Using testimonials on your website offers a wealth of benefits:

1. Creates consumer confidence

Many online businesses have built their business from the ground up using customer testimonials as feedback. Just look at eBay and Amazon. Both online shopping sites rely heavily on feedback to function. Customer feedback, whether it is rating a product, service or seller builds consumer confidence. It overcomes buyer fears and promotes sales as safe and worthwhile.

2. Establishes company credibility

If everyday people are making positive comments about your company, it highlights that your business is the real deal. Publishing testimonials on your website presents your business in an unbiased light. It’s also much more effective than a sales pitch.

3. Improves customer service

You may not receive glowing feedback from every customer. Instead of focusing on the negative, use the opportunity to respond to the complaint. This demonstrates to other customers that you are willing to address any concerns and correct them – a simple way to turn negative feedback into a great testimonial.

Here are some effective testimonial tips:

• Never lie – Be honest and never make up testimonials that are false or misleading. If you can’t deliver what you’re promising, it’s only going to look bad for your business.

• Details matter – Build credibility by publishing your customer’s name, where they live and their occupation whenever you use a testimonial. For example, J. Brown (Lawyer from Manly).

• Multimedia – Written words are fabulous. However, if you have the resources then go that extra step and use audio or video testimonials.

Testimonials are such a simple resource that many businesses fail to take advantage of. By publishing positive testimonials on your business’ website, you could see those potential customers turn into big sales conversions. Need help building a testimonials page on your website? Find out how PlanetDomain can help by calling 1300 366 405.

If you’re writing for a business, you’re going to need to have a strong understanding of your audience and purpose to do a remarkable job that will impress readers:

Purpose

Readers want to know what your purpose is as soon as they reach your website. What’s in it for them? Be very clear about what you do. State your products and/or services and let them know of any benefits or exclusive deals. It also helps to consider what message you’re trying to convey. Do you need to be educational and inform, or are you trying to entertain – or even do both?

Audience and tone

Who are you speaking to? Is your target audience made up of consumers? Are they educated students, business entrepreneurs, a specific industry group or mums and dads? Who they are is going to affect how you write.

For example, if you’re writing for the everyday consumer, you’re more likely to use chatty, informal language. If your audience focus is more on an educated or specialist field, utilise industry jargon that they would be familiar with. By mastering such terms, you also have the liberty to weave in jokes and references.

Easy to read

Digestible content is absolutely key! Make use of short, snappy paragraphs that flow. Use bullet points and sub-headers to break content down and make it easier to scan. After all, people are pressed for time. Your goal is to assist your readers by helping them find the information that they want fast. Strip your content down and communicate your message in the least amount of words possible.

Pictures

Feel free to make use of images and video content to add meaning where words won’t suffice. Your images and videos should use web-friendly formats such as JPEGs and embedded videos to promote faster loading times.

The right words (SEO)

Keywords tell us the exact words and phrases people use to express themselves and find what they want on the internet. It’s essential to integrate relevant keywords for your business into your web copy. A savvy copywriter knows how to aptly use keywords while still maintaining the ability to write pleasant copy. The goal is to avoid overusing keywords; saturating your copy only sounds robotic and will hinder your SEO efforts – Google penalises copy that is too keyword-rich (Keyword stuffing).

Writing great copy is not just about the words. For more information on getting to know your target market and harnessing the power of SEO to see your copy reach the audience it deserves, contact PlanetDomain.

Having a strong social presence brings a wealth of benefits to businesses. You’ll generate more leads, gain more traffic and increase brand exposure, all of which lead to bigger revenue. A social media presence isn’t the silver bullet to successful online marketing, but getting it right can be a massive boost.

Here are five hot social media tips you should put into practice to boost your business’ success:

1. Create keyword-rich profiles

Social media pages on sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter rank really well with search engines, often occupying the first few search results. Therefore it pays to include keywords throughout your social media profiles so customers can find you.

Are you a computer repairs company in Sydney? If so, use ‘Sydney computer repairs’ in your profile description where possible. Add it to your bio section for each social media page to help boost traffic.

2. Be real, respond and engage

It’s essential to show your customers the real you by publishing interesting, fun and relevant content. Along with posting business content, show you’re a human by posting things that you’re passionate about. Just be sure that it aligns with your business image.

Also make an effort to respond and engage with your customers. Reply to their tweets and comment on their wall posts. Social media is a two-way street and something as simple as a retweet illustrates that you’re willing to communicate and build ongoing relationships with customers.

