Facebook Groups vs Pages Just for Authors & Business Owners

Ever struggled to try to figure out how to decide if you should create a Facebook Page or a Facebook Group to promote your book or business. Facebook does not make it easy on you to help make this decision.

This Video presentation given by Jane Dueease of MarketMyBizOnline.com in July of 2010 will help you determine what the pro’s and con’s are of each format.

This presentation was created to help some of Jane’s Author clients like USA Today Bestselling Author, Julie Ortolon answer this question once and for all.  As Bestselling Authors, the struggle to have a “private personal life” inside of Facebook is a difficult one.  When your “Personal Profile” gets turned into a mash of Fans, Friends and Family – it’s hard to really “share” your life like Facebook intended.

Unfortunately – there is not an easy answer to this problem. Nor are Author’s the only one affected by this all to common issue. Dr’s, Lawyers, Insurance Agent’s and all walks of folks – struggle with how to balance the sales of “connecting” with clients – but stopping at Friend-ing them & sharing your “off the clock” life.

If you enjoyed the video and want to do more with your Facebook Page

• Check out the Step-by-Step Facebook Video Bootcamp for Only $97
  

Facebook Groups vs Pages for Authors

If you enjoyed the video and want to do more with your Facebook Page

Check out the Step-by-Step Facebook Video Bootcamp for Only $97

Please share your thoughts and feedback on the video, we love questions!

Get your business on the Google Maps & in Google Places

Sometimes I feel like Google is taking over the world. Okay.. so they kind of are. Never is it felt more than with local businesses and the “Google Map” also called “Google Places” by Google.

The confusion over getting your company listed in the right map for the right keywords is endless. And right off I have a few key tips for you:

1) The Google Maps section has NOTHING to do with organic SEO. I will repeat this… being #1 in a keyword (say Austin Dentist) on the Map has NOTHING to do with the “organic search results” (remember organic search results – the stuff that shows up under the map).

2) Google Maps and Google Adwords (Pay Per Click) and Google Organic (the stuff at the bottom of the page) are 3 different departments in Google. They don’t talk. They don’t hang out. They are not friends. So putting an Ad in Google (PPC) or being #1 in Organic (bottom of the page stuff) has zip – zero – nada to do with your ranking on the Map.

3) Folks that do “SEO”  – are not who you want to go to for “Google Maps’. I explain it like this.. would you ask a Chiniese resturant to cook you key lime pie? No. Then don’t go to your SEO person to work on something that really is very different than “organic SEO”. The Google Map, it’s rules, the functionality and more change almost weekly. And – what can be done is different in each location of the US! Frustrating – but one more reason to hire “Specialist’s” for this.

4) Your phone# is the most important thing on your map listing. Just an FYI.

Have you ever typed in your keywords in Google.com only to have this large map of everyone of your competitors pop up? Have you been struggling to figure out what that Map is and how you can get your business listed for your keywords.

This presentation below is designed to “help out”. Everything you need to know about Google Maps.

5 Hot Tips on How to Choose A WordPress Theme for Business

Here are some core things to remember when looking for a WordPress Theme for Business:

1)    WordPress Theme Structure:

Remember when you were looking to buy your first home or rent your first apartment? The agent kept telling you to look past the color scheme and focus on the flow of the home or apartment not the color on the walls? You can paint walls, replace appliances but moving a bathroom is a major renovation and expense.

Ditto goes for the WordPress Theme. Buy one based on what it can do for you out of the box – not what colors they use. You can have a theme’s color’s changed easily – re-building functionality is much much much more expensive. And really if you are changing the functionality of the theme that much – you are better off just looking for another theme.

Classic Example: Below are 3 images of the same theme – what the theme looked like out of the box, and 2 sites that are using the same theme – but with different colors. It is so important to not pass a great theme by because of the colors! Don’t make this mistake!

