Let Your Website Do The Work!

Website Traffic Secrets Video Revealed by John Reese

John Reese just revealed his new videos on traffic secrets 2.0 in order to promote his newly updated traffic secrets 2.0.  This video is well worth taking a look even if you're not interested in website traffic secrets, because it has all the great elements of successful video for a product launch.  It's a great learning tool for online entrepreneurs. 

To take a look at the video visit this link: http://www.trafficsecrets.com

I'm always on the look out for helpful tips on how to increase your website traffic.  I think this is one of the biggest issues on my client's minds.  John revealed 10 helpful tips on how to use research and your competition to improve your website traffic.  He certainly left me wanted more information on the actual strategies he employs with this different tactics. 

After watching the first video, I then continued on to the second video where he confirmed what I've been telling my clients "content is king."  The more content you have on your website the better your traffic and if you know seo tactics on how to optimize this content the better. 

One of his tips really resonated with me.  He said you need to approach website content like a television producer.  This really spoke to me, because I used to be a television news producer loved the link between the two.  As a television producer I was always planning, researching, and implementing.  You should be using these techniques when developing content for your website. And remember to increase your traffic you will need to always develop new content for your website or blog. Create your very own swipe file of articles to help with your content creation.  Newsrooms are filled with press releases and articles in order to constantly create new content for their viewers.  Your website visitors are just like television viewers, they are hungry for new content!  So are you feeding them new content?  If you're worried you don't have the time, in my next post I will talk about how to outsource your article writing. Stay tuned.

Jennifer Haubein publishes "SiteNotes" a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works.  Is your website not attracting you clients? Don't miss my Special Report "5 Reasons Your Current Website Just Doesn't Work!" Get your free report at www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

   

Blog Content Ideas To Keep Your Writing Going

When I'm struggling for content for my blog, I go through a list of ideas of different types of content that is great for a business blog.  Here's some of my best suggestions:

1) Comment on a recent news article related to your business

2) Write a review of a recent book you read and make sure to keep it business related.

3) Conduct a poll or post about some poll results you recently found interesting.

4) Get the help on a guest blogger to give your blog some fresh content and you a needed break.

5) Write about the latest problem you solved with your customers.  I bet you're spending a lot of time answering emails (I know I am :)) So why not take those answers to your clients and post them on your blog?

6) Re purpose the articles you write for your newsletter and post them on your blog and other article directories.

I hope these different ideas helped you spark some new content ideas for your business blog. If you have any content ideas that you use for your blog I would love to hear about it?

Jennifer Haubein publishes "SiteNotes" a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works.  Is your website not attracting you clients? Don't miss my Special Report "5 Reasons Your Current Website Just Doesn't Work!" Get your free report at www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

How To Increase Internet Sales On Your Website

Sharing your story will increase your Internet sales dramatically.  I've almost fallen victim to this sales technique a number of times.  I usually hate to read long sales pages, but the other day I was reading one on my blackberry of all places and couldn't put it down.  Why?  It was her story.  It was so compelling I just kept reading and then I was ready to sign up for her program.  I was about to make a decision to purchase an item based on an emotional response to her story.  But then logic, my husband's voice, stepped in and I didn't actually complete the purchase.  But the point is if you share your story and reveal vulnerability you will sell more on your sales pages.  Let your potential customers know you've been there before.

Story telling can be a difficult task to accomplish if you're not used to it.  But try to look at other sales pages for examples and see how they work in their stories.  Remember to be unique to your gift and story and the rest will come.  You can take a look at the most recent sales page I wrote to see how I worked in my story: www.bestbizblogging.com.  Also, I have a friend and client (we're re-working her website now) who has helped several of my clients.  To find out more information about her services visit her website at: http://www.compellingcomm.com/home.shtml or check out another great resource www.redhotcopy.com.

Jennifer Haubein publishes "SiteNotes" a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works.  Is your website not attracting you clients? Don't miss my Special Report "5 Reasons Your Current Website Just Doesn't Work!" Get your free report at www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

5 Ways A Blog Can Help Your Business

A lot of small business owners are jumping on the blogging bandwagon and there is a very good reason for this. A blog is a very effective tool for your small business, if used correctly. You're probably wondering if a blog can really help your business or if it is just another fad. There are several reasons business owners are blogging about their business. Blogging helps not only their bottom line, but also their customer relations. Below are the top 5 ways a blog can help your business:

