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<title>HBT_MS_129</title>
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<item>
<title>Advanced E-mail Marketing Tips</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Juste Gnimavo<br />
<br />
There are two types of marketing: unsolicited e-mail (cold selling), and opt-in selling. Keep them in mind when you create your messages and build your subscriber list. I highly recommend you do not engage in cold selling. This is considered spam. If enough people report your address as spam, you will be banned from ISPs and search engines. The occasional sale you see from cold selling will not be enough to compensate for you being blacklisted on the internet.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, building an opt-in list is a perfectly acceptable and highly successful method that will keep you from being labeled, bad business. With an opt-in list, people ask to be added to your subscriber database because they are interested in your topic. Opt-in subscribers should always be given the option to opt out.<br />
<br />
However, you would be surprised how many people do not bother clicking the unsubscribe link, and eventually make their way to your site to investigate your product further.<br />
<br />
When preparing your autoresponder messages, it is imperative to strike a balance between excitement and hype about your product.<br />
<br />
You must avoid wording your messages so they look, feel, and smell like spam, even if they have been requested. This means following the rules of creating direct and simple messages. For example, no writing in ALL CAPS, or putting seven exclamation points at the end of every paragraph.<br />
<br />
Here are also a few other deadly spam sins to avoid:<br />
<br />
Just about every e-mail program has built-in spam filters that route unwanted messages to a separate folder, often called a "bulk" folder, whose contents are routinely deleted by either the program or the owner of the account. Following the suggestions above for avoiding spam-type messages will go a long way toward ensuring your autoresponders is not diverted to an early grave.<br />
<br />
Here are more tips on beating spam filters and verification programs:<br />
<br />
1. On your "Thank You" pages, remind your subscriber:<br />
<br />
- His must check his email for a confirmation message from YOUR NAME (or your email address) and must click on the activation link in order to receive YOUR OFFER.<br />
<br />
- If he is using spam blockers such as SpamBully, SpamArrest, Earthlink, KnowSpam or FilterMy, and did not get your email: it may have been blocked by his computer's, or ISP's spam filters, or trapped in his spam (or bulk) folder.<br />
<br />
- If he does not receive your welcome email, indicate to him to check his trash or spam folders.<br />
<br />
2. 4 steps to follow in sending your messages in the mail box of your subscribers.<br />
<br />
- Never, begin your subject line with ADV: or include the word "advertisement".<br />
<br />
- Never use the word "free" in the subject line-especially in all caps.<br />
<br />
- In fact, never use the word FREE (in all caps) anywhere in the message. If possible, avoid using all caps altogether.<br />
<br />
- From address: When you set up your web site and associated e- mail accounts, do not name any account sales@yourdomainname.com - this guarantees you an automatic trip to the bulk folder.<br />
<br />
- Within the message: Never say "for free? (!)" or use the words "extra income" in the body of your message. Recently, many internet marketers attempting to bypass spam filters have begun breaking up the word "free" anywhere it appears in their sales copy: f-ree or fr.ee are the most commonly used methods.<br />
<br />
3. Formatting your autoresponder messages.<br />
<br />
Every e-mail program is different, allowing different line lengths for their viewing windows. If your e-mail program allows 75 characters per line, it may look fine on your screen-but when you send it to someone whose program allows only 70 characters per line, those last five characters get moved to the next line and break up your message with those pesky > signs.<br />
<br />
Another potential problem is the font you choose.<br />
<br />
Fonts like Courier New are fixed-width: every character takes up the same amount of space. However, fonts like Times New Roman and Arial have varying width according to the character.<br />
<br />
Do not write your message in 16-point Impact Red or other "flashy" font styles and sizes.<br />
<br />
This does not draw attention to your product. It draws attention to your inexperience. For the most part, keep your entire message in the same font and type size, (10-point size is best in nearly every case) and make sure each line is 60 to 65 characters long. When you reach the limit, use a hard return to start the next line rather than allowing your word processing program to wrap the text.<br />
<br />
Use emphasis like color, bold and italics sparingly for effect.<br />
<br />
4. Structure your messages and make sure you easily keep reading.<br />
<br />
Do not stuff your messages with "cool" graphics, animated smiley’s, or a dreaded Flash presentation. This slows down load time considerably, and many people will not wait for your incredible pictures to appear on the screen. Tell them exactly how they will benefit from it, and put substance in your send-outs. People want to know that you know about what you are sharing!<br />
<br />
5. Do not use chat language in the text of your message.<br />
<br />
Even to people who know what LOL, IMHO, or IOW stand for.<br />
<br />
This is not professional and does not score you any "friendly" points. In addition, if your subscribers do not know what these abbreviations stand for, they will be quick to dismiss you as inept. In case, you do not know yourself: LOL=laughing out loud, or laughing on line; IMHO=in my humble opinion, or another meaning.<br />
<br />
6. Do remind people that:<br />
<br />
1. They are receiving your message because they requested more information, or a friend suggested they would like to receive the information. <br />
<br />
2. They can opt out of further messages using a link you have provided at the end of the message.<br />
<br />
Keep your messages out of spam oblivion by adhering to these guidelines, and you will see your sales and response rates climb.<br />
<br />
Juste GNIMAVO is an Internet Marketer and Owner of http://affiliate-internet-marketing-tips.com. To find Advanced Internet Marketing Secrets and email marketing software visit => http://affiliate-internet-marketing-tips.com internet-marketing-tips.com<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Why Would You Stand in Line 48 Hours to Get a Play Station 3? 
