What is Stopping You? Have the Business You Have Always Dreamed Of!

Most of us dream of being independently wealthy - we want to be able to take care of our family in style, enjoy the finer things in life. For some it seems like a dream that is unobtainable - one that we put aside as we go to our 9 - 5 job and live pay check to pay check. It doesn't have to be that way - we live in America one of the few places on earth where we have the freedom to make choices to see our dreams come to fruition!


There is nothing more satisfying than blazing your own path - being responsible for your future, and what it holds. Seeing your idea's come to life, if you are passionate about what you do, it will fall into place with the proper tools.

What does it take?

It takes an idea and/or skill, a lot of hard work, a burning desire, stick-to-itiveness and innovation. It is not for the timid or the lazy, and it is certainly not for those that want a handout.

However, there are some pitfalls you need to watch out for and these are major dream killers.

4 Major Dream Killers

1. Picking a Business - There are so many, do you want to become a super affiliate, do you have a service you want to offer, or would you like to sell an amazing product? Perhaps you have a lot of ideas. What do you do? How do you decide?


2. Becoming Overwhelmed - You have decided on a direction - you know what you want to do. You just don't know how to get started. Half of the things you read don't make sense, the other half seemed to be filled with fluff and hype. Where do you turn and who do you trust to give you sound advice?


3. Procrastination - You should get started - you have everything planned out in your mind - but it never quite happens. You know what you should or could do - but you don't do it. You never quite find the right time. After all your favorite TV show is on, your X-Box is calling you. There are always other projects in the way - and people to take care of.


4. Tech Hell - You are as smart as the other guy - so why is it you feel so inept when it comes to the language of the internet? Putting the technical side of things together is driving you insane! Domain names, Host, FTP, Dream Weaver, Front Page, flash, opt-in pages, landing pages, blogs, MySQL, php, shopping carts, Facebook, Twitter and more....

All these situations have simple solutions - and if you honestly sit down and think about it - you could come up with many.

 Follow your passion do what excites you 

Perhaps you want to produce your own product - you are an expert at something that others want to know about - start a blog, corner the niche market - then write an e-book.

On the other hand, perhaps you don't want to create a product yourself - become an affiliate and promote other products and make a tidy little sum. The possibilities are endless - but the key is finding something that excites and motivates you.
Carve out a few hours in your day to work on this project - you don't have to dedicate your whole life to it, if that is not what you want to do.

It does take dedication - but you have to get started sometime. Get your spouse in on the vision you have with this new business. Enlist your families help in achieving your goals.

There is nothing that quite compares to taking an idea building a concept and seeing it come to life. Recruiting your support system to help you is very rewarding - and is important in the whole scheme of things.

Tech hell is a reality at some point for most of us - everyone has to start somewhere. Find a mentor someone you trust that will freely give information. Do research - make sure the person you are trusting is a professional - get referrals and remember you do not need to pay for everything. - Be willing to invest in things that are genuine and will take you to the next level in your business.

Spend money on your business when needed, alternatively you do not want to spend money on things you do not need.


Find the proper fit when finding professionals to work with - people who you feel comfortable with, who will answer your questions willingly and with a smile.

If someone you come in contact with makes you feel foolish for asking a question - then do not work with them and please do not hire them.

Follow you instincts!

Keep an open mind when listening to professional opinions, but remember the old saying "Keep an open mind - but not so open you brain falls out". You do not need to be an expert at everything. I have been in this business a long time and I will never know all there is to know. No-one is an expert at everything - and you are no exception!


For expert advice or a helping hand - give me a call. I love helping my clients bring things to life!!

For help in getting your dream off the ground - email me (or call!) pamela@artistadesign.com

Pamela Jacob - Owner of Artista Design
Google+

Providing Creative Solutions & Valuable Results

Keep Doing What You Are Doing, Keep Getting What You Are Getting.

I was talking with some entrepreneur friends that have been struggling with certain aspects of their business. He and his Business Partner invested a great deal of time and money into a product, that I truly believe if marketed correctly could make this couple multimillionaires.

In our conversation, they shared with me the biggest frustrated that had been haunting them. Sometime ago they had contacted a professional who could be instrumental in giving their product high visibility. They had given literature and samples, had numerous meetings spending a great deal of time. They had been promised things that were never delivered.

Months later they were still trying to contact this person – did not get phone calls returned, when finally reached. She once again promised things that were never given.

“They just wouldn't move on. 

It was painful to listen to."

Why would anyone just do the same thing over and over? I was quite blunt and told them they needed to find another Avenue; this person is not going to help you! It may not be what they wanted to hear, but it was the truth.


