Archive for the ‘Websites’ Category

As any savvy online business owner knows …  your database of prospects and customers is probably the most essential asset to your business.

Today you will learn some specific tips for improving your opt-in conversions (getting more people to actually sign up for your mailing list).

But keep this in mind as you read through these tips: the size of your list is not nearly as important as the quality! You’ll be better off having fewer qualified and interested prospects (your target market!) than tons of “warm bodies.”

It’s not about getting everyone on the bus… it’s about getting the right people on the bus. For example, if you’re selling e-books on boats, having a list filled with people who live in the desert and are searching for cars will do you no good.

Here are some specific visual tactics you can use for improving your conversion rates:

1. Location, Location, Location… Make sure your opt-in box is positioned “above the fold” – the section of your web site that can be read without scrolling up or down. Many online experts agree that most online visitors look at the top right hand corner of a web page first, so you should consider using this area for your opt-in box.

2. Attention-Grabbing Graphics… Don’t confuse your visitors with too many pictures and graphics. While your web page itself should be softly colored, feel free to go bold on graphics (e.g. stronger colors, more daring designs, arrows, etc.) that direct their eyes to the most important information.

3. An Irresistible Offer… often referred to as an “ethical bribe,” this is your opportunity to offer valuable “freebies” which include things such as:  e-courses; members-only area access; surveys; software downloads; white papers; e-books, etc.  Over-deliver here and make sure it is relevant, specific and enticing.   (See example of the Toolkit on the right column of this blog)

Applying these tactics to your e-mailing list and website will definitely increase the likeliness of your readers spotting the opt-in, and consequently the amount of people on your email list.

This excerpt was adapted from Mastering Online Marketing by Mitch Meyerson and Mary Eule Scarborough

Today I am using a new breakthrough  technology that I  believe will change the course of my business and the way I communicate with you.   Right now I am talking into voice recognition software with amazing accuracy!

I’ve actually been tracking  the development of this technology for years, but it just never seems to have been ready for prime time.   However, there have been a couple of breakthroughs in the last few months that have really taken this technology to the next level.

Any of you who know me know I’ve been a Macintosh fanatic for since the early days  before it became fashionable.   In fact, I just recently bought the iPhone  which is the coolest  tool I have ever seen.  And recently  there was the release of a new  voice-recognition program for Macs called I-Dictate and I have to tell you it really nails it.   Right now I’m just talking right into my microphone and it is flawlessly transcribing my words onto this blog.    This new version is based off the Dragon software for PCs which I’m sure works extremely well too.

Why is it so important to me?    For years I’ve been frustrated with typing — I just don’t like it.  Plus  when I speak it’s almost effortless and comes out with so much more flow  and creativity.   It all comes down leading with your strengths.   If you do what you do best it will be far easier and far more effective.

So my thoughts to you Guerrillas out there is this — don’t be technophobic.   Whether it is voice recognition software,  blogging software,  video or audio  or whatever,  learn the technology that will help you communicate in a more impactful way.  You’ll be surprised at how much it does for your business and your bottom line.

Mitch Meyerson,  Founder of  Guerrilla Marketing Coaching and the author of eight books including Mastering Online Marketing and Guerrilla Marketing On The Internet and Guerrilla Marketing On The Front Lines.

www.MitchMeyerson.com

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