Creating a marketing plan can be a daunting task for many. I’ve created a mind map that has the basic elements of a marketing plan which you can use as a starting point. Add or subtract the items that are relevant for your situation.
The source file for the mind map is available for download. The file was created in Mind Manager 8. You can also get the clickable mind map and a PDF as well.
© iStockPhoto/apcuk
Search is the largest potential source of qualified leads. SEO is an acronym for “search engine optimization” or “search engine optimizer.” Approximately 70% of all website traffic to a site comes from search engines. Most searchers typically pick the top ranking results of their search.
SEO Elements
Ensure that keywords are in URLs, page titles, headlines, and links. Tag all image and video elements. Meta tags, sitemap.xml, RSS feeds and other elements contribute to the indexing and accurate display of your site. Custom meta tags on all pages.
According to Google here are some questions to ask if you plan to hire a professional SEO expert.
* Can you show me examples of your previous work and share some success stories?
* Do you follow the Google Webmaster Guidelines?
* Do you offer any online marketing services or advice to complement your organic search business?
* What kind of results do you expect to see, and in what timeframe? How do you measure your success?
* What’s your experience in my industry?
* What’s your experience in my country/city?
* What’s your experience developing international sites?
* What are your most important SEO techniques?
* How long have you been in business?
* How can I expect to communicate with you? Will you share with me all the changes you make to my site, and provide detailed information about your recommendations and the reasoning behind them?
SEO can be retrofitted
You don’t need to re-do your site entirely to incorporate SEO best practices. Here are a few simple fixes.
Web Resources
Books
Web Analytics Tools
Ultimately, the secret to good SEO is good content.
(c) iStockPhoto/iqoncept
I used to absolutely HATE networking. I would avoid it like the plague. But back in 2004 I changed my mind about networking. I changed the way I thought about networking so it changed the way I behaved when I decided to go to an event. I was working exclusively at home at the time.
I decided to figure out what about networking I didn’t like. I hated the small talk. The attempt to talk to a large amount of people and get a bunch of business cards. 90% of whom I never reached out to after the event. Pointless right? The whole reason to go to a networking event is to MEET people. So why wasn’t I following up? Or meeting people with whom I had any chemistry?
Well for starters I wasn’t honoring the fact that I’m an introvert and I was attending too many events. Which guaranteed I’d fail. Why? Well I was brain dead by the time I got to my third event of the week. Who can focus much less carry on a conversation when just being in the room is driving you nuts because you need some quiet.
I started to be more picky about which events I attended. I also gave myself permission to leave early if I felt like it. Why force myself to stay when I’m not enjoying myself? I’d be irritable and quiet – not exactly the way to be if you are looking to connect with people.
So I set myself a goal, I’d aim to connect one on one with at least five people and after that I was free to leave. I wasn’t in the business of collecting business cards just to prove I met a ton of people. I am in the business of creating relationships. Networking is about creating relationships not about numbers. Until you have the relationship thing down the numbers don’t matter.
Nothing is more irritating than someone you barely know trying to sell you something. There is no trust yet. Why would you buy what they are selling? Or how about not talking to someone for months and then asking them for job leads. Annoying right?
Whether networking online/in-person being authentic is important.
What I’ve learned over the years:
Flickr Photos