2)    Ability for your WordPress Theme for Business to Grow with you:

One of the number 1 reasons WordPress is so great – is that you don’t need a webmaster. You can add a page, tab, post or widget and not screw up the rest of the site. So why is it that business owners get a free or cheap theme – that only allows for 5 pages? Ability to grow is key! Yes, the beauty of WordPress is that you can swap themes really easily. However, once you start customizing a theme – all of your changes don’t always move to the next theme – so you have to start fresh.

Classic Example: Your Company does not have a blog right now, and frankly no one has any idea what to say on one. No problem. Choose a theme that will allow you to grow with it and it has a blog tab already to go (a blog tab is where the posts are linked and ready to go out of the box). So when you have something to blog about – the click of a button and you are set to go!  If you choose a theme that does not have a “blog” type button or tab built in… you have to call a webmaster in and pay to set it up. Not a good plan.

Look at each theme based on where it will take you – and what features you like – but might not be ready for right now – that you can “turn-off” for now – and “turn-on” when you are ready.

3)    The WordPress Theme’s Flexibility:

Something that you love today, like a tab called “Services” might need to change in the future. Can you add a sub-tab (also called drop-down) underneath “Services” with a click of the button? Can you change the tab titled “Services” to “Our Best Services” You should be able to do all of this. This is key when you are having a designer “customize” your theme. I have had clients that choose a theme and customize it so much that the flexibility – like adding a new tab – is completely impossible.

Two Areas you need out of the box flexibility on:

• Page Layout: This is where you can have a page be a 2 column page, 3 column page or full width. The best themes will have this as an option you can apply to each page. This should be a built in feature for your theme.
• Navigation: Can you add sub-navigation easily? Sub-Sub-navigation? You never know how your business will grow. It is ideal to have your theme grow with you – and a good theme will have these options built into it.

4)    Active Customer Support Forums:

Theme’s are cheap they range from $50 to $100. So the customer support forum is critical in your review process. An active customer support forum will save you from making mistakes, provide a great place to find web designers that are specialized in the theme and cool tips on simple things you can do to make your theme shine.

Simple signs of a good customer support forum:

• Customer posts are recent: (as in the day you login) and there are replies to the posts on the same day.
• Video Tutorials: most themes should have at least one video tutorial on how to make the basic changes to the theme. Video is a great way to learn – and really key to keep up with all of the theme changes.
• You can search posts: Being able to search existing posts and tutorials is critical – some one may have the answer to your question already up – all you need to do is search. Robust searching is a key component of a good customer support forum.

5)    Is your WordPress Theme for Business being Maintained?

Would you buy a car from a company that closes up shop? Who will keep up with the recall’s – safety issues and changes that might be needed to your car over the years? The same issue and concern applies to WordPress Themes. WordPress is a free content management system that is constantly being updated. Constantly! It is not un-common for WordPress to have 10 – 20 updates in a year (some major – some minor) that means your theme has to keep up. With all of the updates and changes, the chances of your Free theme being able to handle and grow with them is low.

Remember: Part of the beauty of a WordPress site being able to add pages and maintain the site for the most part on your own. So buy a theme that is clearly being supported and maintained by an active paid or volunteer army of webmasters. Most themes run from $50 to $100 and include a lifetime of support and maintenance.

Hot Tip: Be on the lookout for theme’s that web designers specialize in. If you can find 10 – 20 web designers on the theme’s website – that clearly specialize in that theme – this will ensure someone is keeping up with the maintenance and support issues. The more dedicated specialized web designers – the better the support forums and the better buy for your business theme.

Your WordPress Theme for Business Checklist:

1. Functionality?
   • Does it have content where you want it? Can you add features to the side bar?
   • Can you add in new widget where you want them?
2. Can the theme grow with your company?
   • Does it have a blog tab/ page built into the theme?
   • Does it have lots of places to add widgets? Easily?
3. Who supports and maintains the theme?
   • Does it have an active customer support forum? Are customer posts responded to?
   • Can you search their archives?
   • Does it have a robust list of web designers that “specialize” in that theme?
4. Flexibility
   • Does it have a 2-column, 3 column and full width option for pages already built into the template?
   • Does it have drop down navigation options? Sub-navigation options? Sub-sub navigation options? Are they built into the theme?

