Analyzing Web Statistics to Help You Market Better

Analyzing Web Statistics to Help You Market Better
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets
When it comes to promoting an online business the more you understand consumers the better you can market to them. Knowledge is power in many areas of life and certainly in business. You do your Internet business a big favor when you engage in Web analytics.

Your particular host enterprise for your website or blog may have analytic tools available for you. If they do not, you can obtain analytic tools free or for low-cost from Web service providers. They are usually easy to install and are an aid in understanding visitors to your site. With this knowledge, you can fine-tune your operation to meet consumers' needs.

Data about visitors to your website will enable you to structure your website to produce maximum revenue. Consider how visitors arrived at your portal. With analysis tools, you can see what search terms visitors entered so they landed on your site.

A look at a list of search terms used may help you come up with even more terms. You may develop other keywords and phrases from what you learned by analyzing. You can then keyword-optimize your web pages to these new search phrases. You may never have thought of new keyword phrases without analysis of visitors' current keyword searches.

This study of keyword searches from Web analytics will also help your article writing. When you engage in article marketing, you want widespread distribution of your content. You want many people to find your useful articles. You want your article readers to link back to your website where you can introduce them to affiliate products.

People will only find your articles if they are keyword optimized. Of course, they have to be the right keywords. Web analytics of keyword searches visitors to your site used will help. You will incorporate these keywords into your article writing efforts and subsequently encourage traffic to them.

With Web analytics, you can also monitor from what websites your visitors originate. Maybe you are receiving many visitors from an online-classified advertising site. This lets you know that your advertising initiative is paying off. Alternatively, not all your work in writing ads for classified sites may be paying off.

Through Web analytics, you may find that you receive few if any traffic from a certain classified ad site. That tells you two things. One, it may not be worth it for you to continue to use that advertising portal. Two, your particular advertising writing distributed to that site may be ineffective. You may have to alter your advertising writing to suit a particular site better. Then through Web analytics, you can monitor whether you increase your traffic levels from the site.

Through Web analytics, you can monitor where most of your "conversions" originate. This is different from traffic. You may get a lot of traffic from a Website but no buyers. It's important to know which URL's are sending the buyers to your site.

You can then tailor further your affiliate site to meet the needs and wishes of these customers. If you sell organic teas, you may find most of your buyers come from a health issues publisher. They may come from a health food site with which you have a link exchange.

You now know you will tailor your Website to serve better the health niche. If they are giving you the most business, cater to them. You can then focus your page contents to them, as well as your article promotion campaigns.

Another way Web analytics can help you is by telling you where most visitors land. Many may land on your Homepage. However, many more may not. When you analyze data, you may find your Resources page gets many hits as a port of entry to your site. Is your Resource page attractive and user-friendly? It had better be if that's where many first-time visitors land.

The above are just a few examples of how Web analytics can help you. Take the time to involve yourself with a provider who offers analytic tools. Search out those who can provide you these tools to install on your website. Analyzing data is a way to understand your visitors and build your online business faster.

Brad McGovern is the Marketing Manager at http://www.articlemarketer.com/ and offers advice and news of note to article marketers.Watch for more from Brad at http://www.articlemarketer.com/blog.php in the coming days!

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Do You Utilize 'The BIG 3' In Your Marketing Efforts?

Do You Utilize 'The BIG 3' In Your Marketing Efforts?
Download Free Copy Of Small Business Success Secrets
Will you be a better, more educated marketer in 2008 than you were in 2007?

Off course you will. And this article will help. BIG time. '3 BIG' times even...

There's a critical 3-tier approach to any successful marketing plan that unfortunately, most people will never know.

Having a clear understanding of 'The BIG 3' will make or break your marketing campaign so pay very close attention.

Here they are:

1. Message

This is what you say about yourself, your products, your services, and/or your company that is designed to be compelling and attractive to the people that you want to reach.

Most home business owners and entrepreneurs have no message at all and if they do it is no more than an expanded business card. It looks like everything else. Just open the yellow pages and you'll see what I mean, same boring old messages.

Most messages are based on what the business owners want and NOT on what the market wants. Read that again.

They tend to be company focused or product focused rather than buyer focused. BIG difference.

The opportunity with a well crafted message is huge. It gives you a "competition less" advantage and allows you to stand out from the crowd. A really good marketing message allows you to attract more customers at a lower cost, virtually eliminating the prospecting process all together.

How would you like to never have to prospect for customers ever again? Sound too good to be true? Not really.

Your message is called your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). If you've never heard of a "USP" before, well now you have and you must have one or frankly, you're not in business. Emphasis is on the word "unique".

What makes you unique? You need to know this.

Here's a great example:

"Fresh, hot pizza delivered in 30 minutes or less. Guaranteed."

Sound familiar?

Yep, Dominos Pizza. A struggling company prior to this "unique" message.

It doesn't say it's the best. But it's fresh, hot and quick. Get it? THAT is their message. THAT is their "USP."

And THAT message allowed Dominos Pizza to become a multi, multi-million dollar publicly traded powerhouse. They simply had a message and delivered on it.

2) Market

This is who you deliver your message to and equally important, who you choose NOT to deliver it to.

So what do you do with your message now that you have one?

Target your market.

Target marketing is "Direct Response Marketing," focusing on the who, knowing who it is you want as a customer or prospect, and then setting out to find them and delivering your message directly to them and ONLY to them.

With me? Good.

Many home business owners and entrepreneurs make the mistake of communicating with people who do not fit the profile of their target market or think everyone is their target market. BIG mistake.

If you were managing a baseball team and needed a pitcher you wouldn't run an ad in the local newspaper saying "Baseball Pitcher For Hire." You would seek a pitcher within the game of baseball. You would go to the minor leagues, or other professional baseball teams to locate your pitcher.

So you have two choices:

1) Advertise to lists that are already established within your target market: think Ezines or Newsletter subscribers and Direct Mail.

