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.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
When should you redesign your website?
Everyday at least one of my clients receives an email from someone stating they their website needs to be updated, and the unknown email sender is the best person to do it.
Everyday new people enter the arena of webdesign. some take a software class, others an online class and some buy a program of templates.
I am asked, how often should a website be updated? And what is the difference between a web designer and website development?
First, your website should be updated when:
1.) You have broken links, missing images, difficult navigation, outdated content or outdated firm image.
2.) Significant changes are made to search algorithms and your site results are beginning to decline
3.) You've added new personnel or new products/sservices
4.) You have new success stories that your potential clients can learn from or be inspired by
5.) You have received acknowledgements or have articles newly published in significant journals.
When not to update:
1.) Someone guarantees you top placement in search results if they redesign your entire website. To guarantee something it to promise for absolute certain that it will happen. According to Google, there are black-hat techniques that can get your website in the top results - for a while. However, long term success cannot be guaranteed. And black-hat techniques can come back to haunt you, including getting you black listed from search databases.
2.) You're bored with the look. Being pretty isn't always necessary. If your site is still bringing in new clients and referrals, it may not need a complete overhaul. You may need simple changes to colors and layouts to please your eye without losing the effect the content is making.
3.) You don't think it's pulling in results for you because the calls or emails you are getting are not your exact preferred client. Before deciding your site isn't working, be sure to check the analytics and see what pages or content areas are drawing traffic. By analyzing your traffic reports, you will see your website's strength and possible weaknesses.
4.) Because the new kid on the block or the email you just received told you to do it. If someone is telling you that your website is broken, and they are the only ones to fix it - think before acting. If someone approached you with that logic on another areas of your business or personal life, - not knowing you or your objectives - would you immediately hire them?
The difference between a web designer and a web developer is:
A web designer
1.) can usually make your website look attractive with images, layout and colors. They may use a pre-designed template and simply fill in your information BEWARE of those who use the same template for all their clients. I recently saw a web design template used with several firms in the same business area. The giveaway was not only the same exact layout, much of the same wording, but on two sites they neglected to fill in the portion that read [insert firm name here].
2.) places only emphasis on your website, overlooking the integration throughout the internet.
3.) makes promises of quick results without explanation of how these results will be achieved.
4.) request to place your domain and hosting in a new account that they manage, many times without your ability to access. They may buy domains on your behalf, but in their name, and place them in this same account. When you decide to no longer have them as your webdesigner, you may have a difficult time retrieving your assets, and sometimes can lose your entire website.
A good web developer
1.) will analyze your entire web presence and give you a report on the results
2.) will listen to your goals and objectives of your internet presence
3.) will give you an honest opinion of your web presence, which may conflict with yours
4.) may be able to work with what you already have and grow from there
5.) will offer more than just their one opinion of why your website and internet presence is providing the current results.
6.) will work with you as a team.
Many persons selling web services are offering their opinion, their companies opinion and the limitations of their designs. Some will use a marketing service, ( ie Yext, Citygrid, etc) to show you your results. If so, double-check these results. Many times these reports are incorrect, plus these are for-fee services, so the more their report indicates you need them, the easier it becomes to sell you their service.
A good web developer will use unrelated opinions, ie: other web developers who don't work or are paid by them, and focus groups. Always ask how they derived their assessment of your website and web presence.
Sometimes it's time to refresh your look. It's always time to keep your content current.
Analyze what you have before you agree to an overhaul, when a simple refresh is all you need.
Think of the big picture and long term.
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. Maybe you only need a refresh.
I am asked, how often should a website be updated? And what is the difference between a web designer and website development?
First, your website should be updated when:
1.) You have broken links, missing images, difficult navigation, outdated content or outdated firm image.
2.) Significant changes are made to search algorithms and your site results are beginning to decline
3.) You've added new personnel or new products/sservices
4.) You have new success stories that your potential clients can learn from or be inspired by
5.) You have received acknowledgements or have articles newly published in significant journals.
When not to update:
1.) Someone guarantees you top placement in search results if they redesign your entire website. To guarantee something it to promise for absolute certain that it will happen. According to Google, there are black-hat techniques that can get your website in the top results - for a while. However, long term success cannot be guaranteed. And black-hat techniques can come back to haunt you, including getting you black listed from search databases.