As a business owner you need to make sure you do not run on false hopes and beliefs. When you run into someone who promises you something and doesn't follow through, Move on! Sometimes things do happen; if you want to give that person, a second chance that is fine, but no third.


If the person or potential client you are working with does not have the courtesy to be honest and up front with you,  you cannot waste your time. The energy and emotion you put out knocking your head against a brick wall will kill your spirit. When you are constantly being filled with faults hopes, you do not have the energy and vitality it takes to move forward and access the true opportunities that lay ahead.



What is the moral of the story?


To have a successful business, you must deal with the movers and the shakers – not the deadbeats.


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Pamela Jacob is the owner of Artista Design. If you need a website developed or redesigned, project manager, consultant or graphic designer - you have found one. Pamela's specialty is taking an idea and making it come to fruition.

If you want to own an online business that thrives, if you have a passion for something you want to share, if you have an idea that you want to come to life contact me. My initial consultations are FREE.

Attracting Traffic to Your Website.

I am often asked, “what is the best way to drive traffic to my website". There are so many ways to market your website and get results some take a lot of time to cultivate, and some can produce traffic right off the bat.

In order to drive traffic you need to know the options available – and then plan your strategy.

There are free ways – you don’t have to pay money, but you do have to spend time to get where you want to go.

Those of you on a shoe string budget may not have the cash to advertise or use Pay-Per-Click methods.

Remember even the best designed websites will not produce an income, unless there is traffic directed to it…

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Free traffic, as the term suggests, implies that you drive traffic to your website free of charge. If you have more time than money, then this is more than worth you’re while.

The most common method of obtaining traffic involves using Search Engine Optimization (SEO) techniques. This is considered on-site SEO and should be used with other methods. When you optimize your website, search engines view your site as being useful and relevant. This in turn, leads to increase in rankings for your keywords, key phrases.

SEO methods are great for obtaining free traffic in the long term, but it might take as long as six months to a year to see full results.

Blogs

Search Engines love blogs – the fresh content that is placed in the pages will cause the search engines to pay attention, and it will allow you to gain more exposure for your website. Every business knows the best kind of traffic is targeted visitors – that is exactly what you will get from people who visit your blog and go on to access your website...

I would host the blog with your website - it just makes more sense and will bring you up on the search engines. If you use a blog that is hosted away from your website - like blogger make sure you link back to your website and give plenty of links in your article to redirect traffic.

Article Marketing

When you develop a blog, those same articles can be used for article marketing.  It only makes sense to get them published on article directory sites that have high volumes of traffic. This works to bring in organic search engine traffic within a week (targeted the best kind).

Once you quit uploading articles to those directories, your traffic is likely to taper off in two to three weeks.

Writing and publishing articles once a week should keep free traffic to your site from dropping off.

Top 9 Article Submission Sites

1. Ezine Articles

2. Article Alley

3. Go Articles

4. Article Dash board

5. Wryte Stuff

6. Buzzle

7. Article Base

8. Article City

9. Idea Marketers

Social Media Sites

When you do it right Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites can give your blog and website a lot of exposure. You need to post your links, give helpful advice and don’t be afraid to be a giver.

This gives you back links to your website – advertises your business and builds business relationships.

One of the great things you can do to help with time management is to set up your blog article to feed into your social media sites. This shows others (through your articles) that you are a professional it gives you credibility.

Back-links

Having highly positioned sites link to your website will cause Google and other search engines to pull you up higher on the search engine pages – and give greater exposure to your business.

Banner Exchanges

There are also banner exchanges that allow you to post your banner advertisement on others websites when you post one of them on your website. I personally don’t want banners on my website, but if I had a niche site or blog’s that I was using for an affiliate commission I would take advantage of this tactic. You must be careful about this however, Google has started to take notice and may frown upon to many ads above the fold of your website.

Forums

Don’t under estimate what joining the appropriate forums can do, when you join forums that are of interest to your business.

In order to fully take advantage of a forum you must have a signature file – it is important to place a link in your signature file.

Make sure and fully engage with the forum. Ask questions, answer questions – watch posts and engage the people who frequent the forum. This goes for others blog’s as well. Post your comments and they usually always link back to your website.

Contact me - I can help you with all you with all your online (business) needs!

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

What Not to Do, When Starting an Online Business

I have decided to send out one of the articles I wrote five years ago because it is just as important now as it was before. 

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I am always getting e-mail from business owners who, in their crunch for time they have opted to go to a host/web design/web development/domain registrar all rolled into one…

Not a good Idea!

Let me tell you why, this is just my view, but it is an educated one. I have dealt with many, many business owners who have been burned. They now have to deal with the difficulties of redoing mistakes that didn't have to occur in the first place.

