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	<title>Hot Marketing Tips for Business Owners &#187; website</title>
	<atom:link href="http://www.defactomind.com/tag/website/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://www.defactomind.com</link>
	<description>Marketing Playground Designed to Educate, Entertain, Engage and Enrich Business Owners</description>
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		<title>Free Internet Marketing Tools Every Webmaster Should Have</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/freebies/free-internet-marketing-tools-every-webmaster-should-have/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/freebies/free-internet-marketing-tools-every-webmaster-should-have/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 20 Jun 2010 13:05:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Freebies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[AdWords]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pay per click]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robot Exclusion Standard]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web search engine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yahoo]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1936</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[FREE Internet Marketing Tools; Blog directories, Domain Search, Keyword Analyzer and much more Google AdWords This Keyword Tool allows you to enter one keyword or phrase per line for each keyword suggestions. This will help you better target your online ads. 7Search.com This Keyword Suggestion Tool allows you to enter keywords or keyword phrases in [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/freebies/free-internet-marketing-tools-every-webmaster-should-have/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2037" title="internet-marketing-toolbox" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/internet-marketing-toolbox2.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" /></a></p>
<p>FREE Internet Marketing Tools; Blog directories, Domain Search, Keyword Analyzer and much more</p>
<p><a href="http://adwords.google.com/select/main?cmd=KeywordSandbox">Google AdWords</a><br />
This Keyword Tool allows you to enter one keyword or phrase per line for each keyword suggestions. This will help you better target your online ads.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.7search.com/">7Search.com</a><br />
This Keyword Suggestion Tool allows you to enter keywords or keyword phrases in order to get additional keywords and keyword phrases suggestions.   You&#8217;ll also be able to see how many searches were done for the last month on this site for each keyword and phrase.</p>
<p><span id="more-1936"></span><br />
<a href="http://www.promoteindia.com/keywordtool-beta.htm">Keyword Finder Tool</a><br />
This tool will show you Google &amp; Yahoo suggestions on the same page. Just type in the keywords you are researching and you will get<br />
many other keyword suggestions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.masternewmedia.org/rss/top55/">RSSTop55 &#8211; Top 55 Blogs and RSS Submission Sites</a><br />
It is a great site if you have a blog and you want to get exposure for it. It lists over 100 places where you can register your blog.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nameboy.com/">Nameboy Domain Search</a><br />
This is a pretty nifty website that will help you find the perfect domain name, even when you run out of ideas.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.lunarpages.com/">LunarPages</a><br />
Great hosting company with competitive prices. You can also register your new domain name for free when you sign up for hosting.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.justhost.com/">JustHost</a><br />
Another solid hosting company with unbeatable prices and a ton of features. Includes unlimited disk space and unlimited email accounts.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seoconsulting.de/cgi-bin/typo-generator.cgi">KeyWord Typo Generator</a><br />
This script is designed to generate common typing mistakes for a list of keywords for use in AdWords, Overture and other Pay Per Click systems.</p>
<p><a href="http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion">Overture Search Term Suggestion Tool</a><br />
This is a great website when you are looking for lists of related search terms based upon a term or keyword you enter related to your web site.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.seodigger.com/">SEO Digger</a><br />
The SEO Digger will allow you to research what keywords your site ranks high enough to be in the Google Top 20.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.compete.com">Compete.com</a><br />
This wonderful tool will show you the traffic trends for competing websites, allowing you to compare sites side by side.</p>
<p><a href="http://tools.seobook.com/general/sesat/">Search Engine Saturation</a><br />
Search Engine Saturation helps you compare how many pages you have in the search indexes against your competitors&#8217; sites.</p>
<p><a href="http://tool.motoricerca.info/robots-checker.phtml">Robots.txt Checker</a><br />
This is a &#8220;validator&#8221; that analyzes the syntax of a robots.txt file to see if its format is valid as established by Robot Exclusion Standard<br />
or if it contains any errors.</p>
<p><a href="http://tools.seobook.com/keyword-tools/seobook/index.php">Keyword Suggestion Tool</a><br />
This free tool will show top keyword phrases from Overture.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.linkhounds.com/link-harvester/backlinks.php">Link Harvester</a><br />
Link Harverster allows you to deeply query the Yahoo database and gives a good amount of link details.</p>
<p><a href="http://tools.seobook.com/general/keyword-density/">Density Analyzer</a><br />
This tool will allow you to find common words and phrases on your site.</p>
<p><a href="http://tools.seobook.com/">SEO Book</a><br />
Good resource documentation about Free Search Engine Optimization Tools on SEO Book.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.netmechanic.com/cobrands/FutureQuest/spell_check.htm">Website Spell Checker</a><br />
One of the worst things you can do is publish a misspelled website. This site will help you identify those mistakes.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>5 Quick &amp; Dirty Steps to Eliminate Blogger’s Block</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/5-quick-dirty-steps-to-eliminate-blogger%e2%80%99s-block/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/5-quick-dirty-steps-to-eliminate-blogger%e2%80%99s-block/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:45:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FAQs Help and Tutorials]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[promotion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design and Development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Rings and Cliques]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1918</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[“What Should I write about? Who would be interested in what I know?” I hear this a lot when entrepreneurs start being active on their blogs. They are all experts in their field of interest but somehow they assume everyone else is too. I used to think that but soon I found out that  many people, for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p>“What Should I write about? Who would be interested in what I know?” I hear this a lot when entrepreneurs start being active on their blogs. They are all experts in their field of interest but somehow they assume everyone else is too.<br />
