Don’t Get Lost in the Rough… Focus on Internet Fundamentals. (December 2008)

Whether you are new to Internet marketing or a long-timer, it’s easy to be distracted by all the bells and whistles fast rolling onto the computer screen. Don’t. Or, you will wind up off point.

First things first. Focus on the fundamentals.

What are the fundamentals?

Web site. Create a site that is easy to view, navigate and update.

Content. Develop interesting and useful content that will keep the eyeballs coming. Use compelling headlines, key sales points and ask for an order!

Opt-in Feature – Because it is vital to your email marketing efforts, allow the user to provide their name, email address and other information you require on your home page and consider putting the opt-in form on every page of your site. This is now a common practice used in order to build a list/database. Don’t let them get away!

Enticements – Give new users something free for sign-up. It could be an e-newsletter subscription or a download of “tips”. Also, consider promotional offers that might appeal to returning users.

Search engines – Search engines are continually updated directories. Most often, visitors find your site by using them. Search engines are driven by words – - Well written content and meta tags. Search engines will index your site using meta tags. Without them, you will float in virtual space.

Meta Tags: Key words, Titles, Descriptions – Your site’s meta tags are used by search engines for indexing. When you “Google” a word or phrase for a search, you will see site listings come up with a title and followed by a partial description of what is on the site.

Early in the development process, identify key words that describe your business. First, imagine that you are a potential customer and write down the words you might use to find your site. Then look at your competitors’ sites and try to locate the key words written into their source codes. Combine these key words with a well thought out title and a brief description of the business. Your web designer can help you develop and enter this information into your own site. Then search engines can categorize your site.

Get Help – Web sites don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, just fast and easy to use. A web designer can help you with the fundamentals and graphics, plus provide many techniques for speed and functionality. Also, they can assist you in developing reciprocal links with other sites that will vastly improve your exposure.

The following links will take you to articles and information that may assist you:

Web Site Fundamentals

http://www.online.tusc.k12.al.us/tutorials/webfun/webfund.html

http://mrwebweaver.com/fundamentals.html

http://www-10.lotus.com/ldd/portalwiki.nsf/dx/1.1-web-site-fundamentals

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Plain Speak (December 2008)