Who is your client – your target market?  If you can’t define your target market, you’ll have a difficult time making a sale to them.  When I was in my early studies of web design, we learned that when creating a website we had to design to appeal to two target users.  We had to create a profile image for each user we were appealing to.  Based on that profile, we could design the best website for them.  The characteristics of each user were used to create the profile, including:

• Age
• Gender
• Operating System
• Browser
• Screen Resolution
• Internet Connection
• Buying Preference/Interests
• Location
• Interests
• Profession/Income

You have to do the same as a small business owner when you target your marketing.  You can’t market broadly to everyone – unless you’re McDonald’s or Walmart.  Not everyone is going to buy your product or need your service.  When you market widely, you’re wasting your money and your resources.  If you market specifically to those who are most likely to purchase from you, you’ll make more sales from your defined marketing.

Who is your target audience, and are you marketing to them effectively?

Micki – your web gal
connect@michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
330.591.1070 cell
www.michelleharbour.com

So what makes for a good brochure?

• Don’t use the cover of the brochure for your logo or business name.  Instead – grab their attention with the reason you can help them.
• What is the call to action for your brochure – make that clear throughout.
• Remember, the reader wants to know “what’s in it for me.”  It’s not about you – it’s about them.
• Don’t put too much information in your brochure.
• Keep it looking professional.
• Proofread –
  • No grammar errors
  • No spelling errors
  • No typos – get a friend or employee to do the proofreading.  I prefer to have someone proof for me that knows little beforehand about  the message I’m sharing.  If they understand the material, then I know I’m on track!
• Are you sure your call to action is clear??
• Think outside the box/brochure – what about something different?  An email newsletter, a YouTube video – get creative with your message!

Does this give you any ideas for your brochure?  I think I’m going to give mine another look and make sure it’s up to par.

Micki – your web gal
connect@michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
330.591.1070 cell
www.michelleharbour.com

So with those numbers, small business owners need to consider seriously making good use of QR codes to generate leads.  When a user scans a QR code with their Smartphone, you need to be sure you grab their attention immediately.  It’s not enough to just have a QR code in your business promotions.  It must lead to useful content for the person who takes the time to make the scan.

You must create a landing page that is optimized for mobile devices.  It should be fast loading, easy to read, and link to your regular website – should the user choose to go there.  The information on mobile device-friendly websites is an abridged version of your full size website, but tailored to mobile device use as well as the specific to the information a user has time to take in.

Your mobile landing page should also continue the message that was shared in the promotion the QR code appeared on.  For example, if you’re a lawn care specialist set up at a local home and garden show, and you’re handing out free pots of pansies to visitors of your display, you could place a QR code on the plastic stake in each pansy pot.  You would then want the page the user lands on when he/she scans the stake to be specific to the message you were sharing at the garden show.  10% OFF YOUR FIRST LAWN CARE SERVICE BOOKED WITH US BY APRIL 1.

QR codes are meant to be another tool you can use to promote your business and turn leads into sales.  Think smart and be creative with your codes and make them work for you.

Micki – your web gal
connect@michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
330.591.1070 cell
www.michelleharbour.com

She gave us four steps to take to make things better for us.  They were nothing we didn’t already know, but sometimes being reminded of what we already know helps jar us out of bad habits or negative behaviors.

Step 1 – Set goals and make a plan to reach them.  I think a lot of us forget step two when we set goals.  You have to have a plan.  You must begin at the end goal and then work backwards to where  you are now, planning the steps you will take to reach your goal.  Sometimes there might be two paths that could get you there.  Whatever the way, have the routes planned. 

Proper goal setting keeps you on track so you don’t stray –  wasting your time running off-task.  The goal must be detailed and your plan must be realistic, and with no conditions, such as, “I’ll get started on my plan after I finish my website, or design my new business cards.

So that’s the first step.  Does that give you something to think about this weekend?  It’s never too late to set a goal and make a plan.  You just have to do it. 

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

Be social on social media.

Does the very thought of a Facebook page for your business scare you away?  Do you avoid making regular posts for fear of doing the wrong thing?

Well, we all make mistakes.  But here are a few mistakes that you can avoid if you’ve been forewarned:

Remember, your business page is just that – it’s a business page.  It’s a great way to stay connected to your customers and build those relationships vital to successful business marketing.  Traditional marketing usually meant loud, bright, noisy, and in your face advertising.  You were trying to grab attention and make a sale lead in the span of just a few minutes or even seconds.

Social media is different, and using those traditional marketing practices will be the biggest mistake you make. 

After all folks, it is social media.  Users are there, for the most part, to socialize with their friends.  They’ve liked your business page, and that’s a good thing, but they don’t expect to be marketed to – they want a social relationship with your company or brand.  Keep that in mind when you’re sending your messages. 

