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Make Your Web
Site Sticky
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Brett's Ramblings
2. What's New?!
3. Feature Article: "Is Your Web Site Sticky?"
4. Quick News Bytes
5. Poll: What Type of Work Do You Want To Do
From Home?
6. Product Review: Activ E-Book Compiler
7. Tutorial: How to Create Your Own Web Site
Part One: Setting the Stage for Success
8. Freebies
9. In the Next Issue
10. Final Words, Article Submit Info., Subscribe,
Unsubscribe, Contact the Editor.
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1. Brett's Ramblings
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Greetings! Glad to have all of you with me today. A special
welcome to all our new subscribers, both across the great
oceans and here in the U.S.
In this issue I'll be a bit more serious - but not much - and
less controversial than usual. Yes, you can let out a sigh of
relief. Perhaps I can set off some sparks in the next issue...
Today we begin a 13 part series to help you create a high
quality website. If you're just starting out, building a website
can seem overwhelming. It's a bit like giving the cat a flea
bath... those pointy, sharp things at both ends make you
wonder how to start, the "doing it" part seems kind of
chaotic, and the outcome is less than certain.
Not to worry, I've got my clippers ready. We'll remove the
pointy, sharp things and get down to business.
Also in this issue... techniques to help you build a website
that people want to revisit (make it sticky!), and as always -
you can visit the Freebies section and pick up a few of the
goodies that I've found worthwhile.
Thanks for reading and Enjoy!
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2. What's New?!
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Advances in technology are changing the way people
view the Internet. Below are some hot spots to keep your
site current.
==> WebTV is used by many thousands of households to
connect to the Internet. Are you shutting out these viewers
with a non-compatible website? Check out Developer.net
and learn how to build a site that looks great on television.
http://developer.webtv.net
==> AnyBrowser lets you see your site as others see it.
With just a couple of clicks you can view your site as it
appears on Netscape, Explorer, and WebTV browsers.
http://www.anybrowser.com/siteviewer.html
==> WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is the special
code used to build a site that PDA (Personal Digital
Assistants) cell phones use to view the Internet. Estimates
are that more people will connect to the Internet with
wireless devices than with PCs by 2002. Build your own
WAP site and get it hosted free at:
http://www.tagtag.com/site/index.php3
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3. Feature Article
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Is Your Web Site Sticky?
Have you seen those gooey, slimy, wet looking blobs that
you can throw against a pane of glass - or a computer
screen - and it sticks?
A friend of mine stopped by recently with one of these
silly little toys.
Of course, he couldn't resist demonstrating its molecular
properties for me. I suppose I shouldn't have been
surprised when, with a quick flick of the wrist, he hurled
the blob with deadly accuracy right at my computer screen.
It plastered my screen with a slurpy "ploop" sound. He
looked at me with that gleeful, satisfied smirk and said,
"Look, a sticky website."
Hilarious.
While he was whooping with laughter and slapping me on
the back - as if that would kick start my appreciation for his
wit - I was thinking...
...what makes a site sticky? And is that gooey blob toxic?
These are good questions. Since gooey things are scary
to talk about, let's jump right into the stickiness question.
BENEFITS OF A STICKY WEB SITE
1. One-to-One Relationships Are Created
When people stick around and browse your site you have
the opportunity to develop individual relationships.
Cultivating this relationship with visitors is crucial to your
long term business success. Building a one-to-one
relationship with your visitors enables you to gain their
trust. People will only buy from you if they trust you.
2. Repeat Traffic / Increased Sales
A sticky site is a place people will visit again. By creating
an atmosphere people like to revisit you increase their
exposure to your product or service - hence more sales.
Repeat traffic is the lifeblood of your business.
3. Performance Through Feedback
A sticky website is by design an interactive environment
that allows you to obtain valuable feedback from people.
By judiciously applying this feedback you are able to meet
consumer needs.
WHAT MAKES A WEB SITE STICKY?
