Tag Archive for small business

05 Apr 2012
business tips • small business

Crowdfunding – Heard of It?


One of my favourite recording artists is Charlene Kaye – I love her sound and her music.  Last year she began a project to record a new album.  She needed $20,000 to do it, and as an Indie artist she did it the Indie way.  She used crowdfunding.  She raised $32,000 and created her new album!

Success!

Thursday, April 5th, Obama is set to sign the Jobs Bill which includes “crowdfunding“.  This has been around for quite a while but it’s now going more mainstream on the Internet.  There are multiple companies doing it and I’m sure there will be more who will join them.

1) Kickstarter

2) Rock The Post

3) EquityNet (the only patented equity crowdfunding platform)

4) Profounder

5) Startup Addict

6) RockTheHub

The idea is quite simple, crowdfunding allows anyone to contribute / invest.  Crowdfunding …”helps ordinary Americans bypass big banks, investment brokerages and large investors…”  “Crowdfunding is a way of financing a business venture without a financial intermediary or a stock exchange.”

Take a look at the websites above and you’ll see.  In my humble opinion, it’s going to be a major bonus for entrepreneurs across the country!


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15 Feb 2012
article writing • internet marketing • seo • small business

Simple Effective Internet Marketing Strategy


Okay, I know, it’s been a LONG time since I’ve written.  What can I say?  Life gets in the way of work sometimes.

So, to make up for my long absence I’m going to share with you a valuable tool (method really) on how to market your website.  It’s a bit anal, so please bear with me.

Step One: Choose Your Keyword

You’ve all heard me say it a billion times, it’s all about the keywords.  Internet marketing is, after all, keyword driven.  People type in keywords and the search engine machines do their best to choose the right websites to show the people.  So, the game then is to pick the keyword phrase(s) that people are typing in.

That being said, there are many tools out there that claim to do this an frankly, in my 12 years of doing SEO I haven’t really found any tool that does what it says it does.  So, take all these tools with a grain of salt.

AND, with THAT being said, I will say that the tool that I tend to use the most is Google Keywords Tool.  It’s not exactly the keyword phrases that people are typing in, but believe it or not, it’s closer than the other tools out there.  Be sure to sign in with your Google Account – you’ll get more data this way.

Here’s How To Use The Google Keywords Tool

a) Once you’ve signed in, type in a keyword phrase that you would like to be found for.

b) Open an excel sheet and begin typing in the keyword phrases that you find on the Google Keywords Tool that match your needs.  Type them in a column.

c) In the column next to the keyword type in the number of global monthly searches.

d) Once you’ve completed your list go to Google and type in each keyword phrase from your list and use quotes (i.e., “keyword phrase”).

e) In another column type in the number of search results.

f) Once you’re done with that list, you want to separate them in the following way…

*** All keyword phrases with 1 million or more search results in one group

*** All keyword phrases with 100,000 to 999,999 search results in one group

*** All keyword phrases with under 100,000 search results in one group

Choosing The Best Phrases

Now comes the hard part, you’ve got your list of keyword phrases and basically the amount of requests and the amount of competition for each phrase.

Obviously you want to try to use the phrase with the highest number of global searches because that means it’s the most popular.  Yet, you also want to use the phrase with the lowest amount of search results (which is the competition).  So, use your judgement as to what phrases to use.

Now, from the list of phrases that have 1 million or more search results, choose ONE PHRASE.

From the list of phrases that have 100,000 to 1 million search results, choose 2-3 phrases that will support the ONE PHRASE that you already chose in the million + category.

From the list of phrases that have less than 100,000 search results choose 2-3 phrases for each of the phrases that you chose in the 100,000 to 1 million category.

The idea here is to write a website page about the MAIN keyword phrase (this is your ONE PHRASE) that you pulled from the million + list.

Then, to write 2-3 pages using associated keyword phrases to support that ONE PHRASE.  This would be the pages written for the keyword phrases you chose in the 100,000 to 1 million list.

Then, to write 2-3 pages using associated keyword phrases (from the under 100,000 list) to support the keyword phrases you chose from the 100,000 to 1 million list.

Confusing?  Yeah, I know, but if you read what I wrote and go through an example, it’ll be clear to you, I promise.

In Summary

So, the idea here, if you haven’t already figured it out, is to build a section on your website, not just a page, to market a highly competitive keyword phrase.  And these days, there are many more highly competitive keyword phrases than not.  So, it’s a strategy that works.

