lacy335
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| Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:49 pm Building You Way to Online Success |
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I came across this article and wanted to share with everyone.
Building Your Way To Online Success
Part 1
As your alarm clock explodes into life each morning, and you reach out to pound it back into submission for another ten minutes, does the thought ever cross your mind that there could be a way to end this same tired, old routine?
Each day, as you make your way to and from your workplace, amidst the fumes, frustration, and financial drain that is the lot of a commuter, do you ever dream of being able to step out of your bedroom and straight into your workplace?
If you're a Star Trek fan, you may be thinking, "Yes! Beam me up Scottie"--but if that was your first thought, then I'm afraid you may have to wait a little while longer. Transporter technology hasn't quite been perfected yet. However, in spite of that slight delay in scientific progress, there is still a way to have the commute-free lifestyle you've been longing for. In fact, there are many people who have already turned that dream into a reality by successfully building their own home-based online businesses.
For the online business owner, there are no traffic jams, no co-workers breathing down their neck, and best of all, no BOSS! What more could anyone ask?
It sounds wonderful, and it certainly can be. However, achieving the type of success that will free you from the 9 to 5 rat race, does not just happen by itself.
The unfortunate fact is that most people will never reach this level of business success--not because they don't have what it takes, but rather because they aren't willing, or prepared, to take the time and effort needed to establish a proper business structure.
Now, right from the start, I'll quite honestly say that this guide does not come with any absolute promises or guarantees. When it comes to business, there is no such thing as a "sure thing." However, it does contain solid, time-tested procedures and advice that are essential for anyone who wants to succeed in any form of business. The new business owner ignores these things at their own risk--and, sadly, many do.
One of the main problems, when starting a business, is that many people begin with unrealistic expectations and the wrong information. If you do an internet search about starting a home-based business, you will be flooded with sites that promise to reveal the secrets of success that will help you to get rich quick. With titles such as, "How I Made $100,000 in 3 Days," they tempt the budding entrepreneur with offers that seem too good to be true--and they usually are. Although it may be possible for someone to make a lot of money in a relatively short space of time, the reality is that for the vast majority, it is completely unlikely. Creating any form of successful business takes time, preparation, commitment and hard work.
Although many people want to start their own online businesses, very few actually know how to go about doing it ... but that doesn't stop them. Armed with little more than a desire to make money, they rush in and begin something that they are completely unprepared and unsuited for.
A quick search on any topic will provide a plethora of sites providing relevant products or services for sale. If you take the time to visit these websites, you'll quickly notice that most are quite unprofessional in appearance, and have little, if any, chance of success. Why? Quite simply because the new business owner has started things off on the wrong foot.
There really aren't any special secrets to starting an online business, but there are some basic steps that will help you build your way to an online success.
Step 1: DECIDE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS GOING TO BE
At first glance, this initial stage of starting a business appears incredibly simple, if not completely obvious. Yet you may be surprised to discover how many people are involved in a business for which they have no experience or training. In fact, many have not even taken the time to research the field at all.
It makes good sense to choose a line of business for which you have some affinity. For example, if you have experience in designing and creating handcrafted items, a potential business opportunity would be that of an online store devoted to selling your crafts, and those of other artisans. Because you have a background in this particular field, you would have an immediate rapport with your target audience, and be able to understand what is important to them regarding your type of product. You would also be able to provide accurate and interesting articles that are relevant to your field of expertise. As a marketing tool, many a business has been enhanced by the introduction of an informative newsletter.
So, experience in your chosen field is definitely a big advantage. But there is one other thing that is vital--and that's passion. There is no question that a person who is passionate about their business will have a far greater chance of seeing it become a success, than would someone who is ambivalent about their product or service. Believe me, I speak from experience.
There is a lot of truth in the saying that "If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life." So before rushing headlong into the first business opportunity that comes your way, make sure that you take the time to really consider what is the right business for you, based on your interests, experience, talents and passions. If making money is the only positive factor, then think again. Taking the time to get this first step right, will ensure that you have a rock-solid foundation upon which to build the online success of your dreams.
Building Your Way To Online Success
Part 2--In "Site" of Excellence
In Part 1 of "Building Your Way To Online Success," we took the first, very basic, step toward turning your online business dream into a reality, by deciding what exactly your business is going to be. We looked at the importance of having either a knowledge of the field that your product or service is in, or at least a passion for your particular business idea.
