Building Businesses Online

Facebook the power of Social Media

2011-07-18T23:15:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga definitely has no shortage of Little Monsters who follow her on Twitter (almost 12 million of them), but she's got a new rival on the Facebook fan front. As of this week, Rihanna has collected enough of them to outnumber the "Born This Way" singer.

Gaga made history by being the first living artist to collect 10 million Facebook fans, beating President Obama. And according to famecount.com, which measures social media popularity, the "Born This Way" star now has over 40 million followers on the site. But Rihanna's fast-growing Facebook fanbase has overtaken even Gaga's -- by about 30,000 fans.

On Tuesday, the 23-year-old singer acknowledged the feat on her wall, writing, "40 mil! 1 LOVE #RihannaNavy," and 2733 people congratulated her in the comments.

Now the only star with more Facebook fans is Eminem. Rihanna will need about another 3 million fans to beat his record. Come on Rihanna followers -- you can do it!

Also not to mention the new coupon site www.demteldeals.com.au and www.savingsdirect.com.au

New Daily Deals Websites Phenomenon

2011-06-26T03:26:00.000-07:00

As shoppers get ready for another financial year holiday season, more will be using coupons -- but not your mother's old-school, cut-on-the-dotted-line version will be no longer.

A new breed of coupons -- zapped daily to consumers' e-mail accounts and offering local deals for spa treatments, restaurants, yoga classes, hot-air balloon rides, stores and even Botox -- has transformed the dowdy discounts into a social media phenomenon that's attracting a new generation of fans. I have been following this for over 14 months now.

The savings are eye-popping: 50% to 90% off is typical. But there's a catch. If you want that $40 mani-pedi for 15 bucks, you'll have to pay upfront with a credit card and you'll have to move fast. The chance to snag one of these vouchers usually lasts no more than 24 hours

Bargain-hungry shoppers are hooked. "Daily deals" websites including Groupon, Savings Direct, LivingSocial have attracted millions of users, a lot of them young, urban and tech-savvy. Many say they love the excitement of waking up in the morning, checking the latest deal online and deliberating with friends on Facebook or Twitter about whether to buy -- all while the clock ticks down.

"It's totally addictive," said Ashley, a 24-year-old from West Ryde who has spent more than $1,000 on dozens of daily deals in the last year. "Sometimes I press refresh at midnight if I'm awake."

Retail watchers say the websites have given the retail industry a much-needed lift. Local merchants get an immediate injection of cash, and pure profit if customers pay for the coupons but never use them. More important is exposure: Groupon, for instance, has more than half a million subscribers in the L.A. market alone.

There are risks. Some business owners have lost money on the promotions or have been unable to convert deal seekers into permanent customers. Others have capped the number of vouchers they'll honor on a given day, angering buyers.

The trend is quickly spreading beyond local merchants.

And now companies including newspapers and consumer reviews website Yelp are rolling out their own programs. The Times' parent company, Tribune Co., recently signed a deal with Groupon to start a daily deals website, called Liquid Coupon, powered by Groupon's software and customer support.

The daily deals phenomenon is a rocket ship unlike anything we've probably seen in consumer shopping online,

The websites generally follow a similar format: A daily deals company partners with a local business, which offers one of its products or services at a deep discount. Consumers can buy the deal for themselves or as a gift for someone else.

After a deal is bought, consumers print out their e-mailed vouchers and present them to the merchant when they want to redeem; some companies allow buyers to show the purchase on their smart phones. Merchants are responsible for tracking which coupons are redeemed to prevent duplication.

If this all seems too much to bear, well it's here to stay. Designing and maintaining these sites are becoming a common norm for many web developers, and working n the demtel daily deals site has been a long ride but will prove to be a winner! www.webfx2.com.au developed the site and has been in the online space now for over 10 years. Delivering online tools and e-zines for many icons around Australia has been the reason for their longevity in the market place. "We dont' just do websites - we deliver businesses online and help them attract customers and spread the word through social media and email marketing." said Martin Costanzo.

