I'm often asked, "I have no video training but I want to put video on my website to help promote my products and services what can I do?" Well the answer is simple. If you can shoot a home movie you can put a video clip on your website. Now the first thing is to not be scared of the camera. A good sales person needs to be able to speak clearly and present their product in a manner that everyone can understand and enjoy. So with that in mind turn on your camera, cell phone, or whatever video capturing tool you have and begin shooting. But here are a few tips for making your shoot successful and getting it up on your website.
1. Speak clearly, and so that everyone watching can understand what your saying and what your product is about.
2. Make sure you have enough light so that you and your product can be seen. But be aware that you can also have to much light. So the best thing to do is to test your video and the area your going to be shot in. Make sure you look natural.
3. A microphone is important and you need to be heard. If your using a mini-dv camera you can easily get a microphone that can attach from the camera to your clothing. Use make sure you can't see the wire that connects the mic and the camera during your video.
4. Have FUN! No one wants to see a sour face on camera. So make sure you are having fun and that you SMILE. The better you come across on camera the more people would want to buy your product or services.
5. Don't use big words in your video presentation. Keep it short sweet and simple.
6. Once you've finished your recording, watch it. Make sure it's what you want and something that you'll feel proud to have on your website.
7. Now get the clip to your computer. Your camera will have instructions on how to upload the footage. Now you can get fancy and use one of the high end video editing products. But those take a long time to learn. So if your on a PC use Windows MovieMaker and if your on a Mac use IMove and edit your clip to your licking. Don't use to make crazy effects keep it about you and your product.
8. Now once your clip is edited you need to output it to a web file. If your on a PC then output the file to a WMV. And if your on a MAC then output your clip to a .MOV file.
9. Upload it! If you don't have server space then use http://Video.Google.com or http://Youtube.com. You can easily upload your video to these services. Not only will you have the code to embed the file to your website but you will also allow others to see your video and your product who haven't been to your site yet. It will be as easy as CUT and PASTE to an HTML page.
10. Promote your video clip. Include links to your clip in your weekly newsletters. Send your clip to your friends, family, and business associates. Let them see the work you've done and ask them to pass it on to other friends. Son you'll notice that you have a ton of visitors watching your video and more traffic to your website.
Selasa, 02 Februari 2010
Senin, 01 Februari 2010
8 Guidelines For Usability Testing
In professional web design circles, the usability testing session has become an essential component of any major project. Similar to focus groups in brand development and product launches, usability testing offers a rare opportunity to receive feedback from the very people the website is aimed at - before it's too late to do anything about it.
But how can you get the most from these usability testing sessions?
1. Choosing Your Subjects
As with any market research project, the results will only be as good as the people you test. Do not test people from your own company, or friends and family. Go to a market research firm or temp agency and ask them to source participants to a certain profile. Make sure the market research firm does not provide the name of the company or any other details that will cloud the judgement of the participants.
2. Before The Usability Testing
As with everything in life, first impressions are vital. Each participant must be put at ease. Remember, the usability testing session is often an extremely artificial environment and, for the most beneficial and informative results, we want them to behave as if they were using the site at home or work.
Provide clear instructions on how to get to the usability testing location, and if necessary meet the participants at local stations. Do not use terms such as ‘usability testing’ or ‘market research’, as these can confuse and put people on edge. Also, ensure that participants know how long the usability testing will take, and the type of tasks they will be expected to perform.
After the initial greeting and welcoming drinks, there are always legal forms that must be signed. It is essential that these are written in plain English, and are as short as possible. The last thing any nervous usability testing subject wants is to be given a contract that looks like they're signing their soul away. All you want is for them to be reassured that the tests are completely confidential, and for permission to use the data generated during the test as part of our results. So tell them that.
3. Beginning The Usability Testing
Before diving into key tasks, get the user familiar with the environment. Tell them the website's name and URL, and ask them for initial feedback on what they would expect from the site or what they would like the site to be. Make note of any terms or phrases they use - this not only demonstrates you are taking their feedback seriously, but may provide useful tips as to possible labels for key functionality or navigation.
Next, let them look at the website they are testing. Gauge their first impressions before allowing them to familiarise themselves with the site.
These few simple tasks will help convince the participant that the usability testing will not be difficult and, perhaps most importantly, that they're not the ones being tested.
4. Choosing Tasks
Set tasks that are essential to the new site's success, such as:
Buying products
Paying bills
Contacting the client
Remember, you're not looking for an ego massage. The site was built for a reason - can your target audience do what you need them to do?
It's also a good idea to ask the user to suggest tasks. While this gives another indication of their expectations and requirements, it may suggest new functionality or priorities.
5. How To Word Tasks
People tend to perform more naturally if you provide them with scenarios rather than instructions. When giving them tasks, you should use phrases like ‘Scenario A has occurred, and you need to ring the company urgently - find the telephone number’. This is far better than ‘find the contact us section of the site’.