2) Lead generation: generating your own specific, targeted leads.

If you know your customer or prospect it is much simpler to find them. Right? Right on!

As the famous millionaire-maker Dan Kennedy says:

"Its all about 'message to market match' - specific message to specific market. These are the money skills. This is where the income hierarchy comes in. You move higher and higher up that ladder when you can bring the customer in the door - the money skill."

3) Media

This is when you take your message and get it to your chosen market in the best ways possible; in ways that are efficient, effective and affordable...

Such as: Internet, direct mail, JV's, Ezines, newspapers, radio, tv, etc.

Dan Kennedy also goes on to say:

"There is no inherently good or bad media anymore than a hammer is inherently a good or a bad tool. If you want to drive a nail and hang a picture it is a great tool. If you want to do heart surgery it is a pretty poor tool."

Most home business owners and entrepreneurs use too few media. "Diversity is stability." The more you can use effectively, the less vulnerable you are too changes.

So there you have it:

Message / Market / Media

Do not neglect either of "The BIG 3." Ever.

You are only as strong as you're weakest link. If one leg is weak, they are all weak.

Andrew J. Cass is a Home Business Development Expert and Professional Marketing Consultant. To learn insider secrets and powerful marketing strategies from the pros to help you explode your home business empire, sign up for Andrew's FREE Ezine at: http://www.thehomebusinessinsider.net/

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Marketing Overwhelm: A Curable Disease

Marketing Overwhelm: A Curable Disease
Download Free Copy Of An Obvious Truth By Armand Morin
It's Monday and you get an email indicating that writing an ezine is THE way to get new clients. You drop everything and start working on an email newsletter.

It's Tuesday and your friend calls and says that he heard the best way to get publicity is pay-per-click. You drop everything and sign up for a Google Adwords account.

It's Wednesday and you heard that someone made a million dollars selling info products. Everything else waits while you work on your first million dollar product.

I once had a client who would tell me he figured out how to "fix" his business and what he needed to do to succeed. Unfortunately, he did this DAILY. Each day he had a new marketing strategy that he would drop everything else to implement. It was exhausting as well as counterproductive - for both of us.

Does this sound familiar? You have no real plan for your marketing strategy and so you jump from one idea to another based on what you hear or read is the best or quickest way to get more clients and increase sales.

Or, do you find yourself agreeing with colleagues who are constantly agonizing over this, that or the other in their business - all trying to outdo one another with the amount of work they have?

If so, you're suffering from marketing overwhelm!

I have good news however - this IS a curable disease. . .no shots necessary!

There are thousands of different things you could do to move your business forward. And, most likely, any one of them will do the job.

The problem. You start one thing, stop, start another, stop, start a third, stop. . . . At the end of the day, you're left with frustration and overwhelm. And nothing done, your list the same size (or smaller) than yesterday.

The solution. If you see a little of yourself in this scenario, it's time to create a strategic marketing action plan. One that resonates with you and that you can stick with.

Step 1: Create a marketing action plan -- make a list of the marketing activities you are interested in doing and then select the three to five which resonate most with you.

Step 2: Take action -- start implementing the activities on your plan and stick with them until they are done.

Step 3: Evaluate -- review what you've been doing and what results you're getting. If the results aren't what you were expecting, you may wish to try another strategy, but only AFTER you've given the first time to work.

It's important to remember that good marketing is about two things:

1/ educating your community (prospects made up of your ideal clients) about what problems you solve (note that I didn't say "about what you do") and

2/ building a relationship with those in your community.

Do these two things and do them consistently and you will reap the rewards as your business success lies not in hyperactivity, but in well-thought-out plans and implementation.

My Request to You

I request you take a step back and think about which marketing activities you've had the most success with or, if you're a new business owner, which ones appeal to you the most. Now jot them down and add some dates by which you will complete them (if one time activities) or begin them (if ones to be done consistently).

POOF! You have the beginnings of a strategic marketing action plan. You're well on your way to recovery!

And if you're feeling too overwhelmed to begin? You'll want to learn more about "Strategic Marketing - Sandy Style and having a customized strategic marketing action plan "done 4 you".

For the past 5 years, Sandra Martini has been showing self-employed business owners how to get more clients consistently by implementing processes and systems to put their marketing on autopilot. Visit Sandra at http://www.SandraMartini.com for details, compelling client testimonials and her free audio series "5 Simple and Easy Steps to Put Your Marketing on Autopilot".

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Do-It-Yourself Marketing, Learning the Secrets to Get Your Own Results

Do-It-Yourself Marketing, Learning the Secrets to Get Your Own Results
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets By Yanik Silver
One of the toughest challenges of marketing is connecting the creative process to techniques that maximize the promotional results. Most smart, passionate small business owners know their businesses better than anyone, but they lack the specific knowledge to channel that energy into marketing success.

The Internet and Web 2.0 are bringing these savvy entrepreneurs all of the tools to execute a world-class marketing plan. Unfortunately, there is still that missing piece--knowledge.

Old school marketing firms and ad agencies are trapped in business models sustained by big retainers, long-term contracts, and little accountability. These are ingredients for a lot of unproductive dollars, in a tightening economy.

In contrast there are some emerging options, provided by more innovative marketing firms. Leveraging Internet tools, social marketing, and new mobile techniques these new marketing firms are specializing in strategy and expertise, leaving execution to their clients.

Here are a few hints to save you money and squeeze the most out of your marketing spend:

1. Find Experience

Look for firms with talent and proven experience. Survey their impact on the Internet. Ask associates for referrals and references. An effective Internet marketing firm should be easy to find.

2. Pay for Expertise, Not Execution

Chance are you are heavy on smart people, while light on marketing expertise and budget. So, find a marketing partner that will work with you to balance that mix. Look for specific how-to advice and guided strategy. Then do the heavy lifting yourself.

