Let Your Website Do The Work!

New Website Project Is Almost Ready For Beta Testing

I'm very excited, because this weekend my brother-in-law (business partner) and I will be putting the finishing touches on a project we have been working on since January.  We're ready to launch the product to a few beta testers I have lined up and then after beta testing release it to the public. I'm looking forward to the testing process and getting feedback to help improve the project even more. 

I don't want to give away too many of the details until closer to the launch date, but it was developed with small business owners in mind.  A little taste is we have combined a lead generation website, a blog, and a membership website all in one! 

What's funny is the deadline we set for the project is my brother-in-law's birthday so we will be celebrating that evening as the project comes to a finish.  Normally, we have family celebrations at each other's house with all of our kids, but this year it's a night out on the town without the kids!  I'm really looking forward to it.   

Simple Steps To Get Your Website Off Your To Do List And Online

One of the biggest struggles my one on one clients face is how to get my team all of the website copy, images, and other items we need to complete the project. But how can you pull together a website when you're running your business and working with clients every day. There is hope! But since you're not a superhero, it will take some planning. Here are some of the steps I take when launching either my website or one of my client's websites.

1.  Create a website organizer- Create a checklist of all of the tasks you need to complete for each page of your website. If you're not sure what pages will be included on your website start by developing a simple sitemap outlining your website navigation. Then use this sitemap to develop your checklist. Make sure to include any hidden pages like thank you pages. It's helpful to set a deadline for each task so then you are not overwhelmed by tasks.

2.  Set aside a business development day only- I usually reserve Fridays or a day on the weekends for a business development day. During this time I only work on business development items such as writing, additions to my website, or marketing. If you are focused on completing a website, set aside one day for this task only. Otherwise, it will always get pushed to the back burner. If you feel guilty about putting off work for clients or not working on any billable time, think about how your website will sell your services and products for you automatically.

3.  Create a deadline- Even if you have no actual deadline for your website, go ahead and create one. This way you will be motivated to complete your copy and other items required for the website. Make sure this deadline is a realistic deadline though otherwise you will never stick to it. Create reminders in your calendar according to this set deadline.

4.  Work with a virtual assistant- If you already have a virtual assistant; get her help with your website tasks. Have your assistant remind you of set deadlines, proofread your copy, find clip art, organize photos, and any other tasks you need help with. If you're just getting started and don't have an assistant enlist your spouse, friend, or family member's help. If you would like to hire a virtual assistant there are several companies to start with if you Google "virtual assistant". I found my first assistant from a referral so ask other small business owners for their resources.

5.  Talk through your website- If writing is not your expertise; try talking through your website. Use a free teleseminar service and then record the phone call of you talking about your business. After you have recorded the information have the phone call transcribed and then proofread to transform it into copy for your website.

There are a lot of steps which go into putting your business online. Try not to get overwhelmed and take it one step at a time. Soon you will have a brand new website which will work for you 24/7.

I walk each of my clients through this custom organizing process in order to get their websites online fast. So if you need some help getting started call 713-429-1854 to schedule a "get to know you phone call" to see how I can help you speed the process along.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR NEWLETTER OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Jennifer Haubein publishes "SiteNotes" a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you're ready to start making more money online, get your FREE tips now at www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money online, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.

How To Easily Add Some Personality To Your Website

The integration of audio/visual elements into your website will easily capture your website visitor's attention. Animating your website is not as difficult as you might think. What about adding an animated character? Animated characters not only add some personality to your website, but also help you increase your bottom line.

Easily answer your visitor's questions- With my animated character's FAQ feature you can easily answer your customer's questions about your products or services. Your animated character will speak the answer to their questions. This is much better than a non-interactive FAQ page. When potential customers are determining whether to purchase an item or service, they have several questions. Let your animated character be your virtual salesclerk and answer all their questions with a virtual smile.

Increase your newsletter sign-ups- If you have a newsletter sign-up box on your website adding an animated character will most likely double your newsletter sign-ups. The animated character can direct your website visitors to the desired action, signing up for your newsletter. In a recent 2007 case study by Small Business Trends, their newsletter signups more than doubled and they saw 144% increase in conversion rate.

Establish a bond with your first time website visitors- To your first time website visitors you are a stranger. An animated character designed like you and using your voice creates an instant bond with your website visitors. We buy from those we know, like, and trust. So the more you reveal yourself on your website the better. Some small business owners make the mistake of looking like a big company instead of revealing themselves. Big companies spend millions of dollars on spokespeople. But you already have a great spokesperson, you!

Better than a static picture- It's great to have your picture on the website, but in addition to your picture add a little animation. An animated character interacts with your website visitors and adds a level a static picture cannot provide.

Increase time spent on website- Most website visitors spend about 3-5 seconds on a website. That's it 3-5 seconds! But by adding an animated character to your website you can help increase the amount of time your website visitors spend on your site. The more time they spend on your website the better.

Direct visitors through your website- An animated character can help direct your website visitors through your site. Pointing them to pages they should visit or actions they should take. An animated character is like a virtual tour guide, helping people through the different pages of your website.

If you would like to see an example of an animated character in action you can check out my website at www.bestbizwebsitesolutions.com. Also, if you would like to get started with an animated character of your own, click here to sign-up for our free 15 day trial.

Jennifer Haubein publishes “SiteNotes” a FREE bi-weekly ezine for small business owners who want a website that actually works. If you’re ready to get insider tips website developers don’t want you to know, and start making more money on-line, get your FREE tips now at http://www.BestBizWebsiteSolutions.com/newsletter.html.