6. Presenting Tasks
Only give participants one task at a time. More than this may intimidate them, or alter their approach to the test.
If the user is required to use inputs from outside the test (e.g. an email giving them a password to the site), give them these inputs in the form they will be presented. This will provide useful feedback on all elements of the process, rather than simply the site.
7. How To Behave During The Usability Testing
It's essential that you remember that it's the website that is being tested, not you or the subject. Any feedback you get is valuable - make sure the participant knows this. If they can't do something, make sure they know it's not their fault.
You must stay quiet and out of sight during the test. You must not alter the test results by providing clues, suggesting directions or by reacting to things they say or do. All feedback you give must be neutral. Do not start shaking your head or huffing, however tempting it might be!
The only time you should speak is to help the participant give an opinion, or to clarify a response. If in doubt, shut up!
Given the investment made in the project, clients often find it difficult to be quiet during tests. If your client wants to be present, put them in another room with an audio/video link.
8. After The Usability Testing
After all the tasks have been completed, you should gather as much information as possible. Asking for overall impressions of the site will allow you to judge whether expectations have been met, and whether the participant's view of the client or site has changed during the process.
Always ask for suggestions - this not only demonstrates the value you place on their thoughts, but may provide insights into how the site can better support the user.
Finally, ask the participant what they remember about the site structure and functions of the site. Clear recollection will confirm that the site is structured logically and help identify any labelling issues you may have missed.
But how can you get the most from these usability testing sessions?
1. Choosing Your Subjects
As with any market research project, the results will only be as good as the people you test. Do not test people from your own company, or friends and family. Go to a market research firm or temp agency and ask them to source participants to a certain profile. Make sure the market research firm does not provide the name of the company or any other details that will cloud the judgement of the participants.
2. Before The Usability Testing
As with everything in life, first impressions are vital. Each participant must be put at ease. Remember, the usability testing session is often an extremely artificial environment and, for the most beneficial and informative results, we want them to behave as if they were using the site at home or work.
Provide clear instructions on how to get to the usability testing location, and if necessary meet the participants at local stations. Do not use terms such as ‘usability testing’ or ‘market research’, as these can confuse and put people on edge. Also, ensure that participants know how long the usability testing will take, and the type of tasks they will be expected to perform.
After the initial greeting and welcoming drinks, there are always legal forms that must be signed. It is essential that these are written in plain English, and are as short as possible. The last thing any nervous usability testing subject wants is to be given a contract that looks like they're signing their soul away. All you want is for them to be reassured that the tests are completely confidential, and for permission to use the data generated during the test as part of our results. So tell them that.
3. Beginning The Usability Testing
Before diving into key tasks, get the user familiar with the environment. Tell them the website's name and URL, and ask them for initial feedback on what they would expect from the site or what they would like the site to be. Make note of any terms or phrases they use - this not only demonstrates you are taking their feedback seriously, but may provide useful tips as to possible labels for key functionality or navigation.
Next, let them look at the website they are testing. Gauge their first impressions before allowing them to familiarise themselves with the site.
These few simple tasks will help convince the participant that the usability testing will not be difficult and, perhaps most importantly, that they're not the ones being tested.
4. Choosing Tasks
Set tasks that are essential to the new site's success, such as:
Buying products
Paying bills
Contacting the client
Remember, you're not looking for an ego massage. The site was built for a reason - can your target audience do what you need them to do?
It's also a good idea to ask the user to suggest tasks. While this gives another indication of their expectations and requirements, it may suggest new functionality or priorities.
5. How To Word Tasks
People tend to perform more naturally if you provide them with scenarios rather than instructions. When giving them tasks, you should use phrases like ‘Scenario A has occurred, and you need to ring the company urgently - find the telephone number’. This is far better than ‘find the contact us section of the site’.
6. Presenting Tasks
Only give participants one task at a time. More than this may intimidate them, or alter their approach to the test.
If the user is required to use inputs from outside the test (e.g. an email giving them a password to the site), give them these inputs in the form they will be presented. This will provide useful feedback on all elements of the process, rather than simply the site.
7. How To Behave During The Usability Testing
It's essential that you remember that it's the website that is being tested, not you or the subject. Any feedback you get is valuable - make sure the participant knows this. If they can't do something, make sure they know it's not their fault.
You must stay quiet and out of sight during the test. You must not alter the test results by providing clues, suggesting directions or by reacting to things they say or do. All feedback you give must be neutral. Do not start shaking your head or huffing, however tempting it might be!
The only time you should speak is to help the participant give an opinion, or to clarify a response. If in doubt, shut up!
Given the investment made in the project, clients often find it difficult to be quiet during tests. If your client wants to be present, put them in another room with an audio/video link.
