At the end of 2009 “...the majority of small business owners still don't consider use of the Internet as mandatory in running a small business in America today...” Discover said this in a December 17th article in the Daily Herald.
45 percent of 22 million small business in America had Websites as of August, 2009. The article went on to say: “Forty-six percent of small business owners said it is a myth that every company should have a Web site, 44 percent felt the opposite and 10 percent were not sure.”
I was also a skeptic up until about three years ago. Then I began to see the potential sales results from a targeted E-marketing effort. So, looking at it from a glass half-full perspective: there are 9.5 million small businesses that DO have Websites. Isn't that a large target audience!
Showing posts with label E-Marketing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label E-Marketing. Show all posts
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Has the economy slowed your sales? Try some newer Web marketing techniques when traditional methods do not work!
Old school marketing techniques such as telemarketing, cold calling, direct mail, e-mail campaigns, etc., are known as “Outbound” or interruption based marketing. They have put time starved consumers and businesses in a “do not interrupt me” defensive mode. Protective shields (voice mail, spam filters, etc.) guard against attacks.
Organizations must adopt to the consumer's altered buying patterns to survive these turbulent times. Realize how people search for information and answers to questions. They do so on their terms, not yours. They do so when they are ready and at times convenient to them. This is especially true of more affluent and higher educated people.
Where do they turn to for information and answers to their questions? The same place you turn to, the WEB. Of course they do! It is open round the clock. Consumers scour Websites, reviews, forums, blogs, and social networking sites such as MySpace, facebook, LinkedIn. Information is dispersed almost instantaneously via Twitter and other broadcasting means.
The key to your Web success is adopting to this newer “Inbound” or permission based marketing. I define this loosely as being at the right place at the right time. Or, in other words, when someone searches for your service or product, make it easy to find you, 24/7/365. Make it easy for them to find you and your information. Prepare your site for Google searches through optimization. Then get your self known by blogging, article marketing, video marketing, press releases, etc.
Comments are welcome.
Organizations must adopt to the consumer's altered buying patterns to survive these turbulent times. Realize how people search for information and answers to questions. They do so on their terms, not yours. They do so when they are ready and at times convenient to them. This is especially true of more affluent and higher educated people.
Where do they turn to for information and answers to their questions? The same place you turn to, the WEB. Of course they do! It is open round the clock. Consumers scour Websites, reviews, forums, blogs, and social networking sites such as MySpace, facebook, LinkedIn. Information is dispersed almost instantaneously via Twitter and other broadcasting means.
The key to your Web success is adopting to this newer “Inbound” or permission based marketing. I define this loosely as being at the right place at the right time. Or, in other words, when someone searches for your service or product, make it easy to find you, 24/7/365. Make it easy for them to find you and your information. Prepare your site for Google searches through optimization. Then get your self known by blogging, article marketing, video marketing, press releases, etc.
Comments are welcome.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Spring Courses for Website Owners to Drive Traffic and Increase Sales
I am proud to announce I will be teaching two short courses for the Buffalo Grove (IL) Park District starting in the Spring, 2010. The courses will be repeated in the Summer.
The first is "Considerations in Putting Your Business on the Web" for non- Website owners. It is a pre-requisite if someone does not have a site for the follow up course: "Increasing your Traffic (and Sales) to your Existing Website."
Look for enrollment announcements in about three months!
Fondly,
Michael
The first is "Considerations in Putting Your Business on the Web" for non- Website owners. It is a pre-requisite if someone does not have a site for the follow up course: "Increasing your Traffic (and Sales) to your Existing Website."
Look for enrollment announcements in about three months!
Fondly,
Michael
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Pay Per Click Advertising - I take Exception to This Author's View on LinkedIn
I disagree about PPC for "...self employed small business owners and those starting out on a limited budget. Pay per click is, at best, a short term solution. You keep paying and paying and paying....
“It is akin to opening a retail storefront years ago. There you rented space for the privilege of working 80 hours a week, hung out a shingle (that you paid your sign maker to do), send monthly checks for your rent and utilities, pay insurance and other business related expenses to the site location (snow removal, cleaning, etc.), pay help, employment taxes, etc. And, if you are lucky to do business, there was, of course, the override on the gross sales to the landlord. Bottom line was everybody else got paid before you did! NO thanks! Been there, done that!
“Although more time consuming, search engine optimization in the long haul is more cost effective and produces far more results. If you do it right at the get go, all the statistics point to better results from Organic (free) search engine marketing. That is unless you want to make your landlord (Google) even more rich!”
