Sunday, February 28, 2010
Technical Difficulties
My website is not functioning at full capacity right now. I’m making a few changes, but it should be back to full strength soon. Thanks for your patience!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
How to Write a "Contact Us" Webpage
Your contact information is of utmost importance on your website. Many websites have contact information located on each page of their website, but for ease of finding and to appease short attention spans on the Internet, a “Contact Us” page is crucial. If a visitor to your site cannot quickly find what they need, they will go somewhere else.
Your company name should be clearly visible on each webpage. Usually a universal banner is used. Links to the main pages of the website are often located directly below that banner or they are listed in a vertical column on the left side of the webpage.
Visitors to your site should be able to get to your contact page with one click (without scrolling). Contact information should be clear and prominent. A block format is often used. Include a mailing address, phone number, and email address. You may choose to use a contact form in place of an email address.
When possible use links for email addresses. Include contact information for specific departments such as customer service, tech support, and human resources. Keep all information up-to-date and check links regularly. Having a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page eliminates excess emails. Ensure that phone calls/emails are answered promptly and professionally.
Retail stores or any business that expects walk-ins should include a map and/or driving directions. A picture of your storefront may also be helpful for those looking to visit.
When you have taken the time to create an informative and attractive website don’t overlook the “Contact Us” webpage. It allows visitors to ask questions, order your product, or find your “brick and mortar” location.
Your company name should be clearly visible on each webpage. Usually a universal banner is used. Links to the main pages of the website are often located directly below that banner or they are listed in a vertical column on the left side of the webpage.
Visitors to your site should be able to get to your contact page with one click (without scrolling). Contact information should be clear and prominent. A block format is often used. Include a mailing address, phone number, and email address. You may choose to use a contact form in place of an email address.
When possible use links for email addresses. Include contact information for specific departments such as customer service, tech support, and human resources. Keep all information up-to-date and check links regularly. Having a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page eliminates excess emails. Ensure that phone calls/emails are answered promptly and professionally.
Retail stores or any business that expects walk-ins should include a map and/or driving directions. A picture of your storefront may also be helpful for those looking to visit.
When you have taken the time to create an informative and attractive website don’t overlook the “Contact Us” webpage. It allows visitors to ask questions, order your product, or find your “brick and mortar” location.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Elements of a Good Logo
There are very good reasons why the largest companies spend a small fortune on the research and development of company colors and logos. A logo is a memorable aid to branding a company. It is essential in traditional brand marketing and any marketing campaigns.
Company colors should be chosen based upon your brand promise and customer demographics. Different colors elicit different responses from your audience.
Elements of a Good Logo
1. A good logo is memorable. It should be easily recognizable and easy to describe.
2. Simplicity goes along with point number one. Too much detail or symbolism makes a logo difficult to recollect.
3. Logos should work in different environments. How does it look in black and white? In different sizes? Does it work both vertically and horizontally?
4. A good logo must be relevant. What associations are made with the shapes and colors of your logo (by individuals in your target demographic)?
5. The graphic/icon in your logo is crucial. A literal icon is boring and not memorable. A cup of coffee for your coffee shop? Snooze! The unexpected is what gets noticed.
6. The right font is key. If you can afford it, find a custom made or scarce font for your logo. Present it in an unexpected, unique way.
Once you’ve found a logo that you like be sure to test it out. Get feedback from your staff and customers. See how it fits with your company’s image, slogan, colors, and existing marketing materials. Are you reinventing your company? Then it may be time for a drastic change. If not, make sure your new logo works with what you are already doing.
Company colors should be chosen based upon your brand promise and customer demographics. Different colors elicit different responses from your audience.
Elements of a Good Logo
1. A good logo is memorable. It should be easily recognizable and easy to describe.
2. Simplicity goes along with point number one. Too much detail or symbolism makes a logo difficult to recollect.
3. Logos should work in different environments. How does it look in black and white? In different sizes? Does it work both vertically and horizontally?