The downside?  It means more writing.  More pages on a website are not a problem, the glitch is in the writing.  From my perspective, getting clients to write down information is a losing battle.  Out of 50 clients, only 2 do this – the others – it’s just a monthly battle that I don’t win.

The upside?  More business!!!!!!  I don’t know how else to say it, but it’s more business for you.  More sales, more exposure, more everything.  It works, it absolutely works.

Well, I hope this valuable method makes up for my long absence.  I will work hard to keep myself more active in my writings.


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06 Oct 2011
business tips • internet marketing • seo • small business

You’re One Of A Kind – You Just Don’t Know It Yet


Years ago a friend (a great Internet marketer himself) told me that I should write an ebook about Internet marketing.  He told me that I knew more about the subject than most people he meets in that industry.  I was flattered, of course, but my immediate response to him was…”I can’t write an ebook, who am I?”  I went on to explain that I didn’t have any new angle or information on the subject, I was just me doing the work that I love.

Well, that was about 3 years ago.  I think I’ve grown a little since then (well, at least I hope so).

What Was Wrong With My Thinking Back Then?

Well, not so much that my thinking “was wrong”, more like I didn’t feel unique.  I didn’t feel strong enough in my knowledge base to be so bold as to write a book about it.  I mean a few posts here and there, consulting with clients telling them what I read and what I know – that just didn’t seem to be enough.  (In my mind).  But what I did fail to recognize is that I AM UNIQUE.  I mean, WE ARE ALL UNIQUE in our own ways.

You can fill a city block full of restaurants and each restaurant is going to be different.  Even if each restaurant was an Italian restaurant, they would each be different.  The staff would be different, the taste of the food, the atmosphere, the menus, etc.  Each one of these details would be different and as a result, all those little details create a different experience for the client.

What I failed to recognize back then was that I have UNIQUE qualities that I bring to this industry.  I mean, first, I’m a woman (which is rare in this industry), second I’m older (I’m 53 – can’t believe it!) which is REALLY rare in this industry, I’m also self taught which means that my “lingo” is not so techie.  I can convert the technical jargon that I read into plain speak for my clients.  And I will admit, that is the one consistent compliment I receive from my clients – they like how I talk.  Plain, simple, easy to understand.  And that factor alone is very comforting for so many small business owners who struggle to try to figure out what this Internet marketing “thing” is all about.

How Are You Unique?

So, how are you unique or different?   What obvious factors have you not thought about?  Well, take some time and think about them.  As your friends, colleagues, clients.  They’ll give you ideas.  Believe me, it’s always better to see yourself through someone else’s eyes than your own.  It’s more honest that way.

Here’s A Tip – It’s All In The Details

What I recognize now is that it’s really all in the details.  I mean, what I do as far as Internet marketing is not much different (if at all) from what other Internet marketers do.  I mean, there’s only so much that can be done when dealing with machines anyway.  But, it’s the little details that make me unique that I failed to recognize.  Just like the scenario of restaurants that I talked about earlier, there are unique factors in each one of them.

Take a look at Mike Stimpson’s website, he’s just another photographer – there are millions of them.  But he love Lego and he loves to play with lighting.  So, look at what he did.  It’s just a simple little detail.  This makes him unique.  This makes him different and subsequently makes him stand out from the pack.

So go ahead, find out your unique qualities and put them on your website.  Let the world know how you’re different from the others in your industry.  You’ll create your own niche and a band of followers.


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02 Jun 2011
internet marketing • small business • social media

Tweeting and Marketing


According to a Pew Research Center study released yesterday (Wednesday – June 1st 2011) – 13% of online Americans use Twitter.  That doesn’t seem like much, but that’s a 5% increase from November 2010.  And, the demographics that pushed this up is younger adults (ages 25 – 34).

If this trend continues, basically, every 7 months there will be a 5% increase in Twitter users.  Again, that may not seem like much but in 14 months, about 25% of Internet users will be on Twitter.  That’s getting into some numbers!

The article on Mashable breaks down who uses Twitter – it may give you an insight to learn if your target audience can be found on Twitter.

So, don’t discount tweeting as a marketing tool.  Here are some tips on how to use Twitter for marketing your small business.

1) Tweet about your industry, new events, everyday events, etc.  In other words – keep the talk conversational – don’t sell.

2) Respond to tweets and try to be consistent – don’t just tweet when you feel like it.  Make it a point to check your twitter twice a day – spend 10 minutes – it’ll be worth it.

