Posted by Michael Hartzell on Mon, Jun 28, 2010
What is your angle for business blogging?
The big tip of the day: Originality.
The closer you get to the core original source, the more valuable you become. The old commercial about hair color: "... and she will tell two people, and they will tell two people, and then they will tell two people..." also works for blogging. If what you are writing about is from the source or you are sharing completely brand new, original information, then the possibility of having people pause and read your article increases.
If someone says: "Hey, I never heard about this before", and the content is relevant and helpful, you will increase interest.
As to which is better, frequency or quality of content, use the rule of going to the source. www.google.com/webmasters seems like a good place to start. I will leave that to Matt Cutts in the video.
Where to get the content?
Those who conduct science experiments or make discoveries. Caution: Subject to copyright laws. Here is an example of a great resource when researching for business blogging:
Government websites are a great resource for original content. It appears that the content is not subject to copyright. Here is the scoop right from the source:
What is a U.S. government work?
A United States government work is prepared by an officer or employee of the United States government as part of that person's official duties.
It is not subject to copyright in the United States and there are no copyright restrictions on reproduction, derivative works, distribution, performance, or display of the work. Anyone may, without restriction under U.S. copyright laws:
- reproduce the work in print or digital form;
- create derivative works;
- perform the work publicly;
- display the work;
- distribute copies or digitally transfer the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending.
Exceptions
- Other people may have rights in the work itself or in how the work is used, such as publicity or privacy rights. Privacy and publicity rights protect the interests of the person or people who may be the subject of the work. To learn more about the difference between copyright and privacy and publicity rights, see the Library of Congress website.
- You cannot use U.S. government trademarks or the logos of U.S. government agencies without permission. For example, you cannot use an agency logo or trademark on your social media page.
- You cannot use a U.S. government work in a way that implies endorsement by a U.S. government agency, official, or employee. For example, you cannot use a photo of a government official wearing your product in an advertisement.
- Works prepared for the U.S. government by independent contractors may be protected by copyright, which may be owned by the independent contractor or by the U.S. government.
- Not all information that appears on U.S. government websites is considered to be a U.S. government work. For example, it is possible that some or all of the text, trademarks, logos, or images on a U.S. government website may be protected intellectual property not owned by the U.S. government, but used by permission of the rights holder. To ensure that you don't mistakenly use protected intellectual property from one of our websites, check with the agency or program that manages the website.
- The U.S. government work designation does not apply to works of U.S. state and local governments. Works of state and local governments may be protected by copyright.
- Copyright laws differ internationally. While a U.S. government work is not protectable under U.S. copyright laws, the work may be protected under the copyright laws of other jurisdictions when used in these jurisdictions. The U.S. government may assert copyright outside of the United States for U.S. government works.
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions about U.S. government works, please contact the U.S. Copyright Office.
It is interesting how there is a common complaint that people are not informed and can't get involved when the information age is at the fingertips of anyone interested. How can you help people change their lives? How about by adding more quotes, links and blog articles that originate from government and science websites.
Notice how the best quality content sites take information not from 3rd parties or farther up the information food chain. They either create original studies or rely on the originator of the information. Go thou and do likewise.
Blogging for business tip of the day: If you are stuck with creating content for your blog then you are not listening to your customers and staff enough or you are not reading enough.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Tue, Jun 22, 2010
Google says:
"A popular question on our Webmaster Help Forum is in regard to best practices for organic link building. There seems to be some confusion, especially among less experienced webmasters, on how to approach the topic. Different perspectives have been shared, and we would also like to explain our viewpoint on earning quality links."
Response and thoughts:
Did you know there was a forum? If Google is being used by 70% of those searching, then why would you not be a part of this? It is free and as close to the horse's mouth as you can get.
How do you define "less experienced"? One year? Two? I see those with eight years experience struggling because they are not unlearning quickly enough to adapt. Maybe "experience" is not the best term.
Google Says:
"If your site is rather new and still unknown, a good way marketing technique is to get involved in the community around your topic. Interact and contribute on forums and blogs. Just keep in mind to contribute in a positive way, rather than spamming or soliciting for your site. Just building a reputation can drive people to your site. ..."
Response and thoughts:
This is neither a new or unique concept. For people to be inspired enough to refer you in the offline world, community 
involvement has always been a key element. Simply making random calls from the phone book or showing up to local events with the purpose of "pitching" only gets you a cold shoulder. Jay Conrad Levinson has talked about this for 20 years in Guerrilla Marketing.
Google Says:
"... And they will keep on visiting it and linking to it. If you offer long-lasting, unique and compelling content -- something that lets your expertise shine -- people will want to recommend it to others. Great content can serve this purpose as much as providing useful tools."
