Web Angels - Blog

Social Media Success.

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:07:21 GMT

In previous posts we have talked about the importance of social media in driving traffic to your website and blogs. This integrated approach to marketing makes sense, and makes the most of your time and energy.

But what if the whole Facebook, Twitter, social media scene fills you with dread? In your head you know it's good for business, however the actual process of setting yourself up in these forums can seem daunting.

Fear not! Help is at hand, it is surprisingly easy to get underway and once its done it is very rewarding!

First things first. To start a business page click on one of the following and load your business name, username and vital information.

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin

Next start a blog. Blogging is king and enhances your online presence. These blogs can provide the detailed information about your business that you wouldn't ordinarily post on Facebook. A link can be created to the blog from your Facebook page.
The link below gives great info on blogging options.

Wordpress

Now you have your business page set up, use it!!
Search through Twitter and Facebook for people, organisations and groups who share similar interests, products or information to you.

Share content. Content could be any of the following:
Your own blog posts
Customer testimonial
FAQs
Links to other interesting blog posts (provide
attribution
and proper source credit)
Photo
Live and recorded webinars
Product and service updates
eBooks
Handbooks
Quotes
Questions
Videos (YouTube is a great place to start)
Industry articles

Believe you are adding value to your day, on and off social media, business success is driven by influencing an audience.

Adjust to Succeed!
Consistency matters on social media. That means post regularly, anything that can humanise your company is helpful and don't expect instant results. It takes time and commitment to build up an audience.

A good rule of thumb is to respond to at least one social action a day. If on Facebook "like" someone else's comment or page and get in the habit of liking all comments made on your Facebook page.

Most social media sites also have inbuilt measurement tools. Facebook has "Insights". Located in the admin panel you can see how your
posts perform, you will be pleasantly suprised. This ultimately helps you tailor the page to suit your target market.

Be flexible with your social media. Some posts will fly, some will fall flat. Don't give up, keep at it and watch your audience grow.

Last but not least
Create a social media calendar and think of it as 'Relationship Building'!
There are many ways this can be achieved here are a couple of examples.

Daily (10 and 60 minutes)
Respond to comments
Update posts
Comment on new web sites relevant to your niche
Try BufferApp to schedule your social media content in advance.

Weekly
Guest post writing and pitching. When done right, traffic increases in a powerful step-function, and when done regularly, guest posting is one of the best techniques for getting more and more
qualified readers.
Back up your posts!
Look into your Twitter (or other social media) metrics.

Monthly
Brand and Niche Monitoring
Check out competitors, niche ideas, and mentions of your brand, and products.
Always try to respond when someone mentions you! Think 'Relationships'.

Yearly
In depth analytics and comparisons.
Look at what has performed best and optimize activities to reflect what is working.

Failing to use analytics and tracking tools is like trying to build a house without wood and nails.

Make Your Website Work For You.

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:45:03 GMT

Well the crazy season is over and things are starting to quieten down and even out as we head into Autumn.

While it can be nice to slow down and reflect on the busy season, why not take the time over Autumn and Winter to really look objectively at your business, in particular your website.

Unless you regularly update your site, chances are as your business has evolved with the addition of staff, operational changes etc.. the website has become outdated and doesn't display your business in the best possible light.

Another thing to remember about websites is they have moved from just a tool for information, into a powerful prospecting tool and a tool to gain more business. It's not enough just to have a site and hope that someone will happen across it.

Your website can only attract business, if it attracts visitors. The best way to attract visitors is through search engine optimisation, the use of social media and regular blogging. All these activities enhance your sites visibility.

Online Marketing Lingo Cheat Sheet

A great exercise for this week is to visit your site and search it just as a customer might.
As you do this ask yourself the following questions.

1. Is the site easy to find. How did it fare when you Google searched for your business?

2. Is it easy for those that aren't tech savvy to navigate their way around the site?

3. Are all your links and pop up windows working properly?

4. Is the website tidy, complete and provide some worthwhile information about your business and what it can offer?

If you find your site lacking it may be time for some TLC.

So let's start at the beginning. Some of the lingo used when promoting your business online can be confusing. Click on the picture for a cheat sheet to help guide you through the lingo.

Here is an interesting easy to understand guide to social media, Twitter, Facebook and blogging.

Click to set custom HTML

Email Newsletters - the do's and dont's

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:38:24 GMT

E-Mail is a great way to communicate with your customers. It is an extremely efficient way to keep in touch with your database while keeping costs down. E-Newsletters are the most common form of communication via email, they are the vital link in an integrative approach to marketing your business. They not only inform your database about your business, they reflect your business style and culture. They also provide a vital link to blogs and other forms of social media.
If you're disciplined enough to send out your E-Newsletter on a regular basis, good on you! However there are some guidelines to consider when creating and sending your newsletter.

