In part 1, we looked at just the first basic steps you should talk when starting a brand new blog. Now that you have been blogging for a bit and have a few posts up, it is time to gain a readership. These are just a few ways to help you gain a loyal readership for your blog. RSS Feed One of the most basic things you can do to help improve a loyal readership is by keeping the link for your RSS feed readily accessible. If people like what they see right away, then they'll most likely add your blog to ...

Starting a new blog can be another simple step toward raising your brand or company's awareness online. However, if you've never taken part in blogging before, it can be an overwhelming experience. Here are some basic tips to getting your blog started. Easy URL Many people don't think too hard about their username when creating an account for the first time. However, this is one element of your site that can easily bring in more traffic. Use your company name if available or make it related to what the subject of your blog will be. Design The first thing someone will notice when ...

If you talk to any business owner, a common concern is how to bring in new business or new customers. We are wired to believe that increased revenue comes from our ability to constantly draw in more clients. This is true to an extent. What many businesses fail to see, however, is the importance of maintaining their current customer base. A common pitfall is the notion of once a customer, always a customer. Just because a customer used your service or bought your product once, doesn't mean that they will continue to do so in the future. A steady revenue ...

Have you ever noticed that when you open your email inbox, some emails catch your attention instantly, while others go relatively unnoticed?  Email marketing messages must contend with so many other competing messages in the inbox.  Creating split-second interest with a compelling subject line is the key to attracting readers to click and read more. How To Write Subject Lines that Jump off the Page The fact is, most people spend an average of about two seconds reading an email's subject line.  During those two seconds, reading the first two or three words will allow the reader to choose between the options ...

 We have fallen on hard times. This thought has been made by the heads of many prominent businesses. The economy is merciless, and businesses are struggling to stay afloat in midst of the aggressive storm. Marketing strategies have either been stripped down to its bare minimum or heavily equipped as soldiers ready for battle. At the very least, where does your web site stand? Is it enough that your website is up and running? What elements are attracting your potential visitors, and bringing them back for more? The Attract and Retain Approach for website design is extremely important to the success ...

Have you ever set aside time to sit down and update your business blog, only to find out you have no idea what to write about?  It's easy to talk with customers and answer questions about your areas of expertise; you feel comfortable and competent "talking shop" with colleagues, but writing a blog brings on an intense case of writer's block.  Sound familiar?  Try these time-tested tips for instant blog successes! 1.    Answer a frequently asked question.  Choose a question that you often hear from your clients and write out a description of the conundrum and your best answer.  Chances are, ...

If You Build It Right, They Will Come:  The Art of Search Engine Optimization Any movie buff will tell you how Kevin Costner came to build a baseball diamond in the middle of an Iowa cornfield in the modern classic “Field of Dreams.”  He was following the instructions of a mysterious voice in his head, a voice that promised, “If you build it, they will come.” Many modern business owners have ventured into online marketing lured by the same voice:  Build an attractive website and the multitudes will swarm to you.  Unfortunately, it’s simply not that easy.  Online marketers who enjoy heavy ...

In the past year, podcast audiences grew by 18%.  Videocast audiences grew by 10%.  With the many social marketing tools available today, podcasts continue to grow in popularity and many online marketers are realizing the incredible potential of podcasting as a social media tool.  30% of all internet users have downloaded and listened to a podcast. The term “podcast” can be deceiving.  Listeners do not need an iPod or any kind of music player to listen to a podcast.  Almost half of all podcast listeners download programs and listen directly on their computers.  A videocast is simply a podcast with accompanying ...

The days of 56K modems are gone.  High-speed internet is not only the rage but the norm.  The benefits for including customer-centric multimedia elements on your website are so dynamic and irrefutable that failing to do so can be a great disadvantage to your business. Taking advantage of new technologies is just one way to stay ahead of your competition. Fortunately, with the availability of fast internet connections, you no longer have to fear for slow download times.  Today’s internet marketing is driven by rich media that not only drives customers to your site, but makes your site memorable. Virtual tours, ...