Are You Ready for 2010?

With all my projects – clients – and re-doing my own website, I wake up every morning with a spring in my step. It is really exciting to see my business growing and at the same time to be able to launch other projects that excite me.

This is the time of the year when most of us are so busy it is hard to find time to breathe let alone – evaluate our business. However, this is the best time to go over what worked and what didn’t work so that 2010 can be our best year yet.

I decided to write this article to help you focus on things that will propel you into the next year – things that may seem small but can make a huge difference in your business – and your success.

Sit down and really look at where your business is, ask yourself where you can make some improvements…

Revisit some of your business goals – ask yourself, are you on track to have the positive growth next year, or are their changes that need to be made to see the prosperity that you so richly deserve?

12 Essential Questions to Ask – For a Successful 2010

1. Do you have a workable business strategy that makes sense?
2. Is your website professional and up to date?
3. Do you have a website that is more than a pretty picture?
4. Does your website not only attract visitors but gather information – through the use of an opt-in box (auto responder)?
5. Is your website SEO compliant – have you made sure you have keywords in your text – unique titles for every page – an XML site map?
6. Are you submitting your website to search engines?
7. When a visitor hits your front page do they know exactly what your product is and/or what your service can do for them?
8. Do you have a call to action on every page?
9. Is your contact information easy to find?
10. Does your website navigation make sense?
11. Have you started your blog?
12. Are you using Social Media to promote your business?

Online businesses are a challenge – but they are really fun and exciting, especially when you see how they can take on a life of their own.

In a nut shell: Make sure your website is up to par and updated. Then jump in and start that blog it will make the difference between looking like just another business or someone who is an expert in their field. Last but certainly not least – get familiar with social media and connect – networking is the life blood of any business…

If I can help contact me, and have a fun and festive holiday season!

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

Providing Practical Solutions & Valuable Results ^TM

They say it is FREE – Really?

I don't know how many of you feel the way I do but when I hear the word FREE I expect it to be free…

I cannot tell you how many times I will get an email – the subject line catches my interest, so I read further, I see that they have a FREE offer.

It looks great, and is something I am interested in. I click on the link and fill out the form only to find that it isn’t free at all, “you may use these tools for a limited time only or must pay shipping and handling” and by the way, shipping and handling is usually much more than it would cost to send.

There is nothing wrong with limited time offers or getting something for just the shipping and handling but put it up in front, be honest!! I will more than likely still be interested in what you have to offer – I don't need to be tricked into signing on the dotted line!!

If you are a company that has been using this tactic, think again. As a possible client I have to tell you it leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and I am sure I am not alone. When this happens, I feel that I have been led down the wrong path, and I cannot trust the business that has sent me the offer.

Upon reading a piece of email like this, I will immediately put the company name and email on my spam list, to be banished forever (a little dramatic but true.)

I have an extremely busy schedule (as do all of you), and I do not have time to read email and take action, unless I am truly interested.

Remember: Perception is everything and you do not want to leave the wrong perception. If you are currently planning a marketing campaign, please heed my warning; be upfront and honest – no gimmicks please!

When you have gone through the time and trouble to put together a marketing campaign – be up front with what you are actually offering. Ethics and honesty are one of the most important things that a business must hold true to, or they will not build a lasting clientèle base.

Without it your business will not flourish and grow, it will eventually wither and die…

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design Providing Creative Solutions and Valuable Results TM