Use a professional template: Create a professional looking newsletter in a style that reflects your brand.
Provide an incentive: To keep customers signed up for your newsletter and encourage new customers to come on board. Offer something. It could be a free consultation or a buy one get one free deal. Be imaginative!
K.I.S.S: You know it.. Keep It Simple Stupid! The old saying still goes. Don't write a novel, no one can be bothered to read something resembling an encyclopedia document. Provide short, concise summaries and use these to link to your blogs etc..
Keep in touch: Communicate regularly. However don't bombard them with snore worthy material just for the heck of it! Instead make sure that you send something interesting to your customer every time.
Use eye-catching photos and headlines: First impressions count, whether customers open or delete your E- News is dependent on the strength of your headline visual stimulation.
Make sure your links work: Links are probably the most important part of your E-News. Make sure that each photo and text is linked to your blog, social media or website.

Don't add a customer to your E-News list without their knowledge: Unsolicited mail is a no no. No explanations required! Don't send E-News to people that haven't requested it. You will not endear your business to them by harassing them with unsolicited mail.

Don't Send useless E-Mails: Your customers get thousands of spam Mails. Don't let your business fall into the dreaded spam category! Send Email Newsletters with important and helpful information to your customer. Make sure to send resources and content to your customer list to continue validating the value of your Email Newsletter.

Don't hide the unsubscribe button. Email Newsletters require an unsubscribe button to be compliant with online regulations. Playing find the unsubscribe button is a waste of time for them and you. Rather than hiding it in the small print, make it clear and easy to find.

Don't over saturate your newsletter with advertisements: Add value to the experience for your customers, don't jam another special down their throats. Your E-News should be about education, information and entertainment, rather than another way to sell, sell, sell. If you really have to include a special, then choose a good one that applies to E-News customers only. This will makes your customer feel special and see the value in continuing to receive your E-News.

Is your online reputation good?

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:49:52 GMT

A business’s online reputation is more important than anything else! You can spend dollars on different advertising, web site design, search engine optimisation and social media marketing; but none of it matters if you have bad reviews online. All those marketing dollars spent on advertising will be wasted if you have bad reviews and ratings. And really, you are only one customer away from a bad online reputation.

Why should bad online ratings and reviews matter?
Because current market research shows:

- Before a prospect rings you, they will google your business name.
- That google search results page will show your online reputation (Google+, twitter, facebook)
- 80% of your potential customer will not even consider you if there are bad reviews.
- Plus, these customer will look star reviews before they will consider exploring you further.

More Information about the advantages and the correct behavior for social media optimisation.
Tips for business succes in social media marketing.

Information about the facebook hits and their history.

How does your website look on mobile phones?

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 01:44:17 GMT

An increasing number of people access the Internet via mobile phone or tablet PCs to obtain the information they require independent of their respective location. In 2011 more people bought new tablet devices than PCs. To meet their needs, you have to optimize the design of your website for mobile access. The small-screen devices are getting more and more important for your business. When the customer goes online with mobile devices, it is important that your website opens automatically in the mobile version. The navigation has to be easy due to the small display screen and the content should adjust to the size of the screen.

There’s no such thing as being lost in the woods anymore thanks to mobile and tablet technology, which gives consumers the power to directly connect from the palm of their hands. This means your site has to visually evolve as technology shrinks.

Why does your business need a mobile version ?

QR-Code

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 01:22:29 GMT

You have a QR-Code already? Great! If not, you have to create your own QR-Code. A QR-Code can be used to point your customers to all types of useful information. You can choose the type of presentation and which Information the client will get. The advantage is that your customer can easily go to your website or your blog. They need only a QR-Code reader on their smartphone, which can be downloaded on from the apple or android websites. You'll even see now, signs, stickers, printed product information and promotion materials, using QR Codes to not only gain attention but also represent an innovative and useful addition in the field of marketing and self-expression. So it`s your choice how you present your information to your customers. Read for more Information here

You can create your own QR-Code on http://qrcode.kaywa.com/

Youtube as a Marketing Tool

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:29:57 GMT

Youtube is not only part of Google, it is the 3rd most visited website after Google and Facebook. Over 3 billion videos are viewed every day on Youtube on any kind of topic which makes it a powerful platform for advertising your business.
There is no business that would not be able to use a video platform with videos about itself, its services / products etc. Tutorials are especially popular.
Videos on Youtube cannot only get a lot of attention, but create an interest in your company. If set up correctly the channel can direct visitors to your website and ultimately lead to conversions!
You can log in to your Youtube profile with your Google Login, i.e. gmail. Uploading a video is easy. You can edit it beforehand with a tool such as Windows Live Movie Maker on your computer or upload it in a raw file and edit it online with one of these video editing tools. Youtube also offers a free online editing tool: www.youtube.com/editor and you could add captions and effects.

The following are some links that will be useful for your channel setup and video optimisation!

Youtube Channel setup with the new design [Video]
Tutorial, f you are still used to the old design or not familiar with Youtube at all.

Tips to convert video viewers into customers
9 Tips for Increasing Video Conversions.

Use Video to drive traffic to your website [Video]
How to drive traffic to your website with a Youtube video.

