Why don't people comment on blogs?

One of my clients recently asked me this question.

New to the blogging world, he began his blog only 3 months ago and posts religiously on a weekly basis. His stats show that the blog is being visited. The content is good, the topics relevant and the target audience wide, but still he has only had three comments in all this time.

I think there are many reasons why people don't leave comments on blogs and in researching and pondering this topic I came across a great post by Liz Strauss titled "10 Reasons Readers Don't Leave Comments" which covers it quite well.

I read quite a few blogs and I comment about 50% of the time. When? Usually if I think the post is outstanding, unusual or makes a really good point, if I have an opinion to share, from a marketing/promotional perspective or if I strongly disagree! :)

For me I think blogs are about interaction, sharing and communication so I try to comment as often as possible. It also depends on the blog itself. Some blogs are purely informational and don't warrant a comment.

So the question is? Do you comment on blogs and why/why not? (If you don't comment I will take the answer as a no!)

HTML v's Flash Websites

One of my clients recently had their website redesigned. They were after an eye-catching, interesting yet effective website. After consulting with a reputable web design company and handing over their well earned dollars the result of the website was not what the client had in mind. It was a flash dominated website full of animation which looked very 'flashy' but was slow to load and annoying for the end user. Unfortunately my client has been been left with a site they are not terribly happy with and is still in consultation to have the situation rectified.

This raised many questions. What is the best website option for your business? Is flash really as better or necessary? Which sites are best for SEO? (Search Engine Optimisation) Do flash websites turn customers off? Are you being sold something that you don't need or isn't effective???

As I am not a website designer or specialist whatsoever in this field, I decided to gain some insights from two different perspectives and who are experts in their field: A marketing perspective and a design/SEO perspective.

Here are their thoughts:

Marnie Bergan, Creative Director Bergan Blue

"I don’t like Flash websites for so many reasons. Up until recently the argument against Flash websites has been all about SEO, but Google are slowly improving the way their search bots index Flash pages which, looking forward, makes the SEO issue somewhat less of a concern. My main irks with Flash are to do with the user experience. Flash websites take longer to load and I often lose patience and just go to another site. This makes me wonder how many Flash-based online store owners are losing money. Other usability and accessibility issues include the ‘back’ button not working, scrolling with the mousewheel or keyboard arrows not working, and the ability to increase text size doesn’t work which creates issues for users with poor eyesight. I believe the web is about information. The special effects should be left for the movies. When it comes to choosing between Flash and HTML-based sites, I really think site owners should have a good think about sticking with HTML. The web has progressed a lot in the last 2-3 years. So much so that you don’t really need Flash anymore to achieve those nifty animations site owners are after. Most animations and special effects can be achieved using lightweight HTML and JavaScript which, from a usability and accessibility point of view, is so much better for the end user. Plus, if their browser doesn’t support the JavaScript being used, most sites will just fall back to standard HTML which will still work fine. A win-win situation."

Stephen Rinaldo, Director of Rubicon Marketing

"As a Marketing Consultant, I see far too many clients who are sold what they simply DO NOT need. Problem is, most clients don’t know what it is they do need. Very few understand what their websites purpose is. Personally, most service businesses websites are purely for affirmation reasons. Simply there for a potential client to get some additional information about them. Product orientated businesses need to make sales, so shopping carts, ability to order and purchase online are paramount. The unfortunate scenario about flash sites are two fold in my opinion. And lets understand that we are talking about those FLASH sites that open with a shorter version of en epic production, extravaganza, movie scene. Fantastic animation, colour, creative special effects confront you before you actually enter the site. In today's, time poor business existence, these extravagant openings do very little to entice the busy customer. In more cases than not, the customer simply heads for the SKIP INTRO button. Frustrated you can only hope they stay in your website. Customers are busy. Make it too hard for them and they are just as likely to click on the next potential website. Make it simple for your customer to find the information they need to make a decision. Think about it, how many FLASH websites have you sat and watched or have you hit the SKIP BUTTON? I know I do, every time! Secondly, and I’m sure there are more experienced professional website gurus to explain this, but FLASH websites rank very poorly with search engines. The lack of copy, in opening FLASH sequences, do very little to attract search engine bots, so in actual fact, rendering such websites as very poor in SEO. So to finish, businesses would market smarter to actually engage a professional to help them sort out what in actual fact their business needs in terms of a website, what it’s content should be and what it should cost."

