6 Ways to Be More Productive with Your Web Marketing

The year was 1997 and I had just received my acceptance letter from California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS). I had prayed. I had cried. I had stopped eating, I was so nervous. The essays, letters of recommendation, and constant teasing of my peers for being a nerd was finally beginning to pay off...

I will never forget how I went from feeling on top of the world, to a gnat on a wall, in a moments time.

You see, at my small little Catholic school in Compton, CA, I was one of the smarter kids. Yes, I was dark, talk, skinny, and not so cute, but it didn't matter because I was smart! Even my enemies were friendly around test time. Seriously.

But walking on that college campus with so many other talented kids really shot me down. They had so many more things than I had, and so much more support (in my mind).

Little did I know that I was on a crash course with one of my passions, technology. I was also learning some valuable lessons about life and business.

Web marketing can be a similar experience. First, you have an awesome idea and a great plan. You may have even written a business plan and developed a very attractive website...

But there are MILLIONS of websites, then comes that defeated feeling. Well, here is how you GET OVER IT and start building your online presence:

1. You have got to recognize the unique qualities about yourself and your product or service, then write them down.

10 Successful Techniques Nonprofits Are Using On The Web

There is no one-size-fits-all strategy for the web, but there are some proven methods that when executed properly, will yield favorable results. Some nonprofits have established some routines that have helped them gain more reach, more awareness, and higher donations.

7 Ways Your Non-Profit Can Profit from Social Media

Non profit organizations are primarily focused on two things: building awareness for their cause and raising funds to make a difference. These two go hand in hand as educating people on what your organization is all about and why it is important to them, plays a crucial role in being able to request donations to further the cause.

So, how are 501 (c) 3 organizations using social media? According to a case study released by the Case Foundation and Social Media for Nonprofits, close to 500 nonprofits were surveyed about their use of social media and how it ultimately impacts donations. Some 47% said they saw an increase in donations through social media use.

The survey showed that 74% of nonprofit organizations are using social media to keep followers informed about upcoming events, make important announcements, and share the overall progress of the organization.

Many of them expressed some hesitation in using it to solicit donations due to the vast number of other organizations using it for the same purposes. You can read more details of the report here.

Many of them rely more on their websites and email marketing to connect with their audiences in comparison to social networking sites like Linkedin, Google Plus, and their favorite, Facebook.

So, how can non profits use social media to influence their fans, garner support for their cause, grow their reach, and increase donations? There is no easy, one-size-fits-all solution to this question, however, there are ways for them to improve their social media strategies.

1. Focus on quality of users instead of quantity. More fans does not mean more awareness. In the words of Social Media Marketing University webinar facilitator, Ty Mays, "social networking should not be a popularity contest." Social media moves at an alarming pace and just because someone has more Twitter followers than you do does not mean any of them are interested or "listening.
2. Interact with fans and respond back. So many times there is a question asked or poll given by a Facebook page, but no response back from the organization who gave it. People like to converse and not feel like they have been ignored. 
3. Use dedicated social media person or team. When things do not immediately go the way expected, it is human nature to want to switch routine and try something else. However, adequate time should be given to see if a social media strategy is working. Aborting a social media plan after a week, or one month, offers no real evidence that the strategy did not work. Additionally, as people are all unique, their approach and tone will also be unique. Instead of using just anyone who has the time, or worse, a group of people who have not come into agreement about how to deploy the social media strategy, consider creating a plan first.
4. Check out other pages and see what they do well, or what they can improve upon. There is no need to recreate the wheel. If something works, apply it to your own social media strategy and try it out. For instance, many of the non profit organization pages I follow update their Facebook timelines with simple posts like being able to get a new piece of equipment they had been raising funds to purchase. Seems simple enough, yet the engagement is much more on posts like these than on posts that make people feel guilty about how blessed they are in comparison to others. I also notice that these type of posts show people how their donated funds are being used. I would also suggest you send messages to pages that are not in direct competition to yours and request them to share one of your updates or campaign. The worse thing they can say is no!
5. Be positive. We all agree that child cancer sucks, and many children die yearly from this disease. But that really isn't enough to compel someone to give you their money. That same story could be used to show how your organization sends volunteers to inspire and encourage these children and their parents while they go through the treatments your organization helps to fund. See the difference? Same story, different angle. 
6. Mix it up. It is your page and you can post what you want. But, linking to related content and studies that help people understand the passion you have for what you do is very helpful. It also shows that other people are involved in the cause even if they are in no way related to what you're doing. 
7. Promote your social media pages offline. Tell people about your social media pages as you speak with them offline, even consider adding them to your business card for easy reference. I don't just mean organizations and donors, but also anyone who can "like" your page or retweet your tweets. They can help expose your cause to others (their followers). Ask for their social media information and find them to be sure you can follow up with them later. They may not want to donate or be able to volunteer, but they likely know someone who can. 

