Know How To Do You Website - Don't Let This Happen to You!

I have decided to send out one of the articles I wrote seven 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.New 

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 downtime – 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 autoresponder, and you need to build an online database. 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, autoresponders, 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

A Must Read for Entrepreneurs

If you are an entrepreneur then you cannot pass this article up - very valuable a must read...

Here is an article that really hits home. Almost everyone I work with is totally overwhelmed with the amount of knowledge they think they need. They don’t know where to start and even when I get them pointed in the right direction, they are unfocused.

I was sent an article that was so good I wanted to pass is on to you. Even I saw a few things I needed to do better (hint: buying a product – putting it away and buying something else before I even start with the first one).

Enjoy

Get Your Focus Back!

By - Charlie Page

During these calls members have been free to ask me any question and they have asked many questions.

But there is one question I asked every one of them, and their answers surprised me.

My question to them — “What is your #1 challenge to succeeding online?”

While I received a variety of answers, the #1 answer by far is this … “I’m suffering from information overload! I bought the courses and products and still don’t know what to do next!”

It’s understandable really. There is SO much information out there. From free information on blogs and in articles to courses ranging from $27 to $7500 (or more) there is no lack of information.

So why isn’t everyone succeeding online?

While there are almost certainly many reasons why people are generally not achieving their goals online, I believe a big factor (maybe the #1 factor) is this.  More…

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

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Goals - Getting Back on Track

Getting back on track once you have put your goals aside is not always easy…

Interested in the 100Day Challenge * Rocket Fuel for Success? Only 3 Days Left

No matter how determined we are life gets in the way. Our resolutions are put on the back shelve, and we are in the same position month after month, year after year.

You have all heard the saying “keep doing what you’re doing and keep getting what you are getting”.
This is such a true statement – how many people do you know who are stuck in the same rut – unhappy – spinning their wheels and still doing the same thing over and over.
It is not easy to reach your goals – if it were everyone would be successful. It takes determination, a specific plan, and doing what it takes every day. If you want a change you are going to need to change.

"The little things in life make the biggest difference – if you manage your day you can change your life."

You need to set specific goals – the more specific the better. Goal setting is a powerful process when done right. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve and breaking it down into bit size chunks your ideal future will become a reality.

I am a firm believer that nothing is impossible – if you change your thoughts, beliefs and how you talk to yourself, you will be amazed at how different life will become. When you truly believe you can achieve that goal and take these specific steps – you will achieve what you really want in this life.
Goal setting made easy…

First you need to look at the big picture – what is truly important in your life – where do you see yourself in 5 years. By really thinking about this and writing it down on paper you will be able to create a plan that will take you where you want to go.

• Be very specific the more detail the better.

Then you need to break it down – into smaller and smaller targets. Create a one year plan, six month plan, and one month plan of progressively smaller goals.

• What are the things you can do today and tomorrow that will lead you in that direction?

What actions do you need to take to make this a reality? Each of these steps should be based on the previous plan.

• When you have broken it down – you need to make a daily “To Do List” of things you will do to make your vision a reality.

You may be saying to yourself – whew to much work for me or when will I have the time? This is your life and you can make anything happen unless you make excuses. You have the time if you will make it a priority.

• Envision your goals, see yourself where you want to be – what will your life be like – how will you feel.

It is not easy – but it is simple when you follow your master plan. Don’t let your head get in the way – negative thoughts are your worst enemy. Don’t share you goals with people who will not support you in your dream. When you share your vision with people who are negative or don’t believe it can be done, you are opening yourself up for self-defeating thoughts.

• Write down what you say to yourself – and change the negative into a positive.

Everyone will have times when they run into obstacles, it is what you do with them that counts. This is the time when tenacity and belief in you will make a difference.

Put together a vision board you can hang up – this may seem silly but it will really help cement your vision. When you start getting discouraged look at it and remember you can do what ever you are determined to do with a strong vision and a good plan you can become unstoppable

I have a secret weapon it is like Rocket Fuel for Success. It is called 100Day challenge and it is only opened up 4 times a years. If you are determined to reach the top of your goals and are not afraid of hard work check it out.