1. Helps potential customers and the media find you- Search engines love blogs! If you post to your blog with search engines in mind, potential customers and the media will find you and your content rich information much easier. But be aware that just because you set up a blog and post a few times does not mean the search engines will find your blog right away. It does take a little bit of time to grow your business blog. Just keep posting content related to your expertise and the press, clients, and search engines will come.
2. Establishes your role as an expert in the field- A blog is a great tool to set yourself apart from the competition as establishing yourself as the expert in your industry. By sharing your opinions on industry news or topics your customers are interesting will automatically generate public speaking invitations and a general perception of your clients as "the expert". For consultants and coaches being viewed as "the expert" is essential. This allows you to raise your rates and never have to worry about where your next client will come from.
3. Creates a dialogue between you and your customers- A blog is different from a website, because it creates a dialogue between you and your blog visitor. As long as you allow comments on your blog, which I highly suggest you do, your blog sets up a unique dialogue between you and your customers. Wondering if your next product or service will be a success, just look to your blog for the answer. If you're already blogging, but haven't received comments yet try asking questions at the end of your blog posts to get the conversation going.
4. Another format to constantly reach your customers- With spam filtering and junk mail settings, sometimes your emails never make it to your customers. But with a blog and a RSS feed, a geeky term for how your blog is delivered, your customers can receive your blog content automatically. It's best to reach your customers in multiple formats whether it's mail, email, blogging, or public speaking. Blogging just adds another tool to your follow-up methods.
5. Free advertising- Who doesn't want free advertising for their small business? A blog is a great      way to advertise your services and products without spending a dime. But be careful not to hit them over the head with a hard sales message. It's best to just give great content and mention a few of your services or products within the posts.

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money online, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html. 

Check out my new step by step blogging system "Blogging For Business: Attract More Clients and The Attention Of The Press". 

Getting Paid To Post- Will It Work For Your Small Business Blog?

I'm working on a special resource guide for my latest new product I'm launching and I wanted to share some great resources with my readers. Have you wondered how you can make money with your blog? You can actually get paid to write posts! You will get paid to write honest reviews about advertisers products or services. This sounds great, but will it work for your small business blog? This could be risky, but I think as long as you are upfront about your payment and try to focus on products which would be helpful to your readers it might be something to think about. But try not to lose focus on the main purpose of your business blog, to attract more clients not necessarily earn money with your blog. But with the right strategy it might be possible to do both.

Here are the links to a few companies that pay you to post or if you would like to advertise your products it's a great resource as well.

Sponsored Review- http://www.sponsoredreviews.com - Earn cash while writing honest review of products and services.

Pay Per Post – http://www.payperpost.com – Get paid to post.

Why Your Small Business Needs A Blog

On the front cover of one of my favorite magazines "Entrepreneur" was the article headline "Why Your Business Needs A Blog".  I've been designing blogs for several years for my clients and I've noticed the requests have been on the rise.  Why?  Because business blogging is a great tool to attract new clients to your small business.  Blogging is more conversational and interactive than the usual interactions with your potential or current clients.  Blogging content changes frequently so search engines and customers love it!  So have you been thinking about setting up a blog for your small business?  Or if you're blogging already how's it going?

This link isn't the exact article I saw, but I thought it had some great tips!

http://www.entrepreneur.com/technology/techtrendscolumnistpeteralexander/article175236.html

Simple Steps To Get Your Website Off Your To Do List And Online

One of the biggest struggles my one on one clients face is how to get my team all of the website copy, images, and other items we need to complete the project. But how can you pull together a website when you're running your business and working with clients every day. There is hope! But since you're not a superhero, it will take some planning. Here are some of the steps I take when launching either my website or one of my client's websites.

1.  Create a website organizer- Create a checklist of all of the tasks you need to complete for each page of your website. If you're not sure what pages will be included on your website start by developing a simple sitemap outlining your website navigation. Then use this sitemap to develop your checklist. Make sure to include any hidden pages like thank you pages. It's helpful to set a deadline for each task so then you are not overwhelmed by tasks.

2.  Set aside a business development day only- I usually reserve Fridays or a day on the weekends for a business development day. During this time I only work on business development items such as writing, additions to my website, or marketing. If you are focused on completing a website, set aside one day for this task only. Otherwise, it will always get pushed to the back burner. If you feel guilty about putting off work for clients or not working on any billable time, think about how your website will sell your services and products for you automatically.

3.  Create a deadline- Even if you have no actual deadline for your website, go ahead and create one. This way you will be motivated to complete your copy and other items required for the website. Make sure this deadline is a realistic deadline though otherwise you will never stick to it. Create reminders in your calendar according to this set deadline.