Many business owners who are brilliant at what they do are also clueless when it comes to the Internet and all the things that must be done to develop a website, register a domain name and host that website.

On the other hand, they may know enough but want the convenience of a one-stop shop, so they can be free to operate their business.

Sound like a great idea right! WRONG…

REASONS WHY YOU “SHOULD NOT” PUT ALL YOUR SERVICES IN ONE BASKET.

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Mistake #1 

When you register a domain name through a host, you are at the host's mercy.

Unless you know what you are doing – the host who registers your domain name may actually be putting it under their name - you are not the domain name owner you are “renting” the name.

Scenario, you register your domain name with a hosting company and find that you do not like the host – your website has a lot of down time – you cannot get the emails to work right, etc.

You go shopping for another host – then you find out you cannot transfer the domain name, and you have built your business using that name … that can be devastating – you have worked so hard to build your business what now?

Let's say they just don't want to transfer the domain name, don’t release the domain name and play games. Where do you go?

Well, that is the 24 million-dollar question.

Solution: Register your domain name with a service like godaddy.com. They have inexpensive domain names; you have complete control over where you point those names and host your website.

If you find you are unhappy with a host you have chosen, find another host and re-point that domain name, with no interruption to your business.

Problem solved.

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Mistake #2

Scenario, You have found a host that also designs. They will design your website inexpensively. So you have the host put together the website for you.

Guess what – you more than likely will find that you do not own the website, the website you get will have to stay with that host, you cannot transfer it… On top of that – a lot of these hosts will give you a brochure site that is not a true marketing site.

Let's say initially you are happy with that small static website, then you get educated and realize you need more and want to market to your visitors. You want an auto responder, and you need to build an online data-base. That is when you pay  - they usually charge you, an arm and a leg to update your site.

You end up spending more, and you may find your so-called  custom site is actually a cookie cutter site that is customized (the same site as other businesses just a different banner).

Solution: Find a web developer that can converse with you about your needs. If they are a true professional, they will have no problem helping you with questions you may have about hosting, domain registration, auto responders, etc. Make sure you are comfortable with the individual you are thinking about hiring.

Don’t mistake – arrogance with knowledge? Do make sure you have an experienced professional, someone who knows the tricks of the trade, a person who understands how to build a marketing website, with knowledge, who will know how to  help you reach your ultimate goals.

When you pick the right professional, they will be willing and able to direct and guide you. Educate you on how to build your online business, helping you to break down the costs and work within your budget. If you can’t initially afford to get the whole thing done in one-shot  – it shouldn’t be a problem for your web developer to build your website in phases.

Make sure you are working with the designer/developer themselves, and you are not working with the sales rep.

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Mistake #3 

Scenario, let's say you have found a host that allows you to build and design your own website. How cool is that!!

Sorry to break the news, but let me remind you – most of you are not designers!

Seriously, most business owners do not have the talent or the knowledge to design a website that will look professional. Most of these programs that allow you to build your own website are very limited in what they can do. You have to use their graphics and banners.

On the other hand, you have to be a graphic designer to know how to design and upload your own graphic, on top of that these hosts are usually very expensive.

So what should you have done?

Solution: When you realize you will be hosting your website (basically forever) at such a high monthly fee – you will realize you can afford to pay a professional web developer to build a beautiful site you will own, pay a host a small amount each month and save a lot of money. Get my drift?

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I could go on forever telling you the horror stories - but the bottom line - in essence - be careful, do your homework,  make sure you are working with a credible professional.

One option you may want to consider is hiring a consultant/project manager that knows the ropes.

This profession should be seasoned and have worked with the internet - someone who has been in the business and knows the ins and outs, someone who can outline your options and give information that will lay a solid foundation for your business.

Someone you can trust to guide you to make the right choices…

I do offer all of these services so if you would like to get a f*ree consultation, please email me with "F*ree Consultation" in the subject line - if you have a website. Please add it to the content of  the email. I  will contact you, and we can make an appointment.

To success beyond measure - and friendships that last a lifetime...

Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

pamela@artistadesign.com 801-910-4825

Build A Strong Foundation – The First Step in Building a Successful Online Business.

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.

I have not been able to do this overnight. However – one thing I would like you to know is that “in the beginning” (here we go with genesis again!) You will not (unless you are a super hero) be able to run 100 different directions or launch 20 different projects.  Focus on one project – and see it through. This is a tough thing to do, but once you get this project off the ground and running you can then take all your knowledge and launch your next idea with much more clarity, focus and know how.

If you learn nothing else from reading this, please remember – the number-one  thing you absolutely need to know is how to build a strong foundation first! Focus on one idea/business at a time.