For help in getting your dream off the ground - Contact Me!


Pamela Jacob - Owner of Artista Design

801-910-4825

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Providing Creative Solutions & Amazing Results

Steps to Creating Your Vision

I originally wrote this a year ago but I think it is time to dust it off and reintroduce these important principles...

If you are like me, there are times when life can become overwhelming, causing you to lose sight of your dreams. You are thrown a curve-ball, and suddenly you are off balanced.

Or maybe you just haven’t articulated what you really want in life. Be it business, lifestyle, Family
you get the picture.

Now is the time to do it ! 

Visualization is a powerful tool and when you the emotion of being there (feel how you would if you were there now)  you will become unstoppable.

Vision Boards, Affirmation, Inspiration

Steps to Creating Your Vision:

• Identify your core values
• What are your passions?
• What do you believe is your purpose?
• What values are important to you.
• What does your future look like?

Write these questions with the answers really think about it. This will be your blueprint.

Once you have these questions answered ask yourself what you want your ideal life to look like – dream big and get rid of the thought that it couldn't be your life.  Feel the emotions of having that life.

"BELIEVE IT"

Steps to Complete

1. Everyday meditate and visualize the life you are going to have.
2. Write affirmations and repeat them in the morning.
3. Create a vision board and hang it in your office where you can see it.
4. Make goals that give you the daily tasks that will get you there…

I have tried many tools – the two most powerful resources I have found are.

100 Day Challenge

I joined the 100-Day Challenge a few years ago, and now I am an alumnus. It is a powerful program that is fast-paced and gives you motivation every day through videos, articles and more. If you are a person who want your dream to become a reality - and don't mind working to get there faster:

This Program is For You

Mind Movies

Another tool I use is Mind Movies it  lets you create your vision using pictures and music. It is easy to use and the video’s I have made for myself  - I can feel it in my soul...


Here is one of the movies I have made...

To Success Beyond Measure & Friendships that Last a Lifetime...

Pamela Jacob Artista Design

Google+

Need More Followers ? Here's How...

Today it is more crucial than ever to use all mediums to gain search engine optimization and exposure. As time passes by visuals are just as important as articles and videos are on fire. Blogs should be a foundation for everything else like a show case or vehicle.

What you need for optimum exposure.

A Social Media Marketing Plan
                Not all social media sites are good for all businesses; you would go crazy trying to harness everything. However, when you know the goal of your business, you can build a strategy that will allow you to connect with customers and network with some amazing people.

A Blog
                I started long ago when blogs were first introduced, but I can tell you that it has given me a voice and I have shown from my articles, I an expert in my field. I have attracted clients from as far as Australia. Don’t underestimate the power of a blog.

Images
                Images are huge draws and can really help you get followers to your business social media sites. I find that images with quotes are especially popular. Remember when you name your images to use keywords that will help with your SEO.

Videos
                If you are on the Internet at all, you know that videos are gaining in popularity. There are so many ways to make videos and places to put them.  YouTube being the most popular, but if you Google you will find many more. One of the newest video sites has been started by Twitter it is called Periscope. How it works is that you can record your video, and it will be live online for 24 hours then it is gone.  You have a choice of saving it once it is gone so you can re-post it to a video directory.

SlideShare
                This is a really neat social media site – and it is largely professionals so if you are a business to business company you want to take advantage of this awesome visual medium.

Newsletter – Email (Get Response)
                Newsletters and emails are really important – it helps to have an auto responder, and once that is in place it is much easier to keep connected to people that are interested in what you have to offer. It does take some time to set up a campaign, but it is well worth it. I use " Get Response" for email blasts and setting up campaigns when people sign up for free information.

Podcasts

                  I have to admit I have not started doing podcasts yet – but as you can see  if you have ever listened to a pod cast it is a very powerful tool that will build your business – and take it to the next level.  It shows that you are an expert in your field and when you interview other professionals, you will gain their listeners as well.     