<a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/eliminate-blogger-block.jpg"> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/eliminate-blogger-block.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1922" title="eliminate-blogger-block" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/eliminate-blogger-block.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="540" /></a></p>
<div>I used to think that but soon I found out that  many people, for instance, failed to understand the importance of SEO for their websites. For those who still don’t know – SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.</div>
<div>So bloggers, here’s my technique – feel free to share it and apply it in your work:</div>
<div><strong>1. Pick a subject,</strong> any subject you feel you know best or can easily research it; preferably some kind of problem lots of people are confronted with. Describe in 2-4 sentences what the problem is.</div>
<div><strong>2. Identify your audience.</strong> In other words – who are writing this for? Who are the people affected by this problem?</div>
<div><strong>3. How can the problem be fixed?</strong> List all tools, techniques, methods, links, people, resources, etc. that can help solve the problem. Be succinct with your list but give enough information that everyone can understand.</div>
<div><strong>4. Create the list in a bullet form</strong> (people love lists) with links to the each resource.</div>
<div><strong>5. Write a brief conclusion</strong> with the benefits of solving the problem “your way” and leave it open for comments and/or questions.</div>
<blockquote>
<div><strong>What do you think? Try it out and let me know if this method works for you.</strong></div>
</blockquote>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/are-you-blogging-to-me/">Are You Blogging to Me?</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/blogger-make-it-easy-on-your-readers/">Blogger &#8211; Make it Easy on Your Readers</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/how-to-start-a-blog-in-5-easy-steps/">How to Start a Blog in 5 Easy Steps</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Top 10 Awesome Tips for Improving Your Online Presence</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/top-10-list/top-10-awesome-tips-for-improving-your-online-presence/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/top-10-list/top-10-awesome-tips-for-improving-your-online-presence/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 07:14:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Top 10 List]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[attract clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flickr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hot tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LinkedIn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing activities]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marketing Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MySpace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[on line presence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[promote your business on line]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Search Engine Optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web search engine]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1910</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here are 10 awesome tips on how you can improve the online presence for your business: Submit Your Business to Local Listings Do a local search for your business make sure your listing is up to date and accurate so customers get the right information about your business. List Your Business in the Correct Category [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/top-10-list.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1915" title="top-10-list" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/top-10-list.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="452" /></a>Here are 10 awesome tips on how you can improve the online presence for your business:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Submit Your Business to Local Listings<br />
</strong>Do a local search for your business<strong> </strong>make sure your listing is up to date and accurate so customers get the right information about your business.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>List Your Business in the Correct Category<br />
</strong>Very often the owner (or the webmaster creating the website) categorizes the business listing in the wrong category. Include as many relevant categories as possible to your business to attract customers. <strong></strong></li>
<p><span id="more-1910"></span></p>
<li><strong>Add or verify your business listing with data providers for search engines<br />
</strong>Search engines and local search sites use data providers (e.g. InfoUSA, Localeze, InsiderPages, MerchantCircle, etc.) and it&#8217;s very important that you update their listing of your business. <strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>When Possible Include product / service keywords in your local business listing title<br />
</strong>This tactic will help customers find your business more easily on search engines and you will be ranked higher in the process.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Check the Accuracy of Your Full Name and address on all search sites and especially your website<br />
</strong>A full and accurate address generates a sense of trust for both customers and for search engines so make sure that wherever you appear on the web, your information is up to date, accurate and consistent throughout.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Hire a Professional and Build a Great Website with an Optimized Number of Keywords and Good Content<br />
</strong>Your company website is the image project on the web to the rest of the world. Show the world you care about your image, your business and your customers with a unique, easy to navigate website. Stay away from cheap imitations, standard templates and cookie cutters (one size fits all) websites. If you want to stand out from the crows so should your website/blog.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Get your customers to write online reviews and testimonials about your business<br />
</strong>Many customers look for objective reviews before they decide where to spend their money. Online reviews of your business can also contribute to your ranking on search engines as they give credibility to your business and puts your potential customers at ease.<strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Encourage your customers to talk well on and offline about you<br />
</strong>Create more &#8220;buzz&#8221; around your business. Customer feedback is always good and you an use that to your advantage to improve your business.</li>
<li><strong>Understand and use social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, Flickr, etc. to stay in touch with customers and attract new ones<br />
</strong>Use these sites to form a community for your business – this is a good way to communicate with existing customers, advertise sales or specials, and a good way to be visible to potential customers. <strong></strong></li>
<li><strong>Create a Blog and be active on others as well<br />