That’s this week’s tip – Don’t Sell on Social Media!  Not ever, but the majority of your posts – 75 to 80% of them should be non-selling posts.  Your posts should be made up of articles related to your line of business, and they should be appealing to your readers. If you’re posting once a day on your page, then only one post during the week should be a sales pitch of some sort.  The remaining posts must contain useful content or content that builds your relationship with your followers.

Make it memorable and they’ll look forward to your next posts, share them with their friends, and it will be your business that comes to mind when the need for your product or service arises.

Happy posting!

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

This is from Google Plus, but I corrected their typo. Click to enlarge this graphic.

Have you set up your Google+ page yet for your small business?  One of the first tasks you must do is upload your profile picture and scrapbook photos.

Profile Pictures should be a minimum of 200 x 200px and preferably in jpg or png format.  Your profile picture will be reduced down to 48 x 48.px for use across pages, so resize your picture at those measurements to double check how good it looks before you upload your full size image.

Scrapbook Photos are the row of photos that appear at the top of your page.  Unlike Facebook,s row of images, Google+ images won’t shift each time the page reloads.  They remain in the same order – so you can get really creative with those five images.  The specs on them are 125 x 125px with 15px between each. Recommended upload size is 150 x 150px, but again – double check the images at 125 x 125px before uploading.

Hope you’re having fun with your Google+ page and making good use of it!  While you’re over there, add me to your circles! 

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

Looking for a good book on business to read.  I bet you are.  We all want to learn more, but we put off doing the reading because we don’t have the time to study something new right now.

Maybe you’re looking at it all wrong.  Just reading the book – no notes, no bookmarks and folded corners – just reading the book is better than not reading it at all; and you will learn and you will remember.

I found a great list of business books online that you can choose from.  Are you looking to create, market, or negotiate?  Those make up the vast categories on the list to choose from. 

Check out the list here and order one.  Read a chapter a day, then pass the book on to a friend or peer with one stipulation – they do the same when they’re through with the book.  Don’t expect the book back…hopefully it will keep going and spreading its information.  And who knows, maybe someone will want to lend it to you by the end of the year with the same prerequisite!  If that happens, you’ll know you made a difference.

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

Well, consider this.  Your customers expect to see you on their social media hangouts.  If they don’t, they’ll find your competitor that is there.

What? 

What do I mean by that?  I mean this – in a 2008 Cone Business in Social Media Study,  93% of consumers said they want businesses to be available to them through social media.  They want the connection, the interaction, and the available communication – two-way communication – that social media allows.

     They are going to check ahead on their computer, their Smartphone, or their tablet what your hours are before they head out. 

     They want to compare your products or services with your competitor.  Are you cheaper, do you provide more service or a better warranty/guarantee? 

     They’re going to look for reviews. 

All of this information you can control through wise social media practices. 

If you don’t control your online business reputation, someone else will – that’s a fact.  A great website in conjunction with a strong social media presence makes that control possible.

Get onboard the social media bandwagon.  It’s here to stay!

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

Are you as entertained as I am by some of the creative landing pages you end up on when you first visit a favorite company’s or brand’s Facebook page?  Those clever pages are called landing pages and they are put together specifically to get you to click that LIKE button so that they can market to you when you’re on your favorite social media hangout.

 A landing page is needed in today’s marketing environment.  A good landing page will entice more followers by doing one or more of the following:

• Setting the tone of your page.
• Explaining the benefits of liking your page.
• Extending your branding.
• Showing users that you take them, your fans, seriously.

 Landing pages cannot be overlooked.  Therefore, for the month of January I am offering custom landing pages at half off for all clients who hire me to set up a new Facebook page for their business.  That’s a $25 savings off my normal fee. 

 You can see my Online Sale Landing Page right here  to learn more.  Then give me a call and let’s get to work. 

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com

804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com

The country needs more entrepreneurs.  Small businesses create most of the jobs in the US.  They are the backbone of America and they need out support.  Small businesses also need to support each other.  They need to share ideas and  experiences and be there to offer advice, leads, and encouragement through good and difficult times.

 That’s why I’m so excited about a new networking group for entrepreneurial women that is forming in Gloucester, VA.  They are having their first meeting this Thursday, January 12^th.  There will be an informal get together at the Gloucester Courthouse Curves, owned by Linda Tyler, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to kick things off. 

 A 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the Laurel Shelter, and there will be door prizes to win and goodies from Mom’s Bake Shoppe to enjoy!  You must pre-register to be eligible for the door prizes, however.  So login to Facebook and get yourself on the list!  I can’t wait to see you there.

If you don’t have a similar group in your town, start one!

Micki – your web gal
www.michelleharbour.com
804.642.2363
on the cell 330.591.1070
connect@michelleharbour.com