8. After The Usability Testing
After all the tasks have been completed, you should gather as much information as possible. Asking for overall impressions of the site will allow you to judge whether expectations have been met, and whether the participant's view of the client or site has changed during the process.
Always ask for suggestions - this not only demonstrates the value you place on their thoughts, but may provide insights into how the site can better support the user.
Finally, ask the participant what they remember about the site structure and functions of the site. Clear recollection will confirm that the site is structured logically and help identify any labelling issues you may have missed.
Minggu, 31 Januari 2010
7 Tips for Purchasing and Using a Microphone for Recording Audio on Your Website
Copyright 2006 Cathy Linderman
Tip One
You have a lot of considerations for choosing a microphone for recording audio. First, decide whether you need a dynamic or condenser microphone. A dynamic microphone is rugged and good for handling noise. It is great for webcasts (live audio and video). A condenser microphone is more sensitive with better frequency response and is better suited for a studio type situation.
Tip Two
You have to decide if you want a omnidirectional or unidirectional (cardioid) mic. Omni directional mics are good for recording seminars, lectures or meetings, where cardioid mics are more sensitive to sound thus better for recording one voice and interviews.
Tip Three
Determine your usage for the mic. Do you need a handheld mic for the speaker(s), or is a lavaliere (clip-on) mic better for the presenter(s). Wireless mic's are great in that you avoid cables and are easier to use. Desk-top mics are great for panel discussions and for one person usage also. Good headsets with microphones also have high quality for computer usage.
Tip Four
Be careful of cordless headsets for computer usage as you can get interference and ground hum from a lot of equipment in one location. This can cause poor audio. If purchasing a headset determine if you need sound blocking, as that will determine how light or heavy the set is on your head. Be sure a headset microphone is adjustable on your head, and try moving the mic above and below your mouth for quality of your voice pitch. Plantronics is a leader in microphone headsets.
Tip Five
Determine what features and supplemental supplies you need along with the purchase of your microphone. A popshield (foam shield) can help deter those annoying 'p' and 's' sounds. Stands are great for speakers and panel sessions. Determine if a magnetic shield needs to be purchased to reduce interference with computer or other equipment in the room you are recording in. Use balanced cables for higher quality audio.
Tip Six
Listen carefully to your audio, and determine the quality. Have others critique it also. If the audio sounds hollow or like you are in a tunnel, try moving the mic closer to the speaker. If the audio sounds distorted, then move the mic away from the speaker.
Tip Seven
Purchasing locations for microphones are numerous. Local stores around the country include locations like Best Buy, Office Max, Office Depot, Circuit City, and Radio Shacks. Online stores are numerous and be sure to do a search on Google or Yahoo for reviews of microphones. You'll get some great comparisons of purchasing sites for online purchase.
Conclusion
Do your homework when purchasing a microphone for recording audio on your website. There is nothing like quality audio. Experts have even said you can have a lower quality video file, but if the audio is bad, you have lost that customer totally! They expect nothing less than quality audio recordings.
So take the time to do your due diligence before purchasing a microphone for recording audio for your site. Of course, your budget may dictate some of that purchase to begin with, but in the long run don't sacrifice quality for a few dollars savings now. It will pay down the road!
Tip One
You have a lot of considerations for choosing a microphone for recording audio. First, decide whether you need a dynamic or condenser microphone. A dynamic microphone is rugged and good for handling noise. It is great for webcasts (live audio and video). A condenser microphone is more sensitive with better frequency response and is better suited for a studio type situation.
Tip Two
You have to decide if you want a omnidirectional or unidirectional (cardioid) mic. Omni directional mics are good for recording seminars, lectures or meetings, where cardioid mics are more sensitive to sound thus better for recording one voice and interviews.
Tip Three
Determine your usage for the mic. Do you need a handheld mic for the speaker(s), or is a lavaliere (clip-on) mic better for the presenter(s). Wireless mic's are great in that you avoid cables and are easier to use. Desk-top mics are great for panel discussions and for one person usage also. Good headsets with microphones also have high quality for computer usage.
Tip Four
Be careful of cordless headsets for computer usage as you can get interference and ground hum from a lot of equipment in one location. This can cause poor audio. If purchasing a headset determine if you need sound blocking, as that will determine how light or heavy the set is on your head. Be sure a headset microphone is adjustable on your head, and try moving the mic above and below your mouth for quality of your voice pitch. Plantronics is a leader in microphone headsets.
Tip Five
Determine what features and supplemental supplies you need along with the purchase of your microphone. A popshield (foam shield) can help deter those annoying 'p' and 's' sounds. Stands are great for speakers and panel sessions. Determine if a magnetic shield needs to be purchased to reduce interference with computer or other equipment in the room you are recording in. Use balanced cables for higher quality audio.
Tip Six
Listen carefully to your audio, and determine the quality. Have others critique it also. If the audio sounds hollow or like you are in a tunnel, try moving the mic closer to the speaker. If the audio sounds distorted, then move the mic away from the speaker.
