Blogfeeder - The Copywriting and Marketing Blog from Wordfeeder.com

People Really Don't Understand SEO, Do They

I've come to the conclusion that there's no point in telling certain people how to choose the right keywords for their web articles. I've had a few folks email me recently, wanting "persuasive copywriting" but appearing to not be a "fit" for my workstyle. (It doesn't take me long to figure this out; just a couple of back-and-forth emails, and I'll know if we can work together.) Anyway: they show me their websites, and I see some decent copywriting there. They want to know if I can write stronger copy that will help them convert more clients. So I look at their keywords, and instantly recognize what the problem is.

When I explain to them EXACTLY WHAT TO DO to get people in who will more easily convert... they ignore my advice. "No, Dina... you misunderstand my request. I want the copy to be more persuasive." Actually, dude-who-doesn't-want-to-pay-anything-until-you-start-making-more-sales... I just TOLD you how to get more sales (using keywords) but you're not understanding me! I will never work with you based on the fact that already you aren't following my instructions. If I did work with you, I'd say Let's Fix the SEO, you'd say "Let's work on the copy instead", you'd continue to not get sales, and I'd never see any real income. Which is why: 1. I don't want to work with people who only pay a percentage of new sales, and 2. I don't care to work with people who refuse to follow my advice.

I don't mean this to sound rude; think of it as "feisty", okay? Sometimes I feel a little FEISTY!

Announcing Our New E-Guide: Start Up Your Own Writing and Editing Business On the Web

Are you a writer, copywriter or editor who's always dreamed of working from the comfort of home? Finally, after serving clients via the web for more than 8 years, Wordfeeder is creating a long-awaited guide book to help you do just that.

Get ready for The Nitty Gritty of How to Start Up a Writing or Editing Business on the Web!

I used the phrase "nitty gritty" because I'm a practical person. I like to get to the meat of the matter, and that's what I'll be sharing with you. You know... those confusing little details about online business that nobody bothers to tell you about without a lot of prodding and struggling on your part!

Some things you'll learn from our e-guide:

• The critical difference between web and print copywriting
• How to organize, categorize, and present your writing samples for public viewing
• The secret to getting people to your website who already want what you have
• Email newsletters 101: yes, those new marketer mistakes can really hurt you!
• Social networking tactics to blast your good name out to the world and bring you more clients than you know what to do with
• HTML survival basics to give your web content an extra push
• Coping skills for challenging clients (and how to attract the best ones to your front door)

And much more!

Be one of the first to hear about the launch of our long-awaited e-guide, The Nitty Gritty of How to Start Up a Writing or Editing Business on the Web. Sign up for our list below.

 

 

The Number One Reason NOT to Use a Google (Blogger) Blog

This morning I logged into my client's blog with the intention of making some improvements here and there. At first it seemed her blog was a mere experiment, but now she has a growing audience of fans and is really getting into posting thoughtful entries on a regular basis.

So, for a while things were going well... I was thinking that the Blogger platform was pretty intuitive, and the updates I was making to her sidebar widgets and things like that were relatively simple to do.

Then I got the mother of ideas... she needs blog topic categories! Why on earth does her blog not have categories?

Blog categories are really good for your search engine rank. I mean, think about it from the human perspective. Let's say you happen upon a blog like this one, about copywriting. You start reading an entry, and then you want more. What's the first thing you'll do... go to the sidebar to see what other kind ofreading is here. This is where categories are SO. VERY. HANDY. Organized by topic, does it get any better?

So you can imagine my dismay when I realized that Google (Blogger) blogs do not offer a Categories feature the way that Movable Type blogs (like this one) do. Of course I researched the issue on Google to confirm. What I found was some random bloggers talking about how you can "hack" Google blogs and add some special code to the main file if you want to start using categories.

This is a little too high tech for me, and in fact, the few links that I did click while searching for that hack code led me to dead websites. "This page no longer exists."

I wouldn't want to "hack" a client's blog and screw it all up. I'm a copywriter and web marketer, after all, not a coder.

So, that's the sad news about Blogger blogs. No wonder I don't have one. And with that being said... hey Google, why don't you give us some categories already?

Wordfeeder offers regular blog content management. Click here to learn more about this service.

When Your Website Designer Becomes the Enemy

I've been helping to create business websites for a variety of clients for several years now. In the majority of cases, I work in a copywriting capacity, although I do have a select few clients who have me on permanently, making HTML changes to their websites in Dreamweaver which I also do.

One pattern I can't help but notice is the client who arrives wanting "a new website" to fix what the former web designer screwed up and then left for dead. I find it shocking that this is how a business relationship would end.

The shocking part is not so much that the client is unhappy about the site and the website designer ends up folding (it happens... sometimes the working relationship is just not a good fit). I'm more surprised by the fact that the web designer wouldn't even have the decency to leave the client with the hosting login on his way out. I mean, at least be a good sport and let the client hire another web tech who can pick up where you left off.