In my opinion what it comes down to is making sure you as the client get the website that will be most effective for your business and within your budget. Be clear in your communication with your web designer, don't get talked into anything with catchy 'sales talk', and know what you are getting for your money. Ask questions, get different opinions and make an informed decision before jumping into anything.

Personally, I know that if I encounter a website with a lot of flash that is slow to load I move straight on to the next one.....what about you?

Time to smell the Roses

How often in your business, or your life for that matter, do you take the time out to stop and 'smell the roses'?

In our fast paced, technology controlled lives I doubt it is very often, if even at all. It is when you don't stop and take stock that small things turn into big things, you miss the vital signs that something may need attending to, you miss client/customer feedback and you miss feeling and enjoying the success you most likely deserve.

Why are you in business for yourself? To be in control? To change direction? To have more freedom and flexibility? So why do we not take advantage of being our own boss?

Every business no matter if you are a large global corporation, or a solo entrepreneur, needs to take the time every so often to just....stop!

Now I don't mean throwing the towel in one week and just packing up for the beach! Smelling the roses isn't necessary a holiday, it is more about analysing where you are in your business, asking yourself the questions you asked before you got into business for yourself, monitoring the direction you are heading and giving yourself a well deserved pat on the back! (Hopefully!)

Recently I took my own advice to do some soul searching and analysis of where my business is heading. I gave myself a great pat on the back. I have worked hard since beginning my business and my 3-5 year goal plan of having a regular portfolio of great clients has been achieved. It has forced me to re-analyse my business and reset new goals that fit into my business objectives and personal/family objectives. I also took this time to focus on each of my clients and how we are communicating and if I am providing the best possible service I can.

So I suggest taking some 'time out' to stop and smell the roses in your business. Sit down and ask yourself some questions:

- Are you heading in the direction you want your business to?
- Are you achieving or close to achieving your goals in your business plan?
- Do you need to set new goals?
- Are you giving great customer/client service?
- Are your clients/customers happy with your services?
- Are you constantly stressed or happy with your work schedule/balance?
- What changes can you make to redirect your business on the right track?
- Are you proud of your achievements and successes?

The last question is hard for most people to ponder. It is hard to give ourselves credit and acknowledgment, but being your own boss who else is going to?

Your Success is My Success

One of the most rewarding things in my business is seeing my clients achieve their goals and be successful. Knowing that I was able to assist them along the way, is very satisfying. It is particularly satisfying when the client was initially sceptical or unsure about using a virtual assistant.

Recently one of my clients has had great success after contacting me to help kick start her social media marketing. She wasn't negative about using a virtual assistant, just unsure of how it all would work and if it would in fact be beneficial for her.

After speaking with her on the phone and explaining how the 'virtual' part worked and then coming up with some strategies to get the ball rolling I received a 'relieved' email from her saying how much better she felt and that she was excited about the journey ahead.

That week I set up her Twitter account, created her background, personalised her settings, and began sending through Tweeting ideas for her to begin. Within a couple of weeks of assisting her with her tweets and twitter rules & etiquette she had acquired 100 followers, and her subscriber base for her business had taken off. She was ecstatic.

Now a few months later she has almost 500 organically grown followers and her first eNewsletter which we just recently sent was an astounding success. She was floored by the success and the positive feedback from her subscribers.

It was fantastic to see her enthusiasm and excitement through the whole process and to see her business go from strength to strength. To know that I was a small helping hand along the way is such a rewarding feeling. It is also a motivating factor in my own business, as to why I do what I do. It makes my job worthwhile and all the more interesting and exciting.