Tip Seven
Purchasing locations for microphones are numerous. Local stores around the country include locations like Best Buy, Office Max, Office Depot, Circuit City, and Radio Shacks. Online stores are numerous and be sure to do a search on Google or Yahoo for reviews of microphones. You'll get some great comparisons of purchasing sites for online purchase.
Conclusion
Do your homework when purchasing a microphone for recording audio on your website. There is nothing like quality audio. Experts have even said you can have a lower quality video file, but if the audio is bad, you have lost that customer totally! They expect nothing less than quality audio recordings.
So take the time to do your due diligence before purchasing a microphone for recording audio for your site. Of course, your budget may dictate some of that purchase to begin with, but in the long run don't sacrifice quality for a few dollars savings now. It will pay down the road!
Sabtu, 30 Januari 2010
7 Steps To Skyrocket Your Internet Business Profits.
There are many ways to bring your income to the next level, and it all relies on just a little work that you can take anytime. So what do you need to take action on for your online business venture?
Here are a few ways you can create a greater stream of income through your own Internet Marketing:
1. Publish an e-zine
Have you started publishing your own e-zines yet? E-zines are newsletters that you send out every few days for your subscribers so that they can read and gain information from.
E-zines can also help you improve the relationship between you and your subscribers, sell your products, and promote any affiliated programs. As many gurus have mentioned, “the gold’s in the list”.
2. Publish testimonials
Testimonials can greatly increase your sales as it works like a proof – that the products you sell works. No one wants to buy junk, people are skeptical with anything that includes money.
So clear off the doubt in your visitors and show them the proof, testimonials from your customers, and that will greatly increase trust which eventually leads to profit.
3. Write articles
When is the last time you have written articles to be published in article directories? These articles you’ve written and submitted will be seen by thousands and thousands of people, and sometimes if your articles are good they’ll be used and published on websites.
This way, you can drive tons and tons of traffic to your site without cost at all, and every visitor are potential buyers.
4. Tracking your advertising
It is important that you track your advertising. If you have involved in Pay-Per-Click advertising like Google Adwords or Overture, you can clear off the ineffective keywords, and only bid on more profitable keywords that brings you profit.
5. Offering a guarantee
This is extremely important. 70% of people who sees no guarantee will leave the sales page just because they’re not convinced! If your product delivers well, why won’t you offer a guarantee?
You must earn your visitor’s trust, only then will they be comfortable in investing their money for your product.
6. Promote your own affiliate program
Whenever you have the chance to do so, execute the plan. Many times people will not have the urge to take action until they are asked to do so. Try to emphasize the benefits over and over again about affiliating your product, provide sufficient tools, and you’ll be receiving a whole lot more in your profits.
7. Publish an affiliate newsletter
Once you have gotten your affiliates, you can’t let them do it all by themselves. Provide them an affiliate newsletter, share affiliate tips and strategies with them so that they can successfully promote your product.
If you haven’t included these steps in your online business venture, make sure you’ll grab hold of it right now and execute them right away to multiply your revenues.
To your success,
Here are a few ways you can create a greater stream of income through your own Internet Marketing:
1. Publish an e-zine
Have you started publishing your own e-zines yet? E-zines are newsletters that you send out every few days for your subscribers so that they can read and gain information from.
E-zines can also help you improve the relationship between you and your subscribers, sell your products, and promote any affiliated programs. As many gurus have mentioned, “the gold’s in the list”.
2. Publish testimonials
Testimonials can greatly increase your sales as it works like a proof – that the products you sell works. No one wants to buy junk, people are skeptical with anything that includes money.
So clear off the doubt in your visitors and show them the proof, testimonials from your customers, and that will greatly increase trust which eventually leads to profit.
3. Write articles
When is the last time you have written articles to be published in article directories? These articles you’ve written and submitted will be seen by thousands and thousands of people, and sometimes if your articles are good they’ll be used and published on websites.
This way, you can drive tons and tons of traffic to your site without cost at all, and every visitor are potential buyers.
4. Tracking your advertising
It is important that you track your advertising. If you have involved in Pay-Per-Click advertising like Google Adwords or Overture, you can clear off the ineffective keywords, and only bid on more profitable keywords that brings you profit.
5. Offering a guarantee
This is extremely important. 70% of people who sees no guarantee will leave the sales page just because they’re not convinced! If your product delivers well, why won’t you offer a guarantee?
You must earn your visitor’s trust, only then will they be comfortable in investing their money for your product.
6. Promote your own affiliate program
Whenever you have the chance to do so, execute the plan. Many times people will not have the urge to take action until they are asked to do so. Try to emphasize the benefits over and over again about affiliating your product, provide sufficient tools, and you’ll be receiving a whole lot more in your profits.
