Need to Feed Your Blog? 3 web traffic tactics to do today

These 3 remarkably simple organic traffic tactics are right under your nose & ready to boost your site traffic
The web analytics continue to prove it. My fav factoid around blogging for business:
Companies that have an effective blog for their business get 55% more organic traffic & 70% more 
leads with targeted website traffic than those that don't use a blog to drive traffic.

Yes, blogs can drive targeted traffic & paying customers. Please notice the word “can” in the previous sentence. 
And you probably know as well as I, running an effective blog that creates web traffic can be challenging. But let me suggest three great blog traffic tactics to help you generate ideas for effective blog posts. These are designed to attract consistent web traffic while providing ongoing blog promotion.

First set up a news feed - Yahoo or Google will do. Customize to topics around your organic traffic needs. This is a nice way to “news jack”  or leverage hot news for increased bog traffic by updating your blogroll with postings about how your business reacts and responds to these current, well publicized news events. Try it and watch your organic traffic and web analytics take off.

Second, pick up a trashy publication - like People, National Inquirer or Vogue.  Believe it or not, these can be great sources of punchy and provocative headlines that get noticed. And that’s important to make your blog postings pop, grab attention and drive traffic -- and to be honest, kinda fun to create.

Finally, look at your sent folder in your email - I promise you, in two minutes you’ll come across a bunch of highly relevant and effective blog topics that attract targeted website traffic. You know, all those requests and questions you have, which are probably based on customer needs. With a little tweaking you can harness these towards your most qualified web traffic.
Don't forget, blogging for business can also help drive referral web traffic because when blogs are set on outside pages they provide links into your site and long-term traffic generation.
So feed your blog some nice organic traffic or let me help with an effective blog strategy, targeted traffic research and blog writing services at paulpatzloff.com

Thanks for reading!

The hard Truth behind Video Viewing fall-off

You know the power online video. It presents ideas in quick, easy to digest portions. It can help you rank big on Google. It can be produced quickly and cheaply.

But remember You Tube now has 24 hours of video uploaded every minute. So in some ways online video is becoming a bit of a commodity.

I love Dave Kaminski and his Web Video University Here's a Great video on the risk of video fall-off. His advice is simple and straight forward. And here's his breakdown of viewer fall-off...

• Within 10 seconds you'll lose 20% of your audience
• Within a minute another 30% stop watching.
• By the end you may have 20% of your original audience still viewing.

What is driving this?

Audience Interest level. Bottom line. If you are not presenting a compelling message, you are fighting an uphill battle.

So before the camera is rolling think about how to make your story attention-worthy.

Here are some real basic ideas...

1) Work in an emotional testimonial. People tend to buy from people not just talking heads. 

2) Present  a riveting relevant fact. Each day there are 247 car accidents in our state - maybe it's time to consider a free auto insurance coverage review. 

3) Introduce a  classic problem/solution storyline. 

This works well especially well when You can present it in a villain v. hero format.

Thanks for reading!

8,500 words later...

Corporate blogging is moving forward.  It's interesting that a magazine I started writing articles for was gradually transformed into a series of blogs and white papers. My client, Wolters Kluwer, a global leader in financial services and compliance for banking and mortgage servicing institutions wanted to articulate their expertise on several topics. These included cloud computing, outsourcing, paperless processing of mortgages and the improving borrower experience. I enjoyed enhancing my knowledge of the complexities of the heavily regulated and (today) much scrutinized mortgage business.

But I was really encouraged to see a large, generally conservative organization like Wolters Kluwer take on new inbound internet marketing tactics. I've been big on the power of blogging as an online marketing foundation. I like blogging for lots of reasons and here are my 3 favorites....

1) It can greatly enhance your organic search results because Google loves fresh, relevant content.

2) It can create valuable links to your web environment which also helps your search rankings.

3) It can be the content foundation for all your social media efforts, and these days that can drive lots of viral marketing results.

Best of all, I like the numbers that show how effective blogging can be, even for business-to-business companies!

If you've ever thought blogging could benefit your company, let's chat at 952-926-7309.

Can you feel it?

Bringing a tangible, human aspect to today's virtual technology marketing can be challenging. And I spent several years marketing databases of legal and compliance information! While that kind of work may sound tedious,  I found ways to make it intriguing and my teams always took that work to new places.

Recently having the opportunity to create brand messaging and positioning for Imation, it was a real treat to  work on this product that actually recognizes your fingerprint to allow access. Finally, a digital data storage device that is dependent on something totally unique about you. 

A Refresh with Real Potential

It's been really rewarding teaming with Jeff Exe at Marektingwerx.com to produce the new web environment for Traust, an independent Oracle Software consulting firm in Bloomington, Minnesota.

We're especially proud to have introduced a more holistic (see above) web marketing approach to this remodeling effort by implementing a robust use of landing pages, inbound marketing strategies and white papers and free mini-assessments as incentives. All in all, we created a new online environment that looks nice, is easy to understand and offers true online marketing tools and tactics. Watch for another refresh coming soon.

