Great Info here...
Social Media Advice for Small Business
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Reputation Management Basics for Local Businesses
This grows more critical day by day, ignore at your own peril...
Reputation Management Basics for Local Businesses
Reputation Management Basics for Local Businesses
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Free Book: Think and Grow Rich
Classic book you can have delivered for just S&H...
Free Book: Think and Grow Rich
Free Book: Think and Grow Rich
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
5 Considerations In Planning Your Small Business 2012 Ad Budget
This timely article provides a recap by Stephanie Hobbs, V.P. Communications at Local Search Association, of what speakers and panelists shared at the BIA/Kelsey DMS ’11 conference in Denver. The 5 key take-aways are:
· Small Businesses Increasingly Invest Advertising Dollars Online
· Small Businesses Are Juggling Marketing Tools
· Once Websites Are Covered, Mobile-Friendly Sites Are Next
· Daily Deals Are Hot, Customer Retention & Deal Fatigue Are Issues
· Use Specific Criteria When Choosing Local Ad Partners
5 Considerations In Planning Your Small Business 2012 Ad Budget
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
68 Expert Tips to Create a Website That Builds Your Business | Flyte New Media
Great Article Here from Flyte Media
Make a hard copy and post and re-post online
68 Expert Tips to Create a Website That Builds Your Business | Flyte New Media:
Make a hard copy and post and re-post online
68 Expert Tips to Create a Website That Builds Your Business | Flyte New Media:
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Sometimes Simplicity Saves the Day - Website Magazine - Website Magazine
Great Quote from Steve Jobs
“That’s been one of my mantras,” he once said. “Focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
more here...
Sometimes Simplicity Saves the Day - Website Magazine - Website Magazine
“That’s been one of my mantras,” he once said. “Focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex. You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it’s worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains.”
more here...
Sometimes Simplicity Saves the Day - Website Magazine - Website Magazine
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Friday, September 2, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
MediaPost Publications Internet Yellow Pages Thrives on Reputation 07/26/2011
Local Search: convenience, trust, and brand are all important in attracting the search... local search providers that offer all three attributes to the consumer will be in a good position to deliver to the advertiser
MediaPost Publications Internet Yellow Pages Thrives on Reputation 07/26/2011
MediaPost Publications Internet Yellow Pages Thrives on Reputation 07/26/2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Understanding the 98 Google Local Ranking Factors - Search Engine Watch (#SEW)
Local SEM and SEO is often overlooked, but for most local businesses it is CRUCIAL...The top ten on this list will go a loong way... give me a call for help
Understanding the 98 Google Local Ranking Factors - Search Engine Watch (#SEW)
Understanding the 98 Google Local Ranking Factors - Search Engine Watch (#SEW)
Monday, July 18, 2011
Can Talking too Much Lose The Sale?
From master writer Bob Bly...
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Can-talking-too-much-lose-you-the-sale-.html?soid=1101951192611&aid=217qHQGmIrc
Sales, marketing, cocktail parties..... listen 80% of the time and talk 20%
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Can-talking-too-much-lose-you-the-sale-.html?soid=1101951192611&aid=217qHQGmIrc
Sales, marketing, cocktail parties..... listen 80% of the time and talk 20%
Friday, July 15, 2011
Why QR Codes Matter Now | ClickZ
Why QR Codes Matter Now ClickZ
Any why some "traditional" (read declining) media options may see a re-birth
Any why some "traditional" (read declining) media options may see a re-birth
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Proven Ways To Use Content To Attract Links
Great Article
No matter the latest "trick" for search engines or otherwise, if you want to optimize your cash flow and profits, it always comes back to providing useful, authentic content
Proven Ways To Use Content To Attract Links
No matter the latest "trick" for search engines or otherwise, if you want to optimize your cash flow and profits, it always comes back to providing useful, authentic content
Proven Ways To Use Content To Attract Links
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tips For Creating Powerful Headlines That Sell
Tips For Creating Powerful Headlines That Sell
You have mere seconds to capture a prospect’s attention. One of the single most powerful tools you have to accomplish this task is your headline. There are several keys to a compelling, and selling, headline and a few tips to help you get the job done.
#1 Tap into Your Prospects’ Emotions
According to psychologists our buying decisions are based first and foremost on our emotions. Use headlines which offer your readers a strong emotional benefit or reaction. Some possible emotions are:
For example, The 20-Minute Step that Will Make You a Business Genius taps into readers’ desires to feel smart and powerful.
Other emotions you can tap into are a desire to feel:
1. Attractive
2. Sexy
3. Assertive
4. Confident
5. Energetic
6. Pampered
7. A sense of belonging
8. In control of their own destiny
9. Wealthy
10. Proud
11. Respected
12. Safe
#2 Make it Active
To compel it’s important to use active language - language that shows movement and commands attention.