Social media is expanding the reach of people, businesses, and non profits. There are so many ways that we can impact people through these tools, but a plan must be put in place to execute it properly, then measure its success or need for improvement. The profit enjoyed from using social media is more than dollars and cents. You can mobilize people and encourage them to share your cause across their social media networks. 

Also keep in mind that some people will not like or share your post because it has a public setting and they may not want others to know about their involvement on social media (for work reasons, or privacy concerns). This does not mean you cannot compel people to take action without them ever alerting you through a share or like.

Shared and liked posts are usually funny, inspirational, and positive. Purely informational posts or boring compilations of facts will not make people engage on your social media pages. 

For more information on how you can use social media for your non profit, feel free to email us or book an obligation-free consultation.

Stay encouraged and don't give up!

End of Year Internet Marketing Ideas For 2014

Whether it has been a successful or bumpy year, now is the time to plan for 2015! You can start right where you are and strategically deploy these web marketing techniques to help sustain or improve your current marketing plan. 

 Start a Social Media Network Marketing Campaign

Now is the time to get social! Social networks are filled with opportunities for you to interact with potential customers, one on one. This is an exceptional low cost marketing idea that is sure to bring many benefits and establish public trust in your brand. All the hype and still growing, social media networks are a great way to provide information as well as initiate contests and promotions.

There are several social media networks to choose from: Twitter, LinkedIn, Digg, and others, but the best results among businesses today are reported to be happening on Facebook where you can market your brand for free, or step it up a notch and pay a minimal fee to promote your posts outside your established circle. However, not every brand will fare best with Facebook; conduct important research to find out which networks will work best for the needs of your brand.

Focus Your Content Marketing Efforts

The consumer is not the only one favored through the free market system. As small business owners come online more and more, they can benefit as well. Market research is more available than ever before, and growing daily. It is not difficult to see who reads your content the most, their age, gender, and most importantly, their needs. Carving out your niche and pursuing it is where the most benefit lies. No more do you only concentrate in your ideal customer, but also your present ones.

Carving out a niche through the language you write in is easier with long tail keywords. This concept means that your content marketing efforts are more aligned with how people actually search for products and services online.

For example, nonprofit organizations solicit volunteers, donations, and businesses to donate their products or services. When people are in need of their resources, they will likely search terms like 'local charities' or "where can I get help with my bills?" google makes this even easier with their search box that instantly updates as you type.

On the other hand, small businesses will likely need to focus more on reviews, customer feedback, and their online customer service. Their content should include terms that describe their product or service: 'cheap websites' or 'where to buy low cost iPhone cases.'

Competition in your market becomes less when you focus on your niche. Concentrate on the clients you want to consult with or the industries that will need your services. What is their lingo? What sites do they frequent (message boards, social media)? And, what problem can you help them solve?

It is not better to be the jack of all trades, but master of none.

Fox News Highlights Small Businesses Around US Using Twitter To Communicate with Customers

How would you like to have your business possibly featured on Fox News (@fbsmallbiz) ? They are highlighting small businesses around the country that are effectively using twitter to communicate with their customers. 

Owners of small businesses can enter for an opportunity have their businesses highlighted by tweeting Fox News using this hastag:  #mysbc.

The winners of  today's Tweet Business of the Day is: Design House Inc. They couple Debra and Tim Purvis own an architectural design firm in Wiggins, Miss. They can be found on twitter here.

Spread the word and maybe your small business could be Fox News Tweet Business of the Day!

