A question I get asked often is if you can set up a business Facebook page without having or using your personal Facebook page to set it up. Well here is the skinny...FB forces users to connect all fan pages (business pages) to a user's personal profile. But FB treats your personal profile and your fan page as two seperate entities.
However, FB does offer what is called a "Business Profile". If a person does not have a personal profile on FB, it is possible to create a fan page that is connected to this very limited Business Profile. A Business Profile page does not have near the benefits of a fan page. Many FB experts do not recommend this approach. Check out what FB has to say about Business Profiles at www.facebook.com/help/?faq=12850.
So how do you create a Facebook fan page, you first have to log in with the account you would like to administer the page either your personal page or your business profile. Once logged in scroll down to the bottom of the page and look for the link "Advertising" and from there you look for the button that says Pages at either the very top or on the top left. Click on that link and then look for another link that says Create Page (www.facebook.com/pages/create.php)
I hope this is helpful. A good book out about Facebook Marketing is called Facebook Marketing by Chris Treadaway and Mari Smith. I have learn most of what I know about the details of a business FB page from this book. Check it out at Barnes and Noble.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
What is Search Engine Optimization or SEO?
Search engine optimization is the process of improving the volume or quality of traffic to a website from search engines via “natural” (”organic” or “algorithmic”) search results.
We look at four things when trying to increase rankings:
1. We look at how the site is built. The site must have a strong balance of form and function. Google offers design and content guidelines and actually suggests to us how a website needs to be built. They offer these webmaster guidelines for free. Look them over and if you need help implementing their recommendations let us know. There are over 10 key elements on a site that need attention including page titles, alternative text tags and site map.
2. We focus on link building. Search engines consider the number of inbound links when ranking a site. Links are like votes. The more votes the better. So you want as many websites with strong content linking to you as possible. If you want higher rankings then get more high quality inbound links! But be choosey...don't let any site link to you.
3. We also look at content. Google considers content to be King. Google suggests the following:
Create a useful, information-rich site, and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content. Think about the words users would type to find your pages, and make sure that your site actually includes those words within it.
Search Engines will rank your site higher if the content grows periodically and is updated. If you have not touched your site in over a year dont expect to have a higher ranking than a competitor who is updating content and posting new pages on a regular basis. A website is like a garden…spend a little with it each week watering and weeding …. it will grow and flourish. If you dont touch it and just let it sit there..it will die and become irrelevant.
What are you doing to encourage repeat visitors. A very effective way to inrease traffic is to give visitors a reason to return and check back with you. Offering fresh new content on a regular basis will encourage repeat visits.
4. We take a look at the things you are doing outside of your website to drive traffic. Does your general marketing drive customers and prospects to your site. Do you have your website address on your everyday marketing materials?
We look at the use of social media such as Facebook, Blogging, Twitter and Linkedin. These powerful tools can not only drive traffic to your website but help improve credibility and boost reputation. Search engines index the content on these sites and your business Facebook page, Blog, etc can show up as a search result. Here is a great example. Go to Google and search for “orthodontist, lake highlands, tx”. You should see Dr. Greenberg’s Facebook page showing up with a number one organic ranking. Facebook has 500 million users and growing so there is a strong chance that when they see the Facebook logo on your site linking to your business Facebook page they will click on it. But beware…once they click… you better be ready to deliver value. Make sure your page is updated regularly and has interesting posts that provide value to your audience.
More to consider: A site that is built on a solid foundation will give you a fast start. A well prepared SEO strategy that employs link building, keyword optimization, geographically specific landing pages and strong content, to name a few, will deliver results. Blogging and other social networking groups can help you drive traffic and increase your site’s relevance.
Pay-per-click campaigns will get you found immediately. We can help set up your pay-per-click program and show you how to manage it. Getting top rankings involves regular maintenance. Your website must become a living and breathing entity that grows.