So with that first, fundamental, decision out of the way, it is now time to move on to the next stage--which is the essential foundation and framework for every online business. If you get this all-important step right, you will be well on your way to building that online success of your dreams.
Step 2: CREATE A WEBSITE
When it comes to running an online business, your website will be the first impression that potential customers have of your service or product. Building a website isn't necessarily all that hard--as just about any high school student would tell you. However, building an excellent website, that has great consumer appeal, is another thing altogether. To do that requires more than a slap-dash, homemade, bargain-basement job.
With excellence as your goal, it is important that you make a decision right now to consider your business website as a valuable and vital investment in the ultimate success of your venture. It can be very tempting to try and save a few pennies here and there, particularly in these early stages, but it really is true that you get what you pay for. Saving a little bit of money on your website design now, could end up costing you a fortune in sales in the future.
So, with that decision made, let's look at what you need to do in order to create your business website.
1. Register a Domain Name
If you were preparing to build a house, you wouldn't go out and buy all the bricks, tiles, floor-coverings and furnishings if you didn't already have a block of land to actually build your house on. The same is true when it comes to building your business website. Your online business "home" also needs an address. That's why the very first thing to do when creating your website is to register a domain name.
Having a custom domain name will give your business a professional image, as well as making it easier for customers to remember your website address, or URL. When choosing your domain name, make sure that it isn't too long or complex. Instead, aim for something that people will easily remember and quickly relate to your business, product or service.
Here are some examples of custom domain names:
You.com
YourName.com
BusinessName.com
There are many domain extensions to choose from, such as .com, .net, .org. The wide variety of extensions provides a number of alternatives should your first choice of domain not be available.
2. Designing Your Website.
Creating a website can seem like an overwhelming task to the web novice, but it doesn't have to be that way. Thanks to technology, there are now options for everyone--those who want to do it themselves, those who need some help to do it themselves, and those who want someone else to do it for them. Here is a quick and easy guide to the options available:
A. Using HTML Editors:
If you already have an extensive knowledge of HTML and website coding, then the next thing you'll need is a good HTML editing program to write your HTML code. I have always used First Page 2000, which is a full featured HTML editor. There is a free, slightly limited, version of their latest release, First Page 2006, which you can try by downloading the program at the link below:
http://www.download.com/First-Page-2006/3000-2048-10490779.html?part=dl-FirstPage&subj=uo&tag=button
You can also use programs such as DreamWeaver, which is one of the best HTML editors available. You can learn more about DreamWeaver at the link below:
http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/?promoid=home_prod_dw_082403
All these programs are designed for the user who has a good knowledge of HTML. If you are scratching your head and wondering, "What's HTML?" then this type of web design program is not recommended for creating your website. Although these HTML editors are excellent tools for those with HTML know-how, they do require a certain level of proficiency to achieve a professional result.
Always keep in mind that the look of your website is critical for your business success. It must appear professional--even if you are selling something as simple as homemade handcrafts. You will quite literally only have seconds to make a good first impression when a potential customer visits your website. If your site looks as though it has been thrown together by an unskilled web design wannabe, your online presence will suffer.
Although they may not actually put it into words, most visitors will subconsciously believe that any business that did not put any expertise, thought or professionalism into the creation of their site, will probably be just as lacking when it comes to the provision of their service. The immediate impression made is that the business is inferior and unreliable--and it is an impression that is made an instant before that potential customer clicks their mouse and is gone forever.
If you do have the skills and knowledge to be able to create your own website using an HTML editor or web design program, there are still two more things that you will need before your website can be revealed to the world.
The first is that you will need to arrange for website hosting. If we think back to the analogy of the website being the house and the domain name being the address, then the web host would be, more or less, the suburb. Quite simply, a web host provides you with the space to be able to upload your website so that others can view it.
To be able to upload your website files to your choice of web host, you will need an FTP program. FTP is short for "file transfer protocol," and is essentially a secure and simple way to transfer files from your computer to your web host's server. If you do not already have an FTP program, it is quite easy to find and download one. Do a search on the web for "FTP program" and you will discover that there are many to choose from.
B. Use an Online Site Builder:
If you have been left with your head spinning after reading about HTML, editing programs, web hosts and FTP, then don't despair. Thanks to some great, new, technology, there is a solution designed with you in mind.
Probably the easiest and most cost effective way to build a professional site is to use an online site builder. These online web design tools make it possible for anyone to create a site that can get results.