3. Look for A La Carte Services

Don't pay for the whole marketing department when you just need a few targeted services. Engage copywriting, press releases, or campaign strategy not a "communications strategy." You know what you want and who you want to target. Ask (and pay) for only what you need to get it done, and nothing more.

4. Discard Retainers for Pay-As-You-Go

Retainers are for multi-national, Fortune 50 companies. Pay only on performance, as you go. This more closely aligns a marketing partner with your goals and objectives, while minimizing your long-term risks.

5. Results are the Final Measure

Bottom-line sales and revenue producing results are the most important objectives of any business, but particularly a small or medium-sized business. For that reason alone, you may want to find a marketing firm that allows you to pay for expertise, while retaining implementation and measurement in-house. This assures that their services are credible and drives immediate value.

Find do-it-yourself marketing options for your next ad or marketing campaign. Hire expertise and retain execution and measurement. This puts you in the drivers seat for maximum bang for your marketing bucks.

Biz In Need is a new media marketing company. As a leader in mobile marketing and social media we can help you start the conversation with your customers. Let our experts guide your mobile marketing, social media, and press release strategy.

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The 7 Musts of Marketing: How to Build a System That Makes Clients Come to You

The 7 Musts of Marketing: How to Build a System That Makes Clients Come to You
Copyright © 2008 Adam Urbanski
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets By Yanik Silver
I was looking for an overall theme to promote an event. After days and weeks of struggling to come up with the right idea, I finally stumbled upon results of little known research that revealed the "seven marketing habits" of super-successful companies. Instantly I knew I found my "Holy Grail."

What surprised me the most, was how information so elemental can be so profound at the same time. I'm almost afraid that you might dismiss it at a first glance. So give it a read. I'm sure you will get ideas how to tune-up your own marketing system.

MARKETING MUST #1 -- HAVE A PLAN

Most business owners and professionals are "doers". There is nothing wrong with that - that's why they work for themselves and get things done! But often they get so busy they lose sight of where they are going and how they want to get there.

But creating a marketing plan sounds so intimidating even the thought of it scares the living-jibbies out of most people. Fact is, you don't have to kill a tree to create simple marketing plan.

Start by listing your ideal clients, the top three to five lead generating strategies to reach them, and first few implementation steps.

It's amazing how a one page document can get you focused and motivated to take the right action.

MARKETING MUST #2 -- BE UNIQUE

I once heard a statement that on Coca-Cola's balance sheet over 90% of their value is represented by their "brand equity". If building a brand is good enough for them, don't you think it could do some good for you?

How do you differentiate yourself? What makes you, your services or products unique? With the explosion of service businesses it should be your top concern - to set yourself apart from the pack.

If you are providing an ordinary product or service it may be hard to set yourself apart based on what or how you do it. But there is one thing in your business that no one else can duplicate - YOU!

MARKETING MUST #3 -- GET VISIBILITY

If no one knows what you do you will always struggle to get enough business. Advertising, direct mail, networking, public speaking, publishing articles are just a few ways of getting the word out. And, don't forget about free publicity - what's better than having someone else talk about you!

Stop being busy and take time to learn how to develop effective announcements and "hooks". With a bit of effort you may get all sorts of media attention that will give your business the ultimate marketing boost you are always looking for.

MARKETING MUST #4 -- BUILD A VIRTUAL MARKETING HUB

A strong online presence can become a serious marketing weapon. But if you are confused how to make your web site generate leads and sales - you are not alone. In fact over 95% of small business web sites are a total waste of time and money. They will never make their owners a penny!

Amazingly, with a few simple and inexpensive tweaks you can turn your online brochure into a lead and profit generating machine.

MARKETING MUST #5 -- EDUCATE YOUR MARKET

Do you ever feel that in order to market your services and get clients you have to overly boast what a great job you do? That leaves you feeling sleazy and unprofessional. No wonder you avoid marketing all together!

However, most potential clients don't have a clue about all the ways you can help them. It's your job is to educate them. Write articles, give public talks, publish a newsletter or even write a book.

These strategies can turn your expertise into industry recognition, credibility in your field, and make you feel like the ultimate professional - all while you are marketing your services!

(Personal note: Oh please, don't give me excuses that you are not a public speaker or are not a good writer... If a schmuck like me - with only high-school diploma and English as a second language can write a short article and deliver a presentation... Believe me - you've got no excuse!)

MARKETING MUST #6 -- FOLLOW-UP EFFECTIVELY

More than 80% of all sales are made on or after five contacts with the prospect. Yet, most people give up after the second follow-up call. Why? They don't know how to consistently stay in touch with their prospects, referral sources and existing clients.

Develop and automate a follow-up system that gets results and doesn't take over your life. Publish a newsletter or ezine, collect and distribute interesting articles, regularly send out postcards with a short tip or quote.

There must be a million inexpensive ways to regularly put your name in front of your clients and prospects. Just get started and do it consistently!

MARKETING MUST #7 -- NEGOTIATE LIKE A PRO!

If you are anything like a typical service provider or small biz owner, chances are it's a bit tough for you to ask for the sale. Even though you know the great benefits your clients get from working with you I bet at times you still get chocked up when it comes to closing the deal.

Stop leaving "money on the table" only to learn that your competitors gobbled up the deals that belonged to you. Develop an advisor-like selling paradigm. Learn and practice consultative sales approach and never again feel guilty about closing the deal.

MARKETING HABIT #8 - CONTINUOUSLY IMPRESS YOUR CLIENTS!

Wait a second - I told you there were seven "marketing habits" - so what's this number eight all about. You see this is the last, simple, often overlooked element of marketing - consistently under-promise and strategically over-deliver!

Yeah, I know, it's so simple it's almost embarrassing to mention it here. But often we get so focused on getting the business we forget to "pamper" the clients we already have. Just for the sake of it - imagine what would happen to your referral rate if you were always as responsive to your clients as you were on the day before they hired you.