4. A good logo must be relevant. What associations are made with the shapes and colors of your logo (by individuals in your target demographic)?
5. The graphic/icon in your logo is crucial. A literal icon is boring and not memorable. A cup of coffee for your coffee shop? Snooze! The unexpected is what gets noticed.
6. The right font is key. If you can afford it, find a custom made or scarce font for your logo. Present it in an unexpected, unique way.
Once you’ve found a logo that you like be sure to test it out. Get feedback from your staff and customers. See how it fits with your company’s image, slogan, colors, and existing marketing materials. Are you reinventing your company? Then it may be time for a drastic change. If not, make sure your new logo works with what you are already doing.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"Thank you!" for website review services
I did a review of Kirby's new website and he sent me this nice note:
“Terra, I want to thank you for taking a look at my website and offering suggestions on how to improve it. I believe I used every one of your suggestions and am sure that the enhancements have added additional value to my website.”
Please be sure to check out his site rkdnconsulting.com
Kirby does training like the one I attended here.
Website review is only $30 until Feb 26th! Call 715-584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today to have fletcherfreelance.com review your website content.
“Terra, I want to thank you for taking a look at my website and offering suggestions on how to improve it. I believe I used every one of your suggestions and am sure that the enhancements have added additional value to my website.”
Please be sure to check out his site rkdnconsulting.com
Kirby does training like the one I attended here.
Website review is only $30 until Feb 26th! Call 715-584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com today to have fletcherfreelance.com review your website content.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Internet Marketing 101 - Part II
Website Tips
1. Submit your website to Google Webmaster tools to get analytics on your site.
a. What isn’t measured doesn’t improve.
2. Add more content to your homepage.
a. Homepages rank highest in search engine results. It is crucial that keyword phrases (what people will use to search for you) are included on your homepage.
b. Learn SEO (search engine optimization) or get someone to help you that has experience.
Two Keys to Being Found on the Internet
1. Solid content
2. Link building
a. Comment on other sites/blogs and your name links to your site. Likely the site owner checks you out, too. NOTE: Comments should add value.
b. Link to others from your blog/site. Some blogs auto track back.
c. Article marketing such as eZine allows a link in the resource area.
d. Link worthy content. Others can’t resist linking to you because you’re so good.
Write your Internet Marketing Plan
1. List your goal and strategies. Start general.
a. Make this list more specific.
b. Decide on the tactics you will use.
c. Get out your calendar and write down when critical tasks will be accomplished.
i. Many people find it easier to work backwards. Picture your end goal. Now what was the last thing that you did before you got there?
2. Consider your budget.
a. Most people/businesses have either more time or more money.
i. Figure out what your time is worth.
(a) Hire someone to take on the tasks that aren’t your thing so you have more time to do your thing.
b. Track your expenditures and return on investment.
3. Summarize your plan and refer to it often.
1. Submit your website to Google Webmaster tools to get analytics on your site.
a. What isn’t measured doesn’t improve.
2. Add more content to your homepage.
a. Homepages rank highest in search engine results. It is crucial that keyword phrases (what people will use to search for you) are included on your homepage.
b. Learn SEO (search engine optimization) or get someone to help you that has experience.
Two Keys to Being Found on the Internet
1. Solid content
2. Link building
a. Comment on other sites/blogs and your name links to your site. Likely the site owner checks you out, too. NOTE: Comments should add value.
b. Link to others from your blog/site. Some blogs auto track back.
c. Article marketing such as eZine allows a link in the resource area.
d. Link worthy content. Others can’t resist linking to you because you’re so good.
Write your Internet Marketing Plan
1. List your goal and strategies. Start general.
a. Make this list more specific.
b. Decide on the tactics you will use.
c. Get out your calendar and write down when critical tasks will be accomplished.
i. Many people find it easier to work backwards. Picture your end goal. Now what was the last thing that you did before you got there?
2. Consider your budget.
a. Most people/businesses have either more time or more money.
i. Figure out what your time is worth.
