you go about solving problems; how you learn; vocabulary you use)
The more of these dimensions that are touched in an appropriate way, the more satisfying your customer's experience will be.
=========================================
Customer Experience: Albuquerque Turkey
=========================================
I can't think of a better product that we can all relate to than food so I'll talk about my experience at Spinelli's Market, a local deli/grocery store to which I love going--especially for their awesome sandwiches.
Although Spinelli's sells some mainstream brands of snacks and soft drinks, the best parts of the store are the aisles of imported Italian foods, pastas, sauces, and olive oil and the deli counter where they sell salads and cut to order deli meats.
The awesome sandwiches are made at the deli counter in the back of the store.
You give your sandwich order along with your choice of sides (pickle, a deli salad or fresh fruit or chips) to one of the guys working behind the counter and they make your sandwich while you wait.
I usually use the time to browse through the stores aisles and pick something to drink.
When your sandwich is ready, the counter guy will call your name. You then take your sandwich wrapped in white butcher paper along with whatever else you're buying to the front to pay.
Sometimes I eat my sandwich in the store at one of the little metal tables in the front and sometimes I take my sandwich home.
Those sandwiches always make an impression. Every time I've brought a family member or a friend or a business associate to Spinelli's for sandwiches, they will ask from that time forward "when are we going to that great sandwich place again?"
Spinelli's sandwiches are a great example of a supremely satisfying experience. Here's why:
The ingredients of the sandwiches are always fresh
The Spinelli family is very mindful of where they source the ingredients. They support local farms and dairies and when possible, buy from family owned businesses.
You feel like someone took the time to really think about what to put in a particular sandwich. All the flavors meld together in unique and wonderful ways.
Everyone working at the store is friendly and you feel like they're truly glad to be working at such a cool place.
When you're done eating it's not just your stomach that feels full.
My heart feels full too because I've eaten something prepared with thought and care and because buying lunch from a local business is contributes to the health of the community I live in.
Now take a moment and compare this experience with visiting a big franchise place like Subway or Taco Bell.
=========================================
Creating a More Satisfying Experience for Your Customers
=========================================
So what about your business, what can you do to create a more fulfilling, satisfying experience with your prospects and customers?
Here are four steps I recommend to get you started.
=== Step #1 Remember Why You Started a Business to Begin with
Before jumping into the specifics, I think it's important to take a moment to remember why you started your own business. Was it because:
you saw a better way to do something than what other companies were offering at the time?
something you're passionate about that you wanted other people to experience?
something important to you that you wanted to actively support through your business?
And make sure your heart is fully engaged too. When your heart is fully engaged you enable customers to engage with their hearts as well.
=== Step #2 Ask Yourself, "How is the Reason Behind my Business Showing Up in My Products and Services?"
If you started your business because you care deeply or have a passion or have a true innovation, I imagine it's showing up in the products and services you offer. Even without deliberate effort.
Take a look at what you currently sell and in what ways is the care and love for your business showing up in your products and services.
For example, the Spinelli family supports the Slow Food movement, a grass roots movement which encourages people to eat locally grown and produced whole foods.
In addition to sandwiches, the Spinelli family produces and markets a line of Italian sauces and sells made-from-scratch entrees that busy customers can heat and eat at home.
=== Step #3 Ask Yourself, "Are There Ways Customers Can Experience More of What We Care About?"
My guess is that if you sell something special, your customers know.
But if you aren't talking about what goes into creating your products and services, they may not know how to articulate this difference to other people.
If this is the case, you and your customers are missing an opportunity for word of mouth marketing.
For example, one of my clients creates girls dresses using patterns and fabrics from the 1950's and 1960's. I love her work because the dresses are cute without being frilly or fussy.
But there are lots of cute kids clothing lines out there. I felt her products were something special
I suggested to her, as part of her marketing, to share the story behind how she found the pattern and why it appealed to her.
Her stories are funny and entertaining and they help store owners who carry her lines and the customers who buy the outfits feel involved in something special and unique.
=== Step #4 Choose One Small Change to Make so Customers Feel More Engaged and Satisfied
By far, the easiest change you can make is to tell your story to customers so they understand why you have the business you have and sell the products and services you sell.
Sharing your story helps people feel more engaged and satisfied for several reasons:
(1.) They have a way to articulate to others a reason for trying your products and services. Referring others helps your customers look good to others and you want to make it as easy as possible for them to do so.
(2.) It allows customers to feel like a part of something larger. When you share your story those who share your experience or point of view find a kindred spirit to be with.
(3.) Stories are easy to understand and remember because they touch us not only intellectually but emotionally. Human beings seem "pre-wired" to absorb and integrate information that comes in narrative form.
=========================================
Bottom Line
=========================================
To create more raving fans it's important to understand what makes your products and services uniquely satisfying to current customers.
This satisfying experience goes beyond simply solving a problem... a satisfying experience engages the senses and emotions as your customers use your products and services.
Four steps I recommend for creating a more satisfying experience are:
1. Think back to why you started your business to begin with
2. Ask whether that reason is reflected in the products and services you sell
3. Find ways in which your clients can experience what makes your products and services special
4. Find an opportunity to tell a story and more fully engage your Customers
About the Author:
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. To download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutions to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!" go to http://www.judymurdoch.com/workbook.htm
You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com
Follow Judy Murdoch on Twitter.
Copyright © 2009 Judy Murdoch
One piece of advice I'm hearing again and again is the importance of taking good care of your "core customers." The customers who have been working with you for years, who send you referrals, and who return again and again to buy from you.