The Marketing Psychology Is Working...</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By David Perdew<br />
<br />
You know its Christmas time when two things happen...<br />
<br />
1) People stand in line for 48 hours, camped outside Best Buy for 48 hours, waiting for the latest PlayStation release, or...<br />
<br />
2) The Internet giveaway fever really heats up - More about this later.<br />
<br />
The current Play Station mania is an incredible lesson in marketing. However, I missed the importance of what was going on until a friend smacked me in the face with it this morning...<br />
<br />
DUMB LIKE A FOX...<br />
<br />
Our friend -- I'll call him AJ -- reported this morning that he and his wife had just returned from Wal-Mart where they had been camping for 48 hours to get one of four available PlayStations 3, when they went on sale...<br />
<br />
Unbelievable! I thought he was insane when he told us this. Who wants a PlayStation bad enough to stand in line 48 hours?<br />
<br />
Well...<br />
<br />
He said with a smile, "We got two!"<br />
<br />
So! It was still 48 hours in front of a store, right. Do your kids really need PlayStations THAT badly?<br />
<br />
"Oh, they're not for the kids! We listed them on eBay within an hour," he said, still smiling. "And they're averaging 5 to 7 thousand dollars. Some have sold for more than $14,000." Search for "PlayStation 3" on eBay. The prices blew me away.<br />
<br />
I was stunned. Not because of the price, (people pay extravagant prices for just about anything), nor because my "insane" friend actually made about $390 per hour, if he sells them both for $7000, but because I had totally missed the entire marketing lesson expertly laid out by Sony and Wal-Mart.<br />
<br />
The six basic marketing persuaders from Robert Cialdini's classic book, "Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion", are in full view!<br />
<br />
** Authority -- Wal-Mart. Love 'em or hate 'em, they are the big kahuna in mega store retailing. If they advertise that they have four PlayStations in stock...they have four and only four in stock. However, they promise they can get more because...well, they can.<br />
<br />
** Liking -- People practically live at Wal-Mart. Convenience and service translate into customers with an undying loyalty to them, often because they have become the only game in town.<br />
<br />
** Commitment with Consistency -- Let's see. Stand outside in November in the rain for 48 hours to be the first in line for the release of a new product. That's serious commitment!<br />
<br />
** Reciprocation -- Wal-Mart provides a free (and massive) PS3 buyer's guide on their site that provides all the information you need to make a decision between the $500 and $600 basic units, and all the accessories required. Giving such, complete information not only sets up the authority persuader, but also makes you value the content and feel indebted to the retailer. Call this reciprocity.<br />
<br />
** Social Proof -- The press has been lapping up Sony's press releases about the PlayStation launch date, and the lack of product. In addition, the gaming blogs can talk of nothing else.<br />
<br />
** Scarcity -- Sony is really smart! They do this every year. Release only enough of the hot product to create an insatiable appetite for it. They may have warehouses full of PlayStations, but they won't release them until the market begs for more.<br />
<br />
HOW DID I MISS THIS!<br />
<br />
AJ knew -- before he invested the time to stand in line --that the market was clamoring for the product. In addition, he saw an opportunity.<br />
<br />
He had no intention of keeping the PlayStations himself. His research on eBay confirmed that PS3 fans were rabid and would pay any price!<br />
<br />
Like any good marketer, he remembered the first rule: Determine what the market wants and sell it to them. As Mark Hendricks, a master marketer, and creator of the Christmas season giveaways, likes to say, that's the difference between "marketing" and "selling" -- it's much easier to make money when you're providing a much-wanted service.<br />
<br />
Selling something no one wants is hard work, indeed. Marketing is easy.<br />
<br />
I should have seen it too. I've studied with some great internet marketers. Most teach the basic principles of Robert Cialdini's book.<br />
<br />
CHRISTMAS MADNESS...<br />
<br />
During the Christmas season, online marketers flock to the Internet to collect gifts -- usually informational products and software tools. Always free, hence the name giveaway, the purpose is to drive traffic. All of Cialdini's uses the six persuaders to create the buzz, exchange the gifts for e-mail addresses and names.<br />
<br />
The 12 Days of Christmas is the granddaddy of the online giveaway extravaganza and Mark Hendricks is the father of the concept. For several years now, Mark has brought together more than 75 top marketers to giveaway hundreds of products during the month of December.<br />
<br />
Because the concept worked so well and has become an Internet marketing staple, a gazillion giveaways pop up. It's now a standard tool in every marketer's toolkit. Why does it work so well? It's based on one of Cialdini's persuaders -- reciprocity.<br />
