The old website was an HTML platform that required coding expertise and software such as Dreamweaver to update. For the new website we are now using WordPress  a content management system that is easily managed by the owners with a few tutorials.

One of the most challenging parts of creating a website that is attractive to and engaging  with your audience or market is the content. Well written content is a must to inform and engage with your market quickly and easily before they click away from your site.  The best way to do that is to work with a professional copywriter. This organization hired Freddy Zylstra of The Written Word. The collaboration between myself, the designer and Freddy, the copywriter, is a close one. We worked together to create a website that was highly user friendly,  engaging, and interesting. Congratulation to Freddy Zylstra on a job well done and highly professional to work with.

The logo remained the same except for the color combination. This way the transition would be subtle and easier to implement with their printed materials.

Below is the before (in black) and after website of Citizen for Choice website and the use of the new logo on their new business card.

business card front and back

She is producing an event April 14 at 4:00 in Loomis CA for more information see her Facebook page  Halau Hula and the flyer below. I have seen her and her dance group perform and I can say they are fabulous.

I outlined the information for you here:

#1. Leaving YOU out of the website. 
This is so true. How many times have you come across a site that is intriguing but there is no indication of who is behind the website. I don’t know about you but I want to know a name, see a photo and read some kind of bio to make me feel more connected to that person. Give it your personal touch.

#2. Too much clutter and confusion.
We have all experience this. You go to a website and there is so much stuff, images, options, even too much text, that you end up leaving the site confused and frustrated. Give your visitors something to focus on. Why did they go to your website in the first place? Did they find the answer or answers they were looking for once they got there? Let them know what steps to take next. Make it easy, clear and a good experience for your visitor.

#3. Not capturing email addresses.
Staying in touch with your audience is key. Create something of value to give to your audience will help your email list grow. Be ready to follow up once you have your list.

#4. Settling for something you don’t LOVE.
It is important that your online presents reflects you and your business in a way that you will want to share and be proud of. It reflects your brand identity and how your customers perceive your business.

#5. No strategy or clear plan for your website.
What do you want your website to do for your business? Make a plan and monitor its progress. Are you selling products, adding to your mailing list, or? Makes changes if it is not holding up its part of the bargain.

I like this list because it is short and doable. But if you find that you are not sure where to start or how, I would be happy to meet with you. Or maybe you need an update of your website, or a new online presence, either way you may contact me for a complimentary consultation.

There were several things that worked well with my marketing plan and a few that I will plan to improve upon. My good intentions to blog twice a week sharing tips, business news, and successful projects with you, but were put aside as my work load grew. I know if I stop marketing then eventually the work flow will stop too. Marketing should not be ignored if you want to grow your business, the big question is how does a solopreneur find the time to do the billable work and market too. These are some tips that I plan to use and that you might find helpful too.

• Have a written marketing plan.
Your written marketing plan should be easy to read and follow. List the marketing tools you plan to use and how often will they be implemented. Put them on your calendar. The tools you should consider and a sample plan are:

1. networking – twice a week
2. e-marketing – quarterly newsletter
3. online presence – website maintanence once a month, blog once a week, post on Facebook and Twitter twice a week, add people to LinkedIn page and comment on discussions twice a week.
4. promotional materials – make to have a good supply of business cards and brochure handouts

The key is to plan small at first and grow into it.

• Get your information/resources in place.

1. Build a library of resource materials to refer to with topics you would like to talk about.
2. Use mind mapping
3. Keep track of customer/client questions that you can answer.  Chances are others have the same questions.
4. Have 2 or 3 articles written in advance to relieve the pressure of meeting your deadline.

• Know how much time it takes you.
Tracking your time is invaluable. It allows you the ability to plan realistically and not overextend yourself. It also keeps you on task, when you know that the timer is ticking you are more likely not to get distracted. There are many ways to track your time:

1. the kitchen timer
2. timer on your cell phone
3. use a software program, I use Function Fox.

• Track your progress

1. Use google analytics for tracking your website
2. Many social media sites have tracking available
3. Where are  your referrals coming from

• Delegate
There are many marketing tasks you can delegate or if you enjoy the marketing, delegate another task that you don’t enjoy. 

1. If writing is not your thing, hire a copywriter to write your newsletter or blog such as The Written Word.
2. If social media is not your thing, hire someone to do posting for you.
3. Hire someone to maintain your website for you.

• Success
If you make time for your marketing and you are consistent, you will be successful. Patience is the key.  Creating relationships takes time, stay on task, track the progress and grow your business. Good luck in the New Year. 

If I can be of any further assistance to you growing your business, contact me for a complimentary consultation.

If you have a html website and would like to be able to communicate your brand better to your target market Contact me for a complimentary consultation to discuss your project further.