Archive for August, 2007
Are you aware of every single referral your business is getting? You should be, especially if you want more! Find out from all of your new clients and/or customers where they heard about you. Perhaps, this is a question you can include in new client paperwork. You may also want to train your staff to ask for this information.
Once you have information regarding a referral, you need to include it in some kind of a tracking system. This could be done in CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software or a simple spreadsheet you design yourself.
Utilize this data to thank your referrers. I’ll be writing more in an upcoming blog about how important it is to say “thank you” and different ways to show your appreciation. Let me know if you have any suggestions –info@internetwritingpro.com.
Posted in Marketing | No Comments »
There a number of reasons why a professional should have a blog. Here we’ll focus on two important ones.
#1 - A blog will improve your search engine rankings. Regular blogging will increase the frequency with which search engine “spiders” visit your site. If you utilize target keywords in your blog content you can increase your rankings on search engines. Blogging is the easiest way for professionals to keep fresh content on their site themselves.
#2 – A blog will help you position yourself as an expert in your field. You probably know more than you realize about your profession. Share that knowledge and you will generate confidence in your potential clients. If they are comfortable using you as a resource for information, it will be that much easier for them to take the next step and become your client.
Posted in Internet Marketing | No Comments »
Let’s assume you have a good story and a well written press release. Chances are sending the release to news editors or using an online service to distribute your release won’t get you media coverage. You need to cultivate a relationship with the media if you want their attention. Here are a few suggestions:
- Develop a media database of all the media outlets such as radio, television, and newspapers in your area. Make sure that your release is addressed to a specific name instead of “editor.”
- Study your media by reading, listening, and watching to determine the type of stories each journalist is interested in. You can also find this information on their individual bios posted on their website. Target each release to those reporters who are likely to find it interesting.
- Get to know local journalists. You can ask the journalist to share a coffee with you so you can get to know them personally. Also try sending a personal note volunteering yourself for future interviews on issues related to your field and then give them a list of hot topics.
- When you do get media coverage make sure you follow-up with a phone call or note to thank them.
If you follow these steps your press releases will get noticed. Hopefully, you will achieve the public relations ultimate goal of having journalists initiating contact with you.
Posted in Public Relations | No Comments »
Perhaps you’ve found a web designer that you’re very happy with. They’ve done a fantastic job creating your website. Six months later you change your PO Box, add a new product line, or want to announce your new location on your site. You call your designer and they’d be happy to help but it will be three or four weeks before they can get to it!
You need to plan ahead of time to make sure someone is always available to update your website. Perhaps you have a designer who will take care of it in a timely matter. Just make sure you communicate your needs with them in advance. Another option is to find a “virtual assistant” with the necessary technical skills who can help you maintain the content on your site. You can also update your own website. Talk to your designer about areas that might need to be frequently changed, perhaps a calendar of events or links page. They can design areas that allow for simple updates without having too much technical know-how.
Posted in Internet Marketing, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Newsletters are an important marketing tool. Whether you email them or send them via “snail” mail, they are an great way of maintaining contact with customers and colleagues.
Don’t make the mistake of talking exclusively about your own business. People who talk about themselves all the time are boring and newsletters that are all about you and your business will be boring. Find interesting tips and real news that you can share so instead of just receiving your newsletter, your contacts will actually read them!
Yes, you can share news about your business. Just make sure it’s not all “you.”
Posted in Copywriting | No Comments »