Response and thoughts:
It is good to see that the leaders in Google are making an effort to establish a standard based on principles that Mom and Dad tried to teach us when we were growing up. I didn't know we were going to get more Mom and Dad teachings from Google, though.
Try Animoto for creating quality and fun videos.
Question: What is "good" and what is "quality"? How long can something of quality last when technology is moving so fast? I thought I was pretty good at connecting with a crowd until I listened to a presentation by Brad Worthley at a Chamber of Commerce in Auburn event. Sure, I am unique but in comparison Brad will knock my socks off. I recommend Brad Worthley.
There is more but who wants to hear me ramble?
Take-away:
- Sign up and participate on Google's Webmaster Help Forum. Schedule 20 to 30 minutes a week.
- Know who your community is. Write their names down. Know who is important to you and why. Then treat them with importance.
- Join your local Chamber of Commerce. They are part of your community.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Fri, Jun 18, 2010
Are you ready to start blogging for your business? Maybe not. With Wordpress 3.0 ready to roll, there is another learning curve.
Here are more tips about how to blog better.
How to find content for blogging? Your staff. Your customers. News. (Especially news.) The purpose of blogging as a part of your online presence is to increase the chance of getting found. If you are not yet getting found and live in the Pacific NW, here is where I know a great round table discussion will be happening: Click here.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sat, May 01, 2010
How can you find yourself or your business on the first page of Google in hours? First follow the advice that Benjamin Franklin's quote gives:
| Either write something worth reading about or do something worth writing about. - Benjamin Franklin |
Brad Swartz, the CEO of Vision Quest Sport and Fitness club in the Pacific NW of Washington state, does exactly that.
This is more than a business success story, it is a story about overcoming hurdles and helping others do so.
If you are keeping up with my www.biglosermike.com blog, you already know I decided to get a little more serious about my weight. Creating business success and losing weight are parallel in many respects. Even Jeffrey Gitomer has written about the similarities in weight loss to creating sales.
So you will see on my blog article, I am standing between the photo of Matt Hoover (Winner of Biggest Loser Season 2) and Brad Swartz, who is a World Champion Wrestler just a few short years ago. Brad Swartz lives what he preaches. He can be seen in his business in a tie one day and sweats the next. You will see him in wrestling gear and then on the mat showing the young men how they too can win a championship.
This is about getting on the first page of Google in a matter of hours though, isn't it?
First. Do something worth writing about.
Have an event and do something great.
Vision Quest has major events. This last event was the finale of Biggest Loser VI and Matt Hoover gave his inspirational speech. They gave away prizes, signed people up for the next Biggest Loser that starts on June 3rd and gave away more prizes. (I have a $100 plumbing certificate now.)
One by one people of every age and nationality went to the front and weighed in. Brad Swartz himself made the final announcement for each and every contestant. He even acted as a human applause meter. Every once in a while, he would add tips about health, positive comments about one's success, or questions about the journey.
It was not at the Westin Hotel. It was at the fitness club. The event was not fancy and sophisticated white tie. It was real life celebrating the amazing weight loss of many in just 13 weeks. The last 13 weeks will change people's lives.
Second: Write something worth reading about.
Of course the only option I had was to blog about it. It just happened Thursday night after all. This was news! Plus I lost 24 pounds. (That is news as well.)
I stood side by side with a World Champion Wrestler and a big winner of the TV's 2nd Season Biggest Loser. That is news. You can read all about it at: Michael Hartzell | Brad Swartz | Biggest Loser Finale.
Third: Share the news with others.
So, Facebook was the first place to go. That is where friends hang out, after all. You do share good news with your friends first, don't you? I went to the Vision Quest Facebook Fan Page and shared my article and new photo. (Thanks Dad for the photo!)
Then hours later, 'Brad Swartz" is Googled and up pops the article about Brad, the news, the event, my photo of course, and more.
On the other hand? When "Michael Hartzell" is Googled? You won't find the article. That works for me. The article is about Brad, Matt, Jeff, Chip, their team of personal trainers, and the amazing difference each makes in the lives of many. If you can help people change their lives and make a profit in business by doing so, it is the best of both worlds.
Will this work for you? Maybe.
Stick with Benjamin Franklin. Have vision. Build a team. Follow your passion. Change people's lives. Do something worth writing about. Write about it. Share it with the world via blog, social media, or press releases. Over and Over. It will happen for you.
PS
Google "Jeffrey Gitomer Weight Loss" and you will find the article I refer to.
Don't forget, everything on the Internet has a shelf life. What is #1 today will be on the back page tomorrow. (Or maybe it will stick around, you just never know.) That being the case, I took a photo to show you.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Thu, Apr 22, 2010
I love to share this type of information with business owners. That is because it is free, from one of my favorite companies, and all about inbound marketing.