<br />
I give you something and you'll feel obligated to give me something back. It's a technique used everywhere. When you go to the grocery, clerks stand at sample stations offering everything from cubes of cheese to portions of spaghetti and meatballs. Why? If you take a sample, chances are really good that you'll buy the product.<br />
<br />
However, at Christmas...Whew! It's tough to keep up and maintain enough free disk space on your computer for all the online giveaway opportunities.<br />
<br />
The six persuaders (all included above) are real. Until I got involved in the Internet, I had no idea I was being "persuaded" at every turn. We all react to them, will forever, and have ever since the first caveman tried to sell the first hunk of meat to his neighbor.<br />
<br />
It took a PlayStation 3 and AJ to point me back to the "real" world to see it in action there too.<br />
<br />
David Perdew is an enthusiastic Internet Success System student (http://www.the60dayexperiment.com/recommends/iss.htm) and contributor to 12 Days of Christmas (http://www.the60dayexperiment.com/go/12Days.htm). You can read about how he incorporates Mark's marketing techniques on his blog (http://www.the60dayexperiment.com/blog/12day.htm).<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Professional Keyword Research Strategies</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Jason Lam<br />
<br />
Keyword research is an integral part of any SEM initiative, whether it may be PPC or SEO, so it is important to do it right. It is also important to do it right from the start. Google spiders (the bots that indexes web pages) can take months before they cycle to your site, so if you target the wrong keywords initially, it could take months to fix.<br />
<br />
We have briefly listed the top five things to consider before you begin your fun journey of keyword researching.<br />
<br />
1. Define your targeted pages.<br />
<br />
Recognize what goals you want to achieve. If you are looking to sell cars, you want to optimize the pages containing information on a specific type of car, or pages containing content that will lead them to buy a car. Pages such as the About Us page and History page will not need optimization since no one is specifically searching for those pages. Make a list of the pages you feel would provide a lead for your business, and target the keywords on those pages.<br />
<br />
2. Speak the way your audiences speaks.<br />
<br />
While the correct term to describe your product may seem obvious to you, you need to speak your audience’s language in order to show up for their searches. For example, if you are selling “GPS navigation systems”, a person may have searched for GPS systems. It may not be the most politically correct term (Global Positioning System Systems), but if this is the term everyone uses to find the item you are selling, you may need to consider it as a keyword to target.<br />
<br />
3. Know your competition.<br />
<br />
Sure, ranking number one for “cars” would drive up your web traffic exponentially. However, what are your chances of obtaining that ranking? Typically, one-word keywords are extremely difficult to optimize. Millions of pages on the web are already well optimized for it, without even knowing it, (unless you want to optimize for kukukabo)<br />
<br />
If you are in a very competitive industry (in the internet world) such as gaming, gambling, insurance, and such, you may find it helpful to pin down your keywords to a further niche and targeted level. For example, if you are selling cars in Toronto, you may want to combine “Toronto” with “cars”, or if you are targeting a specific demographic, you may want to include that it in the keyword. You may find that the competition for that term drops significantly, thereby, increasing your chances of success.<br />
<br />
By increasing your presence for these targeted key terms, you are in a better position to optimize for keywords that are more ambitious in the future.<br />
<br />
4. Using the right tools.<br />
<br />
By no means, are the following the only tools you should use. They are some popular free keyword research tools that are simple, straightforward, and ideal to help you get started in keyword researching.<br />
<br />
Overture Keyword Selector Tool<br />
<br />
- Type in your keyword and it will show you some popular related searches and its search volume during a one-month period<br />
<br />
- Be cautioned however that the words within each key phrase are rearranged in alphabetical order. For example, if you search for New York Horse Racing, it would show up as Horse New Racing York<br />
<br />
Google AdWords Keywords Tool<br />
<br />
- Type in your keyword and it will show you the search volume, competition levels, synonyms, and display some useful data for budgeting when setting up your PPC campaign in Google<br />
<br />
NLC Keyword Competition Index<br />
<br />
While this is currently in development, we are providing a tool that shows you the competition you face for each keyword. This index will help you determine your chances of success at optimizing for each term. The NLC folks here are using it internally and its one of the best things for Search Engine Marketers since sliced cheese. We will provide more details to this tool in our blog in the future, so stay tuned!<br />