Website hosting is normally included as part of these services, and there shouldn't be any need for the user to know anything about FTP. Instead of building your site using an editing program on your computer, you do it all online with an easy to use site builder. As you build your pages, your website is automatically updated from your site builder account. If you do need to upload any pictures or files, the file transfer is normally handled from your site builder account, rather than from your computer to your host.
Most online site builders incorporate technology that allows the user to create their web pages as simply as if they were typing in a word processor. However, not all online site builders are the same, and it is important to compare the relative benefits of each--but keep in mind that best value for money does not always mean the cheapest service available.
There are some very inexpensive online site building programs that do look quite good at first glance. However, these services often have many hidden costs, with the user being charged for extra features, such as additional pages, ecommerce, shopping carts, etc. So when comparing online site builders, take particular notice of what is, and isn't, included in the initial cost. Once again, remember that it is very important not to pinch pennies at the expense of having a great website.
The best thing to do is to look for an online site builder that includes all the features in the initial cost, without the need to upgrade. One such service is the Quick Store Builder.
In my opinion, here are some of the best site builders on the web today:
http://www.quickstorebuilder.com/
http://www.highpowersites.com/
C. Hire a Web Designer:
If the thought of creating your own business website is giving you a headache, then it is probably time to call in the expertise of a web designer to do the job for you. However, be prepared that this is not an inexpensive option. Hiring the services of a good web designer can cost thousands of dollars. Even so, if you believe that this is the only option available to you, the end result should be worth the extra cost.
D. Free Services:
When considering how best to go about creating your business website, using a free service is NOT one of your options. In fact, I will go so far as to say that you should never use a FREE web hosting service or a FREE site building service, PERIOD!
Free web hosting services normally place ads on your website, which may be fine for personal use, but is far from desirable for a business website. Apart from the barrage of questionable advertisements, you will also not be able to use your own custom domain name, which is reason alone to avoid this type of service when showcasing your business to the world. A business that uses a free host and site builder is sending the wrong message to potential customers and should be avoided at all costs.
Every business website should aim for excellence, but an online business has to go even further.
Building an effective and professional online presence does require time, effort, and creative thought, however it is an investment that will go a long way toward reaping financial rewards for your online business. In fact, if done well, it will put you in "site" of excellence, and in touch with success.
Building Your Way to Online Success
Part 3
By Pam Lindsay
Here is a recap of the content of our first two guidelines for getting a successful business started:
Step 1: DECIDE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS GOING TO BE
Step 2: CREATE A WEBSITE
This article will extend the ideas for CREATING A WEBSITE. In the last article we talked about the design of the site which provides a critical first impression with your visitors. Remember, with website design it is better to have no online presence than a lousy one.
As important as the design is, you must convince your visitors that your site is worth a return visit. This is typically done through QUALITY content throughout your site.
A quick tour through cyberspace will show that there are many good looking websites that contain nothing of value for their visitors. These types of sites lack the longevity needed in today's cyber savvy culture. Style and substance must go hand in hand.
Because content is a key to website development, you must determine whom your target audience is. If your target audience is fishermen, it would make little sense to include Grandma Sarah's recipe for apple pie. It doesn't take long to visit a variety of websites that contain advertisements for products that have nothing to do with the website. It is also easy to find websites that contain content that, while interesting, have little to do with the products, goods, services or information the site is expected to provide. When a website owner misses their target audience it leaves the impression that they have little skill in providing the very thing the visitor came to the website for - the very thing you wanted them to leave with.
Once you decide who your target audience is, you need to determine content and direction for your site.
For example, if you are selling fishing equipment, you may want to have other content related to fishing such as fishing tips or fishing locations, etc. You will want to provide content that will keep your visitors coming back for more.
Many site builders have discovered a message board to be an effective tool for bringing likeminded consumers together. You can make this happen on your website with very little time commitment required. Whatever the focus of your website, the message board should operate with a similar focus. This can provide an additional tool to drive visitors back to your site.
Visitors can be consumers of either products or information. If you are effectively catering to their informational needs you can still derive a financial return by providing links to shopping resources that may benefit the visitor. It is also possible to create a specialty shop of your own that caters to a specific segment of fishermen. If you don't want to develop your own shop, you can link with existing outlets that provide a financial return for every sale directed from your site. You may not get rich from this approach, but it provides an added benefit for your visitor and may be another means of encouraging their return.