If you don't do that, your business will fall like a house of cards, when you change your focus to marketing or other endeavors. I cannot really emphasis enough how important it is to focus on the basic foundation of your business one step at a time…

Focus... Focus... Focus... Sit down and really look at your business model – are all the pieces are in place?  Look at your website with a critical eye before you start promoting your business.

7 Questions to Ask Yourself before You Move Forward

1. Do you have a workable business strategy that makes sense?
   
   
2. Do you have a website that will attract you’re target market? Color, design, and feel.
   
   
3. Are you branded so when a visitor hits your front page they know exactly what your product or service can do for them?
   
   
4. Are you set up so that visitors can sign-up for some great freebie's (information product)? This allows you to build a data-base and your data base is gold.
   
   
5. Have you made sure your site has the proper SEO (search engine optimization) so that it will place high in a search engine directory?
   
   
6. Once you have set up your auto-responder are you using it to your full advantage by creating campaigns to stay in touch with your customers/clients?
   
   
7. Are you submitting your website to search engines? – Is your website professional - and will it attract the people that you are trying to target. For Free SEO Checklist - click here
   
   

IMPORTANT: Please take the next few days and go over this list, really sit down and decide what your prime business goals are. Look at your website and make sure it has the components to be a marketing machine. Just take a step back – honestly review what you have done – make sure you are headed in the right direction… If not change course get your website where it essentially needs to be, then go full speed ahead to your success!!


If you need help to analyze the situation, please feel free to email me, and I will give you a free initial consultation – no strings attached.


Pamela Jacob - Artista Design

801-910-4825

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Blogging More Tips and Tricks

By now you know how I feel about blogs - why not give your business credibility and show them you are an expert. What better way to market your business?

I posted this article in 2010 but I think it bares repeating especially for those of you who are just starting out.

Below I give  more in-depth details on how to have an awesome blog!

A blog also helps your website get better positioning on search engines. Search Engines love blogs – the fresh content that is placed in the pages will cause the search engines to pay attention, and it will allow you to gain more exposure for you website. Every business knows the best kind of traffic is targeted visitors – that is exactly what you will get from people who visit your blog.

A blog can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be, you can host your own blog or access a free one from Wordpress or Blogger. For a monthly fee you can also use services like Typepad.com The biggest fear I find business owners have is, first they are intimidated by writing articles, second, and they don’t feel they have the time. So how do you overcome these fears?

Find resources that make it easy for you to post appropriate articles to your blog. One of the most obvious ways is to hire someone to write original articles – a good writer can always do research, as well as get information from you about what you want to convey. If you prefer to have you name on the article posted, hire a ghost writer (someone who doesn’t take credit for the article) you will own the exclusive rights to the writing, it will  cost you more to do this.

If you just don’t have the budget to hire someone, no problem that is why free article sites are so popular. You would be amazed at the quality of some of these articles – the only catch is you must publish the resource box at the end of the article. These resource boxes usually have the name of the writer and a link back to a website or an affiliate page. Because of this you want to find writers that are not in direct competition with you but complement your business, this make it a win-win situation and will not effect your business in any negative way.

Please remember to check out the links in the resource box of the articles you choose – this is just double insurance that it leads to a page you feel good about.

The “cream de la cream” of article marketing resources’ (in my opinion) is called Ezine Articles – You can also Google your niche market (article resources), and it will come up with article sites that are directed towards your business.
Another great way to get content driven articles is by having guest blogger's. A lot of businesses love the free marketing that the resource box will provide them when you use one of their articles.


Top 9 Article Resource Sites
1. Ezine Articles
2. Article Alley
3. Go Articles
4. Article Dash board
5. Search Warp
6. Buzzle
7. Article Base
8. Article City
9. Idea Marketers


The best way to manage your time is by accessing some of these article websites – finding articles you want to use, copying and pasting the article in a word doc – to save time and stay organized you may want to set out a block of time to collect eight articles or more.

Then twice a week put an article up. Make sure and comment on the article you are posting. In addition, people love to read short blogs with links to information they care about, simply add your comment, and a link to the site or article you are referencing. Another great way to create a blog article is commenting on things that are in the news that pertain to you business – then linking back to the resource.

If you are worried about setting up a blog – and having an attractive interface, contact your web designer, they should be able to set it up with all the bells and whistles you need.

Please feel free to contact me if you need help, f I will set up your blog and make sure you have the elements needed to market your blog and reference your website. I will also teach you how to simply and efficiently add articles and pictures. I know the internet can be overwhelming, but remember step by step you will gain the knowledge and the systems you need to be in command of your online success!

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Finding Material for Your Blog

Since my last article, I have had a lot of people say “but where do I get the material for a blog”? That is what this article is about finding relevant information for your articles…

I am going to give you some hope – and some tools to help you with your blogging.