3. Use social media share buttons

Social media share buttons are icons you can add to your blog entries and website content to make it faster and easier for your fans to share your material. By having customers ‘like’ or ‘retweet’ your content, they are informing their immediate networks about your business. This is great for brand awareness, getting your message in front of more people and increasing your followers.

4. Cross promote your sites

Social media websites can be integrated into a business’ traditional marketing strategy in order to boost results. For example, social media links of your Twitter or Facebook pages can be promoted in an email newsletter or during trade shows and conference presentations. Again, more awareness means more followers and more potential sales.

5. Invest in video

Creating business videos and marketing them across your social media sites is an extremely effective way to generate more followers. The popularity of YouTube and Vimeo means web users prefer to watch video content over reading large chunks of text. Videos have the power to emotionally stir and entertain customers, which increases the chances of hardwiring your brand into their minds.

Talk to Planetdomain today to discover the most professional way for you to utilise social media marketing.

Changes to the way websites function is ever changing and can leave you feeling the need to update your site regularly in order to give your customers the best viewing experience. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to using advanced tech on your site and for many web designers it’s a contentious issue. Some designers believe resources like Adobe Flash are ideal for enhancing webpages, while others think they should be avoided. Often the type of business, the audience and the websites goal is what ends up governing the technology used.

Using Flash on your site can help increase user interaction as well as make the experience more enjoyable for visitors. At the same time however, too much Flash can be visually irritating and increase load times.

If you believe implementing Flash is going to impress your visitors then you are most likely misinformed. Flash is most useful when it is used to for things like tutorials and to make sites more interactive. Flash is a wonderful tool, but needs to be used in moderation to get the most out of it.

One of the main criticisms of Flash has been the impact it can have on site speed. Many visitors will get frustrated and leave if they have to sit and wait for pages to load, so it’s important that your website has sufficient bandwidth to support Flash effectively.

Finding the right balance between image quality and file size is essential, so using files that are quick to load yet still visually sharp is important. Remember, download speed is crucial when it comes to reducing the bounce rate on your website. If you are using Flash, your site needs to be built in a way that allows everything to load dynamically.

Another very important reason to consider download speeds is how it influences SEO. Google, amongst other search engines, now includes page load speed in its algorithm. Without sufficiently quick loading times for your webpages, you could see a drop in site rankings.

Further to this Google has stated that they can crawl the content of flash websites – they explicitly state:

Note that while Google can index the content of Flash files, other search engines may not be able to. Therefore, we recommend that you use rich-media technologies like Flash primarily for decorative purposes, and instead use HTML for content and navigation. This makes your site more crawler-friendly, and also makes it accessible to a larger audience..

To ensure your website is properly indexed your content is better off being displayed in standard HTML, rather than a rich media technology such as flash.

Perhaps the most dramatic aspect of Flash, especially in the smartphone era, has been the so-called ‘war’ between Adobe and Apple. Apple has avoided the use of Adobe Flash on its iPhones, iPads and iPhones and appears determined to keep it that way for future products. However, it important to understand the underlying issue at the centre of this war.

Flash was designed for PCs, not touch screens. The mobile market is all about low-power devices and touch interfaces; Flash compatibility with Apple products is simply not viable for the foreseeable future, even though it is compatible with the Android operating system. You can read comments from Steve Jobs on Adobe in 2010 to find out his thoughts on Flash.

Other languages that can be used to create multimedia features on your site, such as JavaScript and HTML5, don’t have to deal with the problems Flash faces with Apple products. However, since Flash has been around since 1996 and has incredible penetration statistics of 98 per cent, it is an extremely popular tool and has a relatively easy learning curve in comparison to other multimedia resources.

While Apple may continue to resist Adobe, Flash can still offer your website some interesting features as long as you address the issue of download speeds for your site. For more information about Adobe Flash and its benefits, contact PlanetDomain today.

One internet meme that has now become legendary is ‘Rickrolling’. This term refers to the number of fake hyperlinks offered on any given topic which when clicked simply lead to the YouTube video of Rick Astley singing Never Gonna Give You Up. The song and Rickrolling became so popular as a prank that it has been played disruptively in other situations too. As a result Rick Astley famously appeared in New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 2008. You can see the video here.

If you have an online business, April Fools Day may be an opportune time to promote an upcoming event or special product or service. There is nothing like connecting through humour and laughter with your customers for conversion to sales. Setting up a fun April Fools video on your website could be a great way to involve your staff and keep them happy too.

Humour can show your customers another side of your business. When they understand you are able to offer serious products and services; maintain your responsibilities and throw in some humour, buying from you will be all the more tempting.

