Recently I wrote that content was king and I want to expand a little on that because I had a recent experience that really highlights the point...
I was driving down a highway, actually the 417 between Ottawa and Montreal, and like any highway was going past various exits without really paying much attention as they were not MY exit, when something caught my attention...the ferry boat at Hudson just before you get to the western edge of Montreal. You see, I love water, water sports, fishing (I have several seasons of professional tournament fishing in my background), snorkelling and scuba diving, canoeing, sailing, kayaking, boating, water skiing, you name it, if it involves water it pretty much captures my attention. So I pulled off on a little excursion to see this ferry link that I had never seen before...what the heck has this got to do with websites you ask? Here is my point, I got off the highway because I came across something that was of interest to me, and I went and investigated. Why? Because a sign directed me. It indicated that there was something there for me to investigate.
Your website content is like that highway sign and if your web presence doesn't have the content that is relevant and of interest to your site visitor, google won't easily find you, and prospective visitors will not 'pull off' to look and investigate! In 2008 google averaged 37 billion inquiries monthly. How much is it costing you because your "signage" isn't working?
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Web Presence=Relationships
I'm stuck on the web presence theme...I truly believe that a web presence vs just a website is what will separate online success from failure for the SMB marketplace. Why? Because generally we do business with those we like and trust and a web presence is a sure way to build that relationship online and it is in the online virtual world that more and more relationships are being initiated. How many? In 2006 Google was receiving 2.7 billion queries monthly, in 2008 that has grown to 37 billion! (See "Did you know" http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8 for an informative change of perspective.) How many of these inquiries are important for your business?
When did you last 'google' for information on something you were looking for? Do you recognize that action as the beginning of a prospective online relationship? One way to think of this relationship for your website is as a site visitor...when you go looking for 'something' online what do you look for, the website that says, "Wow have we got a deal for you!" or the one that provides you with all the relevant information you need, in an easy to navigate well thought out manner? When you come across the latter (which is a very small % of websites by the way) you know that you've found a prospective solution for your need, a solution that you can have confidence in.
What truly separates a website from a web presence? A comprehensive plan that incorporates your bricks and mortar operations with your online initiatives in a manner that supports and enhances. If up to now you have only viewed your online activities as another 'item' on your list of organizational must haves, I urge you to re-think and re-engage with your online development so that your business, with a comprehensive web presence, will have a far greater likelihood of successfully converting site visitors to real world clients.
The cost of not pursuing this development route? You'll lose the potential relationships that 37 billion monthly inquiries (and growing) could mean for your operations. Your call...
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
When did you last 'google' for information on something you were looking for? Do you recognize that action as the beginning of a prospective online relationship? One way to think of this relationship for your website is as a site visitor...when you go looking for 'something' online what do you look for, the website that says, "Wow have we got a deal for you!" or the one that provides you with all the relevant information you need, in an easy to navigate well thought out manner? When you come across the latter (which is a very small % of websites by the way) you know that you've found a prospective solution for your need, a solution that you can have confidence in.
What truly separates a website from a web presence? A comprehensive plan that incorporates your bricks and mortar operations with your online initiatives in a manner that supports and enhances. If up to now you have only viewed your online activities as another 'item' on your list of organizational must haves, I urge you to re-think and re-engage with your online development so that your business, with a comprehensive web presence, will have a far greater likelihood of successfully converting site visitors to real world clients.
The cost of not pursuing this development route? You'll lose the potential relationships that 37 billion monthly inquiries (and growing) could mean for your operations. Your call...
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Monday, January 12, 2009
Web Presence=Relevant Content="Sticky info"
What, you ask does that mean? Again, I want to stay on the theme of a web presence and today a brief comment on content, in a nutshell content is king...no question about it!
You've probably heard the old adage for business success, "Location, location, location", how, if at all, is that modified in our internet world? I offer you this "Information, information, information" as a replacement. What you want is to have relevant information that engages your visitor to stay on your website and go through a 'conversion' whatever that may be for you and your organization. Is this valid? Let's look briefly at a real example...
Industry: Home renovations
Competitors: http://www.homefocus.com/ and http://www.homerenovationguide.com/
These two sites offer consumers a similar product, ultimately both want the homeowner interested in a renovation project to connect with one of their service providers. Here is a big difference, Homefocus about 1.5 page views per visit and Home Renovation Guide (HRG) about 4.5, which visitor is more engaged with the information, and therefore more likely to take action? The numbers don't lie and the HRG site has been steadily on the increase for over two years because they are progressive and offer what...relevant information! Articles, pictures, links, all to provide visitors with the information they are seeking.
