We've been talking lately about how hot content marketing is right now.  It's extremely important nowadays to have strong, original content linking back to your brand and your website.  People are looking for information -why not let your company be the one who supplies it?  While the idea of content marketing might be a simple one; actually executing original content is another matter altogether.  My advice is to either hire someone to write your posts for you (we actually offer that service... for the record...) or teach yourself the tips for writing a great blog on your website.

The past few weeks I’ve been dipping my toes into the paid advertising arena on social media, trying out a few different methods and testing the waters.  I’m no expert by any means –extreme beginner alert.  However, with a few weeks under my belt, I can tell you what I have found so far.  Results.

There comes a time in every person’s life when they’ve got to ask themselves –is it time to redesign my website?  That may not actually be true.  The truth is, however, that if you DO have a website and if you ARE invested in it –it is worth a second look every now and then to see if there is actually need to shake things up a bit.  This could be anything from swapping out colors, to changing your whole theme.  Maybe your little spokesperson is a brunette, but you heard blondes have more fun.  Whatever your reasoning, if you are asking yourself if it’s time to redesign, here are a few pieces to look at that may need a little tweaking, moving, and shaking.

I read blog articles, news stories, and other random web nonsense every day of the week.  Some are memorable; some not so memorable.  Do you know what I don’t read?  That news story you never shared.  That blog post that you never put on your Twitter or Facebook?  I’ve never read it.  Between checking my email, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Reddit, and EZines on ten minute rotations –I don’t have time to go searching the darkest corners of the internet for your recipe on the world’s largest soufflé.

So, you’re a big bad blogger now?  Well good for you!  Sort of… Hey, people are always looking for ways to improve. For all I know, you’re perfect and you’ve already enacted all of these tips I’m about to share.  If that’s the case, you’re just going to force me to make another list folks.  And if you haven’t noticed from any past posts… like: here, here, and here.  I like my lists.

My extensive experience and qualifications [insert lol] have taught me that there are a few things that are, without a doubt, website killers. I’ve ranted randomly here and there about updating your content.  Today, I’m not just slipping it slyly in.  I’m getting out my rusty trusty step stool (I’m only 5’1) to get on eye level with you and I’m making sure that you really understand what I’m saying.  If you do nothing else, keep these 4 things updated on your site.  Not one or two of them; all 4 if it’s all the same to you.

How did that sound? “Can I help you?” Did you read it in a polite, helpful way?  Or maybe you read “Can I help you?” and pictured a big burly man spitting into a tin and cracking his knuckles threateningly… (apparently I have a western movie playing in my head).  My point is, first impressions are important.  If someone were physically walking into your store, how would you approach them?  Now let’s look at your online presence; what first impression are you giving?