Joseph Madden

You might think that the Net, more specifically your own Web site, offers few opportunities for businesses with a customer base clustered in a small geographic area. After all, the Web is “world wide”… a “global medium.”

And you would have been fairly correct, ten years ago… But matters are changing rapidly. Sure, some potential clients still use the Yellow Pages™. But more and more are using Google™ and other Search Engines. It’s easy and fast to do a search. Say you type in “lawn care Montpelier.” Don’t find a business in the town of Montpelier? Widen the search to “lawn care Vermont.” Try widening your search that conveniently with your local 5-pound business directory!

And it’s not just the clients. Faster and faster, local businesses are coming online. They are using the Net to…
Build trust and deepen relationships with existing local customers by providing friendly,
personal information about the business, great content (ex., valuable “do-it-yourself” articles),
“Web site only” specials, etc.
Raise their local profile and position their products and services
Promote locally and take customers from competitors
Continue to stay “top-of-mind” and deepen customer relationships through an e-zine, an electronic newsletter (and build sales, too — ex., “It’s spring, which means it’s time for
aerating and fertilizing your lawn.”)

Build targeted traffic (local and global) to find new customers, even add entirely new income streams (ex., as a chimney sweep, your articles on fire safety not only endear you to local customers, but will attract global ones too — you can monetize this traffic through Google™ ads and affiliate programs, as we will see below)

Leverage their local expertise and knowledge for global clients, selling their goods online, even through online auctions.

It’s time. Develop a solid Web presence, generate targeted traffic, build loyalty through a newsletter for customers, get the edge on local competition, and add new income streams. I’ll take you by the hand to accomplish all that. Just pick an employee, or do it yourself, or contract my services. But stay in charge by following this advice carefully.

No matter what… get started. Because you do need a Web site… now. One that WORKS.
Think of a Web site as a super-Yellow Pages™ ad… with 100 times the results… at 1/10 of the price. People are searching less and less by the offline FINGER™ and more by the online CLICK…

Popularity: 53% [?]

First impressions are important in many arenas. First dates are a prominent example. In the business world, your first impression often is dictated by the business card you are handed. Color business cards, if not color custom business cards, are a must in today’s marketing world. Take a close look at your current card. What message is it sending? If you either can’t tell or don’t like the answer then it is time for a new round of business card printing.

Without Quality Paper Your Card Turns To Vapor

Those electing to save a few pennies by using cheap paper often have their card quickly end up down the chute and into the incinerator. Quality paper conveys a quality company. Flimsy paper or perforated edges on your business card is like holes on the elbows of your jacket. Firm and textured paper is akin to a sharply pressed and custom fitted shirt.

Test the Ink by Using the Sink

In addition to the quality of the paper it is also important to use only the best ink. There is an easy way to see how good your ink is. Pour a small drop of water on your card. Does the ink run? If so, it is time for new custom business cards. Many cards can have a long hibernation in the drawer of the recipient prior to actually being needed. When the prospect goes to flip through the cards you don’t want a faded card next to your competitor’s sharp color business cards.

Without The Right Words Your Card Is For the Birds

There are obvious components of a business card. Your name is primary among them along with applicable contact information. Your company name is also obviously present. Usually a logo is on the card, and today the company’s web address is also a must. However, this usually is not enough. Either through a slogan or short line of text you must effectively convey who your company is and what service or product you provide. Without this the recipient might forget who you are and be unable to decipher why he took the card in the first place. Away into the circular file it then goes. Not a good end result for your business card printing budget.

Do They Jibe With Your Company’s Vibe?

Your company has an aura. Or, you could call it a style. Your business cards need to match this image. If you own an investment consulting firm, then your card must be precise and highly professional. If you own an extreme sports videography company then obviously your card will be a bit more colorful and wild.

Next time you seek business card printing keep all these considerations in mind. The wrong card can quickly quash a sale. Use custom business cards as a marketing weapon.

Popularity: 55% [?]

I guess this is kinda like asking a barber if you need a hair cut… The Barber will almost always say “of course you do just a little trim off the neck line will spruce you right up… But I am am not here to say “Small business websites are required to do business” no not at all. In fact There is absolutley no reason for a business to have a website if they wish to rely the old standard of business in the 1800’s (local market has what you need go there or go no where… or more of thisis what we have want it or not it’s here.)

On the other hand a business website can be a great networking and marketing TOOL for a business. Yes, a website and the internet is a TOOL an item to help you gain results. Much like a hammer is used to drive a nail home. A website for your business is to be used is to attract customers, increase awareness of your company, establish customer retention, Presell your products and services, Create a branding for your company … and lower your advertsing cost not to mention your cholesterol and bloodpressure (just joking)

You see many webs designers are excellant at there work DESIGNING a website making it pretty. But that pretty sign with all the glitz flash and glare often gets in the way of your business website. Don’t get me wrong having design elements are important, what I am saying is often that is just about the only thing many people think of when it comes to having a website. Web design in my honest opinion should be secondary or lower when it comes to a website. it’s like creating a hammer by making the handle of a soft pink color with shades of baby blue. Most of those who want to drive a nail don’t give two hoots about the color so long as it does what they (the customer) needs. Approach your business website that way… What does the customer online would want what Do I want to give them and what do I want the website todo for my business…

Would you prefer to hire a marketing expert or an artist who paints pretty pictures for your business advertising.?

Give me a call if you choose a marketing expert. I and my team can have a web presence created for you to build results.

Popularity: 55% [?]

Today is the day I am going out to take pictures for my WebSite GaylordGuide.com and talk to some of the local Gaylord Michigan businesses to offer them addtional exposure to their Local Customers and Tourist. Am a little neverous, I am more of the shy type when it comes to approaching people but I really believe the services GaylordGuide offers will be of great benefit to the businesses and the local area.

I am still going to take a picture of their business irregardless, if a business want to add additional information about their establishment , products, services have additional pictures listed and be on top of the free listings. Considering what other websites are charging to just be in thier directory (upto 150 bucks just to be listed) I think it is more than a fair deal it’s pretty much a steal…

The charge for adding additional information beyond their address and a picture is only going to cost the $20 for the year. For the first 100 businesses listed the $20 setup fee will be waived and if they don’t have a website I will offer them a one time offer of having a 3-5 results driven website built for them along with domain hosting and email for only $200.

Even with the weather being a little over cast i think the pictures should turn out well (besides I know how to edit them … Make them “brighter”) Wish me luck..

Popularity: 57% [?]