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

Follow me on: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ 

Newest Pinterest Insights

I have been noticing more and more men sharing pins off my Pinterest boards. The majority are taking business-related topic, including infograph’s for marketing and statistics. So I decided to do a little research to see if my eyeballs were deceiving me.

Even though Pinterest is still overwhelmingly female, the number of male users on the site has increased by 73% in the last year, so my instincts were right on, more and more men are using the site.

Research shows women are using Pinterest in a far more inspirational and motivational way than are

men, who are more likely to use Pinterest like a visual book marking tool.

The three items most shared by men are hiking, fashion and DIY. Home related building projects are  pinned by men as well as survival kits and shelter building ideas, another difference between the habits of men vs women?  

Women will pin pictures without linking to any particular store or brand while men will pin products that are linked to a merchandiser’s site. It seems to suggest men are possibly going to buy eventually from the merchandiser - that is how I see it.

Hopeful these insights will help you with your Social Media Strategy when using Pinterest this year. If not, it will give you something to think about.

PS I am currently creating a document that will show you how to put together a social media marketing strategy. It will be available in a few short weeks keep watching!

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

Follow me on: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+

Cleaning up your website.

It is that time of the year when we gather with family and friends, ringing out the old and bringing in the new.  Most of us make resolutions or goals for the coming year.

When it comes to your business one of the best things, you can do to start the year right update  your website.

When was the last time you went through your website with a fine tooth comb to make sure it was up To date, and all the links go where they should?

Case in point: I have a client that I built a website for eight years ago. It is a great website it has some items to buy online and classes, etc., but it had been neglected – we all just get busy and feel that everything is fine. She did notice some of her books sales were down, but she chalked that up to the publications being older.

She contacted me to put up her latest book and shopping cart. As I was looking through her website, I noticed there were a lot of things that should probably be removed or updated. So I asked her "do you need any other updates?" As she went through the pages of her website, she was horrified to find her shopping cart was out of date and not working right. She had some pages that needed to be altered because things had changed – you get the picture.

She may have ended up paying more than she though for the simple addition,  it turned into a major overhaul. We didn’t touch the design – just contents, links, shopping cart and a few pictures.

Now she is thrilled to be starting the New Year with a fully functional updated website. 

This will not happen to her again because she will make sure to have an inventory of her website yearly…

How about you?

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

Follow me on: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+

Time Management - Pomodoro

Many years ago, I read about the Pomodoro time management technique and then as things often do I didn’t do anything with the information. I was reintroduced when I started using an online project manager. Since them I have found it to be amazingly useful.

The Pomodoro technique is a popular time management life hack. The technique allows you to work in sprints (called Pomodoro sessions) and maintain regular breaks. This has been proven to keep your mind fresh and fast helping to maintain focus and effectively manage distractions.

If you feel there is not enough time in the day, you have too many distractions and you are always struggling to finish anything this is something that has proven to work in resolving all these problems and more.
The Pomodoro Principles

• Work with time, not against it
• Eliminate burnout
• Manage distractions
• Create a better work/life balance.

All you need is a good timer - here is how it works.

1. Choose a task that you want to focus on
2. Just one task at a time
3. Remove all distractions
4. Set your timer to 25 min
5. Work on your task until the timer rings.
6. Take a 5 min. break – you have just finished your first Pomodoro!

Repeat steps 1-6 three more times, followed by a 20 min break
It’s not as easy as it sounds, that’s 25 minutes of steady, focused work on ONE TASK. 

• NO Multitasking
• NO emails
• NO phone calls
• NO checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
• NOTHING!

NO DISTRACTIONS ALLOWED

The amazing project tool (I talked about at the beginning of this article) has the Pomodoro timer built right in. It is called Kaban Flow – simple to use and FREE. Who doesn’t like that!

I would suggest you go to the Kaban Flow website and sign up you will love it!
When you do go online and sign up make sure and view the very short tutorial you will be using this system like a pro in a matter of minutes.
Let me know how you like Kaban Flow and most of all how the Pomodoro system has helped you.

