A retail-store owner called and asked me to look at his website. I always try to find something nice to say about a prospect’s website, but this one was pretty challenging. It looked like it had been done in the early 1990s. It was slapped together, with glaring colors, strange navigation, and too much bold […]
I just despise it when marketers try to trick me … or they are just plain dumb and don’t test their stuff. In the mail, I received a Facebook promotional offer. I would get some free advertising if I just used their code. I went to the web site address they gave me. There was […]
A well-established copywriting colleague of mine was approached by one of the top SEO companies in the nation. They wanted her to assist their clients by writing web pages. Web pages need to … Grab attention Understand the reader’s desire or pain Present a concept or solution Move the reader to a next action Be […]
You should put each and every one of your sale events on your website and make them easy to spot. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it isn’t unusual for retailers to build a website and then just let it sit there unused. I have often become interested in a product from a broadcast […]
Many sellers are latching onto the advantages of advertising their products with Pay Per Click ads (PPCs) on the major search engines. PPCs are the paid ads that appear on a search results page. They are placed both above and to the right of the natural search results. These ads can be very effective in […]
A common mistake many small to medium size businesses make is to rely on the in-house computer whiz-kid for everything related to their websites. The whiz kid might be the controller who is also good with computers, or a sales staffer, or even the college-age son of the owner. These people may be very good […]
When a merchant opens his store, he works very hard to get everything ready. He selects, purchases, and arranges furniture, fixtures, displays, decorations, and signage. He carefully selects his merchandise and ensures that it’s displayed with proper lighting. He hires and trains personnel. He plans his marketing efforts and allocates a certain amount of money […]
If you have a website, you need search engine optimization (SEO). But what does that mean? It sounds so complicated and technical. If you’re like me, you get a solicitation every other day from firms that want to sign you up for their “secret formula” that only they have developed to put your company at […]
“Video requires your visitor to switch from an active mode to a passive mode, which may not be the best thing to get a lead or sale.” I’ve noticed a recent trend with respect to video being used on websites. Often I will visit a home page and almost as soon as the page opens, […]
The future of print media is in flux. Newspapers and magazines are trimming their pages and their staffing as subscribers and advertisers dwindle. One thing for certain, the Internet isn’t going away. It’s foolish not to pay attention to new ways you can use the Internet to ensure the profitability of your business. One great […]
I spoke with a business associate not too long ago. He mentioned that he was rebuilding his Web site and then said, “I’m working with the Web designer right now. I’m not ready for the writer, yet.” That’s crazy. The writer of your Web content is of critical importance. Web sites designed to sell products […]
You’ve had a website now for a few years and you’re pretty happy with it. Your site lists your products and services in some detail. It lists the brand names you carry. It even has a corporate history with bios of your staff.You’re pleased that when someone Googles your product and your city, your company, […]