In the beginning when blogs were starting to catch fire – I felt the same way as you do, I just could not bring myself to take the time or put the effort into setting a blog up or writing articles day after day. However, I must tell you when I decided to do it – I jumped in full force – and boy, am I glad I did. With-in 6 months of starting my blog, I started to hear from people all over the USA and even from some other countries – after that I was a believer...

As people read my articles, they came to realize I was not another business trying to con them. I was not just out for the money – I was an expert in my field, and I was a genuine, authentic entrepreneur.

I do walk the walk and talk the talk, and I am not afraid to tell the truth when I hit a rough spot, I will share my experience – knowing it will help you avoid those pitfalls. If I don’t know the answer to a question, I will tell you so - then I will find the answer. My reads and clients can count on me to guide them and put them on the right track. I believe we all have radar that will signal us when we have found someone with credibility issues – some people chose to ignore this warning. Sometimes we don't have enough information to know what a person or business is about – well when you blog about what you know – and show your stuff your readers will be able to see that you are the real deal…


How do you come up with an article? Or a blog post?

• Find the latest news in your industry and write about it.
  
  
• Actually, post a portion of an article you think would be valuable to you’re readers. Tell them what you think of this article – post the first paragraph and the link back to the original article.
  
  
• Write about what people should know about your industry and/or service and don't be afraid of giving out too much information.
  
  
• Think about all the things you have heard from past clients, what were their worries or objections? Write about them – overcome their fears or objections using information.
  
  
• You can start posting articles from experts on all kinds of subjects –that pertain to your particular industry. As long as you post their resource box on the bottom of the article you post - you can get these articles for free. There are tons of websites that supply free articles but in my opinion, Ezine Articles is the crème – de la –crème.
  
  
• Invite an expert to write an article for your blog and in exchange, you can promote their goods or services.

Want a great tip? When writing your own articles make sure you create them in a text editor (like word) and save them in a folder. You can re-purposes these articles and use them for many things. Articles are  great marketing tools.


The two major reasons for doing this?

1. I can save this article to be refurbished once I have written it - I will place the document in my article file –, and I can use it to post to article marketing places, websites, newsletters or Squidoo – Hubpages, etc., don't ever let a good article go to waste - save it!
   
   
2. To edit them - I will write the article – edit it – spell check. I will usually write an article, come back the next day and read it, most of the time, I will reword a thing or two.

You will not believe it but these days I have several blogs –, and I blog for one of my clients. This gives me a total of about eight blogs I am posting to. Some of the blogs I work with are nothing but the latest in news on one topic or another.

I usually take a few mornings out of my week to – write articles and find great articles to post on my blogs (or my clients blogs).

These days’ blogs are so much more sophisticated than they were a few years ago. Most blogs have a way to schedule when you want your article to go out – helping with those times when you just cannot seem to post because you are too busy.


Rember, If you need help designing and setting up your blog with plugins that will help you promote your business, let me know that is one of my specialties.

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities! 

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

801-910-4825

You Still Don't Have a Blog?

It seems on a regular basis I run into things to talk about on my blog. I recall a time when I though how can I possibly blog – I barley have enough time in the day to do work for my clients and get them on the fast track.

Well think again! I am now realizing that a blog really is an enjoyable way to get to connect with your clientele – to help those that possibly have lost their way and just need a little swift kick in the pants (only kidding)!.

Part of what makes my job so enjoyable is gladly sharing what I have learned through all my years in this business and seeing it makes such a big difference to others. So this is a perfect venue for me!! And it should be for all of you who are serious about customer services and assisting with whatever is needed in your particular field.

So for those of you who tell me “I just can’t blog I don't have the time” strongly consider again - what better marketing tool is there?

I will bet you dollars to donuts that you will find that little extra time (when possibly a thought pops into your head, or a frustration takes hold) that you will post it on your blog, feeling great about it because you realize you are helping so many others…

Blogs are so much more common now than they use to be, still there are many people that are afraid to start one. Don’t be, it is so beneficial – I have gotten contacted from Australia, England to name a few and it is all because of my blog.

I am now offering WordPress Blog Development and Design – contact me if interested!

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities! 

Pamela Jacob – Artista Design

801-910-4825

Does your website design really make a difference?

I know I have been preaching for years how a website needs to look professional – it doesn’t have to be fancy and have a ton of moving object, in fact; I discourage that, but it does need to look like clean and professional.


Case in point: The other day my husband received in the mail some herbs that he thought he would try. When he opened the box, the labels were not exactly printed like a real company more generic. Everything we saw was less than par when it came to the look of the product and its marketing materials.



