Why do so many still think that having an online business or Web site will provide instant results — with minimal effort too boot? Impatient site owners who have implemented little to none of the recommendations and suggestions that have been made that require their time, effort and in some cases expense, are those who complain most.
I find that odd in that if you were to review my site, talk to me on the phone, or e-mail me for advice on the topic of getting found in search engines and marketing your site, I am very, very clear about the reality of what getting found online entails. I don’t sugar coat what a site owner needs to consider and then do while letting you know I am here to help. That reality is enough to send many running for the hills looking for that “solution” that negates the truth.
Why is it some site owners act like a child in the back seat of the car when on vacation? “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” “Are we there yet?” They aren’t driving. They aren’t filling up the tank. They don’t bother to check the map to see what direction they need to go.
The same answer applies to your Web site. You are not there until you get there. And that requires certain efforts be made and expenses incurred to reach your destination. You will never get to where you want to be with wishful thinking or a belief that the reality of getting online exposure is something that can be ignored and is only one person’s opinion. Attaining rankings isn’t rocket science; it’s pretty black and white.
Here are some of my articles on the topic of getting search engine rankings. These articles will help you to become familiar with the reality of getting found so that rather than having to ask “Are we there yet?” you may actually get somewhere!
Ten Commandments of Search Engines
Top 5 Search Engine Optimization Myths
Optimize Schmoptimize!
At your service,
Judith
For some time now, loyal readers of my Email Etiquette Blog have written suggesting that they would prefer more business oriented discussion and tips specifically in regard to Business Email Etiquette.
Today, I am proud to announce the launch of my Business Only — Business Email Etiquette Blog. There I will discuss the issues most important to business folks, based on your requests, input and the issues I get contacted about most when it comes to proper technology use and business email practices.
So check it out and subscribe! I look forward to typing with you about Business Email Etiquette!
At your service,
Judith
Over the past year, I’ve experienced even my plain text, no graphics or attachment e-mails getting blocked by the other side because I inadvertently did something spammy.
In my case, it was usually the original e-mail I was responding to was spammy (way formatted, had an embedded graphic, etc.) contained within that took my reply right with it — blocked!
The fact remains that e-mail is not a brochure nor was it ever meant to be a fancily fonted graphically enhanced message. Although the temptation is there because the tools to do so are available in your e-mail program, if you are serious about your e-mail getting through, you need to be a “plain Jane” so to speak.
Why would formatting, embedding and such tools exist if they are now causing so many legitimate e-mails from getting through the network? Well, the answer is simple. Back in the day who would have thought that commercialism would so corrupt this communication tool is such a way as to necessitate the need to start blocking spammers. Heck, the word spam used to mean luncheon meat!
When it comes to business, it is best you type your e-mail properly from head to toe while being concise and clear about your message without having to rely on any formatting, caps or embedded graphics. I’ve typed about this topic before here on my Blog, but many ignore my advice because they still want their photo, their logo or that fancy colored font to be seen in their business e-mails. Fine… then know you risk your e-mail getting blocked. You simply can’t have it both ways.
If you do get an e-mail returned due to “policy reasons” you know the system on the other side picked up on something spammy within your e-mail. You can check to see what that may be by using this free tool online that checks the content of your e-mail called ContentChecker.
And for those who didn’t catch my article on the topic yet, give it a read now and ensure your e-mails get through to their intended parties: How To Avoid Looking Spammy.
At your service,
Judith
