Be Proactive!

Lots of people complain but fail to do anything to turn their Websites into proactive marketing machines. And there are a number of actions that can be taken, each of which can boost the traffic flow and (if applicable) sales. If your Website is not living up to its expectations, find out why and do something about it.

Sometimes, just the simplest action can make all the difference. Don't be afraid to experiment. Read and learn; educate yourself...or hire someone knowledgeable to audit your site and make suggestions. But whatever you do, don't just sit there and let it go on. Every Website has the potential to become a mean, lean money-making machine...yours included!

Analyzing Your Website Traffic

The key to improving your site is diligent review of the its statistics. Your hosting vendor typically provides a report capability as part of their service. Checking these on a regular basis offers valuable insights into visitor behavior and clues to how you can make your site more productive. For example:

• On what page do most people enter your site?
• How long do they stay?
• Where do they exit your site?
• Where are they coming from?
• Where do referrals come from?
• What external links are sending the most traffic to your site?
• How often are search engine spiders crawling your site for updates?
• What keyword searches are sending most people to your site?

Reviewing these stats and thinking about them is the quickest way to enhancing your site. For example, if most people enter your site on the home page, but leave with 10 seconds or so, then you know that your homepage needs a little work. Also, one linked site is sending you most of your referral traffic, perhaps a closer business relationship with that site is in order. If Google is not regularly crawling your site, maybe you should re-submit to them. Think about it...

The Joy of Being an Entrepreneur

Sometimes, when I get up at 3AM to finish a project, I question my sanity and contemplate getting a "real job" with scheduled hours and a steady paycheck.

Then later, after finishing and watching the sun come up, I take my dog for a walk along the rural backroads in northern San Diego county, and I know why I do this. It's the freedom to manage my own time that keeps me going. And I remember the 1 1/2 hour commute every morning, the endless stress and often having to work for "intellectually challenged" executives. Suddenly it all comes into perspective - Yes! This is why I do it....the freedom to control my own life, to manage my own destiny.

Your Website Selling Proposition

Every Website needs a "unique selling proposition" in its initial view (above the fold). This statement explains what differentiates you from the hordes of competitors and the benefits to the viewer. Remember, you have about ten seconds to capture the interest of a Website visitor, so make your selling proposition compelling!