"One such success story was developing a beauty website www.beauty-plus.com.au and implementing a coupon deal thay works with the client. Once we had established an online presence and making sure the workflow was in place for a flurry of customers - we launched the deal. A hair removal deal was the first we implemented worth $69.00 It would normally sell for $600.00). As you need to go more than once and perhaps over a 6 visit period. The result was a blistering 2000 customers in 24 hours. Almost $140,000 in sales overnight.
That was then a platform to develop the business model further and buy another office. The rest is history, as more deals have been worked on and the business is experiencing a boost in profits and sales.

What to Find Out When Shopping for a SEO Specialist

2010-11-23T17:15:00.000-08:00

When shopping for a Search Engine Optimization (SEO) company or a specialist you need to be aware of certain things. If someone offers you quick results, chances are their in it for a quick buck! If you are not listed on search engines for the average duration of the index which will take approximately 4 weeks. Someone offering bids in less is not being upfront. Web sites that have already signed up and are only being updated will be acheive results.

A guarantee is not always about the reassurance. Just because a site shows that they can help you in the 1st position does not mean that they can deliver. Or, they can have you listed under an obscure keyword or phrase. More legitimate SEO’s will tell you no one can guarantee first place on all keywords and phrases. Search engine optimization is not an exact science. Trial and error is consistent with the emphasis that will help bring your site closer to your goal.

Most SEO Experts should give you some information on your site, which is currently being held. You links, keywords, where you rank on the major search engines, and so on. Do not go into any SEO work blindly. Knowing where you are before and after is well worth the effort.

Price is never a good idea of how a service is. More is not always better. Shop around to get the most for your money, but be realistic. If this seems too good to be true, then it may just be. Be prepared to shell some species. SEO is not cheap. You may want to consider SEO as an advertising platform. It should be a candidate, however, do not spend all your efforts. There are MANY ways to achieve higher ranking and it all falls into place knowing how.

Spend the time like you would any business venture, it is easier online to start up a business however having millions of people search is an enormous task, one that can reap many rewards if done correctly.

Ask questions! Do not be afraid to ask what would be done to increase your rank. Most SEO’s not a problem, tell you what they will do. They may not want to reveal their entire SEO process. But they will give you an idea of what they will do. Talk to more than one company SEO. Compare what everyone has to say. Doing research on your own. If a company or a person has had articles or written comments on them. Ask around. Try to get an idea of the company or persons credibility.

A few additional things to keep in mind are:

SEO Services is the principal activity or it is a sideline to other businesses. SEO is a full-time job in most parts. In particular, stay abreast of constant changes. Do they have a specialist? Have they outsourced? How do they really know? What are the views on the link farms and doorway pages? Will they do something for you the link and flow? Even if search engines frown on the practice. Can they can explain clearly how their action plan will be delivered? Or, are they trying to sell you the biggest package SEO possible?

For proven SEO methods to see how we manage to attract new customers for business online go to www.webfx2.com.au

Eg: webfx2 digital generated $26,000 worth of sales in 48hrs to one of our carpet cleaning clients. Hard to believe, thats because many do not understand what is happening n the online world today. We'll prove it with real testimonials that will make you 100% know its true!

New ipad Leather Case with Built-in Keyboard

2010-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

I came across this fab new product surfing the website that is used for the Apple ipad. It holds the it safely in a leather bound case with a keyboard thats built-in (Presto your new Laptop).
Of course it falls short of a real laptop however it goes to show you what will be on the agenda with the likes of Apple, Lenovo, Toshiba and Google or Microsoft...
Here's a snapshot of the product that is available online to by at www.savingsdirect.com.au

This iPad leather case comes with a built-in keyboard that seamlessly connects with the iPad for a quicker and more comfortable typing.

This iPad case holder can easily convert into a laptop style position for a more comfortable typing, as well as for tablet use, by folding the iPad leather case which then hides the keyboard out of sight. This iPad leather case simply opens like a book while providing full protection for the iPad screen. It also allows access to all the controls and ports at all times, meaning you have full functionality whilst your iPad is still inside the case.