The author, Adam Urbanski, Founder and President of Marketing Mentors, teaches professionals and business owners proven marketing strategies to increase sales and profits. For more free marketing tips and a free marketing fast-start guide visit his website at http://www.theMarketingMentors.com

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Fine Tuning Your Marketing - It's Time to Recharge Your Marketing

Fine Tuning Your Marketing - It's Time to Recharge Your Marketing
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets
Many of you are already established in business with your website in place, your business cards tucked away securely awaiting the next networking opportunity, and your promotional materials printed and filed away. You are set -- Or are you?

Think back, when was the last time you revisited this area? When was the last time you recreated your promotional materials and added a new image? Have you actually read your website lately from the prospective of a potential client? If so, did it portray you in the best light and did it convince you to utilize your services? Did it have all your latest PR successes and latest services? If not, it's time to jumpstart your marketing. The results, more clients and a new and improved you.

Here are just a few ideas:

Your Web Site

When doing your website or reviewing your website, take your time. This isn't a race to the finish. Take it a page at a time and give it your all. Ask yourself:

Would it hold their interest? You need to make sure they aren't bored with long paragraphs or unnecessary long wordy descriptions. They want to find what they came for quickly.

Is it personalized? When people come to your site, do they get to know you and your business or do they hear the same ole' same ole' that's on all the websites in your Industry. It's important to have you in there.

Get to the point. Go back and cut out unnecessary words, paragraphs, graphics, anything that just isn't essential to the bottom line of providing the benefits of what you provide.

Is it understandable? Sounds simple, right? Go back over your site and make sure that you've clearly spelled out what you do. You know you're the best, but have you adequately described this to your potential clients?

Can you add a few new graphics or colors or something to jazz it up? A change of your website's theme colors can make a big difference in adding to a fresh new look.

Press Releases & Articles

How often do you write a press release and submit it out? Or better yet, when was the last time you did send one out? Ouch-that long. If you want to fine tune and bump up your marketing, then you absolutely need to write a good press release and get it out there. The main point in that sentence is -- write a good one. How do you do that? Easy, make it something that informs and inspires. Make it newsworthy. Tie it into what is happening in today's times and then connect your business to how you can make a difference. Did you remember the "call to action" paragraph, where you are telling them what you want them to do? And finally, just having a release isn't enough. You need to actively submit it out and post it on your website, blogs, social networking sites, etc.

Social Networking

You need to do this. Actually you will want to do this. Once you get started you'll love it too. So go ahead and do it. Most businesses will tell you that doing this makes a considerable difference in their business. Don't have time to, hire a virtual assistant to do it for you.

Now, find the sites that interest you and get active and involved. Remember to succeed you need to be committed. You can't just show up once every few months and expect it to work.

Your Promotional Materials

Just think how impressed your clients or even more important, those potential new clients, will be when they receive a letter on your new letterhead, with your new business card, a matching brochure, and maybe even a matching magnet with your business information on it. It's time to jazz it up a bit and recreate a new image. You have so many more years experience in your business, let it show with your new promotions.

You'll see how great you'll feel with your new marketing image. Make it a goal to do this often. You and your pocketbook will be glad you did.

Diana Ennen specializes in publicity and marketing and helping businesses get the most out of their publicity efforts. She's the President of Virtual Word Publishing, http://www.virtualwordpublishing.com and author of numerous books including Virtual Assistant the Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA. Stop by for free information on starting a virtual assistant business and our free PR Informational package. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains intact.

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5 Marketing Lessons From the 'King of Make-up' - Max Factor

5 Marketing Lessons From the 'King of Make-up' - Max Factor
Copyright © 2008 Adam Urbanski
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets
Did you know that Max Factor was a marketing genius? Yep, the Polish-born emigrant-turned-cosmetic-industry-giant virtually pioneered the make-up business as we know it today. And you won't believe the strategies he used to get the rich and famous of his era to clamor for his services and products.

But what's even more important is that his strategies can be simply replicated in your business to attract all the new and repeat clients you want. Here is how...

Five marketing lessons from Max Factor.

LESSON 1 - Transform ordinary people into dazzling super- stars. .

That's what Max did - he turned ordinary people into movie stars. Whether he knew it or if by pure accident, Max tapped into one of the most powerful marketing weapons - the human desire for fame and fortune.

He wasn't selling make-up. He sold a chance to be a bit more like Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland or other famous movie stars of his time.

Simple, right? But take a look at all your marketing materials...

- Are they promoting what you do or what people get out of working with you?

- Are you boring people with lengthy descriptions of your company's consulting approach or painting an exciting vision of the dazzling success you could help them achieve?

LESSON 2 - Help clients SEE the need for your service or product.

One of Factor's most bizarre inventions was the "Beauty Calibrator" - a weird gizmo for measuring the face, which looked more like a medieval torture device than anything you'd find in a local beauty parlor.

It's hard to imagine that people would voluntarily put this contraption on their heads - but they did. You see, Max's invention was designed to discover what was "wrong" with client's face and how they NEEDED to use his make-up to correct the flaws.

Why is this important? Just like we don't argue with a doctor sharing with us the results of a medical test he or she might have put us through, we tend to take for a fact something that was measured and is presented in a structured and organized way.

If you find your prospects a bit resisting to taking the "final step" with you, it's likely because they are not sure they really need it and how they will benefit from your help.

But find a structured way to illustrate the need for your services and watch the resistance melt away.

- Create an assessment to quickly gather critical data and present your findings in a visual way. Create a table or a chart that allows people to see at a glance what's "wrong" with them.

-Develop an online quiz your web visitors can take to discover their competency/need in the area of expertise you provide. - have a list of standard value-building questions you always ask during your sales presentation.

LESSON 3 - Make everyone feel good (and unique and special.)

At his famous Studio Max Factor built four special "celebrity make-up rooms" each designed to bring out the best in women of a particular hair color: one room labeled "For Blondes Only" (decorated in flattering shades of blue); other rooms were solely for Redheads (done in mint green), Brunettes (dusty rose pink), or Brunettes (pale peach) - all designed to make them FEEL GOOD!