For example, “Stop Your Sugar Cravings Today With This Simple Step,” is a fine headline however it doesn’t command action nor does it really tap into any emotions. However, “Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step.” Conquer is an active and emotionally powerful word. Readers receive the benefit of feeling powerful and in control and it commands action.
#3 Let Your Reader Know They’re Important
The word YOU is a very powerful word. It let’s your reader’s feel as if you’re talking to them specifically and interested in solving their problems, issues and helping them achieve their desires. Instead of using I, Me or We in your headlines, use You. Using the headline example above compare the two options
“Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step.
“Conquer Sugar Cravings with Our System”
People want to know what’s in it for them and when they can assess that information in the headline, they’re going to be compelled to continue reading your copy and making a purchase.
Here are three more ideas for powerful headlines:
* Make a promise - Earn $1000 a day
* Make it newsworthy - New program guarantees you’ll earn $1000 a day.
* Ask a question – Do you want to ensure your financial future?
Three Simple Steps to Write Headlines That Sell
So now you have some ideas about what types of headlines sell, how do you begin to write those powerful headlines?
Step One – Get to know your audience intimately. What are their hopes, dreams, desires, and problems? Understanding your audience will help you create an emotional and powerful headline directed specifically at your audience.
Step Two – Determine how your products or services are going to make your prospects’ lives better or solve their problems. For example if you sell fitness equipment and your audience struggles with feeling attractive then you can create a headline that highlights a specific benefit your fitness equipment offers to solve that problem.
Step Three – Write ten to twenty, yes twenty, possible headlines. Not only will this give you practice writing compelling headlines, it’ll help you hone in on that perfect headline. And if you think you have a few winners you can always test them for conversion rates to find out which headline is more effective.
Marketing and copywriting experts consider your headline to be the most import element of any effective marketing piece. Take the time to craft a compelling, and selling, headline and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.
You have mere seconds to capture a prospect’s attention. One of the single most powerful tools you have to accomplish this task is your headline. There are several keys to a compelling, and selling, headline and a few tips to help you get the job done.
#1 Tap into Your Prospects’ Emotions
According to psychologists our buying decisions are based first and foremost on our emotions. Use headlines which offer your readers a strong emotional benefit or reaction. Some possible emotions are:
For example, The 20-Minute Step that Will Make You a Business Genius taps into readers’ desires to feel smart and powerful.
Other emotions you can tap into are a desire to feel:
1. Attractive
2. Sexy
3. Assertive
4. Confident
5. Energetic
6. Pampered
7. A sense of belonging
8. In control of their own destiny
9. Wealthy
10. Proud
11. Respected
12. Safe
#2 Make it Active
To compel it’s important to use active language - language that shows movement and commands attention.
For example, “Stop Your Sugar Cravings Today With This Simple Step,” is a fine headline however it doesn’t command action nor does it really tap into any emotions. However, “Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step.” Conquer is an active and emotionally powerful word. Readers receive the benefit of feeling powerful and in control and it commands action.
#3 Let Your Reader Know They’re Important
The word YOU is a very powerful word. It let’s your reader’s feel as if you’re talking to them specifically and interested in solving their problems, issues and helping them achieve their desires. Instead of using I, Me or We in your headlines, use You. Using the headline example above compare the two options
“Conquer Your Sugar Cravings With This Simple Step.
“Conquer Sugar Cravings with Our System”
People want to know what’s in it for them and when they can assess that information in the headline, they’re going to be compelled to continue reading your copy and making a purchase.
Here are three more ideas for powerful headlines:
* Make a promise - Earn $1000 a day
* Make it newsworthy - New program guarantees you’ll earn $1000 a day.
* Ask a question – Do you want to ensure your financial future?
Three Simple Steps to Write Headlines That Sell
So now you have some ideas about what types of headlines sell, how do you begin to write those powerful headlines?
Step One – Get to know your audience intimately. What are their hopes, dreams, desires, and problems? Understanding your audience will help you create an emotional and powerful headline directed specifically at your audience.
Step Two – Determine how your products or services are going to make your prospects’ lives better or solve their problems. For example if you sell fitness equipment and your audience struggles with feeling attractive then you can create a headline that highlights a specific benefit your fitness equipment offers to solve that problem.
Step Three – Write ten to twenty, yes twenty, possible headlines. Not only will this give you practice writing compelling headlines, it’ll help you hone in on that perfect headline. And if you think you have a few winners you can always test them for conversion rates to find out which headline is more effective.
Marketing and copywriting experts consider your headline to be the most import element of any effective marketing piece. Take the time to craft a compelling, and selling, headline and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come.
