Getting Noticed!

Getting Noticed!

by: Sue and Chuck DeFiore

One of the best ways to get your name out in your local community is to become a sponsor. A few hundred dollars gets your company name on little League caps; a little more, perhaps an ad at a roller rink. Donate money or materials to the local parade or a float. This buys goodwill and is great selfpromotion. If you provide a service donate that. For example, when we operated a word processing business we offered to do resumes for free for those out of work. If you are a hair stylist, offer to cut hair free to senior homes, or for children. If you run a pet related business offer some free products or service. Every business has something they can provide for free,even if it is only your time.

Be sure when you do something of this type to alert the local media. They love talking about what local businesses are doing for the community. However, do this sparingly. Don’t over use it or it loses its effectiveness.

In todayกs business arena setting up a web site is a must. For most businesses you don’t need anything fancy just a couple of pages which includes contact information, location and what your company policies are. For example, some background information on you (associations you belong to, educational background, qualifications). If you have some testimonials, this helps also. If you provide a newsletter, let folks know how they can receive it. You can also provide directions to your business, put specials on your website that you are running for the month, week or any time period you choose.

Brochures are another excellent way to get your name out there. Highlight your businessกs benefits to create copy that sells. Be sure however to make the content interesting and draw the reader in and motivate them to do business with you.

When you combine effective content with an easytoread, eyecatching design, your brochure will become a hardworking partner that will help you win the customers you need to start your company out right.

Another great way to get your name out and to tell your customers what you do is to use a Newsletter. Newsletters can be wonderful tools for communicating with your customers or prospects. Because of their format, they’re often infused with more credibility than traditional brochures. If your newsletter is little more than blatant selfpromotion, however, itกs likely to hit the wastebasket before it hits your targetกs desk.

We have given you a number of ways to get your name out there so start promoting yourself!

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2002

About The Author

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 17 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our FREE กhow toก Home Business Solutions Digest, itกs like having your own personal coach: mailto:[email protected]

[email protected]

This article was posted on September 09, 2003

by Sue and Chuck DeFiore

Marketing Tips Advertising

Marketing Tips Advertising

by: Sue and Chuck DeFiore

Typical methods of advertisingnewspapers, radio and television are effective if used properly, but there are other, less expensive ways to get your companyกs name out.

Local or cable television is an inexpensive alternative to the traditional forms of advertising. Even if you have no experience advertising in this medium, there are companies who specialize in lending a helping hand. Even if finances are a concern (as they are for most of us), youกll be surprised to discover a 30 second spot television ad can cost as little as a few hundred dollars.

Many areas have public auctions on local stations that will advertise your product, if you donate up to a certain dollar amount. The number of advertising spots will depend on how much you donate.

Remember also to send press releases to your local television and radio stations. Many times they will come out and do a story on you, if it is of interest to the public.

We volunteered to do resumes for people out of work and sent releases to all the radio and television stations. One of the three major networks in our area, sent someone out to interview us, and we were on the 6 and 11 oกclock news.

As for radio advertising, check your local stations for rates. Youกll be surprised at how low some of them are. Again, if you send press releases to the stations, sometimes they will call you as an expert in your area, or for an interview. We sent releases to all the stations in our area when we started our support group, and this generated three times the number of people we expected for our first meeting.

Since most major newspapers are expensive to advertise in, check with the smaller local papers. You can advertise in many of these for as little as $25 a month. You could also offer to write a column for these publications, as an expert in the area, if appropriate.

We all need to advertise in one way or another. Which medium you choose will depend on your particular business.

Copyright DeFiore Enterprises 2000

About The Author

Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business? Chuck and Sue have been helping folks start successful home based businesses for over 19 years, and we can help you too! To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site? Subscribe to our กhow toก Home Business Solutions Digest, itกs like having your own personal coach: mailto:[email protected]

[email protected]

This article was posted on February 17, 2004

by Sue and Chuck DeFiore

Write Articles Geared to Your Local Market to Bols

Write Articles Geared to Your Local Market to Bolster Your Local Search Visibility

by: Lynella Grant

The Shortest Distance to Your Home Town Enterprise is Over the Internet

Combine two dynamite online methods for bringing your business to the attention of buyers Local Search and widely posted articles you write. Doing both gives you a jump on your local competition, plus additional credibility and exposure to your market.

Local Search occurs by adding a geographic term is added to a search engine query. Instead of results comprising millions of pages, only businesses within your specific area are included. For example, entering Florists + Boston only returns Boston florists a small pool of available choices.

Geographic terms can be town, state, region, zip code, etc. Results appear on both a list and map, so the most convenient stand out. Today, nearly 40% of search engine queries ask for Local Search information with that number increasing rapidly. 70% of buyers go online to conduct research before they buy, even from local merchants. So the impact is considerable.

Articles Deliver Credibility and Links

When you write articles and post them widely to Internet directories and ezines, your knowledge is spread to thousands of readers. Sites displaying your articles link back to your website. That encourages readers to seek you out. Links also increase search engine rankings, which push you higher on the results lists. Capture all the benefits http://www.promotewitharticles.com/benefits.html that come with writing articles.

You’re Not Competing Against the Whole World

The widespread assumption dictates shooting to be on first page results if you can (most searchers don’t look past the first page). That all depends. If you’re competing against every other business and website out there, that’s true. And your odds are slim. But you don’t need to only the ones competing for the same customers you are.

Besides, sophisticated searchengine optimization strategies or tracking methods are beyond the needs or skills of most small businesses. There’s a danger that SEO demands can easily pull an owner away from their brickandmortar priorities.