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz for a complimentary consultation today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Technology Pioneer Steve Jobs Leaves Lasting Fingerprint on Business and Technology

Part of the allure of business in America is the relative ease to begin businesses and the "pursuit of happiness." Co-founder of technology giant, Apple Inc., Steve Jobs demonstrated the successful navigation of several obstacles to realize his dream. He left Apple for several years before he returned with an idea that would forever change music, business, the world. 

Apple, Inc created wealth and jobs for many Americans. In fact, every entrepreneur in the world could learn and apply lessons from the former CEO.

Jobs holding a white iPhone 4 at
Worldwide Developers Conference 2010

Aside from breaking barriers and setting new standards in technology, business and computers, Steve Jobs' innovation was the catalyst that caused countless other entrepreneurs to open their own businesses. The iPhone, iPod, iPad, iMac, MacBook Pro, and other Apple products require accessories and equipment that have given opportunity for other business men and women to resell, market and distribute what hungry consumers demand. In fact, the iPhone routinely sells out, and with the addition of the iPad, the possibilities are limitless.

Business curricula will surely  include the innovative leadership abilities of Mr. Jobs. Overcoming failures and watching Microsoft continue to sell and grow was no small detail throughout the time that Mr. Jobs worked for Apple. Besides the overwhelming success, businesses formed, processes  improved, and lives changed through the line of products produced by Apple, motivation to go after a dream with every fiber of ones being cannot be ignored. According to Wikipedia, Jobs compared his business plan to the Beatles. He strongly believed in teamwork and that great business was accomplished by many people, not just one. It is unlikely that the full impact of his inventions or business expertise has left on the world. 

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Public Relations and Sales

How many times have you personally had a choice in a purchasing decision, and chose the business that had a more positive image? There are even occasions when prices can be different, but the perception of a place of business weighs heavily on the decision to buy or not buy. 

What is the relationship between the public perception of a brand or business and their ability to sell?

Lets us take a look at a few examples to examine the issue objectively:

• Many athletes and entertainers risk their ability to be endorsed by major brands when they make major mistakes that draw public criticism.
• Political figures often lose credibility and sometimes even their jobs for bad press. 
• Companies and brands use the press to announce positive press to enhance their images.
• Some companies and brands have gone out of business based on press. 
• Even a homeless man was able to land a job because of being on the news and showcasing his skills. The fact that he was homeless really made some companies want him as it would make them seem sympathetic to his struggles. 

Public Relations are often over used by some companies and brands while others completely overlook the benefit of a positive public image and its impact on their bottom line. So, how can a positive image and being engaged with your market help your sales?

1. Public Relations allows consumers to see a human side of your brand or business that is otherwise unavailable to them. 
2. Community involvement and engagement can increase word-of-mouth advertisement as customers learn about community efforts, charitable causes, or other image-enhancing events. For example, reading about the companies recent charitable donation in the local newspaper, business blog, or other online source may be a conversation starter between friends or co-workers, along with a desire to support you as you support other causes. 
3. Consumers are more likely to purchase from businesses with positive press than companies with no press or bad press.
4. Public relations is a form of marketing that does not focus on sales but definitely contributes to increased or decreased sales. People remember articles, experts, and businesses that they have read about in a positive and negative manner.
5. Internal perception of a company can even impact employees endorsement of a companies products or services. Employees will assist in marketing through suggestions to family and friends when their perception of the company is positive. Conversely, when they are displeased more than satisfied, they are less likely to recommend the company to family and friends. 
6. Commercials and television advertisements are more costly yet highly effective in helping people recall your company or brand when making a buying decision. In the same manner, as more people migrate to the world wide web year after year, internet marketing without direct sales can be highly effective in a positive perception.
7. Even when there is no call to action associated with buying a product or service, Negative PR is highly effective at having the opposite effect on sales.
8. Companies can offer incentives, coupons, or other discounts for markets engaged with them in some way -- newsletters, social networking sites, or other mediums that help shape the perception consumers have about businesses. 
9. Facts are not nearly as important as perception, unfortunately. Businesses have to take the reigns of their own public images as everyday consumers now have the ability to influence others perception of companies more easily, even if to only a small audience.
10. The old saying that no news is good news does not apply to marketing and company sales. No news can actually be bad news if companies are not proactive in the global marketplace and positioned to take action. 

Can you think of any examples, well known or otherwise that agree with this or do you disagree? I would love to hear from you!