10 Reasons to Start a Business Now | LegalZoom
Now IS the time! Great Article from LegalZoom
Take one step today
10 Reasons to Start a Business Now | LegalZoom
Take one step today
10 Reasons to Start a Business Now | LegalZoom
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
How To Make A Great First Impression With Ad Copy + Landing Pages
Of course everything old is new again... copy sells
How To Make A Great First Impression With Ad Copy + Landing Pages
- Differentiation of the business, the how and why
- Promotion of a product or offer or a way of doing business
- Location and hours of the business or service
How To Make A Great First Impression With Ad Copy + Landing Pages
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
9 Ways To Start A New Local Business Using Facebook, Twitter, Groupon And Google*
Great Info here...
9 Ways To Start A New Local Business Using Facebook, Twitter, Groupon And Google*: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
9 Ways To Start A New Local Business Using Facebook, Twitter, Groupon And Google*: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, February 20, 2011
5 Powerful Mind Success Strategies
5 Powerful Mind Success Strategies
Building a business is a fantastic and challenging experience. You can wake up exhilarated to begin your day and go to bed feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. The key to success is to maintain a positive, yes you can do it, mindset.
Easier said than done, right? Here are 5 keys to help you create and sustain a positive mindset so you attain the success you desire.
1. Surround yourself with successful and positive people. The influence people have over our own personal energy is amazing. Moods and attitudes are so easily spread – think about how much of a difference a simple smile from a stranger can make for your day and then magnify it 1000 times to demonstrate the power of positive and successful friends, family and associates. When you have people around you who inspire you, believe in you and want you to succeed, there's no room for doubts and even when they creep up, they're quickly swept away.
2. Create a mantra or an affirmation. Repeating positive affirmations has been shown to get people through tough times and to actually help them truly believe what they're saying.
For example, "I am building a powerful and profitable business." Many of the most esteemed business professionals have used the same affirmation strategy to attain their success. To find the right affirmations for you, consider writing a quick list of your doubts, insecurities and complaints. These can then be quickly turned into affirmations.
For example, if you write that you're always feeling disorganized then your affirmation would be, "I am organized and in control." Repeat your affirmations several times a day and feel the power of positive thinking.
3. Capture negative thoughts. We all have negative thoughts from time to time, however, negative thoughts and emotions can derail us and prevent us from achieving all we desire. Of course catching those negative thoughts takes practice and persistence. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or having negative emotions, find a trigger to turn them around. The affirmations mentioned above are a great way to turn the negative into the positive. You can also find quick pick me ups like a favorite song, a walk outside in the fresh air, or some exercise to help improve your mood.
4. Set goals/intentions and then be willing to let it go. The law of attraction says that we attract what we focus on the most. However, desperation, needing your business to be a success, sends mixed messages and a lot of negativity into the universe. Set your goals and intentions and then let them go. A certain amount of faith in yourself and in the power of attraction is necessary. Give it a try.
5. Be grateful. Gratitude is perhaps the single most powerful and positive tool for success. When you're grateful for all of the wonderful things and people in your life the challenges you face seem significantly less important and are more easily dealt with.
Consider keeping a gratitude journal and make a practice of entering into it daily. That way, when you're facing challenges a quick peek at all the amazing things in your life will make you feel as if you can tackle anything. Additionally, an attitude of gratitude helps you maintain a positive perspective and to face challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Success is within your reach and with the right attitude you can accomplish anything you set your sights on. Embrace these five powerful mind success strategies and you'll build a better business and live a happier, more satisfying life.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
How Are You Different? : Paul Kiewiet : Promo Marketing
Interesting points, good exercise...
How Are You Different? : Paul Kiewiet : Promo Marketing: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
How Are You Different? : Paul Kiewiet : Promo Marketing: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
How To Claim Your Local Google Listing
Great Video.. give me a call if I can help
How To Claim Your Local Google Listing: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
How To Claim Your Local Google Listing: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Findability, SEO, And The Searcher Experience
... How the process does not end with just being found, what goes in to being chosen
Reliability, Credibility, Convenience, Special features and services, your current branding and market share...
Findability, SEO, And The Searcher Experience: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Reliability, Credibility, Convenience, Special features and services, your current branding and market share...
Findability, SEO, And The Searcher Experience: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Integrating Creative and directional Media, step one?
Both Creative and Directional advertising are important to the successful marketing and sales effort of any business or organization. Generally, with creative (TV, Radio,Newspaper, Billboard) you are "creating" the need by selling yourself. You need to have a strong, compelling, time-sensitive offer, and persuade customers to buy now rather than later or not at all. With directional (Search Engine Marketing,Internet Yellow Pages, print and online directories, Pay-per-click, Pay-per-action, direct response) you are "directing" an existing need by helping customers buy. You need to be found, then chosen.