There’s a wellknown joke about two men being lost in the wilderness, who come to the attention of a bear. One man stops long enough to put on his running shoes. His friend scoffs, กYou really think you can outrun a bear?ก He replied, กI only have to outrun you.ก

When it comes to Local Search, you don’t have to outrun all the other enterprises that do what you do. You only have to outrun the ones in your local market. Those likely to show up in the same Local Search results you do.

Consider all the plumbers who could show up in a Local Search for:

Plumber + กyour townก. Visualize three groups:

1. Those who won’t appear in the search because they’re not listed in the search engine data bases. See if your business is included in those databases at http://www.localsearchresources.com/listed.html

2. Those who appear in the results, but who have done nothing further. They won’t show up in all the search results they could have.

3. Those adding specific information for search engines, website visitors, and their local customers: a) enhance their website, b) provide searchenginerelevant information on their pages, c) provide easytofind information that Internet users are looking for.

#3 lets you outrun the other guy. Your articles help you to do that, too. Of those who show up in your search results list, how many are likely to have such additional information (and keywords) for the search engines to draw upon? Your information seems more complete and relevant—leapfrogging you to the front.

Adapt Your Articles for Your Neck of the Woods

The usual method for getting better search engine rankings is to post articles widely to article directory sites and ezines interested in your topic. That’s how the game’s played for ecommerce topics, or products and services with a national reach.

But that’s not primarily what you’re after as a small business operator. Certainly, you’ll benefit from links from other posting sites and links to your website. But you’re interested in reaching the people who live in your area. They’re the ones you want to read your articles and be moved to come to your place of business. Your priority is to build relationships on the local level.

So also post your articles to websites or portals in your community. They may not have high page rank, but they have access to your local customers. And links among local enterprises help to support each other and the local economy. Aso, print off a stack of your articles for handouts in your storefront.

Write your articles differently. Mention your town in your title or keywords. Make sure your signature file (sig) says your town and state. Use examples that are specific to your town or region. กChoosing roses that can thrive above the tree line.ก Refer to landmarks or make geographic references that the locals will recognize. The search engines will pick up some of those references, and they’ll boost your Local Search prominence.

Learn to Make the Most of Local Search Exposure

The easier you can be found online, the more ways you appear in Local Search results. It’s here for the long term, bringing customers to your door who don’t respond to your other marketing methods. Articles and Local Search awareness will build on each other, and you’ll gain a tangible edge in your local market.

Copyright 2005 Off the Page

About The Author

Dr. Lynella Grant An expert in Yellow Page ads and Local Search. Stand out online and offline, so you capture more Internetsavvy buyers for your brick and mortar business. Free resources http://www.localsearchresources.com 7193959450

This article was posted on September 05

by Lynella Grant

7 Steps To Test Prices and Convert More Sales

7 Steps To Test Prices and Convert More Sales

by: Charles Kangethe

Hereกs a really simple way… to customise your product offer from the headline to the prices in order to suit local tastes.

We all know people do business with people they กknow and trustก. So how can you convince shoppers half way across the world that you are reliable and someone they should do business with ?

What I am about to show you will make your business กLocal to the Localsก, wherever in the World they might be.

Step #1 What Is A Split Test

Split testing is a vital task for any Online Business.

By testing different headlines, captions, graphics, copy and prices you can gradually point your business towards better conversion rates.

A basic split test adheres to these guidelines.

1) You start with a base sales page This is called the กControlก

2) Set up a new page for each component you want to test.

For instance set up a new page where everything is the same as กControlก except the Headline. Test various components such as price, ad copy and bonuses, each with its own page.

3) Using software, set the test criteria in terms of how long you want the test to run or alternatively set the number of visitors you want to visit each page.

During the test the Ad tracker will record the statistics, and you can tell which page converted the most.

For future tests, that page can then become กControlก as you change another component.

Step #2 A Shortcoming Of Many Split Tests.

Your Online Business has a big advantage over local Bricks and Mortar businesses.

Your marketplace is Global.

However, this is also a weakness.

Despite the shrinking of the World, depending on what you sell, people still feel more comfortable doing business with กLocalก companies.

Until now…

If you could tell which specific region converted best for your product offer, you could concentrate your offers there instead of wasting advertising money trying to capture a huge unresponsive Global Market.

Step #3 Breakdown Your Marketplace Into Regions.

Decide the level to which you want to breakdown your global market place.

Depending on your knowledge of the World and the type of product you sell, you may want to target sales at a country level.

For more specific products you may feel a regional approach within each country is best.

Finally for some offers you may want to target people in specific named cities within a region in a country.

Once you have decided on your breakdown you need to set up your sales pages.

Step #4 Set Up Test Pages

If you have decided to track sales at the lowest level, then you will need a page for the country, the region and the city in addition to กControlก

For each regional page, change your product offer so that it appeals to the people of that region.

Do this by use of text and graphics that appeal to :

Local Language

Local Arts

Local Cultural references

Local Historical references

Local Geographical references

Local Social, political and economic references

The aim is to build an impression in the visitors mind that your business is กLocalก to them.

Step # 5 Redirect Traffic To The Relevant Local Page

Now that youกve set up the regional pages, you must redirect people from that country, region or city to the relevant กLocalก page when they visit your site.

You want visitors from your Local region to be redirected to the correct Local page rather than กControlก. Redirecting traffic is as simple as applying JavaScript code to your กControlก page In Relevant Resources, below, I tell you where to get these scripts for F’reE.

Your visitor IP addresses are cross referenced against a database by the script so they are directed to the right page.

On their relevant กLocalก page your visitors can order at discount Prices or with different bonuses that you set up.

If you do this right, your กLocalก business pages can outperform the conversion rates you get on กControlก.