</strong>This is the cheapest way to sort of “toot your own horn” on line. It only takes time to research and write on your blog but very soon you might be able to attract more and more people who enjoy your products and/or services. In addition – your website and thus the company’s brand will rank higher in the search engines. This might not be sufficient unless you also find other blogs within your niche and become an active contributor.</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Sharp Shooting Marketing</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/marketing-strategies/sharp-shooting-marketing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/marketing-strategies/sharp-shooting-marketing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:09:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Marketing Strategies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising and Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[niche market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Word of mouth]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1850</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Companies are finding it increasingly difficult to reach their potential customers. Finding your way through the social media and online marketing jungle is not an easy task. That is why, it is crucial for a company or an individual to specialize and focus on a niche market. I remember when I first started my design business [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sniper-art.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1857" title="sniper-art" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/sniper-art.jpg" alt="Sniper Marketing" width="300" height="300" /></a>Companies are finding it increasingly difficult to reach their potential customers. Finding your way through the social media and online <a class="zem_slink" title="Marketing" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marketing">marketing</a> jungle is not an easy task. That is why, it is crucial for a company or an individual to specialize and focus on a <a class="zem_slink" title="Niche market" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niche_market">niche market</a>.</p>
<p>I remember when I first started my design business I took calls like: “Can you make me a <a class="zem_slink" title="Website" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website">website</a> with 40 pages for under $200?”, “How about a logo? Can you manipulate my photos and put me next to Pamela Anderson?” My answer was always “yes” regardless if I was able to do any of it or not. I figured I have to “blast” them with my knowledge and show that I am an “all stop shop” for everything design related. I even got requests to create architectural drawings and redesign homes!</p>
<p>Needless to say I was the “jack-of-all-trades; master of just a few”. My life was chaotic and barely had time to catch reruns of “Family Guy”. Even more disturbing was the fact that my business was not even growing. That’s when I realized that this “shot-gun blasting” approach was not quite the one I was looking for.<br />
<span id="more-1850"></span>After lots of research and feedback from my clients, I finally decided on my niche market. I start focusing on that and discarded all the other extra stuff. Pretty soon I became the expert in my niche market and clients were seeking me out instead of the other way around. Based on that,  word-of-mouth was and continues to be still very big for me. Plus, it&#8217;s free!</p>
<p>If you are just starting out or if you are in midst of “revamping” your business marketing approach here are some things you need to consider:</p>
<h3>1. ASSETT INVENTORY</h3>
<p>Make a list of your strengths. Narrow them down to 2 to 3 max. Write down the pro’s and con’s for each; list all the ways you can develop the skills you already posses. Instead of dwindling on pleasing everyone with a multitude of services, focus on your strengths and be the best you can be in your field. These are your tools, your weapon and your ammo.</p>
<h3>2. SEARCH &amp; IMPROVISE</h3>
<p>Find your field, your area of expertise and become the best you can be in that area. If someone is looking for a specialist in your field – you should be on top of that list. If you identify potential “contenders” in your niche market, network with them and find their strengths and weaknesses. Very often a new niche market might emerge just from this activity alone.</p>
<h3>3. IDENTIFY POTENTIAL TARGETS</h3>
<p>Go through your rolodex, Palm, contact database, friends, relatives, etc. and identify potential connections that are relevant to your “new” approach. If you are targeting, let’s say, the <a class="zem_slink" title="Financial Services" rel="wikinvest" href="http://www.wikinvest.com/industry/Financial_Services">financial sector</a> then contact the person who helped with your mortgage. Ask him/her to introduce you to his/her connections. “<a class="zem_slink" title="Facebook" rel="homepage" href="http://facebook.com/">Facebook</a>” your marketing approach towards potential clients.</p>
<h3>4. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON</h3>
<p>Once you identified your niche and thus your potential clients, research novel ways to create the buzz and display your potential. Take advantage of the social media and be active on all fronts. Send emails that have meaning and can benefit your clients. You don’t have to overwhelm them but make a gem of knowledge from every one of your messages. Store them on your website/blog for future reference. Just be consistent and adjust the “marketing” fire according to conditions of the market and especially to the mood of the targeted clients.</p>
<p><strong>In conclusion</strong> – business is very fluid and it’s up to you to keep up, adapt, adjust and change course at a drop of a hat. <em>Those who don’t will not win</em>. In the words of a genius:</p>
<blockquote><p><strong>Insanity:</strong> doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.<br />
<strong><em>Albert Einstein<br />
</em>And one more:</strong> Information is not knowledge. The only source of knowledge is experience.</p></blockquote>
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<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/on-line-marketing/get-more-clients-while-you-sleep/">It&#8217;s All About The Customer</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
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		</item>
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		<title>How Bloggers Make Money Online</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/make-money-online/thats-how-bloggers-make-money-online/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/make-money-online/thats-how-bloggers-make-money-online/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Jan 2010 08:50:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Make Money Online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Advertising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Clickbank]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Commission Junction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LinkedIn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make money]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1797</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are 5 ways to make money with your blog (or website). Might be others &#8211; I&#8217;m open for suggestions:  Sell ad space on your blog Write articles for other companies/blogs/individuals Syndicate your blog posts to other blogs/Sell Blog Subscriptions Sell your own things on your blog Sell third party goods online 1. Sell ad [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p>There are 5 ways to make money with your blog (or <a class="zem_slink" title="Website" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Website">website</a>). Might be others &#8211; I&#8217;m open for suggestions: </p>
<ol>