Analyzing information to cut the fat and focus more on what works is one of the many benefits I have by using the Hubspot software. Companies of the 21st Century know that to move forward more quickly, education and support at every step is necessary. Without smarter customers, then who would be able to purchase the more advanced products or services?
Take advantage of the free marketing charts and graphs. (More fun than text!) Maybe even take a peek under the proverbial software hood at Hubspot. They offer a free trial, after all.
Marketing Data: 50+ Marketing Charts and Graphs
HubSpot has compiled over 50 marketing charts and graphs based on original research and data from a variety of sources, including analysis of our 2,500 business customers, surveys with hundreds of businesses responding, analysis of the data in our free tools like Website Grader, Twitter Grader and Facebook Grader. The presentation includes data on lead generation, blogging, social media, marketing budgets, and more! Download Now!
Marketing Data and Research presentation includes data on:
- Lead Generation
- Blogging and Social Media
- Marketing Budgets
- Twitter and Facebook
- 50+ pages of marketing charts and graphs from original research!
Read more: Hubspot/charts
Which chart was an eye opener for you? One that stood out for me referenced the frequency of blogging for a business vs. customer acquisition.
This may put the common question to rest: "How many times should my business blog each week?"
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sun, Apr 18, 2010
The Five Essentials to Business Success talks about including technology - the latest and greatest. To keep up, a business success marketing plan must include a blog. Web 2.0 is already merging into Web 3.0 and the static website will lose ground to other websites which have information that is fresh or more relevant. For instance, not many want to read a blog about fax machines anymore. Instead people will be searching for how to best use an iPad for business success.
At this point, can I make the following assumptions about you and your business?
-
You want to master online marketing just as you have mastered offline marketing.
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You refuse to hire someone for $50 - $150 an hour to set up a website or blog and believe it is not worth a dollar. (Every business is different so I will refrain going deeper into this aspect.)
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You believe in low or no cost marketing. (Just as I do.)
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You have the ability to learn and apply information quickly with tutorial videos, support, and manuals.
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You have no fear of the keyboard, the Internet and new ideas.
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You have enough time in a week to create content, write an article, record an audio or shoot a video (or all three).
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Your marketing calendar includes social media tools, connecting online and using the Internet to interact with others.
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You understand the basics of Inbound Marketing.
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You know your vision for your business and personal life.
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You have a mantra for your business.
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You know what terms your customers and future customers will use for your business. (These terms are called keywords.)
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You have selected and purchased a domain name for your business.
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You have selected and purchased hosting for your business.
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You believe that creating and maintaining an Internet website can't be that hard since you can use Microsoft Word, Excel, Quickbooks, the Internet and a few other software programs. (Again, I resist the urge to further discuss this belief with you.)
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You believe you are the best person to create or extend your presence online because every page represents you and your business and needs to be just right.
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While you like Hubspot software (which this blog is on) and this company's principles of inbound marketing, the price point keeps you from taking the next step to purchase.
That said? Your checklist is complete? Then I recommend you use the software I use and my clients use: Thesis Theme. The video will show you why. While there are other blog theme options, I chose Thesis Theme for my clients because they need support, flexibility and simplicity. Give Thesis a try: Click Here.
Is it the fastest, easiest, simplest tool on my list? No. There are other easy ways to get your business online. These will be shared on the next blog. Be sure to subscribe to get notified.
Watch the videos:
Here is a testimonial and one reason I use Thesis:
Give Thesis a spin: Click Here.
Affiliate Disclosure Policy
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Wed, Apr 14, 2010
OK, This is all about YOUR business. (and about About.com)
Is that a proper use of words? About About.com? What is it about About.com that I like so well? If you don't know about About.com then you did not see the special page where you can vote.
There are many reason I appreciate About.com which gives support to the entrepreneur striving for business success and this is one:
| By Randy Duermyer, About.com Guide to Home Business
Tell Us About Your Blog
As a follow up to the new Show and Tell feature, I've added an opportunity for those of you who are blogging to tell us about your blog. Your blog should be about working at home or starting/running a business from home. I'll also consider blogs you are maintaining on other topics as long as I believe those topics would be of interest to my other readers.
The Show and Tell feature allows you to tell your story, offer advice and even upload a photo - maybe of yourself or your work area at home. You'll get a link to your blog too if you provide the blog's URL and your submission is approved for publication.
Just go to the Tell Us About Your Blog page and submit your story by completing the form.
All submissions are moderated by me and are subject to approval. All submissions must be in English. Otherwise, all you need to do is follow the instructions on the form.