(a) Hire someone to take on the tasks that aren’t your thing so you have more time to do your thing.
b. Track your expenditures and return on investment.
3. Summarize your plan and refer to it often.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
When you Shouldn't Listen to Marketing Consultants
You’ve probably seen the classic movie, “Mary Poppins.” She touts that a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. I watched that movie many times as a child, but watching it recently I came to appreciate this oft mentioned advice. Everything you say or do is “easier to swallow” when it comes with a little affirmation -and- from a trustworthy source.
Here is my spoonful for the day.
1. I am a marketing consultant, but you are the expert in your business. Don’t do it if it doesn’t feel right. My recommendations (or anyone else’s) are generally just opinions. Hopefully well thought out and researched, but still opinions.
2. You could and should do your own ads. At least to learn how to advertise and how to tell good ideas from bad.
3. If you do hire someone, hire someone to work with you, not make all the decisions. The experience of a marketing professional combined with your knowledge of your business is the best combination for success.
It’s also wise to hire someone with an affinity forcheesy classic musicals.
Here is my spoonful for the day.
1. I am a marketing consultant, but you are the expert in your business. Don’t do it if it doesn’t feel right. My recommendations (or anyone else’s) are generally just opinions. Hopefully well thought out and researched, but still opinions.
2. You could and should do your own ads. At least to learn how to advertise and how to tell good ideas from bad.
3. If you do hire someone, hire someone to work with you, not make all the decisions. The experience of a marketing professional combined with your knowledge of your business is the best combination for success.
It’s also wise to hire someone with an affinity for
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The Bikini Principle
You can give 90% of it away for FREE. There will always be people willing to pay for the other 10%.
People are less likely to buy solely on price if you offer more than price. If all you offer is a great price, customers will leave you as quickly as they came.
A great example of the bikini principle is article marketing. It’s not easy to trust people or companies on the Internet if you’ve never seen or met them. Article marketing helps to establish credibility as you become known as a resource. If your name or company becomes synonymous with valuable information and helpful tips, business will increase.
Article marketing pre-sells your product or service. People want to make an informed decision. They don’t want to “be sold.” They want to be wined, dined, and romanced. Then they want to choose for themselves whether they want to see the other ten percent.
People feel more confident when they come in to your store if they’ve done research. If a service professional comes to their home, a client feels as if they understand what the problem is when they’ve read up on the subject. Article marketing makes your job easier! A lot of the work is already done for you.
Article marketing also helps to increase traffic to your website (which is full of valuable content and easy ways to reach you/buy from you). Articles increase link building which drives more traffic and increases search engine rankings which lead to more traffic which leads to more customers which means more sales which leads to greater profits which means more capital to reinvest which means better marketing which leads to more customers which... Okay, you get the idea.
So, what do you write about? Write what you know. Write what your customers are wondering. If you can’t write, put together your best thoughts and ideas. Then call me. (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com. I’ve published hundreds of quality articles for dozens of markets. Writing for the web is my specialty.
People are less likely to buy solely on price if you offer more than price. If all you offer is a great price, customers will leave you as quickly as they came.
A great example of the bikini principle is article marketing. It’s not easy to trust people or companies on the Internet if you’ve never seen or met them. Article marketing helps to establish credibility as you become known as a resource. If your name or company becomes synonymous with valuable information and helpful tips, business will increase.
Article marketing pre-sells your product or service. People want to make an informed decision. They don’t want to “be sold.” They want to be wined, dined, and romanced. Then they want to choose for themselves whether they want to see the other ten percent.
People feel more confident when they come in to your store if they’ve done research. If a service professional comes to their home, a client feels as if they understand what the problem is when they’ve read up on the subject. Article marketing makes your job easier! A lot of the work is already done for you.
Article marketing also helps to increase traffic to your website (which is full of valuable content and easy ways to reach you/buy from you). Articles increase link building which drives more traffic and increases search engine rankings which lead to more traffic which leads to more customers which means more sales which leads to greater profits which means more capital to reinvest which means better marketing which leads to more customers which... Okay, you get the idea.