7. Publish an affiliate newsletter
Once you have gotten your affiliates, you can’t let them do it all by themselves. Provide them an affiliate newsletter, share affiliate tips and strategies with them so that they can successfully promote your product.
If you haven’t included these steps in your online business venture, make sure you’ll grab hold of it right now and execute them right away to multiply your revenues.
To your success,
Jumat, 29 Januari 2010
7 Secrets To Building Your Online Credibility
In a way, the Internet may be compared to the Wild Wild West. (Where do you think the acronym 'WWW' came from?) There is no real central authority that is in charge and many scam artists take full advantage of this. Especially as a small business owner with no large company name behind yours, building credibility in the prospect’s mind becomes crucial.
Here are seven ways to build your online credibility.
1. You may find it beneficial to place your picture (even a smugshot) on your website.
Brick and mortar stores have the advantage since the clerk has a direct face-to-face conversation with the customer. It is therefore easier to ‘connect’ and form a relationship.
I recently read an interesting thread on a marketing forum message board with several people giving their opinions on the pros and cons of placing your picture on your site. Most of the fears expressed were that people might be turned off by the owner’s ethnicity. Even though this is a real fear I think that the best reaction I read on this point came from an Italian-American small business owner. She said that she would not want to do business with someone who was prejudiced against her anyway – I thought to myself – “Problem solved!”
Your photo helps your visitor to reach across the great chasm of the Internet and touch your customer -– right from their monitors. Why do you think cellular phone customers are trading in their ‘old phones’ for the new ‘talk-to-me-and-see-me-at-the-same-time’ models?
2. Provide an audio message in your own voice.
This is closely tied to the former tip. It all has to do with feeling connected and human. We are not computers – we just use them. We have emotions and use them to communicate. There is nothing that can communicate emotions like the human voice.
I can still fondly remember those days before my family could afford a television. As children we often listened to those radio dramas. You were there in the center of the action. ‘The Loooooonee RRRRanger!” the gallop of the horses, the crackle of gunfire … trust me, you were there. You smelled the gunpowder and rode those horses!
What can you use your voice to do? At least it can say, “There is a REAL person behind this website”. In this our automated age REAL counts.
3. Place your PHYSICAL address and contact information on every page.
Here again you are being transparent and in the open about your identity and how you may be contacted. You have nothing to hide, and you do not intend to take their money and close down your website the next day.
Your address also adds a sense of structure to the very fluid environment of the Internet. It is much like the sign on a brick and mortar store – this is where I’m located. That is why just a post office box number would not suffice.
Can you be reached by fax, landline phone, email, and mobile phone? This information adds to your credibility, not to mention your perceived availability.
4. Do not use a free email or hosting service as your main site.
Tied closely to credibility are the perceptions that you create of your business. Some say that in business image is everything. That may be taking it a little too far but you are NOT who you think you are but what the customer perceives you to be!
If you use a free email service such as hotmail.com what does this say about you? You are so successful but you cannot even afford a paid email service? Most spammers use these free email accounts anyway – that’s another count against you. It may be best to use the account associated with your paid website’s domain. I think that almost all web hosting services provide POP email accounts.
5. Have an ‘About’ page.
When a surfer appears at your site for the first time it is like going on a blind date. The visitor may have heard a little about you and know where to find you but she is practically just window-shopping. The ‘About’ page gives her a good chance to get a quick background check on you. She can then know if you are the one she really wants to build a relationship with.
Information you should place on this page includes:
- a personal and professional biography,
- maybe a photograph of yourself,
- name, address and telephone number,
- your company objectives,
- a comprehensive description of you and your company.
Just knowing this ‘outline’ of who you are places the visitor at ease and most of the nervous jitter hopefully disappears. Why? She sees you are not afraid to be checked out.
6. Include a ‘Privacy Statement’.
Internet users are becoming more and more sensitive to how their personal information is being used. This makes it almost imperative for you to provide a page with your privacy policy.
General concerns that would have to be addressed are:
*How you use the information that is collected.
*Is the information shared with a third party?
*Let them know how they can opt out of any mailing list they sign up for.
*Why you track their IP address.
For a more detailed discussion on website privacy you may check: http://www.truste.org/
7. Use your customers’ unsolicited testimonials and product reviews.
What you say about your product or service is not really taken seriously. I mean what are you expected to say anyway? It’s your product ... duh. What carry the greater weight are the opinions of other experts in your field. But what carries the greatest weight is what the customers themselves say.
This means that you can get instant credibility if you present the unsolicited testimonials of your satisfied customers. These testimonials should be accompanied with the email address or website and full name of the customer. The less information you give about the customer who is providing the testimonial the less believable it is. I have had visitors who actually contacted these customers to confirm that the testimonials were real.
So pour on the testimonials – too much is not enough.
There you had it. Use all these strategies to help build your credibility online and see more customers willing to open their wallets and their hearts.
Here are seven ways to build your online credibility.