<br />
5. Snoop on your competitors.<br />
<br />
After having a good set of keywords, go ahead and search for them in Google. Take note of the top results, if they are selling or promoting what you are, these are competitors. Browse through their site and keep an eye out for keywords they are using. It may help to view their Meta tags and description by going into the page source code (View > Source).<br />
<br />
6. Smooth Integration with page content.<br />
<br />
PPC<br />
<br />
While in PPC, you have the freedom to target more broad terms and loosely related terms. You must also consider that people who have clicked on your ad are expecting to see what they searched. If your site has no relevance to what their keyword was, you probably just wasted $0.50.<br />
<br />
SEO<br />
<br />
When choosing keywords for SEO, you need to be much more selective. Remember, you will need to put these keywords on your page, and if you want to do SEO well, these terms are probably going to be in very prominent areas on your page. Make sure these terms make sense and can fit well into the context of your content.<br />
<br />
Remember, when doing keyword research for SEO initiatives; do not ONLY aim for the terms with highest search volume and lowest competition. While that is generally a good rule of thumb, you must not forget the main point of search engine optimization. You are delivering more web users to your site, but you will ultimately need your web content to speak to your potential customers. Using keywords that make sense, and are related to your content is just as important as choosing obtainable keywords.<br />
<br />
Jason Lam is a member of the Search Engine Marketing group at non-linear creations; Jason has a wealth of experience in everything SEO, PPC and SEM while working with many clients from varying industries.<br />
<br />
http://www.nonlinear.ca/pages/search-engine-marketing-toronto.htm<br />
http://www.nonlinear.ca/pages/organic-seo-services.htm<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Do You Blame Your Prospects When Your Products Or Services Are Not Selling As Well As You Would Like?</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Michael Hepworth<br />
<br />
This kind of attitude is not unique to high-tech firms. It was definitely a dominant theme one day last week when I was a guest at a discussion group for technology companies selling health care.<br />
<br />
There was a fascinating discussion about what is happening in health care and how technology is changing the landscape in this rapidly changing environment.<br />
<br />
Yet, despite these great opportunities, there was a lot of discussion of how prospects in this industry do not really understand what these technology firms, are offering. There was much complaining about their un-willingness to take risks, and in general, it sounded like the customers were to blame for many of the problems these firms were experiencing.<br />
<br />
It sounded to me like many of these firms had it backwards. They had fallen in love with their products instead of their customers. It is not your customers’ responsibility to understand what you sell, and how it could help them, it is yours. This is one of the most fundamental principles of marketing.<br />
<br />
These firms did not understand their customers’ needs, as clearly as they should, and as a result, blamed the customers when the sales did not materialize.<br />
<br />
The only way to sell is to start from the prospect’s side. If you do not, you will generally get the same result as these unfortunate firms.<br />
<br />
Starting from the prospect’s side means you cannot pitch a solution simply because you think it is a good idea. Alternatively, talk about how wonderful you or your products are. No one cares and there are hundreds of firms who offer the same undifferentiated “stuff” you do.<br />
<br />
You have to stop talking about yourself. People like this at social events have trapped us all. In that environment, it may be difficult for you to get away, but not so, for the sales prospect, they will just ignore you.<br />
<br />
You have to remember no one wants to be sold. Therefore, you have to approach it from the perspective of serving the customer.<br />
<br />
A good mindset is “You Matter. Your well-being is important to me. Let me see how I can help!”<br />
<br />
This mindset forces you to focus on the customer first, and for your firm to become the champion of your customers and prospects, ultimately making certain you are their most trusted supplier, because you leave them in a better condition than when you started. From this position, it is much easier to gain acceptance of your ideas.<br />
<br />
So how do you begin this process?<br />
<br />
The first step is to convince your prospects to give you their attention.<br />
<br />
The only way you can do this is if your marketing messages speak to their desires, frustrations, and fears. You must convince them you are worth spending time with or that your web site is worth visiting.<br />
<br />
You have to be different from your competitors. If you are saying the same thing, you become indistinguishable in the crowd.<br />
