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By David Jackson in Featured

spn_exclusiveI’ve been involved in sales and marketing for over twenty years – half my adult life. And sometimes I still get confused when I browse the Internet and visit websites searching for information, or to make a purchase. I’m absolutely amazed at how complicated some marketers make doing business online.

Let’s talk about searching for information for a moment. After all, most people go online not to buy anything, but rather to search for information to solve a problem they have. Knowing this is important, because if you understand that the Internet is driven by information and information seekers, as a marketer, you can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

1. You can provide information seekers with the information they’re looking for.

2. You can educate potential prospects and turn them into customers.

Educate Your Visitors First

If you visit my website, you won’t see any banners or advertising of any kind. Why? Because I built my site as a free marketing resource to educate my visitors. I’m not selling anything, so the only thing you’ll see on my site is free information… lots and lots of free information.

By David Jackson in Featured

spn_exclusiveMost of the time when I write an article, I share my own personal marketing experiences, viewpoints and opinions – my OWN marketing tips as it were. Today, I’m going to change things up a little and share with you some of the best marketing tips of other successful marketers.

I compiled these remarkable marketing gems from the thousands and thousands of quality blog posts, articles, newsletters and interviews I’ve had the pleasure of reading over the years. The hard part was narrowing my list down to only 20. I could easily have listed 100. Oh well, perhaps I’ll write a sequel or two or three… Enjoy!

- Tim Berry, Planning Startups Stories – “One of the most expensive myths in marketing is that lower price produces higher volume. That might be true for coal or gasoline, but not for most businesses. Lower price means, well, ask yourself: do you always eat at the lowest price restaurant? Buy the lowest price clothes? Do you drive the lowest priced car? Pricing is your best statement of value.”

- Drew McClellan, Drew’s Marketing Minute – “Do Less. One of the most tempting aspects of marketing is the veritable smorgasbord of different marketing tactics that you can toss into a marketing plan. It’s almost overwhelming.

Many marketing professionals make the very understandable mistake of believing that more is better. But they’re wrong.

By David Jackson in Featured

marketingLike millions of other people, I’m a huge NFL football fan (go Giants), and the one thing I’ve learned over the years is that on any given Sunday, the worst team in the league can beat the best team in the league. It happens all the time. Why? Because in sports, just like in business, there’s a very thin line between success and failure – winning and losing.

And the team that executes their game plan the best and makes the fewest mistakes will invariably win the game. That’s not a theory – statistics bear that out. In sports, mistakes are the wild card – the great equalizer. You can have the greatest team and game plan in the world, but if you make mistakes and don’t execute your game plan, it will be all for naught. You will lose. Mistakes prevent you from performing up to your potential and winning the game.

The same logic applies to business as well. Regardless of the competition, the businesses that execute their game plan the best and make the fewest mistakes will invariably come out on top. That’s why you constantly see small businesses outperform larger, more powerful companies with greater resources. It’s all about having a solid game plan and executing it.

Following are 10 surefire marketing tips that will improve your website conversions:

1. Have a Plan

There’s an age old proverb by Thomas Edison that famously states:

By David Jackson in Featured

unicornMerriam-Webster defines a myth as “a usually traditional story of ostensibly historical events that serves to unfold part of the world view of a people or explain a practice, belief, or natural phenomenon.”

It’s been said all myths are based in fact. Whether or not that’s true is debatable. What isn’t debatable, however, is like society, Internet Marketing also has its myths. This article exposes what I consider to be the 10 biggest Internet Marketing myths.

1. You Don’t Need Any Money to Do Business on the Internet

You wouldn’t expect to advertise on TV, radio, in newspapers, magazines, or any other media for free would you? Yet, for some strange reason, people think they can just come online and not spend any money, and advertise their business for free. To me, that shows an utter lack of respect for the single most important communication medium since television.

By Ko Fai Godfrey Ko in Featured

socialmediamktgToday there are several ways to advertise online and one of the most popular is through social media marketing. You can leverage these ten powerful tips if you want to succeed in defeating competition and generate higher profits or site traffic.

Tip #1 – Start by Developing your Own Plan

You have to identify the target audience and determine how you will be able to deploy the tactics. Before you launch the marketing efforts, one should create objective so that he knows where to focus. Increasing brand awareness is vital and you have to get customers involved.

Tip #2 – Make use of LinkedIn

You have to connect with relevant people and focus on timeliness. It is necessary to complete your profile to get started and encourage people to send comments or feedback.