3) Use twitter to monitor your company, your industry, your brand, your name.  Simply go to http://search.twitter.com and conduct a search just like you would on Google.  You’ll find every mention.  You’ll be able to respond to positive and/or negative – it’s the responsible thing to do.

 


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24 Mar 2011
business tips • seo • small business

Dare To Be Just A Bit Different


Many, many years ago I was an Occupational Therapist and I did some teaching and research for that field. That’s where I learned about the Internet and I became fascinated by how I could connect to so many people from my little room!

These days, connecting with the planet is easy, and not so intriguing, but what I do find intriguing is the creativity that so many people have. It’s just amazing! I think for any of us in business, it’s very easy to lose some of that “excitement” that comes from creativity – simply because we’re so tied down to the business end of things. But I encourage you to try your best to step back and look at what you’re doing for a living with a bit more creativity. How can you spice it up?

What prompted this post? A fellow web designer sent me this video which showcases this particular company’s creative side! I loved it! Hope you do too.


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05 Feb 2011
business tips • internet marketing • seo • small business

Internet Marketing for Small Businesses – Not A Small Task


As an Internet marketer for small businesses, I’ve always had to deal with the small business owners who want to do it all themselves. They figure they can save money and they can have total control. Both factors are valid reasons but what they fail to understand is that the amount of information they need to know and implement is just too much to do in addition to actually running the business.

After all, just because you can drive a car, does it mean that you’ll be able to learn how to build one? And if you do learn how to build one will you then have time to actually drive it?

But, in the past few years, since the recession really began, I’ve been receiving more and more of these calls from small business owners. I can’t blame them, they’re trying to save as much money as possible. I can certainly understand that.

But I’m afraid that what’s actually happening is that they’re falling for the scam artists who are telling them they can get much more traffic or they “guarantee” a top placement or some other magical Internet marketing scheme.

Internet marketing for small businesses is not as easy as it looks.

It’s not rocket science, that’s for sure. But at the same time, it’s not something that you can learn in a day or even a month or a year. Believe me, I’ve been doing this now for 11 years and I’m still learning. Mostly because the Internet is still changing. It’s never ending and if you don’t keep up with the changes, you can’t market effectively.

So, make sure that when you cut your small business budget you do so for the things that don’t affect your direct income. And for heaven’s sake, please be careful about the scammers who promise you the moon and the stars. You don’t want to be just another one of their victims.

If you own a small business and have any Internet marketing questions, contact me, I’ll be happy to answer your questions.


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28 Dec 2010
internet marketing • small business

Mobile Marketing – Get Ready, Get Set, Go!


Depending on the age group you hang out with, you may or may not realize the number of smart phone users in the US. The truth is, “…only about thirty percent of cell phone subscribers in the U.S. use one of these ultra-modern devices“.  So, that means that 70% of cell phone users have yet to switch over.  I’m sure for many it’s the cost, for others it’s the learning curve and yet for others it’s just the “I don’t know why I would need it.”

The cost factor will soon be taken care of as Broadcom just announced that they would be introducing Android phones for under $100.00.  At that price, you can be sure that the number of smart phone users will increase.

The “learning curve” factor is always in play – after all – it’s much easier to use any product that you’ve already mastered vs. learning a new one.  There’s always going to be a percentage of the population that simply don’t like change, no matter what the benefits of that change may be.

The “I don’t know what I would use it for…” is an argument that is quickly fading away.  I have a good example for you.  I have a friend who is in her late 50′s.  For years she has been touting this argument.  She doesn’t need computers, doesn’t know why she would use them or for what.  There’s just no need to learn it or try it.

Last month I received an email from her.  The very first email she ever sent out.  Why did she change her mind?  Because so many of her friends and family have moved away – it’s almost impossible to stay in touch with everyone.  With a computer, she can SEE them (yes, her computer has a camera) and she can keep in touch with a greater number of people than if she tried calling everyone on the phone.   She admits it’s not been easy to learn it but she loves the outcome.

My point is, if my friend – who was so adamant about not needing computer technology – has not succumbed to it. then there’s just no doubt in my mind that everyone will soon be using not only PC’s but smartphones even more.

So, if you haven’t yet begun using a smart phone, you will soon, 2011 is touted as the year that mobile phones will take over the US.  And if you’re a small business you will seriously want to consider doing marketing for mobile technology.  There’s just no getting around it any longer.