<br />
A good headline for a letter, brochure, or web site is a good start…but it is not enough. You have to have substance that will keep them involved with you, reading your letters, listening to your suggestions, or reading what is on your web site.<br />
<br />
You can only do this if you provide value. Not simply that you have a great product or service, but how you can help them solve a problem. Good products are a table stake in business and bad products do not stay around very long.<br />
<br />
The moment prospects no longer perceive value, you lose them. There are too many competing messages out there, to expect them to listen to you any longer than it takes them to decide you are worth listening to, or to cut and run.<br />
<br />
Testimonials are critical for new products and services. Social proof is very effective in encouraging undecided people to move forward. Few people want to be pioneers unless the risk is very low. The newer the product, the greater the perceived risk!<br />
<br />
You have to find ways to remove the risk, if not; you may have a great product or service that never sees the light of day. It may even be necessary to work free, on occasion, in exchange for testimonials, if what you have is unproven. Think of it as a marketing cost.<br />
<br />
You also have to convince prospects that what you offer has good value, but better still a bargain. You do this by making dramatic comparisons with the current situation and presenting this information in a compelling way.<br />
<br />
Finally, you have to make it very easy for them to buy. You can do this with extended payment terms, limited offers to early adopters, guarantees, and other incentives.<br />
<br />
When you demonstrate in believable ways that you have your prospects’ interests at heart and are intent on helping them make the right decision, then you will reduce the resistance to your products and services.<br />
<br />
Michael Hepworth is the Streetsmart Marketer. You can sign up for his free marketing tip newsletter by visiting http://www.streetsmartmarketer.com/. There you will find this article and hundreds more free marketing tips.<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Google Takes Manhattan</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Scott White<br />
<br />
Google's Internet search Branding is so strong that we forget how big a player it is becoming in the world of advertising markets. Even when we read the latest forecasts about its growing success, we tend to think exclusively about Google's online brand image. That powerful brand image tends to hold back what Google is becoming. It means they will need to consider changing their brand identity, a common problem for companies today who must navigate changes in business direction amid turbulent market changes. Google is so versatile now, that it offers a huge range of services and advertising opportunities. Advertisers can almost take it for granted that their advertising will hit the right target market and the right up-to-the-minute brand impression will take place.<br />
<br />
Google is Everywhere<br />
<br />
According to one Sash's analyst, Google is poised to serve 6.1 billion dollars worth of advertising in the coming year. This makes it fourth among American media companies in total ad sales after Viacom, the News Corporation, the Walt Disney Company, and ahead of giants including NBC Universal and Time Warner. The Google growth needs to be recognized. It is not going away. This company has the revenue and capital resources to grow and consume other competing media giants. That means Google Adwords will become ubiquitous. It is not beyond the realm of imagination that they will show up on television or DVD movie rentals. Anything is possible for Google. As the company ventures into new offline advertising mediums, the Google Corporate Branding will evolve and lose its "Web only" image.<br />
<br />
Getting into Goggle's world is an intelligent investment in your company's future. Most companies could benefit from exposure on Google whether in paid ads via Adwords, or through organic search listings (search engine optimization). In addition, you receive all that brand exposure!<br />
<br />
Sadly, most do not. There could be a number of reasons for this. Foremost, it is likely that corporate marketing managers have not explored the value of search marketing (search engine optimization). The market share numbers are still small, so they do not devote much time to it. A lack of familiarity and understanding of search marketing is another reason. The realm of search marketing is new and is slightly different from the usual advertising buy. It is more complicated, and requires more strategy. It can take some time for results to show through in organic search engine marketing. Those with patience can do very well, but patience seems to be at a premium today.<br />
<br />
The success of some companies in search marketing is well known; Internet.com has built an empire on traffic from search engines. Yet this does not seem to matter to business managers. They still do not believe search can make a difference in their bottom line. Often, they think only about online sales, and see channel conflicts or 1% conversion rates, and then dismiss the whole thing as a waste of resources.<br />