Tip #3 – Bookmarking Sites

You can use this site to share the ones that you’re interested to use. Users can easily build a community and gain referrals by tapping this social media.

Tip #4 – Leverage Widgets

This refers to standalone applications or tools that contain dynamic content. Make sure that the widgets you’re using are useful and relevant.

Tip #5 – Learn How to Blog

If you want to get the word out, blogging is one of the best options. This type of social media marketing is a great way to provide vital info to your target market.

There is a need to update the content regularly once you start posting blogs. You will benefit more if you include the human touch instead of just using auto-responders.

Tip #6 – Utilize Facebook Marketing

Like Twitter, Facebook is also another popular social media website that can help you in generating potential traffic and increase sales. You will have to create a suitable profile so that you can connect with your friends and target market.

Tip #7 – Utilize Twitter Marketing

If you have a Twitter account, then this is no longer new to you. You can use the social media site to promote the products or services that you’re offering. Perhaps you’re already familiar with tweets. You can send out tweets that has something to do with your business.

Tip #8 – Use YouTube

Viral videos are very popular these days and YouTube is on top. This will allow you to generate large traffic.

Tip #9 – Host Giveaways

Regardless of the social network site that you’re using, you can host giveaways. People like to get ‘free’ things and if offered something of value, you can easily build credibility.

Tip #10 – Combine all these Social Media Resources

You don’t have to use these strategies one by one. You can easily use them simultaneously as long as you’re equipped with adequate knowledge.

Visit http://www.cha.fm to install a free Facebook Friends statistic tool. Or join the Facebook exchange network to promote your Facebook Apps for free.

By Jeremy Reeves in Featured

marketing3Understanding one important fact about copywriting – the fact that it’s what you say, not how you say it – can dramatically increase the results you’re getting.

Because you need to realize that in order to get the sale, you have to relate to your target audience.

Let me give you an example.

#1 – Differentiating Between Features And Benefits

If you’re talking to gardeners trying to promote a product that does the tilling for them (I only give this example because I’m starting my garden this weekend) – there’s no point in telling them the FEATURES of a specific tilling tool.

You’re not going to say, “this device contains 3 long blades, rubber handles and a rotating device which churns up the dirt more than a pitchfork can”.

You’re going to tell them that the rotating device which churns up the dirt more than a pitchfork is so great because it saves you the pain of jamming your foot onto the pitchfork (which makes your feet hurt at the end of the day), risking back injury, and reducing or eliminating exhaustion later in the day. You’ll say that the 3 long blades slice through the dirt like butter and get deep into the dirt so you can mix up the nutrients, leaving a long-lasting healthy garden each and every year without the worrying of the soil losing it’s nutrients leaving you with a lack of luscious vegetables to eat.

In both examples I’m essentially saying the same thing, but the second example is much more powerful because as I said, it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.

In the second example I’m relating it to their frustrations they have while tilling up the soil every year. I’m being understand and showing them that I truly care about them

#2 – This Goes Especially Well For Video

Since video is becoming so popular on the web, I figured I’d give another example just to make this more clear.

Video #1 – The person is talking about how to lose weight and offers a really valuable tip that the person has probably never heard before. The tip is a study they found showing that fasting for 24 hours doesn’t actually cause muscle loss. In this video they simply continue the same conversation in a normal tone just like every other part of the video, not emphasizing the fact that they just shared an incredible tip.

Video #2 - As they come to the part about fasting, all of a sudden their eyes light up and their voice gets more pronounced. They use hand gestures showing this is an amazing tip and really play on the fact that they just gave you some incredible information.

Which of those do you think will have a bigger impact on you?

#3 – Watching Out For The Ambiguity Blunder

Have you ever been talking to someone and said something and they took it the wrong way?

For example, maybe you were giving them a compliment but for some reason they took it as an insult? Or maybe you were telling them a story and they took it to mean a completely different thing than you were trying to convey?

This is because of ambiguous language, and you have to look out for it.

One thing I like to do before I finalize a piece of copy is look for any ambiguous language within the copy. Look line by line, paragraph by paragraph and ask yourself “is there any other way to interpret this than the way I’m trying to convey the message?”

If so, change it immediately.

You want the person reading to only interpret the copy as you intend, and you have to look for spots which that might be a problem.

Because if they take it the wrong way they’ll either get offended or confused – and both of those emotions will cause a loss of a sale!