<li>Sell ad space on your blog</li>
<li>Write articles for other companies/<a class="zem_slink" title="Blog" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog">blogs</a>/individuals</li>
<li>Syndicate your blog posts to other blogs/Sell Blog Subscriptions</li>
<li>Sell your own things on your blog</li>
<li>Sell third party goods online</li>
</ol>
<h2>1. Sell ad space on your blog</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sell-ad-space.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1820" title="sell-ad-space" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sell-ad-space.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a></p>
<p>One of the most popular ads is <strong>GoogleAds:</strong> <a href="https://www.google.com/adsense">https://www.google.com/adsense</a> (although they pay you only when someone actually clicks on the ad) and the <strong>Yahoo Publisher Network</strong> <a title="Yahoo Publisher Network" href="https://publisher.yahoo.com/portal/login.php">https://publisher.yahoo.com/portal/login.php</a></p>
<p>Selling ad space is fairly easy to do; just create a section on your blog that describes the benefit for companies/individuals to place an ad on your blog. </p>
<p>One word of advice though: When you start this adventure, do not fill your blog to the gills with ads &#8211; it will not look very professional. Your readers need to see what you can offer first before they will buy anything from you or off your blog. </p>
<p>You can spot a newbie, right-away by the imense number of ads running on his/her site, trying desperately to make some dough. People do not respond well and they will leave your site fairly quick before you can even write about your expertise. </p>
<p><span id="more-1797"></span>Here’s an example from the highly acclaimed blog called doshdosh (<a href="http://www.doshdosh.com/advertise">http://www.doshdosh.com/advertise</a>) </p>
<div id="attachment_1800" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px"><a title="Dosh Dosh Advertising Page" href="http://www.doshdosh.com/advertise/"><img class="size-full wp-image-1800" title="doshdosh" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/doshdosh.jpg" alt="Dosh Dosh Advertising Page" width="600" height="514" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Dosh Dosh Advertising Page</p></div>
<p>Same can be done for a website. The more traffic you have the more you can charge. </p>
<blockquote><p>If your blog has low traffic you can always go to TextLinkAds or TextLinkBrokers. Even better connect with your network in <a class="zem_slink" title="Facebook" rel="homepage" href="http://facebook.com/">Facebook</a>, <a class="zem_slink" title="LinkedIn" rel="homepage" href="http://www.linkedin.com/">LinkedIn</a> and Twitter and let them know you are offering ad space on your blog for a minimum of $XX amount per month. You will be surprised of the response you get. </p></blockquote>
<h2>2. Write Articles for other companies/blogs/individuals</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/write-articles.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1816" title="write-articles" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/write-articles.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>This usually frightens some people but you don’t have to be an expert in a particular field.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll have to show proof that you: </p>
<p><em> - are a creative blogger<br />
 - have articles you wrote and published on your blog, ezines or squidoo lenses<br />
 - comment and are active on other blogs as well<br />
 - are proficient using social media, plug-ins and add-ons<br />
 - have a basic understanding of simple SEO rules</em></p>
<p>The best way of all is to show that you are a pro is creating, maintaining and actively contributing on your own blog. You should have at least 3-4 months under your belt and a minimum of 30-50 good articles consisting of 250-500 words each .</p>
<blockquote><p>The core subject or theme of your blog does not matter as long as you write frequently and professionally. Obviously check for grammar. Write well and write often. </p></blockquote>
<h2>3. Syndicate your blog posts to other blogs/Sell Blog Subscriptions</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/syndicate-sell-feeds.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1819" title="syndicate-sell-feeds" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/syndicate-sell-feeds.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>If the information posted on your blog is in high demand you might want to think about syndicating your blog.</p>
<p>You can accomplish this through 3 easy steps:</p>
<p> <strong>a.</strong> Find out what your blog’s feed is (it should look like this: <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/your-blog-name-here">http://feeds.feedburner.com/your-blog-name-here</a>)<br />
 <strong>b.</strong> Customize your feed through the feed dashboard<br />
 <strong>c.</strong> Finally – publicize your feed to your readers.</p>
<p>Others have started blogging and got so popular that know they sell subscriptions. See <a href="http://www.problogger.com">problogger.com</a> </p>
<p>Again, based on how popular your blog is, the amount of money you can charge can vary. Initially start small and as you add more value you can increase the dollar amount you can charge.</p>
<h2>4. Sell Your Own Things</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sell-your-own.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1818" title="sell-your-own" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/sell-your-own.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>In the fortunate even that you already have something to sell on your own, you’ll have to have some additional tools along side your blog: </p>
<p> - <strong>If you are selling digital assets</strong> (e-books, art, photos, music, etc.) you’ll need an ecommerce shopping cart and a <a class="zem_slink" title="PayPal" rel="homepage" href="http://paypal.com/">PayPal</a> account.</p>
<p>The alternative is <a href="http://www.payloadz.com ">http://www.payloadz.com </a>or <a href="http://www.payloadz.com ">http://www.payloadz.com </a></p>
<p> - <strong>If you are selling physical, tangible products</strong> you’ll need all of the above, a <a class="zem_slink" title="FedEx" rel="homepage" href="http://www.fedex.com/">FedEx</a> account and…lots of boxes.</p>
<p>The majority of bloggers sell their ebooks and books, usually directly from their blog using a simple PayPal account.</p>
<h2>5. Sell third party goods online</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/justhost.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1817" title="justhost" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/justhost.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="208" /></a>This is the part where beginners make the mistake of selecting products that they enjoy disregarding their reader’s likes and dislikes. Chose the products your reader base enjoy and look for. If your site is about web <a class="zem_slink" title="Web design" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_design">design</a> don’t post ads for MP3 players or mortgage adverts. </p>
<p>People that come to your site seek your advice in whatever you are writing about so offer them the things that augment your articles and the entire theme of your blog. </p>
<p>Look for products to sell by signing up as an affiliate. For instance I host my blog with <strong>JustHost</strong>. I love their customer service and I think it brings a lot of value to every webmaster out there; I therefore promote their company on my site, of course getting a little money for that. </p>