Old site above

Need content for your blog? Don't try so hard.

Here's a neat, quick interview with one of my favorite people Chris Baggott, the CEO of Compendium Blogware. He keeps it simple by emphasizing the value of using your blog as the main hub for all your content. From your blog (master content HQ) you can distribute (often automatically) to your various social media venues. Makes sense to me and his blog-worthy quip is right on. This is a 2-minute interview worth watching.

Watch it here

Branding with a Purpose

In Germany, an online start-up www.stopthewaterwhileusingme.com has taken their water-reducing passion to their brand - litterally. This an intersting case study on a whole new way ot thinking about branding. 

My New Creative Capabilites Video

Creative Capabilites

Quick little video showcasing some of my creative marketing abilities.

iPhone Ride-sharing technology creates real-time results.

I remember living in the  San Francisco Bay area for  several years in the late 80's. I was amazed at the Bay Bridge free-loading carpool method that was established. Right before the bridge outside of Oakland, there was a little pull-over area where people would await single occupant cars to pick them up so together they could utilize the High Occupant Vehicle Lane  - avoiding not only the toll but the lines and congestion. My guess is some bureaucratic official shut this down in the name of safety or declining toll revenue. But it was innovative.

Now, transportation technology firm Avego has created a similar solution for Seattle to help reduce congestion. It allows drivers and riders to connect real-time via an iPhone App, It has security features and also offers electronic micro payments to  help participants split the cost.

Now that is refreshing. Simple, effective and fast. Plus a low cost start-up. Try transferring this thinking to your small business or organization, Is there a unique way to use existing technology to help you be more efficient?

Referenced from http://www.springwise.com
Images from http://go520.avego.com/st-pilot/

Paul Patzloff is a hybrid creative marketing professional offering strategy and high-value content. His innovative content marketing techniques create online pull that attracts new, qualified sales leads for your business. Request his new presentation "Pure Pull" by contacting him here.

Will Google Places be an Internet Marketing game-changer in 2011?

Right when many internet marketers, hopeful bloggers and most anyone with a moderate interest in Search Engine Optimization feel they have some basic understanding of Google, the wizards of Mountain View turn the tables by developing something new and radically different. 

Showing up in November, Google Places has redrawn the search results page landscape by listing the top local businesses listed in Google with pinpoints on a map which has now shifted to the right-hand column. 

In the main organic column you'll see the listings for the pinpoints on the map. Several listings can still make it above these listings but that can be sacred ground for search results, as Google has put a stronger influence on its new places environment.

While the number of the new Places set up may vary, I believe the new magic number is 7 - the maximum number allowed. 

But wait there's more, Google Tags. Here's a neat way to add interactive call-outs that can feature one element such a as video, menu or a Web site link. Are Google Tags worth the $25 per month? Try a few months and see how your results turn out. 

So why has Google done this? Take a look around, it makes sense. Mobile internet is no longer wishful thinking, it's taking shape now. In fact twice as many people across the globe access the internet from a mobile devise than a computer. And local listings are becoming huge focal points for the mobile internet.

Besides, how else can Google keep up with Twitter and Facebook? There are some serious competitive rumblings happening since Facebook took over Google as the most used internet Web environment. Plus with Twitter now offering more mobile capabilities, the mobile market is white hot for those who can establish a strong brand.

So what should you do next? 

To avoid being left behind and losing a competitive footing, start your local/mobile marketing planning now for 2011. You don't need to start over, just enhance what you're doing. Here are three free, easy-to-start today, take-aways...

1) Mini-size it

Remember portable devices have a limited viewing area, so refine your mobile presence. Keep graphics and content simple. I hate to say this as a writer, but cut back your copy 30% , then cut it another 20%.

 

2) Keep it simple

No one likes complexity when you're having to type with the very tips of your fingers or scrolling with one of those little "scrolling things". So make sure your navigation is super simple. In other words make every possible path -- a happy path.  

3) Try an app

Don't be afraid. Create an idea or two that takes your brand somewhere new. Then find an app developer. It's less expensive than you think. And resources are out there ready to help. Plus how cool would it be to tell your customers about your new iPhone or Android application!

Is Groupon creating a dangerous carpet bombing effect on some small businesses?

The growth of Chicago-based Groupon has been nothing short of phenomenal. With at least 20 million subscribers in 29 countries receiving the Web company's free daily e-mail, Twitter and Groupon app offers, this is the fastest growing online business in recent memory.

And no wonder. With their unique format, local businesses sign up to be featured in one of their daily specials that go out to subscribers -- all neatly divided into 350 local areas.

These offers are unique and feature very attractive, discounted price points. But there's a brilliant caveat, a certain number of subscribers must buy the Groupon or the deal is off. And that rarely happens, because Groupon brings social marketing to a bizarre new state of online collectivism that is often too tempting to pass up.