So you may not have an office where people visit you, but it's still important you find ways to make clients feel good about doing business with you. Here are few tips how.

- Hand written notes and greeting cards take little effort to send out but make a long-lasting impression. Are you regularly taking advantage of this powerful marketing strategy? - Send out small gifts shortly after clients buy something from you. Gift certificates to a local coffee shop or a massage place won't cost you a lot, but will make people remember you forever! - We love talking about ourselves - give people an opportunity to do so more often. In all conversations with prospects and clients make it all about them. They will think you are the best person to talk to in the whole world.

LESSON 4 - Let your clients be your most effective marketing weapon.

Many of Max's clients appeared in his advertising campaigns promoting his products. The magnetic power of celebrity endorsements is nothing new, but are you using it in your business?

You don't need world famous movie stars to be your clients. Turn your regular customers into mini-celebrities by asking them for testimonials and featuring their success stories on your website and in other marketing materials.

LESSON 5 - Create an enduring brand.

I doubt that Max Factor was overwhelmingly concerned with branding, yet over 70 years later the company he started still thrives as one of the global power-players in the cosmetic industry.

The company still uses his photo on the front page of their website and his story is listed on the "about us" page. I believe it's because Max Factor was his own brand.

Everyday I run into people who try to make their marketing materials look like they are a world-wide, multi-billion dollar heartless corporation. What they forget to show through is their PERSONALITY.

Here is a newsflash 'we don't do business with corporations - we do business with other people!

With the explosion of professional service providers starting their own businesses, chances are you've got more competitors than you care to count - all appearing to offer the services and products identical to yours.

The solution? Take it from Max Factor and make YOUR PERSONALITY count and let people get to know YOU. The more competitive your field is, the more this matters. Because no one can duplicate you!

The author, Adam Urbanski, Founder and President of Marketing Mentors, teaches professionals and business owners proven marketing strategies to increase sales and profits. For more free marketing tips and a free marketing fast-start guide visit his website at http://www.themarketingmentors.com/

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What WD-40 and Gold Mining Taught Me About Marketing

What WD-40 and Gold Mining Taught Me About Marketing
Download Free Copy Of An Obvious Truth By Armand Morin
Who would have thought that WD-40 or gold mining could teach us anything about marketing or making money online? Well once you hear the stories below you will begin to understand.

First of all, for those who don't know, WD-40 stands for Water Displacement 40 and was originally developed by a man named Norman Larsen to repel water and prevent corrosion, but also has many other uses. What you may have not known is the meaning of the name. The 40 in WD-40 represents the 40th formula. It took Norman 40 attempts to result to a successful formula, which ultimately created a very successful product.

Before I go into the meaning of this let me tell you another true story about a man named Darby who years ago went to Colorado during the gold rush to find his fortune. He was going to dig and grow rich. So he staked his claim, bought a pick and shovel and went to work ...

After weeks of digging he finally struck gold. He decided to go back East, borrow the money from family and friends, purchase the necessary machinery and equipment and with a few family members, went back to the mine. Darby brought in the first load that would take care of his debt and now he was ready for the killer profits. Then something happened, the vein of gold disappeared. They desperately kept drilling, but to no avail. Finally, they decided to quit.

They sold the machinery to a junkman for a few hundred dollars and went back home. The junkman called in an engineer to do a little calculating. The engineer discovered that the project had failed because the owners were not familiar with fault lines. His calculations were that the gold vein would be found just three feet away. Long story short, the junkman took millions of dollars of gold from the mine as he knew enough to seek expert advice before giving up.

As you can see, these two different stories come to different conclusions. In the WD-40 example Norman did not give up even after 39 attempts, and created a successful formula after the 40th try. In the gold mining story Darby made a very bold attempt indeed, and even did make success, but by quitting he lost out on millions of dollars in profit.

So what should we take from these stories? One of the most common causes of failure is to quit when you've experienced temporary setback or defeat. Every person is guilty of this at one time or another in their lives. Always remember that you can not fail unless you give up!

The first time you attempt something you need to expect it to be tough. Expect it not to work. But this should not be the end. The first day is always the hardest, just like when you start to exercise after being out of shape for a long time. Your first day running would be the hardest and unfortunately many people would give up after the first day. Make yourself struggle until you make it.

We can also learn from the junkman in the gold mining story. As I said earlier, he knew enough to seek expert advice. Many people's lives are changed just because they take enough initiative to reach out to people who are in a place they want to be. Look at the people who are already successful and follow their lead. Ask them for help, do exactly what you are told to do, and don't give up! Doctors go to school for seven years, yet some people give up after their first week of trying to make money online. Does this make any sense at all?

I'm going to leave you with this thought. Would you rather quit and stay unhappy at your job the rest of your life (maybe 40 years), or invest some more time in learning how to experience the huge benefits and joy of working for yourself? You probably already spend 40 hours per week dedicated to your job, so can't you invest even a few hours per week to work towards a better future? It seems logical to me! Take gradual steps towards your goal, that's all it takes. I wish you much success in overcoming your failures.

Darren Olander is dedicated to teaching others how to create a success online through internet network marketing strategies. He is a site owner, article writer, coach & marketing consultant enjoying the benefits of working full time from home. Learn more about him at http://www.darrenolander.com

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How To Improve Credibility In Your Marketing Efforts

How To Improve Credibility In Your Marketing Efforts
Download Free Copy Of An Obvious Truth By Armand Morin
Want someone to buy something from you? First you'll tell that person about the product and why he or she must buy it from you. You need credibility so that person's going to believe you, right? Otherwise without any credibility, they'll think you're full of thin air, and walk away.

You have to establish your credibility in the eyes of your potential customer for a successful sale (via person, a sales letter, ad, website, etc.). There are a number of ways to show people that what you say is true and solid.