<p>Other sources where you might find good affiliate programs: </p>
<p><strong>Clickbank:</strong> <a href="http://www.clickbank.com/">http://www.clickbank.com</a> <br />
<strong>Commission Junction:</strong> <a href="http://www.cj.com/">http://www.cj.com</a> <br />
<strong>Hydra Network:</strong> <a href="http://www.hydranetwork.com/">http://www.hydranetwork.com</a> </p>
<p>Once you set this up, you’ll need to promote your blog so it increases in traffic and thus your chances of selling directly from your site. How can you do that? See below a list of articles talking about that. </p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;">Related articles by Zemanta</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/advertising/how-to-make-250-online-per-day/">How to Make $250 Online per Day</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.webmanmarketing.com/five-techniques-that-can-create-an-income-from-your-blog/">Five Techniques That Can Create An Income From Your Blog</a> (webmanmarketing.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://franklinbishop.net/generate-revenue-online-with-top-blogging-websites/">Generate Revenue Online With Top Blogging Websites ***</a> (franklinbishop.net)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/blogging/how-to-start-a-blog-in-5-easy-steps/">How to Start a Blog in 5 Easy Steps</a> (defactomind.com)</li>
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		<title>Top 10 Things You Must Know About Freelancing</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/small-business-help/top-10-things-you-must-know-about-freelancing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/small-business-help/top-10-things-you-must-know-about-freelancing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:04:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Business Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[freelancing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LinkedIn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[QuickBooks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[top 10 things you must know]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[twitter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uniform Resource Locator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1656</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[1. Learn by Example Look at what others are doing and make it work for you. Do it better and soon you’ll be known. For example seek bloggers and see what they are doing to generate more traffic. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and follow it. 2. Social Networking Get on with Social [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><h3><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/freelancer.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1661" title="freelancer" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/freelancer.jpg" alt="" width="525" height="435" /></a></h3>
<h3>1. Learn by Example</h3>
<p>Look at what others are doing and make it work for you. Do it better and soon you’ll be known. For example seek bloggers and see what they are doing to generate more traffic. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and follow it.</p>
<h3>2. Social Networking</h3>
<p>Get on with Social Media – enough said!</p>
<h3>3. Learn to Say “No” and when to say it</h3>
<p>Determine your work hours. If you respond to any inquiry with “I’ll work all night long and I’ll have it done for you by tomorrow morning” you’ll burn yourself out in no time. Of course there are exceptions to the rule, especially at the beginning of your freelance career. You’ll have to impress your clients and this is one of them – just don’t fall in the trap of jumping at every little request – you’ll end up losing other clients.</p>
<h3>4. First Impression Counts</h3>
<p>You are in business for yourself. You are your business and so is your website, business card, email etiquette, social media presence, your shoes and your hair style. You might think it’s cool to rebel against the establishment with a shaggy hair style but unless people are writing books about you, your perspective clients will not take you seriously if the image you project is not professional and expert like.</p>
<h3>5. Money, money, money</h3>
<p>It is very important how much you charge (per project or per hour). You’ll probably end up having a combination of the 2. Here’s how I do it: If I create a website for a client, I will charge per project, based on the number of pages, complexity of the site, forms to be attached, etc. Once the website is up and running I will begin charging per hour based on the type of changes/additions the client has. When you first start out, check out the prices in your area and start a bit under the market price just so you gain some experience and reputation. Once that is established (depending on how busy you are) start increasing the amount you charge so you level your dollar amount to the market prices.</p>
<h3>6. Contracts</h3>
<p>This is probably the most important element of your freelancing career. Pay attention to this and make sure you have strong contacts in place, as well as non-disclosure documents. Do not ever, ever agree to take on a project without a signature from the client and a clear description of the tasks to be performed. Make sure you include all the necessary and vital details you see fit. Mention the total amount and break down the work description in manageable chunks with the respective price attached for each section. In order to make sure the client is committed to the project I usually ask for a 50% retainer before I start the work.</p>
<p>If the client has changes or additions in the middle of the project, have them send you emails with all the necessary details and do not assume he or she assumes that the additional work to be performed is not included in the initial amount.</p>
<p>If things go sour, you can always go back to your contract and your written proofs of their approval for different items they requested.</p>
<h3>7. Market Yourself</h3>
<p>Find any type of website you can add your portfolio of work or you can list your website or blog. Look for directories and other sites that look professional and ask the owner(s) to include your URL on their site. Offer reciprocity with their URL on your site as well.</p>
<p>Don’t forget to create a PDF version of your portfolio with your best work. It comes in handy every time someone requests proof of your work, plus it’s something that a potential client can always carry with them or even print.</p>
<h3>8. Know what you don’t know</h3>
<p>You won’t be able to know everything. Recognize and know your limitations but always be prepared to learn new things. Constantly improve your talents and keep up with news in the industry by searching the web, participate at seminars, read books and publications.</p>
<p>If you don’t know something just be honest and admit it without promising things just so you can please the client. Often, I was asked to do things outside of my realm, based on the fact that I was the computer guy. I always told my clients that I do not know one thing or another but I will do the research and get back with them by a certain date. They loved the answer and appreciated my efforts. In fact, that’s how I gain some of my clients.</p>
<h3>9. Get Organized NOW!</h3>