<br />
The truth is, ultimate consumers, B2B buyers, and purchase influencers use Google everyday and it is becoming critical to their method of finding relevant products and services.<br />
<br />
We see clients receiving visits to the Web from organic search optimization campaigns that dwarf what they receive from print or TV advertising, and at a fraction of the cost. In addition, these are high quality visits from very motivated prospects and here is the kicker... because you come up in the top 10 in Google you become an authority. That is right; your prospects automatically trust you because they trust Google. They may purchase offline or via telephone, but most of them research their purchase online before making the purchase decision. Real sale conversion rates might be from 3% to 20% of visitors, depending on the offline availability of products. For national manufacturers and retailers, the end sales benefit is overwhelming. The ROI is unequaled. Let me say it again, UNEQUALED! It can power up promotional marketing campaigns as well.<br />
<br />
Let us not forget that there are indirect ways of getting to consumers as well, such as, other Web sites where promotional advertising can be placed. Often manufacturers can launch their own Web sites and find they have far better control of their marketing and acquire better marketing information than if they rely on an ever-diminishing base of distributors and retailers.<br />
<br />
Although Google's success is new and even threatening to traditional marketing, major retailers, manufacturers, and distributors have to take it seriously. There are many creative and innovative ways to use Google for promotional marketing. It can bring prospects to an interactive Web site that captures the imagination of the prospect and motivates them in ways not possible through other advertising media.<br />
<br />
Search engine marketing then, is just the beginning of a rich stream of targeted prospects. Google is growing and it represents a revolutionary opportunity for your company. Master this new medium early and your company will prosper for the next twenty years.<br />
<br />
Scott White is President of Brand Identity Guru a leading Corporate Branding consulting and market research firm located in Boston, Massachusetts. Brand Identity Guru specializes in creating corporate and product brands that increase sales, market share, customer loyalty, and brand valuation.<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Attract Your Dream Customer!</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Wendy Maynard<br />
<br />
Copyright 2005 Kinesis, Inc.<br />
<br />
Have you clearly defined your target audience? These are the prime buyers of your products or services. It is the people or organizations you are pursuing actively as customers. You do not need every customer in the world! You need the ones who are a good match for YOU. When you are specific, the more effective your marketing campaign will be. <br />
<br />
Let us take this concept one-step further. You can develop specific strategies that will attract your DREAM customers. These people are best suited to purchase your product or service. <br />
<br />
A dream customer is someone who: <br />
• You want to work with and enjoy. For example, if you are wild about horses, why not specialize in the riding industry?<br />
• Needs and values the product or services you provide.<br />
• Is willing and able to pay what you need to charge.<br />
• Views you as an important resource - an expert.<br />
• Has problems and goals you care about.<br />
• Is loyal to your business and not easily swayed by competitors.<br />
• Is delighted to do business with you!<br />
<br />
 I can hear you asking, "Is it really possible to attract dream customers?" The answer is a resounding YES! The key is to know what sets you apart and to make a DIFFERENCE for your customers.<br />
<br />
In all of your marketing materials, be professional, creative, and consistent. In addition, always focus on the exciting benefits you offer to your customers. Do not fall into the trap of using boring feature-focused marketing phrases.<br />
<br />
 Here are some examples of boring, feature-focused marketing: <br />
• We provide excellent customer service. <br />
• Our firm has been around for 25 years. <br />
• We are a full-service company. <br />
• The XYZ product is the best of its kind. <br />
<br />
Why is this boring marketing? There is nothing unique or remarkable about these statements. They focus on features, not benefits. In addition, they are the exact same messages your competitor is using. Yes, these sentences may be true. However, they do nothing to set your business apart. These phrases are not going to magnetize your dream customer. Instead, you have to THINK like your customers. Meet their specific needs and solve their unique problems. In your marketing materials, tell them about the unique benefits your company provides.<br />
<br />
 Make sure your business is memorable. If your customers cannot remember you, they cannot tell others about your services or products.<br />
<br />
 Examples of benefit-based statements to attract your DREAM customers: <br />