This perfect innovative iPad leather case is ideal for people who regularly use their iPad for e-mailing, making notes, and writing documents; whilst its clever design makes sure your iPad is always safe and secure. This iPad case also comes with an elastic strap closure system that makes life easier.

This stunning iPad case is made with incredible attention to detail, ensuring that it is of the very highest quality.

At a Glance...

iPad case
Full leather
Light weight & practical
Cool looking white Keyboard
Built-in 2 storage pockets for memory cards
Flexible safety strap

Manufacturer Specifications

Main Function: iPad Leather Case + Keyboard
Material: Leather
Color: Black with White Keyboard
Dimensions: L:273 x W:200 x D:25 (mm)
Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS

Product Notes

"Apple" and "iPad" are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
This is not claimed to be an authorized or branded product by Apple Inc., although it is compatible. This product and our company are not affiliated with Apple Inc. or endorsed by them in any way.
Durable and strong, keep your iPad secure
Do more with your iPad, while keeping it in mint condition
The leather case allows for tablet usage as well

Package Contents for Model SDIPWK

iPad Leather Case + Keyboard

For the cost of $79+postage and handling it is a great way to keep your sacred Apple ipad or any other e-book reader free from scratches, dents and so on... Overall great idea!

If you wish to buy this particular product and other gadgets it is available online at www.savingsdirect.com.au

online partners:

webfx2.com.au | mynetbuilder.com.au |spiderhost.com.au | rentals101.com.au |

An Alternative Strategy to Getting Tonnes of Free Traffic

2010-08-20T21:06:00.000-07:00

We've all been through the never-ending loop of trying to get more and more free traffic to our websites, right?. Writing articles, making videos, creating Web 2 properties - and the list goes on and on. While this is all pretty good traffic and although it can produce a flood of new visitors to your site, it really takes a lot of hard work. On top of this, its a never ending process. this traffic rarely holds up for long and you are having to constantly do more to make more.

While there are a lot of strategies for getting traffic to your website, i prefer to go after strategies that can really help me leverage my time and effort. There are 2 little known strategies that works very well and its really easy to implement.

Both these strategies are based on a very important principal in online business and that is relationships. Although most internet marketers like to lock themselves up in a basement somewhere, those that achieve great success are the ones that build real relationships.

So, the first strategy is to approach your "competition" and get traffic from them. Huh? Yes! Since you are both targeting the exact same prospects it makes perfect sense that you "exchange" traffic right? The secret is to not go after your direct competition but instead to look for competitors that are complimentary to what you are selling. A great way to start doing this is to ask yourself which sites you prospects are likely to visit before they come to your site and which sites they are likely to visit when they leave your site.

A great trick for this is to go to Alexa.com and type in your website address. Then look at the upstream and the downstream statistics. this will show you where your customers go before they get to you and where they go when they leave your site.

There are a number of strategies that you can employ. You can exchange banners with each other. You can agree on a mailing schedule for each others products or you can cross pollinate with webinars and lead captures. Some of the most lucrative marketing ventures rely on relationships like this and if you look at any of the big launches then you will see that it all relies on related businesses sharing their customers with each other. If you do it right, you will both benefit greatly and building relationships is a great way to build your long term business.

Learn how to buy web traffic and see how you can get more targeted web site traffic from it.

Having built over 4000 design and online jobs in my time, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. If your even beginning to start an online business or starting to realise that your offline business needs a web presence, you really do need to start the process before the whole world is online. Don't delay, i urge you all to look broader afield, I am asking you to look outside your working day and breathe in what's around you, thats;s right do your due diligence, research and whatever satisfies your information.

online partners:

$32 BILLION IS BEING SPENT ONLINE - ARE YOU GETTING A PIECE OF IT?