<p>The majority of creative people are not CPA&#8217;s because they are..well&#8230;creative. Unless your brain is perfectly balanced an can reconcile checks as easily as drawing a new logo, chances are you lack the tedious work ethic and organizational skills of the bean counters. That might hurt you when taxation time comes so be prepared at least with some form of tracking your expenses either in Excel or QuickBooks. Keep track of daily expenses, bills, invoices and other fun stuff the IRS is so fond of. A shoebox for all your receipts can come in very handy.</p>
<h3>10. Network, network and then network again</h3>
<p>Start with your friends and family and put the word out. Make friends on Facebook and signup for LinkedIn. Look for professional seminars in your area and attend. Take a stack of business cards with you and hand them out. Call old high school or college buddies and tell them what you do and ask for their help. You’ll be surprised how many connections you can make. Search for organizations in your area where you can participate or volunteer. Pick a cause, any of them and offer your services for free. I donated a website for an organization working with autistic kids and you cannot even imagine the exposure I got from that. So – network. Network a lot.</p>
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		<title>Design by Satori &#8211; Web Redesign &#8211; Part 2</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/design-by-satori-web-redesign-part-2/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/design-by-satori-web-redesign-part-2/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:00:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[development]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dreamweaver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Photoshop]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web redesign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1516</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This is part 2 of this series. You can view Part 1 here. I decided to split the main screen in 2 sections, after the &#8220;slideshow&#8221; on the billboard. One section will cover copy about myself, talents, skills, etc. and the right sidebar will include &#8220;Services&#8221; and &#8220;Design by Satori featured in&#8221;. The sidebar will change [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p>This is part 2 of this series. You can view <a title="Web Redesign - Part 1" href="http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/design-by-satori-web-redesign-part-1">Part 1 here</a>.</p>
<p>I decided to split the main screen in 2 sections, after the &#8220;slideshow&#8221; on the billboard. One section will cover copy about myself, talents, skills, etc. and the right sidebar will include &#8220;Services&#8221; and &#8220;Design by Satori featured in&#8221;.</p>
<p>The sidebar will change according to whatever page I&#8217;m on and display information with links for easy navigation. For example, if on &#8220;Portfolio&#8221; page, the sidebar will include:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Web Portfolio</strong> &#8211; with copy and my best samples</li>
<li><strong>Before &amp; After Design Portfolio</strong> &#8211; section with jobs I took over and redesigned sites for clients</li>
<li><strong>Logo &amp; Branding Portfolio</strong> &#8211; samples of my work along with copy of logo and branding</li>
<li><strong>Brochures Portfolio</strong></li>
<li><strong>Print Portfolio</strong></li>
<li><strong>Graphics Portfolio</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>For the &#8220;<strong>Portfolio</strong>&#8221; page I am currently using thumbnails but after reading some more on <a title="Smashing magazine" href="http://www.smashingmagazine.com">Smashing Magazine</a>, I reached the conclusion that thumbnails should be eliminated and large pictures of the design work should be displayed without leaving people guess what every thumbnail would be.</p>
<p>An explanation of each project will be a nice add-on (and that will give me some more tags and keywords that would please the All Mighty Google). Of course &#8220;<strong>Calls to Action</strong>&#8221; with &#8220;<a title="Contact Claudiu Geanta on Design by Satori" href="http://www.designbysatori.com/designbysatori-contact.htm">Contact</a>&#8221; information would be present next to each project, allowing the web viewer to immediately take action once convinced the work is up to his/her standards.</p>
<p>In conclusion &#8211; the below shows where the change will occur:</p>
<p><span id="more-1516"></span></p>
<p><strong>Existing Design</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-old-portfolio.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1535" title="design-by-satori-old-portfolio" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-old-portfolio.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="400" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Proposed Design</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-proposed-design.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1536" title="design-by-satori-proposed-design" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-proposed-design.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="563" /></a></p>
<p>Another area that I think needs to exapand is the &#8220;<strong><a title="FREE Design Resources on Design by Satori - Claudiu Geanta" href="http://www.designbysatori.com/designbysatori-resources.htm">Resources</a></strong>&#8221; section due to my belief that people will see you as an expert if you are giving away free resources and hopefully come back for more. More come back visits, translates into higher traffic and higher traffic means more exposure in seach engines and thus more clients.</p>
<p>Speaking of displaying my best work, on the existing site, on the &#8220;<strong><a title="Design by SAtori -Portfolio Page with design samples - by Claudiu Geanta" href="http://www.designbysatori.com/designbysatori-portfolio.htm">Portfolio</a></strong>&#8221; page, I am using a piece of javascript code called Lightbox. It is an awesome code that allows you to view pictures and chuncks of text on a very cool pop-up window, while the background goes dark. It is customizable and I highly recommend it.</p>
<p>This can be seen in action here and a screenshot below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-lightbox.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1537" title="design-by-satori-lightbox" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/design-by-satori-lightbox.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="466" /></a></p>
<p>The new site will also include many links to my blog &#8211; <a title="Defacto Mind - Blog of Claudiu geanta about marketing and design strategies for business owners" href="http://www.defactomind.com">Defactomind.com </a>that should help also Google page ranks. This concludes Part 2 of this series. Click here to go to <a title="Part 3 of Redesigning my web site - Design by Satori - by Claudiu Geanta" href="http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/design-by-satori-web-redesign-part-3">Part 3</a> and final of the &#8220;Web Redesign&#8221;</p>
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="margin-top: 10px; height: 15px;"><img class="zemanta-pixie-img" style="float: right;" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=540f11a6-f3ef-4114-b354-f52dcefb36a0" alt="" /><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"></script></span></div>