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime.

Let me know how the Pomodoro System has helped you!

pamela@artistadesign.com or call me 801-910-4825.

Want More Clients? Write an Ebook

I originally posted this article in 2007 - it is still applicable today. Even more so....

I am getting ready to launch my second book. It is amazing how sharp and clear one can get when writing a book – it really sharpens your senses and your knowledge. E-books can be wonderful tool, and they are worth all the effort you put into them – when you take the time to write down what you are an expert at and compile what you know, you will be amazed at the breadth and depth of the knowledge you have in your own expertise.

What an amazing way to let people know you are an expert in your field, it gives you such credibility.

What a fantastic way to promote your business while bringing in new streams of revenue…

Why write an E-Book? Why not!

E-books production cost is inexpensive., think about it: you don't need a publisher, an agent, a printing press, offset film, ink, paper, or even a distributor. You just need a great concept, the ability to write it or to hire a writer, and the right software.

E-books are easily and rapidly distributed online.They are also easily updated; they do not require a second print run. All you need is to go into your original creation and modify the text or graphics. Because of this flexibility, e-books can change and grow as fast as you can type.

E-books are also immediately obtainable for your audience. They don't have to go to a bookstore or search through endless titles at an on-line bookstore. All they have to do is download it from a website, and presto! It's on their computer, ready to be read.

E-books are interactive. This is one of the unique and specific qualities that e-books offer. You can add surveys, order forms, pictures and sound that draw your reader into the virtual world of your e-book, even direct links to relevant sites that will expand your e-book outward. The potential is virtually limitless.

E-books have a particular kind of permanence that other mediums do not possess. Television shows and radio shows air once, and may have rerun here or there. E-books remain on your computer for as long as your choose, and they can be read and reread. They can even be printed out put in a binder and stored on the shelves of your traditional home library.

E-books have no barriers in terms of publishing. You don't need to go through the endless process of submitting your manuscript repeatedly, and then once you land an agent, having the agent submit your manuscript over and over again. Nor do you have to shell out thousands of dollars for printing a self-published book. All e-books require is a writer and appropriate software. Figure out your market, write your book, post it on your website, and with the right business savvy, your audience will come to you.

Finally, you have creative control over your e-book. You don’t have to compromise with an editor or the publishing trends of the time. You don't have to haggle with a designer or wait for the copy edited galleys to arrive by snail mail. You are in complete control of the design and the text. You and you alone have the resources and power to put your knowledge in an e-book. What a tremendous marketing tool you create when you put together an e-book.

Don’t let a minute more pass you by! Start Writing!!

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime.

If you would like help in designing your e-book email me 

pamela@artistadesign.com or call me 801-910-4825.

Hot Buzz Word: Content Curation

As I was researching a subject a word kept popping up “Content Curation”? What the heck is content curation is what I thought so I delved a little deeper. All the articles I found were very vague, and I just couldn't grasp what they were talking about. Then suddenly I got it – and the answer was so easy it was the lingo that was throwing me off.

So now you may be wondering what is content curation? Simply put it is someone who finds interesting articles usually in a niche market and pulls them all into one resource. Being able to put your opinion on the item before it is accessed makes it even more fun.

It isn't just a bunch of links – the successful curators have pictures and headlines that people can't resist.

These types of websites/blogs are popular because people don't have the time in their busy schedules to surf the Internet. When they find an informative and amusing collection of video, articles, news they can count on they will come back often. There is so much good information online that is never seen. That is when the content curator steps in and pulls fun and valuable information from different resources all together. This keeps the visitors coming back for more.

To be a successful content curator you will need to research and find the top articles and videos to curate (put) on your website. The site should be updated regularly to keep people coming back day after day.

What does a page look like? See the graphic that is it, I am betting you are probably going to a website like this for information.

Some examples of popular websites that are using this method are:

• Mashables
• TMZ
• Huffington Post
• The Blaze

Looking at these websites you know exactly what content curation is – and when you see that in an article or forum you, my friend will know the meaning. 