I wrote the above just a few minutes ago in response to -
“This is the number one strategy of all the top producers in this business and can be very tough and daunting, but when done well will generate the MOST leads out of any of your marketing strategies in days. Not weeks or months.”
Join LinkedIn for other stimulating discussions!
“It is akin to opening a retail storefront years ago. There you rented space for the privilege of working 80 hours a week, hung out a shingle (that you paid your sign maker to do), send monthly checks for your rent and utilities, pay insurance and other business related expenses to the site location (snow removal, cleaning, etc.), pay help, employment taxes, etc. And, if you are lucky to do business, there was, of course, the override on the gross sales to the landlord. Bottom line was everybody else got paid before you did! NO thanks! Been there, done that!
“Although more time consuming, search engine optimization in the long haul is more cost effective and produces far more results. If you do it right at the get go, all the statistics point to better results from Organic (free) search engine marketing. That is unless you want to make your landlord (Google) even more rich!”
I wrote the above just a few minutes ago in response to -
“This is the number one strategy of all the top producers in this business and can be very tough and daunting, but when done well will generate the MOST leads out of any of your marketing strategies in days. Not weeks or months.”
Join LinkedIn for other stimulating discussions!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Yes You Can Apply Basic Selling Techniques to Your Web Marketing
Admit it if you are clueless about what Web E-Marketing is all about and want to start doing something about securing your future!
I read a statement on the Web recently about small business owners with Websites who just don’t get it. And how, frankly, they are being left behind by the “I do get it!” crowd. Why is this? Because they neither take the time nor pay the freight.
My personal view is Web E-Marketing is simply all about getting people to buy from you. It is not about rankings or Search Engine Optimization or pay per click advertising. It is about marketing your product or service, generating traffic (or potential customers) and selling your proposition.
Every professional salesperson knows the drill. However, too many business owners are not professional salespeople. If you fall into that category, there is good news. Salesmanship is a learned art not something you are merely born with.
If you doubt your results you must first ask yourself some questions. Some of your answers may be disturbing, so prepare yourself. First of all, be honest in your answers.
What makes you unique? Where is your niche? How are you different from your competitors rather than the same? And, how can you capitalize and leverage your uniqueness on the Web?
Keep the faith. You can do an honest assessment and learn the basics of E-marketing. Look, you have come this far with your business, do not stand at the sidelines and wait for the lotto. You can take it to the next level. Take the time and the road to success is yours on the information highway.
To be continued….
For more tips and pointers, visit our Website, http://www.diywebjem.com
I read a statement on the Web recently about small business owners with Websites who just don’t get it. And how, frankly, they are being left behind by the “I do get it!” crowd. Why is this? Because they neither take the time nor pay the freight.
My personal view is Web E-Marketing is simply all about getting people to buy from you. It is not about rankings or Search Engine Optimization or pay per click advertising. It is about marketing your product or service, generating traffic (or potential customers) and selling your proposition.
Every professional salesperson knows the drill. However, too many business owners are not professional salespeople. If you fall into that category, there is good news. Salesmanship is a learned art not something you are merely born with.
If you doubt your results you must first ask yourself some questions. Some of your answers may be disturbing, so prepare yourself. First of all, be honest in your answers.
What makes you unique? Where is your niche? How are you different from your competitors rather than the same? And, how can you capitalize and leverage your uniqueness on the Web?
Keep the faith. You can do an honest assessment and learn the basics of E-marketing. Look, you have come this far with your business, do not stand at the sidelines and wait for the lotto. You can take it to the next level. Take the time and the road to success is yours on the information highway.
To be continued….
For more tips and pointers, visit our Website, http://www.diywebjem.com
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Learn to Apply Today’s Chicago Tribune Article to Search Engine Optimization
An article appeared in today’s Chicago Tribune that has many lessons that can be applied to E-marketing your Web business. Part of the secondary headline caught my attention as did several parts of the story. Sandra M. Jones talks about retailers using special services to promote sales in the article .
Some of her very interesting observations follow. “Shoppers are motivated by price more than anything these days….” Sales are everywhere and shoppers “..are tuning out the endless barrage..”
She quotes Theresa Williams of Indiana University: “…there has to be a new approach rather than just run another sale.”
In this recession a sale is not merely enough. Ms. Jones continues: “Merchants are putting away their red pens and drumming up novel ways to tout a bargain without cutting into profits.”
