Imagination Technology

Does your Business Really Need a Website?

Yes. It really does. You need some sort of a stopping place online where people can find out basic information about you such as your services, contact information and business hours.

Second. Take a look at what your competition is doing. Make sure your website has all of the relevant information and resources that your competitors offer, AND as much information as a potential customer needs to make a decision about using your business.

Third. Consider writing a blog. If your website is written in a way that is objective and informational, your blog can give potential customers a glimpse into your business personality - your advice, insight and opinions. If you have enough passion to open a business, surely you have a few insightful things to say about it. Be specific. The more specific your advice to your customers, the better. Let customers see you as an expert in your field.

Fourth. Ask for feedback. Emphasize customer satisfaction and support, and then give it. Don't dismiss customer dissatisfaction as if it doesn't exist. Address it head on. Show people how you've heard their complaints and made changes. Emphasize the positive as well. If someone gives you a glowing review, post it for the world to see. A good review online can go a long way.

Fifth. Offer helpful information. People respect and appreciate the time it takes to answer questions or to help solve problems. Take the time to build the reputation for being helpful, and it will pay off.

Finally, reward your loyal customers with loyalty programs, bonuses, or other forms of payback. Even though it's tempting to use discounts or trial offers to get a new customer, give the best deal to your best customers. That will empower them to help spread the word about you and your business. Happy customers are the cornerstone of good business.

Think of Marketing as a Tool

Instead of viewing marketing as a chore that simply must be done, think of it as the best tool in your toolbox. If there's a particular type of client or type of work that you prefer, use your marketing to seek out and find those clients you like to work with best. This gives you the chance to actively choose your clients, rather than waiting for them to choose you.

What's in a Domain Name?

If you've been thinking about starting a new blog or developing a new website, you'll need a domain name. What's so important about getting a good one? Everything. You want a name that your customers will remember and not have to look up. You might want to get a name with your subject rather than your business name. For example, Dave's Dogs might want the domain www.beshotdogsintown.com. Consider hyphenating your domain. Search engines give higher priority to real words than a string of nonsense, AND they're easier to read. www.best-hotdogs-in-town.com might be a good alternative. If you're stuck and need some help coming up with a domain name, here's an article with 30 suggestions for places to search.

http://www.howtomakeawebsite.net/tools-to-find-available-domain-names/

Show Off Your Expertise Online

If you've been wondering how to show off your expertise online, consider doing the following two things regularly ... participate in Yahoo Answers and LinkedIn Answers. Give advice freely. Don't try to sell anything. Just let your knowledge and expertise shine through. Next time someone is looking for the expert in your field, your name will be out there.

All Good Marketing Pieces Need a Little AIA

First ... you have to capture the potential buyer's attention. Nothing will come of your brochure, your website, your advertisement unless you get the prospect's attention. Good strong headlines and well-designed graphics do this.

Second ... you have to get them to read beyond the headline and for this you must create some interestin your product or service. For this you need good copy writing. Good marketing copy writing does not focus on you or your business or your product. It focuses on what benefit you can provide to your buyer.

Third ... the person reading your marketing piece has to do something. They have to take some action. Unless the reader becomes a customer, your marketing piece has failed no matter how well-designed or well-written.