So You Want To Be on the Google Map: Step# 1

Have you noticed that when you type in a search query for anything in Google, Yahoo or Bing, a Map with little push-pins pop’s up?

In Google – that is the Google Map, or 7-Pack. It’s a pretty powerful place to be.

The Google 7-Pack not only shows up above the “organic” or “natural” search results, but it has a higher click rate than the Google Adwords (Ad’s surrounding it).

Let’s be clear, this Google 7-Pack is only one piece of the puzzle. The actual listing (the data that shows up on the map) comes from your Google Business Listing.

Why does your Google Business Listing Matter? Because it shows up in places outside of just the Map.

Where does it show? The Google Business Listing information shows up all over the web and Google, it show up in the search results pages (in the Google 7-Pack), in the map pages (when getting directions) , in the mobile applications (when texting Google or using a Map system to find your location or phone number) and so much more.

The data that appears in these Maps is from your Google Business Listing.
For Example:

Good news, some of you have been in business for a few years and have had your company information listed in a directory site (Superpages.com, Yellowbook.com, etc) and/ or your company information (Business Name, Address, Phone) was listed in the white pages of the phone book. That is how your information is already pre-populated in your Google Business Listing. Google took this company information from phone books, directory sites and more and created a Google Business Listing in your honor. Congrats!

If you are a new company (under a year) or have never participated in some of these things (like be in the phone book/ white pages) you might not have a listing. No problem – you can get one for Free!

Your Google Business Listing is basically an online business card for your company, however because it is done by Google – it has a lot of marketing power that you need to know about.

The trick is you have to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. You can’t just have it.

Step #1: Check to see if you have a Google Business Listing

1) Go to http://www.google.com
2) Type in the name of your company. We did this for “Two Sisters Moving Company” below.

3) See how the Map appears? With the Business information next to it? They have a Google Business Listing that has been “Claimed” and “Optimized”.

If you do this for your company name, and a map does not appear – then you don’t have a listing and you need to create one.

If you have a Google Business Listing in your Company name – Congrats! Next step is to “Claim” and “Optimize” it.

Next Step – You have to “Claim” and create (if you don’t have a listing already) your Google Business Listing.

This is always my favorite question to Business Owners, “Have you claimed your Google Business Listing?”

The answer is always a “YES” then when I look it up…. the truth is it’s a big “NO”.

Because, let’s face it… Google has not exactly been “pro-active” about this Google Business Listing stuff. And if your company has been in business for a few years, you might have a listing, and might even show up on the Google Map, but you still have not “Claimed” it. Which means it is wide open to someone else “Claiming it” and not giving it back.

Yep, it happens. And FYI – there is not a small biz Google Claims court. Google will just tell you to create another listing. But they won’t remove your illegal listing – so now you have two listings, and the one that is on the Map will not be your new listing – but the illegal listing – confused?

Don’t worry. I get into Step# 2 – Creating & Claiming Your Google Business Listing in next weeks post.

Live Webinar – Feb. 9th, 2010: How To Claim Your Google Business Listing & Optimize it For Your Business

I am hosting a live Webinar on February 9th , 2010 that will teach you how to Create, Claim and Optimize your Google Business Listing. The tips, secrets and tools you need to maximize your listing and get to be #1 are the Google Z-Pack Map are all explained! Sign up today to secure your spot here….

Email Subject Lines: Best Practices

In preparation for an Email Marketing 101 workshop I am developing, the discussion of Email Subject Lines kept popping up.

Why are Email Subject Lines so important?

Fact: They are the #1 factor in why your email gets opened, deleted or worse ignored!

So what is a Business to Do? How can they create great Email Subject Lines that will get their Emails Opened at a great rate? Here are a few secrets, tips and ideas that should help you on your open rate quest.

7 Key Rule ‘s of Thumb to Creating Great Email Subject Lines:

1) Avoid “Killer” Words:

Yes there are some very bad words to use in your subject lines. And no I am not talking “dirty words”, but words that do the same damage – they send your email right to the spam box.