Step # 6 A Few Words Of Caution

Use the tactics in this article to make Local offers that are of big relevance to locals in specific, chosen areas of your Global market.

However, when people realise that you are giving discounts to กLocal area Xก, they may try and find a way to get the discount even if they are not in กLocal area Xก.

Theft and fraud online are a price all direct marketers have to bear from time to time.

There are two pieces of advice I can give you :

1) Make it difficult for opportunists to read your JavaScript by hiding it in a .js file

2) Make your กLocalก offer one where you are better off with a sale than without. In other words do not give the product away for F’reE. That way you will always make some money on the offer.

Step #7 Become Local To The Locals

Develop your knowledge of the World and with your product range you can rapidly target small markets rather than the universal Global Internet market.

This can do wonders for your conversion rates.

Relevant Resources

* Split Testing Software

Pro Analyzer from http://www.proanalyzer.com/ DynaTracker from http://www.dynatracker.com/ AdTrackz from http://www.adtrackz.com/

* GeoBytes

Get your Javascript for redirecting your visitors according to location from here http://www.geobytes.com/

More Information and Software For Ad Tracking http://profits.cc/tracking.html?16oct

Conclusion

Good marketers split test.

Take this a step further and test your market in terms of location.

Be กLocal to the Localsก and see your conversion rates rise.

(c) 2004 Charles Kangethe

About The Author

Charles Kangethe of http://www.simplyeasier.com is a leading new wave Netpreneur and a published author from England. The กSimply Easierก brand name is your guarantee of high value, quality Marketing Products, Services and Resources.

[email protected]

This article was posted on April 08, 2004

by Charles Kangethe

VOIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

VOIP QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

by: Raymond Klesc

Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has grown in popularity recently and with that rise in popularity has come a number of common misconceptions and confusion. Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) has complied this simple guide to address some of these most common questions and concerns.

What is VoIP and what does it stand for?

How do I make a VoIP phone call?

What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?

Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?

Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?

Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?

Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?

Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?

Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?

Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?

How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?

Who regulates VoIP services?

What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?

Are free trials normally available?

How can I improve the sound quality?

1. What is VoIP and what does it stand for?

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and it allows you to place telephone calls over a data network like the internet. It operates by converting your voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that can then be transmitted over the Internet. The digital signal is then converted at the other end back to a voice signal that the other party can hear. When you use a phone with an adapter the calls are placed just like a regular telephone. You first hear a dial tone then the call is made. You are also able to place a call directly from your computer using a conventional telephone or microphone.

2. How do I make a VoIP phone call?

Making a VoIP phone call is no different from using a regular land line telephone. You pickup the receiver and listen for the dial tone. You can then dial your number as you always have in the past. The call connects to your highspeed Internet connection and travels to your local telephone companyกs equipment to a VoIP provider which transport the signal through the Internet to the local provider of the party you are calling. They relay the signal to your parties telephone. As an alternative, you may also place the call using your computerกs hardware and software, entering the number through your keyboard. The signal is then sent through your cable modem to your local telephone carrier.

3. What equipment do I need for VoIP phone calls?

Your existing incoming highspeed Internet connection should be sufficient but the higher the connectivity the better the signal.

In terms of hardware, you can hook up an inexpensive microphone to your computer or connect a phone directly to a VoIP telephone adaptor (ATA). Or you can use a phone specially made to work with Internet Voice. This is called an SIP Phone. Each SIP phone is a network endpoint, and voice is routed via its IP address. It allows a DID (direct inward dialing) number to move with a user. You can move, add or remove stations and never have to call your interconnect/PBX service company. SIP phones also allow full use of advanced features like voice mail to email and auto attendant.

4. Are there any differences between making a local call or a long distance call?

There are many different calling available for VoIP. The calling rates and fixed plans will vary from one vendor to another depending on the service you select. Please make sure to read all of the fine print associated with any plan that you choose.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that VoIP can blur the difference between local and long distance by issuing a local number for your Internet phone. This allows you to make LOCAL calls to your home area code from that phone, regardless of where you are geographically. All you need is an Internet connection to plug in your phone, it doesn’t matter what Internet provider you use, and you can call your local area code from anywhere in the world without paying long distance rates.

5. Who can I call if I am using a VoIP service?

Your calls can be made to any local telephone number, mobile phone, long distance number, or any international number. You may even use the service to speak with more than one person at a time. More importantly, the person you are calling does not need any special equipment; just a regular telephone.

6. Are there any advantages in using VoIP phone service?

If you are using a broadband internet connection, you don’t need to maintain and pay the additional cost for a regular land line just to make telephone calls. With VoIP you’re able to talk to many people at the same time. You can set up conference calls with your colleagues, staff, family and friends. VoIP allows you to reduce interconnect/PBX fees by enabling you to add, move and remove stations from your network without calling your service provider. In addition, you don’t have to buy an expensive phone switch to set up your network. VoIP also offers many advanced calling features from caller ID and call forward to voicemail and distinctive ringing to call tracing and reminder calls, among many others. You can also manage your features through the Internet; login and customize services that normally you would have to rely on your provider to change for a fee of course. Voice over Internet can lower longdistance fees by assigning a local telephone number to your VoIP phone. You will then be able to take your phone anywhere in the world, plug it into any broadband connection regardless of specific provider, and you can make LOCAL calls to your home area code. Parents can keep in touch with children at college; churches can contact missionaries all over the world; and businesses can connect branch offices in different cities.

7. Will I be able to dial 911 emergency services?

Some Internet Voice services have difficulty seamlessly connecting with the 911 dispatch center or identifying the location of Internet Voice 911 callers. Check with your local VoIP provider to determine if they can provide this service in your area.