From Lasik surgery to yoga lessons, Groupon has become an expert in the art of the unusual deal. The kind of deals that send hundreds, if not thousands of new prospects  to a local business. Oh yes, Groupon gets 50% of the deal for themselves - no wonder they may be worth $1 billion by next year!

But I want to offer a bit of warning and advice to eager Grouponees.

A story about a local dentist caught my attention recently. By offering a $231 check-up exam, cleaning & x-rays for just $49, the small business was overwhelmed with 768 requests in one day! Could you handle 100 calls an hour?

Read the complete story here

Since Groupon splits revenue 50-50, this dentist was only getting about $25 per offer. In reality, most businesses plan to lose money with a Groupon deal. But the hope is that they will gain so many new customers who will return again and again.

That's a nice idea in theory, but businesses planning a Groupon should have some understanding of what they may be in for and how to best prepare for it. So here's some prep...

Three things to consider before Grouponing

1) Get a Teaser Mentality.
Remember the premise of this kind of online promotion is to get attention with a sensational teaser offer. So treat it that way. Try not to set your business up for a disaster by giving away your product or service with the best profit margin. Lure potential customers with something that give them a good taste but wanting more.

2) Prepare and Then Prepare Some More.
Be ready for what could be the fire hose effect  -- many people demanding your offer in a short time period. So be prepared for an influx of calls. Maybe hire a short-term phone service to take calls you can't get to because you don't want to disappoint and have those folks bad-mouth your business to everyone they know!

3) Take Names and Numbers.
It's critical to develop a list to make this effort pay-off. So track all calls, categorize your new customers and then immediately follow-up with another offer to bring those initial trial people back for additional business.

Parting shot: There are smarter, less explosive options to Groupon. Try a simple text blast to existing customers inviting them to bring a friend or neighbor in for a special deal or use Facebook to drive a special offer. There are many ways to share a great deal.

Paul Patzloff is a hybrid creative marketing professional offering strategy and high-value content. His new brand Gravity uses innovative techniques to create online pull that attracts new, qualified sales leads for businesses. Request his new presentation "Feel The Pull of Gravity" by contacting Paul 


Image from Groupon.com

Sounds Inviting

Add a cash incentive and dash of fame to online collaboration, and I feel you can have a mega mix for success. By creating a venue for audio competitions, AudioDraft, a start-up in Greece, offers companies an innovative way to order custom-made audio from audio designers across the globe.  With their Social Audio Sketching Tool, a web-based multitrack arranger, designers complete for a client’s prize by way of interaction and collaboration. A real WIn-Win. Imagine how your company or organization could reach out to gather and nuture great ideas for your next project or problem. For more innovations check out The Up Take at PaulPatzloff.com

Photos from springwise.com

Learn more about AudioDraft

Clearing the Air on Allergy Relief

Here's a great product that just needed a little nudge to gain awareness online.
While allergy sufferers find some relief with whole-room air filtering devices, PureNight brought relief to where it works best - the head of the bed.

With an integrated effort that included a new Web environment with enhanced content and an extensive e-tailer sales kit; I helped PureNight secure 7 new online niche vendors to drive initial sales beyond expectations.

Here's great product that's benefited from my intelligent hybrid approach that blends insightful strategy with clean, focused messaging; which brought PureNight a clear advantage in this niche market.

Visit paulpatzloff.com to explore more.

What's a million dollar sales tool look like?

To help initiate a new sales channel, I created this unique sequence of lay-down presentations into a folder-based tool. By using die-cuts to mix together key thoughts, this was designed to help sales representatives explain the benefits of West's corporate-wide information solution. Because of its simplicity, within 3 months of launching this piece had been credited with five sales of $1,000,000 or more.

I like to think of it as bringing clarity to the complex.


You can discover more at PaulPatzloff.com

Catalog Success

Creating a winning catalog is part art and science. Big, clean images are vital. And so are the words that describe them. And let’s not forget careful pagination, attention to detail and careful product analysis. Don’t think the web can replace catalogs. My experience has shown that people love their catalogs --but like to order online.

This golf clothing catalog uses a focused theme to position it for the green grass market it targets.

Learn more at paulpatzloff.com

Long copy can deliver big results

Don't be afraid of long copy. It works wonders when done correctly. But you need to keep interesting and on-topic.

This newspaper formatted advertorial brings together compelling reasons to investigate the advantages of Sonus - provided clearly at the bottom.

See more at paulpatzloff.com

Why Direct Mail is still a winner

Creative, Copy Offer. Pretty basic and very effective. But Direct Respone advertising needn’t be a snooze. I concur with John Ogilvy who said “ you can’t bore people into buying.”

Here's a colorful piece that was part of an integrated for a growing national fitness chain. I like the clean rich imagery and very personal promise for the reader.

See more at paulpatzloff.com