Effective Keyword Research Done Right!

To achieve search engine dominance you can gain an advantage by focusing on keyword research. After working with dozens of clients on competing effectively in a specific niche, I've discovered how powerful the right type of keyword research can be for creating improved rankings and traffic. When competing in a difficult niche, the keywords you select can make the difference between long term success or failure.To be successful with keyword research you must go beyond the concept of competitiveness. After finding a keyword that doesn't have much competition, the next step is to research the type of traffic you can expect from number one rankings...

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Posted in: twitter

Qualified Leads From Twitter?

By now you know that Twitter has taken on a life of its own. What was once considered a micro-blogging site is now the topic of most online conversations. You might be asking yourself what that may mean to your business and more importantly what it means to you.After some time I opened up my own account on Twitter. This was mainly due to curiosity and the fact that Twitter like discussions are happening throughout the internet. I quickly found out that Twitter operates like many other social media sites and web tool in that it is a communication vehicle that helps you communicate to your niche in real time.One of the best things about...

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Posted in: twitter

Getting Past Go

So many times we feel like our job in marketing is to simply make the phone ring or get a prospect to reply to our email.  The reality is that marketing goes way beyond the initial buying signals.  In fact, good marketing know that they need to manage the entire purchase and renewal process effectively to show lasting results.Getting Past Go Instead of thinking about lead generation, think about the entire customer experience.  Not only will you attract users to your product or service, but you will maintain them, communicate with them, and leverage them to continue buying from you long into the future.  Focus on creating...

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Posted in: customer retention

Good Marketing Tip #229: Start a Blog

Today's good marketing tip is: Start a Blog.  By doing so you can quickly and easily improve search engine rankings, expand your reach and build a following.  There are many free and inexpensive ways to start a blog and it doesn't require a great deal of internet marketing knowledge.Free services like Blogger and WordPress are well known in blogging circles. These two programs are used to create free blogs that essential work as content management systems allowing you to make posts, updates, control web pages, and come with tons of additional features. There are many benefits to blogging.  The first is that by adding a blog to your website, you're creating additional exposure to your products, services, and information.  As your blog starts showing up in search results,...

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Posted in: blogging

Good Marketing Tip #228

This week's marketing tip is all about generating quality traffic to your web site or blog.  When thinking about web site traffic always focus on quality over quantity.  You want to focus on keywords that are truly relevant to your offering.  For example, if you are tyring to sell men's shoes, stay away from generic keywords like "foot wear."The best place to start is with the Google AdWords keyword tool.  This took is easy to use and can help you find keywords that get enough traffic but aren't all that competitive.  If you're not sure of the competitiveness of a keyword, look to see how many people are advertising for that keyword (using the tool) and using supplemental tools as well.Once you have identified the right keywords for your web site, focus on search engine...

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Posted in: good marketing tip

Today's Good Marketing Tip: Measure Your Advertising

So right now I'm watching the super bowl and can't believe that GoDaddy is the only advertiser that has a measurable call to action. Why haven't other advertisers figured this out.  Whether the call to action is going to the web or calling an 800 number, if you can't measure it don't do it!What's so embarassing is that these advertiser are spending millions.  Bud Light, Coke, Hyndi, should all know better.  I guess they're just too used to not being held accountable for their marketing.  I for one think it's a bit disgraceful but I suppose it's different when you're spending tat much money - but it shouldn't be.If you want...

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Posted in: good marketing

Good Marketing Tip: Social Media

We all know the importance of social media and what it can do for your brand or retail establishment. We also know that Social Media is a monster. Where do you being? What's your strategy? How are you going to be successful? These and other questions are the topic of regular conversation among marketing professionals.I for one wondered a great deal as to how effective social media would be for me and my business. I think the answer can be found in what you consider social media to be. From my perspective it's more than just Twitter and Facebook. It's about being part of social discussion. The purpose of most social media is conversational....

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Posted in: good marketing tip,social media

Today's Good Marketing Tip: Premium Pricing

Pricing can have a significant impact on your sales.  But today we're not talking about discounting.  Rather, we're talking about raising prices.  I know, you're probably saying, "There's so much price competition that I have no option but to discount my product!"  This is pretty common but I'm here to tell you that many companies have been using premium pricing strategies and continually outshine others in their industry.Take a look at a Bently or Rolex watches and you'll see what I mean.  Are these cars and watches really that much better than similar products in their niche?  They may have some advantages but...

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Posted in: pricing

Today's Good Marketing Tip

Get better results with personalization. How often do you receive a message from a seller that is generic? Whether the message comes from an email or direct mail piece, I still get messages that say "Dear Customer"? I mean come on!Not only do your marketing messages needs to be personalized, but the content and tone of the message needs to reflect the previous purchase behavior of your customer. Alternatively, if you're searching for prospects, make sure your message speaks their needs.Good messaging is essential for improving the effectiveness of your marketing. Focus on needs and test multiple messages. Be sure to track results for each...

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Posted in: copywriting

Good Marketing Tip 224: Effective Communication

Today's good marketing tip is all about communication.  Not only does your message need to be on target but your message needs to be targeted to the right audience.  The success of any direct marketing campaign comes down to the list (target audience) and message (promotion).  Are your messages on target?Test. Test. Test.  As I've said time and again, effective messaging is really all about understanding your market and testing.  What you may think is a good message may not have the desired result among your target market.  Come up with multiple messages and let your audience decide which is most effective.Alter...

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Posted in: messaging

Good Marketing Tip #223

Each week I provide you with good marketing tips that can improve the overall effectiveness of your online and offline campaigns.  This week,my tip is designed for the new year.  Instead of focusing on discounting, focus on value.Each year we say we wont do it.  We say that we are going to avoid discounting but inevitably we give in.  I think this year can be different.  My challenge to you is to focus on value.  This is what good marketing is all about.  Are you offering your products at a fair price in a way that makes sense for both you and your customers?I know that at certain times during the year you need...

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Posted in: discounting