So, what do you write about? Write what you know. Write what your customers are wondering. If you can’t write, put together your best thoughts and ideas. Then call me. (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com. I’ve published hundreds of quality articles for dozens of markets. Writing for the web is my specialty.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Internet Marketing 101
Let’s start with the basics. The first question in any advertising or marketing is, “Who is your target market?” Get out a piece of paper and write it down. Now narrow down your market to just your ideal customers. Ask yourself, “How do I find these people?”
If you can get those questions answered, you’re off to a great start with any marketing plan. When it comes to Internet Marketing, you need to think like and write for these ideal customers. What would my potential customers type in a search engine to find me? Does my website speak in technical jargon or do I use the words they use?
Next ask yourself: What is my objective? Is it to make money? Have the most visitors to my website?
It is very difficult to address specific areas of Internet Marketing because each company and their needs are different, but this is 101… so where do we begin?
I’d like to assume that your business has a website. If not, stop reading this and go here.
Now, how do you get people to that great website? (Not sure if your site is great, website review is only 30 dollars for the month of January! Call (715) 584-6773 or email Fletcher Freelance today.)
A good Internet Marketing plan is diverse. Consider using videos, podcasts, blogs, social networking, and article marketing. Read my 2010 Marketing Predictions and Tips for a few caveats and hints (don’t spread yourself too thin). Most of the aforementioned tools are surprisingly easy to use.
Videos
Ok, so I really need to do this myself, but YouTube videos are FREE! There is no excuse for not having a video demonstrating your product or service. Websites with videos also rank higher in search engines than sites without videos.
Blogs
There are easy premade templates for blogs. Blogger and Wordpress are popular. (More on blogs in a future post.)
Article Marketing
I think article marketing will continue to become more valuable. More and more people are trying to do “it” themselves. If you become known as a resource, your name/company will be recalled when they discover they can’t do it themselves. Sites such as eZine put your info in a resource section of the article. There are also great writers willing to help you write/edit for the web.
E-Newsletters
Electronic newsletters or email marketing campaigns are a great, inexpensive way to “drip-market” to your current database of contacts. Make it easy for readers to travel from email to your website.
It is important to take advantage of your current marketing materials. Any place that you put your phone number should indicate your website. Anywhere and everywhere -signage, business cards, advertising, presentations, invoices, brochures, on your car, even your clothes, and don’t forget your email signature! This is easy, but often overlooked.
Web addresses are easier to remember than phone numbers- put them everywhere!
Stay tuned for Part II - Subscribe/follow so you don't miss a thing.
If you can get those questions answered, you’re off to a great start with any marketing plan. When it comes to Internet Marketing, you need to think like and write for these ideal customers. What would my potential customers type in a search engine to find me? Does my website speak in technical jargon or do I use the words they use?
Next ask yourself: What is my objective? Is it to make money? Have the most visitors to my website?
It is very difficult to address specific areas of Internet Marketing because each company and their needs are different, but this is 101… so where do we begin?
I’d like to assume that your business has a website. If not, stop reading this and go here.
Now, how do you get people to that great website? (Not sure if your site is great, website review is only 30 dollars for the month of January! Call (715) 584-6773 or email Fletcher Freelance today.)
A good Internet Marketing plan is diverse. Consider using videos, podcasts, blogs, social networking, and article marketing. Read my 2010 Marketing Predictions and Tips for a few caveats and hints (don’t spread yourself too thin). Most of the aforementioned tools are surprisingly easy to use.
Videos
Ok, so I really need to do this myself, but YouTube videos are FREE! There is no excuse for not having a video demonstrating your product or service. Websites with videos also rank higher in search engines than sites without videos.
Blogs
There are easy premade templates for blogs. Blogger and Wordpress are popular. (More on blogs in a future post.)
Article Marketing
I think article marketing will continue to become more valuable. More and more people are trying to do “it” themselves. If you become known as a resource, your name/company will be recalled when they discover they can’t do it themselves. Sites such as eZine put your info in a resource section of the article. There are also great writers willing to help you write/edit for the web.