8. Will I be able to use my computer while making a VoIP phone call?

Yes you most certainly will be able to use your computer while making calls on your VoIP network.

9. Will I be able to take my phone adapter with me while traveling?

You should be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a highspeed Internet connection available. Your adaptor should work the same as when you are at home or in the office as long as you have access to a highspeed Internet connection.

10. Does my computer need to be running in order to use VoIP service?

Your computer does not need to be turned on but your broadband connection must be active in order for VoIP to functionproperly. However, if you are not using an adapter and choose to use a microphone or headset with your computer then your computer must be on.

11. How will I know when I receive a phone call over my VoIP service?

Your VoIP phone will ring like any other telephone.

12. Who regulates VoIP services?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has worked to create an environment promoting competition and innovation tobenefit consumers. Historically, the FCC has not regulated the Internet or the services provided over it. On February 12, 2004, the FCC found that an entirely Internetbased VoIP service was an unregulated information service. On the same day, the FCC began a broader proceeding to examine what its role should be in this new environment of increased consumer choice and what it can best do to meet its role of safeguarding the public interest. In November 2004 they ruled that States do not have the jurisdiction to impose taxes on VoIP services, another victory for the consumer.

13. What are the computer system requirements for VoIP?

The specific requirements of any VoIP system must be checked with each individual VoIP provider.

14. Are free trials normally available?

You need to check with your selected VoIP provider to determine if a free trial is available. Most VoIP providers will provide some kind of free trial or conditional free trial period. If you are dissatisfied for any reason you should return the equipment in their original packing boxes together with all shipping paperwork and packing slips to ensure they will honor their warrantee.

14. Will I be able to use VoIP behind a firewall?

You need to ask your network administrator regarding any special setting that are required to function through the firewall.

15. How can I improve the sound quality?

Speak with a headset instead of a microphone. Better still, use a phone with an adaptor.

If you are using a microphone, hold it away from the speakers to avoid having the sound from your speakers recirculate into your microphone causing feedback.

Lower the volume on your speakers.

Check with your sound card manufacturer to be sure you are using the latest drivers.

Use a direct phone jack. A split line or extension cord between your phone jack and computer can distort the sound causing an echo.

Global Value Conncet ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) offers a wide range of VoIP products and services from the most reliable vendors at the most competitive prices. If you are in the market for VoIP services or curious as to what it may cost or how you may benefit then stop in and check out our products and services at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/VoIP.htm

Copyright 2004 Raymond Klesc

You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated send to [email protected]

About The Author

Global Value Connect ( http://globalvalueconnect.com ) has been providing the best value in telecommunication products and services for the home or office since 1995. If you want to cut your telephone bill in half register today for our free eBook entitled ‘telephone Bill Saving Tips for Home and Officeก and is available at: http://globalvalueconnect.com/Saving_Tips.htm

[email protected]

This article was posted on November 27, 2004

by Raymond Klesc

Top 7 Tips for New Businesses

Top 7 Tips for New Businesses

by: Mary Ellen Martelli

The marketing decisions you make for your new business are the most important part of making your business a success. Marketing is about building a strong presence, name recognition and credibility through various methods. Here are 7 things you can do to get a new business off the ground.

All of the time and money you invest in getting your business off the ground is wasted if you don’t make the additional efforts and expenditures to market effectively. Marketing is the process and procedures that get your name out to the public. Your advertising is only a part of marketing. You should have a plan for at least the first year of operations on a monthly basis. With a new business, your marketing is about building a presence, name recognition, status and reputation through a variety methods.

1. Have a Written Business Plan: Having your business plan in order allows you to see a very clear path to where you want your business to go. There are many resources available on the internet to guide you in this process, but basically, your business plan should include: Business Description, Key Initiatives and Objectives, Marketing Strategy and Budget, Business Overview, Location and Facilities, Description of Products and Services, Industry Overview & Outlook, Regulatory Issues Related to Your Industry, Implementation Plan and a Financial Plan.

2. Begin Your Business Branding Immediately: Have business cards, a logo, letterhead, brochure, signage and collateral materials professionally designed and printed. It will be worth the investment as your first steps towards building your business’s image. Steer clear of ขdo it yourselfข products that can be found in most office supply stores. Although it may seem cost effective for a new business, the real cost comes in the toll it will take on your company’s image. For more advice on Business Branding go to: http://maremaxconsulting.com/brandingtips.html

3. Get a Business Website. In today’s marketplace, a business without a website is like a house without a front door. If you don’t have one, you’re missing out on a very big opportunity to drive business directly to you. Have your website professionally written and designed. Make sure it is an extension of your advertising and print materials. Your branding has to extend and flourish on your home page. Prospective clients should be able to utilize your site for more information than what is already available to them through your brochure, print ads, and other collateral materials. Update your website often and give people a reason to return again and again.

4. Advertise with Consistency. One of the most powerful keys to successful advertising is frequency. A smaller ad that you run 10 times will generate much more presence that an ad 10 times the size you can only afford to run once. Start with local or regional newspapers or magazines, and set up an ongoing plan that will allow you to build your presence. Your advertising message has to speak to the consumer’s needs and most importantly give them a solid reason to call you. But, more importantly, the message needs to in front of them on a regular, consistent basis. Always be sure to use your web address in all of your advertising.

5. Get Your Business Publicized:

• Send a press release to all local newspapers and magazines in your area announcing the opening of your new business, plans for Grand Opening, and services offered. Keep your press releases short, doublespaced, and error free.

