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Creating uncommon websites for uncommon businesses since 2001. I love my work!

The Simplest Way to Sell Items on Your WordPress Site

Website Tips No Responses »
May 262010

OK, maybe someone has come up with something easier, cooler, whatever, but I searched for hours and found nothing. After trying several WordPress Ecommerce plugins that were too cumbersome, too complicated or just plain buggy, I found something so easy, I could hardly believe it worked!!

What I needed was a simple way to use Google Checkout with WordPress that would allow variable pricing based upon product options, such as quantity, and I needed to keep it simple, no inventory, no fancy stuff.

What I found was what I’d wanted to use all along, Google Checkout Shopping Cart Code. The reason I didn’t try that first is that, the “View Cart” code needs to be inserted on every page just before the tag. To get around that, I used a text widget and just inserted the code into the sidebar. It works like a charm!

Now, some folks might not like the “View Cart” pop-up being visible on every page, but it works fine for this site. And with Google charging 1.9%-2.9% + 30¢ per transaction, it really doesn’t get much better.

For a limited time, you can view the test page here.

Posted by admin at 5:42 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

More Free Ways to Increase Website Traffic

Website Tips No Responses »
May 122010

Sign up for a Facebook Page and Twitter Account

Create a page for your business on Facebook.  Fill out as much information as you can.

Create a Twitter account for your business. Again, fill out as much information as you can.

Allow Facebook to link to your Twitter account so that all your posts to your Facebook page will be sent to your Twitter account.

Update your page often, look for friends who are already on Facebook, and might be likely to “like” your page.  Search for related businesses or those in the same city and “like” them.

Add links to your Email signatures and website to allow people to easily find and follow you on Facebook and Twitter.  The more you can get people involved, the more traffic you will get.

LocalEze

Increase your local presence with LocalEze. Bing and ChaCha use their local business listings.

Yelp

Get a discussion started – about you! Claim (or create) your listing at Yelp.com. Search for your business by category and location. If your listing does not show up, click on the “Add a Business” button. If your business is listed, click to view the business information, then click the “Is this your business?” link and follow the instructions.

Once you have created or claimed your Yelp listing, send your listing link to customer and ask them to write a review of your business.

The Bottom Line

Getting people to your website is very important, but if your website is a mess and they can’t find what they want in 10 seconds or less, chances are, your hard-one visitors will move on – quickly!  Make sure your site looks up-to-date, is easy to navigate and contains good, keyword-rich content.  Call 830 822-6589 for assistance today.

Posted by admin at 5:55 pm Tagged with: , , , , , , ,

Google Local is now Google Places

Announcements No Responses »
Apr 282010

The name change comes with some great new features. The one that interests me particularly is Business Photos. Google will send a photographer to take pictures of the interior of your business for your Google Places listing – for free!

If you have a restaurant, hotel, retail shop or storefront business,apply today for a Google photo shoot. Feel free to apply if you have a different kind of business, but don’t expect a quick response. It’s certain to be a popular program (the photographers are trained to work well in cramped and poorly lit areas and have fisheye and panoramic lenses). Besides the advantages to your listing, isn’t it just great to get something free?

Photo shoots are currently available only in certain cities in the US, Japan and Australia, including:

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Boston, MA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Denver, CO
  • Detroit, MI
  • Houston, TX
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Jersey City, NJ – Hoboken, NJ
  • Kansas City, KS
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Miami, FL
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Nashville, TN
  • New York, NY
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Pittsburgh, PA
  • Portland, OR
  • San Antonio, TX
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose, CA
  • Seattle, WA
  • St. Louis, MO
  • Washington D.C.
Posted by admin at 9:11 pm Tagged with: , , , , ,

Earth Day Turns 40 - Painless Changes That Make a Difference

Announcements No Responses »
Apr 092010

As April 22nd approaches, is there something you can do to make a difference without spending more than you have? Sure!

Start Small

Start recycling!  Not sure where to do that?  Try Earth911 for locations.  Many trash collectors make it easy by offering recycling services as well.

What about your cyber-footprint?  Well, maybe that’s not a word (yet), but your website and the ones you frequent (Facebook, anyone?) use servers that produce just as much greenhouse gas as the airline industry!  Look for “green” website hosting options.  On Target offers hosting that is 300% wind-powered at a very reasonable $7.50 a month for unlimited storage and Email accounts.  That’s a bargain you can feel good about!

Around the House

I’m pleased to have created websites for some eco-minded businesses lately.  Nessco Designs of Arizona specializes in energy audits.  You might enjoy their “simple solutions” page with some very affordable fixes like fixing leaky ducts or improving heating/cooling equipment efficiency, that you may be able to complete on your own.  Solaris Thermal is a Maine-based company that specializes in solar solutions.  You’ll find their site to be a great source of information on solar power.

Posted by admin at 12:49 pm Tagged with: ,

Selling Ad Space on your Website

Website Tips No Responses »
Mar 132010

Should I Sell Advertising Space on my Website?

