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Win Web Traffic on Facebook with a Contest

July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Many small business owners are utilizing Facebook to drive web traffic to their websites. Some see a huge increase in traffic; some only see a trickle of traffic. Maybe it’s time to be a little creative in order to draw people to your site. Instead of doing the “same old” thing such as post the link to your new blog or service, entice customers with a contest. It’s a win-win situation!

Small business owners will benefit from thinking outside the normal realms of social media, marketing, and advertising. Having a contest is a great way to drive traffic to your website and gain new customers. It’s outside the normal realms of how small businesses use Facebook. Who doesn’t love a contest?

I must admit that this idea was brought up from someone in one of my networking groups. We met for lunch and she was telling me how she uses Facebook mostly to keep in touch with family and friends. She and her husband have not been doing much in terms of driving web traffic.

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Many small business owners may not know what to do for a contest. Let’s say your small business is wedding vendors, here are some ideas for a contest.

  • Name that tune! Have an instrumental song and have people guess what it is;
  • Post a picture of a flower and have people guess what kind of flower it is. You can really make it interesting by asking for its scientific name and give a bonus in addition to the original winnings;
  • Have people plan a bachelor or bachelorette party and choose the most creative one;
  • Post a picture of a designer wedding dress and have people guess the designer;
  • Give people a “wedding theme” and have them come up with ideas for favors.

Having a contest is such as great advertising and marketing tool. You could give away gift cards, money, free services, or anything else. People love to win stuff! Your small business is sure to gain web traffic after visitors read that you’re holding a contest.

Small business owners must think broader and wider. Having a monthly newsletter is great, but spicing up your marketing endeavors can do wonders for your business. You’d be surprised how many NEW customers you can gain by giving away something. Remember, people like to receive free stuff!

If you’re small business could use a boost in web traffic, consider holding a contest and announcing it on your Facebook page. Make it intriguing — don’t give away all of the details. Build it up so people will want to know more about the contest.

There’s no reason that you can’t be creative when you use Facebook. Many small business owners struggle with driving traffic to their website. Hold a contest and you’ll hit the jackpot in more ways than one!

Savvy Writer Rebecca

What type of contest can you promote on Facebook to gain web traffic?

Filed Under: Overcoming Obstacles, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, Social Media, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Add Value to Your Business with a Freelance Writer

July 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Small business owners try do everything themselves from developing their website to fixing the copier, they believe they can do it all. You may need some help from time to time. Perhaps you’re spending too much time on your website and not enough on growing your business. Hiring a freelance writer can alleviate some of your work load and add value to your small business.

Small business owners use their website and marketing materials to advertise their business. Some have a staff of writers or a marketing department, others may have one person. There are some small business owners that write the web copy and marketing materials. Instead of focusing on growing the business their energy is spent on writing

Having to write a blog or web copy can be daunting. If you’re not a strong writer, you may find writing to be tedious. You may find yourself staring at the computer screen hoping that words will magically appear. They usually don’t. Before you know it three hours go by and you still have a blank screen.

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Value of a Freelance Writer

  • Alleviates pressure. Many small business owners may not enjoy writing. Hire a freelance writer because they’re passionate about writing.
  • Has an objective viewpoint. A freelance writer will have an objective viewpoint. They’re not part of the day-to-day business so they’ll look at situations from a different perspective.
  • Cost effective. When you hire a freelance writer, you’re not paying the usual benefits such as medical, PTO, vision, etc…You’ll save money in the long run.
  • Accountability. A freelance writer usually gets paid half up front and collects the other half when the work is complete. This means she will COMPLETE the project because she wants to get paid.
  • Doesn’t take up space in the office. Most freelance writers work via telecommute. There’s no need for them to work in your office. It’s great for the environment because they’re not driving to and from work each day.

A freelance writer can make you money as well as save you money in the long run. A well written email campaign can draw many customers to your website. Not only will you see an increase in web traffic, you’ll see an increase in profits!

If you’re a small business owner considering hiring a freelance writer you may want to search online job websites such as Guru.com and Elance.com. These websites cater to ALL freelancers. All you do is post your ad for a writer or search their database. You’ll find one in no time.