• Write letters to the editor and/or send out press releases on a consistent basis that include a professional photo that is captioned (readers are much more likely to view a photo if there is a caption to read). If you, as a business owner, do something new, such as receive an award, appoint someone in your business to a new position, join a board or professional organization or offer your services to a nonprofit organization, be sure to get all the mileage you can out of it by using it as a tool to communicate with the press. If you can plan your marketing budget to include a few professionally written and placed press releases, especially in the beginning, all the better.

• Also consider writing and submitting articles to editors of related business journals and local publications. They are often looking for articles from local businesses. Youกll get your name print, as a credible source, which has a lot more standing than any ad you can purchase in the same publication.

6. Network Network Network! Facetoface networking is one of your best sources of advertising. Be sure to take advantage of every connection opportunity you can. Getting involved will get your business name out there. Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce and be an active participant. Joining a committee, going to meetings, networking breakfasts, and special events extends the opportunities to interact with prospective clients. Volunteer to join a local arts council, charity board, or school board. You’re not only servicing your community, you’re putting yourself and your business out in front of the public.

7. Assess and Redirect Along the Way. Just because you have a written business plan doesn’t mean you should shut your eyes to anything but what you have written. After several months of being fully operational, if you find your business is taking off in one area more then another, you may have stumbled onto a genuine need that wasn’t being filled. Go with it! Assess and redirect. If you find your newspaper advertising is pulling more than your direct mail campaign it may be time to adjust the advertising budget. First, be very sure you’re not being too quick to judge. Some areas of business take longer to cultivate than others. Just as some advertising will adjust according to season, campaign, and frequency.

About The Author

Mary Ellen Martelli is President of MareMax Consulting, a full service Advertising, Marketing & Website Consulting firm, located in the Southern New Jersey / Philadelphia area. You can reach her at her website: http://maremaxconsulting.com/

[email protected]

This article was posted on September 08

by Mary Ellen Martelli

Local Search and Internet Yellow Pages A Whole N

Local Search and Internet Yellow Pages A Whole New Vocabulary for Small Business Sales

by: Dr. Lynella Grant

Buyers want both online and local information about where to buy. Most small businesses are local in nature, serving people who live nearby. Their customers found them through traditional methods like the Yellow Pages or newspaper ads. So far, the Internet hasn’t figured prominently in their marketing efforts.

Thatกs about to change, as Local Search methods become more widespread. Even for buyers expecting to spend their money close to home, more and more of them go to the Internet to locate desired products and services. They rely on search engines to find suitable vendors in the fastest, easiest way.

Local Search combines the search query word or phrase with specific geographic terms, like city or zip code. That way, search results only include enterprises in that local area. Instead of information about a small enterprise being lost among millions of pages of search results, it shows up in a small pool of local providers. Thatกs good for them, as well as the person looking for what they provide.

Small operations can easily be located by a whole new group of buyers Consumers don’t simply go to the Yellow Pages when ready to buy as they once did. Studies show that an astonishing 36% of online searches are conducted to find local businesses. About a quarter of all Internet users already conduct local searches. Theyกd do even more of it, if the desired small business data were more complete.

Local enterprises need to prepare for the impact of changing customer habits. An easy first step is to include your business in Internet Yellow Pages (IYP), along with the printed Yellow Page directory. That puts your enterprise on the radar screen. Learn how your business can make the most of Local Search by visiting http://www.yellowpagesage.com Youกll find reliable advice from experts in Yellow Pages and Local Search so you can get more mileage from your promotional dollars.

Start by getting comfortable with search concepts, and improve your odds of being found when people search online for what you offer. You don’t even need your own Web site to benefit from Internet Yellow Pages and Local Search.

Learn the Relevant Terms

Search Engine method for locating the information available on the Internet; a program that searches Web pages for requested keywords, then returns a list of documents where the query terms were found

Google and Yahoo, the major general search engines, have both shifted gears to make Local Search a priority when delivering relevant results.

Spider (also called กcrawlerก or กbotก) goes to every page on every Web site and reads the information so it can be available to searchers; to กcrawlก a site it collects and indexes information from it

Specialized Search Engines narrow focus of information crawled and indexed, like medical, business, or shopping sites

Keywords word or phrases used by search engines to locate relevant Web pages; words chosen to improve a siteกs search engine placement and ranking

Search Query search request, which the search engine compares to the spidered entries, then returns results to the searcher

Search Results compiled list of Web pages that a search engine delivers in response to a query; the number of items returned is usually overwhelming (in the millions), so searchers only bother to view results on the first pages

Relevant Results the test of a good search is whether the results obtained relate to what the person wanted to find, without a lot of irrelevant links

Local Search combining a geographic term in a search query to locate suitable providers in a specific area

Pay per Click (PPC) method of building traffic whereby site owners bid on search terms (keywords) that link to their site

Geographic Terms specific information about the local area that can be included in a local search: zip code, town, county, geographic region, state

Top Ranking sites shown on the first page(s) of search results

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) finetuning keywords and page content so the Web site rates high in search engine results

Tags and Titles (on Web Pages) provide site keywords and information to search engine spiders for indexing a site

Internet Yellow Pages (IYP) directory of business phone numbers and locations in a geographic area, organized by category; searchable data base accessed on the Internet

Make your business easy for searchers to find The public is embracing the convenience of searching on the Internet to find information about local businesses. However, their searches for desired information are compromised because so many local enterprises don’t show up in the databases as yet. Those that do have an edge in their local market. Climb aboard! Make sure searchers can find you. For little or no money, you can expose your enterprise to the whole world.

Whether or not your business has a Web site, you need to provide the information people are looking for in the places that they look for it. Local Search and Internet Yellow Pages open new avenues to buyers ready to spend. Best of all, they support and compliment your traditional methods of finding new business. So you cover all your bases.

