Very helpful resources are available from VA Classroom:
Blog Marketing Tips and Tactics

Blogging can be very time-consuming, and is a definite investment of time. Luckily there are many ways that you can limit your effort and make the time you spend blogging more efficient and productive. With the proper products and techniques you can blog without being tied to your computer.

1.  FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) -  One of the most time consuming parts of business blogging is when you have to answer the same questions over and over again.  Once you start recognizing the questions, start tagging the questions as you answer them.  Then use those tags to create a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page on your blog.  This document will list all of the questions and their answers.

2.   Blogging doesn’t have to be a one-man show – Blogs are conversations by multiple users, so you do not have to be the only user with the answers.  Enlist the help of co-workers or friends to do a guest post, to step in and answer questions from time to time.  Just make sure that their screen name/screen identity lists their affiliation with the company.

3.  Blogging software – There is a multitude of blogging software that makes blogging fast and easy.  There is software that will enable you to create, edit and manage your blogs.  Other software will “ping” other websites that contain blogs with similar information.  When this happens, your post gets included with that sites index and more people see your post.

4.   Blog from your cell – Cell phones that have internet capability are a huge asset when you are trying to get away from the computer.  There are several tools and programs that will allow you to blog from whereever you are on your cell.  This way you can create and post a blog between meetings, on your commute to and from work, or even at your kids little practice.  The most popular of these services is Twitter, but many other services are available.

5.  Keep the posts simple – Many times you may want to make an elaborate or beautifully worded post.  For your blog to be successful, you need to post often, and there just isn’t always time for those elaborate posts. In those times, post a picture of one of your products, preferably of the product being used.  You want an image that tells a story. Another possibility is posting a question that will get your blog subscribers talking. This allows you to keep the blog active when there are no real new topics to discuss, and only takes minutes of your time.

Blogging can take time.  With a few simple downloads and modifications to your techniques, your company can benefit from blogging without you having to spend all your time at your computer.  By cutting down on the time and effort you are putting in on each post and blog response, and allowing you to fit much of that time in when you have the opportunity (through your mobile device) you will be amazed at how simple blogging can become.


Wishing you much success online!
Diana

Diana Walker, CEO, Diana’s Internet Marketing Education
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I was so tired of paying high hourly fees to have changes made to my web site and blog.

My first 2 years – 2003 and 2004 were very, very rocky – and I wanted to give up over and over again.  However, I hung in there, and then over the 5 years since I have utilized the services of many webmasters and many VAs (Virtual Assistants).

Here is an incredible, reliable, trustworthy team who have experience in providing Internet Marketing Education and with helping you learn how to do what it takes to learn how to get yourself known online:

Diana Walker, CEO, DIME
Diana’s Internet Marketing Education
Learn More by subscribing to DIANA’S INTERNET MARKETING EDUCATION here:

If you are new to the internet – you will love this Easy Website Builder: 

The EASY WEBSITE BUILDER  is a simple-to-use cut-and-paste style website builder. But unlike many website builders, this one actually creates attractive and very functional websites.


Easy Website Builder Review

Site Builder Features:

There are many features to the site builder and some of the most noteworthy ones are:

• Ready-made templates and layouts: There are over 1000 to choose from. You can use them as-is or customize them to suit your needs.
• Editor allows you to use WYSWG (“What you see is what you get”) format that allows for easy formatting, copying and pasting. An HTML editor is also available for more technical users.
• Shopping cart: Includes multiple product layouts with no special coding required. Up to 500 products are included and space for additional products can be purchased. Includes PayPal/Authorize.net integration and Verisign secure server at no extra charge.
• Email Addresses: 5 addresses included. Upgrade anytime.
• Stock Photos: Over 2000 licensed stock images are included to add visual interest to your pages.
• Photo Albums: Add your photos and thumbnails are automatically created. You can reorganize your photos anytime.
• Multimedia: Load audio and video files.
• Custom feedback forms: Collect valuable data from visitors and customers.
• Recommend This Site / Tell-A-Friend: Allow your visitors to easily tell their friends about you.
• Mailing List: Collect email addresses, send out your newsletter & publish your archives.
• Q&A Page: Allows you to easily post your frequently asked questions to minimize support requirements.
• Coupons: Give out special discounts for your products.
• Map: Perfect for stores with physical locations.
• Press Releases: Easily create a publicity section of your website and publish your press releases.
• Password Protection: Create password protected pages or sections of your website.