Let us help increase your online visibility today! Call Us at 214-215-6048 or learn more at www.lawrencemediagroup.com
We look at four things when trying to increase rankings:
1. We look at how the site is built. The site must have a strong balance of form and function. Google offers design and content guidelines and actually suggests to us how a website needs to be built. They offer these webmaster guidelines for free. Look them over and if you need help implementing their recommendations let us know. There are over 10 key elements on a site that need attention including page titles, alternative text tags and site map.
2. We focus on link building. Search engines consider the number of inbound links when ranking a site. Links are like votes. The more votes the better. So you want as many websites with strong content linking to you as possible. If you want higher rankings then get more high quality inbound links! But be choosey...don't let any site link to you.
3. We also look at content. Google considers content to be King. Google suggests the following:
Create a useful, information-rich site, and write pages that clearly and accurately describe your content. Think about the words users would type to find your pages, and make sure that your site actually includes those words within it.
Search Engines will rank your site higher if the content grows periodically and is updated. If you have not touched your site in over a year dont expect to have a higher ranking than a competitor who is updating content and posting new pages on a regular basis. A website is like a garden…spend a little with it each week watering and weeding …. it will grow and flourish. If you dont touch it and just let it sit there..it will die and become irrelevant.
What are you doing to encourage repeat visitors. A very effective way to inrease traffic is to give visitors a reason to return and check back with you. Offering fresh new content on a regular basis will encourage repeat visits.
4. We take a look at the things you are doing outside of your website to drive traffic. Does your general marketing drive customers and prospects to your site. Do you have your website address on your everyday marketing materials?
We look at the use of social media such as Facebook, Blogging, Twitter and Linkedin. These powerful tools can not only drive traffic to your website but help improve credibility and boost reputation. Search engines index the content on these sites and your business Facebook page, Blog, etc can show up as a search result. Here is a great example. Go to Google and search for “orthodontist, lake highlands, tx”. You should see Dr. Greenberg’s Facebook page showing up with a number one organic ranking. Facebook has 500 million users and growing so there is a strong chance that when they see the Facebook logo on your site linking to your business Facebook page they will click on it. But beware…once they click… you better be ready to deliver value. Make sure your page is updated regularly and has interesting posts that provide value to your audience.
More to consider: A site that is built on a solid foundation will give you a fast start. A well prepared SEO strategy that employs link building, keyword optimization, geographically specific landing pages and strong content, to name a few, will deliver results. Blogging and other social networking groups can help you drive traffic and increase your site’s relevance.
Pay-per-click campaigns will get you found immediately. We can help set up your pay-per-click program and show you how to manage it. Getting top rankings involves regular maintenance. Your website must become a living and breathing entity that grows.
Let us help increase your online visibility today! Call Us at 214-215-6048 or learn more at www.lawrencemediagroup.com
Friday, May 21, 2010
Getting Started with Facebook
So it is agreed that creating a Facebook page for your business is a good idea. So now what? Here a few ideas on getting started...
Facebook Tactics – Getting Fans…
1. Enlist a tiny percentage of your most vocal and satisfied clients (clients who are also friends) to be your loyal FB subjects! Send them a personal email invitation to check out your FB page or make a phone call. Then a few days later send out a broadcast email to your entire database inviting them to check out your page.
2. Use FB to highlight specific products and keep customers informed about new products and technology…
3. Avoid any sales language. Do not use FB to sell…use FB to educate, to impress, to connect…
4. Use as a very efficient customer service tool as you can interact directly – always respond quickly to any complaints or negative remarks
5. Post Status Updates or other content at least 2-3 times a week to attract Fans and keep them engaged.
6. Get Fans excited about upcoming events, new product launches or enhancements
7. Tell your fans about ongoing projects..share before and after photos…showcase some of your best jobs
8. Pack your postings with relevant compelling content about you, your team, your services – no fluff!
9. After providing service to a customer, please give them a card or flyer that thanks them for their business and asks them to Become a Fan and share their experience
10. Place a FB logo and link on your website and/or blog (same for Twitter and others)
Facebook Post Ideas for your Fans – help your fans help you!
1. Say who you are and what you do. Say what services we provided for you. Talk about how what we did has helped you and about the experience working with our team.