I am firmly convinced that step one to any successful marketing platform is a strong directional advertising foundation. Before you need to worry about persuading or enticing a prospect to buy, you absolutely need to be able to allow prospects who are ready to buy right now...buy from you now. You need to be found, then chosen. You get found by where you are, you get chosen by what you say. The great part is that the very info you use to describe yourself (your uniqueness, what you do, how you do it and even why you do it) will automatically direct prospects who value and appreciate your approach, who "get you" to respond. It will probably also screen out those who don't think like you, but that's OK. You don't need everyone. The prospects who respond because they appreciate what you do and how you do it will spend more money, more often and be more enjoyable to work with over their lifetime value as a customer. They will also become more then just referral points, they will be advocates for you and your business.
Once you have that rock-solid foundation of directing ready-to-buy customers, THEN any creative advertising will be more efficient because the prospects whom you can't incentivize to act now, will hopefully at least, now have your name in their brain. When they have a need, your directional advertising can help convert them into customers
Here's a list I found regarding creative advertising and the number of times and advertisement is seen by a prospect:
1. The first time a man looks at an advertisement, he does not see it.
2. The second time, he does not notice it.
3. The third time, he is conscious of its existence.
4. The fourth time, he faintly remembers having seen it before.
5. The fifth time, he reads it.
6. The sixth time, he turns up his nose at it.
7. The seventh time, he reads it through and says, “Oh brother!”
8. The eighth time, he says, “Here’s that confounded thing again!”
9. The ninth time, he wonders if it amounts to anything.
10. The tenth time, he asks his neighbor if he has tried it.
11. The eleventh time, he wonders how the advertiser makes it pay.
12. The twelfth time, he thinks it must be a good thing.
13. The thirteenth time, he thinks perhaps it might be worth something.
14. The fourteenth time, he remembers wanting such a thing a long time.
15. The fifteenth time, he is tantalized because he cannot afford to buy it.
16. The sixteenth time, he thinks he will buy it some day.
17. The seventeenth time, he makes a memorandum to buy it.
18. The eighteenth time, he swears at his poverty.
19. The nineteenth time, he counts his money carefully.
20. The twentieth time he sees the ad, he buys what it is offering.
Thomas Smith, London, l885
Yes, from 1885! Creative works and can work BIG, especially with a good directional foundation
I am firmly convinced that step one to any successful marketing platform is a strong directional advertising foundation. Before you need to worry about persuading or enticing a prospect to buy, you absolutely need to be able to allow prospects who are ready to buy right now...buy from you now. You need to be found, then chosen. You get found by where you are, you get chosen by what you say. The great part is that the very info you use to describe yourself (your uniqueness, what you do, how you do it and even why you do it) will automatically direct prospects who value and appreciate your approach, who "get you" to respond. It will probably also screen out those who don't think like you, but that's OK. You don't need everyone. The prospects who respond because they appreciate what you do and how you do it will spend more money, more often and be more enjoyable to work with over their lifetime value as a customer. They will also become more then just referral points, they will be advocates for you and your business.
Once you have that rock-solid foundation of directing ready-to-buy customers, THEN any creative advertising will be more efficient because the prospects whom you can't incentivize to act now, will hopefully at least, now have your name in their brain. When they have a need, your directional advertising can help convert them into customers
Here's a list I found regarding creative advertising and the number of times and advertisement is seen by a prospect:
1. The first time a man looks at an advertisement, he does not see it.
2. The second time, he does not notice it.
3. The third time, he is conscious of its existence.
4. The fourth time, he faintly remembers having seen it before.
5. The fifth time, he reads it.
6. The sixth time, he turns up his nose at it.
7. The seventh time, he reads it through and says, “Oh brother!”
8. The eighth time, he says, “Here’s that confounded thing again!”
9. The ninth time, he wonders if it amounts to anything.
10. The tenth time, he asks his neighbor if he has tried it.
11. The eleventh time, he wonders how the advertiser makes it pay.
12. The twelfth time, he thinks it must be a good thing.
13. The thirteenth time, he thinks perhaps it might be worth something.
14. The fourteenth time, he remembers wanting such a thing a long time.
15. The fifteenth time, he is tantalized because he cannot afford to buy it.
16. The sixteenth time, he thinks he will buy it some day.
17. The seventeenth time, he makes a memorandum to buy it.
18. The eighteenth time, he swears at his poverty.
19. The nineteenth time, he counts his money carefully.
20. The twentieth time he sees the ad, he buys what it is offering.
Thomas Smith, London, l885
Yes, from 1885! Creative works and can work BIG, especially with a good directional foundation
Friday, January 7, 2011
DYR Design Your Recognition Demo Video
DYR Design Your Recognition Demo Video: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
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