Sandra mentions loyalty programs, new and creative ways to get people to shop, and more. As an example, Bottega M, an Oak Park (IL) shop, lets customers bring in old clothing and their seamstresses can be hired to do alterations.
The days of unbridled affluence and unlimited credit are gone and people are just not spending the way they used to with . Part of the change, according to Nancy Koehn of the Harvard Business School, is “the rise in consumer information…” People search the Web and “…find the best price for just about anything..” Add to that “..the decline of imaginative merchants.”
Read the rest of the story.
“Holy Toledo, Batman!” as Robin would say to his crime solving partner. I am sure we, as Webmasters, can all learn how to better promote ourselves if we study these principles and apply them. If we promote our passion and dare to be different.
Sell what makes you different, not what makes you the same. Identify a market niche where you excel. Learn about free tools available to do it yourself e-market on the Web. Commit to the sweat equity and use those tools to promote your business which will drive visitors to your Website. Learn more about do it yourself Web marketing at our Website.
Some of her very interesting observations follow. “Shoppers are motivated by price more than anything these days….” Sales are everywhere and shoppers “..are tuning out the endless barrage..”
She quotes Theresa Williams of Indiana University: “…there has to be a new approach rather than just run another sale.”
In this recession a sale is not merely enough. Ms. Jones continues: “Merchants are putting away their red pens and drumming up novel ways to tout a bargain without cutting into profits.”
Sandra mentions loyalty programs, new and creative ways to get people to shop, and more. As an example, Bottega M, an Oak Park (IL) shop, lets customers bring in old clothing and their seamstresses can be hired to do alterations.
The days of unbridled affluence and unlimited credit are gone and people are just not spending the way they used to with . Part of the change, according to Nancy Koehn of the Harvard Business School, is “the rise in consumer information…” People search the Web and “…find the best price for just about anything..” Add to that “..the decline of imaginative merchants.”
Read the rest of the story.
“Holy Toledo, Batman!” as Robin would say to his crime solving partner. I am sure we, as Webmasters, can all learn how to better promote ourselves if we study these principles and apply them. If we promote our passion and dare to be different.
Sell what makes you different, not what makes you the same. Identify a market niche where you excel. Learn about free tools available to do it yourself e-market on the Web. Commit to the sweat equity and use those tools to promote your business which will drive visitors to your Website. Learn more about do it yourself Web marketing at our Website.
You Can Learn to E-Market your Website from Newspaper Articles!
I must confess I am a reader of “print” newspapers and magazines. I prefer them to electronic versions. Although papers are shrinking more and more daily, I still like washing the ink stains from my hands.
I especially like reading two papers on Sunday mornings while watching Sunday Morning and George Stephanopoulos. The time spent in front of the TV is shorter with DVR recording and fast forwarding through commercials. However, since the size of the newspapers is smaller, it thus compensates.
In the past there were many times I could not finish the papers until after both programs ended. This was especially true when there were some really interesting segments. Now it seems I finish well ahead of the programs.
Where is Andy Rooney?
Later I’ll be sharing a very interesting newspaper article with you which can help with your E-marketing and Web Business.
I especially like reading two papers on Sunday mornings while watching Sunday Morning and George Stephanopoulos. The time spent in front of the TV is shorter with DVR recording and fast forwarding through commercials. However, since the size of the newspapers is smaller, it thus compensates.
In the past there were many times I could not finish the papers until after both programs ended. This was especially true when there were some really interesting segments. Now it seems I finish well ahead of the programs.
Where is Andy Rooney?
Later I’ll be sharing a very interesting newspaper article with you which can help with your E-marketing and Web Business.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Basic Building Blocks of a Web Business
My love is organic search engine optimization and do it yourself marketing to promote Judy's business, A-BnC Parties and More, Inc. Why? Because it only takes time! Time to learn, then time to implement, then time to tweak.
Through years of research and intuitive exploring I have gathered a wealth of information and references. I've learned that pretty sites even if well optimized don't draw traffic nor resulting sales. I also learned that what you "think" is great may not be to your audience. I also learned than most self acclaimed "gurus" are really not.
There comes a time when everyone must market. You have to get the word out through appropriate channels so people can find you. Then see if they buy! If not, reinvent yourself. That's what we have done on the Web, several times.
The basic building blocks are -
• determine your niche market through research work,
• construct your site based on the message you wish to convey,
• make sure people can navigate your site easily,
• "sell" your product,
• optimize for organic search results,
• add analytics and learn to use,
• market, market, market, market, etc.
• tweak all of the above...