Loyal customers are vitally important during difficult economic times like we're currently experiencing because they're less expensive to sell to: you don't have to spend weeks sometimes months building credibility because they're already sold.
But what if your business is relatively new and you just don't have many customers who are coming back yet? Or what if you just lost several of your business customers and you need to cultivate new relationships?
Can you do something to accelerate the process of turning casual customers into raving fans who sing your praises?
Enter the art of creating a fully satisfying customer experience.
=========================================
A Satisfying Experience is the Key
=========================================
A "satisfying customer experience" means that the many ways that your customers interact with and use your products are designed to satisfy in a meaningful way.
This goes far beyond solving the customer's basic problem.
And this is where the magic can happen.
=========================================
Dimensions of a Fully Satisfying Experience
=========================================
Customer experience is all about "how" a problem is being solved. And this "how" can be broken down into different types of experience including:
The more of these dimensions that are touched in an appropriate way, the more satisfying your customer's experience will be.
=========================================
Customer Experience: Albuquerque Turkey
=========================================
I can't think of a better product that we can all relate to than food so I'll talk about my experience at Spinelli's Market, a local deli/grocery store to which I love going--especially for their awesome sandwiches.
Although Spinelli's sells some mainstream brands of snacks and soft drinks, the best parts of the store are the aisles of imported Italian foods, pastas, sauces, and olive oil and the deli counter where they sell salads and cut to order deli meats.
The awesome sandwiches are made at the deli counter in the back of the store.
You give your sandwich order along with your choice of sides (pickle, a deli salad or fresh fruit or chips) to one of the guys working behind the counter and they make your sandwich while you wait.
I usually use the time to browse through the stores aisles and pick something to drink.
When your sandwich is ready, the counter guy will call your name. You then take your sandwich wrapped in white butcher paper along with whatever else you're buying to the front to pay.
Sometimes I eat my sandwich in the store at one of the little metal tables in the front and sometimes I take my sandwich home.
Those sandwiches always make an impression. Every time I've brought a family member or a friend or a business associate to Spinelli's for sandwiches, they will ask from that time forward "when are we going to that great sandwich place again?"
Spinelli's sandwiches are a great example of a supremely satisfying experience. Here's why:
My heart feels full too because I've eaten something prepared with thought and care and because buying lunch from a local business is contributes to the health of the community I live in.
Now take a moment and compare this experience with visiting a big franchise place like Subway or Taco Bell.
=========================================
Creating a More Satisfying Experience for Your Customers
=========================================
So what about your business, what can you do to create a more fulfilling, satisfying experience with your prospects and customers?
Here are four steps I recommend to get you started.
=== Step #1 Remember Why You Started a Business to Begin with
Before jumping into the specifics, I think it's important to take a moment to remember why you started your own business. Was it because:
And make sure your heart is fully engaged too. When your heart is fully engaged you enable customers to engage with their hearts as well.
=== Step #2 Ask Yourself, "How is the Reason Behind my Business Showing Up in My Products and Services?"
If you started your business because you care deeply or have a passion or have a true innovation, I imagine it's showing up in the products and services you offer. Even without deliberate effort.
Take a look at what you currently sell and in what ways is the care and love for your business showing up in your products and services.
For example, the Spinelli family supports the Slow Food movement, a grass roots movement which encourages people to eat locally grown and produced whole foods.
In addition to sandwiches, the Spinelli family produces and markets a line of Italian sauces and sells made-from-scratch entrees that busy customers can heat and eat at home.
=== Step #3 Ask Yourself, "Are There Ways Customers Can Experience More of What We Care About?"
My guess is that if you sell something special, your customers know.
But if you aren't talking about what goes into creating your products and services, they may not know how to articulate this difference to other people.
If this is the case, you and your customers are missing an opportunity for word of mouth marketing.
For example, one of my clients creates girls dresses using patterns and fabrics from the 1950's and 1960's. I love her work because the dresses are cute without being frilly or fussy.
But there are lots of cute kids clothing lines out there. I felt her products were something special
I suggested to her, as part of her marketing, to share the story behind how she found the pattern and why it appealed to her.
Her stories are funny and entertaining and they help store owners who carry her lines and the customers who buy the outfits feel involved in something special and unique.
=== Step #4 Choose One Small Change to Make so Customers Feel More Engaged and Satisfied
By far, the easiest change you can make is to tell your story to customers so they understand why you have the business you have and sell the products and services you sell.
Sharing your story helps people feel more engaged and satisfied for several reasons:
(1.) They have a way to articulate to others a reason for trying your products and services. Referring others helps your customers look good to others and you want to make it as easy as possible for them to do so.
(2.) It allows customers to feel like a part of something larger. When you share your story those who share your experience or point of view find a kindred spirit to be with.
(3.) Stories are easy to understand and remember because they touch us not only intellectually but emotionally. Human beings seem "pre-wired" to absorb and integrate information that comes in narrative form.
=========================================
Bottom Line
=========================================
To create more raving fans it's important to understand what makes your products and services uniquely satisfying to current customers.
This satisfying experience goes beyond simply solving a problem... a satisfying experience engages the senses and emotions as your customers use your products and services.
Four steps I recommend for creating a more satisfying experience are:
1. Think back to why you started your business to begin with
2. Ask whether that reason is reflected in the products and services you sell
3. Find ways in which your clients can experience what makes your products and services special
4. Find an opportunity to tell a story and more fully engage your Customers
About the Author:
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. To download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutions to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!" go to http://www.judymurdoch.com/workbook.htm
You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com
Follow Judy Murdoch on Twitter.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
What Kind Of Backlinks Are Best At Helping Your Website In Google?