• Free
• Guarantee
• Save
• Spam
• Credit card

According to Mail Chimp, these words are not on the “bad” list, but they will decrease your open rates.

• Help
• Percent off
• Reminder

2) Don’t use this stuff
So now you know what words to not use, now you have to be careful how you use them. Because even if you use the right words, you can capitalize, punctuate or misspell a few things and…. off to the SPAM box!

• Don’t USE ALL CAPITAL LETTERS (they think you are screaming and spam box here you come!)
• $$, &,*, and other symbols
• Excessive punctuation “!!!!” or “?????”

3) Keep it Short and Simple

This is one rule I struggle with, how to keep it short. As a blackberry addict (I am in full blown addiction) I can attest that the short subject line is key – because as mobile email grows – that long subject line gets cut off – and who wants that? However, as with every “rule” for Email marketing, their can be exceptions to this rule. Long subject lines are great if you have a highly targeted audience (which is the master goal) but for that general newsletter list – not ideal.

• Max words to use in a subject line: 50 characters or less (that means count the spaces not just letters)

4) Change it up! Don’t repeat the same Subject Line for Newsletters.

Let’s face it, do you *Really* want to open an email titled “March Newsletter”. Okay, neither did I. So stop doing it (and yes – you know who you are). Give it a subject line that tells what is inside.

• Bad: “Newsletter for March”
• Good: “Secrets to Keeping your Computer Healthy”

5) Grow, Nurture, Love, Feed and Water Reguraly

The true secret to getting great open rates is keeping your list fresh. If you create a interesting, fun, and valuable emails, your open rates will go up. Why, because you will have invested in your readers, so they invest in you by opening each one of your emails. This is where the term “quality over quantity” is so key.

• Question: What would you rather have? List A:  10,000 names with open rates of  12% or List B:  4,200 names with open rates of 35%?
• Answer:   List B: 1,470 opened emails   List A = 1,200 emails

6) Personalization,  Localization and Bears:  Oh My!

Mail Chimp conducted a study that found personalization such as including a recipient’s first name or last name in the Subject Line did not significantly improve open rates. In my experience, this depends! When a client has just purchased something (Thanks for your purchase Jane) or something is wrong (Jane, Your account is on Hold) will make the email open rates soar and create a more personal touch.

Same thing applies for the other finding from Mail Chimp. The study found providing localization, such as including a city name, does help open rates. Is this true for your list? Is your list even reaching outside of your city? If your company is based in Houston- how would putting this in your email Subject Line impact your open rate? This is another one of those rules that really is a “depends”.

7) Ignore the Rules because it depends on the list. So Test.

Yes, after all of these rules it still depends. It depends on your list, the email programs they are using, what is going on with the spam filters, and where the stars are aligned. The true secret to getting your open rates up? Test! Each time you send your newsletter, announcement, etc, split your list and write 2 different Subject Lines. It will amaze you to see what works and what does not. Best of all – you will learn the “rules” for your list. Your list might like it more when their name is used in the Subject line, or it may not. The particulars of your list is dependent on who they are. So you can cultivate a message – style – tone all your own that can drive your open rates wild!

Takeaway:

• You can break just about all of these rules, and still get your emails opened.
• Keep a watch on Spam rules – they differ for each email provider. (So test your emails in several free accounts).
• TEST. TEST. test. (Please test).
• Get to know your list. They will ultimately dictate your open rates. Great content, targeted list and tested subject lines will get your numbers up.

Here are a few articles I found that will give you even more insight and info:

• Mail Chimp: Best Practices in Writing Email Subject Lines
• Cheetah Mail: Email Case Studies
• Interspire: Avoiding the Spam and Other Email Marketing Tips

8 Myths of the Google Business Listing

There are lots of Myths surrounding the Google Business Listing. I am going to cover the top 8 Myths that Business Owners have concerns about.

The Google Business Listing shows up when you are searching for services in your local area. Typically this means you use a location in your search query (Example: “Austin realtors” vs “realtors”). However in certain keywords/insustries/categories Google will “decide” that based on your IP it will by default only show the local results for the term and will show the map as well.