E-Newsletters
Electronic newsletters or email marketing campaigns are a great, inexpensive way to “drip-market” to your current database of contacts. Make it easy for readers to travel from email to your website.
It is important to take advantage of your current marketing materials. Any place that you put your phone number should indicate your website. Anywhere and everywhere -signage, business cards, advertising, presentations, invoices, brochures, on your car, even your clothes, and don’t forget your email signature! This is easy, but often overlooked.
Web addresses are easier to remember than phone numbers- put them everywhere!
Stay tuned for Part II - Subscribe/follow so you don't miss a thing.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Thank you / Testimonial
I just got this great recommendation on LinkedIn...
"Terra did a great job presenting very useful, timely, and interesting information at the Chamber's Business Advantage workshop "Presenting a Professional Image." Her experience writing marketing materials including newsletters, blogs, and websites, provided a great foundation for her advice. She was very at ease and presented the information very professionally (of course!)." - Nancy S. Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce
"Terra did a great job presenting very useful, timely, and interesting information at the Chamber's Business Advantage workshop "Presenting a Professional Image." Her experience writing marketing materials including newsletters, blogs, and websites, provided a great foundation for her advice. She was very at ease and presented the information very professionally (of course!)." - Nancy S. Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce
Saturday, February 6, 2010
FREE Workshop! Internet Marketing for the Writer
Join me at the Shawano City-County Library Saturday Feb. 13th. I will be teaching with the Shawano Area Writers. This FREE workshop will be held in the Engel room from 10-11:30am. I hope to see you there!
*This program will be focusing on Internet Marketing for the Writer, but anyone interested in internet marketing may find this workshop beneficial.
*This program will be focusing on Internet Marketing for the Writer, but anyone interested in internet marketing may find this workshop beneficial.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Thank You and Congratulations!
Thanks to everyone who attended the session, “Presenting a Professional Image” at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce today. I had a great time getting to know you and addressing your concerns. I hope you enjoyed the topics that Tammy (Dynamic Designs) and I discussed.
There were a few subjects that I would like to look into more deeply for some that were in the audience. Time didn’t allow me to really get into internet marketing, which seemed to be of great interest to many of you. Be sure to subscribe to my blog (it’s free). I plan to cover this and other questions that are being asked by Shawano businesses.
It is my practice to offer one free consultation to any business that would be interested in meeting with me to discuss their overall marketing plan/concerns. Please call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com to schedule your free consult.
Special congratulations to the recipients of today’s door prizes! Tammy gave out free embroidery services. I offered free website review. Tammy and I are also looking forward to meeting with a local company for their free Strategic Marketing Consultation.
There were a few subjects that I would like to look into more deeply for some that were in the audience. Time didn’t allow me to really get into internet marketing, which seemed to be of great interest to many of you. Be sure to subscribe to my blog (it’s free). I plan to cover this and other questions that are being asked by Shawano businesses.
It is my practice to offer one free consultation to any business that would be interested in meeting with me to discuss their overall marketing plan/concerns. Please call (715) 584-6773 or email terra@fletcherfreelance.com to schedule your free consult.
Special congratulations to the recipients of today’s door prizes! Tammy gave out free embroidery services. I offered free website review. Tammy and I are also looking forward to meeting with a local company for their free Strategic Marketing Consultation.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Presenting a Professional Image
Just a friendly reminder...
Join me at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce this Thursday, Feb. 4th at 7:30am. Along with Tammy from Dynamic Designs, I will be speaking on the theme, "Presenting a Professional Image."
Everyone is welcome and entry is only five dollars.
Read more details in my previous post here.
Join me at the Shawano Country Chamber of Commerce this Thursday, Feb. 4th at 7:30am. Along with Tammy from Dynamic Designs, I will be speaking on the theme, "Presenting a Professional Image."
Everyone is welcome and entry is only five dollars.
Read more details in my previous post here.
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