Humour opens the door to building better relationships with your customers and making people more receptive to what you have to say by taking the pressure out of sales. April Fools Day is the perfect opportunity to come up with a humorous video or add some jokes to your sales pitch. You don’t have to be a stand up comedian to show a lighter side to your customers but having a little fun can go a long way.

How are you using video to engage and entertain your customers? Let us know if the comments.

Whether you are selling goods and services online or simply using a website to promote a bricks and mortar business, internet marketing can increase your sales.

In some ways internet marketing is similar to marketing any other business. It requires a thorough understanding of your goods and services and knowledge of who will be interested in purchasing them. Above all you need to know exactly what problem you’re solving or the value you can add to your clients’ lives.

It all begins with an effective website clearly describing your operations in a way that is easy to navigate and understand. Presenting information is not enough. Make the site as interactive as possible with the use of audio and video. Encourage people to engage by providing opportunities to comment and include a clear call to action wherever you are promoting a particular product.

Online marketing is most effective when you research your target market. Knowing who they are and which social media sites they are already using means you can begin to engage with them in turn attracting them to your website. Increasing traffic to your site however is only half of the solution when it comes to sales. Converting visitors to purchasers happens over time by establishing yourself as a trusted authority and positioning your brand.

The most effective sites offer free goods and services to entice visitors to leave their contact details on a capture page, use video and audio for education and promotions and offer valuable content through regular articles and newsletters. They also utilise good marketing campaigns that clearly answer the question that any prospective buyer is asking: “what’s in it for me”.

This is why a page that simply states how great the service is without explaining exactly how it can help a client is ineffective. Clearly show your prospective buyers how you can solve their problems then tell them exactly what to do in an effective call to action.

Growing your online business organically and creating sales is possible with the right information. Alternatively consider hiring an internet marketing specialist by contacting Planetdomain today.

While this information can be helpful to a point, it is no guarantee of conversion to sales. In fact visitors are far more likely to buy from you or purchase your goods if they feel that you understand what their particular problem is and offer a solution.

For example, a dentist who lets their patients know about their qualifications and experience or distinctions and awards is helpful to a point. The dentist who explains that they understand the discomfort and inconvenience of a painful wisdom tooth and because of this offer a 24-hour emergency service is more likely to strike a chord of empathy with potential clients.

An online business with a customer focus will perform far more effectively than one that simply promotes the attributes of the business owner.

Here are some tips for creating a customer focused web presence:

1. Know your customers

Many people online are looking for a quick and easy solution to a particular problem. Are you aware of the kinds of problems your service can resolve?

Don’t assume that because you have a common product or service that you customers will automatically understand. In the case of the dentist above, although it is common knowledge that people go to the dentist when they have a toothache, there are many more services that dentists offer.

Give a thorough explanation of what you can offer with a description of how your client will benefit and the problem you are solving for them.

2. Structure your site with the customer in mind

Visitors to your site will only become frustrated and leave quickly if they discover a site that is difficult to navigate or if the information they find does not fit with their needs.

Organise the landing page with information aimed at the most likely requested information. Using the example of the dentist again, although a dentist might want to inform their clients about bridges and crowns, this may not be appropriate for the landing page if most enquiries are made at the time of emergencies.

It may be more useful to inform clients of immediate access to services for problem teeth and what to do in the case of an emergency. The aesthetics of the site should come after the organisation of the information.

3. Address your customers directly rather than describing you and your services

Make sure all written content, audio and video is directed at the client making focusing on how your business can help them rather than how impressive you or your service are. Use the words “you” and “your” to make it feel as if you are really talking to the visitor – making visitors feel welcome and unique is a great way to encourage them to buy.

4. Testimonials

It is common to think that a simple ‘About Us’ page is the safe place to offer information about the expertise of staff and any distinctions or awards. A more humble and effective way to promote yourself is through testimonials and examples of how you have helped others.

An interactive site which is clearly aimed at the needs of the customer is far more likely to convert visits to sales. Your ability to show empathy for your clients’ problems then demonstrate your aptitude for solving the problem through testimonials and examples will have visitors returning time and again.

What other tips and pointers do you have to engage customers and make your web presence more customer-focused?

It is important to know where these changes have impacted most so that you can apply the best strategies for search engine optimisation.

The initial algorithm change had the most detrimental affect upon information hubs like eHow and ezine. This is because much of the content included in these sites is not written by people with the authority to write about the subject matter.

Whilst many established sites were complaining about the changes, the good news is that for those with a professional service or business that they want to promote online, there are now some good, ethical practices which when adhered to, will see your site ranking well.