He said I don’t think these work I am sending them back. Why? I asked, what was his reply? They have to be a rip-off  look at the way they package the product.



I told him just because they were cheap on packaging and marketing, they may still be worth a try. It really bugged him every time he would open the bottle; he would not be happy.  And he sent them back without even seeing if they would make a difference.



The funniest part of the whole story is that a few months ago he had ordered the same type of supplements, when he got the product, the labeling was very branded and professional and all the marketing materials looked like the company was very successful.  He didn’t complain –  how ever the product  didn’t  live up to his expectations, but he gave it a good couple of months.



Can you see the parallel here?  Perhaps the supplement he sent back was wonderful and would have made a difference, he didn’t give it a chance.



That is why I decided to write this article to drive home the point – this is exactly what is going to happen no matter how good your service or product is. If you don’t look the part of a successful business – homemade business cards, website that was put together by an amateur, marketing materials that lack that certain something.  People will not even give you a second look.

You get my point…



It is well worth the money spent to get your website in tip-top shape, invest in a logo that is yours and yours alone. Don’t scrimp on your image, or you will pay the price.

For a FREE website, critique contact me. There is not obligation – it will include everything from image to SEO practices that can be improved.
To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!


Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

What is the Process of Building a Truly Custom Website?

I know unless you have been in the business of website development you may not know all that goes into it. Earlier, I wrote an article explaining the difference between a customized website and a custom website. If you are a little fuzzy on what the difference, please go back and read the article.
I am outlining the workflow of a genuinely custom website – one that is built from scratch from the ground floor up.


Each project is as unique as the person building the business, so there are some variables but the similarities are what I am going to focus on.  This is my personal workflow – the process I go through with my clients.
When I am first meeting with the client, I find out:

1. What specific goal are they wanting their website to do? Marketing, informational, e-commerce…
2. What target market are they going after? People over 50, women-owned businesses, young mothers, etc. The more detailed the better.
3. Why would a visitor want to buy what they are selling services or products? Find out how it will benefit your client and work with that.
4. Are they established as a brick and mortar business – just starting out – or do they need to re-establish a website gone wrong?
5. Who are their competitors – have they checked out their websites? If so what impression did they get. What do you think is lacking and what would make yours better?

Once I gather all this information – I then ask them to send me links of websites they love – it doesn’t have to be in their market, I just want to see their style and what type of graphical interface they are drawn to, always keeping in mind their target market.
The next step is to do a little research myself and come up with content architecture – that is the flow of the pages – navigation and how the website will be structured. After each task, I consult with the client and get their OK.

Designing – the Fun Part!


This is where I can become creative – this is my favorite part of the process. I then open up all images in Photoshop (image editor) size and compress them, so they look great but load quickly when online.
Pictures – graphics are a combination of what they have or what I can find or create. If the client doesn’t have any royalty-free pictures or very few, I will go out on websites buy the appropriate pictures.  All pictures need to be royalty free. I also design the banner and interface using different fonts, images and colors. If the client already has a logo I design around that piece if they don’t have a logo I suggest they get one so important in branding your business. And yes I do design logos as well!

Once the static image is constructed – I upload it to a unique folder with the clients name on it – I will do three different interface designs so my clients will have a variety to pick from.

Dreamweaver is my tool of choice when putting together a website – I then go into Dreamweaver create 3 html pages and put one graphic on each page. This is where I send me client the links to the pages, so they can look at what has been created and decide what they like. Once my client decides which they want to go with - then the real work begins.
Each page of the website needs to have copy with keywords – those are words that a client would search online for your services or products.  I will work with my clients to create great copy - search engine optimization is a major plus. Some people give me a basic idea and I totally write the copy – some people are great writers themselves and they write the copy.  I will go over it and critique it.  I want to make sure it sells the sizzle not the steak and makes visitors that come to their website want what they have.
Actual construction of the website consists of seven steps:

1. Cut up the graphic into  pieces to be put together using mark-up language
2. Import them from Photoshop into the image folder of your website.
3. Create the .xhtml page that will be the template for your website.
4. Using CSS style sheets and other elements put the images back together as shown on the static pages.
5. This will be the shell in which all your content and graphics will be displayed.
6. Make sure the navigation is correct and all the links are set for the structure of the website.
7. Take edited and approved copy/text and pictures starting with the home page put in the guts.

Once everything is built and tested it is then ready to launch into its permanent home – to go live. I will take everything that is built and transfer it to my client's host of choice – depending on who they decide to go with - I can set up emails and different elements you may need.