2. Mention a company person by name and mention something positive about that person.
3. Mention a success story that is connected to the services we have provided. Mention a positive comment you have heard from one of your clients about the work we have done for you.
4. Ask a question for the general readers about your business or about a problem you are having that needs a solution.
5. Ask for a referral for a service your are needing.
6. Comment on an existing post. Comment or Like.
7. Share ideas and be helpful.
8. Share a success story. Readers like good news. It does not have to be connected to the Marketing Store but would be nice.
9. Be sure to lead readers to you by providing a link to your site every now and then.
10. Be subtle when you talk about yourself and your business. You do not want to appear self serving and self promoting.
11. Share a photo of yourself or something cool or if you have a photo with another one of our clients or with one of our team members…post it and explain it. People like interesting and relevant pics.
Facebook Tactics – Getting Fans…
1. Enlist a tiny percentage of your most vocal and satisfied clients (clients who are also friends) to be your loyal FB subjects! Send them a personal email invitation to check out your FB page or make a phone call. Then a few days later send out a broadcast email to your entire database inviting them to check out your page.
2. Use FB to highlight specific products and keep customers informed about new products and technology…
3. Avoid any sales language. Do not use FB to sell…use FB to educate, to impress, to connect…
4. Use as a very efficient customer service tool as you can interact directly – always respond quickly to any complaints or negative remarks
5. Post Status Updates or other content at least 2-3 times a week to attract Fans and keep them engaged.
6. Get Fans excited about upcoming events, new product launches or enhancements
7. Tell your fans about ongoing projects..share before and after photos…showcase some of your best jobs
8. Pack your postings with relevant compelling content about you, your team, your services – no fluff!
9. After providing service to a customer, please give them a card or flyer that thanks them for their business and asks them to Become a Fan and share their experience
10. Place a FB logo and link on your website and/or blog (same for Twitter and others)
Facebook Post Ideas for your Fans – help your fans help you!
1. Say who you are and what you do. Say what services we provided for you. Talk about how what we did has helped you and about the experience working with our team.
2. Mention a company person by name and mention something positive about that person.
3. Mention a success story that is connected to the services we have provided. Mention a positive comment you have heard from one of your clients about the work we have done for you.
4. Ask a question for the general readers about your business or about a problem you are having that needs a solution.
5. Ask for a referral for a service your are needing.
6. Comment on an existing post. Comment or Like.
7. Share ideas and be helpful.
8. Share a success story. Readers like good news. It does not have to be connected to the Marketing Store but would be nice.
9. Be sure to lead readers to you by providing a link to your site every now and then.
10. Be subtle when you talk about yourself and your business. You do not want to appear self serving and self promoting.
11. Share a photo of yourself or something cool or if you have a photo with another one of our clients or with one of our team members…post it and explain it. People like interesting and relevant pics.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Do I Really Need a Facebook Page for My Business?
Why do you need a Facebook page for your business?
I can give you 400 million reasons! (The estimated number of FB users.)
Facebook is fast becoming a very powerful search engine...a social search engine.
Having a business Facebook page allows you to provide a platform for you to connect personally with your customers. The Facebook logo is trusted and when you have the Facebook logo on your site to tell visitors that your business is on Facebook...that link is like honey to a bee. Facebook users will be attracted to that link because FB is a familiar place for them. They know they can find answers there...find people they can trust...find reasons to trust you.
And isn't that the purpose of your website...to create trust and confidence in your abilities to provide a quality product and service?
Facebook is also highly regarded by search engines. Facebook has a page rank of 10 out of 10.
Facebook pages are indexed by Google and can show up on page one of Google's SERP (search engine results pages). Here is a test...go to Google and do a search for "orthodontist, lake highlands texas". You will find a #1 listing. This page even ranks higher than their own website. Now that is hard evidence to ignore.
Creating a Facebook page for your business does not take much time. Once you have it set up you can even have a custom Welcome page created and the content optimized to help drive traffic to your website. See a sample of a custom Welcome page that we created by finding Fick Bros Roofing on Facebook.