Thoughts on the Site Builder:

The site builder is very easy-to-use and is suitable for those with no online experience and who want to get a website set up quickly and economically.  Instead of having to rely on a web designer’s high price tag and schedule, it allows business owners to keep full control of their websites and make quick updates and more.

Things to Keep in Mind:

This is a web-based site builder program and you need to be connected to the Internet to use it. It also does not allow for installation of any special scripts (though javascript code CAN be inserted into pages), but much of the functionality you’d need in a website is included.

Perks:

The site builder comes with a free 10-day trial, so you have ample opportunity to see if it’s the right site-building tool for you. It also comes with price protection, so if the price ever goes up, you never have to pay more than when you signed up.

Free Trial Link:

You can sign up for the free 10-day trial at EASY WEBSITE BUILDER

Diana Walker’s Recommendation – How anyone new to the internet can benefit

Diana Walker, CEO, DIME, Diana’s Internet Marketing Education

Why it is Smart to Have a Newsletter for Your Customers Using an Autoresponder System

If you are in a business which is very customer oriented, or if you simply want to make sure that your customers stay on top of the various changes that you have made to your products or what services you offer, you’ll find that a newsletter might be one of the most powerful tools that you have at your disposal. While some companies come out with a newsletter every week, others make a longer one that comes out every month. Some will only do quarterly newsletters. If you have an interest in putting together a newsletter for your clients, you’ll find that there are plenty of advantages to doing so!

Keep Customers Informed

The first and most obvious thing that a newsletter will do is keep your clients informed. Your clients are in a position where they might not check your site regularly. You’ll find that while they might have an interest in what you do, they are significantly more likely to keep up with what is going on if you give them a chance to get updates from you. Whether they have bought from you in the past, or whether have considered it, a newsletter gives them a chance to make use of you in the future. It will remind them of who you are and it brings them back to your website on a regular basis.

Customer Loyalty – Rewards

You’ll also find that a newsletter is important when you want to reward things like customer loyalty. You can make sure that your customers are notified of sales before the general populace is, and you can even give them deals that are not available to anyone else. When you have a newsletter, you’ll find that the readership is just one step away from being preferred customers, so take the time to make sure that they feel as though they are being rewarded for reading. By keeping them informed they will reward you with coming back to your site and even purchasing your products.

Talk to Your Customers

When you put together a newsletter for your customers, you are essentially getting a chance to talk to them. You can tell them about what your business has been doing, what changes it has been making and what you are hoping to do in the future.

Feedback from Your Customers

You will also find that a newsletter can provide you with a chance to get feedback. You can ask a question and ask them to respond, and you can also tailor your products to what information they have to give you. You can address their concerns and make them feel that you really care about what they have to say. This is a super easy way to stay connected with your subscribers.

A newsletter is an important way to make sure that you stay in touch with your customers, so take the time to make sure that you put one together. This is your opportunity to stay in touch, talk with them, develop a relationship, and build your income at the same time.

You will need an easy, effective, affordable Autoresponder system to deliver your newsletters. Be sure to check out the program Diana recommends: Aweber Autoresponder System

Do you love AWeber, too?

KEEPING YOUR WEBSITE FRESH – HOW DO I MAKE A WEBSITE?

Websites with broken links and out dated information, die very quickly. For a website to be a success it must be well maintained, continually updated to keep up with technology, and have new and engaging content so that it meet its user’s needs. Even if the information of your website does not change there are ways to update the information and maintain the user’s interest.

1. Keep an eye on your site for out-of date information- Review your site often for any out-of-date information. Make sure that your product pricing is correct, and that all items listed are available. Update your company and contact information to make sure the user can contact you. Add any new information or content of a subject that is already listed on the site. This is also a good time to correct any typos or change the wording up a bit.

2. Change up the graphics - Add clearer pictures and illustrations of your products. Include decorative graphics in your content section. New images will catch the eye faster than new text. For the graphics that are already in place, make sure that they are prepared correctly so that they load quickly and display properly.

3. Click on all of your links - As you change and update your website; make sure that users can get to your new and improved sections. Click on all of the links to make sure that they are still working and going to the right page. If you have links to other websites, test the links to make sure that the website is still up and displaying the content that you want to present to your users.