In May 2011 Google Engineer, Amit Singhal said:

“Our advice for publishers continues to be to focus on delivering the best possible user experience on your websites and not to focus too much on what they think are Google’s current ranking algorithms or signals.”

He added a list of 23 questions that content writers should be asking to meet Google’s standards, which you can find here.

Here are a few:

• Would you trust the information presented in this article?
• Is this article written by an expert or enthusiast who knows the topic well or is it more shallow in nature?
• Does the site have duplicate, overlapping, or redundant articles on the same or similar topics with slightly different keyword variations?
• Would you be comfortable giving your credit card information to this site?
• Does this article have spelling, stylistic, or factual errors?

These questions give us the bottom line in relation to the changes made by Google Panda as well the following periodic adjustments. The changes mean that your site must be a quality site.

It is essential that you create a site that users will trust and where they feel safe. The guidelines for this are creating authoritative content; building your offline as well as online profile; creating safe and secure e-commerce and ensuring that content has a professional edge.

Although many people are floundering and feeling overwhelmed by Panda changes, once you break it down, the changes and advice offered by Amit Singhal offer a simple and effective system for creating online content that benefits you and your clients.

For the trusted authority on SEO and online marketing, contact PlanetDomain today and consult them about how to market your products and services online.

1. Who is visiting your site
It is important to know how much traffic you have going to your site and how visitors are getting to your website. Are they searching for your business name or are they arriving as a result of back links and referrals? Knowing this information gives you the data to determine whether your online advertising is working and how effective your blogging or article writing is.

2. How long are they staying at the site
You need to know what your users like and don’t like about your site. The average length of time a visitor stays, gives you an indication of whether they are interacting. You can also find out, page by page how long your visitors are visiting which tells you which pages are more popular and which may need some work.

3. Are there any defects on your site
Although you may have people visiting the site, if you are not using your website regularly you can easily overlook defects on your site. Analysis can show you where your customers and users are having problems on the site. Are all your pages up to date and functioning properly? There is nothing more frustrating for a visitor than clicking on links that do not work or pages that do not exist.

4. Is your site effectively capturing information
Whether you are selling products or simply capturing information and list building, it is essential to know how effective your capture pages are. Professional online marketers, constantly test and re-test capture pages to optimise their effect and ensure conversion to sales.

5. Are you using the right keywords
Most analytics tools, like Google Analytics, will show you which keywords users are searching for when they visit your site. This is important information as it tells you whether your selected keywords are working or whether you may need to change them.

Understanding your visitors and customers comes down to monitoring their behaviour. This is made possible with analytics tools. Planetdomains’ search engine optimisation program will help you analysis your traffic and help you make the most of your business website.

Like any other social place, the internet has guidelines for what is appropriate behaviour and those who display manners in the online world are more likely to build trusting and lasting relationships that will spill over into their professional image. There are now some commonplace communication styles that may be appropriate when chatting socially – such as sending an email to a friend or sending a text by telephone – which should definitely be avoided in professional communications. For example, abbreviated words such as ‘lol’ for ‘laugh out loud’ or ‘fyi’ to replace ‘for your information’. A professional email should be written as a business memo or letter composed using correct grammar and spelling. Here are some reasons as to why Netiquette is essential to email and business correspondence:

1. A good business communicator will be able to express themselves, in email, without using emoticons. Although expressing tone and emotion is more challenging when we write than when we speak, taking some time to consider how the recipient will respond to your choice of words is important. Using emoticons detracts from a professional image online
2. Remember that online, capital letters, except where required for grammar, represent shouting. Avoid using continuous capitals in case the recipient feels offended by the communication.
3. Never assume that because you have been given a business card with an email address on it that you have been given an invitation to solicit information or attempt to sell your goods and services. Anyone who gives you a business card then finds they have been added to your mailing list without prior permission could consider you a spammer. This could be very detrimental to your business image.
4. Never apply the ‘wait three-days’ dating rule to your business correspondence. It is amazing how many people think they should hold off replying to an email. Whilst it may be acceptable with friends and family, in business emails should be responded to quickly, just like telephone calls.
5. Remember that receiving email from a business is much like receiving mail in a letterbox. Recipients like to be asked whether or not they want to receive a newsletter or information on products and specials. Always ask your customers if they would like further correspondence from you, rather than assuming you can add them to your mailing list.

Becoming aware and educated about Netiquette is sure to improve your online image and business presentation. A little care given to spelling, grammar and punctuation sends a clear message to your audience providing a greater opportunity to build trusting relationships.

If you would like to get more information about your internet presence then contact the PlanetDomain team today on 1300 36 64 05. We are always here to help!