I also can't imagine that running away with the client's website login details would be profitable for one's professional reputation. But I'm also guessing that the types of people who would screw over a client in this manner maybe don't aspire that high in the first place. For example, maybe the client hired some near-anonymous person overseas who they're not likely to "run into" again (or so they think!). Or maybe the designer was a flaky high school or college student who threw up a quick storefront on the internet to try and make a little pocket change and really isn't all that committed.

Whatever the case, sometimes the client/web designer relationship just doesn't work. But because the world is ever-shrinking, it's really smart not to burn that bridge if at all possible. As frustrated as either or both parties might be, doing the honorable thing in the end might just save you some unpleasant repercussions down the road.

That said, this is why I always tell my website clients to open hosting accounts in their own names. I urge them (and you) to create and protect their own logins, and have all alerts from their hosting company come through to their own email addresses. Give the person who'll be working on your website his or her own login. Then, if for some reason the relationship should fall apart, you'll at least be able to salvage what remains and keep control of the site and the domain name.

Wordfeeder Creates Small Business Websites! We'll even give you your own login. Contact dina@wordfeeder.com for a quote today.

Locating Missing Temp Files Because You Forgot to Do a Save-As in MS Outlook

This morning an emergency email came in from my corporate client who I was trying so hard to get the copy out to in record time. In my haste, I had sent them the wrong document draft, and it was all because I must have opened up an attached file straight in MS Outlook and forgot to do a Save-As to the correct folder. I haven't made this type of error in years. I blame it on the fact that I was on the phone with the project manager while simultaneously editing the copy. Multi-tasking is bad. Multi-tasking when you're half starving due to your new "healthy eating" campaign is also bad.

So, for anyone out there who has committed such a dastardly deed, here's how to rectify it.

The missing file is hiding in the Temp folder of your PC. Unfortunately, that folder is buried deep in the hierarchy of folders and is tough to locate. So here's one solution.

1. Hit START, the SEARCH.

2. Click on ALL FILES AND FOLDERS

3. Under "a word or phrase in the file," type OLK

(OLK is the folder where the temp files from MS Outlook are stored.)

4. Under "look in," highlight "My Computer."

5. While still in the Search box, scroll all the way down. Check the boxes that say "Search hidden files and folders" and "Search Subfolders".

6. Hit Search. When the OLK folder shows up, double click that. Look for the filename that you would have called your document, then the most recent version. MS Outlook puts a number in parenthesis after the filename each time a new version is created. For example, your file might be called DogDayCare (4).

7. Make sure you open that file and do a SAVE-AS to the appropriate folder where you intended to store in the first place.

In addition to the above, you can check out the advice that this person shared... the project manager sent me this link to help solve the problem. Thanks, Liz!

http://www.groovypost.com/howto/microsoft/outlook/find-the-microsoft-outlook-temporary-olk-folder/

Your Most Popular Content

I find it interesting that my "most viewed" content actually has nothing to do with copywriting or marketing. I attribute this to the fact that, well, does anyone really give all that much of a crap about marketing or copywriting anyway? Maybe not. There's a lot of competition in this area, and it's highly likely that if you're writing about these topics, most of the people who are reading are actually in the same business as you are. So in all probability, you're probably talking to your future customers a lot less frequently than you think you might be.

This may be the reason why so many copywriters and marketers try to sell how-to kits, online memberships and such, to OTHER copywriters and marketers. It's kind of funny, really. It's something I probably should do but haven't seem to get all that great of a taste for it. If you're really hungry for product, I guess you can go visit this page but if not... hey, whatever.

I took a quick look at the page views of this blog and saw a lot of action on the "Batman Smells" post. That was a little coffee break I took one day - pretty irrelevant, mainly just a stress reliever. So, there it is, getting all these hits... and what can we learn from this? Pretty much that the "topic" of your blog isn't so much important as a traffic driver as the actual TITLE of the post.

Other articles of mine that get great numbers of clicks are the Moon in Scorpio article I submitted to EzineArticles.com, and another one about worms in dog poop. I'm sad to say that neither of these have brought me new copywriting business as far as I know... but hey, at least some people out there are benefiting from the information.

Do you have certain blog posts that get more clicks than the rest? Which ones, and why do you think that happens?

Web content is a curious thing indeed.

- Dina at Wordfeeder.com Copywriting and Marketing

"We build websites that get you more business!"

Lawncare Professional Asks How to Search Engine Optimize His Website

I may or may not have mentioned that Wordfeeder Copywriting has a new online business discussion forum. Right now we have very few members, but I'm hoping that with the addition of some great information, that will change.

I got a question today from a new member, Mike of 4 Seasons Lawn Care in Whitehouse Station, NJ. Mike writes:

Hi.  I have a lawn care business, and I'd like to see if I can get my website to actually bring in some new business.  My initial approach to the website was that it would look good to have a website address on my business card, but the site wouldn't probably be a big factor in recruiting new business.

I'm thinking if I could get my company to come up in a google search, I might have better visibility to prospects. 

Can anyone shed some light on how I can do this?

Read my response to his question by clicking the link below.

http://biz-feeder.com/forum2/index.php?topic=98.msg105#msg105

Wordfeeder Copywriting Can Search Engine Optimize Your Website! We use organic methods such as constant content addition, keyword-rich copy and linking strategies, and inbound keyword links.

