Blog Marketing Tips and Tactics
Learning to Blog – and Learning to blog to earn money on the internet — Click here if you would like to learn more: Blog Marketing Tips and Tactics
WordPress has just released their newest version WordPress 3.0 – but I am waiting a while before I upgrade because there can be glitches and bugs in these updates, and I prefer to sit back and wait to see what happens.  Internet Marketers who are more adventurous and more experienced than I am can take the plunge! Then I will get my VA – Virtual Assistant – to do the updates. 

I definitely will be making sure I have a backup of each WordPress blog that I own before updating to WordPress 3.0 – Check out all the changes, updates, corrections that are available in the update here: WordPress 3.0 Update

Wishing you much Success online!
Diana
Diana Walker, Diana’s Internet Marketing Education

If you would like to stay in touch and learn more from me, Diana Walker, Internet Marketing Professional  -  Please subscribe below for Diana’s Internet Marketing Education:

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

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