10 Top Tips - see 10 specific actions implemented by students

The class was held at Central Oregon Community College (COCC) November 8 and 15, 2005.

Class Description:

Eager to expand your client base and spread the word about your products and services? Don't have thousands of dollars and hours to spend? Learn four (actually 10) quick and cheap ways to get new clients from your website. Get personalized advice from an internet marketing expert on how to promote and improve your site and take away specific actions that you can apply in one day.

Instructor was Susan Hankins. Susan also teaches for the Small Business Development Program at COCC.

So what were the "specific actions" that students chose?

1) One student found an on-line directory for their services by doing a local search on Google. They got a listing on the directory with a link to their web site and they received a new customer phone call that week!

2) Another added "free shipping". He increased the price by $50 - more then enough to cover the $10 shipping. This doubled the number sold and he increased his profit on each one.

3) A third added a signature file to all her emails. It includes her email address, web site name, phone and other contact information. To add a few lines at the end of your email automatically in Outlook, use tools > options > mail format or search for "signature" in your email program help. Otherwise type in your contact information at the end of your email.

4) A few students asked the Web sites that they link to, to link back to them. Links provide "referral" that can pass interested and motivated visitors to your site.

5) Some students put good title tags on all their pages. This helps rankings and shows up when the site is bookmarked by a visitor.

6) One changed the wording to more clearly describe their services. They specified the geographic area they cover to capture qualified visitors interest.

7) A few decided to bulletized the benefits on the home page to make them stand out.

8) Some added testimonials for credibility.

9) Others decided to get honest feedback on using their web site from friends. It was hard to hear - but invaluable information to improve their site.

1o) Several decided to add embedded links (in the page text) to keep visitors on the site longer, looking at more pages and generating more interest.

Starting in 2006 we'll look at Increasing Conversion Rates - You have lots of visitors to your website, why aren't they calling you or buying?

Get your friends to subscribe to the newsletter. But not your competitors!

Contact Susan Hankins at susanh@ask-susan.com and 866-380-4972.

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