Out of all of the following suggestions, you can take the ones that you feel can work for you, and put a lot of emphasis on them in your marketing material.

1) Customer and client lists: They show people how long you've been in the business for and how many customers you've served. This has to been done carefully because you don't want to infringe on the privacy rights of your customers (so it's wise to ask permission to print their name on your customer list).

2) Length of time in business: People will see that you're not a fly-by-night, come-and-go business. Obviously the longer you've been in business, the better. I'm sure you've often seen signs on storefronts saying "Established 1867" or some equivalent. Would you feel more comfortable buying from a well-established business? Probably. They're trying to show you their longstanding business solidity.

3) Past credentials, qualifications, and experience: They establish you as a person who is qualified to discuss with people whatever topic is on hand. For example, what more credibility could come from a person trying to sell you a tennis racket as someone who has won the Wimbledon twice and the U.S. Tennis Open three time times? There's no question in your mind that this person knows what he's talking about when it comes to his product. Or a real estate agent who happens to be an experienced contractor- you'll believe what he says when it comes to houses and what you're getting for your money.

4) Financial references: Commonly used to show people how successful you are in what you do. The number says it all. If you went to a eyeglass store, and there was a sign in there telling you that this little store did $800,000 of business last year, you'd probably think that this store is doing something right in their business. Your logic will tell you that whatever they say you'll believe.

5) The number of cities/countries that you serve: What would seem bigger in your eyes- a local vacuum cleaner store selling in a small town or a vacuum cleaner store that services 7 provinces and 3 other countries as well? These numbers can help your credibility.

6) The number of customers served: You can use the now-famous technique that MacDonalds uses- I once passed by one franchise and I saw that MacDonalds now has a tally of 99 BILLION customers served!! The number of customers you have of course ties in with the longevity and reliability of your business.

7) Show someone how good your product is: Show them! Sometimes with products you can do a physical demonstration or a video that displays the actual features and benefits of the products. For example, if you're selling vacuum cleaners, you can make a video commercial of your product sucking up all the garbage from the carpet. If you sell knives, do a demo of how well your knife cuts through plastic or some fruit or vegetable. And so on.

8) Testimonials: Long established as one of the most powerful credibility boosters in the marketing world. Let someone else speak for you! Testimonials come in many forms. Written testimonials can be published. Video or audio testimonials can be played. Photographic testimonials (e.g. If you had numerous photos of you standing beside satisfied customers, that is a great way to show people that you have customers and they believe in you). When you allow other people to speak for you about your product or service, the credibility is always increased by at least a few points.

9) "Story books": A less common, but just as powerful, form of credibility-booster that tell the story of your customer, how they began, how your product or service came into the picture, and how your customer's problems were solved or desired satisfied. The level of detail in the story allows it to rise above the normal 3-sentence testimonial in terms of credibility.

10) Another less common form of testimonial (and very much underused for this reason) are toll-free 800 "eavesdrop lines" to hear which clients and customers have called in and what they say about your product or service.

11) And finally, many of the mediums above- writings, audio, and video- for all the different types of credibility boosters can be put online in websites and email attachments.

Once you've established your credibility hopefully beyond doubt, then you will have customers who are ready to hear what you have to say and are more likely to buy your product or hire you for your services.

Joseph Browns is a freelance copywriter who specializes in both online and offline marketing strategies. If you wish to learn more about how you can get more customers, please check out his free report at http://www.thesalescrafter.com

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How To Figure Out Your Solutions And Benefits

How To Figure Out Your Solutions And Benefits
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets By Yanik Silver
Your marketing must answer the question of "What's in it for me?" for your prospects and customers. The fastest way to do this is by showing you understand what they need (their problem) and that you have the answer (solution) for them.

Remember that people don't buy things - they buy solutions to problems. They also buy the benefits: the emotional payoffs your solution (services and products) provide.

In order to determine exactly what your solution and benefits are, you can use some of these "investigative" techniques:

* take out some clients (or have a phone call) and ask them what they perceive the main solution and benefits of your service and products to be

* do research on what solutions and benefits your competitors are offering and talking about

* think about your product or service as if you'd never seen it, and then ask yourself what results will it bring you, and why would you consider buying it or switching to it

* put together a list of solutions and benefits and run it by a few people (customers, vendors, strategic partners) to see which ones spark their interest

Another way to think about the solutions and benefits you offer your prospects and clients is to think about what you are really selling.

For example, printers don't just sell ink on paper; they sell communication and expression. Eyeglass stores don't sell frames and glass; they sell vision and fashion. Chiropractors don't just sell relief from pain; they sell health, well-being and physical control.

Tie into emotions

Benefits are usually closely tied into emotions - how the client or customer is going to feel after they use your product and service.

Let's look at an example:

Say you are a financial planner who focuses on working with new parents to invest money for their infant's future college needs. You might say that their problem is not having enough money right now to pay for their child's education. They feel worried and scared that they won't have enough, confused about how to make the right investment choice, and committed to sending their child to a good school.

Your solution is that they will create a secure financial future for their child. With your planning services, the benefits are that they will feel more in control, confident and secure - in addition to proactively saving money.

Here's a second example using professional organizers:

Most of their potential clients share many similar feelings, regardless of what their specific problem is (i.e. messy office, not paying bills because they can't find them, cluttered garage). The emotional outcomes resulting from their problems are pretty much the same: stress, anxiety, feeling out of control, unhappy, inefficient, feeling bad about themselves, ineffectual and so on.

So the solution may be to set up an electronic and hard copy filing system. The benefits to the customer are not only a usable, efficient filing system but also:

* less stress and anxiety

* feel happy they can find things quickly and easily

* feel confident they won't lose paperwork anymore

* will feel in control of their time and their space

You don't ever want to leave your potential customers to work out the benefits of buying your products or service for themselves. Make sure you take the time to get clear on what your primary solution and benefits are.