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Bill Platt
I was in the Warrior Forum, and someone asked what kinds of Backlinks are worth pursuing. This is my answer to that query.
As an article marketing guy, I bet you can guess my answer.
The answer is that you should have links everywhere your potential clients are looking to find you.
Very few link directories offer any real value to you.
Many article directories fall into the same trap.
The deal is that for your link to be worthwhile to you, it must meet one of two criteria:
1. It must be on a page where people actually go to find stuff.
2. It must be on a page that Google or the other search engines value as a reliable source of information.
If no humans will see your link and the search engines ignore that link, then your effort will have been wasted.
So, you will want to get your link on a page that someone will see or the search engines will value.
Article marketing when done correctly helps you achieve this, but you will find little value from most of the article directories.
Like I said, article directories must either be fully archived by the search engines, or people must find your article in the directory.
A lot of article directories are plagued by the fact that the only people using them are people submitting articles.
So it is important to try to give your articles an audience outside of the article directory, where your potential clients actually go to pick up information.
This is why quality content is most useful in article marketing. Sure, the cheap article spinners can give you a few links, but if those links do not meet the two criteria of human visitors or search engine recognition, then those links are worthless to you.
Pure link counts only serve to tease your ego. I don't consider an article valuable until it can put money in my pocket.
So I focus on getting my articles to publishers who will use the content - preferably publishers that have lots of loyal visitors and possibly even serious recognition from the search engines.
If the article delivers either humans or search engines, then your article will have paid for its creation. If the article delivers neither, you will have wasted your money, time and efforts.
So lead with great content, and seek publication on websites that cater to your target audience, especially when some of those websites are authority websites that your target audience appreciates and respects.
Links is one thing, but links that put money in your pocket should always be the goal.
About the Author:
Bill Platt has been providing article marketing services since 2001, including article ghost writing and article distribution services, through his website at: http://thePhantomWriters.com/ You can download Bill's free ebook titled, "Article Marketing: Beyond the Basics" on his blog. You can also listen to Article Marketing Tips and Tutorials at: http://ArticleMarketingConceptsRadio.com/
Read more Articles written by Bill Platt.
Copyright © 2009 Bill Platt
I was in the Warrior Forum, and someone asked what kinds of Backlinks are worth pursuing. This is my answer to that query.
As an article marketing guy, I bet you can guess my answer.
The answer is that you should have links everywhere your potential clients are looking to find you.
Very few link directories offer any real value to you.
Many article directories fall into the same trap.
The deal is that for your link to be worthwhile to you, it must meet one of two criteria:
1. It must be on a page where people actually go to find stuff.
2. It must be on a page that Google or the other search engines value as a reliable source of information.
If no humans will see your link and the search engines ignore that link, then your effort will have been wasted.
So, you will want to get your link on a page that someone will see or the search engines will value.
Article marketing when done correctly helps you achieve this, but you will find little value from most of the article directories.
Like I said, article directories must either be fully archived by the search engines, or people must find your article in the directory.
A lot of article directories are plagued by the fact that the only people using them are people submitting articles.
So it is important to try to give your articles an audience outside of the article directory, where your potential clients actually go to pick up information.
This is why quality content is most useful in article marketing. Sure, the cheap article spinners can give you a few links, but if those links do not meet the two criteria of human visitors or search engine recognition, then those links are worthless to you.
Pure link counts only serve to tease your ego. I don't consider an article valuable until it can put money in my pocket.
So I focus on getting my articles to publishers who will use the content - preferably publishers that have lots of loyal visitors and possibly even serious recognition from the search engines.
If the article delivers either humans or search engines, then your article will have paid for its creation. If the article delivers neither, you will have wasted your money, time and efforts.
So lead with great content, and seek publication on websites that cater to your target audience, especially when some of those websites are authority websites that your target audience appreciates and respects.
Links is one thing, but links that put money in your pocket should always be the goal.
About the Author:
Bill Platt has been providing article marketing services since 2001, including article ghost writing and article distribution services, through his website at: http://thePhantomWriters.com/ You can download Bill's free ebook titled, "Article Marketing: Beyond the Basics" on his blog. You can also listen to Article Marketing Tips and Tutorials at: http://ArticleMarketingConceptsRadio.com/
Read more Articles written by Bill Platt.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sincerity: the 'Secret Sauce' for Effective Marketing
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Judy Murdoch
A couple years ago, I was talking with someone who was, for me, a very challenging client. I'm all about cultivating relationships that result in opportunities to sell.
This particular client seemed allergic to cultivating relationships for reasons I never really understood.
I remember one such meeting, I was trying to explain to my client the wisdom of first creating trust and credibility before trying to get a sale. And my client was blocking me at every turn with reasons why relationship development would not work for their business.
It was maddening.
Finally, I cried with exasperation, "Well, why the heck do you want to keep working with me since my approach doesn't work for you?"
"Because you're sincere," the client replied.
"Who cares" I thought to myself since it didn't seem to be to helping my client grow their business.
Since that time I've changed me mind about the quality of sincerity. I think it's impossible to have sustainably effective marketing without sincerity.
===============================
The Importance of Being Sincere
===============================
The word, "sincere" is derived from the Latin word, "sincerus," meaning whole, pure, genuine.
When you think about today's business climate, sincerity isn't a quality that comes to mind. But it's a quality human beings need to perceive to be willing and able to buy.
==============================================
The Place of Sincerity in Your Marketing
==============================================
First, it's important to remember the real role of marketing in your business.