The official term for the map area as shown above is the “Google 7 Pack”. It was once known as the Google 10 Pack, but it seemed that Google did not like the 10 listings (thus the name) so it changed it so only 7 listings are displayed on the map when it appears. By the way, Google does these kinds of changes alot. So if you feel I am not being clear on a few of these myth’s is because Google does not do things in stone. They change. In fact if you are in the San Fernando California area, I can bet Google is showing the Google Map differently (you are in the test bed zone). So test your market to see if Google is doing something different with the Map in your area.

Now, the best way to think of the Google Business Listing (and the Bing, Yahoo, etc.. listings as well) is as though they are an online version of your Business Card.

If you can put a picture on your business card, you can do it on your Google Business Listing. If you can put your phone, email, replicated website (for MLM’s), home address, logo, special discount coupon… then you can put it on your Google Business Listing.

1) Myth: I must have a Website to Have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not have to have a website to have a Google Business Listing. This is great news for the Plumbers, Electricians, etc.. that just don’t have a website (yet). The Google Business Listing acts like your Website in some respects. You can put pictures on your Google Business Listing, coupons, videos and more.

2) Myth: I must have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing

Truth: No, you do not need to have a physical retail location to have a Google Business Listing. You can use a PO Box or even use your home as your address for your Google Business Listing.

Note: Whatever location you use, Google will put a picture of it on your Google Business Listing. So, if you use your home address, the most recent picture of your home will show up. This could be another great reason to keep your yard up or it might be a great reason to invest in a PO Box (or Mailboxes Etc/ UPS store) address for your company.

Officially Google has not shown a bias to a PO vs an “actual” address. However – if you don’t have either – I would suggest investing in a UPS store/ Mailboxes etc type box for your business instead of a PO Box. They are more expensive – but it they look like “real” address vs a PO Box.

3) Myth: I Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing  because I am a Virtual Business (Coach, E-commerce site, Consultant, Author)

Truth: Do you want people to find out about your services using Google? If your answer is yes, then you need to have a Google Business Listing. Remember, your Google Business Listing is like an online Business Card, so if you have a business card, you need a Google Business Listing.

4) Myth: I have to pay Money to get a Google Business Listing.

Truth: It is **FREE** to create or claim your Google Business Listing. Same rules apply to Bing, Yahoo and many other listing sites and directories. The trick with the search engine listings (Google, Yahoo, Bing) is that after you claim them you have to “optimize” your listing so it will show up in the right keywords for your company. So it is kind of a two part process. Click Here to claim your Google Business Listing .

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

5) Myth: I have to have a license by the state, or I have to be a “formal” business (LLC, C-corp, S-corp) to have a Google Business Listing.

Truth: Your Google Business Listing is like a Business Card, if you have enough information or “right” to have a business card then you are all set to create a Google Business Listing. Google does require that you “Verify” your business via a automated phone call or mailing you a post card, but that is where the verification stops. Again, if you want someone to find your business by using Google’s search engine then you need your Google Business Listing.

6) You Don’t Need to Have a Google Business Listing because Google does not use the Map for your industry

Truth: There are 2 reasons the Google Map or (Google 7 Pack) does not show up for your industry or keywords.

# 1: Because there is no one in your category/keywords/industry that has “optimized” their Google Business Listing. Good news is that as soon as you do this, you will be the ONLY one that will show on the map. Note: Their are exceptions to this, what industry/ category/keywords you are optimizing for Google might not support the Google 7 Pack on right now. See more below.

#2: Google does not allow/ support the Google Map or Google 7 Pack on that industry/keyword/category at this time. A classic example of this is SEO or “Search Engine Optimization Companies”. If you search for SEO companies in your local area (Example: Austin, SEO companies) they Google 7 Pack does not show up, even though this is the perfect example of why the Google 7 Pack is so powerful and useful. Why has Google done this for this industry/category/keyword? Well because they can and because Google views anyone doing “Internet Marketing” as kind of “bad”. So they don’t support the map for this category/industry/keyword.