• Sales Trainer: "We will take the fear out of selling."<br />
• Cosmetic Dentist: "A smile makeover can make you look years younger."<br />
• Mortgage Company: "We'll find the right loan for you at the best price." <br />
<br />
These statements work because they focus on what a customer will get. They solve a problem. In addition, they show an understanding of people's challenges and plans for the future. If you want to be a magnet, ask your current customers what they like about you. Also, ask them what you can do better.<br />
<br />
 Feedback is a great way to build your dream customer base. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. So, be proactive in your marketing. What do your current marketing materials say about your company? Are they creative? Do they look professional? Is your branding consistent and based on a theme? If you answer "no" to any of these questions, your marketing may not be working effectively, to pull in your dream customers.<br />
<br />
 ACTION ITEM: Write down the characteristics of your DREAM customer and then write down the unique ways your business can meet their needs. This week, take one step toward making your company a customer magnet.<br />
<br />
Wendy Maynard, your friendly marketing maven, is the owner of Kinesis. Kinesis specializes in marketing, graphic and website design, and business writing. Visit http://www.kinesisinc.comYou can also visit her marketing blog, Kinetic Ideas at: http://www.wendy.kinesisinc.com<br />
<br />
Want to harness the power of kinetic marketing? Sign up for Kinesis Quickies, a free bi-monthly marketing e-newsletter: http://www.news.kinesisinc.com<br />
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<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<title>Copywriting Secrets - How to Write Killer Website Copy</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Alex Cleanthous<br />
<br />
I always get the same question when it comes to website design...<br />
<br />
"Is website copy really that important?"<br />
<br />
Well, if you are interested in actually making a profit from anything you do online, it is CRITICAL that you have killer website copy!<br />
<br />
Now I know what you are probably thinking...<br />
<br />
What is killer website copy?<br />
<br />
Writing killer website copy simply means using words on your website that are SO GOOD that anyone who is interested in what you are selling is COMPELLED to do business with you... right now!<br />
<br />
The best way to write copy for your website is to imagine you are right there with your prospect selling him / her on the benefits of doing business with your company over all others.<br />
<br />
Here is a quick exercise...<br />
<br />
Imagine you have a 'hot' lead that is ready to buy and is enquiring about what you are selling...<br />
<br />
Imagine that you only have one chance to convince them that your offering is the best in the market...<br />
<br />
What would you say?<br />
<br />
How would you say it?<br />
<br />
What would you have to say to convince somebody to buy from you right here, right now?<br />
<br />
Write down the answers to the above questions. This is your sales presentation.<br />
<br />
Now that you have the answers to the above questions, you need to answer the objections as well. Remember, you are not actually there with them, but they will definitely have objections.<br />
<br />
You only have one opportunity to get them to buy your offering. In addition, if you leave any objections unanswered, you risk losing them forever.<br />
<br />
So what would the possible objections be? Write them down.<br />
<br />
In addition, how would you answer them? Write down your answers.<br />
<br />
Then combine your sales presentation with your objection handling and you have your core sales pitch.<br />
<br />
Now it is time to rewrite your copy.<br />
<br />
Go over the entire copy and rewrite it so it flows. In addition, when you are rewriting the copy the most important thing to remember is to...<br />
<br />
KEEP IT CONVERSATIONAL!<br />
<br />
Do not write as if you are a big institution (unless you are). You will get far greater results by writing as you talk.<br />
<br />
Write as you are sitting right there with them 'talking' to them. Use stories, examples, sub-headings, bullets, and most importantly, a headline.<br />
<br />
Usually, I recommend writing at least 50 to 100 different versions of a headline and then selecting the best headline from the list.<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT...<br />
<br />
The headline is the most important part of your website because it is the reason that most of your website visitors will continue to read your sales copy. Without a great headline, hardly anyone will read your website copy.<br />
<br />
Alex Cleanthous runs a full service online marketing agency helping businesses generate profits from the Internet. For a free report on The 6 Critical Steps To Generating Profits Online visit http://www.webprofits.com.au..<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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<item>
<title>Find the Windows...Succeed In the Negative World of Network Marketing</title>
<description><![CDATA[<br />
<br />