2.) You're bored with the look. Being pretty isn't always necessary. If your site is still bringing in new clients and referrals, it may not need a complete overhaul. You may need simple changes to colors and layouts to please your eye without losing the effect the content is making.
3.) You don't think it's pulling in results for you because the calls or emails you are getting are not your exact preferred client. Before deciding your site isn't working, be sure to check the analytics and see what pages or content areas are drawing traffic. By analyzing your traffic reports, you will see your website's strength and possible weaknesses.
4.) Because the new kid on the block or the email you just received told you to do it. If someone is telling you that your website is broken, and they are the only ones to fix it - think before acting. If someone approached you with that logic on another areas of your business or personal life, - not knowing you or your objectives - would you immediately hire them?
The difference between a web designer and a web developer is:
A web designer
1.) can usually make your website look attractive with images, layout and colors. They may use a pre-designed template and simply fill in your information BEWARE of those who use the same template for all their clients. I recently saw a web design template used with several firms in the same business area. The giveaway was not only the same exact layout, much of the same wording, but on two sites they neglected to fill in the portion that read [insert firm name here].
2.) places only emphasis on your website, overlooking the integration throughout the internet.
3.) makes promises of quick results without explanation of how these results will be achieved.
4.) request to place your domain and hosting in a new account that they manage, many times without your ability to access. They may buy domains on your behalf, but in their name, and place them in this same account. When you decide to no longer have them as your webdesigner, you may have a difficult time retrieving your assets, and sometimes can lose your entire website.
A good web developer
1.) will analyze your entire web presence and give you a report on the results
2.) will listen to your goals and objectives of your internet presence
3.) will give you an honest opinion of your web presence, which may conflict with yours
4.) may be able to work with what you already have and grow from there
5.) will offer more than just their one opinion of why your website and internet presence is providing the current results.
6.) will work with you as a team.
Many persons selling web services are offering their opinion, their companies opinion and the limitations of their designs. Some will use a marketing service, ( ie Yext, Citygrid, etc) to show you your results. If so, double-check these results. Many times these reports are incorrect, plus these are for-fee services, so the more their report indicates you need them, the easier it becomes to sell you their service.
A good web developer will use unrelated opinions, ie: other web developers who don't work or are paid by them, and focus groups. Always ask how they derived their assessment of your website and web presence.
Sometimes it's time to refresh your look. It's always time to keep your content current.
Analyze what you have before you agree to an overhaul, when a simple refresh is all you need.
Think of the big picture and long term.
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. Maybe you only need a refresh.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Many sites are noticing their website’s search ranking has changed
Have you noticed a change in the results you've received after a search query? The new Google update may be part of the answer. If you are noticing the difference, just know, that other people are seeing the changes as well.
For many years, online marketers encouraged their clients to buy every domain name that described their products or services, ie: www.idothis.com, www.thisismyproduct.com, www.iamthebestatthis.com, etc. For a long time these exact keyword or brand name domains showed up in the top of the list in the search results even though they may not have had the content that someone was looking for.
According to Google the idea of this recent update is to provide searchers with the most relevant and high quality results. That isn't always the sites with exact match domain names.
Many companies attempted to “trick” the search engine into listing the company’s web site more highly by using a popular exact match domain, yet the website may have delivered low quality content and web spam.
This update reinforces the important of a high quality website. A successful online presence requires an ongoing plan to stay current and engaging. One page websites and business card type websites will continue to fall in the search rankings. Unless someone knows your exact domain name, they may not find you in their search results as easily as they did in the past.
Keeping your online presence high quality should include:
1. Current, relevant and engaging content on your website
2. Properly optimized content (Yes, you can over optimize and black-hat optimize. Both of which will penalize your web rankings.)
3. High quality links into your website
4. Social engagement. (this is more than merely talking about your persona life or posting jokes, unless that is your profession)
5. Unique navigation with relevant engaging content rather than the over used standards.
What to do if you already own exact keyword match domains?
Make sure it meets the list above. If not - fix it, fast before you lose ranking altogether.
Quick summary: Provide information, answer questions, provide a way to continue the relationship.