1. You may find it beneficial to place your picture (even a smugshot) on your website.
Brick and mortar stores have the advantage since the clerk has a direct face-to-face conversation with the customer. It is therefore easier to ‘connect’ and form a relationship.
I recently read an interesting thread on a marketing forum message board with several people giving their opinions on the pros and cons of placing your picture on your site. Most of the fears expressed were that people might be turned off by the owner’s ethnicity. Even though this is a real fear I think that the best reaction I read on this point came from an Italian-American small business owner. She said that she would not want to do business with someone who was prejudiced against her anyway – I thought to myself – “Problem solved!”
Your photo helps your visitor to reach across the great chasm of the Internet and touch your customer -– right from their monitors. Why do you think cellular phone customers are trading in their ‘old phones’ for the new ‘talk-to-me-and-see-me-at-the-same-time’ models?
2. Provide an audio message in your own voice.
This is closely tied to the former tip. It all has to do with feeling connected and human. We are not computers – we just use them. We have emotions and use them to communicate. There is nothing that can communicate emotions like the human voice.
I can still fondly remember those days before my family could afford a television. As children we often listened to those radio dramas. You were there in the center of the action. ‘The Loooooonee RRRRanger!” the gallop of the horses, the crackle of gunfire … trust me, you were there. You smelled the gunpowder and rode those horses!
What can you use your voice to do? At least it can say, “There is a REAL person behind this website”. In this our automated age REAL counts.
3. Place your PHYSICAL address and contact information on every page.
Here again you are being transparent and in the open about your identity and how you may be contacted. You have nothing to hide, and you do not intend to take their money and close down your website the next day.
Your address also adds a sense of structure to the very fluid environment of the Internet. It is much like the sign on a brick and mortar store – this is where I’m located. That is why just a post office box number would not suffice.
Can you be reached by fax, landline phone, email, and mobile phone? This information adds to your credibility, not to mention your perceived availability.
4. Do not use a free email or hosting service as your main site.
Tied closely to credibility are the perceptions that you create of your business. Some say that in business image is everything. That may be taking it a little too far but you are NOT who you think you are but what the customer perceives you to be!
If you use a free email service such as hotmail.com what does this say about you? You are so successful but you cannot even afford a paid email service? Most spammers use these free email accounts anyway – that’s another count against you. It may be best to use the account associated with your paid website’s domain. I think that almost all web hosting services provide POP email accounts.
5. Have an ‘About’ page.
When a surfer appears at your site for the first time it is like going on a blind date. The visitor may have heard a little about you and know where to find you but she is practically just window-shopping. The ‘About’ page gives her a good chance to get a quick background check on you. She can then know if you are the one she really wants to build a relationship with.
Information you should place on this page includes:
- a personal and professional biography,
- maybe a photograph of yourself,
- name, address and telephone number,
- your company objectives,
- a comprehensive description of you and your company.
Just knowing this ‘outline’ of who you are places the visitor at ease and most of the nervous jitter hopefully disappears. Why? She sees you are not afraid to be checked out.
6. Include a ‘Privacy Statement’.
Internet users are becoming more and more sensitive to how their personal information is being used. This makes it almost imperative for you to provide a page with your privacy policy.
General concerns that would have to be addressed are:
*How you use the information that is collected.
*Is the information shared with a third party?
*Let them know how they can opt out of any mailing list they sign up for.
*Why you track their IP address.
For a more detailed discussion on website privacy you may check: http://www.truste.org/
7. Use your customers’ unsolicited testimonials and product reviews.
What you say about your product or service is not really taken seriously. I mean what are you expected to say anyway? It’s your product ... duh. What carry the greater weight are the opinions of other experts in your field. But what carries the greatest weight is what the customers themselves say.
This means that you can get instant credibility if you present the unsolicited testimonials of your satisfied customers. These testimonials should be accompanied with the email address or website and full name of the customer. The less information you give about the customer who is providing the testimonial the less believable it is. I have had visitors who actually contacted these customers to confirm that the testimonials were real.
So pour on the testimonials – too much is not enough.
There you had it. Use all these strategies to help build your credibility online and see more customers willing to open their wallets and their hearts.
Kamis, 28 Januari 2010
7 Critical Steps-To Launch A Successful Internet Home-Based Business!
The concept of starting an Internet Home-Based Business either Full time or Part-time is catching up with most people in the developed economies of the west. The Global Business Opportunities the internet offers an entrepreneur today is something that was unimaginable ten years ago and the smart ones are jumping on to the bandwagon. Furthermore the uncertainties of present day employment, commuting long distances to workplaces and the desire to spend more time with the family are contributory factors towards this desire and urge to start an internet home-based business.
1. Get that Special Feeling:
“The first and most important step towards SUCCESS is the feeling that we can SUCCEED”--Nelson Boswell.