Jody Gabourie, The Small Business Marketing Coach, teaches simple, innovative and powerful marketing strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients. To learn more about how she can help you take your business to the next level, and to sign up for her FREE special report, ezine and articles, visit her site at http://www.JodyGabourieMarketingCoach.com

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Affordable Marketing for Your Small Business

Affordable Marketing for Your Small Business
By Dana Blozis
Download Free Copy Of Small Business Success Secrets By Tim Knox
When I started my business four years ago, I had enthusiasm and passion for my work, but a very small marketing budget. I also lacked a marketing plan for getting my message out to my target customer. I have learned a lot along the way and hope to impart what I've learned onto you. Whether you have just started your small business or are in your tenth year, there are some simple, affordable ways to keep your name in front of prospective clients and customers.

News releases. I recommend to clients that they distribute three to four news releases (better known as press releases) each year. This gives clients an opportunity to shout news out to the world about new products, services or partnerships; key hires; industry awards and certifications; new locations; events and more. News releases should be distributed on a timely basis to local media, trade publications and online. In addition, a well-crafted news release makes a great direct mail piece or a nice addition to your sales or media kit. Depending on whether you do the writing and distribution yourself, costs are variable. Distribution costs will also vary. Distribution via e-mail or fax is virtually nothing. Online distribution varies. Many news distribution sites are free, but I like to include a contribution to PRWeb.com to guarantee inclusion in popular search engines.

Online forums and networking sites. As social media continues to grow, relevant online forums and networking groups (Linked In, Connexions, Konnects) are a great way to interact with professionals and prospective clients. By actively participating in Q&A forums, you expand your reach. To take full advantage of these free opportunities, make sure you complete your online bio; include your contact information and web address; and participate regularly. Such participation can also help to position you as an industry expert.

Referral program. About half of my business comes from client referrals. To let clients know I appreciate their referrals and to encourage them to keep sending them to me, I include my referral program in my business agreement. In exchange for a prospect who does business with me, I offer the referring client two complimentary hours of writing, editing or marketing services. Aside from my time, this costs me nothing and benefits both my clients and my business.

Newsletter. There are so many affordable e-mail services these days that sending an e-newsletter to prospective clients is a no brainer. The service I use costs about $5 per month, and it not only maintains my e-mail lists for me, but it provides templates and tracks reader stats. Clients can opt-in, unsubscribe or change their e-mail address at any time. This is an inexpensive way to stay in touch with clients and prospects.

The next question, of course, is how and when to implement the above. I recommend pulling out your calendar and scheduling time for marketing and business development. Schedule a news release for each quarter, or at least three times a year. For online forums and networking sites, set aside a certain amount of time each week to participate. A referral program requires a little bit of set-up time and a notification to clients of the new program, but aside from that, it doesn't require much time. For your newsletter, I recommend sending them to clients at regular intervals. If you can't manage biweekly or monthly, at least put together a newsletter on a quarterly basis. Save ideas in a folder so they are all in one spot when you're ready to get started.

Try these ideas for at least six months and watch your business grow and, if you find that one method works better than the others, focus your efforts in that category. Enjoy your new affordable marketing solutions!

Copyright © 2007 by Dana Blozis, Virtually Yourz

With 20 years of business experience, Dana Blozis of Virtually Yourz started her own Seattle area-based writing, editing and marketing business. In addition to writing for publication, she offers writing, editing and marketing services to small businesses and nonprofits. To learn how Virtually Yourz can help promote your small business, visit Virtually Yourz.

Article Source: Self Improvement Articles from PositiveArticles.Com

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Know Your Market Before You Figure Out Your Marketing Message

Know Your Market Before You Figure Out Your Marketing Message
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets By Yanik Silver
Who are you marketing to? Who are you trying to sell to? You need to be really clear about this - not just to craft your marketing message but for your overall business.

It is important to zero-in on a primary group of people and really understand who they are and what makes them tick. The better you know them, the more you understand how your product or service fits into their lives. You are able to determine if they have problems you can help them with, and then position your product or service as the ideal solution.

To put it bluntly, if you don't define your target group or niche, you won't be able to create a powerful, compelling marketing message.

You need to have a target or niche market in order to figure out whom you're approaching and trying to talk to and start a business relationship with. If you don't know whom you want to market to, then it's going to be pretty hard to do any marketing!

It's also going to be really difficult to figure out your marketing message if you're not sure whom you are aiming it at.

To come up with a message that speaks directly to your prospective clients' needs you need to understand who they are and what issues they have that you can help them with. It is only when you understand this that you can speak directly to them in a compelling and meaningful way.

When you understand the type of people you are marketing to, you can craft marketing messages that speak directly to them. You can more easily position your products or services as the best solution to their problem. They will feel as if you are speaking their language and that you understand them, which in turn builds trust and rapport.

What happens if you don't figure out what your target or niche is?

Many of us like to believe that the number of people who want and need our product or service has no limit. Also, most of us truly want to help as many people as possible and so therefore believe we almost have an obligation to let everyone know about what we offer.

But the truth of the matter is if a small business tries to market to everyone, they'll eventually lose money and quite possibly go out of business. You need to focus your marketing efforts on those people most likely to buy what you offer. And as mentioned previously, your marketing efforts will miss the mark if your marketing message is not geared towards a specific target market or niche.

You need to know whom you're talking to in order to talk to them properly and get their attention. If you don't, your marketing fails, you don't attract new clients and your business falters and eventually fails. How's that for a lousy scenario?

Jody Gabourie, The Small Business Marketing Coach, teaches simple, innovative and powerful marketing strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients. To learn more about how she can help you take your business to the next level, and to sign up for her FREE special report, ezine and articles, visit her site at http://www.jodygabouriemarketingcoach.com/

Article brought to you compliments Global Entrepreneur:Running A Global Business From Home

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Build the Marketing Relationship With Your Prospects

Build the Marketing Relationship With Your Prospects
Download Free Copy Of The Greatest Marketing Secrets
Congratulations, you've done the research into understanding your prospects' hot issues and have gotten noticed because you've demonstrated that you understand what solutions they are seeking.

