Too many times I have witnessed the graphic designer become a web designer simply because the client didn't know to ask the right questions. A year later, maybe less, the client finally figures out that little to no traffic has been generated by this beautiful web site and cannot figure out why. "It looks so good. Check out the graphics and this beautiful flash page!" This client then spends several thousand dollars on "seo marketing" through a 3rd party vendor and voila! nothing.So in essence the client has paid twice for a good looking web brochure that generates zero organic traffic. True story!
But what does this have to do with a "marketing designer"? Absolutely everything when it comes to proper Web site design. Understand, professional internet marketers study marketing. From eye research studies on how a home page is read to the colors and layout. Keywords and phrases are also vitally important to a great web site and whether or not you get indexed high in the search engines for optimal page placement.
Here are 3 questions you must ask your "graphic designer" the next time they tell you that they can build you a web site:
1. What is your strategy for guaranteeing that you will get leads from your website?
2. Now that you have visitors(inquires, possible purchase, etc.)what is your strategy to convert them?
3. What is your strategy for getting repeat business?
If they can answer these 3 questions then you have yourself a marketing designer and high probablity of success with your website!
If they cannot answer these questions to your satisfaction,visit , and let's see if we can help you out!
To Your Success!
-Tony Estigoy
-VP, New Media
-tony@rebelpr.com
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Traditional advertising vs. internet marketing
Traditional advertising is dead! Actually, maybe "dead" is too strong of a word but certainly dying. Internet marketing is fast becoming the way to share with the world your products and services.
With the costs continuing to go up but effectiveness going down it's no wonder print ads in newspapers, magazines, etc. are dwindling while costs for internet marketing is declining at the same time effectiveness rate is increasing.
The amount of time people are spending on the internet increases daily which in turn has created more opportunity for business on the internet to advertise. Major companies are jumping on this bandwagon.
The fact that you can target your customer with pin point precision on the internet is a lot more appealing than the shotgun approach with traditional advertising. That's huge!
Not only target, but track, those reading your ads(can't do that through a newspaper ad!)allowing you to further market to them and get them to convert.
The Internet can be less expensive to advertise, have a lower entry point, and advertise in a greater range!
Overall, if you are still throwing your money at print ads, why? It may be time to chat with someone about how your business can utilize the internet for marketing and advertising.
Tony Estigoy is a specialist in social networking and seo web design.
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
The RebelWoman Show
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
With the costs continuing to go up but effectiveness going down it's no wonder print ads in newspapers, magazines, etc. are dwindling while costs for internet marketing is declining at the same time effectiveness rate is increasing.
The amount of time people are spending on the internet increases daily which in turn has created more opportunity for business on the internet to advertise. Major companies are jumping on this bandwagon.
The fact that you can target your customer with pin point precision on the internet is a lot more appealing than the shotgun approach with traditional advertising. That's huge!
Not only target, but track, those reading your ads(can't do that through a newspaper ad!)allowing you to further market to them and get them to convert.
The Internet can be less expensive to advertise, have a lower entry point, and advertise in a greater range!
Overall, if you are still throwing your money at print ads, why? It may be time to chat with someone about how your business can utilize the internet for marketing and advertising.
Tony Estigoy is a specialist in social networking and seo web design.
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
The RebelWoman Show
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Social Networking Plus Blogging Equals...
Social networking plus blogging for small business equals success! But, you have to know what you are doing to make it work properly.
Recently, I responded to an email from a gentlemen who has a small business. He mentioned that he has tried the "web 2.0 thing" because everyone told him he should.
Well, according to our correspondence, he tried Facebook, LinkedIn,and even started a blog but he wasn't getting any business. No leads, no nothin'! So, according to him, social networking and blogging doesn't work!
I did some research on both of his social networking accounts and looked at his blog. He had a total of 13 friends on his Facebook and 4 connections on LinkedIn. His blog was an absolute mess. Ok, maybe I'm being a little harsh on the blog but as a person who teaches on proper blogging techniques it required some attention.