This is not the end of the story. While the website is being constructed, we have to consider the elements of Search Engine Optimization. How fast website loads – keywords in the title and pages are only the tip of the iceberg. We must also design the description meta-tag using proper phrases – make sure there is only one header using the (h1 tag) on each page, and the alt text for all pictures have the appropriate keywords.
You will also want to be able to analyze who the visitors are that come to your website. Google has a fantastic tool called Google Analytics – I suggest you use it. If you monitor your website you will be able to see what need to be changed and what is working.

After looking at all that goes into a custom built website it goes without saying,  you will pay more for a custom built website.  I personally do a per project amount, and my clients greatly benefit because with all the hours we put into building their business they would pay much more if we went hourly.
Now some businesses may decide they want to go with a pre-built template, or a customized interface. That is a perfectly viable solution the most important thing is to get your website up and running – and you need to start somewhere. Just make sure whatever you build that you put in the most crucial elements – like Search Engine Optimization elements.  Your website does need to look professional in order for people to take your business seriously.

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions and Amazing Results!

Portfolio Link

 

WordPress Websites - Are They the New "Norm"

The last few years I have seen a big trend – instead having a traditional website built people are opting for WordPress blog’s that are set up like websites.
There are some advantages to this.

1. You can edit copy and put in pictures.
2. They are cheaper to have built because they are actually templates  (pre-built structures) that are customized with graphics and plug-ins.

One problem has now surfaced, traditional websites are being ranked much higher than WordPress Website. This phenomena has happened in the last 6 months. Google decided to shake it up – so if you have a traditional website you will be listed higher on the pages.

That is the optimal way to build your business website having both a blog and a website. This will get you much higher rankings for sure. However, remember you do need to make sure both the Website, and the Blog are Search Engine Optimized. To download a free SEO checklist that you can go through click here.

I am currently developing a section on my website called WordPress Websites – this is for those on a budget that want a relatively inexpensive blog/website. I will have some that can be bought and downloaded that you yourself can customize. I will do tweaking of the banner to reflect your business. I will announce when I have it done.

Honestly – if you want to build your business foundation as strongly as possible   – a standard website with a blog - nothing can beat this winning combination. Make sure blog, is optimized just as much as your website - blogs have some subtle differences. Understands the latest SEO standards – for whatever you have built.

Last but not least - always, always, always host your own blog.







To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions and Amazing Results!



Portfolio Link

 

Passive Income - Ideas For Making Money on the Internet

Last weekend, I went to a Millionaire Mind Intensive seminar – I have to admit when the time came I really didn’t feel like going, but I had made a commitment to a friend and so that was that.

I am glad I went. I learned so much and it reaffirmed what I already knew. One of the best ways to have a financially secure future is by setting up passive income streams. Think about it, there are only so many hours in a day – how many websites, brochures or logos can I make? I am only one-person however, if I were to take my skills and build on them, I am way ahead of the game.

Everyone of you are in the same position as I am, you have a skill set that people want to know more about – or you have a product or service that can be put up on the internet where the world is your oyster, and you are open 24/7.

What is a passive income, what does it mean?


There are three main categories of income: active income, passive income and portfolio income. Active income is what you do on a day to day basis to pull earn money, you have to be physically there, for instance, I develop websites, that is what I do – I have to be at my computer working to bring in money.

Passive income is a business that brings in money when you are on vacation, sleeping or in the hospital with your sick loved one. There are all kinds of passive income streams – but for this article I am going to be talking about how you can harness the power of the internet and use it to make a good living or a great living depending on how much time you want to spend setting up your businesses.

There are many definitions for the term Passive Income, but here it is, in a nutshell:
Building online businesses that take advantage of systems of automation that allow transactions, cash flow and growth to happen without requiring a real time presence.

A lot of people have the pre-conceived notion that with passive income, there is no work. Nothing can be farther from the truth – but – all the work is on the front end. Once you get your business off the ground you can then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.


17 Passive Revenue Streams to Think About

• Affiliate Marketing
• Writing e-books
• Online Courses (these can be automated)
• Blog – Yes you can make money with a popular blog
• Selling templates or WordPress themes
• Donations Link – good for niche blog’s
• Offering bundles of articles, artwork or anything that a niche market may find valuable
• Text Link Ads
• Writing reviews
• Niche Web Sites
• JV Partnerships
• YouTube
• Selling Art on websites like Zazzle
• Building lenses through websites like Squidoo.
• Becoming an associate earning referral fees
• Adsense

One thing is for sure you need to have a venue where people can find you through a web-page or blog that is keyword ready.

Building a list of prospects is one of the most important things you can do for your business. Now you know why I always say you need a sign-up (auto-responder) with a freebie to capture contacts.  That way, you can keep people informed when you have something that will interest them and let them know when you have sales or something new on the horizon. Free 3 Part Video Series

Being active in social media is also an important way to market your business and the possibilities are endless.