The thrust of your site is to create an enjoyable and satisfying
experience for your visitors. You do this from the moment they
click in to the moment they click out. Here are a few pointers
you can use in designing your site:
1. Appearance: Make It Attractive and Consistent
Appearance is the first thing visitors notice. The look of your
site sets the tone for their visit. Right away, people will judge
your site as professional or amateurish, as funny or serious,
as warm or cold, and so on.
Keep your site consistent with a uniform appearance. Use
the same backgrounds, colors, navigation menu, and site
logo throughout your pages. Consistency helps your visitors
remember who you are and gives your site an easily
recognizable brand.
2. Make Your Pages Fast Loading
Your visitors are more likely to leave if they must wait more
than a few seconds for your page to download. If you
frustrate them with a long wait, they'll move on to
someone else.
The best way to increase download time is to eliminate
unnecessary graphics. Ask yourself if a particular graphic
really contributes to your visitor's experience. If not, drop it.
If you use graphics, reduce their file size. A few well placed
graphics can enhance the feel of your site - just be careful
not to overdo it.
3. Immediately Tell Visitors What You Have To Offer
A sure way to turn visitors away is by not immediately telling
them what you've got for them. They want to know now.
They don't want to hunt for it or click out of your home page
to find out. Unless you already have brand recognition,
don't assume people know who you are and what you have
for them.
4. Benefits Capture People's Attention
People are motivated by what your product or service can
do for them. They want to know what they will gain. State
the benefits of your product or service boldly and clearly at
the top of pages.
Benefit oriented headlines and sub-headlines lead visitors
into the body of your page. For instance, "Increase Your
Site Traffic By 150% In Just 7 Days" gives your visitors
a compelling reason to read on and learn more about
your product.
In the first sentences following your headline paint a story
with words that describes how your visitor will enjoy the
benefit. People are motivated to buy when they can visualize
themselves enjoying the benefit.
5. Consistently Deliver Value
If you promise the moon, you'd better make sure your
rope is long enough to lasso it down. Building up your
visitor's expectations without delivering value is a sure
way to ruin your reputation. Provide your target audience
with information they need and the value they deserve.
6. Use Common Sense Organization
Make it easy for people to navigate within your site. At all
times your visitor should know where they are how they got
there. All your pages should have a navigation menu linking
to the main sections of your site. Provide a hierarchical
"You Are Here" navigator to help visitors orient themselves.
7. Keep Your Site Fresh
Does your audience have a reason to return to your site?
Update and rotate your content to keep 'em coming back.
Keep your site fresh with new services, products and
information that addresses the needs of your target
audience. You can make things interesting by offering time
sensitive discounts on your existing products, or invite
people to participate in a contest or sweepstakes.
8. Make Your Site Interactive
People love to get their hands dirty. Provide them with ways
to interact with your site to make their experience enjoyable.
Add a poll, host a discussion board, or put up an audio
version of your latest article.
Interactivity is now the standard rule for top quality sites.
Utilize new technology with enhancements such as audio
and video plugins, Java-based technologies, CGI and Perl
scripting, Active Server Pages, and more. Take advantage
of the latest in technology and you will dramatically add
value to your site.
In conclusion, you must stay in touch with your target group's
needs and format your site in interesting and useful ways.
This is especially important as the fast-paced changes in
technology continually reshape the manner in which we
communicate with consumers. While it does take some
work on your part, you will find it's a lot more effective than
throwing gooey blobs at your computer.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to reprint the preceding article. Just include
the resource box below.
Brett Krkosska is a freelance writer and business consultant.
Visit http://www.homebiztools.com for FREE
advice, software,
Internet services, and more.
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4. Quick News Bytes
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Incorporating Your Business Limits Personal Liability
http://www.homebiztools.com/incwhy.htm
How to Protect Your PC From Hackers
http://www.zdnet.com/filters/printerfriendly/0,6061,2602809-10,00.html
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5. Poll
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QUESTION: Working from home can be divided into four
general categories. Which of the categories below do you
fall into to?