Consider the advantages: income; and disadvantages: it could be distracting to your visitors, taking them away from the process of buying your products or services and sending them to another business. Of course, if most of your traffic is from visitors actually typing in your website address, chances are they will be able to get back to you no problem. I would also suggest having the links open the pages in a new window that can easily be closed when the visitor is finished.

Remember that your greatest source of income should be your readers, so don’t include so many ads that you annoy your visitors or detract from your message.

How long should my site be up/how many page views must I have before I can offer advertising space?

Create your site with advertising space in mind. Leave room for all the advertising options (text links, sidebar banners, header banners, etc.) Include an “advertising” page to outline options and allow potential sponsors to contact you for more information. Even if your traffic is very low, it may give you some idea of the interest out there and make it easier to incorporate ads when you’re ready.

Consider filling empty spots with Google AdSense or affiliate banners while you wait for more profitable advertisers.

For many, many reasons, make sure your website is attractive, uncluttered and very easy to navigate before you consider offering ad space.

How much should I charge?

You should have a good idea of your traffic already (I recommend Google Analytics). Some advertisers will be interested in your first-time visitors, while others will be content to know your page views per month. While most resources say that for a 125x125pxx banner in the sidebar, a CPM of $.50-$2.00 is reasonable (that works out to $50 – $200 for a site with 100,000 page views per month), consider how much you would pay for an ad on your site, consider your potential advertisers and what they may be able/willing to pay. For other ad sizes, adjust the cost accordingly.

When first starting out, consider offering 2 weeks free. At the end of the two weeks, show them how many visitors they have received as a result of their ad!

Should I do it myself, sign up with an ad marketplace, or use an ad manager?

Selling directly to advertisers is going to be your best option to get the highest return. Most ad marketplaces charge 50% to recruit and bill advertisers. If you’re just starting out and you don’t want to invest too much time, consider using a manager like TextLinkAds.com. They’ve been around a while and get consistently positive reviews.

OIOpublisher Another option is to use an ad manager that you can integrate with your site. Several, like OIO Publisherhandle not only ad purchases, but subscriptions and advertiser traffic data as well. They also offer an advertiser marketplace where your advertisers can leave feedback regarding their experience with you.

What kind of advertisements should I offer?

Text links or banner ads?

Text links are the least distracting and look less like ads. They may get increased traffic because they look like part of your site, but are likely to surprise visitors by sending them to another site. Consider adding text links to a bulleted list labeled “Sponsored Links” and remember to add the “no-follow” tag to prevent page rank dilution. Use caution when using text links in the content of your site.

Banner ads tends are more obvious advertisements which may catch the eye of your visitors and by their nature supply more information. Banner ads run from a 125x125px sidebar to a 728x90px heading or footer banner.

What if someone requests a refund?

Clearly state your refund policy. It is not unreasonable to make a one-day or even one-hour refund policy. Also, make sure you clearly state that you are selling ad space, not website traffic. The success of their ad depends not only on your visitors, but also on the perceived value of the resource by your customers and the quality of their ad copy or banner.

How do I convince advertisers to space on my website?

Start with a top-quality advertising page and make it simple. Thank your readers for their interest in advertising on your site. Smart advertisers only advertise on relevant sites, so let them know immediately who your audience is. Will you supply data to show how well your advertisers links are performing? What types of ads are available, where will each appear, and how many total ads are being offered?

Supply information on your statistics, including:

  • Unique visitors – a must
  • Page views – a must
  • Average length of visits
  • Number of new visitors
  • Newsletter subscribers
  • Facebook fans

Is there anything else I should put on the Advertising Page?

Specify your guidelines. Consider items such as:

  • Who will supply the banner or ad copy?
  • All advertisers, banners and ad copy are subject to approval.
  • Will you accept adult/gambling ads?
  • Disclose that you will use a “no-follow” attribute on all ads.
  • Refund policy
  • Are prices subject to change?
Posted by admin at 3:52 pm Tagged with: , , ,

Got a "Cease and Desist" Letter?

Website Tips 1 Response »
Mar 112010

Today I got a call from a customer who received a “cease and desist” letter from a company in California who accuses her of copyright infringement. Now her brand new website, domain name and expensive new sign need to be changed. Her skin care company in Canyon Lake, Texas just happens to have the same name as one in California. Her business name is legally registered in Texas and has been for years.

I’m not a lawyer and I can’t offer legal advice, but I question the validity of the claim. According to everything I have read, there must be a likelihood of confusion to claim trademark infringement. In fact, Bitlaw states, “a plaintiff in a trademark case has the burden of proving that the defendant’s use of a mark has created a likelihood-of-confusion about the origin of the defendant’s goods or services. To do this, the plaintiff should first show that it has developed a protectable trademark right in a trademark. The plaintiff then must show that the defendant is using a confusingly similar mark in such a way that it creates a likelihood of confusion, mistake and/or deception with the consuming public. The confusion created can be that the defendant’s products are the same as that of the plaintiff, or that the defendant is somehow associated, affiliated, connected, approved, authorized or sponsored by plaintiff.”