So let's get real. If you are going to use social networking to enhance your marketing efforts please go to a seminar or a workshop and at least learn the basics. Don't complain if it isn't working for you especially if you don't know what you are doing.
Here are a couple of tips for Facebook:
1. Become friends with someone who has lot's of friends to get started. Use their friend list to help populate yours. It will take a little time but it will help you get started.
2. Search for groups that these "friends" belong to and join. It will help you get acclimated to Facebook and increase your learning curve. There is sooo much more to offer, in terms of training, on Facebook but these 2 tips will help you get started.
Now,here is tip for your blog:
1. Use the same header on your blog as you do on your website. This will help keep the synergy between the two and help build brand awareness.
Totally off subject. I recently produced a show with a woman who reads faces. Yes, reads faces. The business is personology and her name is Naomi Tickle. This is way cool stuff and it really can help someone in small business, sales ,and/or marketing. I have included a short clip from the show.
To your success!
Tony Estigoy VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
http://www.RebelPR.com
Producer
The RebelWoman Show
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
Recently, I responded to an email from a gentlemen who has a small business. He mentioned that he has tried the "web 2.0 thing" because everyone told him he should.
Well, according to our correspondence, he tried Facebook, LinkedIn,and even started a blog but he wasn't getting any business. No leads, no nothin'! So, according to him, social networking and blogging doesn't work!
I did some research on both of his social networking accounts and looked at his blog. He had a total of 13 friends on his Facebook and 4 connections on LinkedIn. His blog was an absolute mess. Ok, maybe I'm being a little harsh on the blog but as a person who teaches on proper blogging techniques it required some attention.
So let's get real. If you are going to use social networking to enhance your marketing efforts please go to a seminar or a workshop and at least learn the basics. Don't complain if it isn't working for you especially if you don't know what you are doing.
Here are a couple of tips for Facebook:
1. Become friends with someone who has lot's of friends to get started. Use their friend list to help populate yours. It will take a little time but it will help you get started.
2. Search for groups that these "friends" belong to and join. It will help you get acclimated to Facebook and increase your learning curve. There is sooo much more to offer, in terms of training, on Facebook but these 2 tips will help you get started.
Now,here is tip for your blog:
1. Use the same header on your blog as you do on your website. This will help keep the synergy between the two and help build brand awareness.
Totally off subject. I recently produced a show with a woman who reads faces. Yes, reads faces. The business is personology and her name is Naomi Tickle. This is way cool stuff and it really can help someone in small business, sales ,and/or marketing. I have included a short clip from the show.
To your success!
Tony Estigoy VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
http://www.RebelPR.com
Producer
The RebelWoman Show
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
Friday, November 21, 2008
Are you LinkedIn?
Are you LinkedIn? I used to think that this was another social networkng site that I would have to manage and ,quite frankly, didn't want to invest the time. Man, was I wrong.
Why would I want to be on LinkedIn?
Considering that the new currency in business is trust what better way than to have your collegues, co-workers, or friends recommend you to thousands of people. Wow, there is nothing more powerful than "word of mouth" advertising for your business. Nothing! Unless, of course, you and your business stinks, well that's another story.
Below are 3 reasons for you to be on LinkedIn:
1. To increase visibility-Be found by other people
2. Increase Credibility
3. Build Relationships
It's pretty simple. Who in business doesn't want to found? Especially if you don't have to pay advertising or marketing costs to get it!
Your credibility is enhanced when collegues, co-workers, or friends recommend you. That's huge TRUST!
And of course, relationship building 101. Any entrepreneur will tell you that relationship building is a vital component to the health of their business.
Here are a couple of tips for you as you ramp up your LinkedIn account so that you can maximize your LinkedIn account:
1. The header area of the LinkedIn page is keyword searchable. Yes, Google will index your LinkedIn page. So be sure to have strong keywords. Just don't leave it blank!