No content, no traffic, no conversion, no business or...
Interesting and engaging information= interested and engaged visitors= happy to follow through and convert= great business. Take action today.
We're at the edge of the future...
Andy Xhignesse
You've probably heard the old adage for business success, "Location, location, location", how, if at all, is that modified in our internet world? I offer you this "Information, information, information" as a replacement. What you want is to have relevant information that engages your visitor to stay on your website and go through a 'conversion' whatever that may be for you and your organization. Is this valid? Let's look briefly at a real example...
Industry: Home renovations
Competitors: http://www.homefocus.com/ and http://www.homerenovationguide.com/
These two sites offer consumers a similar product, ultimately both want the homeowner interested in a renovation project to connect with one of their service providers. Here is a big difference, Homefocus about 1.5 page views per visit and Home Renovation Guide (HRG) about 4.5, which visitor is more engaged with the information, and therefore more likely to take action? The numbers don't lie and the HRG site has been steadily on the increase for over two years because they are progressive and offer what...relevant information! Articles, pictures, links, all to provide visitors with the information they are seeking.
No content, no traffic, no conversion, no business or...
Interesting and engaging information= interested and engaged visitors= happy to follow through and convert= great business. Take action today.
We're at the edge of the future...
Andy Xhignesse
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Back to Web Presence...
The other day was having a discussion with a business owner and introduced the idea of a web presence as opposed to a website...well I had some explaining to do! So I thought I'd take a moment to clarify a little of what I mean by a web presence. I say a little because this is a lengthy topic and I already have the tendency to 'wordiness' (don't tempt me!) and so I'll uncover little by little what I mean by web presence and what the benefits are vs a website approach.
There are many elements involved in the creation of a web presence but they all start from the same place, a good plan that integrates all facets of your business. You see, I believe that a web presence allows your business or organization to benefit fully from all that the internet has to offer, it is not just about having some info up there for people to see, a presence is a way to really extend your message to your audience that is inviting and interactive, it engages your visitor to the point that they will take a next step, whatever that next step might be that is relevant to your business outcomes. Just as with anything else in your business or organization you need a thoughtful plan that views your ongoing internet activities as another doorway to new visitors. This requires that you invest adequate resources to the task, but as study after study shows, the internet is now the best investment you can make for your organization/business with the greatest ROI when properly executed.
You can think of it a little like this:
Website: A place where people end up by chance;
Web Presence: An online location that visitors go to with intent;
Inaction is costing you, who knows how much but I guarantee it is costing you, get started it's free to plan!
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
There are many elements involved in the creation of a web presence but they all start from the same place, a good plan that integrates all facets of your business. You see, I believe that a web presence allows your business or organization to benefit fully from all that the internet has to offer, it is not just about having some info up there for people to see, a presence is a way to really extend your message to your audience that is inviting and interactive, it engages your visitor to the point that they will take a next step, whatever that next step might be that is relevant to your business outcomes. Just as with anything else in your business or organization you need a thoughtful plan that views your ongoing internet activities as another doorway to new visitors. This requires that you invest adequate resources to the task, but as study after study shows, the internet is now the best investment you can make for your organization/business with the greatest ROI when properly executed.
You can think of it a little like this:
Website: A place where people end up by chance;
Web Presence: An online location that visitors go to with intent;
Inaction is costing you, who knows how much but I guarantee it is costing you, get started it's free to plan!
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Want outstanding online results?
So here it is, the end of another year and I've been asking myself is there one thing above all else that stands out as a must do for business to thrive in the evolving online world? Great news, I think I've got it, by George, I think I've got it! We must recognize that the dynamics of the fundamental relationship between buyer and seller have changed and act accordingly.