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

The Problem and Solution to Facebook Groups

 

On one hand, you do not want to remove yourself because it can be considered a social networking faux pas, offending people that are potential clients, or even genuine friends. But on the other hand, there is the time and productivity issue.

Facebook Groups are a wonderful invention for the group moderator to have a captive audience, share ideas, events, and common interests. For businesses, it has proven to be a largely successful tool in the arsenal of the entrepreneur for marketing, soliciting customer feedback, and exchanging ideas while brainstorming. The point is that they can be used for any purpose. Groups can be closed or open, depending on the goal of the group, and posting abilities can be changed based on the purpose of the group as well. 

Sounds great, so what is the problem? 

The problem with Facebook Groups are that they require more time than busy professionals have or want to spend. If you have just 200 friends, and only 10 of them add you to a group, imagine the time. This brings up another issue -- people can add you to a group without even asking you. This is the marketing departments greatest angle but the entrepreneurs worst nightmare.

Another issue is that many groups do not give out instructions, set rules, or make the goal of the group clearly defined when adding members. Of the several groups that I am privileged to be a part of, only one made it a requirement to read and comment that the introduction statement was clearly read and understood. 

I have come up with a few solutions to these issues for business people, that can help maintain the connections made on Facebook but keep productivity up and distractions down during the work day.

• Immediately Edit Settings when joining or after being added to a group. This will allow you to set up how often you receive notifications, the email address they go to, and whether or not you will receive them for threads you are subscribed to or group messages. 
• Set a time during the week that you will check in with the groups and like posts, read articles and links posted, and interact with the members. Attempting to do this daily will greatly reduce your productivity.
• For groups that spark your interest and you desire to interact with more often, copy the email address into your contact list for email to send messages to the group without having to log in to the 600 million+ member site.
• Make sure you are not posting links and soliciting feedback when you are inactive.
• Remove yourself from any groups that do not interest you, or that you find too time consuming without benefit.

What are your strategies to maintain valuable connections and your productivity when using Facebook Groups? Do share.

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

5 Things to Know Before Building Your Own Website, So You Get It Right the First Time

ChrissyBiz Solutions brings you relevant and helpful information from professionals who not only know but listen to the needs of business owners and entrepreneurs. This guest blogger understands the tasks associated with Web Marketing and how strategic planning with clearly defined goals can lead to more clients and more sales:

Caryn Murray is a copywriter and consultant specializing in startup and small business Branding, Advertising, and Marketing. She is the owner of BAM! Copy Writing which provides a variety of multimedia copywriting services to businesses of all shapes and sizes around the globe. Her passion is in helping local small businesses in the Finger Lakes Region of Central New York where she is an active board member on the Phelps Chamber of Commerce, the Marketing and Public Relations Committee, and the Business Development and Tourism Committee. Read on to learn more about creating a website that fits yours needs and the needs of your market:

Many entrepreneurs and small business owners fall victim to building-their-own-website-without-knowing-what-they-are-doing. Of course this can be more suitable for a startup budget, and there are a variety of easy to use website builders and blogging tools that can help you get your concept online without investing more than your own time and energy.

However, an ineffective website can and will cause more damage than good for any start up or small business. 

With the right understanding of which elements make a website effective, you can save the nightmare of retracing your steps by getting it done right, the first time around. The following elements are all important things to consider before taking the next step in building your own website.

1. Why do you want a website? 

At the risk of sounding like your elementary school teacher… you shouldn't do something "just because everyone else is doing it." That's not a good enough reason, and an effective website needs a solid purpose to build a base on.

Perhaps, a more thought provoking question you should answer is:

What should your website do for you?

• Do you want to sell your products/services online?
• Do you want an informational website where potential clients can go to learn more about your products, services, or ideas?
• Would you like to take an existing small business into modern media?
• Are you tired of worrying that you might be losing potential clients who have asked for a website?
• Do you want to test a business concept for market potential?

Whether you're running an advertisement in the local paper or building your own website, knowing what you expect (the purpose) is critical for generating a sufficient return on investment. (In other words: not dumping your money down the drain.) 

2. Navigation and Structural Development

A basic website provides limited information between a Home page, an About page, and Contact info. This might include hours of operation, prices, etc. Know everything you want on your website, and then create a flow chart to determine the navigational paths. 