So you need help doing this? We can help. Contact 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.
For many years, online marketers encouraged their clients to buy every domain name that described their products or services, ie: www.idothis.com, www.thisismyproduct.com, www.iamthebestatthis.com, etc. For a long time these exact keyword or brand name domains showed up in the top of the list in the search results even though they may not have had the content that someone was looking for.
According to Google the idea of this recent update is to provide searchers with the most relevant and high quality results. That isn't always the sites with exact match domain names.
Many companies attempted to “trick” the search engine into listing the company’s web site more highly by using a popular exact match domain, yet the website may have delivered low quality content and web spam.
This update reinforces the important of a high quality website. A successful online presence requires an ongoing plan to stay current and engaging. One page websites and business card type websites will continue to fall in the search rankings. Unless someone knows your exact domain name, they may not find you in their search results as easily as they did in the past.
Keeping your online presence high quality should include:
1. Current, relevant and engaging content on your website
2. Properly optimized content (Yes, you can over optimize and black-hat optimize. Both of which will penalize your web rankings.)
3. High quality links into your website
4. Social engagement. (this is more than merely talking about your persona life or posting jokes, unless that is your profession)
5. Unique navigation with relevant engaging content rather than the over used standards.
What to do if you already own exact keyword match domains?
Make sure it meets the list above. If not - fix it, fast before you lose ranking altogether.
Quick summary: Provide information, answer questions, provide a way to continue the relationship.
So you need help doing this? We can help. Contact 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.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Why Content is So Important to SEO
Content, content, content....a word that seems like nagging to many of my clients.
The major search engines are focusing on creating the best possible user experience, which means sites that offer relevant (new, creative and unique)information stand to gain the most visibility.
This following image provides a graphic explanation of the importance of content. To see the enlarged size, click here.
If you think your SEO 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. Maybe you only need a refresh.
The major search engines are focusing on creating the best possible user experience, which means sites that offer relevant (new, creative and unique)information stand to gain the most visibility.
This following image provides a graphic explanation of the importance of content. To see the enlarged size, click here.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
How often do you visit your own website?
I asked this question at a presentation last week, and was surprised to hear that most people fail to visit their own website, and worse fail to check the traffic analytics and feedback. Just because your webmaster (or you) have designed a nice website, the job isn't over.
A few days before this presentation, I visited the websites of two acquaintances. One had missing images and no alt text, and missing text color in the
navigation. The other had three typos and a several broken links. (See Focus Group Pet Peeves below.)
Your website, and especially your home page is the first impression a visitor has of you, your expertise and professionalism. Even though you may have hired a webmaster to design your site, the ultimate responsibility falls upon you, after all - it is your image and your business.
Once your site is online, it still requires maintenance. Changes in search algorithms can require changes in your source code, keywords or content in order to stay visible.
A competent webmaster will keep you appraised of the changes that need to be made to keep up with the search engine algorithms, and will consistently check their work for broken links and missing information or images. No one is perfect and mistakes can be made, however, errors should be corrected without delay. The longer a page stays online, the more likely it can become part of a cache page in search results.
Sumner M. Davenport is a Solutions Consultant.
Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker
Solutions, not just answers.
Solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
Follow on Facebook
A few days before this presentation, I visited the websites of two acquaintances. One had missing images and no alt text, and missing text color in the
navigation. The other had three typos and a several broken links. (See Focus Group Pet Peeves below.)Your website, and especially your home page is the first impression a visitor has of you, your expertise and professionalism. Even though you may have hired a webmaster to design your site, the ultimate responsibility falls upon you, after all - it is your image and your business.
Once your site is online, it still requires maintenance. Changes in search algorithms can require changes in your source code, keywords or content in order to stay visible.
A competent webmaster will keep you appraised of the changes that need to be made to keep up with the search engine algorithms, and will consistently check their work for broken links and missing information or images. No one is perfect and mistakes can be made, however, errors should be corrected without delay. The longer a page stays online, the more likely it can become part of a cache page in search results.
Your web designer/SEO/marketer should be working with your success in mind. If they are analyzing your traffic, they can work with you to understand which pages and links are popular and respond to pages that are losing ranking with changes or fresh content.