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To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 
8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free) + Bonus

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WordPress Plugins Video

I came across this video, and it is wonderful. WordPress is very popular now for blogs and websites - If you are one that has set up on WordPress this will interest you...

A step by step video....

Are You Living the Life You Want ?

You know. I think a lot of us get caught up in the rat race and don’t stop and really think about what makes us happy.

Are you only out to make riches or are you truly following your heart desires? I heard a great saying. I am not sure who wrote it, but It is so true….

“Follow your passion and you will never work a day in your life.”

If you really love what you do - it will fulfill and motivate you. My hope is that this article will help you in evaluating your journey in business and in life. You really can have whatever you want in life - when you truly believe it and put action to it.

People have different perceptions of the ideal life, and it ranges from obtaining financial freedom to something as simple as being able to spend more time with your family. Unfortunately, many fail to reach their aspirations because they can’t get a solid, clear picture in their mind or are confused about what they really want.

How do you know exactly what you want?

If you’re a bit confused and aren't sure what you really want in life answer the questions below.

Take the next few days and embark on a fact-finding journey that will be a life-changing experience. Get a pad and pencil (or computer) and start with this first step:

1. What makes your heart beat with excitement?

2. What makes you happy?

3. What are you constantly thinking of day and night?

4. What do you want to do with the rest of your life?

5. What do you enjoy doing?

6. What are your obsessions?

7. What things make you jump for joy?

Now you may wind up with something like, “I want to be a professional dancer.” If you’re over 45 I’d say that isn't too viable a choice, but you could do something related to dance or the arts.

How about starting a ballet school for children? Or perhaps a retail business related to all things dance, promote the arts through working with struggling artists, or even managing a dance troop could be the answer.

You can always read books and surf the net to help you in your search. The most important thing to remember, no matter how “pie in the sky” it seems, is to

 USE YOUR HEART.

Others may disagree with you, but you should be firm with what you really want.

Others may offer comments or advice, but the final decision is always yours to make. You should concentrate on what you want, not what others want. 

To success beyond measure and friendships that last a lifetime…

Pamela Jacob Artista Design
 8 Crucial Steps to Social Media Dominance (Free)

Follow me on: Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+

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Content Marketing the Right Way

We all know (or should) that content marketing is a number-one priority when trying to establish your business. Writing good informative content about a product you are selling or a service you are offering is invaluable.

Content marketing is NOT to directly sell to a reader; it is to make your knowledge so compelling that they want to use your services or buy your product.

When you write helpful guides, blogs and white papers people can share the content on social media sites helping you to brand your message and increase company authority in the industry.

Important Rules for Content Marketing

1. Treat Keywords carefully.
   The old days of keyword stuffing are long gone. Put your keyword in the title and use it only once or twice in your article.
2. Headlines are EVERYTHING…
   Carefully craft title for articles to entice readers.
3. Don’t just post… Engage!
   Have conversations about you article direct Traffic over to it.
4. Remember that a great article translates into sharing.
   People want to share great contents – this translates to link building.
5. Don’t be afraid to guest post once in a while.
   Quest posts on other relevant websites helps to cross promote content and increased exposure
6. Your biggest enemy? Boring copy.
   Enough said…
7. Consistency is important.
   Publish at least 1 piece of content per week. If you publish less frequently, readers will lose interest
8. Quality is still king.
   It is better to post an article of excellent quality than 5 poorly written articles.
9. Use the news in your favor.
   What is everyone talking about? Find out, and discuss how these current events and trends relate to your products or services.
10. Make sure and turn searchers, readers, and fans into buyers.
    I cannot emphasis enough how important it is to put a call to action in your posts. Introduce promotions in your blogs etc.

Hopefully you have picked up a thing or two – so get out there and kick some butt....

I need your input. 

I am going to be doing online classes and I have a 3 question survey that will only take you 10 seconds.  If you will help me out by taking the time I would really appreciate that.
Thank you in advance!

Online Survey

Pamela Jacob Artista Design 

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