(c)2004, Lynella Grant

About The Author

Dr. Lynella Grant, an expert in visual communication. How printed materials send signals that strengthen or undo the words. Author, The Business Card Book & Yellow Page Smarts http://www.yellowpagesage.com Off the Page Press (719) 3959450

[email protected]

This article was posted on September 10, 2004

by Dr. Lynella Grant

Band Promotion Book Your Garage Band Some Shows

Band Promotion Book Your Garage Band Some Shows or Gigs

by: Dennis Damp Jr

So you have you press kit and demo CD and want to know what to do next. Why not try an open mic night at a local club. Most clubs advertise these open mic nights in your local music papers or entertainment magazines. Open mic nights will give your band experience on stage, and the club will most likely have a built in audience to perform for. Most of the time all you have to do is show up with your instruments. The PA system and drums are usually supplied. Call ahead just to make sure this is the case. Many of these events are hosted by local established bands and produce great networking opportunities. Make contacts with the bands playing the open mic night, and leave a press kit for the club owner. Maybe the hosting band likes your music and needs an opening act in the future. Sometimes people in the audience may be interested in your band, so have some business cards ready with all your contact information.

The reality of starting out as a band is that your most likely not going to get paid at first. Your not in it at first for the money anyway right, your there because you want to get your music heard. Offer to be an opening act for a band you know or met at an open mic night. Email some bands in your area and see if they accept opening acts. Offer to open for free to get some much needed exposure. Many established bands love opening acts because they don’t have to pay them much, and they won’t have to play as long so this makes their job easier.

Promote your band any time you get an opportunity. Hand out business cards at open mic nights, and send fliers to clubs that you will be performing at in the future. Call or email clubs or venues that handle your genre of music. Once you get some shows, contact your local music newspapers with your band’s name, venue name, phone number, show time, and any other information you feel necessary. Many entertainment newspapers offer this service free of charge. Solicit your press kit to local venues. Start visiting local clubs in person with your band mates and talk with the booker or entertainment director. Leave a copy of your press kit and get them to listen to your demo while your there if possible. Call a day or two after your visit, and be persistent. You may have to call a few times, because it can be difficult to get a hold of the band booker. Most work late hours at their venue.

Now that your have emailed or called your local newspapers with any show dates to be published in their entertainment section. Contact any music newspapers or magazines in your area to see if they would write an article on your band or visit one of your shows. If your successful in getting an article or review of your band, make sure to have the article writer include your website address and booking information in the piece. There are many opportunities to promote your band, so don’t miss a chance to have your contact information added to a newspaper article or review of your band.

Send your demo CD and press kit to any local battle of the bands competitions or song writing contests. Battle of the bands locate up and coming talent for their shows. They need acts so this can be a great opportunity for your band. Battle of the bands gives the opportunity to network with local promoters, other established bands, and to be heard by an audience searching for new talent. Many times these events are promoted through radio, newspaper ads, and internet marketing. The winner of the battle of the bands typically receives some nice perks like studio time, equipment, or free advertising. I know a band in my area who won a competition and actually got a chance to play live on the radio. Next thing you know they were playing some of the best venues in the area. Check out these events whenever possible.

Approach town fairs, county festivals, or city concert venues to get gigs and exposure for your band. Most of these types of shows are performed for free by bands, but there is an opportunity to play for a built in audience. Do some research on the internet and see what local agencies or websites book bands for these types of events.

Now that your band promotion is off to a great start it’s time to get your band on the internet, and possibly look for a band manager, booking agent, or sound technician. See part III of our article Get your band out of the garage and into a gig at http://www.mediawebsource.com/press.htm. For more information on press kit and demo tips, band resources, and band promotion visit the Media Web Source website at http://www.mediawebsource.com. This site is a valuable resource for start up and established bands everywhere.

About The Author

Dennis Damp Jr.

Author and Website creator for www.mediawebsource.com. Articles and website are comprised of resources for bands and songwriters.

[email protected]

This article was posted on January 01

by Dennis Damp Jr

How To Appear In Googleกs Local Search Results

How To Appear In Googleกs Local Search Results

by: Lea de Groot

Google doesn’t only exist at http://google.com/ Google also has local versions, such as http://google.ca/, http://google.com.au/ and http://google.co.uk/. Each of these has a selection below the query entry field that allows the user to select either กsearch the webก or กsearch pages from ก. If the visitor selects กsearch pages from ก they will only see results which Google judges as being local to the country in question.

Many webmasters are unaware of what is required to be listed as being กfromก their own country. This article discusses what you need to know to have your site appear in a Google Local search results page.

When Google tries to determine whether your site is appropriate for each of these countryspecific search results, it will firstly examine the TLD of your domain name. For example if you have a site called mysite.co.in, then you will appear when a searcher queries at google.co.in for Indian results.

If you don’t pass this test, Google will give you a second chance and look at the physical location of where your site is hosted. For example, a site hosted in Canada will appear to be a Canadian site to Google and will appear in the results set for a query on google.ca for Canadian pages. (Its actually a little more complicated than that; it depends on the location of the company that owns the IP address used for hosting your site. But 90% of the time the location matches the ownership, so the above description is an adequate approximation.)

So, when I am asked the question กwhy doesn’t my site appear in the google results for my country?ก I answer by first asking if the domain name has a local TLD and then if they are hosted in their country.

If the answer to both is กnoก then I explain they need to either buy a local domain name or move their hosting and then (after a delay while Google กnoticesก) they will appear in the desired result set.

Note that the major exception to this is the US while Google has the .us domain name, it diverts to the general google.com site, so there is no way for US residents to use Google to find local sites.