For more info, contact dina@wordfeeder.com.

Rave: Network Solutions Website Hosting

I recently moved my Wordfeeder Copywriting website from Powweb hosting to Network Solutions, and it will probably be the best decision I've made all year. As people tend to say about any smart/strategic move... "what took me so long!"

Just a few reasons to be completely smitten with Network Solutions:

GREAT customer service. Everyone who I've spoken to during the process of setting up my new account and answering my questions has been more than helpful. At one point, I was ready to PAY someone to get a new blog up and running on one of my sites - and the sales associate instead walked me through the setup process myself.

Networking Secrets for People Who Don't Like to Network

So you're not a networker, huh? Well, neither am I. But "studies show" that if you're an internet marketer, online networking is not optional... it's mandatory.

If you're like me, you balk at the thought of being thrown to the networking big dogs. So many personalities, so many opinions... so many opportunities to put your foot in your mouth.

I recently stumbled upon a networking strategy that works. Start your own network.

Why is this so much better than just floating along on other people's networks?

Because if the network is yours, you'll always be on your best behavior.

I'm not saying that you'd walk around acting like a jerk otherwise. But, If the network is yours, you OWN it. So now that you're in full possession of such a complicated thing as a discussion forum, you must work toward keeping that network alive and running. This takes commitment. Starting your own network means making a promise to yourself that the project will be a success.

Because you can assume the role of attractor instead of aggressor.

If you go to other people's networks, you must pursue business contacts by fitting your scheme into another person's mold. If it's your own network, you can lure people in who already have an interest in your subjectmatter. This is similar to having your own website (which you should also have, if you’re interested in networking). For those who don't care for the forceful approach, this is a great way to build interest in your business services slowly and without putting pressure on people.

Because you're in control.

It's your network, and you set the rules. People who appreciate the rules as well as the tone you set, will participate with enthusiasm. If they don't care for how you run the show, they're free to leave. If you envision your network as a round table discussion, you can create that environment. If you see it as an information exchange, you can start by posting articles that you research. Others who feel aligned with your mission will add to the patchwork.

Because it's a great way to develop your leadership skills.

Maybe you're thinking about starting your own company but feel a little shaky about leading people. When you run your own network, you're thrown into the leadership position by default. Having your own network is a way to put those skills to the test. Pay close attention to how people react to your suggestions. Watch the dynamics unfold. People treat people who are in charge much differently than they do outsiders or those who they consider "underlings." What can you learn from this?

Because it's a great way to make friends in a setting that you love.

You WILL make new friends if you start your own network. You will get to know people that you didn't know before. You will learn things about people that you never realized, because of your ongoing dedication to what I'll refer to as "the organization.” In being humbled by the challenge of running your network, you will feel grateful for the people who support you, and in turn you'll want to give back to them.

Because it forces you to go deeper.

If you think you know a lot about something, you’ll learn even more once you start a network. Folks will ask you questions and regard you as an expert, and you must provide evidence to support that label. Sometimes people will ask you questions that you don’t have the answers to, and you’ll be forced to probe deeper and explore side avenues. If you ever wanted to be an officionado, starting a network is the way to do it.

Clearly, you can't lead a network on a subject that you don't know much about. So choose a topic that's dear to your heart, that you're well-familiar with. Select a true passion of yours, and the people who surface on your network will share that passion. They will become your allies, friends, and you will grow bonds based on your shared interest.

Pretty soon you’ll look around, and realize that you’ve achieved what was once so elusive. You will figure out that despite the fact that you "hate networking" - you now have your own network.

Copyright 2005 Dina Giolitto. All rights reserved.

Liked this article? Have more of the same emailed to your inbox each month. Sign up for the Copywriting and Marketing Ezine from Dina at Wordfeeder.com and learn to write search engine friendly web copy and market your web based business for free.

Keyword Checker Tool

Keywords are a funny thing. We include them in our website copy so that our sites "register" for those particular terms, and therefore attract people who are searching for them.

If you decide on keywords that everyone else is competing for, then you'll find it more difficult to get yourself noticed in the heap - you'll likely be farther down the page of search engine results for that term.

Example of more popular, general keyword term: copywriting

If you opt to include less popular keywords, you'll type those into the Google box and watch yourself show up first in the list.

Example of less popular, more specific keyword term: copywriting services

People who aim for those less-common keywords will attract a MORE targeted and LESS general audience. Which prompts the age-old question, which is better, quality or quantity? If you go for the broad terms, you'll attract everyone. But if you go for specifics, you may just find people who are hunting for exactly what you offer.

Example of even more specific keyword term: copywriting services New Jersey

(No, these are not my chosen keywords.)

All that said, last night I was playing with a cool tool that I found by Googling the phrase "keyword checker tool." It's here: http://www.iwebtool.com/keyword_density

If you're curious about your website's overall page rank, your rank for certain keyword phrases, the number of inbound links you're currently getting, and other fun stuff like that, you may want to check it out.

keyword checker tool

- Dina at Wordfeeder.com Copywriting and Marketing