Youtube Video Creator Playbook [Ebook]
Download the Playbook for DETAILED tips on Youtube Optimisation.

Youtube Test Tube [Tools]
Some fun tools for your videos such as a Caption Editor.

Make money with Youtube
Become a Youtube partner if you are offering high quality / interesting videos.

Create Youtube Playlists
Playlist curate content and leverage your video catalog

What do you want your costumers to do on your website?

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:57:43 GMT

Your website should not only look appealing, but create a conversion. A conversion can be very different depending on the business. Most of the time you want people to call, visit, book or buy.
It is important to optimise your website according to the conversion you desire. Think about your conversion and find out how to improve your website for an increase of return on investment!

Call: Display your phone number in an obvious position, usually on the top right of EVERY page. You can increase your conversion rate (conversions per visitors) by adding a picture of a smiling woman with your phone number. Tests have shown that a friendly face can make all the difference.
Visit: Integrate a map to your website, as well as directions to your location. You need to be easy to find even for non-locals.
Book: Include a “Book Now” button to relevant pages. It is best to integrate a calendar with available appointment times, so the customer only has to choose a date and time. The booking process needs to be easy (not too many steps) and trustworthy. A booking does not have to have a payment right away but it can.
Pay: Integrate a payment process. Make sure that this process has a SSL certificate (https instead of http at the beginning the URL) in order to protect the clients’ information.
The booking process should not be frustrating. Let customers know beforehand how they can pay and if they can jump back to previous steps to change the amount etc. Let them know if they only have a limited time to finish the booking.

You should know exactly what your preferred conversion is and try to optimise your website for it. Make it obvious to the visitor what you want. Tell him (several times).
The customer needs to trust you (your website) first and once you have his trust, he is going to search for the conversion. Don’t make it too hard for him.

How to create a successful website!

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 02:34:10 GMT

You website should not only look pretty, but create a conversion. A conversion can be very different depending on the business. Most of the time you want people to call, visit, book or buy.

Call you: Display your phone number in an obvious position, usually on the top right of EVERY page. You can increase your conversion rate (conversions / visitors) by adding a picture of a smiling woman with the picture.
Visit you: Integrate a map to your website, as well as directions that are easily read even for non-locals.
Book an event: Include a “Book Now” button to relevant pages. It is best to integrate a calendar with available appointment times and the customers only has to choose a date and time.
Buy a product: Integrate a payment process. Make sure that this process has a SSL certificate (https instead of http in the URL). This process should not be frustrating. Let customers know beforehand how they can pay and if they can jump back to previous steps to change amount etc.

You should know exactly what your preferred conversion is and try to optimise your website for it. Make it obvious to the visitor what you want. Tell him! Several times!
The customer needs to trust you (your website) first and once you have his trust, he is going to search for the conversion. Don’t make it too hard for him.

If you are unsure about your website, click for a free quote for optimising your website by Katrin.*

* That's how you do it!

How to get fans on your Facebook Page

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 22:22:24 GMT

You have set up a Facebook Page and start posting like crazy, but nobody is interacting with your page? This scenario happens very often, don't worry. It is important to get fans for your facebook business fan page before posting on it! And even if you have a lot of fans already these ideas might help you to even broaden your fan fan base quickly.

The Quickest ways to get fans:

1. Invite your friends!
To invite your friends, you have to be friends with your future fans first through your personal profile! Get started by searching your friends/potential clients on facebook. Add them to your friends-lists!

Facebook allows you to sort them into friends lists. Create a list that only contains business partners or clients in order to find them easily.
Once they confirm your friend request, you can go back to your Facebook page and click "Invite Friends" as shown in the picture above.

2. Invite your Email contacts!
Alternatively you can invite your Email contacts from hotmail, yahoo, Outlook etc. Go to "Edit Page" on the top right of your Page. Click on "Resources" in the menu and choose "Tell your Fans". There are instructions on how to create a contact file in "other tools".

Other ways to get more fans on your facebook page:

3. Search for other pages!
Go to your page and "Use Facebook as your page". That Link is just above your "Invite Friends". Then use the Facebook search to search for other pages with a similar theme as yours. It could be friendly or unfriendly competition, business partners or just relevant pages for your business. 'Like' their page and follow them!
*Info on the side: If a page likes a page it is not counted as a fan and is therefore not included in your number of 'Likes'.
In order to follow what they are saying, go to your Home now. You are going to see the News Feed of all the pages that you have liked as a page.
This is the important part: Start interacting! Regularly check this News Feed and start 'Liking', Commenting and Sharing the posts of others to draw the attention of new potential customers. Encourage them to 'like' your page as a person, not as a page!

Facebook is not just about posting information, but also interacting. You will have to leave your own page and have a look at others to broaden your fan-base! This is time consuming, but can be very rewarding. If you need help improving your Facebook page or setting up a new one, let us know!

Have fun interacting and post your Facebook page in the comments so everyone can 'like' them!