Remember one thing about the Google 7 Pack. Things will change. Google took down all of the phone numbers in the Google 7 Pack one day. They said it was a “bug” and things were back up in a few hours. And the Google 7 Pack used to show 10 listings on the map and now they show 7. Things change, bet on it. So if your industry is not supported today – how do you know it won’t be tomorrow. FYI – Google does not “announce” these kinds of changes, it’s your job to be on the lookout for them. That’s why I take the Boy/Girl Scout approach of just being prepared.

7) My Website is More Important Than My Google Business Listing

Truth: They are both important. However, if you have a very basic website or none at all the Google Business Listing is a great way to begin to market your business online immediately. All you need to “Create” or “Claim” your Business Listing is to have a phone number and mailing address.

The Power behind the Google Business Listing is that it often appears first in Google search results. That means your listing can appear above a company that has spent thousands of dollars on “organic” SEO. And if you Google Business Listing is fully optimized, it could event appear at the top of the Google 7 Pack.

This is key for new businesses and companies that have yet to invest in SEO (search engine optimization) on their site. It is totally possible to spend time and money on your Google Business Listing and appear in the Google 7 Pack above compeitors that have been around longer and have done extensive SEO work on their website.

When my clients ask: Should I get my Google Business Listing Optimized or work on my website. The answer is “both”. However if you have to do one vs. the other – Get your Google Business Listing Optimized first. That way as you work on your website, your company information can still be found.

Author Note: I have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

8 ) I can’t have a Google Business Listing – I am just a Independent Rep or Franchise owner for my Company

Truth: If your company allows you to have a business card, then you should be able to create a Google Business Listing. Remember the Google Business Listing will send traffic to your “official” website. So if you are a MLM (Multi-level-Marketing) company, or an independent representative, or a Franchise owner this will not violate your contract terms (Double check this – but it is pretty much 100% true for most companies).

Example: You are a Mary Kay Representative in Austin Texas. You have an “official” replicated website on MaryKay.com. You create your Local Business Listing, put up information (that is on your business card) about you, why you love Mary Kay, a picture of you and link to your “official” website that is supported by MaryKay. Now – someone searches for “Austin Mary Kay rep” – your Google Business Listing shows up above the organic listings in the Google 7 Pack. The prospect clicks on your listing and goes to your “official” Mary Kay website to purchase.

I hope this dispells some of the Myth’s you have about the Google Business Listing. As you can see I am a big believer in “Claiming” and “Optimizing” your Google Business Listing.

In fact, I  have created a 2-part webinar on how to “Claim” and “Optimize” your Google Business Listing. This webinar will walk you through all of the steps, tricks and tips to getting your Google Business Listing created, looking good and positioned at the top of the map for your industry and area. Click-here  to learn more.

Be on the lookout for more information about the Google Business Listing and why it’s so important for your business. There is so much more to say and learn about this incredible Marketing Opportunity.

Thanks for reading!

Why do you hate your website? Why website marketing matters!

Why do you hate your website? Why Website Marketing Matters

Why do you hate your website? What has it done to you?

You leave it all alone, never updating it, never checking it, just leaving in website land toiling for you 24x7x365. It gives every customer that stops by all that it can, and you never even bother to check in.

Your customers know this. They look at your website. The visit it for information, your phone number, your address, a map to your location. They like your website, it helps them do things they need to do.

And yet you keep ignoring your website, why?

Website marketing matters. And keeping up your website with new content, fresh information and data is all any of your customers want.

Is it time consuming? Yes. Is it ever done? No. It is on-going in a bit of an annoying sort of way. Is my website perfect? Big NOPE! Will yours be? Nope.

What I love is when people put so much time energy and focus on the design and leave about 1 page of actual information. I have copied several clients sites that are 10 and 20 pages big, but when I copy all of the content over, I end up with a 2 page word document, with the same lines of fluff on each page.

“Welcome to company X, we provide the best in class of X, generic description, generic description.”