What feedback do you get in your business that motivates and inspires you? How do you measure your job satisfacation?

Are you giving GREAT customer service?

Customer Service. Two simple yet important words that to any business owner should be top priority. The ultimate reflection of your business, no matter what your industry is shown through in your customer service. Get this right and chances are success will follow.

During my recent visit to the USA I was completely blown away by top level customer service. Perhaps it was as I was a tourist in the country or perhaps their tipping system at work, perhaps I was just lucky, but the service in hotels and restaurants was outstanding. Attentive, caring, polite, friendly and most of the time genuine it was a fantastic to experience the positivity of great customer service.

This got me to thinking. How often do we look at our own customer service in our business? I don't think I need to go into what is good service and what is bad service. Nor do I need to detail the results of good or bad service in depth. We all know its importance, but how often do we really take a moment and focus on it?

I have come up with a check list of questions that all great business owners should regularly ask themselves. It is not enough to check through the list, give yourself a pat on the back and file it away. You need to be constantly reviewing and improving, listening to your customers and changing with the times to give great customer service.

Ask yourself.....

Do you offer good service or great service?

Do you strive to meet expectations or exceed expectations?

Are you committed to and do you believe in your business?

Do you focus on the basics - being courteous, respectful, friendly, honest and genuine?

Do you return phone calls within a specified time frame?

Do you reply to all emails promptly?

How do you respond to feedback and criticism?

When did you last look at how to do things differently?

Do you know your customers by name?

Do you reward your clients or offer any kind of loyalty & referral incentives?

Do you make your clients/customers feel important and valued?

Do you thank your clients?

Do you keep in contact with your clients through phone calls, newsletters, social media?

Do you know how to say 'No' when you need to?

Remember, good service will be appreciated but great service will be remembered. Great service will almost always result in repeat service and great service will increase customer referrals.

Are you giving great service in your business? Do you have any experiences of particularly outstanding customer service? Please feel free to share.

7 Tips for a Succesful eNewsletter.

One of the most enjoyable services that I provide to clients is email marketing and newsletter broadcasting.

Email marketing has been around for a while now, and in recent time has grown in popularity. Why? Because it is a great way to communicate and stay in contact with past, current and potential clients/customers. It is seen as a 'no pressure' form of marketing which is very appealing.

Keeping in touch with your clients and customers is a crucial aspect of maintaining your business and creating new interest. Using eNewsletters you can keep your clients up to date on new products, promotions, specials and the happenings in your business and industry. It keeps your brand at the top of the list when your clients/customers think about your product, increases customer loyalty and in turn increases the chances of word of mouth referral.

But before you jump on the band wagon there are some important points to remember:

1. Firstly you need to have an up to date and current database of clients as this will be the starting point and you will need a subscription box on your website to collect new subscribers. (see next point)

2. Secondly a good e-mail marketing program is a must. This will provide you with the basis for a professional service including easy subscribe and unsubscribe features, and good statistic managers. A few good ones that offer competitive fee structures and excellent easy to use software are mail2grow.com aweber and yourmailinglistprovider.com. All of these have free trials that you can undertake to see how you like the software, and if it is able to do what you need it to.

3. You must have an opt-in style which means that people 'choose' to receive the newsletters and you must have an opt out or unsubscribe feature allowing readers to do so should they wish. It is also advisable to have a privacy policy on your website regarding how you will handle peoples privacy and email addresses. You don't want to get caught up in any spam or privacy controversy.

4. Content is King! You must have interesting and relative content. Special offers, announcements, interesting tit bits. Keep your content light and easy to read. Avoid making it appear like a whole block of text as most readers will only skim read and then read things of interest to them. Include a quote or advice tip that your readers will find useful and look forward to each month. Your biggest challenge will be to engage your readers and keep the content fresh so readers don't feel like it is just the same thing each month. Another thing to consider is how the newsletter is formatted. Attachments are less likely to be opened compared to HTML or text direct to the inbox.