Your prospect has given you their contact information in exchange for your great, solutions-packed free give-away. They may also have sent an email, filled out a contact form on the website, or come up to speak with you after a presentation you've given.

At this stage in the marketing relationship when the interest is mutual, avoid the temptation to sell them a service or product. Successful people know that most sales are made after the seventh or eighth contact with a prospect - few are made after just one email, phone call or letter.

It's the same with your marketing, don't try to book an appointment the first time a person contacts you.

Remember, with each interaction you are earning their trust. As a result, your prospective profitable client will be open to what you have to offer. Each follow-up brings them closer to the purchase of your services.

Your marketing efforts at this point are focused on building the relationship with prospects and clients rather than just trying to "sell" them your services. You want to let them know that you consider them and their issues to be important and welcome a chance to help them.

You accomplish this by ensuring that each contact with them provides something meaningful for them. You never want to waste anyone's time (or yours!) by following up without a specific purpose. Remember, you are being of service to them by sharing useful information.

Here are some examples of valuable content you could provide to prospects, on a consistent basis, to keep growing the relationship:

* great book you've just read

* list of business resources you use; i.e. printers, web designers, writers, etc.

* interesting blog posting (yours or someone else's)

* latest industry news

* helpful articles you've written

* upcoming teleseminar (yours or someone else's)

* special discount on products or services

* list of useful industry-specific support, i.e. forums, associations, conference, new products

* invitation to an upcoming seminar/workshop (yours or someone else's)

People won't slap down their money on the table until they feel confident that they know and trust you. There are many marketing tactics such as writing articles, giving interviews, having testimonials that can also help establish your credibility with your prospects and clients.

If you keep building value and credibility in people's minds by keeping in contact and sharing your expertise with them, you'll move them towards the next step in the marketing relationship - the commitment step. In other words, the sales step!

Jody Gabourie, The Small Business Marketing Coach, delivers simple, innovative and powerful marketing strategies to help business owners find and keep their most profitable clients. To learn more about how she can help you take your business to the next level, and to sign up for her FREE special report, ezine and articles, visit her site at http://www.JodyGabourieMarketingCoach.com

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Marketing - Back to the Basics

Too many entrepreneurs and small businesses dive right into the thick of operations without following basic marketing principles. In business, as in most things, it pays to occasionally take a step back and evaluate the bigger picture. Drafting a very basic marketing plan can help you focus on the right activities, target the right customers and set the best prices.

The STP Process

STP is an acronym for Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning. It represents the highest level of your marketing plan. Ideally, you should start this process before your product or service is ever brought to market. It can still be a worthwhile exercise for and existing product though.

Segmentation

Segmentation is simply a fancy way of saying that you need to identify your customer. Think of every possible customer. Now, start slicing that population into smaller, more defined segments (thus the name segmentation). It's best to start big here - for example: split individuals from businesses. Now, go into each segment and divide it further. You could split individuals further by sex, age, socio-economic status, geographic location, interests and hobbies and so on. At this point, try not to pigeon-hole yourself by prematurely selecting segments. Remember, you're trying to find meaningful groups of potential buyers that will exhibit similar buying behavior.

Your goal is to identify opportunities. Once you feel that you have subdivided the market finely enough, then you need to evaluate those segments. Try to quantify how large those segments are, how reachable they are and how unique they are from one another (i.e. is there considerable overlap from one to the next?).

Targeting

The next step in the process is to look at the segments you've created and make some decisions about which segments of the market you are going to go after. One of the first decisions you will have to make is whether to target a "mass" market or instead whether your marketing efforts will be more focused. That is to say, are you going for a larger, less defined segment or a smaller more defined segment. The general trend over the last decade has been to go after more defined segments. The extreme here would be to go after a "niche" market which is just a fancy term for a highly defined, fairly small segment. The reasoning being that there will be less competition for those segments.

The segment you choose will have a profound effect on everything else you do. You need to carefully evaluate the most appropriate route for you business. When deciding between different market segments, you will want to try and identify the competition for that segment, the potential value of the segment (i.e. how large is it, how expensive will it be to reach it with advertising, etc.).

Positioning

You've segmented the market and you've chosen the segment that you are going to go after. The last part of your marketing plan will help you define how you are going to "position" your product or service to your selected target market. This is where you will invoke another handy acronym called the 4P's - Product, Price, Promotion, and Place.

Product

You need to focus your product towards your selected target. What do the people/firms in your segment want or need? If you are working with an existing product, you need to make sure it fits your intended target market. If it doesn't, can it be altered so that it does? It's critical to match the right product with the right customer.

Price

Pricing your offering is an art. You must consider many factors, such as the stigma different price points carry - for example, being too inexpensive sends a message that your product may be junk. It's also critical to consider the competition here. It makes little sense to target the same market with a similar product at the same price as your competitors. Entire books have been written on the subject of pricing. The important thing to keep in mind is that you can't lock yourself into a cost plus profit margin way of thinking. Instead, consider the price independently at first in terms of your competition and the value your offering brings to the customer.

Promotion

This is what most people think of when they hear the word marketing. As you can see though, it takes a fair amount of work before you get to this point. Promotion is simply how you intend to get the message to your customers about your offering. Will you use commercials, magazine advertisements, radio, the internet, mass mailings?

Place

Lastly, you need to think about how you will bring your product to market. This is sometimes referred to as marketing channels. That is to say, will you sell directly to the customer or will you sell to distributors or retailers who will then sell it to customers? Where geographically will you sell your product? Will you sell entirely on-line or in a traditional brick-and-mortar location?

Bringing it all together

You probably already have some or most of your marketing plan in your head. However, following this tried-and-true process can help you formalize your marketing strategy and can help you to identify holes in your business and it sometimes can help you identify opportunities that you might not have thought to exploit.

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