If you have not seen "Did You Know" follow this link, this video of about 8 minutes may dramatically alter your perspective on what is taking place in our world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U
When is the last time that you 'googled' for information on something you were considering purchasing? There are about 3 billion google searches monthly, obviously not all purchase related, but out of that huge number it is safe to say that millions of buyers monthly, go online to begin seeking information that will begin a relationship that ends in a transaction. As providers, you must now find ways to engage and cultivate that relationship. The era of intrusive outbound marketing is less and less effective in creating new relationships, the age of appropriate and targeted information to a permission based audience is quickly emerging as the way forward. What is inaction costing your organization? Take action now.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
If you have not seen "Did You Know" follow this link, this video of about 8 minutes may dramatically alter your perspective on what is taking place in our world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U
When is the last time that you 'googled' for information on something you were considering purchasing? There are about 3 billion google searches monthly, obviously not all purchase related, but out of that huge number it is safe to say that millions of buyers monthly, go online to begin seeking information that will begin a relationship that ends in a transaction. As providers, you must now find ways to engage and cultivate that relationship. The era of intrusive outbound marketing is less and less effective in creating new relationships, the age of appropriate and targeted information to a permission based audience is quickly emerging as the way forward. What is inaction costing your organization? Take action now.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Monday, December 22, 2008
Is a blog an important tool for your business?
We hear a lot about blogs, in fact it's hard not to hear about them. Should you be blogging? Is it worth the time and energy you'll have to put into it? The answer in my opinion, absolutely! Let me explain.
Have you gone online recently to google for information on something? Maybe given the time of year, you've done a little research into a gift you were considering for someone, or maybe you were looking for information to help solve a business issue within your organization. The point is, powerful information is now at your fingertips. You can now access much of the information that you need in order to make your buying decisions online...and you are no different than all the rest of us. So, how does this affect the way business is being done? You need to be noticed so that people will come to YOU for the information and ultimately for the solution to their need. Blogging helps. How?
1-Blogging is part of an inbound marketing program that will help direct inquiries to you;
2-It improves your SEO to help prospects find you;
3-It's an effective method to participate in social networking;
4-It is a permission based form of marketing that can allow you to begin a relationship with a new prospect.
Check out http://www.hubspot.com/ I think they're a well organized internet marketing company that has great ideas for the small and medium sized business.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Have you gone online recently to google for information on something? Maybe given the time of year, you've done a little research into a gift you were considering for someone, or maybe you were looking for information to help solve a business issue within your organization. The point is, powerful information is now at your fingertips. You can now access much of the information that you need in order to make your buying decisions online...and you are no different than all the rest of us. So, how does this affect the way business is being done? You need to be noticed so that people will come to YOU for the information and ultimately for the solution to their need. Blogging helps. How?
1-Blogging is part of an inbound marketing program that will help direct inquiries to you;
2-It improves your SEO to help prospects find you;
3-It's an effective method to participate in social networking;
4-It is a permission based form of marketing that can allow you to begin a relationship with a new prospect.
Check out http://www.hubspot.com/ I think they're a well organized internet marketing company that has great ideas for the small and medium sized business.
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
Thursday, December 18, 2008
W3C compliance, does it matter?
W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) is comprised of over 400 members including all the major search engines and global corporations such as AT&T, HP and Toshiba among others, that develops standards for the internet so that communications online perform consistently.
In the last few years, the discussion over compliance has become more intense and there is an increasing awareness of problems arising from non-compliance. For you the small and medium size business, here are three significant concerns:
1-Some browsers like Firefox, Opera and Lynx (among others) won't display your pages correctly.
2-Search engines will not be able to efficiently and precisely indexing your site.
3-Site and hearing impaired internet users won't be able to use your site.
So...does W3C compliance matter? Of course! The outcome of the above problems mean that you may not be found, that SEO actions may be less effective, that applications on your website may not operate properly and all of this leads to a loss of engagement by your visitors which in turn leads to lost opportunities. How much is this costing you?
Check your compliance at http://validator.w3.org/
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
In the last few years, the discussion over compliance has become more intense and there is an increasing awareness of problems arising from non-compliance. For you the small and medium size business, here are three significant concerns:
1-Some browsers like Firefox, Opera and Lynx (among others) won't display your pages correctly.
2-Search engines will not be able to efficiently and precisely indexing your site.
3-Site and hearing impaired internet users won't be able to use your site.
So...does W3C compliance matter? Of course! The outcome of the above problems mean that you may not be found, that SEO actions may be less effective, that applications on your website may not operate properly and all of this leads to a loss of engagement by your visitors which in turn leads to lost opportunities. How much is this costing you?
Check your compliance at http://validator.w3.org/
We're at the edge of the future!
Andy Xhignesse
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