Marketing is NOT about making a sale. Marketing is about creating a relationship based in trust and safety so that a sale can occur.
Regardless of public sentiment towards business, people and companies still have problems that need to be solved and stuff that has to get done. Your prospective customers still need to buy stuff.
They want to be able to trust you because they need to buy what you sell.
The marketing you do is all about establishing visibility and credibility so that there's enough trust for the purchase to happen.
For example, if you regularly keep in touch with prospects via an ezine, you're not doing it to "bug" your customers. You're sending out that ezine because:
You can remind them that "Hey, I help people just like you solve these kinds of problems."
You can offer examples and helpful information about the kind of problems you solve ("Here's an example of how I helped a customer")
Or you provide helpful information for your prospects to better understand what they need to do to improve their situation.
Once prospective customers feel accepted for where they're at and trust you can actually help, they can then take the next step.
==============================================
It's About Sustainable, Effective Marketing
==============================================
Now there are also some relatively good-hearted entrepreneurs out there who use hard-sell tactics in their marketing. You subscribe to their ezine and get barraged with multiple emails every day telling you about some amazing program you "just gotta check out."
Here's what's important: there is no rest with this kind of marketing. You must work very, very hard to generate this level of noise.
And if you're spending so much time and energy with your own marketing, it's tough to put much time or effort into where--in my opinion--we should be making the difference: helping clients and customers get results.
That, to me, is why hype-centered marketing with or without a good heart fails. If you want to market your business in a way that brings in a steady stream of ideal customers without burning yourself into a crispy critter, sincere, heart-centered marketing is the way to go.
==============================================
Keys to Developing Sincere, Effective, Sustainable Marketing
==============================================
#1. Ask yourself, "what's my highest intention for my business?"
What's the best possible outcome for you, for your business, and for your customer?
Example: the highest intention for Highly Contagious Marketing is when we help clients create marketing that grows their client base and their bottom line.
When that happens, satisfied clients send us referrals which helps Highly Contagious Marketing succeed financially and there are more successful businesses in the world making a positive difference.
#2. Look at how your intention is reflected in your marketing?
Thinking of the many different ways you market your business, how is your intention showing up?
Example: In all the activities to promote Highly Contagious Marketing, I want to:
(1.) Provide information, a how-to, or a resource that gives the person who gets the marketing a little added value
(2.) Provide an offer and a clear call to action for anyone wanting to take the next step and get more help from us.
#3. Ask what one change can you make to your marketing to express your sincere desire to serve customers and make a difference?
Some specific actions you can take to show more sincerity in your marketing include:
(1.) Make your marketing message truly focused on your customer and their current problem. The first half of your message should be about your customer and their situation. If you're talking about yourself--your solutions and qualifications, your marketing is not focused on the customer.
(2.) Look for ways to leave anyone who encounters your marketing a little better off than they were before the encounter. Marketing that informs, coaches, inspires, even entertains all leave recipients a little better off.
(3.) Make sure your marketing reflects your values and if not, make changes. If you loathe hype in other marketing but use hype because "that's what everyone says I have to do," stop using hype. Create marketing that gets results without making you feel like you sold your soul.
==============================================
Bottom Line
==============================================
Remember, marketing is all about cultivating trust-based relationships so prospects can buy. And sincerity is a critical factor which enables trust to grow.
Can you market your products and services without sincerity? Sure. But you will have to work a lot harder to sustain sales because you won't be creating the quality relationships that give your marketing real momentum.
To create marketing in which sincerity shines through, take some time to remember what your business is in service for and take action so that your marketing better reflects what matters to you.
About the Author:
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. To download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutions to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!" go to http://www.judymurdoch.com/workbook.htm
You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com
Follow Judy Murdoch on Twitter.
Copyright © 2009 Judy Murdoch
A couple years ago, I was talking with someone who was, for me, a very challenging client. I'm all about cultivating relationships that result in opportunities to sell.
This particular client seemed allergic to cultivating relationships for reasons I never really understood.
I remember one such meeting, I was trying to explain to my client the wisdom of first creating trust and credibility before trying to get a sale. And my client was blocking me at every turn with reasons why relationship development would not work for their business.
It was maddening.
Finally, I cried with exasperation, "Well, why the heck do you want to keep working with me since my approach doesn't work for you?"
"Because you're sincere," the client replied.
"Who cares" I thought to myself since it didn't seem to be to helping my client grow their business.
Since that time I've changed me mind about the quality of sincerity. I think it's impossible to have sustainably effective marketing without sincerity.
===============================
The Importance of Being Sincere
===============================
The word, "sincere" is derived from the Latin word, "sincerus," meaning whole, pure, genuine.
When you think about today's business climate, sincerity isn't a quality that comes to mind. But it's a quality human beings need to perceive to be willing and able to buy.
==============================================
The Place of Sincerity in Your Marketing
==============================================
First, it's important to remember the real role of marketing in your business.
Marketing is NOT about making a sale. Marketing is about creating a relationship based in trust and safety so that a sale can occur.
Regardless of public sentiment towards business, people and companies still have problems that need to be solved and stuff that has to get done. Your prospective customers still need to buy stuff.
They want to be able to trust you because they need to buy what you sell.
The marketing you do is all about establishing visibility and credibility so that there's enough trust for the purchase to happen.
For example, if you regularly keep in touch with prospects via an ezine, you're not doing it to "bug" your customers. You're sending out that ezine because:
Once prospective customers feel accepted for where they're at and trust you can actually help, they can then take the next step.