Yes, start getting that special feeling of being a Successful Internet Home-Based Business Entrepreneur. Motivate yourself and start believing in yourself. Ask yourself “If others can be successful why can’t I?”
2. Prepare a Business Plan:
Once you have made a decision to start an Internet Home-Based Business, Preparing a Business Plan should be your first priority. There should be a short term and a long term plan. What is your goal? How do you propose to achieve it? The product you wish to sell or promote, the funding strategy, the tax benefits, and the support system you have, should all be planned out.
3. Choosing a Product:
Selling your own product is the quickest and easiest way to make money from home but starting off as an Affiliate is often the best option for all new home-based business entrepreneurs. There are several Affiliate Programs promoted by successful and highly respected Internet Marketers in addition to leading organizations such as the Amazon.com and Strong Future International. There are also several leading Affiliate Program providers such as Commission Junction, Link Share, Clickbank and ClixGalore who provide a whole range of Affiliate Programs to choose from. Do some research, avoid the Scams and choose a niche product i.e. a product that satisfies a specific need of customers. Choosing the right products is the gateway to success.
4. Website, Domain Name and Web Hosting:
The website is the most important vehicle that showcases your internet home-based business to the internet marketing world. For this and other technical reasons which are beyond the scope of this article, you have to obtain the services of a professional to design your website unless of course you are capable of doing it yourself. Again the advice of a professional is useful in helping you to choose a domain name and in selecting a web hosting company, since fancy domain names and unsatisfactory web hosts can stand in the way of your business success.
5. Stick to your Full-time Job:
Stick to your full-time or day job while you are in the process of building your Internet Home-Based Business. Do not under any circumstances leave your job until your home-based business has started generating a profit and you are able to sustain yourself from it.
6. Be Passionate and Educate Yourself:
Success comes only to those who are really passionate about whatever tasks they do. So if you want to work at home and succeed in your internet home-based business, you have to be completely dedicated and focused on your business. Motivate yourself to succeed for success is your goal. Failure is no option for you.
Keeping abreast with the technological developments taking place in your chosen field of activity is vital both for your survival and success. In other words you have to be knowledgeable in whatever you do. Knowledge also elevates you to a position of authority and boosts your image in the world of Internet Marketing and Internet Home-Based Business.
7. Promote your Internet Home-Based Business:
Once your Internet Home-Based Business website is up and about, your prime work now is to make your presence known to the internet business world. Having done the preliminaries such as preparing and optimizing the content of the website, submit it to the Search Engines and Directories. Reciprocal link building, writing articles, submitting to article directories and article submission sites will start generating traffic to your site. Building opt-in lists and advertising your internet home-based business will start bringing in additional traffic and sales for your business boosting up your morale.
These steps if followed with dedication and perseverance will take you up the ladder of Success to reach your goal of being a Successful Internet Home-Based Business Entrepreneur.
1. Get that Special Feeling:
“The first and most important step towards SUCCESS is the feeling that we can SUCCEED”--Nelson Boswell.
Yes, start getting that special feeling of being a Successful Internet Home-Based Business Entrepreneur. Motivate yourself and start believing in yourself. Ask yourself “If others can be successful why can’t I?”
2. Prepare a Business Plan:
Once you have made a decision to start an Internet Home-Based Business, Preparing a Business Plan should be your first priority. There should be a short term and a long term plan. What is your goal? How do you propose to achieve it? The product you wish to sell or promote, the funding strategy, the tax benefits, and the support system you have, should all be planned out.
3. Choosing a Product:
Selling your own product is the quickest and easiest way to make money from home but starting off as an Affiliate is often the best option for all new home-based business entrepreneurs. There are several Affiliate Programs promoted by successful and highly respected Internet Marketers in addition to leading organizations such as the Amazon.com and Strong Future International. There are also several leading Affiliate Program providers such as Commission Junction, Link Share, Clickbank and ClixGalore who provide a whole range of Affiliate Programs to choose from. Do some research, avoid the Scams and choose a niche product i.e. a product that satisfies a specific need of customers. Choosing the right products is the gateway to success.
4. Website, Domain Name and Web Hosting:
The website is the most important vehicle that showcases your internet home-based business to the internet marketing world. For this and other technical reasons which are beyond the scope of this article, you have to obtain the services of a professional to design your website unless of course you are capable of doing it yourself. Again the advice of a professional is useful in helping you to choose a domain name and in selecting a web hosting company, since fancy domain names and unsatisfactory web hosts can stand in the way of your business success.
5. Stick to your Full-time Job:
Stick to your full-time or day job while you are in the process of building your Internet Home-Based Business. Do not under any circumstances leave your job until your home-based business has started generating a profit and you are able to sustain yourself from it.
6. Be Passionate and Educate Yourself:
Success comes only to those who are really passionate about whatever tasks they do. So if you want to work at home and succeed in your internet home-based business, you have to be completely dedicated and focused on your business. Motivate yourself to succeed for success is your goal. Failure is no option for you.
