The Blog Connection

Relatively new, and becoming increasingly popular,
blogs are popping up everywhere!

Great–but what the heck is a blog? Simply put, a blog
is an online journal that allows you to post almost
anything. Blogging is a new and fashionable way to
spread the word to potential consumers about your
product or service. If you are looking for a way to
enhance your business, consider the benefits of
starting your own blog. Just as we discussed with
respect to starting your online business, the main
ingredient for success with your blog, is to stay
focused on your goals and intentions Because blogging
is exciting and adventurous, it is easy to become
distracted, especially while in learning mode Be sure
to schedule your updates, and create a marketing plan
to promote your new blog Web site.

Blogging for a Buck

Many bloggers hope to earn money with their blogs,
and this idea is certainly within reach for almost anyone
who is willing to work hard, and has a basic understanding
of blogging. There are, however, underlying factors as to
why some blogs fail to produce profits. Some people leap
in too quickly, without planning and setting goals, and others
expect too much, too soon. When the blog is not producing as
quickly as one thinks, they lose interest and ambition to keep
the blog alive. If your intentions are to profit from your blog,
the success of your blog will rely heavily on your planning
and development. In addition to posting and updating your
blog content, you must promote your blog. The more visitors
you receive, the more people will pay you. Updating your
blog often will ensure your blog remains prominent on
blogrolls and rank well in blog search engines such as
Technorati.com. To generate an income from your blog,
you will need to develop a good size readership. This
does not happen over night, in fact, expect it to take
several months to produce any results. While your blog
is going through the growth stages, keep setting goals
and tasks and just remember it will happen!

Free Blogging Web Sites

If you are considering blogging, either by itself, or as an
enhancement to your current Web site, a free blogging
Web site is a great way to get started. Blogging Web sites
such as Blogger.com and Eponym.com allow users to host
a blog at no cost. This encourages people to start blogging,
because these sites provide you with all of the tools
that you need to get your blog started. Along with the
convenience, getting your blog hosted with a free
blogging host tends to be beneficial by means of
search engine presence. Chances are you will be listed
faster than starting your blog from scratch. Later,
when your blog becomes popular, you will be ready to
purchase your own Web hosting and domain for your
blog. Your readers are sure to follow you to your new
location. Perhaps the best option for you, at this
time, is to search out other blogs and get a feel of
what they are all about. If you are wondering if you
should become a blogger–the answer is yes!

----------

Jullieanne Matheson http://www.newsfromjules.com/blog

Connecting with Customers

Creating and maintaining good customer relations is vital to your online success.

As you meet people, or become reacquainted with old friends, chances are very
good that they will ask you what you are doing now. This is your opportunity to
tell them you have a business on the Internet. Believe it or not, that simple
sentence is enough to provoke question after question. As you explain your online
business to your friends and associates, the typical reaction from them is,
“Wow, that is so cool!” As people ask questions, try to remember what they
are asking you, so you can later add clarify the content on your site.

Much of your success will depend on visitors who frequently return to
your Web site. These are the people who are likely to become your paying
customers. Here are some ideas to keep your potential customers returning
to your site:

-Start a Forum on your Web site. A Forum is a public discussion board that
allows users to read and respond to posts. While there are several types of
forums, you should try to stick with topics that relate to your website.

-Create an online journal, also known as a Blog. Blogs are a type of Web site
where ideas are expressed–and you would be surprised at the amount of
interest this type of site generates. Visitors will return if you keep updating
the content. After all, it is only natural to be curious!

-Polls and surveys are other forms of interaction that you should definitely
consider adding to your site. They provide a quick way for visitors to voice
their opinions and to get involved in your Web site. Be sure to publish
the results of your survey or poll to ensure your visitors return.

-Update your Web site frequently. Give your visitors a reason to keep
coming back. A Web site that has remained the same for two or three
years is dull and boring, so keep your content fresh and appealing.

-Start a newsletter relating to the topic of your Web site. A newsletter
is also referred to as an “e-zine”. An e-zine is an electronic newsletter
publication distributed via your Web site, but more commonly by e-mail.

The idea is to stay connected with your prospective customers by
establishing a relationship with your readers.

-Offer free resources to your visitors. These can be e-books, free reports,
an e-course, or even free advertising. Make your offers enticing and post
them on your Web site.

-Always be polite to your customers. Use words such as; please, thank
you, you’re welcome, regards, etc., even if the customer irritates you–
it’s all part of business. If you have made some kind of mistake,
take extra measures to make it up to your customer. More importantly,
respond quickly and admit your mistake.

Regardless of the matter, when your customer contacts you, it is very
important that you respond as soon as possible. Even if you just received
e-mail from a customer, and you cannot respond in full right away, do
send a simple message letting them know you have received their
message and you will be in touch soon. Give them a time frame if possible.

Although many online businesses have their support systems automated,
you would be surprised at how many people appreciate the personal touch
of one-to-one communication. As expressed by many of my clients, they
are impressed with the level of personal support I offer. That alone is
enough to generate repeat customers.

------------------------
Jullieanne Matheson

http://www.newsfromjules.com/blog

Elements of an Effective Ad Copy

To write an effective ad copy, you must focus on capturing
the attention of your potential customer. When you first
bought the product or service you are promoting, think back
to what prompted your desire to purchase it in the first place.
Make a list of everything that enticed you to make the decision
to purchase.

Ask yourself the following questions and write your answers
down in point form:

- What is this product or service? Describe it.
- What can this product or service do for me?
- Compare similar products or services, what makes mine better?
- Is my price within reason of comparable products or services?
- How does this product or service make me feel? Am I excited?
Blown away? Intrigued?
- How can I make my offer more enticing? Do I have anything
I can add as a bonuses?

Once you have your answers written out, you will have a starting
point for your ad copy. Be sure to direct some of the questions
to your readers, to give them the opportunity to think as they
read.

Don't be afraid to be personal in your ad copy. You can do this
by using phrases such as:

"I was totally amazed by..."
"When I started using it, I was stunned at the results!"
"I have to say, I am beyond impressed with..."

Other ways to add a personal touch, is to hand write a letter,
describing how your product or service makes you feel, or
how it has better improved your life or business. Scan the
letter and upload it to your computer, to place it in your ad
copy on your website.

If you do not have your product or service endorsed by
some well-known people, contact some, and offer your
product or service for free in return for a testimony. In
other words, create a Joint-Venture Proposal. When you
see testimonies from well-known people, you are
automatically compelled to read more, and certainly enticed
to buy.

If at all possible, show pictures or descriptions of before
and after situations. Indicate what a current problem is and
how your product or service will solve it.

Finally, increase your potential customer's trust in you.
Include your picture, name, and contact information on your
website to build trust. After all, no one is going to flip out
the credit card to by from a no name.

-----------------------------
Jullieanne Matheson - Online Since '99
Publisher of News from Jules & Partner of
Ezines-R-Us Directory & Ad Placement Services,
Autopilot Advertising, MyFreeSafeList