2. Customize your profile.Include your website and customize the label. The goal is too be found.
3. Call to action.Include phone numbers and email address so someone can easily connect with you.
Just by doing these few things you are helping to become more visible.
Be sure to make connections and you are on your way to using social media to enhance your marketing efforts for your business!
To YOUR success!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Why would I want to be on LinkedIn?
Considering that the new currency in business is trust what better way than to have your collegues, co-workers, or friends recommend you to thousands of people. Wow, there is nothing more powerful than "word of mouth" advertising for your business. Nothing! Unless, of course, you and your business stinks, well that's another story.
Below are 3 reasons for you to be on LinkedIn:
1. To increase visibility-Be found by other people
2. Increase Credibility
3. Build Relationships
It's pretty simple. Who in business doesn't want to found? Especially if you don't have to pay advertising or marketing costs to get it!
Your credibility is enhanced when collegues, co-workers, or friends recommend you. That's huge TRUST!
And of course, relationship building 101. Any entrepreneur will tell you that relationship building is a vital component to the health of their business.
Here are a couple of tips for you as you ramp up your LinkedIn account so that you can maximize your LinkedIn account:
1. The header area of the LinkedIn page is keyword searchable. Yes, Google will index your LinkedIn page. So be sure to have strong keywords. Just don't leave it blank!
2. Customize your profile.Include your website and customize the label. The goal is too be found.
3. Call to action.Include phone numbers and email address so someone can easily connect with you.
Just by doing these few things you are helping to become more visible.
Be sure to make connections and you are on your way to using social media to enhance your marketing efforts for your business!
To YOUR success!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Barack Obama is Using YouTube, Are You?
Of course the fact that Barack Obama is using YouTube as a media vehicle is nothing new. But what is new is that he will be using it for his weekly fireside chat. Every week the President-elect will be broadcasting his address to the world through video via the internet. Wow!
So here are the real questions? How are you using video to communicate your message? How is your business using video to communicate its message?
The use of video has come a long way from just a year ago. With internet speeds getting faster and faster(remember dial up? I do!) upload speeds for video has also increased incrementally allowing the user to watch a tv show on their laptop. The reason for this increased speed is simple-We are moving from copper wiring(the slowsky way) to fiber optics(wooohooo!)!
Communicating your message via video is a powerful way for people to get to know you and trust you. And you trust is worth is weight in gold in today's social market. Video puts a "face" on business, your business. It allows you creative freedom to showcase your passion, your knowledge, your product. But, there is a caveat, be careful with your video as there could be negative backlash.
So here are a couple of tips:
1. Don't make it too commercially
2. Don't try to "fool" the audience
Video is a wonderful and inexpensive way to promote what you do to a potential market of millions!
The world is truly your oyster.
Go for it!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
So here are the real questions? How are you using video to communicate your message? How is your business using video to communicate its message?
The use of video has come a long way from just a year ago. With internet speeds getting faster and faster(remember dial up? I do!) upload speeds for video has also increased incrementally allowing the user to watch a tv show on their laptop. The reason for this increased speed is simple-We are moving from copper wiring(the slowsky way) to fiber optics(wooohooo!)!
Communicating your message via video is a powerful way for people to get to know you and trust you. And you trust is worth is weight in gold in today's social market. Video puts a "face" on business, your business. It allows you creative freedom to showcase your passion, your knowledge, your product. But, there is a caveat, be careful with your video as there could be negative backlash.
So here are a couple of tips:
1. Don't make it too commercially
2. Don't try to "fool" the audience
Video is a wonderful and inexpensive way to promote what you do to a potential market of millions!
The world is truly your oyster.
Go for it!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.TV
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
SEO, Online Marketing, Really?
We keep hearing about businesses that can create a seo website or an online marketing site so...