==============================================
It's About Sustainable, Effective Marketing
==============================================
Now there are also some relatively good-hearted entrepreneurs out there who use hard-sell tactics in their marketing. You subscribe to their ezine and get barraged with multiple emails every day telling you about some amazing program you "just gotta check out."
Here's what's important: there is no rest with this kind of marketing. You must work very, very hard to generate this level of noise.
And if you're spending so much time and energy with your own marketing, it's tough to put much time or effort into where--in my opinion--we should be making the difference: helping clients and customers get results.
That, to me, is why hype-centered marketing with or without a good heart fails. If you want to market your business in a way that brings in a steady stream of ideal customers without burning yourself into a crispy critter, sincere, heart-centered marketing is the way to go.
==============================================
Keys to Developing Sincere, Effective, Sustainable Marketing
==============================================
#1. Ask yourself, "what's my highest intention for my business?"
What's the best possible outcome for you, for your business, and for your customer?
Example: the highest intention for Highly Contagious Marketing is when we help clients create marketing that grows their client base and their bottom line.
When that happens, satisfied clients send us referrals which helps Highly Contagious Marketing succeed financially and there are more successful businesses in the world making a positive difference.
#2. Look at how your intention is reflected in your marketing?
Thinking of the many different ways you market your business, how is your intention showing up?
Example: In all the activities to promote Highly Contagious Marketing, I want to:
(1.) Provide information, a how-to, or a resource that gives the person who gets the marketing a little added value
(2.) Provide an offer and a clear call to action for anyone wanting to take the next step and get more help from us.
#3. Ask what one change can you make to your marketing to express your sincere desire to serve customers and make a difference?
Some specific actions you can take to show more sincerity in your marketing include:
(1.) Make your marketing message truly focused on your customer and their current problem. The first half of your message should be about your customer and their situation. If you're talking about yourself--your solutions and qualifications, your marketing is not focused on the customer.
(2.) Look for ways to leave anyone who encounters your marketing a little better off than they were before the encounter. Marketing that informs, coaches, inspires, even entertains all leave recipients a little better off.
(3.) Make sure your marketing reflects your values and if not, make changes. If you loathe hype in other marketing but use hype because "that's what everyone says I have to do," stop using hype. Create marketing that gets results without making you feel like you sold your soul.
==============================================
Bottom Line
==============================================
Remember, marketing is all about cultivating trust-based relationships so prospects can buy. And sincerity is a critical factor which enables trust to grow.
Can you market your products and services without sincerity? Sure. But you will have to work a lot harder to sustain sales because you won't be creating the quality relationships that give your marketing real momentum.
To create marketing in which sincerity shines through, take some time to remember what your business is in service for and take action so that your marketing better reflects what matters to you.
About the Author:
Judy Murdoch helps small business owners create low-cost, effective marketing campaigns using word-of-mouth referrals, guerrilla marketing activities, and selected strategic alliances. To download a free copy of the workbook, "Where Does it Hurt? Marketing Solutions to the problems that Drive Your Customers Crazy!" go to http://www.judymurdoch.com/workbook.htm
You can contact Judy at 303-475-2015 or judy@judymurdoch.com
Follow Judy Murdoch on Twitter.
Government Grants for Home Repair Really Do Exist
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Brendon Turner
How many times have you looked around your home, frustrated with the state it's in, but knowing you just don't have the cash to fix it up? It's a common problem, particularly these days when there are so many people out of work. Homes need constant upkeep and if you experience a severe storm or other event that leaves your house in shambles, it can get very costly very quickly. Government grants for home repair are often rumored to be a myth, but they actually do exist.
Government grants for individuals are not that abundant, so it can be fairly difficult to find them. There are many lists out there with government grants, but many of these are not complete and may not give you the information that you seek. Take some time to find the right grant list that is comprehensive and you will discover a number of financial opportunities that you never knew existed. If that means you have to pay a fee to get the list, then consider it an investment. After all, the amount that you will receive from using that list is considerably more!
The problem with this type of funding is that most people just don't believe the government would give away money to anyone. And the truth is, they don't. You have to apply and only if you pass the application process will you be awarded the money. That's why it is so very important to do a good job on your government grant proposal.
Your application is going to be what the decision makers use to decide if you deserve grant money or not. The process is the same, whether you are applying for grants to pay debts, renovate your home or simply start up a business. You'll need to give very good reasons for needing the money, as well as telling the government just what you intend to do with the grant if you are chosen. How you spend the money will be greatly dictated by what you say in your proposal, so keep this in mind when writing it.
You'll also need to provide timelines and a proposed budget. If you are like most homeowners, you probably already have the pricing for everything worked out so you can provide this information fairly easily. There are many other areas of the proposal that need to be covered, though. In order to make a good decision, the powers that be need specifics and details on everything you plan to do and this takes time to write up.
With the right information, a good list of government grants for home repair and some patience, you can apply for and get funding to repair or renovate your home.
About the Author:
Need help with applying for government grants for home repair? Government Grants Source not only offers a full list of government grants and other sources of funding, but also includes audio and video tutorials on how to apply for those grants. Written by Brendon Turner for http://www.governmentgrantsource.net/
Read more Articles written by Brendon Turner.
Copyright © 2009 Brendon Turner
How many times have you looked around your home, frustrated with the state it's in, but knowing you just don't have the cash to fix it up? It's a common problem, particularly these days when there are so many people out of work. Homes need constant upkeep and if you experience a severe storm or other event that leaves your house in shambles, it can get very costly very quickly. Government grants for home repair are often rumored to be a myth, but they actually do exist.