2010-06-20T04:47:00.000-07:00

If this was ever a time to act on starting your business online, its never the right time unless you have either stumbled across an original idea or became a overnight phenomenon. If your neither of these then this is an application made for you.
For $0.55 cents per day you can start your online business.
This website www.mynetbuilder.com.au is an easy to use web building program that lets you start building websites, using the latest online tools, paypal checkout, videos at a click of a button and import text as if it was word? Import flash files for the more advanced user. The interface is EASY! My 9 year old son can even learn this and found it fascinating so he now uses in class time for show and tell!.
A little bit about *mynetbuilder: It has always had a unique drag and drop editor. It's the reason our customers tell us we're so easy to use. And why it's so easy to design good looking sites. We thought long and hard about how to improve the editor without losing the features our customers love. Our challenge was to make it easier for new customers to get started and at the same time ensure that power users got quicker access to the depth of tools available with fewer clicks. We think you'll like it. In the process we thought we'd throw in a few new features of for good measure including social media tools and an HTML snippet widget which gives you access to a variety of 3rd party widgets.
http://mynetbuilder.com.au/#/features
With over 50 websites I have personally designed here a just a few that have used the mynetbuilder system. For $0.55 cents per day you can start your online business! A small investment compared to opening up a shop isn't it? And to make it even more easier, they help build it for you, even if you want it designed as you see it here (below). Shopping carts, forums, interactive ebooks, video links, online polls and lots more...
www.clarityeyecare.com.au
www.mindcheck.com.au
http://www.primarytest.t83.net
www.savingsdirect.com.au
www.katoke.com.au
www.collinaustralia.com.au
www.webfx2.com.au
www.theavenueapartments.com.au
Share in the $32billion dollars today, products that are set for growth are fixed price products and brands that people are used to buying in real world stores.
If you need more information please don't hesitate to contact me direct at design@webfx2.com.au

How to Succeed at Opt in List Building If You Want Buyers to Trust Your Business

2010-03-05T23:01:00.000-08:00

If you want your website or blog to make money and be successful then you are going to have to market your business effectively. You are also going to have to build trust with your customers. Opt in list building is a solution that can help you with this challenge. You can market your company and build trust with your customers by sending out permission based emails specifically targeted at your customers interests and desires.

The internet or affiliate marketing will not make you rich overnight. Its not impossible just highly unlikely. You need to work at marketing your company and getting your name out there. Opt in list building takes the hassle out of internet marketing and can even make it an enjoyable task that you will look forward to doing.

Spamming is a waste of time. It leads to distrust and a negative company image and its illegal. You should not fall into the trap of taking this risky shortcut. You should never send emails to people who have not given you their permission to do so.

Opt in list building is the right choice for building solid relationships with your customers. Your customers will buy from you again and again if you take care of them.

Buyers are weary of doing business on the internet because of the many scams that exist these days. You have to let your buyers know that they can trust you. Opt in list building will help you to build trust and grow your business.

If you would like a copy of my FREE manual which will show you how to explode your mail lists and master opt in list building and other exciting techniques. Internet marketing can be very profitable. Read how to make money on the internet at my blog Just Click Here! and follow me on my journey!

If You Aren't Using Email Marketing in Your Business - You Must Be Crazy!

2010-02-19T02:12:00.000-08:00

Are You Using Email Marketing in Your Business?

If you aren't using email marketing in your online internet or affiliate business, then you are definitely leaving a lot of money on the table. As harsh as it sounds, it's the truth. If you don't have a way to keep in contact with your customers or subscribers, then you are losing out to your competition that does.

If you ask any of the top online marketers these days, what is the most important part of their business? Almost all of them will reply with the same answer: "My customer and subscriber list". The majority of them could lose all of their businesses today, and still be back up making money in just a few short days if they could keep their mailing lists.

So Why is Your Email List so Important?

Although there are a ton of reasons, let's have a closer look at a few of them:

Trust Factor - Let's face it, with the internet these days, a lot of us have changed our ways to shop. It's no longer a must to have to go to the mall to purchase that product that you want. Everything is now available online and with a few clicks of the mouse you are done. That being said, some of us are still a little bit skeptical about making a purchase online, so some sort of trust needs to be established. http://webfx2.com.au/#/internet-marketing-report

Having a list of subscribers that trust you like gold and sometimes it can take a lengthy amount of time to gain it. Once you gain it, then you will probably have yourself a customer for life.

