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 […]
Over the years, I’ve worked with numerous business owners who have spent a considerable chunk of change building their websites. Then they sit back and wait for results … but the results are often less than stellar. The owner is discouraged and thinks all this Internet marketing stuff is a bunch of hooey. It’s not […]
Developing a new website or improving an old one can be a daunting task. There are so many things to keep in mind: the marketing message, the design, the words, the links, the navigation, the keywords, and more. It ain’t easy. Below are some “don’ts” that I recommend keeping in mind as you build or […]
You can learn a lot from watching American Idol year after year. That’s because American Idol offers real lessons about what makes a star. When the top 24 are selected, there are so many wonderful singers that I always wonder, “How will one person ever rise to the top?” But, inevitably, someone does. We, the […]
Do you think because you can hammer a nail into a two-by-four, you can build a good piece of furniture? Of course not. You know that building good furniture takes a lot more skill than simply hammering and sawing. It also takes training, equipment, and materials. Most people don’t question the high price of fine […]
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, […]