Government grants for individuals are not that abundant, so it can be fairly difficult to find them. There are many lists out there with government grants, but many of these are not complete and may not give you the information that you seek. Take some time to find the right grant list that is comprehensive and you will discover a number of financial opportunities that you never knew existed. If that means you have to pay a fee to get the list, then consider it an investment. After all, the amount that you will receive from using that list is considerably more!
The problem with this type of funding is that most people just don't believe the government would give away money to anyone. And the truth is, they don't. You have to apply and only if you pass the application process will you be awarded the money. That's why it is so very important to do a good job on your government grant proposal.
Your application is going to be what the decision makers use to decide if you deserve grant money or not. The process is the same, whether you are applying for grants to pay debts, renovate your home or simply start up a business. You'll need to give very good reasons for needing the money, as well as telling the government just what you intend to do with the grant if you are chosen. How you spend the money will be greatly dictated by what you say in your proposal, so keep this in mind when writing it.
You'll also need to provide timelines and a proposed budget. If you are like most homeowners, you probably already have the pricing for everything worked out so you can provide this information fairly easily. There are many other areas of the proposal that need to be covered, though. In order to make a good decision, the powers that be need specifics and details on everything you plan to do and this takes time to write up.
With the right information, a good list of government grants for home repair and some patience, you can apply for and get funding to repair or renovate your home.
About the Author:
Need help with applying for government grants for home repair? Government Grants Source not only offers a full list of government grants and other sources of funding, but also includes audio and video tutorials on how to apply for those grants. Written by Brendon Turner for http://www.governmentgrantsource.net/
Read more Articles written by Brendon Turner.
Teach To Learn
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
Years ago, when I was in my teens I flicked through a book by Stephen Covey that you have probably heard of.
It's called "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
That was a long time ago and I must go and revisit that book.
However there is one idea I learnt that I believe applies to virtually every business.
The best way to learn something is to teach something.
Unfortunately, most people don't start teaching anything until they believe they are an expert. As a result, they hinder their progress.
So why does the concept of "teach to learn" work so well.
It's really quite simple.
When you teach, you are forced to think about what you know... to crystallize your knowledge... to answer your unanswered questions.
You get questions thrown back at you... and this really internalizes the knowledge.
So let's see how this could apply to the average person in business.
For instance, if you're a chiropractor or health practitioner.
Here's what I would do to implement the "teach to learn" concept and turn it into a profit.
I'd start a regular newsletter.
An offline newsletter once a month and an online newsletter once a month so your readers end up with a newsletter every couple of weeks.
And as a part of that newsletter I would include research and information on how chiropractic has been able to help with a number of ailments.
Everything from back pain to headaches to the common cold.
In doing so, I would dig up information on that topic... I would be forced to think about what really matters to my readers... and it would give me time to internalize what I knew and how I could better help my patients.
It would also put money in the bank.
Think about it: you would be "in the face" of your most interested prospects - your clients - encouraging them to come into your practice more and more often.
This would also stimulate more referrals.
The newsletter would be passed around (mail) or forwarded on (email).
You could use that content and throw it up on a blog somewhere to encourage traffic from the search engines.
And you'd learn a heck of a lot at the same time.
So if you want to learn more - teach more.
If you want to be respected as an authority in your field and have prospective customers chasing you rather than the other way around - teach more.
And if you want to make greater profits - then teach more.
Now there is no easier way than creating more customers from your teachings than learning how to create killer emails. And that's the topic I cover on lesson #18 of http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/
I show you how to write them... which auto responders to look at... how to get more names onto your list... and much, much more.
About the Author:
As a direct response copywriter, Scott Bywater strives to educate business owners on how to generate more leads, get more of the "right type" of customers, differentiate themselves from their competition, and convert their leads into sales via his underground and "outside of the box" strategies. You can get his copywriting and marketing tips delivered to your inbox via his eye opening "Copywriting Selling Secrets" newsletter available at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more of Scott Bywater's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Scott Bywater
Years ago, when I was in my teens I flicked through a book by Stephen Covey that you have probably heard of.
It's called "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People."
That was a long time ago and I must go and revisit that book.
However there is one idea I learnt that I believe applies to virtually every business.
The best way to learn something is to teach something.
Unfortunately, most people don't start teaching anything until they believe they are an expert. As a result, they hinder their progress.
So why does the concept of "teach to learn" work so well.
It's really quite simple.
When you teach, you are forced to think about what you know... to crystallize your knowledge... to answer your unanswered questions.
You get questions thrown back at you... and this really internalizes the knowledge.
So let's see how this could apply to the average person in business.
For instance, if you're a chiropractor or health practitioner.
Here's what I would do to implement the "teach to learn" concept and turn it into a profit.
I'd start a regular newsletter.
An offline newsletter once a month and an online newsletter once a month so your readers end up with a newsletter every couple of weeks.
And as a part of that newsletter I would include research and information on how chiropractic has been able to help with a number of ailments.
Everything from back pain to headaches to the common cold.
In doing so, I would dig up information on that topic... I would be forced to think about what really matters to my readers... and it would give me time to internalize what I knew and how I could better help my patients.
It would also put money in the bank.
Think about it: you would be "in the face" of your most interested prospects - your clients - encouraging them to come into your practice more and more often.
This would also stimulate more referrals.
The newsletter would be passed around (mail) or forwarded on (email).
You could use that content and throw it up on a blog somewhere to encourage traffic from the search engines.
And you'd learn a heck of a lot at the same time.
So if you want to learn more - teach more.
If you want to be respected as an authority in your field and have prospective customers chasing you rather than the other way around - teach more.