So what’s a website owner to do?

Step#1: Hire a writer.

I know it’s hard to write and the first thing every client talks about is not having enough time to write the site. So I ask you this. Do you want new customers? Do you have time to eat a sandwich at your desk? If so then you can hire a writer and they can write the site for you. Cost estimate: from $200 to $800 depending on the size of the site and the resources you bring to the table.

Hot Tip: Not sure where to find a good writer one? Go to any local networking group (search meetup.com, if you are in Texas go to yourlocalcity.com, your local chamber or bni.com), take some cards and ask! You might get a client out of it and you will find someone that knows of at least one writer in the area. People always forget the instant power of just asking around at a networking group.

Hot Tip: Keep your writing costs down by pulling books, reports, sales presentations, so much data that your writer will be able to do it all with out doing any research.

Hot Tip: Interview people talking and record them. Don’t you hate it when you are talking to a co-worker or the founder of a company and they explain stuff in a way that just makes everything your company does sound amazing! Or they tell a story about a client that had a major change in their life because of your product or service and it just makes you smile. Get them on the phone! That is right. Go to freeconferencecall.com. Set up an account and call that co-worker, interview them, ask questions, ask for stories from the field, and RECORD the call (for FREE). Give that audio file to your writer and watch the amazing copy come flying in!

Step # 2: Google Analytics.

Sign up for it. (it’s Free) Why? Because if you sign up and connect your website to Google analytics (your webmaster will have to help you with this) you will begin to see how many people actually come to your site. And from there, you will begin to see that even though that site has been around forever, and you have not done a thing to it (except put the info on your biz card) people are going to it.

Hot Tip: Another great way to prove the point that people are going to your site that will convince the data driven boss or partner in your office (Mr. “No one looks at it so why should I spend money on it” John) is to put up a crazy picture on the home page – or an offer for a free car if someone calls in. The calls will come so fast, you will have to give away 100’s of matchbox cars (it is a car). Giving Mr. John the direct data and feedback (and bill for the matchbox cars) that proves the simple point that your website matters.

Step # 3: Make the Mind shift Change

Long gone are the days of fussing over a brochure for weeks, sending it to the printer and it becoming obsolete in a week. Remember the days of the boxes of marketing material just piled in the break room? All wasted after a show or marketing campaign. Your website has replaced all that time, energy and paper and yet it get’s half of the attention and love your sales presentations get. Begin to make the transition from a “static” site to one that can change, ebb and flow with your company as it moves and grows.

Hot Tip: Stop the Madness for Perfection. You website will never be perfect, and that is okay. It is way more important to have the information people need and want than to have it perfect. A word miss spelled is not ideal, but should not stop you from just updating things and letting it go. You would be surprised how many excellent spellers there are out there that will gladly tell you about your spelling mistakes (and once again proving they are reading your site – which is way more important!)

Step # 4: Updated that Content with your Content ManagementSystem (CMS)

If  your site design is already done, all you need is better content. A small firm or individual can easily do this for you. Better still is if your site has a content management system attached, so you can update it yourself. If you don’t have a content management system attached it might be time to do a “proper” update. Make sure your new site has WordPress, a free content management system that is easy for end users to update. If your current site has a system, use what you got and just update!

Hot Tip: Most website “designers” are designers. They are like interior decorators; they like to design a beautiful room not “build and maintain it”. This is often why your original website designer bails on you or is very difficult to get a hold of for the small updating tasks. Expect to have to find someone else to help you maintain your site after the “designer” is done.

Hot Tip: Ask your writer. I have found some writers will gladly help update your site. They usually don’t do graphic work, but that should be okay. Also look for “content managers” they love updating content on sites and will usually be happy to work with small companies that just want some light updating help. Cost estimate for this: $200 – $500 a month or quarter.

The thing to remember is this. In today’s world of texting, IM’ing, Facebook, LinkeIn and Twitter; you can’t keep treating your company website as a red headed step child. Love it, feed it, and give it just a little TLC and you will reap the rewards, I promise.