Managing your business Facebook page does not take much time either. Just 2 postings a week is all you need to do. But please be careful to NOT use the FB page to sell your services. You must use FB to post information that has value to your fans. Selling on FB is a quick way to lose fans. Helpful tips about how to better use your services, consumer education postings are great, promotion of events, photos of customers and employees, mentioning of completed projects, etc.
It is important to get your existing customers involved in your Facebook page. Once you set up your page you will want to invite all of your customers to become Fans. You will want to help them help you by providing them with ideas on what to post on your behalf. Not everyone will reach out for you but some of your closest clients will want to help you. If you need some posting ideas to give them please let me know at jonathan@lawrencemediagroup.com. I can send you my Ten Facebook Posting Ideas Article.
In summary Facebook can be a very strong reputation and credibility management tool that can also drive traffic to your website.
Better conversions...more traffic...now there are 400,002 and reasons!
Thank you for reading...happy rankings!
Jonathan Lawrence
Partner
Lawrence Media Group
www.lawrencemediagroup.com
214-215-6048
I can give you 400 million reasons! (The estimated number of FB users.)
Facebook is fast becoming a very powerful search engine...a social search engine.
Having a business Facebook page allows you to provide a platform for you to connect personally with your customers. The Facebook logo is trusted and when you have the Facebook logo on your site to tell visitors that your business is on Facebook...that link is like honey to a bee. Facebook users will be attracted to that link because FB is a familiar place for them. They know they can find answers there...find people they can trust...find reasons to trust you.
And isn't that the purpose of your website...to create trust and confidence in your abilities to provide a quality product and service?
Facebook is also highly regarded by search engines. Facebook has a page rank of 10 out of 10.
Facebook pages are indexed by Google and can show up on page one of Google's SERP (search engine results pages). Here is a test...go to Google and do a search for "orthodontist, lake highlands texas". You will find a #1 listing. This page even ranks higher than their own website. Now that is hard evidence to ignore.
Creating a Facebook page for your business does not take much time. Once you have it set up you can even have a custom Welcome page created and the content optimized to help drive traffic to your website. See a sample of a custom Welcome page that we created by finding Fick Bros Roofing on Facebook.
Managing your business Facebook page does not take much time either. Just 2 postings a week is all you need to do. But please be careful to NOT use the FB page to sell your services. You must use FB to post information that has value to your fans. Selling on FB is a quick way to lose fans. Helpful tips about how to better use your services, consumer education postings are great, promotion of events, photos of customers and employees, mentioning of completed projects, etc.
It is important to get your existing customers involved in your Facebook page. Once you set up your page you will want to invite all of your customers to become Fans. You will want to help them help you by providing them with ideas on what to post on your behalf. Not everyone will reach out for you but some of your closest clients will want to help you. If you need some posting ideas to give them please let me know at jonathan@lawrencemediagroup.com. I can send you my Ten Facebook Posting Ideas Article.
In summary Facebook can be a very strong reputation and credibility management tool that can also drive traffic to your website.
Better conversions...more traffic...now there are 400,002 and reasons!
Thank you for reading...happy rankings!
Jonathan Lawrence
Partner
Lawrence Media Group
www.lawrencemediagroup.com
214-215-6048
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Internet Marketing Tip
Internet Marketing Tip: Are you listed in the Google Maps, aka, Google Local's Directory? If not you can become visible to Google with or without a website immediately by signing up for this FREE directory. Just go to the Google Local Business Center.
If you have had a website for a while, don't assume you are signed up in Google Local Directory.
If you have had a website for a while, don't assume you are signed up in Google Local Directory.
The way to check is to do a local search for your services. If you are a plumber in Richardson, Texas then do a search for "plumber in richardson, texas". The listing will look like the following in the yellow shaded area on the left. If you are not on page one then click on More Results. If you cannot find your listing chances are you are not listed and need to be.
Don't worry it is easy to get listed. And if you are already listed you need to make sure your listing is optimized.
Don't worry it is easy to get listed. And if you are already listed you need to make sure your listing is optimized.