Freelance writers can alleviate the pressure you may feel to write copy yourself. After all, your focus is to grow the business and not write a blog for your website. Remember that a freelance writer can fill-in for staff writers when they take their vacation. If you don’t hire extra help, your staff may feel overworked and overwhelmed. They may not produce their best writing and this can cost you in the short and long run. Don’t make that mistake, hire a freelance writer today!

Savvy Writer Rebecca

How can a freelance write add value to your small business?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Freelance Writing Tagged With: ,

The 1980s Called — They Want Their Business Model Back

July 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Network marketing is all the rage. Even Donald Trump is getting on board with network marketing. Actually, he’s re-entering the realm of network marketing. He was involved in a network marketing venture years ago, but there were some “issues” with it. Now he’s back with another network marketing venture. Hopefully this one will do better than the last one. It is, after all, the Donald’s name on the line!

Many people are involved in a network marketing or multi-level marketing businesses. Some network marketing businesses just don’t work. As a small business owner it can be a great way to make income or extra cash, but you don’t want to lose your shirt!

Multi-level marketing or network marketing is not a new concept. Back in the 1980s, a company called Amway (still going strong) was and still is a very well known multi-level marketing company. There are countless others that have been formed since that time. But, all network marketing companies are NOT created equally. You must understand the dynamics, otherwise you could lose more money than you make.

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Pros

  1. A great way to make extra cash. If you’d like to fund your small business or make money on the side while you do freelance writing then network marketing could be for you;
  2. You get to be your own boss. It’s up to you if your investment in a network marketing venture will be a success. You set your hours and how you’d like to run your business;
  3. It can be profitable. If you sell your heart out and really, truly believe in the product then you’ll make money. You can also engage in online marketing of the product if the company allows it.

Cons

  1. Poor leadership at the top. Unfortunately, many network marketing companies have poor leadership at the top. Some of the people at the top forget what it’s like to be starting out. Plus, they’re NOT in touch with the trends and styles of today when it comes to business;
  2. Could be a shady business. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know EXACTLY what you’re getting into and how you can get out of it if it doesn’t work. Sometimes people don’t reveal ALL of the pertinent information;
  3. Most network marketing companies use the “pyramid” technique. You sign up under a person, then you MUST sign up at least 2 or 3 people (or more), then those people sign up people, and so on. The person that signed you up will make money off of you and your people. However, if you don’t meet the monthly criteria you LOSE your spot and people. Yep, that’s right. There are some network marketing companies that will “drop you off” if you don’t meet the monthly obligation.
  4. Presentations can be lengthy and boring. Yes, some people still believe a two or three hour presentation is necessary. These presentations are usually playing on peoples desire such as “own your own home” or “buy that sports car” along with other outdated techniques. They’ll even create a 75-minute video and expect people, especially younger people to sit through it. They haven’t heard of short-form video;
  5. MLM or network marketing has a negative connotation. It’s true. When people think of MLMs or network marketing they often associate them with a “used car salesperson” or a scam;
  6. The people. Your time is valuable. Some members will tell you anything to get you to a presentation. They embellish and misconstrue the business. Before you know it, three hours go by that you cannot get back.

If you’re considering getting involved in a network marketing venture, get the facts. The money can be useful to fund your small business or to supplement your freelance writing. Research all network marketing opportunities before signing up. It will save you time and money in the long run.

Savvy Writer Rebecca

What attracted you to the network marketing phenomenon? How successful are you? What’s stopping you from jumping on the band wagon?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,

Some People Have the Audacity to Create Podcasts

July 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Small businesses owners can benefit from uploading podcasts onto your website. There are a ton of programs that you can use to create an audio recording. Audacity is a “free, easy-to-use and multilingual audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems.”

“Audacity is free, open source software (available to anyone). It was developed by a group of volunteers and distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL).” This is free software and you’ll have the freedom to use Audacity and to study how it works, especially if you’re new to creating podcasts.

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If you use a MAC platform in your small business, you can still use Audacity. All you do is download the software and you’ll be able to create podcasts which can help drive web traffic.

Podcasts can help drive traffic to your website! If your small business is in the pet grooming business, you could create a daily, weekly, or monthly for your visitors. Give them FREE tips how they can keep their dog or cat’s fur nice and shiny. Tell them what shampoo to use if their cat or dog has allergies. The more information you can provide the better. Your business will be known as an AUTHORITY on pet grooming on the internet. Visitors will remember your website and tell others about it.