And if you want to make greater profits - then teach more.
Now there is no easier way than creating more customers from your teachings than learning how to create killer emails. And that's the topic I cover on lesson #18 of http://www.morecustomersmadeeasy.com/
I show you how to write them... which auto responders to look at... how to get more names onto your list... and much, much more.
About the Author:
As a direct response copywriter, Scott Bywater strives to educate business owners on how to generate more leads, get more of the "right type" of customers, differentiate themselves from their competition, and convert their leads into sales via his underground and "outside of the box" strategies. You can get his copywriting and marketing tips delivered to your inbox via his eye opening "Copywriting Selling Secrets" newsletter available at http://www.copywritingthatsells.com.au/
Read more of Scott Bywater's articles.
Don't Destroy Your Online Marketing Results with Bad Website Design
Article Presented by:
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
So, you've embarked on a search engine advertising program, maybe even SEO. Whether you're doing this on your own or using an online marketing consulting firm, there are key points to become aware of.
If you miss these, you won't increase conversions.
What good is a Number 1 organic search engine ranking or AdWords ad listing, if you don't have increased sales or if you don't generate more sales leads?
Too often, we get all focused about the Internet marketing -- the ads, the offer -- that we don't think the whole process through step-by-step and consider the experience our website visitors will be having.
If we did, we'd be thinking "big picture" and we would head off some of these potential problems before they occur.
Overcoming Your Website Visitors Anxiety
When people come to our website it's natural for them to feel anxiety. After all, look at all the cr*p on the Internet today, all the too-good-to-be-true products and services.
But when you and I offer REAL products or services, we have to overcome that concern, even if we're treating our site visitors fairly and not making outrageous claims.
So, how can you overcome these anxieties?
1. Offer more than a 1-page website. Credible companies have multi-page websites, including Privacy Policy, Terms of Use | Service and About Us pages.
They also have more than 1 page about their products or services.
I'm surprised by the number of 1-page websites I see from companies using infomercials to advertise their products. Often, they have the purchase form right on their home page, their only page (and often their page isn't secured for credit card ordering).
Websites that are only 1-page don't seem credible. And having the purchase form right on the home page comes across as very pushy!
Doesn't this type of site seem all about the company and NOT about their customers? Why would we want to buy from that type of company?
What kind of online marketing consulting firm did these companies use...or did they use any??
2. Next to any sign up or contact form buttons clearly state that you don't sell your customers' private information and link to your Privacy Policy page.
3. Effectively communicate what your Value Proposition is, also called your Unique Selling Proposition. If you don't know why someone should buy your product or service versus your competitors', now is the time to figure it out. (And by the way, based on my experience, if you don't know this, you're not alone, by any means.)
But our websites have to be about more than just us. They have to be about our visitors. What's in it for THEM, to do business with us? What unique voids in the marketplace can we fill?
As a Small Business Owner, Personally Relate to Your Site Visitors and Communicate Directly with Them
People don't buy from websites, they buy from people! So, how can you apply this to your own website?
1. For many small businesses and solo proprietorships, their website text should speak to your visitors directly in first person.
This should be written from the voice of the Owner or President. They shouldn't use third person, institutional-sounding language, getting rid of "we" and "our", using "I" instead, speaking first person, in an actual conversation. Don't try to sound like you're Microsoft!
And while your at it, be careful about overuse of words about you...whether "I", or those words, "we", "our" or "us".
Check out the WeWe calculator (Google: wewe calculator). Make sure to focus on customer-focused words and NOT on words about you or your company.
2. Include your picture on your Web pages.
For a larger small business trying to make that personal connection with their website visitors, try the idea used by the nutritional supplement company Lumina. (Google: Lumina Health Contact Us)
In this execution, notice how Lumina gets you to relate to their customer service department. I still remember it was John I spoke with and that's been over 1 year ago that I called them!
Again, people buy from other people, not from websites.
For us as small businesses, why should we sound large, pretending to be something we aren't? And why should we run from our advantage of being small: low overhead, friendly, personal service and accountability, among other advantages.
Make Each Step in Your Marketing a Smooth Handoff from One Step to Another
Whether you're using AdWords, SEO, or both, make sure your title and description matches the experience your website visitor will have when they come to your landing page.
Quite often when I'm Coaching my small business owner clients or performing online marketing consulting, I find the wording for their organic listing or AdWords ad says one thing and their landing page says something that doesn't sound the same.
This causes confusion is the best case scenario. In the worst case, it causes a lack of trust. Dangerous!
We should understand our products or services. And we know what we want our visitors to do on our site.
Our potential customers may not understand either. We need to think like them, when we explain what we have to offer them and how to use our website to take advantage of what we have to offer.
And when "shifting" from one page to another, we need to hand-off from one page to another naturally and smoothly, like a car with a smooth automatic transmission.
Don't advertise one offer in AdWords or organic search, only to have your landing page sound like it was written for another advertising offer. I see this problem a lot!
Often times, having an affordable online marketing consulting firm reviewing what you're doing can offer easy, inexpensive fixes that can yield big improvements in your search engine advertising and SEO conversions.
Your Action Plan
Let's review what we've talked about.
First, overcome visitors anxieties by offering a multi-page website which answers questions about your company and your services or products, while inspiring confidence in your company. Effectively communicate your Value Proposition.
Second, personally relate to your site visitors. Avoid using the wrong words that may put off your site visitors. Use your picture on your Web pages.
Third, hand-off from one page on your website and one step in your selling process to another smoothly and naturally. We should understand what we want our site visitors to do, but they won't unless we make the process really clear.