Here are 3 great questions that I want you to ask your web designer prior to you handing over any money for a new website.
1. What is your strategy that will guarantee traffic to my site? How do you plan to do that?
2. What is your strategy to convert those prospects who visit your site?
3. What is your strategy to get repeat customers?
If your web designer(seo expert, webmaster, your cousin, etc) cannot give you answers to these questions then what why would you give them a dime to build your site?
There are too many web design businesses that claim they can optimize your site or create more traffic but when I question them or analyze their site I find more often than not it's a bunch of bs.
Online marketing is not rocket science but it does need to be done correctly in order to maximize the internet and create traffic.
Need to be found on the internet?
Let's chat.
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
www.RebelPR.com
tony@rebelpr.com
Here are 3 great questions that I want you to ask your web designer prior to you handing over any money for a new website.
1. What is your strategy that will guarantee traffic to my site? How do you plan to do that?
2. What is your strategy to convert those prospects who visit your site?
3. What is your strategy to get repeat customers?
If your web designer(seo expert, webmaster, your cousin, etc) cannot give you answers to these questions then what why would you give them a dime to build your site?
There are too many web design businesses that claim they can optimize your site or create more traffic but when I question them or analyze their site I find more often than not it's a bunch of bs.
Online marketing is not rocket science but it does need to be done correctly in order to maximize the internet and create traffic.
Need to be found on the internet?
Let's chat.
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
www.RebelPR.com
tony@rebelpr.com
Friday, October 31, 2008
Internet Marketing
About a year ago is when I started to first enter the world of internet marketing. Search engine optimization, blogging, podcasting, etc. were words used by geeks and nerds and certainly not cool me. I had no idea as to what,and how, I could use the internet to market other than use it for researching companies.
Fast forward to today and I can tell you,as a marketer mind you, that those 3 terms,above, have become hugely important in the way I do business. Not only do I utilize all three in different capacities but I use them extensively. Let me explain how I use them and below I will give you several websites that will allow you to sign up for free services!
Blogging is nothing more than a website that allows you to change the content. Yep, that simple. The great thing about a blog is that you do not have to be a great writer to have a great blog. Throw out the rules of proper grammer and write. If you can utilize great keywords/phrases(SEO) even better. But the important this is to write. Content is king on any website/blog and content is what the search engines index.
But what if you don't like to write? Well, my friend, you don't have to have a text blog.Although I recommend some good keywords on your blog,how about a video blog? Adding video to any blog will help keep your client/prospect on your page longer. If it's relevant or funny it may even go viral which is what you want to have happen.
Adding audio(podcast)to your blog post will also help retain and grow readership. You don't have to read your blog to the reader but by adding some good audio the reader now reads in your voice,not theirs. This will allow your reader to "hear" the words the way you meant to write them.
These are just a couple of ideas to help you grow your business online. There are lot's of ways to utilize the internet and I wanted to share a couple of them with you. This way you won't get overwhelmed.
Here are a couple of great websites to help you get started:
Audio-http://www.UHaveAudio.com
Video-http://www.Helloworld.com - Not free but pretty darn cheap!
Blog-http://www.Blogger.com
I wish you great success with your internet marketing!
As always I've added a clip from my show. Enjoy!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.com
Fast forward to today and I can tell you,as a marketer mind you, that those 3 terms,above, have become hugely important in the way I do business. Not only do I utilize all three in different capacities but I use them extensively. Let me explain how I use them and below I will give you several websites that will allow you to sign up for free services!
Blogging is nothing more than a website that allows you to change the content. Yep, that simple. The great thing about a blog is that you do not have to be a great writer to have a great blog. Throw out the rules of proper grammer and write. If you can utilize great keywords/phrases(SEO) even better. But the important this is to write. Content is king on any website/blog and content is what the search engines index.