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		<title>Do You Know What Your Website Should Do?</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/do-you-know-what-your-website-should-do/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/do-you-know-what-your-website-should-do/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:30:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[solutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.defactomind.com/?p=1122</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just as in sports (coaching, offense and defense) your website should also employ this 3 pronged approach. Apply it vigorously and you got yourself a winning website. Just in case you need a FREE website opinion, drop me a line and I’ll do my best. Back to the 3 pronged approach – what do I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p>Just as in sports (coaching, offense and defense) your website should also employ this 3 pronged approach. Apply it vigorously and you got yourself a winning website.</p>
<p><a title="Contact me for a FREE consultation on your website" href="http://www.designbysatori.com">Just in case you need a FREE website opinion, drop me a line and I’ll do my best.</a></p>
<p>Back to the 3 pronged approach – what do I mean by <strong>“coaching, offense and defense”</strong> exactly.</p>
<p>Your website should do the following:<br />
<div id="attachment_1144" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/do-you-know-what-your-website-should-do/"><img src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/what-website-should-do.jpg" alt="What Your Website Should Do" title="what-website-should-do" width="600" height="200" class="size-full wp-image-1144" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">What Your Website Should Do</p></div><br />
<span id="more-1122"></span></p>
<h3>1. Provide corporate information</h3>
<p>This information should educate web visitors on what you stand for; your company’s philosophy. This section should include phone numbers, contact forms, FAQs, product specs, updates, patches, free materials, downloadable brochures, etc.<br />
<strong>This is your “coaching” prong.</strong></p>
<h3>2. Market and sell services and products to new customers</h3>
<p>You are not really selling but in fact you are doing a lot of brand reinforcing so your name can be easily recognized next time a potential customer is on the market for your product or services.<br />
<strong>This is your “offense” prong.</strong></p>
<p>This section could be split in 2 items:</p>
<h4>a. Selling a Tangible Product</h4>
<p>In this case your website should be equipped with an ecommerce feature along with ecart solutions, payment options, guarantees, terms of service, etc.</p>
<p>The ecommerce feature depends a lot on what type of product you are selling. If you sell cupcakes over the web you are probably already aware of what an ecommerce solution can do for your business.</p>
<p>On the other hand if you sell live puppies, an ecommerce solution would not be indicated for obvious reasons. In that case you’ll have to invite visitors to your website by using tons of information displaying your expert opinion in the area you have selected as your business.</p>
<h4>b. Promoting Services</h4>
<p>Many companies sell their services over the internet. Think of consultants who charge for the time spent with their clients or the subscription you pay to access knowledge reservoirs meticulously constructed in form of blogs, ebooks or white papers.</p>
<h3>3. Provide Support to Existing Clients</h3>
<p>Welcome feedback and act upon it by providing support and FAQs to your existing client base. Other elements included in this section of your website are:</p>
<ul>
<li>News and Press Release</li>
<li>Testimonials</li>
<li>Client Lists</li>
<li>Contact Information</li>
<li>Corporate Blogs</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>This is your &#8220;defense&#8221; prong.</strong></p>
<blockquote><p>Analyze your website and look for these 3 elements, if they are applicable. Your existing and future clients will appreciate you, your company, your products and services.</p></blockquote>
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		<title>5 Steps to Methodical Web Design</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/5-steps-to-methodical-web-design/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/5-steps-to-methodical-web-design/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:30:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[titles pages]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webproincomemarketing.com/?p=1004</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Before you venture into design territory and build your website make sure you have all the necessary tools and mainly a plan. Without it you will go back and forth from coding to Photoshop to Dreamweaver to CSS files in a merry go round while wasting a lot of your valuable time. Instead plan every [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><p>Before you venture into design territory and build your website make sure you have all the necessary tools and mainly a plan. Without it you will go back and forth from coding to Photoshop to Dreamweaver to CSS files in a merry go round while wasting a lot of your valuable time.<br />
<div id="attachment_1010" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 610px"><a href="http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/5-steps-to-methodical-web-design"><img src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/methodical-web-design.jpg" alt="Methodical Web Design" title="methodical-web-design" width="600" height="300" class="size-full wp-image-1010" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Methodical Web Design</p></div><br />
Instead plan every step by following these 5 steps:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Map out the structure of your site</strong><br />
Decide the pages, titles, and the folders where you’ll store them. Establish parent directories and subdirectories. For instance, I am currently working on redesigning my web design &amp; marketing site for Satori Solution Inc. I know I will have a public-html directory on the root of the website so I have created several folders under this that will store separate files. It is easier to keep track of everything. All my css files I have them stored into a css folder. All the images (jpg, png and gif) are under the image folder, and so on.</li>
<li><strong>Use Logical Names for Files &amp; Folders</strong><br />
Stop using the same old “contactus.html) name coding. This will not score you brownie points with Google. In fact that is lame and web surfers will not even know that this particular page even belongs to your website. Instead, use a meaningful name like yourcompanyname-get-in-touch.html or contact-us-yourcompanyname.html. Your webpages will be indexed in no time by search engines and they will make sense when they are posted on the web.</li>
<li><strong>Replace spaces with dashes for your webpage titles<br />
</strong>That’s right – spaces are automatically replaced with that ugly “%” symbol every time it finds a space in the title of a webpage. That is why you should even replace the title of a pdf file that you might want web visitors to download with something like that: http://www.designbysatori.com/how-to-promote-your-business.pdf</li>
<li><strong>Test, test &amp; test again</strong><br />
Once you are finished with the entire site, start testing. Test it from different computers, different resolutions, and different browsers. I have made the mistake back in my young designer years of launching a website without fully testing it in Mac based browsers and after uploading it I was asked by an advertising shop (who of course was a Mac shop) how come they are not seeing the website correctly. Some other time I designed a site as if 800 x 600 was the only resolution available. Of course it looked great to me, but when I switched to a wide screen laptop with a 1280 x 768 pixels, everything looked tiny and very unappealing. So test links and menu items. Take your time and test everything.</li>