Whether your using an online marketing consulting firm or doing the work yourself, if you take these steps, your search engine optimization | advertising plan will convert at a MUCH higher rate, when you take these steps.
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's an Online Marketing Consulting expert offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his Internet Marketing LinkedIn profile and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
Copyright © 2009 Paul Marshall
So, you've embarked on a search engine advertising program, maybe even SEO. Whether you're doing this on your own or using an online marketing consulting firm, there are key points to become aware of.
If you miss these, you won't increase conversions.
What good is a Number 1 organic search engine ranking or AdWords ad listing, if you don't have increased sales or if you don't generate more sales leads?
Too often, we get all focused about the Internet marketing -- the ads, the offer -- that we don't think the whole process through step-by-step and consider the experience our website visitors will be having.
If we did, we'd be thinking "big picture" and we would head off some of these potential problems before they occur.
Overcoming Your Website Visitors Anxiety
When people come to our website it's natural for them to feel anxiety. After all, look at all the cr*p on the Internet today, all the too-good-to-be-true products and services.
But when you and I offer REAL products or services, we have to overcome that concern, even if we're treating our site visitors fairly and not making outrageous claims.
So, how can you overcome these anxieties?
1. Offer more than a 1-page website. Credible companies have multi-page websites, including Privacy Policy, Terms of Use | Service and About Us pages.
They also have more than 1 page about their products or services.
I'm surprised by the number of 1-page websites I see from companies using infomercials to advertise their products. Often, they have the purchase form right on their home page, their only page (and often their page isn't secured for credit card ordering).
Websites that are only 1-page don't seem credible. And having the purchase form right on the home page comes across as very pushy!
Doesn't this type of site seem all about the company and NOT about their customers? Why would we want to buy from that type of company?
What kind of online marketing consulting firm did these companies use...or did they use any??
2. Next to any sign up or contact form buttons clearly state that you don't sell your customers' private information and link to your Privacy Policy page.
3. Effectively communicate what your Value Proposition is, also called your Unique Selling Proposition. If you don't know why someone should buy your product or service versus your competitors', now is the time to figure it out. (And by the way, based on my experience, if you don't know this, you're not alone, by any means.)
But our websites have to be about more than just us. They have to be about our visitors. What's in it for THEM, to do business with us? What unique voids in the marketplace can we fill?
As a Small Business Owner, Personally Relate to Your Site Visitors and Communicate Directly with Them
People don't buy from websites, they buy from people! So, how can you apply this to your own website?
1. For many small businesses and solo proprietorships, their website text should speak to your visitors directly in first person.
This should be written from the voice of the Owner or President. They shouldn't use third person, institutional-sounding language, getting rid of "we" and "our", using "I" instead, speaking first person, in an actual conversation. Don't try to sound like you're Microsoft!
And while your at it, be careful about overuse of words about you...whether "I", or those words, "we", "our" or "us".
Check out the WeWe calculator (Google: wewe calculator). Make sure to focus on customer-focused words and NOT on words about you or your company.
2. Include your picture on your Web pages.
For a larger small business trying to make that personal connection with their website visitors, try the idea used by the nutritional supplement company Lumina. (Google: Lumina Health Contact Us)
In this execution, notice how Lumina gets you to relate to their customer service department. I still remember it was John I spoke with and that's been over 1 year ago that I called them!
Again, people buy from other people, not from websites.
For us as small businesses, why should we sound large, pretending to be something we aren't? And why should we run from our advantage of being small: low overhead, friendly, personal service and accountability, among other advantages.
Make Each Step in Your Marketing a Smooth Handoff from One Step to Another
Whether you're using AdWords, SEO, or both, make sure your title and description matches the experience your website visitor will have when they come to your landing page.
Quite often when I'm Coaching my small business owner clients or performing online marketing consulting, I find the wording for their organic listing or AdWords ad says one thing and their landing page says something that doesn't sound the same.
This causes confusion is the best case scenario. In the worst case, it causes a lack of trust. Dangerous!
We should understand our products or services. And we know what we want our visitors to do on our site.
Our potential customers may not understand either. We need to think like them, when we explain what we have to offer them and how to use our website to take advantage of what we have to offer.
And when "shifting" from one page to another, we need to hand-off from one page to another naturally and smoothly, like a car with a smooth automatic transmission.
Don't advertise one offer in AdWords or organic search, only to have your landing page sound like it was written for another advertising offer. I see this problem a lot!
Often times, having an affordable online marketing consulting firm reviewing what you're doing can offer easy, inexpensive fixes that can yield big improvements in your search engine advertising and SEO conversions.
Your Action Plan
Let's review what we've talked about.
First, overcome visitors anxieties by offering a multi-page website which answers questions about your company and your services or products, while inspiring confidence in your company. Effectively communicate your Value Proposition.
Second, personally relate to your site visitors. Avoid using the wrong words that may put off your site visitors. Use your picture on your Web pages.
Third, hand-off from one page on your website and one step in your selling process to another smoothly and naturally. We should understand what we want our site visitors to do, but they won't unless we make the process really clear.
Whether your using an online marketing consulting firm or doing the work yourself, if you take these steps, your search engine optimization | advertising plan will convert at a MUCH higher rate, when you take these steps.
About the Author:
Marketing online since 2004, Paul Marshall can help you market on a budget. He's an Online Marketing Consulting expert offering marketing services (and d-i-y Coaching). You can learn more about Paul on his Internet Marketing LinkedIn profile and at Strategic Web Marketing.net.
Read more of Paul Marshall's articles.
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