Have you ever wondered how search engines actually work to deliver you the results you seek in the blink of an eye?
The following link is an interactive inforgraphic by Google to give an insight into what happens between the request of a search query and the retrieval of results.
As you watch this, note how often "freshness" and "content" are mentioned.
http://www.google.com/insidesearch/howsearchworks/thestory/
Keeping the content on your website current and updated regularly with helpful and relevant information is very important. So if your website hasn't been updated in a while, regardless of how attractive it might be or how important you think that information is, it may be time to tweak, add to, change or restructure your website for better results.
If you think your website needs an overhaul, let's talk. Click to email us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations. One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Do What You do Best
Whether you are a solopreneuer or you are a growing enterprise, marketing is essential if you want to keep pace and grow in today's marketplace. The Internet is a powerful marketing tool - when used strategically and correctly. A few common mistakes that can hurt you, might include:
A website that looks like everyone else, with common content.
When your website looks like everyone else then how does your potential clients see you as any different. This mistake s usually made by using the same template you liked on someone else's site, or using a web company with limited knowledge or access to templates.
Entrepreneurs who post personal activities on their social media profiles.
Most entrepreneurs (hopefully) know it's important to keep a balance between personal and professional activities. however, what you think is a cute joke or "no harm" comment just might show up in a search by a potential client and it could turn them away. I know one professional who loves to post "funny" jokes on her not-really-private profile, that are demeaning or poke fun at certain groups or behaviors. Not only will this send away potential clients in these groups, it will also alienate those who don't support these same attitudes.
Entrepreneurs who control it all
Some people do love to brag how they can wear all the hats, however, that well-known figure of speech "Jack of all trades, master of none" is used in reference to a person that is competent with many skills but is not necessarily outstanding in any particular one. This person is a generalist rather than a specialist. In your business, you should be the specialist. It is important that you have an understanding of what the Internet can do for you, however, the playing field is changing multiple times a day. The learning never ends. What you are doing today may not hold up to the search engine algorithms, or the changes in various social media policies and offerings. The biggest mistake in doing it all yourself is how much time you take away from what you do best -your business.
The worst mistake is to stop marketing
Every day new entrepreneurs are entering the already competitive marketplace. Although the Internet is growing in persuasive power every day, it is only one component that should be included in your overall marketing plan. Some entrepreneurs stop marketing because they think they have enough clients for now; then things slow now and panic ensues. Marketing through print, personal networking, speaking engagements, associations and events should also be in your marketing arsenal. Each one is powerful, however, putting them together in a strategic marketing plan can be even more effective for you.
Whether you are looking to attract clients or referrals from other entrepreneurs, the image they see on the Internet will play into their decision about you.
So do what you do best, and trust your assistants or outside consultants to assist you in maximizing the potential of the Internet.
A website that looks like everyone else, with common content.
When your website looks like everyone else then how does your potential clients see you as any different. This mistake s usually made by using the same template you liked on someone else's site, or using a web company with limited knowledge or access to templates.
Entrepreneurs who post personal activities on their social media profiles.
Most entrepreneurs (hopefully) know it's important to keep a balance between personal and professional activities. however, what you think is a cute joke or "no harm" comment just might show up in a search by a potential client and it could turn them away. I know one professional who loves to post "funny" jokes on her not-really-private profile, that are demeaning or poke fun at certain groups or behaviors. Not only will this send away potential clients in these groups, it will also alienate those who don't support these same attitudes.
Entrepreneurs who control it all
Some people do love to brag how they can wear all the hats, however, that well-known figure of speech "Jack of all trades, master of none" is used in reference to a person that is competent with many skills but is not necessarily outstanding in any particular one. This person is a generalist rather than a specialist. In your business, you should be the specialist. It is important that you have an understanding of what the Internet can do for you, however, the playing field is changing multiple times a day. The learning never ends. What you are doing today may not hold up to the search engine algorithms, or the changes in various social media policies and offerings. The biggest mistake in doing it all yourself is how much time you take away from what you do best -your business.
The worst mistake is to stop marketing
Every day new entrepreneurs are entering the already competitive marketplace. Although the Internet is growing in persuasive power every day, it is only one component that should be included in your overall marketing plan. Some entrepreneurs stop marketing because they think they have enough clients for now; then things slow now and panic ensues. Marketing through print, personal networking, speaking engagements, associations and events should also be in your marketing arsenal. Each one is powerful, however, putting them together in a strategic marketing plan can be even more effective for you.
Whether you are looking to attract clients or referrals from other entrepreneurs, the image they see on the Internet will play into their decision about you.
So do what you do best, and trust your assistants or outside consultants to assist you in maximizing the potential of the Internet.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
How important is to to know where your customers are coming from?
When you buy something from someone online or in a retail store, many times you are asked: "How did you find us?"
How important is that question?
Knowing where your visitors are coming from is important, if:
• you are spending money on marketing and you need to understand if your dollars are being well spent
• you are doing offline marketing (events, brochures, media) and you want to know if your time is well spent
• you are doing internet marketing (website, blog, social media) and you want to know if your money and time are well spent.
• you need to know if your ezine is being read
• you want to know if current customers like you and your service so well, that they are referring to you.
There are many reasons to know where your customers are coming from. The most important reason is so you know how your efforts are helping your bottom line profits.
For online analytics we find that the free Google Analytics are still the best. You can use the simple basic report to find out where your traffic is coming from, which pages and content are the most popular; or use the advanced settings to set goals, track custom campaigns, include/exclude certain areas, pages or content and check your SEO.
Collecting traffic data and providing detailed reports should be part of the services you receive from your webmaster. If you aren't getting these, ASK. If you still aren't getting them, then you might consider working with someone who will provide you the feedback you deserve.
Whether it's simply asking your callers and visitors where they came from, or using the free technology tools, it is important to analyze your results to make sure your time and dollars are being well spent.
How important is that question?
Knowing where your visitors are coming from is important, if:
• you are spending money on marketing and you need to understand if your dollars are being well spent
• you are doing offline marketing (events, brochures, media) and you want to know if your time is well spent
• you are doing internet marketing (website, blog, social media) and you want to know if your money and time are well spent.
• you need to know if your ezine is being read
• you want to know if current customers like you and your service so well, that they are referring to you.
There are many reasons to know where your customers are coming from. The most important reason is so you know how your efforts are helping your bottom line profits.
For online analytics we find that the free Google Analytics are still the best. You can use the simple basic report to find out where your traffic is coming from, which pages and content are the most popular; or use the advanced settings to set goals, track custom campaigns, include/exclude certain areas, pages or content and check your SEO.
Collecting traffic data and providing detailed reports should be part of the services you receive from your webmaster. If you aren't getting these, ASK. If you still aren't getting them, then you might consider working with someone who will provide you the feedback you deserve.
Whether it's simply asking your callers and visitors where they came from, or using the free technology tools, it is important to analyze your results to make sure your time and dollars are being well spent.
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