According to Audacity’s website, you can use the software to do the following:

  • Record live audio.
  • Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
  • Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
  • Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
  • Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
  • And more! See the complete list of features.

Adding introduction and ending music is not necessary for podcasting but it does give it that EXTRA SPECIAL something. Make sure the music you use IS NOT commercial or mainstream music. Meaning, don’t use music from your favorite recording artist. You can get into a lot of trouble by doing this. Find Royalty Free Music to incorporate into your audio recordings.

Loopsound is a company from the U.K. that offers Royalty Free Music. You can purchase music and use it over and over again. Take the music that you purchase and “mix it” to create unique pieces to use in your podcast. Make sure you keep the introduction and ending to a maximum of 20 seconds. Anything more than this can be too much.

Podcasting Tips

  • Write out a script. If you feel that you may stumble through your podcast, write out a script. Make sure you HIT the points you’d like to make. Once you record a few podcasts, you may not have to use a script.
  • Familiarize yourself with the program. Before you begin using Audacity get to know it. Go through the Help section and read up on the different aspects of Audacity.
  • Keep podcasts to a minimum of 20-30 minutes. Actually, the shorter the better. Many people will not listen to a lengthy podcast. They may lose focus and start surfing the net or walk away. You may consider “breaking up” your podcasts if they are longer.

Podcasting can set your business apart from another business. Whatever you can do to BOOST web traffic to your website, just do it! Remember that the way people find and receive their information is ever evolving. Make sure you’re part of the process and not left behind in the dust!

Savvy Writer Rebecca

What podcasts have you created? What software did you use?

Filed Under: Freelance Writers, Search Engine Optimization, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: , ,

Get Exact Website Exposure with ExactSeek

July 8, 2009 By 2 Comments

ExactSeek can take the hassle out of driving traffic to your website. Many people engage in PPC Marketing only to end up spending a ton of cash to make little or no profit. Small business owners that don’t understand PPC marketing can find themselves in the RED instead of the black!

Small businesses can drive traffic through PPC Marketing. This can take time and money to do. ExactSeek offers Guaranteed Top 10 Exposure to search engines and web directories.

Benefits of ExactSeek

  • Quick Inclusion: A Featured Listing is added within 6 to 8 hours to many search engines.
  • Free Member Account: You are given a secure member account where you can login at anytime to edit your Featured Listings and monitor your click-through and search impression stats.
  • Low Cost: Pay a $12.00 (one-time fee) for one Featured Listing. You don’t bid on keywords and you’re not charged for clicks or impressions, unlike Google AdWords. You keep your keyword term selection indefinitely unless you cancel the automatic renewal.
  • Free With Your Order: Download four bonuses such as Email Advisor, SEO Secrets, What I Didn’t Learn At School But Wish I Had, and Top SEO Secrets — valued at over $90.

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ExactSeek can help small business owners gain web traffic for little cost. When you do PPC Marketing you MUST understand what you’re doing. You may find that you test campaign after campaign without any success. The same goes for testing keywords. ExactSeek alleviates the pressure to drive traffic to your website.

Featured Listing Components

  • Title: Create a title for your Featured Listing. The maximum is 30 characters, this includes spaces.
  • Description: With a maximum of 100 characters (including spaces), enter a description of your product, service, or website.
  • URL: The web address that your visitors will be directed to when they click on your Featured Listing.
  • Keyword Term: Keywords and phrases that causes your Featured Listing to be displayed when visitors perform a search.

Small business owners take advantage of ExactSeek. If you need assistance with keywords, use ExactSeek’s Wordtracker Keyword Suggestion Tool to discover the general search popularity of a keyword or keyword phrase. Check is your keyword is available on ExactSeek by using the Keyword Availability Tool. The Number Available shows how many times your keyword can still be purchased. None Available means that your keyword or keyword phrase is sold out.

Use ExactSeek if you’d like to drive traffic to your website. There’s no hassle to submitting your listing. You can use via PayPal or 2Checkout for the service. Visit ExactSeek today and tomorrow your traffic and profits will increase!

Savvy Writer Rebecca

How much exposure does your website receive?

Filed Under: Overcoming Obstacles, Tips and Tricks Tagged With: ,
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