4.  Work with a virtual assistant- If you already have a virtual assistant; get her help with your website tasks. Have your assistant remind you of set deadlines, proofread your copy, find clip art, organize photos, and any other tasks you need help with. If you're just getting started and don't have an assistant enlist your spouse, friend, or family member's help. If you would like to hire a virtual assistant there are several companies to start with if you Google "virtual assistant". I found my first assistant from a referral so ask other small business owners for their resources.

5.  Talk through your website- If writing is not your expertise; try talking through your website. Use a free teleseminar service and then record the phone call of you talking about your business. After you have recorded the information have the phone call transcribed and then proofread to transform it into copy for your website.

There are a lot of steps which go into putting your business online. Try not to get overwhelmed and take it one step at a time. Soon you will have a brand new website which will work for you 24/7.

I walk each of my clients through this custom organizing process in order to get their websites online fast. So if you need some help getting started call 713-429-1854 to schedule a "get to know you phone call" to see how I can help you speed the process along.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jennifer Haubein publishes "SiteNotes" a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you're ready to start making more money online, get your FREE tips now at www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money online, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

Shopping Cart Secrets Revealed!

If you use 1ShoppingCart or its private label partners such as Kickstartcart, Autowebbusiness, Cartville, and many others you won’t want miss my upcoming event. 

Shopping Cart Secrets Revealed! Webinar Wednesday May 7^th at 8:00 EST/7:00 CST/5:00 PST.

This is not a technie webinar, in this training session I will answer any questions you may have about 1ShoppingCart. I will take you through the on line sales process and show you step by step how to get started selling your products or services on line.

Here are some of the topics I’ll cover on this webinar:

• Learn how to easily track your advertising 
• Set up an affiliate program for your business 
• Discover what an autoresponder is and how you can set one up 
• Customize your order form to increase your conversion rate 
• How to schedule your newsletter when you are going to be out of town

Click here to find out more information and register now!

How To Easily Add Some Personality To Your Website

The integration of audio/visual elements into your website will easily capture your website visitor's attention. Animating your website is not as difficult as you might think. What about adding an animated character? Animated characters not only add some personality to your website, but also help you increase your bottom line.

Easily answer your visitor's questions- With my animated character's FAQ feature you can easily answer your customer's questions about your products or services. Your animated character will speak the answer to their questions. This is much better than a non-interactive FAQ page. When potential customers are determining whether to purchase an item or service, they have several questions. Let your animated character be your virtual salesclerk and answer all their questions with a virtual smile.

Increase your newsletter sign-ups- If you have a newsletter sign-up box on your website adding an animated character will most likely double your newsletter sign-ups. The animated character can direct your website visitors to the desired action, signing up for your newsletter. In a recent 2007 case study by Small Business Trends, their newsletter signups more than doubled and they saw 144% increase in conversion rate.

Establish a bond with your first time website visitors- To your first time website visitors you are a stranger. An animated character designed like you and using your voice creates an instant bond with your website visitors. We buy from those we know, like, and trust. So the more you reveal yourself on your website the better. Some small business owners make the mistake of looking like a big company instead of revealing themselves. Big companies spend millions of dollars on spokespeople. But you already have a great spokesperson, you!

Better than a static picture- It's great to have your picture on the website, but in addition to your picture add a little animation. An animated character interacts with your website visitors and adds a level a static picture cannot provide.

Increase time spent on website- Most website visitors spend about 3-5 seconds on a website. That's it 3-5 seconds! But by adding an animated character to your website you can help increase the amount of time your website visitors spend on your site. The more time they spend on your website the better.

Direct visitors through your website- An animated character can help direct your website visitors through your site. Pointing them to pages they should visit or actions they should take. An animated character is like a virtual tour guide, helping people through the different pages of your website.

If you would like to see an example of an animated character in action you can check out my website at www.bestbizwebsitesolutions.com. Also, if you would like to get started with an animated character of your own, click here to sign-up for our free 15 day trial.

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money on-line, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

What To Write About On Your Business Blog

It's good to be personal with your customers and potential customers, but remember a business blog is not a personal blog.  Keep in mind you're trying to get the attention of search engines in the area of your expertise.  If you are writing about your family vacations and other personal subjects, your potential customers are never going to find your blog. 

Here are some great topics to write about on your blog:

1) Recent case studies in your area of expertise

2) Re-purpose your newsletter articles and publish them on your blog

3) Recent client testimonials

4) Trends in your industry

5) How to tips

The list goes on and on, but remember to keep your target market in mind when writing to your blog.  They'll appreciate it. 

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money on-line, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.