Writing to ensure your business’ website is optimized for search engines is a valuable skill in today’s business world. Gabriel Shaoolian of Blue Fountain Media, a leading web design company, has several suggestions to ensure you do it right. Shaoolian says “The goal of Google is to show the most relevant results for every query, giving users the most satisfaction when searching. To do so, the search engine has begun taking into account certain factors. To capture its attention you need to write in a way that blends your own intent with an eye for how search engines search.” Here are some simple rules that will help any copywriter write more effectively.…
Continue readingThe Blackberry Storm – A Small Business Perspective
The Storm phone is an interesting combination of Blackberry functionality with touch screen capability, and a large, clear screen. For those other small business owners without their own dedicated email server, Blackberry runs circles around Windows phones, at least on the Verizon network.
When it comes to technology, I’m not normally an early adopter. Putting up with my Windows-based Treo for the last couple years, coupled with Verizon’s release of the new Blackberry Storm sent me over the edge, running out first thing to find a store with a Storm. I have now had the phone for almost two months.
The good news:
My business and personal email boxes are now separate and I can reply from either.…
Continue readingBuilding Up Your Customer Base During the Holidays
The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and although the economy isn’t everything we as business owners had hoped for, people are still out spending their hard-earned money. One main difference, however, is where they are spending it.
Shoppers this holiday season are looking for exceptional values, this is certainly true. Saving money during these times is of vital importance for many people, so it is very important to maintain a competitive edge when it comes to pricing.
More important, however is what you can do for your customer base if you keep a few key components in place for the holiday season.…
Continue readingSimple Ways To Increase Your Online Sales This Holiday Season
With the holiday shopping season fast approaching, I have read and heard many predictions of customers doing most of their shopping online this year. So to take advantage of this opportunity, now is the time to put some extra focus into developing your online sales strategies. David Kam, of MarketingDeviant.com, has listed some easy to implement and budget friendly tips to increasing your sales in his article “How To Increase Online Sales“.
One suggestion he makes is to increase the security of your online store checkout. This is a highly important tip to consider. The last thing you want is for your customers information to fall into the wrong hands. …
Continue readingSomething Old or Something New – Investing In A Business
When you’re looking to own your own business, it’s easy to be drawn towards simply buying an already established one. You think, “All the work is done, I just simply insert myself into this well oiled money machine”. Well, not so fast. Crystal Williams, author of the blog BabeofBusiness.com, has weighed the pro and cons of purchasing an already established business.
To me, the most important question I would ask myself is “Why is this business being sold?”. Think of it as a Christmas gift. The outside packaging may be neat and pretty but you need to remove the wrapping and open the box to see what’s inside. …
Continue readingTrim Your Business Expenses During This Economic Downturn
During this economic downturn, some small businesses are struggling to stay ahead. Maybe you need to consider trimming your expenses to keep more money in your pockets instead of flying out of the window. I came across this list of suggestions to help you secure your business finances, “78 Ways For Your Small Business To Save Money In This Economy”.
The list is divided into different categories such as Technology, Overhead, Office Items and Office Space, Advertising, Insurance and Finances, and Travel. It also offers a lot of great resource and article links to help you along the way. Even if your business is not struggling at this time, this list can still be of good benefit to you. …
Continue readingPricing Mistakes That Can Drive Sales Away
Once your small business establishes its products and/or services, the next most important step is pricing. Proper pricing can be the difference between a profitable business or one that struggles to survive or even gain ground. Charge too little and chance that your profits will suffer, charge too much and possibly drive potential customers away. So how do you strike a balance and gain confidence in your pricing strategies?
Brad Sugars’ article, “7 Biggest Mistakes In Setting Prices“, offers some good points to consider when you address your prices. One mistake I have personally fallen victim to is #5. …
Continue readingAvoid Business Burnout By Balancing Life And Work
Getting caught up with growing your business can become all consuming. Obsessing about your business and forgetting about your life is a common hazard to avoid. Sooner or later, you’re bound to face a burnout phase when your mind and/or body says “enough’s enough”.
As pointed out in the Entrepreneur.com article “How To Avoid Occupational Burnout“, interests outside of your business are ideal. Taking time out of your busy day for yourself can help you clear your mind and reduce your stress levels. For myself, I like to take an hour around 11am to get my exercise time in. …
Continue readingAiring Your Accounts Receivable Problems In A Public Manner
As pointed out in the Wall Street Journal article “Web Site Lets Businesses Expose Deadbeat Customers“, there is a new way to vent your frustrations towards non-paying customers. The website, Uradeadbeat.com, gives you an avenue to post complaints about customers or businesses that owe you money.
I can’t seem to decide where I stand on this idea. On one hand, this may be a good way to get someone to respond to you that normally you could not get into contact with. If they get upset, maybe they will contact you and you will be able to work out some sort of payment schedule.…
Continue readingWould Your Spouse Make A Good Business Partner?
Starting a business with a friend or member of your family isn’t always the best choice. I’ve asked for your opinions on such topics as “Do Family Members Make Good Employees?” and “Would Your Parent Make An Ideal Employee?”. Now, I have one last thought to get your opinion on. Would you start a small business with your spouse or significant other?
I don’t know about you, but I could never work with my husband, let alone run a business together. We both have very different opinions and a bit of a stubborn streak that would not blend well if we worked side by side. …
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