10 Questions to Ask Your Website Designer

10 questions to ask your website designer

You need more than just a pretty website. You need a site that delivers business results. And you need a website designer who can do that. Here’s what to ask a web design company before you consider hiring them. 1. What is your typical process when working with a new client? Designers vary widely in…

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Engagement Without Strategy is Pointless

Engagement and digital strategy

I read a blog post by Seth Godin last week that had me shaking my head and thinking “He’s wrong!”. Now normally I totally agree with Seth – he focuses on getting things done, being yourself, telling stories, and all the good things that help grow your business. But, this time, I don’t agree… Here’s…

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Why The Wrong Audience Can Sink Your Business

Are you talking to the right audience with your social media?

Are you talking to the right audience? I recently read an interesting report (the fourth annual 2012 Social Media Marketing Industry Report from Social Media Examiner) showing some of the differences in social media usage between B2C and B2B companies. Basically, they both use social media (in fact, over 93% use it). But B2B companies…

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Why We Should Step Away From The Computer

Step away from the computer to build your business

I feel guilty. Today is Wednesday. I usually post to my blog on Tuesday but I was so busy with client work that I just didn’t get to it. And so this morning I feel guilty. Why? Because I didn’t do something I’d committed to doing (publicly, no less!). But then the thought comes up…

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The Perils of Perfectionism

The Perils of Perfectionism

Have you ever held back from implementing a new idea, publishing a blog post, or updating your website because it’s not quite perfect?  I know I have. And I’ve regretted it. I had an interesting conversation with a client yesterday about why his blog hasn’t been updated in four months. He told me that he…

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How To Get People To Open Your Emails

How to get people to open your emails

Which would you rather have – a 1000-subscriber email list with a 10% open rate, or a 500-person list with a 50% open rate? It’s not all about the size of your list! If subscribers don’t actually read your emails, you might as well not bother sending them. So how do you encourage people to…

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Reach New Readers: Stop Preaching to the Choir

reach new readers

How do you reach new readers, subscribers, buyers, or customers?

Think about it – the people visiting your website, following you on Twitter, or subscribing to your blog already know you. They’re familiar with your brand, your products or services, and what you have to say. Those aren’t the people you’re trying to attract. Instead, you need to get your story out there in multiple formats and and through as many channels as possible so that people who don’t know you can find you.

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Gaining Insights Into Your Web Traffic

website traffic sources

Where do most of your customers come from? If you’re like most companies, you’re starting to see more business coming through the internet and web buyers are becoming a larger part of your revenue stream. Whether you’re selling services (design, consulting, coaching) or products (equipment, plants), internet-based marketing and sales should be a part of how you do…

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