1. I'm primarily interested in working from home as an
employee. That is, I have a boss that gives me projects
and duties that can be performed at home.
mailto:telecommute@homebiztools.com
2. I'm primarily interested in working from home as an
independent contractor or freelancer. That is, I contract
out my talents to various individuals, companies, or
organizations on a pay-per-project basis.
mailto:independent@homebiztools.com
3. I'm primarily interested in working from home with an
online Internet business. That is, my main source of income
comes from selling electronic or physical products online.
mailto:online@homebiztools.com
4. I'm primarily interested in working from home without
an online presence. That is, my products are sold or my
services are performed separate from the Internet.
mailto:notonline@homebiztools.com
5. I'm not sure. It's a silly question since the reason I
subscribed to this newsletter in the first place was to
get some ideas about working from home.
mailto:stillthinking@homebiztools.com
-------------------------------------------------
Previous Poll Results
QUESTION: My biggest obstacle to starting a home
business is:
50% == I don't have the money.
31% == I don't have a product to sell.
9% == I don't have the time.
10% == I don't know how to create a website.
Editor's Comments
Of those responding to the poll, most indicated that a lack
of money was the biggest obstacle to starting a business.
My instincts tell me that a good majority of these respondents
also fall into the 'I don't have a product to sell' category.
Why?
Because if you have an *idea* and the *desire*, then money
becomes a non-issue. People that are really fired up about
a business idea don't let money stop them. Besides, there
are numerous ways to fund a business if you've got an idea
for a product or service and a business plan to back it up.
The only thing money does is open doors faster. A lack of
money *does not* stop a determined idea from becoming a
viable source of income.
If you need proof, consider the 6 figure income of Jenny
Wanderscheid. She started www.childfun.com because her
family was sinking into debt (she didn't know anything
about building a website). Then there's Alanna Webb. She
launched www.lovestories.com because of a failed
relationship, and now receives some 500,000 visitors
each month.
You just need one good idea.
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6. Product Review: Activ E-Book Compiler
============================================
Producing an attractive, functional, and informative eBook is
a terrific way to market any business. And there are several
great programs out there that do a whiz-bang job of creating
great looking eBooks. But now there's a new kid on the block.
Activ E-Book Compiler is an emerging competitor to some
the more established eBook creation programs, and it
seems to be getting some recognition around the Web.
So, I decided I'd see what all the hoopla is about. Besides,
I'm still hot on the idea of making a cool million with a best
selling eBook. Gotta stay up to speed on the available
software - know what I mean?
Read my review of Activ E-Book Compiler here:
http://www.homebiztools.com/compiler.htm
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7. Tutorial: How to Create Your Own Web Site
Part One: Setting The Stage For Online Success
============================================
This tutorial begins a 13 part series designed to provide
you with the knowledge to create your own website. The
first installment appears below, or to view the table of
contents in this tutorial and read the online installment
go to:
http://www.homebiztools.com/bizstart.htm
---------------------
Setting the Stage for Online Success
What should you know before starting your online business?
Regulatory issues? Legal considerations? Tax obligations?
Yes, yes, and yes. But first...
Know yourself. Anticipate what lies ahead.
Having a successful online business requires that you gather
the knowledge and use the right tools for the job. However,
knowledge and tools are only part of a successful business.
You must have the right state of mind first and foremost.
HOW BAD DO YOU WANT IT?
Behind virtually every successful business venture you will
find someone that is making sacrifices; working hard is
perhaps an understatement. You can succeed, but only if
your heart is in it. You must be willing to give your all...
no matter what.
In the beginning you may feel overwhelmed and on the verge
of giving up. Don't. It's as simple as that. Just don't.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO OFFER?
Your business should not be rooted in the desire to make
money. Making money is the logical conclusion of providing
a great product or service to your customers. Once you do
that, and do it well, then the money will flow. What you have
to offer is yourself, your credibility, and your reputation as
a trusted advisor to your visitors.
IS YOUR HEART IN IT?
If you have a passion for what you sell, you are more likely
to make sales. You must know your product, believe in it,
and be ready to get behind it - no matter how tough
things get.