<li><strong>Publish only when done</strong><br />
Once you have completed the testing stage, let the site “cool down” a bit. Go back and revisit to make sure you have everything in place and you are ready to upload. DO NOT put an “Under Construction” sign on the temporary site. This is something you’d do back in the 90’s. It doesn’t fly anymore and it looks silly. Leave it as is, with the splash page provided by the hosting company. Usually GoDaddy or JustHost (I am sure many others do the same) have an already splash page letting people know that particular site is hosted with them.</li>
</ol>
<p>Of course there is a lot in between, but here I just wanted to give you 5 easy pointers that you might forget. I hope that helped and hopefully you’ll get them done right.</p>
<p>Happy webbing!</p>
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		<title>Web Design &#8211; The Right Way</title>
		<link>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/web-design-the-right-way/</link>
		<comments>http://www.defactomind.com/web-design/web-design-the-right-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Claudiu Geanta</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Web Design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[CSS]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[HTML]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[web devvelopment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.webproincomemarketing.com/?p=706</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Every time when you conduct an internet search for web design and/or development you get hit by an avalanche of software packages, web experts, design companies and freelancers. All hard at work, trying to impress you with their portfolios, creativity and willingness to go the extra mile to build that perfect website for you. That [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<!-- Start Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><!-- End Shareaholic LikeButtonSetTop --><div id="attachment_719" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><img class="size-full wp-image-719" title="web-design-timing" src="http://www.defactomind.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/web-design-timing.jpg" alt="Designing a web site in less than 30 minutes?" width="150" height="150" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Designing a web site in less than 30 minutes?</p></div>
<p><em>Every time when you conduct an internet search for web design and/or development you get hit by an avalanche of software packages, web experts, design companies and freelancers. All hard at work, trying to impress you with their portfolios, creativity and willingness to go the extra mile to build that perfect website for you.</em></p>
<p><em>That is all fine; after all – I belong to one of these groups. What is disturbing for a designer like me is the existence of so called web design packages that claim to be able to build a website in 30 minutes or less. But truly disturbing is the actual existence of a professional company that would consider buying one of these packages and claim they have an effective web presence.</em><em> </em><span id="more-706"></span>During my career, I have heard many of my potential clients wondering what the big deal was about building a website. “My next-door neighbor’s kid can whip one in no time”. He can probably do it in 30 minutes or less too, but is this the right way of developing your digital image? Remember – this is what web visitors see before they even get to your place of business. Do you care how you are perceived by these potential clients? If the answer is “no”, I doubt you are too interested in growing your business.</p>
<p>What if your business card looked torn and full of stains; or your suit when you show up for a client meeting? I doubt the clothing manufacturer would spend 30 minutes or less to make everything you were wearing. Why would you compromise your “cyber” image and put something forth that would just not represent the true core of your business?  </p>
<p>In this day and age, a website is crucial to your image, to your brand. More and more people are surfing the web before they make a decision where to shop. Why would you jeopardize your chances of being selected just because you “overlooked” the web site “thingy”? In my opinion a decent website can be constructed, soup to nuts, in approximately 7 to 10 days, of course depending on the complexity of the project.</p>
<p><strong>At least 30% to 40% of this time should be dedicated to the discovery process.<br />
This includes but not limited to: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Gathering all the necessary data from the client</li>
<li>Conduct interviews with the client about the scope of the project</li>
<li>Decide on keywords, color palettes, structure, internal and external links</li>
<li>Draw sketches for the site and landing pages</li>
<li>Collect art work, pictures, newsletters, brochures, etc.</li>
<li>Decide what text gets included where</li>
</ul>
<p>Once this is completed, the development work starts. For this you need to have basic understanding of HTML and CSS at the minimum. The more complex the site is, the more skills you are required to pour into this project. That includes but not limited to JavaScript, php, Flash, etc.</p>
<p>The point I am trying to make is that in order for a web site to be successful (effective and eye appealing) 30 minutes is just not enough time to even put a great website idea on paper let alone build one. I agree that “content is king” but a “good looks” is queen to the king and they should compliment each other. Let’s face it – unless you really need something badly, like renewing your car registration on the web for instance, you won’t stick around on these awful government sites. But you need it and you keep on digging for the necessary information regardless of how poor the design is. In that case content is more than king – it’s got supreme powers(!).</p>
<p>If you care about your sales team, you should include your website as part of the staff, in a digital way. <a href="http://www.webproincomemarketing.com/2009/09/20/social-media-on-steroids/">You need to care about your website, grow it, promote and expand on it as much as you can.</a> Today’s Internet web surfers are savvy shoppers and they know what a polished website should look like. They are much more likely to buy from the sites that look and feel professional. The same “keyboard cowboys” also know what a generic, unimpressive website looks like, so make sure yours is professionally done. You need to do this right and 30 minutes will just not cut it. You barely can cook a decent meal in 30 minutes; how will this work for your site?</p>
<p>The business of digitally projecting your brand and image on the web is a serious one and can only be done the right way. Unless you want to look like your competition and create the same cookie cutter site like million of other ones.</p>
<blockquote><p>Final advice – look for a <a title="Web Design &amp; Marketing Company" href="http://www.designbysatori.com">professional company </a>that cares about your business. Look for a freelancer who has the necessary knowledge and understands your needs; develop a long relationship with him/her and you will have a successful website that will bring you traffic and profits. Leave the 30 minute for the ones who are not that concerned with their business and want to play “designer” on the internet.</p></blockquote>
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