Inexpensive - We have all heard company's talk about how expensive it is to get new customers. Well the same is true for an online business. It costs money to get people to subscribe to your newsletter or purchase one of your products or services. Once you have that commitment from them, you never want to let that go. If you can develop a relationship with your list, then you can continue to promote and sell different products and services related to your market for months and years to come.

The best part is that sending out emails cost you absolutely nothing. Although it did cost you something initially to get them to sign up, any additional follow up actually doesn't cost you a dime. Now can you see how valuable that can be?

Need More Traffic? Free Report Reveals the Exact Traffic Secrets That I Used to Generate a List of Nearly 2000 Subscribers and Earned $13,544.64 in Under 4 Months.

Get Your Free Copy of "Internet Marketing Report" by visiting http://webfx2.com.au/#/internet-marketing-report

This report will show you in 17 minutes, exactly how to get your Web marketing completely fired up and bringing in awesome results. Works best for new marketers (and veteran marketers who've hit sticking points) with building traffic and converting leads into real sales. Best part: It's Free!

How to rocket your website to the top of Google

2010-02-19T01:51:00.000-08:00

Search rankings with Google really count. (www.webfx2.com.au)

Your small business search ranking must appear on the first page of Google results -- or else. Few people bother to search much further. So you must grasp the art of SEO (search engine optimisation) -- as much as is humanly possible.

Getting and keeping a high Google ranking keeps entrepreneurs up at night because, keen to prevent a run on gaming the system, search giants like Google refuse to spell out how they place pages. The exact secrets of how pages are ranked remain some of the most closely guarded in business. Worse, analysts agree, the rules keep changing.

Still, some search engine ranking fundamentals remain constant. The thrust of SEO copywriting is simple -- be remorselessly relevant, shun flowery digression.

For in-depth insight into the mysterious yet no-nonsense art with a powerful pay-off, study the MySmallBusiness tips list that taps the nous of small business specialist website designer Rob Cooper (www.JumpStartWeb.com). Learn how to make your search ranking soar.

1. Polish your presence

Before digging deep into optimisation, check that your site warrants traffic. Ensure it blends abundant relevant content with professional design and "calls to action" that signal what next step visitors should take.

2. Research the competition

Investigate what terms people in the market for your product or service use. Deploy the Google keyword tool (https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal) to learn the terms' search volume and importance. Then prioritise the keywords you pick.

3. Tackle titles

Use the "title tag" strategically. This vital "meta tag" at the top of the page, which contains highly searched relevant keywords, is a vital "on-page" SEO ingredient. So, insert each page's keyword in its title tag -- ideally at the start.

4. Pepper pages with keywords

Every page should repeatedly feature one keyword. Ensure the page you choose for each keyword is relevant to the page that you optimise. Embed that keyword several times.

5. Go the extra "meta" mile

The "meta keyword" tag where you insert text invisible when viewed through a browser gets overlooked but is a good slot to put less competitive terms and keyword or company name mis-spellings. If your business is called "Kaos Computers", people who hear the name will mistakenly type "Chaos Computers". So, the dud spelling must be covered.

6. Link and leverage

Build multiple internal links on your site from page to page, leveraging keywords. If you optimise a page for "discount laptops", say, link to it from other pages with that exact text, which tells Google that the phrase is crucial. For instance, on the home page you might put a link that says: "Looking for a great deal? Check out our discount laptops." Literal but effective.

7. Spy and submit

Voyeuristic tools like Yahoo Site Explorer (https://siteexplorer.search.yahoo.com) expose who is linking to your rivals. In the process, the tools uncover directories where you might want to list and sites for which you might want to write. Submitting articles to sites like ezinearticles.com is a great ranking booster. Ditto contributing articles to industry sites and blogs. Link to specific pages on your site.

To gauge the effectiveness of your SEO drive, visit Submit Express (www.submitexpress.com/analyzer).

www.webfx2.com.au is a digital web agency delivering your online presence, seo tools and effective online income streams. Since 1993 they have established over 5000 businesses equipping them with the right design tools and technology needed to stay ahead of the pack.