There is no reason you should not be bringing multiple revenue streams to fill your pockets and give you financial security.

With a little imagination, education and elbow grease, you will be on your way.

To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions and Amazing Results!

Portfolio Link

 

Simple Article Creation

How to write articles to attract more clients and build traffic
 
The number-one fear I have found when working with my clients is their fear of writing articles. Publishing your own articles is one of the most effective ways to drive traffic to your site, gain expert status, build your mailing list, and get more sales and/or clients.


Even so, many entrepreneurs and small biz owners don’t know where to begin.
For those of you who are just starting out there is a structure to an article that makes it effective – and compelling. 


Your article should contain:


Title: This should be something that will draw people to your article. Use keywords, or key phrases. One note of interest, often time’s negative titles work to your advantage and draw more readers. Negative headlines work best when they alert and inform. Headlines commonly tell people that they can finally stop and rest easy with a specific solution.


Examples:


Five Easy Ways to Get Visitors to Your Website.
Don’t Ever Do This If You Want Visitors to Your Website.


Which one would you be more likely to click on?


Introduction – this is where you can write a short synopsis of why you decided to write this article using a personal story or the subject you will be discussing. Ask yourself, what would make me want to read this article – then work it into the introduction…


Body – this is where you bring the meat and potatoes into your article. Just writing paragraphs will not get you as many readers as breaking it down into bite-size chunks.  bullets and headlines to each of the sections through the body works to keep your reader interested.


Conclusion – you will need to tie it up into a nice little bow. This piece should reiterate or “back up” the points you put in the body of the article as well as a call to action. This is one of the most important elements. In this section, you will request the reader to do some sort of action. It could be asking them to access a website – view a demo – or Buy a product.
A call to action should clearly tell users what you want them to do. They should include active words such as: call, buy, visit, subscribe, Donate, etc. all of these words encourage your readers to take action.

Resource Box – if you are writing for your own blog this is really a personal decision. However, if you are marketing your article through article marketing websites, this is an essential piece to the puzzle. Why would you write an article without putting your personal information at the bottom? Entice them to click a link and sign-up for something – you can do this through offering free reports, a coupon for your services or any number of things. I prefer giving something valuable away for “Free”! You do not want to give away junk – or they will never return, to get your services or buy your products.



Once you build your database you can then start the process of marketing to people who want the information you are giving. When they are ready to use a service or buy a product you are selling – you will be the one they will come to. The more you write the easier it will become. Remember to use a program to check your spelling and grammar.



I like to write an article do all my spell checking and grammar changes and then step away. I come back a day later and read it to make sure it is exactly what I want to convey. More times then not I do some re-writing.


There are so many ways to re-purpose articles you have written. Do not shy away from writing article. I will be writing an article soon about how to re-purpose the articles you write.


To Exciting Opportunities & Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions and Amazing Results!

Portfolio Link

 

3 Simple Yet Effective Reasons to Use Google Alerts

If you are a budding entrepreneur and just starting out you may not know what a Google Alert is: Simply put - Google Alerts are emails sent to you when Google finds new results. You set the search term, and they send you an email with a list of links that match the topic you are interested in.
Those of you that are familiar with Google Alerts may have just not taken the time to use them to your advantage. This tool can become a very valuable asset for your business when used properly. Let me tell you how...

3 Simple ways to make Google Alerts Work for You

1. Any topic you are researching and want to know more about set up a Google alert on these topics. It will keep you informed and  save you a lot of time when doing research.
   
   
2. Protect your name and business by being informed about who is writing or talking about you. Add your business Name and/or your personal name to get emailed when anything about your business is mentioned. This will help you with damage control if someone is slamming you or your business.
   
   
3. Stay ahead of your competition. Have a leg up on your competition. Adding your competitors name to your Google alerts will inform you about changes that are being made and what they are doing online. This can in turn help you strategize and keep your business competitive.

Remember, if you are using any of Google’s free services, you do have to have a Gmail Account. The email and login will be how you access all the Google tools you use.
When you log-into Google alerts you can specify which information to include in the search (Blog’s, News, Web, Comprehensive, Video, Groups) I personally use comprehensive, so I get news from all sources.
To access Google Alerts Click Here: http://www.google.com/alerts

Yahoo! Has a similar service called Yahoo! Alerts. I would use both and compare you may find that you get different information then you get from Google Alerts.

To learn how to set up Yahoo! Alerts Click here: http://tinyurl.com/using-Yahoo-Alerts

To Exciting Opportunities and Endless Possibilities!

Pamela Jacob ~ Artista Design ~ 801.910.4825

Providing Creative Solutions and Amazing Results!

Portfolio Link