Over time, you will want to understand how visitors use your website to create a more user friendly experience. Google Analytics is a powerful tool for monitoring specific data, including:

• Traffic sources, such as referring web pages and also which phrases are sending search engine users to your website.
• Which pages get the most views, and the amount of time users spend on each web page.
• Your bounce rate (the percentage of traffic that leaves your landing or home page within the first 30 seconds)
• Information about where your traffic comes from geographically
• And much, much more…

With Google Analytics, you can determine which navigational paths have the highest conversion rate by setting and watching various Goals. You can use that information to adjust or even redevelop the structure of your website for a higher return on investment.

3. First Impressions and Branding

Premium or customized templates are always more professional than a generic template. It is very important that your website is consistent with your brand in the real world, so if you already have marketing collateral (brochures, business cards, etc.) try to stick with the same visual image and first impression.

4. Marketing and Promoting Your Website

If you build it, they will come? Not on the internet!

You do need to market and promote your startup or small business website.

The first step is to put your website address on any marketing collateral, but you can also purchase advertising spots in local media and release a press announcement about the launch of a new website (focusing on what's in it for the end user.) For a higher initial spike in traffic, use incentive. People respond better to incentives such as free coupons.

You can also reach new leads by marketing your website online.

Welcome to the web! There are new ways to market, advertise, and promote your brand/business/services. Surely you’ve heard that social media marketing is all the rage right now, but search engine optimization and marketing continue to be the most powerful way to get your brand in front of a targeted audience that is already looking for your products and/or services.

5. Content

The biggest mistake a DIY website builder can make is not putting enough effort into their website content. This element is - dare I say it - the most important part! 

Web content serves several purposes including:

• Keeping your bounce rate low by providing an immediate first impression that is appealing, not intimidating. (This is in correlation with the graphic design of your website.)
• Telling search engines what your website is about. Search engine optimization depends solely on the individual web page content. Using the right keywords and phrases at the right density is critical during the initial development of root pages, and that’s not including SEO content published in a well maintained blog.
• Laying down navigational paths, including anchor text links (also supporting SEO) to create a user friendly experience beyond the menu.
• Converting traffic into customers. The immediacy of the web provides an even bigger challenge in fulfilling calls to action. Most do-it-yourselfers often neglect putting in a call to action to begin with, let alone setting the mood for said action to be taken.

To learn more, please visit http://BAMcopywriting.com

Twitter Pitfalls, Marketing Mistakes, & Annoying Habits

Twitter is great for business! No doubt about that. Personally, I have been able to meet more than 50% of new clients via twitter without soliciting them in any way. But it can also be a nightmare if you are not careful. Here are some common mistakes I have found (and even participated in before I knew better):

• No Bio -- How can people accurately list you or utilize you as a valuable resource if you don't even tell them what you do from the beginning. Be as specific as possible. Most followers will not even click your link if they don't know what you do.
• Misleading Bio -- Your bio says you are a marketer, but your link goes to a dating site. This will get you blocked and reported for spam in most cases, especially by professionals who take their pages seriously and have tied it to measurable marketable gains.
• Not Reciprocating RT's -- When someone RT's your link or quote, at least be kind enough to acknowledge it or reciprocate it in the near future. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you tweeters.
• Inciting Fear or Negativity -- You want people to utilize your services or buy your products because it solves a problem they have or adds value to them. Writing negative tweets or inciting fear in your followers in very 20th century and does not work. 
• Sporadic Tweeting -- If you are not tweeting on a normal schedule, you are more likely to be unfollowed. If your last tweet was 2 months ago and the next time you tweet is to push your product...no one is listening. Engage. Interact. Be genuine.
• Not Following Back -- Major pet peeve here as it shows your immediate lack of interest in your follower. They know you cannot even see what they tweet, therefore the chances of you responding or purchasing their product or service is very low. I personally find it a tad rude and "snooty."
• Ignoring DM's or Replies -- We know your account is probably automated, but check your inbox from time to time and respond back in a timely manner.

I could go on and on, but I am interested in what YOU find annoying on twitter. We can all learn from one another, so share your thoughts in the comments section below.