Getting your website to appear in the local search results as well as the general Google results isn’t hard, but you do have to know what you are doing.

About The Author

Copyright Lea de Groot

Lea de Groot is CEO of Elysian Systems (http://elysiansystems.com/), a leading Australian Search Engine Optimisation & Web Development company based in Brisbane.

A shorter form of this article originally appeared in กWebTalk: Putting Businesses on the Internetก, a newsletter for companies who wish to use their website more effectively (http://elysiansystems.com/newsletter/).

This article was posted on March 16

by Lea de Groot

24 Articles On Your Own Photography Business: A FR

24 Articles On Your Own Photography Business: A FREE ebook to Get You Started

by: Roy Barker

You may have already started to make money from your photography, but if you are still a gifted amateur, then there are effective methods you can use to kick start your chances of making a profit. At the present time there has never been more opportunities for the photographer. New technologies in the form of digital cameras are changing the face of the industry. However that has always been the case for photographers, and it is no reason to get discouraged. It has never been easier for the amateurs to take their own photographs. However there are certain circumstances where it is harder than others. An example here is pet photography. There are plenty of people living alone, who have pets, and whilst they can photograph their pets it is far harder to get a photograph of them with their pets. Advertise locally to take pet photos, or take a walk in your nearest park and ask people. If you use a digital camera, you can advertise to people that not only can they have a copy of their pets, as a photograph, but they can have it on their desktop as wallpaper. Digital online printing services will also print the photo on postcards. Get some done and then post them to friends or relations overseas. mugs and serve them in your house to pet owners and see how long it is before someone else wants one.

There are other possibilities, with the tee shirts and mugs, some people will want their own photographs on a tee shirt with perhaps their own caption, advertise these services locally through the means of small ads.

Have some business cards printed, and go and cover local sporting events and contests, there is always someone without a camera, especially if they win, they will want a photograph. Or you may like to consider joining a local society, and advertising yourself as a photographer, there is nothing as effective as word of mouth advertising, all the money paid for advertisements cannot beat it!

Be aware of local activities that take place in your area that you can capitalise on. Graduations are an occasion when people wish to have a more formal record. The cost of graduating itself is so high that what is the cost of a formal portrait in comparison. Especially if you have a digital camera and have no film, you can almost use it in a speculative manner. In other words there are a lot of people together who constitute a market. If you photograph them all then the chances are that you will sell about 40% of your work. There is always someone who has a jammed camera, or in the wrong place, or even proud grandparents who do not possess a camera.

Not everyone lives down the Road from the Taj Mahal, or Gracelands, but many of you will live near a landmark that attracts photographers. Many people will have their cameras but they will not necessarily be digital. If you have a digital camera you should be able to show people a photograph they want in front of something. These photographs, though time consuming to start with, are a start on the photographic market ladder.

Join a photographic club, and talk to other photographers who are making money now. Not only will you make contacts, but you will have the opportunity to refine your techniques. Even in this digital age, it is vital that you keep abreast with technology, and you will be able to compare the value of equipment, that is being used now.

If you have a digital camera, take it in your local nightclub, there is always one in any time, which are new and trendy, take photographs of the range of cocktails on offer. Attractive looking drink will sell better with a photograph, see if you can sell the photographs, or better still negotiate a price for new printed menus. Speak with other local businessmen and see if they can improve their marketing techniques with the use of photographs. A second hand car dealer can increase his business potential with the use of photographs.

Remember when you are starting to make money from photography that you may feel as though you will attract more market share if you sell your work cheaply. Before you take this strategy though, think about some of the implications. It will have a shortterm increase that is for sure, but in the long term how many businesses and families want to hire the cheapest photographer in town. People know that they rarely get good quality for super cheap prices and photos,…well, they’re special items to most people. Don’t be too expensive but don’t be cheap either!

Your technical ability is sufficient to represent your client’s marketing in a visual statement, that requires more than point and shoot. Do not sell these skills short. You have to be aware of the hidden costs of doing business; all to often it is easy to absorb a little loss of profit, because it is only small. These costs can add up to a sizeable amount. Ask other local photographers price their market, this may seem a strange technique, but they have a vested interest in not letting a new comer under price their market.

Take into account your realistic overheads, that is the depreciation of your equipment, your insurances, legal fees, accountancy fees, repairs, travel time and costs, subscriptions, and possible rent, both of equipment and studio space. Educate your client explain to them what the higher technology costs, but also what it can offer them. All businesses have to be made more profitable, and it is difficult but not impossible to find a balance between the price you need to charge, and the price the customer will pay, the more the client understands new technology, the less likely they are to balk at paying for it. After all it is cheaper to ride a bike to work than invest in a new car, but who realistically wants to do it.

It is a good idea to sit down and write a business plan to define where you want to go and define your target audience. This is a good marketing strategy; it stops you wasting time effort and money, targeting areas that will provide you with little or no return.

About The Author

Roy Barker. To access the Free ebook go to http://www.profitablephotography.com/html/99/ Scroll down to กAlright then…5 good reasonsก and youกll see it. Roy is the author of the popular ebook, Income from Photography. The Free ebook (above)can be downloaded at http://www.profitablephotography.com. You can pass on the ebook as long as the authors bio is included and all itกs text and links remain unchanged.

[email protected]

This article was posted on August 02

by Roy Barker

Ashes to Ashes, Bytes to Bytes

Ashes to Ashes, Bytes to Bytes

by: Kent E. Butler

She didn’t have to die. She was young, she was beautiful, and, yes, she was exciting. Now sheกs gone, and it was all so unnecessary so, so senseless!