Keeping abreast with the technological developments taking place in your chosen field of activity is vital both for your survival and success. In other words you have to be knowledgeable in whatever you do. Knowledge also elevates you to a position of authority and boosts your image in the world of Internet Marketing and Internet Home-Based Business.
7. Promote your Internet Home-Based Business:
Once your Internet Home-Based Business website is up and about, your prime work now is to make your presence known to the internet business world. Having done the preliminaries such as preparing and optimizing the content of the website, submit it to the Search Engines and Directories. Reciprocal link building, writing articles, submitting to article directories and article submission sites will start generating traffic to your site. Building opt-in lists and advertising your internet home-based business will start bringing in additional traffic and sales for your business boosting up your morale.
These steps if followed with dedication and perseverance will take you up the ladder of Success to reach your goal of being a Successful Internet Home-Based Business Entrepreneur.
Rabu, 27 Januari 2010
7 Benefits Of Building Niche Blogs
In this article, I will describe 7 benefits of building niche blogs.
A "niche" refers to a targeted market with profit potential that is not saturated with competitors. The whole idea is to realize the benefits of building niche blogs and then find the niche markets out there and start building.
Benefit #1
Niche Blogs are essentially niche websites that are alive!
That's because your blog will grow as you continue to publish posts or pages regularly to your blog. In contrast, many niche websites are seldom modified or updated after they are created.
Benefit #2
Blogs are designed to publish and update contents easily once you have them set up, configured and running.
Once you get the hang of it, it's a matter of getting into that habit of writing blog posts and pages and publishing them regularly.
Benefit #3
They are either FREE or cost very little to set up.
You can create your blogs easily by visiting blogger.com or wordpress.org and taking time to study and learn the "how-to".
Benefit #4
You can make money with your niche blogs in many ways, such as:
- Publishing third-party ads in your blogs (eg. Google Adsense pubishing)
- Recommending affiliate products and services in your blogs (eg. Amazon)
Benefit #5
Unlike websites, blogs are interactive. Visitors, or blog readers, are usually allowed to post comments for a blog post (or article) to the blog owner.
This 'dialog' helps to build rapport and relationship between the blog owner and his visitors or members.
Benefit #6
Since blogs are usually updated regularly via blog posts and pages, blogs will rank higher in search engines as compared to websites. In contrast, you have to do a lot of tweaking to a niche website through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques.
Search engines will visit your blogs more regularly as you blog more regularly.
Thus, you can also place links of your other websites to get them indexed quickly by the search engines.
Benefit #7
A blog's syndication function is its most powerful benefit!
You can syndicate the contents of your blog by allowing other website publishers to publish your feed (or channel) on their sites. This helps to bring more traffic to your blogs as the visitors of these sites subscribe to your feed via web-based or desktop newsreaders.
So, with the above benefits, doesn't it make a lot of sense to start building niche blogs as quickly as possible?
A "niche" refers to a targeted market with profit potential that is not saturated with competitors. The whole idea is to realize the benefits of building niche blogs and then find the niche markets out there and start building.
Benefit #1
Niche Blogs are essentially niche websites that are alive!
That's because your blog will grow as you continue to publish posts or pages regularly to your blog. In contrast, many niche websites are seldom modified or updated after they are created.
Benefit #2
Blogs are designed to publish and update contents easily once you have them set up, configured and running.
Once you get the hang of it, it's a matter of getting into that habit of writing blog posts and pages and publishing them regularly.
Benefit #3
They are either FREE or cost very little to set up.
You can create your blogs easily by visiting blogger.com or wordpress.org and taking time to study and learn the "how-to".
Benefit #4
You can make money with your niche blogs in many ways, such as:
- Publishing third-party ads in your blogs (eg. Google Adsense pubishing)
- Recommending affiliate products and services in your blogs (eg. Amazon)
Benefit #5
Unlike websites, blogs are interactive. Visitors, or blog readers, are usually allowed to post comments for a blog post (or article) to the blog owner.
This 'dialog' helps to build rapport and relationship between the blog owner and his visitors or members.
Benefit #6
Since blogs are usually updated regularly via blog posts and pages, blogs will rank higher in search engines as compared to websites. In contrast, you have to do a lot of tweaking to a niche website through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques.
Search engines will visit your blogs more regularly as you blog more regularly.
Thus, you can also place links of your other websites to get them indexed quickly by the search engines.
Benefit #7
A blog's syndication function is its most powerful benefit!
You can syndicate the contents of your blog by allowing other website publishers to publish your feed (or channel) on their sites. This helps to bring more traffic to your blogs as the visitors of these sites subscribe to your feed via web-based or desktop newsreaders.
So, with the above benefits, doesn't it make a lot of sense to start building niche blogs as quickly as possible?
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