By Diana Goolsby<br />
<br />
The mind is such a powerhouse. We do not honor and use that power to its true potential. We over look who we really are...we become such busy bodies of how others are succeeding in the MLM world. <br />
<br />
From the minute that we are invited to join a network-marketing venture, we are asking, "Is this working for you?" "How many people are you bringing into the business?" "How much money are you making?" In addition, on and on we go. Attend to your business and quit comparing yourself to others. One of the biggest setbacks to your success is concentrating on and asking yourself, "Why is this networking business not working for me? Why is it taking me so long to get what I want?" "What am I doing wrong?" Doubt! Doubt! Doubt! <br />
<br />
It is not because:<br />
• You are not intelligent enough<br />
• You do not know the right people<br />
• You are not worthy enough<br />
• Bad karma<br />
• You got into this MLM too late<br />
• You do not have a good networking team<br />
<br />
You have to quit imagining and creating the negative images. Realize the reason you have not already received what you desire. You are holding yourself in a vibration holding pattern that does not match the vibration of your desire. You must start stimulating the creative imagination. "What is that?" you ask. Good question. You do not recognize it within you because you are in that 'feel stuck' mood. You have been acting like a couch potato instead of utilizing the mindset of a marketer and have become weak through INACTION.<br />
<br />
Get out of your our way; recognize and release the resistant thoughts such as fear, doubt, envy, resentment, low self esteem, etc. Break the bad habits and thoughts. You begin to recognize the baggage attached, and what it is holding you down. Release your resistance and forge forward to hold the highest levels of imagination, visualization, and creative powers. The greatest achievers have always exercised these powerful secrets to achieve their personal targets/goals in life. They use a four-step thought pattern that leads to the habit of persistence:<br />
<br />
• A Definite Purpose Backed By A Burning Desire For Its Fulfillment.<br />
• A Definite Plan, Expressed in Continuous Action.<br />
• A Mind Closed Tightly Against All Negative And Discouraging Influences.          <br />
• A Friendly Alliance With One Or More Persons Who Will Encourage You To Follow Through With  Both Plan And Purpose.        <br />
<br />
View yourself through the window of opportunity. Tell yourself and put action behind the words that describes who you would like to be and do. Putting power words that move you forward and allowing the choice of strong words to bring worth back into yourself will shift you into a vibration that is closer to your desires. The most important way to shift that vibration is the enthusiasm you feel in setting your pace, but persistence will carry you through to your target. "I will persist until I succeed."- Og Mandino<br />
<br />
Remember, other people do not determine your possibilities. Who told you, you did not have the potential? Who told you, you were small? Who told you that no one succeeds in network marketing? Shake off the disappointment and let those negative vibrations roll off you like water off a ducks back. <br />
<br />
Do not fall into the doubts; they rob us of our dreams. From out of our greatest rejections come our greatest directions. When one door closes, always know that another one opens. In addition, (not to be cut off due to discouragement of the network marketing scene), look for the windows. They are also great openings that bring in the light.<br />
<br />
Someone said, "few things are certain in life, that people rarely fail...the only failure that does not lead to success is the failure that makes you stop". People tend to have no patience, and view their networking as if it is going to be an overnight success. If you examine those overnight successes closely, you will come to find that it took many years of preparation. <br />
<br />
Your MLM business is like building a home; it requires a strong foundation with the patience to see it through its completion. Systematically, lighten the burden you have placed on yourself. The best targets to aim for are those you can handle in the next week, the next day, the next hour, or even in your next step. Reach a target and you will realize the next one is right around the corner ready to begin. You are the only one that has given this nasty illusion its limits. Begin to understand that you are not on a destination; you are on a journey of self that never ends and that is unlimited.<br />
<br />
Diana Goolsby is a home school mom with three fantastic kids and husband. She is a certified mentor in the art and science of marketing through a marketing company headquartered in Phoenix, AZ. She is also a worldwide-certified spiritual motivational life coach and resides in beautiful Idaho. To learn more about Diana Goolsby and her mentoring and coaching, she can be contacted at diana@goolsby.myrf.net or 208-837-6578.<br />
<br />]]></description>
<link>http://miraclemoneyblog.com/homebiztips/HBT_MS_129/user/index.php</link>
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