Sometimes a Blog Works Better Than a Web Site


“We didn’t want a Web site that would just sit there and be static. With a blog we can constantly update communication to our customers.”

That’s what the owner of an Indiana-based liquor store told DM News about their decision to start a blog versus create a Web site.

The Q&A, published in the July 28th edition, uncovered how the mom and pop operation decided which marketing approach would be most beneficial. The results, as the owner states, produced 500 unique hits due to keyword search optimization.

They also uploaded a video onto their blog created by a complimentary firm instead of figuring out how to do it themselves. This strengthened their ability to attract visitors online, and that’s bound to produce sales.

I often suggest to marketers at my seminars to carefully consider the decision between a blog and Web site before proceeding. Research is key to understanding how much work and maintenance are part of both.

Not all businesses want or are ready to create a site with multiple pages. Blogs are also alluring because they are indexed quicker by search engines, a big draw for many firms just getting online.

Both options have merit. Today, if you had no online presence and were deciding which to create, would you choose a Web site or blog?

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July 30, 2008 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Online Ideas | Leave a Comment 

Social Networking Basics to Get Started

My reading agenda this morning included the August edition of Conde Nast Portfolio, which included the article “Facebook Creeps Me Out.”

It’s all about how well-known industry titans stay away from these Web magnets, but fans of these giants make sure they’re included by creating fan sites.

Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Warren Buffett are mentioned as celebrities lauded on Facebook.

I’ve mentioned social networking sparingly, perhaps not as much as required, and doubt that anyone will create a fan site for any of us. That means it’s our responsibility to make a page in either our name or the company/product/service name we represent if branding is of utmost importance.

The first networking site I joined was Ryze. I still visit some of their groups to learn if someone has mentioned something of interest, but usually (and unfortunately) that’s not the case.

Other places where I’ve planted roots are:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Squidoo
  • MySpace
  • AuthorNation

    • There are more, but I’ll stop here.

    I can understand if you view taking time to create a page as a waste of time. Actually, I consider it an investment since the pages are free and you’re allowed to promote your business in any manner you see fit (within the network’s rules, and you probably won’t go beyond those bounds).

    Once the page is structured, you might not return to that page for a month, maybe two. That’s common for many of us who are focused on marketing in the places where the main money is made.

    But there’s a chance that the six degrees of separation you hear so much about may come to light for you through a social networking site. One person tells another person about your firm, and sales arrive through the initial investment of time taken to create the page. Or maybe not.

    Perhaps you’ll find a connection that expands your marketing to others who were elusive before you joined a site.

    Choose one or two of the social networking sites to at least claim your name or business name. I suggest LinkedIn to start. Look at other profiles to determine what you’ll add.

    This may be the beginning of a wonderful extension to your marketing plan that’s not as creepy as you once thought.

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    July 28, 2008 | Filed Under Social Media | Leave a Comment 

    Three Ways to Target the Right Market

    Each time I prepare my seminar, 10 Simple PR and Marketing Methods, the same basic components are addressed before I launch into ideas that work for businesses in all industries.

  • Who are the people/businesses most likely to buy (teenagers, men ages 30-50, frequent travelers)?

  • What are the realistic methods that will turn them into customers (consumer show exhibits, newspaper advertisements, free demonstrations)?

  • How can I keep bringing them back to buy more and bring their friends/associates, too (birthday cards, loyalty programs, neighborhood sponsorships)?

    • Answering these questions is a must before you can move forward with marketing and sales. From there, you’ll refine your focus over time due to economic and geographic changes and still be able to accomplish your goals.

    Keep this in mind as you prepare for end of year and 2009 marketing.

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    July 25, 2008 | Filed Under Customer Connections, Marketing News | Leave a Comment 

    People Watch While You Market


    “Your videos are great.”
    “I watch your videos all the time.”
    “I’ve learned so much from your videos.”

    I cannot tell you how many times I heard this type of feedback from attendees at my weekend trade show seminars just concluded in Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

    My 3-5 minute videos are available here on the Solo Business Marketing site, on the Gift Basket Tutorials site, and also on YouTube. They were created to educate viewers, but they were also made to market my expertise and increase my speaking opportunities. It’s worked.

    Before creating a video, I write a short script to ensure that my Web site is mentioned or shown in text format at the beginning, middle, and/or end. That almost guarantees that the viewer will visit the corresponding site, which may lead to a newsletter or RSS subscription and sales.

    Years ago I purchased a camcorder to create my videos, but today I’d try a Web cam or the movie option within my digital camera first.

    Those two products produce great results without the expense (or investment) of a camcorder that costs hundreds of dollars, money that can be allotted to postcards and other marketing materials.

    Is creating a series of videos that market your expertise on your planning list? I’m getting ready to record again and encourage you to join me.

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    July 22, 2008 | Filed Under Technology, Video Tips | Leave a Comment 

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