It is essential to know what your customers and prospects are seeing when they visit your site. Are they impressed with how well your website represents you? Do they bookmark, share or +1 your site? Is your content fresh, giving them a reason to return?
One of the best ways to determine if your site is working for or against you and your goals, is to utilize a focus group. Unbiased, unrelated (no friends or family) selection of people to give honest feedback on what they saw, felt and learned from your site.
From the many focus groups I run on my clients and prospects websites, the top pet peeves are:
1. Tiny Text.
2. Text too hard to read against the page background. Least favorite: gray text against white background,
3. Sound that launches automatically, whether it's music, a greeter voice on the website, or the auto responder telling you to check your email.
4. Outdated websites with no current content and several broken links.
5. Finding themselves opted-in to receive additional information, usually an e-zine, after they responded to a free offer with no advance indication that they are being opted in.
The number of websites on the internet is growing everyday. Even if your market is only your local area, you still need a consistent plan of action, and consistent changes in order to stay as visible as possible in the search results.
It is essential to know what your customers and prospects are seeing when they visit your site. Are they impressed with how well your website represents you? Do they bookmark, share or +1 your site? Is your content fresh, giving them a reason to return?
One of the best ways to determine if your site is working for or against you and your goals, is to utilize a focus group. Unbiased, unrelated (no friends or family) selection of people to give honest feedback on what they saw, felt and learned from your site.
From the many focus groups I run on my clients and prospects websites, the top pet peeves are:
1. Tiny Text.
2. Text too hard to read against the page background. Least favorite: gray text against white background,
3. Sound that launches automatically, whether it's music, a greeter voice on the website, or the auto responder telling you to check your email.
4. Outdated websites with no current content and several broken links.
5. Finding themselves opted-in to receive additional information, usually an e-zine, after they responded to a free offer with no advance indication that they are being opted in.
The number of websites on the internet is growing everyday. Even if your market is only your local area, you still need a consistent plan of action, and consistent changes in order to stay as visible as possible in the search results.
Wishing you awesome and continuing success !
Sumner M. Davenport is a Solutions Consultant.
Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker
Solutions, not just answers.
Solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
Follow on Facebook
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Facebook News Feed - are your friends getting your updates?
Facebook has changed its News Feed, so that by default, you can only see updates from people you've "recently interacted with." This also means that if you are not interacting with your friends, they may not be seeing your posts either.
To fix this click on the arrow next to "Most Recent."
From the dropdown menu, click on "Edit Options."
Select "All of your friends and pages."
Click "Save."
Be sure to tell your friends because they might be missing your posts until they make this same change.
Be sure to tell your friends because they might be missing your posts until they make this same change.
To fix this click on the arrow next to "Most Recent."
From the dropdown menu, click on "Edit Options."
You will see the default is "Friends and pages you interact with the most".
Select "All of your friends and pages."
Click "Save."
Be sure to tell your friends because they might be missing your posts until they make this same change.
MANAGE YOUR NEWS FEED:
1.) If you only want to see posts in your news feed from friends who have made recent status updates, then start again at the drop down menu under "Most Recent".
Select "Status Updates".
2.) If you only want to see posts in your news feed from selected friends, then start again at the drop-down menu under "Most Recent" to "Create a friend list."
A window will appear with your friends images. Make a name for this list and select the friends you want included.
Click Save.
Now when you return to your page, and click "Most Recent", you will see your new customized friend list added.
By clicking this, your news feed will only show posts from the friends in this list.
Be sure to tell your friends because they might be missing your posts until they make this same change.
REMINDER: Your friends may find it difficult to find your custom business page unless it is correctly linked from your profile. You can still have your privacy controls set so that only your friends can see your posts, however, visitors can more easily find your business page. See my blog post titled: "Are you making it difficult for people to find your business on your social media profiles?".
Wishing you awesome and continuing success !
Sumner M. Davenport is a Solutions Consultant.
Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker
Solutions, not just answers.
Solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
Follow on Facebook
Sumner M. Davenport is a Solutions Consultant.
Best Selling Author and Keynote Speaker
Solutions, not just answers.
Solutions are not one-size-fits-all.
Follow on Facebook
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