Feb 5, 2009 Posted by Judith

The Web is Us/ing Us

I was talking with another developer today and we both agreed that the last 18 months, in regard to what is required to succeed online, has shifted 180 degrees. Dramatically. Being I’ve now entered my 15 years in business, I can say that this gig has evolved pretty much the entire time. That unpredictability and new things around every corner was and is (even more so right here, right now) what I... read more

Feb 4, 2009 Posted by Judith

Everything You Wanted to Know About Social Media but Were Afraid to Ask

I’m talking up the importance of social media use, marketing and networking all day long. When new clients contact me about a Web site, social media comes up. When current clients call asking about updating, upgrading or what their next step should be with their two, three, four or 10 year old sites — yep, social media! Technology can be very frustrating for those who do not do this every... read more

Feb 2, 2009 Posted by Judith

Is Your Site More Than Just a Pretty Face?

For years I have been advising clients who wanted a “new look” to forget about static HTML Web sites and get on to WordPress. As a matter of fact, I no longer take on new clients who believe that have a handful of “web pages”, what I call brochureware, is all that is required. Why make that stand? Because I’ve always believed that to take someone’s money knowing that... read more

Jan 29, 2009 Posted by Judith

Brand Me, Baby!

What is branding? The official definition:To mark with or as if with a hot iron. To mark to show ownership. To provide with or publicize using a brand name. To impress firmly; fix ineradicably: “Imagery of the war has branded itself into the national consciousness.”How does this apply to your Web site or online business? By being aware of and working to brand your business, you... read more

Jan 28, 2009 Posted by Judith

Can You Get Rich Online?

That would depend on:What your product or service is. Certainly if you had a legitimate recipe for the cure for cancer, you would have it easier than trying to get exposure in say real estate, online marketing, gift shops, etc. Try to find a niche that isn’t a saturated online market. Otherwise nothing less than a rabidly aggressive approach will be required to penetrate and compete. How much the... read more

Jan 22, 2009 Posted by Judith

Include All Your Contact Info!

It is surprising how many sites I run into that do not note their address. Today when looking for a product online, I had a choice of two companies — one had all their contact information and address — the other only had an e-mail address. I chose to do business with the company that had all this info on their site. I feel more comfortable doing business with companies that provide all the... read more

Jan 20, 2009 Posted by Judith

How Many Web Pages Do I Need?

As many as you need to reach your goals! If you just want a business card/brochureware site where folks can contact you or ask questions, you need to rethink what you want to accomplish online as brochureware is nowhere. But one has to be realistic and realize that a starter site is just that — a start. Any starter site, where the site owner would like to experience ROI, has to be created with... read more

Jan 19, 2009 Posted by Judith

E-mail Explicitness

ex·plic·it –adjectivefully and clearly expressed or demonstrated; leaving nothing merely implied; unequivocal: explicit instructions; explicit language. clearly developed or formulated: explicit knowledge; explicit belief. definite and unreserved in expression; outspoken: He was quite explicit as to what he expected us to do for him.Now that we are clear on the above, apply this to your e-mails.... read more

Jan 15, 2009 Posted by Judith

2009 Marketing Trends Considered Most Important

A very interesting survey/report came out that had some information you may be able to use in creating your marketing strategies. With the economic times being what they are and your customers being tighter with their wallets — in many cases becoming smarter before they open them up, it is critical that you make sure to offer the value and confidence they need to choose to do business with... read more