So keep those 3 factors in mind the next time you’re writing a piece of copy and you’ll be much better off!

Jeremy Reeves is a freelance copywriter who has produced millions of dollars worth of profits for his clients and has worked with some of the top Internet businesses in the world. To see how Jeremy can explode your profits check out www.JeremyReeves.com/freelance-copywriter.html

By David Jackson in Featured

marketing3Question: What do Michel Fortin, Rosalind Gardner, Marlon Sanders, Lynn Terry, Joel Comm, Lee Odden, Jill Whalen, Perry Marshall, Dr. Ralph Wilson and Shelley Lowery all have in common besides being highly successful Internet marketers?

Answer: They don’t hide behind an icon, avatar or logo. We know what they look like.

Make no mistake, there is great power in using your picture. When people can see what you look like, they feel as if they know you.

Over time, they begin to bond with you and trust you. In essence, you become their friend. And once friendship and trust are established, people will buy whatever it is you’re offering over and over and over again.

Why? Because psychologically, human beings have an innate need to connect with other human beings emotionally. Using your picture on your website and in your marketing makes an emotional connection that much easier.

The corporate world has known the importance of connecting emotionally with their customers for many decades. Need proof? Look no further than the classic tv commercials featuring Lee Iacocca (Chrysler), Dave Thomas (Wendy’s) and the adorable Rodney Allen Rippy (Jack in the Box)…three of the most popular characters in television history.

But if marketers don’t use their picture, doesn’t it give the impression that they’re hiding something?

It could. But sometimes there are perfectly legitimate reasons why marketers don’t use their picture. For example, a long-time client of mine is hiding from her ex-husband who was physically abusive to her and her children.

Also, some marketers are ashamed of their appearance. They may have a bad case of acne, a badly burned face, a prominent scar or birthmark, or some other physical malady that they’re embarrassed about.

There may be perfectly legitimate reasons why someone chooses not to use his or her picture.

So should you use your picture on your website and in your marketing?

Obviously, that’s a personal choice. However, in addition to the trust factor, studies show using your picture also increases conversions.

Ultimately, whether or not you should use your picture, depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you are trying to build your personal brand, as well as establish credibility and trust, then yes, you should definitely use your picture.

But all of the positives notwithstanding, using your picture certainly isn’t a prerequisite for success. After all, there are many successful businesses whose owners operate anonymously or in the shadows.

Like I said, it’s a personal choice.

David Jackson is the owner of Free-Marketing-Tips-Blog.com – Powerful, free, marketing tips to help grow your business! http://free-marketing-tips-blog.com

By Jessica Swanson in Featured

marketing3Before you launch your next marketing campaign, whether online or offline, make sure to avoid some of the most common marketing mistakes.

1. Failure to Write a Powerful Headline.

Whether you are writing a newspaper ad, email message or press release, you must create a powerful headline. Research suggests that your headline is the most important part of your ad. It is absolutely essential that you draw your prospective customer or client into your ad and keep them interested in what you have to offer. Spend quality time creating your headline and you will notice much better results.

2. Absence Of An Irresistible Offer.

In marketing, 40% of the response that you receive from your prospects is directly related to your offer. In today’s competitive marketplace, you need to present your client or customer with an offer that they can’t resist.

Offers can range from discounts to offering a free report, but the fact remains that your marketing should always contain some sort of offer your prospects can’t refuse. If you have an irresistible offer, people will respond.

3. A Weak Or Non-Existent Call To Action.

Every single time you create an ad, you want to direct your prospective client or customer to take a specific action. This action can be to call a toll-free number, visit a website or place an order. If you fail to tell your prospect exactly what you want them to do, they will not do anything. Take your prospect by the hand and show them what they need to do next in order to move them smoothly through all parts of the sales process.

4. An Inadequate List.

Even if you have the best product since sliced bread, you need highly targeted and responsive prospects. This can be accomplished by building a list. There are dozens of tools that allow you to build a list quickly and efficiently. The best way to accomplish this is by asking prospects to supply you with their name and email in exchange for your “irresistible free offer.” Most marketers agree that growing a list is perhaps one of the most important jobs for any small business.

5. Relying On One Marketing Message.

On average, consumers are exposed to over 4,000 marketing messages every day. Recent research suggests that your clients and customers will need to see your marketing message between seven and twelve times before they even take notice! That means you can never rely on sending one message to your prospects; instead, you will need to send repeated messages to them over and over again. Decide how you will deliver your message and then make sure to develop and continue a relationship with your prospect in an ongoing process.