Unless you are independently wealthy you will need to find a source for revenue to pay for site development and ongoing hosting and other incidental costs. Make sure to develop open space on your website to allow for the inclusion of sold advertising once your site takes off. Always think ahead.
Your website is something akin to a canvas just waiting for a brilliant piece of art to take shape. Carefully map out the pages you will need for your site. First, you need a homepage - then determine what other pages you will need.
Your homepage should accurately explain and summarize your website's mission. Work through the mission carefully to minimize words while maximizing the clarity of the purpose statement. If you are selling a product or service your homepage needs to catch your visitor's attention immediately. Don't make your visitor search to discover what it is your site does - it's a game very few will play.
The following is a list of common pages visitors expect in a website:
Contact Us
About Us
Products
Services
Links
These pages are often called by other names, but once you determine the primary categories for your home page you will want to divide your content into appropriate pages. One of the cardinal rules of site development is to always make sure your site is easy to navigate. What this means is that your visitors should be able to easily find what they are looking for. If finding the material they need requires a site search, you may have lost a return customer. Don't make them search for content. On the other hand you should always provide a prominent link back to your homepage on EVERY page of your site.
When you place multiple ads, images and flashing text on your web pages, your visitor may leave confused and frustrated. Keep things simple - never over produce a webpage and make your content easy to read. A key component to this objective is to maintain a consistent and universally utilized font such as Arial or Times New Roman. Little known fonts may not display correctly for all visitors and may provide further frustration.
BE SURE there are no spelling errors anywhere on your site! Spelling mistakes make a website look very unprofessional. It doesn't take long to load the content onto a word processor to check for common mistakes in both spelling and grammar. Having someone proof your pages can also add to the professional objectives you desire.
Should you require assistance in devising quality content for your site, you may want to consider hiring a freelance writer to assist in content development. It will be well worth the investment!
When developing content for your website, keep in mind that your text should be as search engine friendly as possible. We will talk more about this in Part 4.
Building Your Way to Online Success
Part 4
By Pam Lindsay
Just as a good business plan relies on a certain number of consistent factors to be successful, so too, does a well thought out and executed website. Your site can provide any personality you wish (i.e. fun, adventurous, touching, professional, etc.), but it's important to tune your website to the frequency of both visitor and search engine.
For instance, if the purpose of your website is golfing, but the majority of your written material is about something other than golf it may likely provide a disconnect with visitors who are interested in golf (which is why they came to your site). Such a scenario will also reduce your ranking in most search engine results.
Search engines utilize "spider" technology that scrolls through your website looking for those things that connect the content of your website with the purpose of your website. The more often it finds words related to the intent of your site the greater your website will rank. In turn, your website will be seen more often by those using a search engine to find the products, services or information that you provide.
When writing content for your website you should map out applicable 'keywords' or 'key phrases' that make your site content relevant to your site purpose. So, using the golf example, you might write articles that focus on using keywords of key phrases such as golf, golfing lessons, golf instructions, learn how to golf, golfing videos, etc.
The relevance of your website is important to you, your visitor and ultimately the search engines whose goal is to provide their visitors with the most relevant sites available. Once you determine the target of your website you may wish to visit the following site to assist you in helping to determine which keywords or key phrases are best suited for your site.
http://inventory.overture.com/d/searchinventory/suggestion/?mkt=us&lang=en_US
The site above allows you to type in the keyword that best describes your site. In turn, it provides you with multiple keywords or key phrases that will assist you in crafting the most comprehensive content for your site.
If you have trouble writing applicable content you may wish to find a content writer who can assist you in research and writing. Hiring such a writer can add professionalism and comprehensive content to your site. Visitors should not be distracted by misspelled words and other errors and a professional writer can be a sound investment in your online objectives. Many qualified writers can also take your ideas and polish them up so you work in tandem with a writer in crafting highly specific content for your site. You should define for any writer you work with what specific keywords or key phrases you require. It may even be beneficial to create several articles that focus on one specific keyword or key phrase.
When adding content to your website, it is important to think ahead. Define your main pages then add simple navigation tools to each page of your site. We will talk more about this in our next article.
Important information should be easily accessed on your website. Visitors should be able to locate pages within two clicks of the mouse. Without navigational structure your content will essentially be useless to visitors who have difficulty locating the material they need.
The primary rule for website development is to ensure that your visitors can click back to the homepage FROM EVERY PAGE OF YOUR WEBSITE. |
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