Sites can have flaws and people will always criticize them. (I still have not optimized fully myself!) In the end, it boils down to whether you accomplish your goals, make sales and stay in business.
Through years of research and intuitive exploring I have gathered a wealth of information and references. I've learned that pretty sites even if well optimized don't draw traffic nor resulting sales. I also learned that what you "think" is great may not be to your audience. I also learned than most self acclaimed "gurus" are really not.
There comes a time when everyone must market. You have to get the word out through appropriate channels so people can find you. Then see if they buy! If not, reinvent yourself. That's what we have done on the Web, several times.
The basic building blocks are -
• determine your niche market through research work,
• construct your site based on the message you wish to convey,
• make sure people can navigate your site easily,
• "sell" your product,
• optimize for organic search results,
• add analytics and learn to use,
• market, market, market, market, etc.
• tweak all of the above...
Sites can have flaws and people will always criticize them. (I still have not optimized fully myself!) In the end, it boils down to whether you accomplish your goals, make sales and stay in business.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Give Your Site the Exposure It Needs to Compete in this Market
Not getting the traffic results your need? Then click here www.KeywordSpy.com to give your site the exposure it needs.
Take your keyword advertising to the next level! Analyze the keywords your competition uses to get their results.
Choose from four powerful KeywordSpy packages to help you increase awareness in paid, organic and affiliate marketing. These tools offers cutting-edge analytics to study competitors’ tactics as well as monitor their online search campaigns.
Take a spin test to see how it can work for you!
Choose from four powerful KeywordSpy packages to help you increase awareness in paid, organic and affiliate marketing. These tools offers cutting-edge analytics to study competitors’ tactics as well as monitor their online search campaigns.
Take a spin test to see how it can work for you!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
One of the best SEO Primers I have Ever Seen
Quite honestly folks, I found one of the best video primers on SEO basics I have ever seen. I posted the video on by Website and invite you to watch it.
Friday, June 12, 2009
How do Search Engines "Read" your Photos and Images?
Say a search engine crawls your site. How can it "see" or read your images or photos? It cannot, unless you have Alt Tags describing the images.
Alt Tags are descriptive words for images and other items that cannot normally be read by search engines such as Google.
A picture is worth 1,000 words! But not to search engines!
Adults are more attracted to pictures than words. Out attention spans are minimal when reading long dissertations. If you have a product that is best described with a photo, make sure you include the “Alt=” parameter to describe it.
Optimize your photos and images through DIY Search Engine Optimization tips. More E-marketing do it yourself tips available at DIYwebJem.
Alt Tags are descriptive words for images and other items that cannot normally be read by search engines such as Google.
A picture is worth 1,000 words! But not to search engines!
Adults are more attracted to pictures than words. Out attention spans are minimal when reading long dissertations. If you have a product that is best described with a photo, make sure you include the “Alt=” parameter to describe it.
Optimize your photos and images through DIY Search Engine Optimization tips. More E-marketing do it yourself tips available at DIYwebJem.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Do It Youself Search Engine Optimization Tips from Google's Matt Cutts
Matt Cutts gives some great common sense do it yourself search engine optimization tips. I posted a video on our diywebjem.com site for your to view, and offer additional free tips.
He talks about a lot of the same tips I discuss:
1. Use a common sense approach, Think about what people will type into the search bar to find your site and make sure those words (a.k.a. keywords) are on your page.
2. Write a good Title Tag to appear in search engine results.
3. Make sure your MetaTag Description does describe the page it leads to.
4. Write a BLOG! It's not that difficult once you learn about it.
5. Get involved with and learn how to use social media sites.
6. You don't have to pay to get Google to know who you are. You can submit your Website directly and add maps to guide them along.
Contact me for any questions.
Remember, we are here to get you optimized!
He talks about a lot of the same tips I discuss:
1. Use a common sense approach, Think about what people will type into the search bar to find your site and make sure those words (a.k.a. keywords) are on your page.
2. Write a good Title Tag to appear in search engine results.
3. Make sure your MetaTag Description does describe the page it leads to.
4. Write a BLOG! It's not that difficult once you learn about it.
5. Get involved with and learn how to use social media sites.
6. You don't have to pay to get Google to know who you are. You can submit your Website directly and add maps to guide them along.
Contact me for any questions.
Remember, we are here to get you optimized!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Become an expert authority in your field and drive traffic to your Website!
I wrote a blog about encouraging others to get on the Web if you are an expert in your field. You might enjoy it at webmarketing101.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Can anyone suggest the ways to get the more customers for an e-commerce website?