6. Failure To Measure Campaign Effectiveness.

There are literally hundreds of ways to market your small business. Over time, you will most likely tap into dozens of these marketing platforms. However, it is absolutely vital that you take time to measure the effectiveness of your various marketing campaigns. This can be done with simple spreadsheets or fancier CRM systems. No matter how you measure your marketing, you must understand what is working and what is not working so that you can be extremely effective.

7. Not Communicating With Your Current Customers.

It is vital to provide ongoing communication with your current customer base. Most likely you have spent time and money acquiring new customers. Moreover, 20% of your current customers will purchase from you again. Make sure that you communicate with your customers on a regular basis, solicit their feedback and provide value to them over the long-term. This will help build your business over time.

Whether you are a brand new marketer or established veteran, it is essential to avoid some of these most common marketing mistakes. To be successful over time, you must continually work to improve your marketing effectiveness. If you do, you will soon find your business growing quicker and easier than you ever imagined.

Jessica Swanson has helped thousands of small business owners, all over the world, implement low-cost, high-impact DIY marketing campaigns. Known for her energy, passion and “get-it-done” attitude, Jessica takes complicated marketing concepts, turns them upside-down, and makes them incredibly simple and outrageously straightforward. To download your FREE Shoestring Marketing Kit, visit:
www.ShoestringMarketingKit.com

By Wendy Suto in Featured

SEO2When you begin your SEO campaign, it can be difficult to separate myth from truth. It seems everyone has different ideas of what works and what doesn’t, and even someone who’s been in the business awhile can get confused as SEO trends, tactics, and techniques change over the years.

While there may be much discrepancy, these 17 tips for SEO are something most experts seem to agree on. Following these rules, you can avoid some common mistakes and launch a successful campaign.

1. Perform keyword research. This is a very important step in your SEO campaign, before you even begin. Thoroughly research all keywords you may want to use – this can make a huge difference in your strategy.

By Steve Duval in Featured

The majority of online entrepreneurs would love the opportunity to speak with a prospect or client face to face, but it unfortunately is just not possible to do so. It is a proven fact that many web visitors do not read all of the supportive text found on a particular site, so it is necessary to try and capture their attention without requiring them to spend a great deal of time reading. Video marketing allows a marketer to get out their desired message within seconds of the loading of their page, but it must be performed effectively in order to result in success. Individuals interested in incorporating video marketing into their strategy should follow several important tips.

The image portrayed by the video must be completely professional and should be something that a person can be proud of. Nobody is impressed with a stuttering or mumbling approach, and it simply gives an appearance that is something that cannot easily be remedied. It is often said that there are no second chances at first impressions, so an individual needs to understand exactly what the purpose of their video is. The message should be free of offensive material or slang words and appeal to the individuals that will be visiting the website.

A marketer should consider hiring a professional to develop and create their video marketing effort. It is important to realize that no online entrepreneur can be an expert in every aspect of his or her business, and it is necessary to understand when professional assistance or guidance could be helpful. Videos that seem sloppy or put together by amateurs are certainly not going to impress their target, and video marketing that is not properly carried out could actually prove to be detrimental to success in some ways. Using an actor or actress is also not a bad idea when considering the fact that poor diction or dialect can actually cause a consumer to ignore or mute the video.

The length of the video is perhaps one of the most critical elements, and few marketers understand that a person’s attention span is not going to last more than 20-30 seconds at a time. There should be a definitive call to action or an urgent need should be developed throughout the short message delivered to the consumer. Individuals must be lead to either click for more information or proceed with a specific process. Interested targets may be willing to view additional messages or read more information, so it is imperative that a marketer acknowledges the fact that their video’s purpose is simply to snatch the consumer’s interest and entice them into paying attention for a longer period of time.

Internet marketing can very well be the easiest way for a person to reach their financial dreams, but it isn’t necessarily a simple task. Like anything else, success takes time and an online entrepreneur needs to carefully consider all of their efforts. Video marketing can help drive sales and reach more prospects than ever before, but an adequate time must be spent on its development to ensure that it is carried out effectively.

Steve Duval is an internet entrepreneur who is showing others the many ways of making money online today. He teaches simple techniques that anyone can use to earn money online http://www.expressincomes.com

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