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21 Dec 2010
business tips • internet marketing • small business

Some Interesting Small Business Stats


Mashable online magazine is one of my favourite reads. Today I saw an article that had some interesting stats about small businesses and those stats fueled Mashable’s predictions for small businesses in 2011. Here they are…

1) 54% of respondents to a survey by Mashable …”indicated that their businesses currently have websites.” They went on to report that most of these websites only contain general information and less than 50% of these websites have any customer service features.

2) 49% of small business owners use smartphones (this outpaces the average American).

3) 30% of small business websites have e-commerce.

4) Cloud computing is already being used by many small businesses. Although there are no numbers yet, just look around, you’ll notice many small businesses using some kind of web-based and/or mobile app for their business.

What do these stats indicate?

That there’s plenty of room for small businesses to grow on the Internet, that there are more websites (than not) that have yet to take advantage of the Internet and that mobile is the future of the Internet.

That’s my conclusion. What’s yours?


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10 Nov 2010
article writing • internet marketing • small business

Another Way Of Looking At Blogging (and making it work)


For years, many years, I’ve been essentially arguing with clients about blogging!  Mostly trying to get through their fears of blogging.  It seems that most people have this concept that when you write a post in a blog it has to be absolutely perfect.  Grammatically correct in every way, it has to get the A+ grade from their old high school English teacher.

That’s just not true.  No where near true!

Blogging is about talking and the truth is, every business owner can talk about their business.  (Usually to the point where everyone else is rolling their eyes – but you know what I mean!).  Our businesses are our “babies” – our “life projects” and we’re proud of the work we do in them.  And proud of any successes as well!  As we should be!

Anyway, back to blogging.  I was sent an article published on CNN Money’s Fortune blog which hits the nail on the head about this blogging/talking concept.  Only they gave it a very fancy name.  They call it “Corporate Transmedia Storytelling”.

The title of the article is “Why Storytelling Is Essential For Business Leaders“.    As someone who sees dozens and dozens of website statistics every week I’m here to tell you that blogging does work.  It’s not a magic solution, it’s not quick like PPC, but it’s steady, it’s long reaching and it will bring you to target audiences you didn’t even know existed.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or glass of wine) and sit down and read this article.  You’ll love it and hopefully, I’ll have to do less arguing in the future!


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15 Oct 2010
internet marketing • small business

Logos, Branding and Image – Oh My


Eckweb is growing, changing (that’s an “always” state!) but we’re heading upwards which is great!

In the list of “to do’s” is our branding. We’re changing our logo, changing our look! Moving from Jeans to Suits if you will – growing up. Exciting, nerve wracking and exhausting all at the same time!

It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve worked on building a logo and I forgot how difficult it was! If you find yourself in this stage here are some things to consider…

1) Talk with everyone! I mean everyone! My hairdresser Carly gave me an idea of using “keys” as part of the logo. ‘Key to success’ type of thing. I liked it, but when I started investigating I found many other Internet Marketing firms with the same concept.

2) Use your mission statement as part or all of your slogan.  It will remind you continuously of why you’re in business and what your purpose is.

3) Does the “symbol” of the logo have to “match” the slogan?  I haven’t decided yet!  What do you think?

4) If possible, consider involving the name in the logo.  I mean as part or all of the “symbol”.  This not only makes it unique but will go further to embed the company name in your visitors’ mind.

5) Of course, the downside of being “too unique” a symbol is that it is the only symbol of it’s kind, therefore, there’s nothing out there to further “remind” the visitor of your company.  For example, let’s say you chose a key as your logo, it could be that your visitors, once they are familiar with your brand, they may think of your company everytime they see a key.  The common object is a great “reminder” of you.  (The magnet on the refrigerator idea!).

6) Keep It Simple!  My graphic designer is constantly telling me to keep it simple.  Make sure the graphic is in vector and the lines/concept is simple.  It’ll be much easier to copy for future marketing such as business cards, tshirts, mugs, etc.

7) Colours – what can I say about colours!  I would love to maintain the burnt orange in Eckweb but the feedback I’m getting from focus groups is “NO”.  So, we’ll have to experiment with that one.  But the idea is, Use Focus Groups!!!  That is, get the opinions of folks who have never seen your website before.  It’s invaluable.

Well, hope this information was useful.  And keep checking our site at Eckweb.com.  We’re in the midst of changes and we’re looking to have the new version completed by the end of the year.


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