I am about to post this comment on a LinkedIn group I belong to.
Budget? When considering PPC (Ed. Note: Pay Per Click)... or do you want to do it via sweat equity?
Some basic steps before trying to build traffic and before you consider anything else, especially when you have to pay for the anything else, are - does your site measure up in:
1. SEO?
2. Navigation?
3. Content (is KING!)?
Ask your mother (or someone equivalent)...ask a teenager...ask a true friend...only after they say you site is OK can you start the campaign.
Terra hit on link building (build backlinks) and PR (agree with Steve via press releases). There is also article marketing, producing videos, etc.).
But where is your business blog? Best way to drive traffic in my estimation, when you combine with other factors to do it right!
Ask yourself: "What other social networking media are you using to promote your business?"
One thing I strongly disagree with Steve is the statement that a Web designer should be able to create an SEO website without question. When it comes to small business entrepreneurs, I find the exact opposite to be true. Most business owners do not even get involved with their sites. They are not knowledgeable. They generally farm it our to a relative or a barter partner or latch on to a "freebie" site builder.
For the few who use professional Web designers, I find them utterly lacking in basic SEO skills. Meta tags, alt tags, title tags, bold, headlines, submissions, site maps....Steve, where are they on most sites?
Budget? When considering PPC (Ed. Note: Pay Per Click)... or do you want to do it via sweat equity?
Some basic steps before trying to build traffic and before you consider anything else, especially when you have to pay for the anything else, are - does your site measure up in:
1. SEO?
2. Navigation?
3. Content (is KING!)?
Ask your mother (or someone equivalent)...ask a teenager...ask a true friend...only after they say you site is OK can you start the campaign.
Terra hit on link building (build backlinks) and PR (agree with Steve via press releases). There is also article marketing, producing videos, etc.).
But where is your business blog? Best way to drive traffic in my estimation, when you combine with other factors to do it right!
Ask yourself: "What other social networking media are you using to promote your business?"
One thing I strongly disagree with Steve is the statement that a Web designer should be able to create an SEO website without question. When it comes to small business entrepreneurs, I find the exact opposite to be true. Most business owners do not even get involved with their sites. They are not knowledgeable. They generally farm it our to a relative or a barter partner or latch on to a "freebie" site builder.
For the few who use professional Web designers, I find them utterly lacking in basic SEO skills. Meta tags, alt tags, title tags, bold, headlines, submissions, site maps....Steve, where are they on most sites?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Content May Well Be The Most Important Aspect of Your Website
Take this advise straight from Google:
"Create a useful, information-rich site, and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content."
"Create a useful, information-rich site, and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Using Statistics When You Start an E-Marketing Web Campaign.
In this market you have a choice...stay stagnant or do something, for it's better than nothing. If business is great (and you anticipate it continuing) do the former and count your money all the way to the bank! If you are not satisfied with your business, then I suggest you do the later.
Before you start any E-Marketing campaign you need to set a goal. As you proceed with your tactics, you need measuring sticks to determine your progress. Does something you do cause a reaction or not? How do you know?
Measuring sticks include sales of products and services, as well as sales trends and comparisons. Log on line sales as well as local sales (if applicable). As for your Website and blogs...unique visitor hits, Web pages browsed, exit pages, etc.
You should log telephone inquiries, emails, etc. Try to differentiate between local advertising, referrals, as well as Web based sources.
Note when you try something different to see if there is a significant change in any of the patterns. Some are sort term, while others are long term. When you find a key that brings results, hit on it hard!!!!
But you must try and experiment, analyze and improve, then try some more. These are the Web challenges facing us today in the competitive markets. But these techniques work for us, and they can work for you!
Before you start any E-Marketing campaign you need to set a goal. As you proceed with your tactics, you need measuring sticks to determine your progress. Does something you do cause a reaction or not? How do you know?
Measuring sticks include sales of products and services, as well as sales trends and comparisons. Log on line sales as well as local sales (if applicable). As for your Website and blogs...unique visitor hits, Web pages browsed, exit pages, etc.
You should log telephone inquiries, emails, etc. Try to differentiate between local advertising, referrals, as well as Web based sources.
Note when you try something different to see if there is a significant change in any of the patterns. Some are sort term, while others are long term. When you find a key that brings results, hit on it hard!!!!
But you must try and experiment, analyze and improve, then try some more. These are the Web challenges facing us today in the competitive markets. But these techniques work for us, and they can work for you!
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