Give Your Website A Chance – Web
Give Your Website A Chance
Elizabeth McGee
I often wonder how serious people are when it comes to their websites. I thought that most everyone knew that the phrase "Build it and they will come" no longer applies on the internet but Im not sure how many people really believe it.
I look at sites everyday as part of my sales strategy and I cant tell you how many of them violate the obvious elements of good website design and submission.
What even amazes me more is that they cant figure out why they dont get sales or visitors.
Do yourself a favor and attempt to apply the following tactics to your site. They wont cost you a thing except a little time and effort to apply them.
** About Page **
Always include an about page on your site. Dont be afraid to tell your story and let people know who you are and how you arrived where you are.
Opening yourself up and letting people know who you are adds an element of trust. It exposes your personality, capabilities and knowledge. All factors that let your readers know you are genuine.
** Include all your contact information **
Let your visitors know that you are available. Encourage questions, email and phone calls. Include your name, address and phone number. If you can, its also helpful to place a photo on your site. Familiarity is key and it can add one more link in the ladder of trust.
** Headlines **
Create compelling headlines. Peak the interest of your readers. This is your chance to grab their attention and incite them to read on.
Dont be flashy or obnoxious. Simply tell it like it is. Capture their attention with descriptive, informative words. Get your readers involved in your information. Ask questions. Make them think.
You might be surprised to learn that just one compelling headline can bring instant sales almost overnight.
**Create your meta tags **
This is the first place I look when people tell me they arent getting visitors. I often see sites that have no title or description tag or the tags dont follow the suggested guidelines for proper setup.
Heres an example of how the tags might look for a site that sells hummingbird feeders:
Hummingbird Feeders: Shop For Hummingbird Feeders Online
You will need to do this for each page of your site. Each page needs to have its own set of tags. I also recommend focusing on one keyword per page, two at the very most. Too many keywords can confuse what your page is about.
Always make sure that your keywords are scattered throughout your text as well, however dont sacrifice good content for nonsense. Your text should be easy to read and should not sound redundant. Make your pages at least 250 words.
** Testimonials**
Solicit feedback from buyers youve had. Ask them to write a small testimonial that you can place on your site. This goes a long way to help convince your visitor that your products and services are sound.
** Linking **
Reciprocal linking is a common and effective tactic for obtaining search engine status and page rank but its also the most time consuming. It requires making contacts, following up with contacts and updating your website.
While reciprocal linking is an excellent way of establishing page rank its not the only way. Page rank can also be established by submitting your site to directories, writing articles and setting up blogs.
Dont underestimate the power of website links. Take the extra few hours a day and get your site noticed.
** Offer Guarantees *
Always offer your products with a guarantee. This is often the extra boost a buyer needs to make the purchase.
A good site will offer 100%, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantees. People rarely take advantage of such guarantees but its this statement that may tip the scales in your favor.
** Submit Your Site **
Last, but not least, dont neglect to submit your site to the search engines. Many of them are no longer free but the fees are nominal and worth the expense. Google still offers a free submit and its easy, simply type in your URL address, however make sure your meta tags include a title and description tag first.
For the free search engines I dont recommend using automated submissions. Submit them yourself taking care to compose accurate titles descriptions and keywords.
About The Author
Elizabeth McGee has spent 20 years in the service and support industry. She has moved her expertise to the world wide web helping businesses find trusted tools, enhance customer service, build confidence and increase sales. You can visit Elizabeths sites at:
http://www.pro-marketing-online.com
http://www.homenotion.com
Your Business Deserves a Second Chance! – Marketing
Your Business Deserves a Second Chance!
A l Hanzal
When you started your business, you dreamed your customers would love your products and services. They would be excited. You would make money doing what you love.
Then reality set in. You put lots of time in your business. You got fewer profits. Now you compete with every Tom, Dick and Harry to sell your product or service. The future is not secure.
Today, you get a second chance to change your business picture. A fresh start! In this article, you will focus on the second of five critical issues that influence how customers come to your business. Last issue we focused on your target population. This time, you can complete an exercise to clarify your marketing message.
The Need to be Different
The only way to be successful in our new economy is to be different, be unique and special to your market. When you separate yourself from your competitors, you can get back to the original dreams you had about owning your business. Over 3000 impressions bombard your customer every day, asking them to buy. How are you going to make yourself different from the 2999 impressions that he or she ignores each day
Stake Out a Position
Complete this exercise to carve a position for your business and to clarify your marketing message. Start by answering the following questions:
What are the three biggest problems your customer want solved when they come to your business
What are three gaps or complaints customers have about your industry
What positions do your competitors take in addressing customer problems
What three things could you do that are different from what others are doing in your industry
You create a marketing position by staking out one piece of your target market. It could be a place where no competitor goes. It could be a place where others are now but you can do it different or better. Here are some other ways to carve out your position.
Can you add or subtract something from your industry standards
Can you make it bigger or smaller
Can you customize
Can you make it last longer
Can you combine it with something else
Can you make it more portable for your customers
For example, your industry standard offers a one year guarantee on a product. You could offer an 18 month guarantee. You could be known as
The Chance To Travel Mexico And Stay At Some Beautiful Mexican Resorts – Travel
The Chance To Travel Mexico And Stay At Some Beautiful Mexican Resorts
Mike Yeager
Cancun vacations offer white sandy beaches, warm tropical sun and beautiful blue water. Some of the finest Mexico resorts can be found in Cancun. One of the great things about deciding to travel Mexico is the short time it takes to get there. Only a couple of hours flying time and you can be staying at one of many Mexico resorts offering you the chance to relax, tan and even travel Mexico.
When you decide to travel Mexico youll find that even though youre in a foreign country, there are many familiar U.S. hotels and restaurants. Beautiful Mexico resorts, beautiful beaches and people are all waiting for you.
The very best in lush Mexico resorts are on the internet, so you can travel Mexico in style.
When you decide to travel Mexico here are some of the things to consider doing: snorkeling in warm, blue water in the afternoon. Renting some jet-skis and feeling the spray of the surf splash your face as you frolic like a kid with a new toy. Have you ever felt the thrill of being lifted into the air under a big, billowy parasail What an experience! Imagine the breathtaking view you would have as you floated above the sun, the sand and surf with the warm tropical breeze blowing through your hair. All this and more is yours when you choose to "get away from it all" and travel Mexico
Remember, the dollar is very strong in Mexico and your travel money will go a long ways towards your vacation expenses.
About The Author
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-travel-4u.com/
mjy610@hotmail.com