A big mistake many of us make when getting listed and completing the profile is that they don't think it through and give only the basic most minimal information. If you want to get the most out of the listing then be sure to fill in every piece of information that it allows. Enter a clear and descriptive explanation of what you do and why you are better than your competition. This is a great place for you keywords. Keywords are the words or phrases that people will use to search for you. Upload your logo and photos of your business and products if you are retail, photos of company vehicles, photos of yourself and staff. Photos are a great way to create trust with a visitor. If you have any specials or coupons enter them on the profile. The more information you can provide the better.
A great feature that the Google Directory allows is Reviews from satisfied customers. Once you sign up then ask a handful of your trust clients and friends to give you a favorable reveiw. These reviews will make a difference and help increase your Google Local ranking.
If you do not have time to spend on this than feel free to contact me and we can help.
It should only take us about an hour or so to sign you up and optimize your listing. The investment in your time or our time will be well worth it! If your competitors are not doing this then you could be on page one in no time!
Happy ranking!
Happy ranking!
Jonathan Lawrence
Lawrence Media Group
214-215-6048
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Tip for our Ad-Hold Customers
Here is a great tip to help maximize your on-hold messaging program....
BIG TIP: Since the Ad-Hold programming only helps you when a prospect or customer actually hears the program, here is a tip to help make sure that your professionally produced message gets heard.
Ring, Ring...
Company Rep: Hello this is XYZ company, my name is Jonathan, how can I help you?
Caller: Hello is Bob available?
Company Rep: I think so let me check. (Place them on hold and let them hear the on-hold messages for about 10 seconds...no more. Pick the phone back up and say if he is available)...Yes Bob is available, let me get him for you, please hold just one moment. (If Bob is not available, tell them, take a message or transfer to voicemail.)
Another tactic...is that whenever you answer the phone...tell the person calling...Hello "caller"...this is Jonathan...I am glad you called..let me get to my desk...or let me get a pen...or hold one second while I grab my notebook.
The key is to give most everyone that calls a chance to hear your on-hold program for a brief time everytime they call. If you do this...then you will start reaping the benefits of the on-hold program and it will start to pay you back. Dont worry...no one minds waiting just a few seconds if you give them a good reason and you are quick about it.
These tactics actually work and if you learn the right word tracks they can be legitamately used everytime without fear of annoying your caller.
Remember..a good Ad-Hold program will capture attention, boost image, promote your services, improve customer service resulting in more business for you.
Not an Ad-Hold customer yet...see if our Ad-Hold service is right for you by going to http://www.adhold.com/.
BIG TIP: Since the Ad-Hold programming only helps you when a prospect or customer actually hears the program, here is a tip to help make sure that your professionally produced message gets heard.
Ring, Ring...
Company Rep: Hello this is XYZ company, my name is Jonathan, how can I help you?
Caller: Hello is Bob available?
Company Rep: I think so let me check. (Place them on hold and let them hear the on-hold messages for about 10 seconds...no more. Pick the phone back up and say if he is available)...Yes Bob is available, let me get him for you, please hold just one moment. (If Bob is not available, tell them, take a message or transfer to voicemail.)
Another tactic...is that whenever you answer the phone...tell the person calling...Hello "caller"...this is Jonathan...I am glad you called..let me get to my desk...or let me get a pen...or hold one second while I grab my notebook.
The key is to give most everyone that calls a chance to hear your on-hold program for a brief time everytime they call. If you do this...then you will start reaping the benefits of the on-hold program and it will start to pay you back. Dont worry...no one minds waiting just a few seconds if you give them a good reason and you are quick about it.
These tactics actually work and if you learn the right word tracks they can be legitamately used everytime without fear of annoying your caller.
Remember..a good Ad-Hold program will capture attention, boost image, promote your services, improve customer service resulting in more business for you.
ANOTHER TIP: Did you know that with most business voice mail systems you have the option to have your callers either hear your hold messages or actuall ringing when you transfer them to an extension. Ask your phone technician what options are available with your system.
Not an Ad-Hold customer yet...see if our Ad-Hold service is right for you by going to http://www.adhold.com/.
Monday, January 18, 2010
FIrst Impressions Mean Everything
First Impressions Mean Everything!