Could a small day spa in Canyon Lake, Texas with strictly local business really be confused with a spa in California?

We’re going to change the site, she’s going to change her sign and everything else that has identified her business for years. Does anyone else think this is ridiculous?

Oh, if you’re wondering if your business name is violating some trademark out there, check out the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS). It’s not completely comprehensive, but it’s interesting to take a look!

Posted by admin at 8:57 pm Tagged with: , , , ,

"'Funeral' being held today for aging Web browser"

Announcements No Responses »
Mar 042010

CNN Tech reports today.

“The deceased? Internet Explorer 6.”

And about time!!! Read More.

Consider using Mozila Firefox. With over 6,000 useful add-ons, it doesn’t get more personal than this. Anti-phishing and anti-malware safeguards protect you, super-fast results increase productivity and great new features are added all the time. Try it, you’ll like it!!!!

Posted by admin at 11:15 am Tagged with: , , ,

The Power of Email Marketing

Website Tips 1 Response »
Dec 292009

Think your business is too small/new/old-fashioned for Email marketing?  Think again!  Email marketing is an extremely cost-effective way to:

  • Remind prospects and customers why they should visit or call you again.
  • Alert customers to new offerings, sales, special discounts and even printable coupons at about 1/20 the cost of direct mail.
  • Provide a great place to show off customer testimonials, success stories and photos.
  • Make it simple for customers to forward the information to friends and colleagues.

No mailing list? No problem!

Start today.  Collect Email addresses from all your customers.  Have a guest book at your store, ask for an Email address from each person who calls your business and add a sign-up form to your website.  If you have a customer database, call each customer.  Inform each that you are updating your contact information and would like to add an Email address to their profile.  Make sure they know they can unsubscribe at any time.

Affordable and Simple

Constant Contact offers a free 60-day trial.  After the trial, rates start at $15/month for up to 500 subscribers. If you want to send only occasional messages, you can become a “seasonal” subscriber and pay for just one month at a time without losing your mailing lists, sent messages and reports.

I’m happy to help!  I can set up your account, upload mailing lists, create and send great-looking, effective messages and provide important data such as bounced Emails, which contacts opened messages and even which links were clicked.  Call 830.822.6589 to get started today.  It’s easier than you think!

Posted by admin at 2:17 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Free Marketing Secrets – Yahoo! Local

Website Tips No Responses »
Dec 292009

A free Yahoo local listing displays your address, phone number and website. You can put your business in up to 5 categories and list products, services, brands you carry and more.

To see where results appear, search for ‘roofing new braunfels tx’ on Yahoo!  The top listings are from Yahoo! Local, and we all want to be listed at the top!

To Add Your Site:

  1. Go to the Yahoo! Local Listings page and click on “Sign up”
  2. Sign in with your Yahoo!  ID, or register for a new account.
  3. Enter as much information as possible.
  4. Choose appropriate and specific categories for your listing.
  5. Click on “Continue”, review your listing and submit.

In 3-5 days your listing should appear.  Return to your Local listings account at any time to see the status of your listings.  Encourage customers to leave reviews on your listing.

Posted by admin at 1:33 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,

Free Marketing Secrets - Bing Local

Website Tips No Responses »
Dec 192009

NOTE: As of December 19, 2009, there is a backlog of listings.  I requested inclusion for two sites on December 20th and have yet to receive my verification PIN for either.  Hopefully they’ll catch up soon.

The Bing business listings come from publicly available local telephone listings.  To see how this works, go to www.Bing.com and search for – house painting new braunfels, texas.  The very first set of  listings will be “Listings for house painting near New Braunfels, Texas”.  If your business is not listed – and surely you want it to be, click on their “Local Listing Center” link at the bottom of the page.  Then, click on the link to “Add new listing”.

Enter your business information.  If your business listing appears, click on the “Change your business listing” link in the right-had column and follow the instructions so you can add more information.  If your business is not found, follow the instructions to add your business information.  In either case, you will need to have a Windows Live ID to proceed.  You can create one at this time.

Make sure you add as much information as possible.  Use the “supplemental websites” area to add extra links to your listing. For example, a roofing contractor can add additional links to their contact form, customer comments, BBB listing or even reviews on sites like Google local.

When visitors see your listing, they’re already interested in what you have to offer. Make it easy for them to choose you by making it easy to contact you and obvious why you are the best choice!  This is definitely worth your time.  Of course, if you choose a custom website from On Target, your Bing listing is included!

Bing requires verification for listing additions and changes.  You should receive a verification PIN in the mail.  Return to your Local Business Listing Center and follow the instructions, logging in with your Windows Live ID.

Encourage your customers to write a review.  Make it easy by sending a link right to your business listing.

Posted by admin at 4:53 pm Tagged with: , , , , , ,
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