To see the entries that have already been approved, click the See Published Submissions button near the upper right of the form page. The button is only available if there is at least one story submitted.
Yes, there is more at: Randy's Home Business Blog |
Your to-do list:
- First? Vote for your favorite learning / training / wiki website.
- Then run to your keyboard (it should be sitting right in front of you) and connect with Randy about YOUR business.
- Last, bookmark About.com and Randy's blog. Chances are you may be paying for information about how to achieve more success in your business that About.com provides free.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Mon, Apr 12, 2010
Posterous unveils Post Editor 2.0: Your universal posting tool
Getting ready to start a business blog? A few questions before you jump in.
How important is simplicity? Would creating a blog by sending an email be of interest?
Then try Posterous. Learn in minutes and be blogging quickly.
How much money do you want to risk?
From $0 to $20? OK. Try
Posterous. Posterous is free but you will want to buy your own
domain name.
How much time do you have to learn how to blog?
30 minutes a day? OK. Try
Posterous.
How interested are you in getting found on Google?
OK. Try
Posterous for your blog / website. Since you are not spending hours on learning the technical pieces, you can then concentrate on learning the SEO / Keywords for the customers of your business.
How interested are you in having the ability to post an article with just an email which is then sent to Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites?
Then go to
Posterous and sign up for an account. It is free. Once you have a handle on the basics? You use your own
domain name.
Posterous just made a new announcement about the latest version.
"Posterous is not a microblog. It's your place to post everything. Now we've added a simple but powerful new post editor that lets you post any combination of photos, music, video and docs, and intersperse them with text in any order you want. There are no limitations that force you to choose whether a post is for photos, video, embeds or anything else. It's simple and powerful at the same time.
Here's what you can do now with every Posterous blog as of today, both for posting new posts and editing old ones.
Upload any kind of photos, music, videos and documents
Select and push multiple files up in one batch, all with no additional software install."
Guy Kawasaki will tell you to give it a try. He is a little biased since he is involved with the project. Even so, I have found Posterous to be fast, easy, simple (& fun). If you decide that the name bugs you? Then try Typepad. After all, Seth Godin used Typepad so it must be great.
Blog by email, push a button on Firefox. Go deep with coding and html or keep it simple and non-tech. Posterorous is one blog software system that will make you SMink. (SMile and Think at the same time.)
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Fri, Apr 09, 2010
From Credit Card Processing Blog:
Friday, April 9th, 2010
All card-not-present transactions must be authorized before they are processed. The authorization response will typically be approval or decline. E-commerce merchants should develop a process for handling transactions after the authorization response has been received and apply it consistently.
Obtaining authorization for card-not-present transactions. Obtaining an authorization is part of the process of verifying the cardholder’s identity and the validity of the transaction. When you submit your authorization request, consider the following:
- Avoid using a $1 authorization to verify if the account is in good standing.
Read more about
how to handle ecommerce transactions.
These tips on business about credit card and check card e-commerce transactions are a handy reference.
More importantly? It is an example of how a business offers a product and service and uses Inbound Marketing to give valuable information to their customers and future customers, thereby building trust and creating authority.
It has been said every business is also in the publishing business and must include content marketing in their plan. Great example here.
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Posted by Michael Hartzell on Sat, Mar 13, 2010
Uh-oh. "Things are not always as they appear" is again ringing in my head. Here is an article about the buying habits of those visiting busines blogs. (I hope you are blog about your business.)
This is fresh off the pages of Website Magazine. (Oh? Don't you read this? Worth a look. Interesting articles).
First-timers Comprise 80 Percent of Business Blog Traffic
Posted
Mar 12 2010, 02:45 PM
by
Linc WonhamContrary to the widely held belief that the majority of business-related blog traffic is made up of loyal audiences, a recent study reveals just the opposite. Marketers must develop blog and social media content for first-time visitors in order to be effective, according to the survey conducted by Compendium, an enterprise platform for social media and search.
In data gathered from 266 companies about blogging traffic, visitor trends and Twitter usage, the Corporate Blogging and Social Media Trends Survey found that almost three-quarters of respondents from companies selling directly to consumers reported more than 80 percent of all blog traffic was from first-time visitors.
Read more about this study at Website Magazine.
Now. Does that change things a bit? Better articles with more impact? A call to action? More pressure to create a pitch? If each person travelling on the internet is a bit like a tourist visiting on vacation, maybe it is even more important than you thought to be amazing!
Here is my call to action for you:
Download my free ebook at www.magicmarketingtips.com It is free and has already been downloaded almost 6,000 times since December of 2008.
For those of you who have been around the block? It may be a bit boring. For those who are still finding their way around? Fun tools (and pretty simple). Either way, the tips have already helped others with their businesses.
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