Internet Marketing Podcast, Web Usability Blog – Intuitive Websites

Celebrating Podcast Number 50!

This is podcast number 50 for Intuitive Websites. In this podcast Tom and Glenn discuss podcasting in general and take a look back at four years of Web marketing podcasts.

Why do 50 free podcasts?

• We started doing podcasts in Feb. 2006.
• Our company focus is on training.
• People can multi-task as they listen.
• We want to help people understand the Web, most don’t.
• Some hire us to implement, but most just listen to the podcasts.
• Provides us with credibility and a chance to show that we know this field.

What have been a few of the key learning points from the podcasts?

• The comprehensive nature of the podcasts and Web marketing.
• The four step processes is covered in detail.
• Much information in a complex area of Web marketing.

More questions: Do Intuitive Websites’ clients do podcasting?

Why or why not?

What are future plans for the podcasts?

We end each podcast with an action item plan. What are the key action items for the listener?

• Go listen to our podcasts and take notes.
• You can find the podcasts on iTunes and our Websites.
• Start your own podcast channel and blog.
• Contact us with topics for future podcasts.

This has been the Intuitive Websites Internet Marketing Podcast. For more information and to see all the available podcasts and much more, visit IntuitiveWebsites.com.

 

 Celebrating Podcast Number 50 [14:04m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Add comment March 15th, 2010

Website Demographics

What are Website demographics?

Web professionals should know marketing terms:

• Demographics – Objective and measurable data on the user.
• Geographic – Location and what their location means.
• Psychographics – Approaches, opinions and thoughts that are not measurable.

Understand where your users fit in these areas and then tailor the Website to meet what is important to them. The better the site hits the bulls eye, the better the results.

What is important to know about Website demographics?

• They drive the brand, conversions, ROI and the overall success of the Website
• This data can be found in Web stats and through market research with users.
• The better aligned with your demographics, the better your overall Web results.
• Position the site to push hot buttons and drive conversions.

How do you go about understanding these marketing areas?

• You may need additional marketing training.
• Most Website developers have no understanding of how marketing and branding works.
• Marketing is not a hobby or something learned by instinct.
• In a tough economy, businesses with poor marketing suffer the worst.

Every part of your Website can impact these three demographic areas

• Every photo, color, font and tagline and every other part of your Website communicates to your demographic.
• The better this is understood the better your return or Web marketing ROI.
• Also, how well does your site target the user through design and usability?

Key action items

• Look at your stats and conduct user testing to research your demographics.
• Consult a brand expert and usability consultant to make sure you are on track.
• Set-up your Website design and messaging to meet those specific demographic needs.
• Study marketing and branding fundamentals and apply them to your Website.

This has been the Intuitive Websites Internet Marketing Podcast. For more information and to see all the available podcasts and much more, visit IntuitiveWebsites.com.

 

 Website Demographics [14:06m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Add comment February 10th, 2010

Maximize eCommerce Sales

Here are a few things to consider to be successful selling products on the Web.

First have a great product or service, good marketing strategy, strong brand and a fair budget or plenty of time for Web marketing, including development, design and driving traffic.

1. Start by getting inside the head of the Web Visitor

• Why do users buy your product?
• How do they use the product?
• What do they tell their friends and family about your product?
• Look at what they do, more than what they say.
• Help the Web visitor meet their needs on your eCommerce site.

2. Navigation and Search

• Starts with the user connection with and branding on the home page.
• Communicate that the site is easy to use.
• Use a clear tagline and product photos on the home page.
• Develop consistent navigation menus and overall search capabilities.

3. Product Presentation

• Simple and clear product presentations.
• Great photos with bullet point details and lots of back-up copy.
• Clear pricing, including shipping options.
• Easy to see “Buy Now” buttons.
• Multiple contact methods.

What about the actual buying experience?

This is where conversion rates and sales can really be improved.

• One click to BUY and send shopper to the shopping cart.
• Give the option of registration or purchase without registration.
• Don’t force the pre-selection of menu items prior to purchase.
• Keep shipping fair and free as much as possible.
• Follow the expected standards for Web eCommerce.
• Drive repeat visits to your Website and use email to spark a purchase.
• Many people research thoroughly and consider more options.

Key action items

• Set a thorough process for tracking stats and usability on your eCommerce site.
• Don’t copy another site because you like it, do what helps users and drives conversions
• Realize that an eCommerce Web store is always under construction and being improved upon and set-up systems to do that.
• When in doubt, make things more simple.

This has been the Intuitive Websites Internet Marketing Podcast. For more information and to see all the available podcasts and much more, visit IntuitiveWebsites.com.

 

 Standard Podcast [20:28m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Add comment February 3rd, 2010

The “About Us” Page

How should a company talk about themselves on their Website?

• Always easiest to talk about yourself.
• Develop an “About Us” page.
• This is the place where people come to learn more about your company.
• Take it seriously.
• If done right, it can drive conversions.
• Users look for value first then want to learn more about your company.
• Opportunity to build trust and credibility.
• The “About Us” page reinforces the brand.

What should be included in the “About Us” page?

• Philosophy and business approach.
• Company history.
• Bios and photos of team members/staff.
• Client lists, case studies, and testimonials.
• Location photos.
• Videos, photos and other content that describe your company

But, how does the “About Us” page drive conversions? First, a visit here shows a high level of interest. The visitor is highly qualified; a trip to this page is likely, not random. Build the credibility and trust the visitor is looking for, then make it easy for them to convert from this page.

Action Plan:

• Create, write or improve your “About Us” page.
• Make the “About Us” page visible on the main navigation.
• Get user feedback on the page and edit as needed.
• Include the items mentioned in this podcast.
• Keep the page current, review it often.
• Measure the stats and conversions from this page.

This has been the Intuitive Websites Internet Marketing Podcast for more information and to see all the available podcasts and much more, visit IntuitiveWebsites.com.

 

 About Us Page [12:32m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Add comment October 27th, 2009

Web Marketing ROI

Website marketing should have very strong ROI and Websites are investments. In this podcast we will explain how this process works.

Your Website is an Investment, how much should it cost?

• Build a Website: $5-20,000
• Market and maintain a Website $500-$1000+ a month
• Every dollar should be tracked and return measured
• You should see significant return or ROI
• The key is in how you establish and define return?

Conversion Strategy Defines Return

• Leads, sales, email subscribers and more
• Consider referrals, branding and competitors
• Small changes greatly impact Website ROI

Must Have Web Stats – Google Analytics and Goals

• Unique visitors
• Bounce rate
• Pages visited
• Traffic sources
• Time on site
• Conversions Goals and funnels  

Action Plan:

• Set strategic conversions and offers
• Set-up Google Analytics to measure those conversions
• Build accountability through staff, external consultants and in meetings
• Set conversion goals and run numbers
• Expect a return and make it happen

 

 Standard Podcast [18:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Add comment May 26th, 2009