4. Put up new content - Post newsletters to let users know what is going on with your company. Post advertisements for sales and special offers. If your users are linked to your website through email, send out announcements whenever you make these special posts, inviting the user back to your website to see what is new.

5. Add sound or music to your website – Add appropriate sounds of music to the website so it gets the users attention as they open it up or open up different portions and pages. I use Audio Acrobat for all my audio needs.

6. Apply the use of a content management system – A Content Management System (CMS) is software that helps create, manage and edit information that is on your website. Many types of this software allow you to put content expiration dates of the articles, items, and information that you put of your website. Watch your expirations dates, and the software will remind you when it is time to freshen up your content.

7. Offer links to other websites - Put links to other websites that your users may find useful. If you are continually adding to these links, your user will come back for them.

These are just a small number of the many things that you can do to keep your website fresh. Remember to be creative and continue to look to what your users’ needs are. You will find that keeping your website up to date and fresh will reap the rewards you are looking for.

Click here for the easy service I use: Easy Website Builder

I have been using Easy Website Builder for almost 4 years now for my Diana’s Healthy Lifestyles website, and I am thrilled with how easy it is, and how easily affordable it is, and how easy it is to incorporate Internet Marketing and Search Engine Optimization with it.

Diana Walker, Diana’s Internet Marketing Education

3 Top Things You Need To Know For Your Website

In the last few years, small companies have sprung up, flooding the internet. Competition for search engines is tight. As the technology evolves, users’ standards and expectations for content and design continue to rise. It can be done. Many small companies have successful websites. There are 3 things that they do to ensure the success of their website. Fortunately, once you know what they are, you can do it too.

1. Your Website Must Grow and Change With Your Company and Your Customers

Successful web companies are continually evaluating their website’s effectiveness meeting their needs and goals. Once the website is designed and running, it doesn’t end there. The internet is continuously upgrading itself and growing. For the website to do well, it must change. Look for ways that it can be more efficient. As long as your company has needs, your website needs to grow to meet those needs. If the website is put up and left on its own, the content will go out of date. The links may become useless. People will find that they are logging on to get information that is no longer relevant and they will not come back.

2. Your Website Designer Must Understand and Apply New Technologies

Behind every successful website, is a designer that has a good understanding of the latest technologies, and who applies them. Newer technologies are going to make your website easier to use and navigate. New technologies are going to change the appearance of your website. New technologies make it easier for users to find what they need, and thus makes your website more desirable to users. If you don’t have the time to keep up with all the technological advancements, it is well worth your money to hire someone that specializes in this.

3. Your Website Must Have a Flexible and Evolving Marketing Plan

Every successful website has a flexible and evolving marketing plan. There are many aspects that go into a marketing plan.

a. Choose a domain name that is going to represent your company and it goals.

b. Consider blogging or some other social media to engage users.

c. Create a newsletter that discusses specials on your site or invites users to see advancements that were made.

d. If you depend on search engines to bring users to your site, you may consider hiring someone who specializes in that. Search engine marketing has become very complex. These individuals can give you useful information on marketing planning and changes that can be made to your website to help the search engines send users your way.

Large companies have entire IT (Information Technology) departments, filled with people whose only job is to improve on that company’s website. Smaller businesses don’t have the resources for something of that magnitude. Smaller companies can, however, utilize web solutions providers to do the same thing for them. These companies can assist with web design, insights in technology, and the overall development of your website. They also work with companies that are new to internet marketing and web design, so they can help you figure out your goals and manage the technical aspects of getting you to them.

Everything changes. The internet continues to grow. The needs of your company are going to change. Your website has to be flexible enough to keep up with those changes. With consistent evaluation, introduction of new technology, and dynamic marketing, your website can go a long way to fulfilling your goals.

Website Builder that Diana Recommends: Easy Website Builder

Diana Walker, Diana’s Internet Marketing Education

My most recent wonderful graphics have been done by my friend Wendy, and if you want to see what she has to offer and the very reasonable prices, be sure to check out Wendy’s Website and make your choices.

Wendy is so great to work with, and I’m very pleased with my results for my new e-report cover and for my http://www.thecravingscoach.com/blog site. The new header will be up within the next week.

I met Wendy through our online Mentoring Group – great support for your online business!

Diana Walker, “New to the Internet” Guide