Dare I say what he did to her? Do I "point the finger" at him? Someone has to, I guess. Actually, it was a case of what he didn’t do. You see, she was a charming new website and he well, he was an inexperienced owner who thought all he had to do was open a welldone website and the world would zeroin on her and make him scads of cash. He even called her "Carly Cash". The poor, misguided fool.

If only he had known, there are a great many things he could have done to save her, indeed to help her thrive and fulfill her exciting promise. He could have:

used business cards to promote his website. Probably the cheapest, most effective form of dirtside advertising is an attractive business card. He could carry them everywhere (alright, smartie, not in the shower). Post them on supermarket, community and college bulletin boards. Drop one in the envelope when he pays a bill. Leave one, or more, at the video store, dentistกs office, doctorกs office, library, county jail wherever. Maybe not the jail.

issued a press release to the world. Huh? He could have sent a press release to his local media, after determining the names of the appropriate editors and news directors. He could go to his favorite search engine, enter "press release", and doubtless be amazed at the result. Heกd need to remember itกs not called the World Wide Web for nothing. Getting a press release published ten thousand miles away can do him just as much good as appearing in a local paper.

placed classified ads in "advertiser magazines", for lack of something better to call them. In this part of the world we have the Pennysaver, which carries announcements of local events, community activities, concerts, that sort of thing. But primarily it is classified ads for everything from aardvark toys to zebrastriped jammies. And itกs very popular itกs a garage sale in print and delivered by the postal service.

arranged to appear as a guest on a radio talk show. Many AM stations are devoted to talk, he should know, because they don’t carry music as well as FM stereo. Our wired, wired world is a popular talk topic and all he has to do is find our which stations, or show hosts, are so inclined. Interesting guests are always welcome (at some time or another).

The same is true of local television talk shows like "AM Akron" or "Missoula in the Morning" (maybe not). He should be aware that no show host, or station, is going to allow a prolonged commercial for his website. He will need to be able to speak intelligently about some aspect of the web,answer questions from the host/ess and perhaps the audience as well. The idea is to help brand him, create interest, instill trust, and get in a plug or two.

thought creatively about publicity and likely come up with his own ideas. Had he been in his right mind (home of creativity and intuition) and fired up his imagination, maybe "Carly" wouldn’t have died. Hereกs hoping her successor has a rich, rewarding life, and perhaps little bytes of her own.

Copyright by Kent E. Butler

Butler Marketing Group

About The Author

Kent E. Butler has been in marketing, sales and training since shortly after the creation of language. If the above language has been helpful, heกs happy. To make him really happy, visit http://www.ButlerMarketingGroup.com the One Stop Internet Shop (and great bizop) and acquire something useful.

This article was posted on January 20, 2002

by Kent E. Butler

Three Ways to Get More Referrals

Three Ways to Get More Referrals

by: Jay Conners

When you are in the business of sales, among the many key ingredients to your success is receiving referrals from as many sources as possible.

Wouldn’t it be nice if every morning you walked into your office and had a referral sitting there waiting for you on your desk?

Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way, but here are few suggestions that should help steer some referrals your way.

1. Referral Groups

There are many referral groups out there for you to choose from. The premise of a referral group is first and foremost to receive and give referrals.

It works something like this;

Once a week your referral group meets at a designated spot for breakfast or lunch, and the meeting typically lasts for an hour to an hour and a half.

These groups normally don’t allow for any kind of conflict between industries, so you will most likely be the only one representing your industry. For instance there is only one banker, one printer, one loan officer, etc., etc.

In the beginning you spend some time catching up and exchanging business cards. As you are eating, each person is given a minute or two to take the floor and talk about themselves and the company that they work for, and give the group an idea of what a good referral would be for them.

Personally, I have been involved with these groups in the past and find them to work extremely well. One of the more popular ones is Business Networking International (BNI). You can find a local chapter on the web.

Look at it from this point of view, if your group has twentyfive people in it, than consider it a sales force working for you. Don’t forget, you are required to give referrals also.

2. Chambers of Commerce

Every city, town, or county has a Chamber of Commerce. They are not hard to find, and they are fairly simple to join. You can easily find your local chapter on the web or in the yellow pages. They also advertise in local business directories and news papers.

The chamber is a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. They meet once a week usually with a luncheon at a local restaurant. The first half hour is a network and business card exchange, followed by lunch with announcements about upcoming events, and a guest speaker.

Before hand, tables are provided to display your literature and props, and be on hand to discuss your business.

Chambers also hold annual events that you can participate in. Their events are normally held in the form of business expositions where you can rent a booth to display and sell your products.

Chambers normally have a lot of members depending upon the location, so you will probably find yourself competing for business with other people in your industry.

I continue to be involved with my local chamber, and have found it to be very beneficial to my career. I have found these organizations great for meeting people as well.

Keep in mind, these organizations come with very reasonable annual fees’, so make sure it fits your budget.

3.Giving Referrals

Perhaps one of the best ways to get referrals is to give referrals. If you give someone a referral and it works out for them, they will love you and remember you forever. And in turn, send referrals back your way.

I have to say, throughout my career, I found this to be one very effective way to get referrals. You might want to consider teaming up with someone with a similar job in your industry. For instance, if you are a loan officer, team up with a realtor, or if you are a home inspector, you might team up with an appraiser.

These are three very effective ways to keep those referrals coming your way. They have worked for me, and I have found them to be a nice way to break up my week, and build relationships with other business people in my community. Give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed. Good luck!

About The Author

Jay Conners has more than fifteen years of experience in the banking and Mortgage Industry, He is the owner of http://www.jconners.com, a mortgage resource site, he is also the owner of http://www.callprospect.com, a mortgage lead company.

[email protected]

This article was posted on August 31

by Jay Conners