5. Timing. The timing of your e-newsletter can be critical to if it is read or not. It will depend on your business and industry how often you choose to send your emails. Once a month may be sufficient for some or fortnightly for others. Whatever you choose keep it regular so that your subscribers will look forward to it arriving at the usual day/time.

6. Remember that e-newsletters are only one component of your marketing strategy, but if used wisely can be a very important tool. It is about building a relationship and rapport with your customer which is so important.

7. Keep a good track of your stats. This will tell you what works and what doesn't. It is important and interesting to see your open rates over time and also click throughs.


What are your experiences with eNewsletters? Do you have one? What works, what doesn't? I'd love your to hear your feedback!

Facebook v's Twitter

It is a fact. Social Media has changed the way we do business. You will have read here my recent experiences with Twitter and I am also an endeavoring to be more active on LinkedIn, but up until recently I haven't explored Facebook - so I thought it was time.

Facebook was started in 2004, and as a Gen X it wasn't something that I knew much about. To me Facebook was Gen Y's way of communicating. All seemed quite strange to me. Why not pick up the phone and call, even send an email and a few pics? Seemed like everyone wanted their own personal web page to share EVERYTHING with the world. Very odd and not something I was comfortable with.

However, over the past few years Facebook has evolved to be much more than Gen Y's communication tool. Facebook has now emerged as a contender as a useful business tool. As with Twitter and LinkedIn, Facebook is a place to connect, engage and communicate with your target market. You can build relationships, share information and raise visibility of your business and brand.

I have now been on Facebook for a couple of months and so far I have found Facebook confusing, intimidating and to have many professional shortcomings. Needless to say I have definitely developed a clear preference towards Twitter! However, it seems that I am not alone.

I recently conducted a quick poll Twitter v's Facebook for business.



With almost 80% of the votes preferring Twitter the results speak for themselves.




Here are the reasons that I prefer Twitter:

1.Facebook seems to be 'all about me' whereas Twitter is about a willingness to share, listen and communicate. I still have a hard time with the 'friend or fan' numbers. It seems to be very much a popularity contest. Although Twitter has the follower number, it is entirely different . Most Twitter users are unconcerned with their numbers and are more focused on sharing quality information and developing worthwhile connections.

2. I love the 'instant' communication with Twitter. You put something out there and people respond in real time. On Facebook you are relying on people taking notice of your past comments when they choose to log in.

3. I like the simplicity of Twitter. 140 characters. You can't get much simpler than that. It is effective and cuts the small talk and gets straight to the point. Facebook has so many widgets and gadgets sometimes I just don't know where to look!

4. Connecting feels more 'real' on Twitter. You can respond immediately to someone and the communication feels real, like a conversation, rather than a post-it board.

5. Connecting is easier on Twitter. You can follow mostly anyone. So if you are interested in what they are tweeting, or they are in your industry or prospective target market you can follow them and start connecting. On Facebook you need to 'ask' permission from the person you wish to connect with. I totally understand why, but it just feels quite (for use of a better word), juvenile. Please, can I be your friend????

So Twitter or Facebook? Well, despite my reservations, the answer is both! As a business in today's age you need to keep current and be familiar with all workable forms of marketing. And no matter whether you prefer Twitter or Facebook, you really need to be visible on both for ultimate success.

To simplify my management of Facebook, I have it linked to my Twitter account where I most frequent so my Tweets are visible and I also have my blog updating to Facebook. It is also important to remain active on Facebook logging in contributing and sharing for full effectiveness.

Facebook has a long way to go in terms of offering business clients a well rounded experience, and perhaps they don't need to. LinkedIn and Twitter have this market covered, and covered well.

Maybe I just haven't 'got it' yet so I would love to hear your ideas and experiences with Facebook for your business. Also if you have any pointers to help improve my relationship with Facebook or some good online articles about using Facebook for business, please share!