CHALLENGES OF AN ONLINE BUSINESS
Below are three of the toughest aspects of building an
online business:
1. First, acquiring the knowledge it takes to build and
maintain a web site is crucial. Indeed, this is a critical
aspect of your ongoing success. These site building skills
will serve you well as a foundation for future endeavors.
So dive in head first and gobble up as much knowledge
as you can.
2. You must know how to write persuasively to have any
chance of making money online. Most of us don't have a
natural aptitude for this, but many of us think we do, which is
partly why so many sites fail miserably at converting visitors
into customers. Yet this is a skill that can be taught. Write
great copy and the Internet is yours for the taking.
3. Lastly, most of your time will be devoted to bringing in
customers. This is the toughest job you'll have. Finding
customers is like fishing. You need to cast your pole where
the fish are (targeted marketing), using the right bait (test
your marketing efforts to see what gets bites), and have a
whole lot of patience.
INVEST YOUR TIME AND EFFORT
Building and putting your site on the Web is not brain
surgery. On the other hand, it's not as simple as giving the
dog a bath, either. Like anything worthwhile, it takes time
and effort. Just commit to the learning process and you'll
be up and running in less time than you think.
--------------------------------------
You are invited to reprint the preceding article. Just
include the resource box below.
Brett Krkosska is a freelance writer and business consultant.
Visit http://www.homebiztools.com for FREE advice, software,
Internet services, and more.
============================================
8. Freebies for Work and Family
============================================
==> ColorPicker
Have you ever seen a color on another website that you'd
just love to have on your site? Or maybe for an image you're
creating? This cool program lets you capture the code for
any color and add it to your HTML documents or graphics
work. Get it free at:
http://www.chunting.com
==> Free 800 Number & More
uReach.com has put together a communications package
that's the dream of every home business. Free voice mail,
800 number, fax, and email.
http://www.ureach.com
==> Fun Sweepstakes
ClubMom puts on some really great sweepstakes that appeal
to the whole family. These aren't your average, everyday
sweepstakes - they're fun, creative, and valuable for a lifetime.
Check it out at:
http://www.homebiztools.com/clubmom.htm
==> The Best and Most Overlooked Ways to Profit
This 14-chapter book gives away tips to increase your cash
flow with low-risk strategies.
http://www.homebiztools.com/public/downloads/stealth.exe
==> Sign up with PayPal and Get $5 Instantly
PayPal is the easy and safe way to send and receive money.
Now the preferred auction payment method with eBay and
Yahoo. http://www.homebiztools.com/paypal.htm
==> Free Domain Name Registration
Host your site with Virtualis for less than $1.25 a day and
get your own domain name (www.yourname.com) Free.
http://www.homebiztools.com/webhost.htm
==> Track Your Ad Campaigns
This software eliminates wasted time and money on ad
campaigns that don't work. Let the software do the work
so you can identify what puts money in your bank account
and what doesn't.
http://www.homebiztools.com/proshop.htm
==> Internet Answering Machine. No need for an expensive
second phone line with this handy piece of software. You'll
never miss another call while you're online.
http://www.homebiztools.com/intercall.htm
==> Start your own newsletter with this Free Template.
Just click the link and send away the blank email. We'll
forward the template right to your inbox.
mailto:template@homebiztools.com
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9. In The Next Issue
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Part 2 of the tutorial How to Create Your Own Web Site
will be "How To Choose a Web Host."
The focus of the next featured article is on your shoulders.
Yep, it's up to you. Just let me know what you want to see
discussed and I'll tackle the most requested topic.
I've really got the urge to write an opinion-laden, off-the-wall,
hard-hitting, button-pushing type of article. So if you want
to stop me - send in your topic requests now!
Send your requests to:
topic@homebiztools.com
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10. Final Words
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Thanks for reading! It is my hope that the information
in this newsletter leads you towards greater riches,
both in work and at home.
Keep an open mind and reach for the heights!
------------------------------------------------------------
Brett Krkosska
Founder, Editor, Net-a-Holic,
mailto:brett@homebiztools.com
HomeBizTools: a division of B-K Publications
http://www.homebiztools.com.
All the tools you need to work at home... in one place!
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