What is it that people want to do more than anything when finding a service provider? They want to trust them. Consumers are just looking for a reason to trust. In most cases it all starts with the first impression!
Many first impressions are made in person, some via mail and now more than ever first impressions are made on line. That means your website and blog are extremely important. How it looks and functions is critical and content is paramount! Content is king. Content..Content..Content. Just like location, location, location in the retail business...so it is with internet marketing.
Proof your website or blog! Just like any other marketing piece...grammatical errors, typos and broken links are unnacceptable. When you create your site and insert content pretend that you are going to have your College English Professor review it. That will get you to proof your work! Try using a 3rd party proof reader that can go through your site with a fine toothed comb and make sure that all your "i's" are dotted and "t"s are crossed. Silly typos and grammatical errors send the wrong message to your prospects. Never try to proof your own work...be smart and have your site reviewed by someone with a sharp eye for the written word.
Keep your website updated. Make sure that the content is current and that you are not promoting past events. Be sure that your news is current too. Make sure you update your blog regularly.
Your website must be attractive. An old and outdated site built on an old platform is like showing up to a sales call in a 20 year old Camry. (No offense to Camry owners!) Use quality images and not cheap clip art. Try an image library like http://www.dreamstime.com/.
You need a well designed site that has strategic movement and a plan to convert the visitor to a lead.
Make sure the content is relevant and unique. More is best when it comes to content and search engines appreciate it too.
Teach the visitor to become an expert at buying what you sell and you will create a customer that can see why you are the best choice.
If your goal is to get the phone to ring, make it easy for your visitor to call you and request information. That means placing your phone number prominently on your homepage and create a very visible link that can take them to a request information or request estimate or consultation form.
These are just a few recommendations to help make the best first web impression possible. We spend a great deal of time and money to drive traffic to our website. It seems obvious that giving the best online experience possible would be part of the plan. But most businesses drop the ball in this regard. Pay attention to my words and you will create the trust and confidence you need to gain a new customer.
http://www.lawrencemediagroup.com/
What is it that people want to do more than anything when finding a service provider? They want to trust them. Consumers are just looking for a reason to trust. In most cases it all starts with the first impression!
Many first impressions are made in person, some via mail and now more than ever first impressions are made on line. That means your website and blog are extremely important. How it looks and functions is critical and content is paramount! Content is king. Content..Content..Content. Just like location, location, location in the retail business...so it is with internet marketing.
Proof your website or blog! Just like any other marketing piece...grammatical errors, typos and broken links are unnacceptable. When you create your site and insert content pretend that you are going to have your College English Professor review it. That will get you to proof your work! Try using a 3rd party proof reader that can go through your site with a fine toothed comb and make sure that all your "i's" are dotted and "t"s are crossed. Silly typos and grammatical errors send the wrong message to your prospects. Never try to proof your own work...be smart and have your site reviewed by someone with a sharp eye for the written word.
Keep your website updated. Make sure that the content is current and that you are not promoting past events. Be sure that your news is current too. Make sure you update your blog regularly.
Your website must be attractive. An old and outdated site built on an old platform is like showing up to a sales call in a 20 year old Camry. (No offense to Camry owners!) Use quality images and not cheap clip art. Try an image library like http://www.dreamstime.com/.
You need a well designed site that has strategic movement and a plan to convert the visitor to a lead.
Make sure the content is relevant and unique. More is best when it comes to content and search engines appreciate it too.
Teach the visitor to become an expert at buying what you sell and you will create a customer that can see why you are the best choice.
If your goal is to get the phone to ring, make it easy for your visitor to call you and request information. That means placing your phone number prominently on your homepage and create a very visible link that can take them to a request information or request estimate or consultation form.
These are just a few recommendations to help make the best first web impression possible. We spend a great deal of time and money to drive traffic to our website. It seems obvious that giving the best online experience possible would be part of the plan. But most businesses drop the ball in this regard. Pay attention to my words and you will create the trust and confidence you need to gain a new customer.
http://www.lawrencemediagroup.com/
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