ChrissyBiz Solutions provides clients with customized, results-driven web marketing strategies. Our primary business writing duties include: article marketing,  search engine optimized web copy, blog content, social media, press releases, and newsletters  designed to drive traffic to your website and influence buyers decisions when purchasing products and services.

Contact ChrissyBiz today to discuss the impact that web marketing copy can have on your business.

Anti-Social Social Networkers - Do's & Dont's

Social Networking is an integral component to any web marketing strategy, we all know this. However, execution requires attention-to-detail and interaction with your market if you want to reap any benefits from this form of marketing. 

Frankly, there are many what I refer to as "spickets" of information. That is, bloggers, business owners, and social media "experts" that ignore their following yet constantly drip out information. The information is of no importance if people feel you are not engaging them. Why should they listen to you? What makes you a better authority on any topic than the next expert?

In the beginning, I too fell into this category, until I sat back to brainstorm why my followers seemed deaf or just plain ignored me. It does not matter how well informed you are or beautiful your default picture is, when it comes to social networking, you must be SOCIAL.

How To Use Your Vision and Mission For Your Internet Marketing Strategy

You may be wondering how vision and mission statements are relevant to your internet marketing efforts.

Creating vision, mission and strategy statements for your business are still necessary steps you will want to spend time on.



Your vision, mission, and strategy statements act like compasses for your ship at sea as they guide and direct decision making, organizational priniciples, and where to focus your efforts. 

In times of distress or when you are presented with opportunities, you can use them as checkpoints to make sure you are on course.

Vision, mission and strategy statements are also crucial to your small business internet marketing success. These foundational principles help anchor the business regardless of the conditions you will face.

There was a time when companies proudly displayed their vision and mission statements on their website. This trend has become less and less popular, though I am unsure why. 

So exactly why do you need to write mission and vision statements, and more importantly, how can they positively impact your web marketing online?

Vision and mission slideshow from Christian Dernbach
Vision

The vision statement of your company is where you want to be and where you see yourself in the future. What do you envision for your company, for your customers, for yourself?

Without vision, it can be very difficult to make decisions within your organization. Whether you are a solopreneur or a part of a small operation, vision is just as crucial. 

The vision statement does not need to be elaborate, rather concise and clear.

Example: ChrissyBiz Solutions will provide professional internet marketing services for small businesses and nonprofit organizations through it's one-stop-shop business model.

Learn more about vision statements here with more examples.

Mission

The company mission statement is equally as important as it narrows down why you do what you do, and what you hope to accomplish by doing it.

• What is your mission statement? 
• What motivates you to do what you do? 

Your mission is what motivates your operation even when times are difficult or you are confronted with a difficult decision. 

Mission statements should be inclusive, honest, and purposeful.

Example: To offer affordable, valuable, and result-driven solutions for small businesses and nonprofits.

Click here for more information about about mission statements examples.

Strategy

With the mission and vision statements now clear, you can begin to develop your strategy for marketing your products and services online. 

Where you see your business and why you do what you do can be very helpful in determining your internet marketing strategies.

For example, nonprofits may want to invest more time on Go Fund Me than small businesses because of the way it is designed and the audience it appeals to. 

Though it is crowdfunding for anyone's use, startup funds for nonprofits are more accessible than startup funds for business on this platform.

Similarly, LinkedIn caters more toward professionals than Facebook, and provides more valuable business opportunities and leads for small business and nonprofits.

A successful web marketing strategy incorporates the vision and mission so that time and resources are maximized. You will be less likely to jump on the next bandwagon when you know where you want to go and why you want to get there.

Small business web marketing can be time intensive or extensive, yet more productive when in sync with company values.

You might find it necessary to outsource some of the business writing associated with it so you are able to more fully focus on your gift.

Tools for any internet marketing strategy might include:

• Pay per click advertising
• Email marketing campaigns
• Blogging for your business
• Blogging for your nonprofit
• Newsletters  
• Social networking for business also known as social media networking
• Free offers online such as a free Ebook for download
• Online article marketing
• Press release writing and distribution
• Free webinars
• Youtube video marketing

Your written vision and mission statements should be where you can easily access and see them daily. The internet is a massive place, growing at lightning speed, but your written plan gives you direction and puts you at an advantage. 

Have you written your vision, mission, and strategy statements yet? If not, it's never too late!