But what if you don't like to write? Well, my friend, you don't have to have a text blog.Although I recommend some good keywords on your blog,how about a video blog? Adding video to any blog will help keep your client/prospect on your page longer. If it's relevant or funny it may even go viral which is what you want to have happen.
Adding audio(podcast)to your blog post will also help retain and grow readership. You don't have to read your blog to the reader but by adding some good audio the reader now reads in your voice,not theirs. This will allow your reader to "hear" the words the way you meant to write them.
These are just a couple of ideas to help you grow your business online. There are lot's of ways to utilize the internet and I wanted to share a couple of them with you. This way you won't get overwhelmed.
Here are a couple of great websites to help you get started:
Audio-http://www.UHaveAudio.com
Video-http://www.Helloworld.com - Not free but pretty darn cheap!
Blog-http://www.Blogger.com
I wish you great success with your internet marketing!
As always I've added a clip from my show. Enjoy!
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
tony@rebelpr.com
Producer
http://www.TheRebelWomanShow.com
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Teachings of Declan Dunn
I had the opportunity to spend several hours with the "godfather" of affiliate marketing, Declan Dunn, at a recent women's business networking event. Since we knew each other(and were one of a few men at this event) from a 3-day workshop hosted by his significant other, Jody Colvard, it gave us some common ground in which to have a conversation about all sorts of topics(of course we talked about sports!) including the ever changing web marketing on the internet. Declan has written many books and articles on the subject and has been quoted countless times in trade publications.
Declan is an incredibly intelligent human being. His knowledge of the internet and web marketing is virtually second to none. So, I would ask a question, then just sit back and listen. Sometimes he would talk over(way over) my head but I tried to soak it all in. Here are a few of the tidbits he shared with me regarding web marketing:
1. Engage your visitors, who are browsing, and ask(yep that simple) what they are looking for and find a way to utilize video or audio to help keep them there. You have about 8 seconds to capture their attention or they are gone!
2. Direct them toward exactly what they want to buy. Ask them what they need and make it easy for them to get it. What's their "pain point" and can you product or service soothe their pain?
He went on to explain that web marketing is not rocket science but there is definitely a science to developing techniques and using some great resources available on the web.
Take a good look at your website. Look at it from the eye of a visitor. Are you capturing their attention? If not, what can you add to encourage a longer visit? Video, graphics, audio? All three?
I will be meeting with Declan, again, in the first week of November at a 3-Day workshop. You can check out the details by going to www.fmgnetwork.com/jann. Great stuff and business changing!
I have included the latest RebelWoman Show promo. This promo features Fiona Walsh in part 2 of a 4 part series of "How Women Can Beat Men in Business!"
To Your Success,
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
www.RebelPR.com
Declan is an incredibly intelligent human being. His knowledge of the internet and web marketing is virtually second to none. So, I would ask a question, then just sit back and listen. Sometimes he would talk over(way over) my head but I tried to soak it all in. Here are a few of the tidbits he shared with me regarding web marketing:
1. Engage your visitors, who are browsing, and ask(yep that simple) what they are looking for and find a way to utilize video or audio to help keep them there. You have about 8 seconds to capture their attention or they are gone!
2. Direct them toward exactly what they want to buy. Ask them what they need and make it easy for them to get it. What's their "pain point" and can you product or service soothe their pain?
He went on to explain that web marketing is not rocket science but there is definitely a science to developing techniques and using some great resources available on the web.
Take a good look at your website. Look at it from the eye of a visitor. Are you capturing their attention? If not, what can you add to encourage a longer visit? Video, graphics, audio? All three?
I will be meeting with Declan, again, in the first week of November at a 3-Day workshop. You can check out the details by going to www.fmgnetwork.com/jann. Great stuff and business changing!
I have included the latest RebelWoman Show promo. This promo features Fiona Walsh in part 2 of a 4 part series of "How Women Can Beat Men in Business!"
To Your Success,
Tony Estigoy
VP, New Media
Rebel Public Relations
www.RebelPR.com
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