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Over Coming the Fear of Internet Marketing

Over the past 5 years or so, internet marketing has become a large part of business marketing and advertising. Before the Internet grew this large, there were other ways of advertising like TV, Newspaper, Print Magazine, Radio, and Door to Door.  Some people would say that the “old” ways of advertising were a lot more personal and private, and the thought of putting information on the web was scary. Now you need to be cautious and smart but internet marking can reach more people nationwide on a daily basis than those other forms could. Technical side of our world is constantly growing and some may say that is a great thing and some may say it is not. In my opinion internet marketing is a great thing, this can help our businesses come together all over the world and unite and also build a closer community.

There are many different ways of internet marketing strategies just like there are in a lot of industries. Someone told me the other week that there are many ways to do a lot of things, and there are only a few ways to do something wrong. With Internet Marketing including Social Media there are many ways to get results and have it be a profitable avenue for your business. People have a big fear when it comes to Social Media because you are exposing yourself, your businesses, and your opinions out into the world. You are finding people on Facebook from high school, college, old jobs, and other areas of life; this can be overwhelming and makes you want to resist Internet Marketing. What I would say is Don’t let the fear stop you from reaching potential client, the internet is a great way to grow your business and get the exposure that your business deserves. When you go to in person networking events, seminars, leads groups ect. you are meeting a certain percentage of people in your community, there are still thousands of people right in your back yard that could use your services/products  or would e a great power partner for you. Internet Marketing can include creating a blog, where you voice your opinion on your passion, that will convey a personal aspect. you can also post videos of your product/service, be active on social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter), having a good website that is SEO (search engine optimization).By utilizing all of these tools you can increase your business immensely.

One of the aspects of Internet Marketing that I value the most is how you can track everything. With Social Media you can add fans, followers, and connections. Once you build those then you can start seeing how many people are being active on your sites and want to know what is going on with your business. With blogs you can put Google analytics on the back side so you can monitor how many people are coming to your site, where they are located, and what days they are coming to your site. This is a great tool to have in order to know what days are the best to post your videos and blogs.

Internet Marketing can be a little overwhelming but the secret to Internet Marketing is to create a plan of action. In this plan of action you will discover what your goals are, what are you excepting out of internet marketing, what type of people can help your business grow and who can you help as well. Do you need to do blogs, videos, social media, and more? Let’s find out!

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Why have a Facebook Page

Why have a Facebook Page
Recently one of my clients had forwarded an article to me about why you need to have a facebook page for your business, so I clicked on the link http://bit.ly/b5vRrW and the title was Study Shows That Facebook Fans Become Valuable Customers so it talked about how this local Houston bakery had increased their business exponentially due to their Facebook Page called ”Sweet”. This is what they said:
(In the Italic are my thoughts)
Here are 5 key takeaways from Dessert Gallery’s example:
1. Use Facebook and other social media sites to establish an online presence, reaching a larger audience and attracting potential customers, prospects, vendors and even media. Using a Facebook Page is a great way to reach not only into your own community but also into many more, you can build great relationships, which then build trust and then build business and customers.
2. Engage with your community for free and easily post up-to-date information about promotions, new products, upcoming events, etc. Social Networking like Facebook is FREE for people to join which makes this a very cost effective way to promote your business. Keeping people up to date online can save money on printing inside the store/shop, posting coupons online for your fans to see and use is measurable way to track where your NEW clients/customers are coming from. By posting events and coupons this keeps your community up to date and not only that it makes them feel a part of your business, this builds relationships. On Facebook pages you are able to post pictures and videos; here you are able to show new products that you have. Remember 85% of our world’s people are visual so having pictures is a great way for them to purchase online or come in and shop!
3. Strengthen customer relations by interacting with customers directly on a social level as opposed to a business level. A lot of what I talk about is building relationships with your prospects and current clients/customers and the interacting part of Facebook is remarkable, you can also stay up to date on them! Facebook has a totally different feel to it then when people just stop by your shop or speak to you a couple times a month.
4. Listen to customers’ feedback. Customers are more likely to share reviews about products/services as well as good or bad experiences online, so utilize the information presented for your company’s benefit. I cannot tell you enough how important this tool can be. When I started my business one thing I was told is a successful business owner is always open to feedback and constructive criticism, I think about this every day. Using this tool and asking for your customers/clients feedback is a great way to interact with them and then incorporating their ideas or at least valuing their opinions.
5. Keep expenses low by building a Facebook Fan Page for free. Take advantage of low-cost, online resources instead of spending money on direct mail and paper advertisements. I LOVE that Social Networking is FREE! I think all businesses need to be doing Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube because they are all such great tools for you to grow your business and reach thousands of people. One of the major fears that small to large size businesses have is how much everything is going to cost and what will their return be. By utilizing the amazing marketing tool and internet marketing strategy you can really see a huge return and didn’t even have to spend a penny! That is a smart business owner.

If you have questions or need help getting YOUR Facebook page set up please let us know. We would love to help you get your page set up and start growing your business.

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“Why Do I Need Internet Marketing?”

“Why Do I Need Internet Marketing?”
I think all business owners need to learn about Internet Marketing Strategies. When you Google “Internet Marketing” this is the definition that comes up in the Wikipedia Internet marketing also refers to the placement of media along different stages of the customer engagement cycle through search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), banner ads on specific websites, e-mail marketing, and Web 2.0 strategies.
Internet Marketing Strategies can really help your business succeed. If you offer an amazing service or product, Internet Marketing is a great place to advertise it and see results. The best thing about Internet Marketing Strategies is there are so many of them that are FREE! A few reasons you should learn about Internet Marketing Strategies are One: there are so many different ways that you can be very creative and stand out, Two: You will build a network of people that you build relationships with and that is when business will start happening, Three: You are showing why you are an expert in what you do and educating people, this builds trust, which builds business!
We are always wondering as Entrepreneurs “How can we grow our business?” Well by using Internet Marketing Strategies you can achieve this. I like to think of Internet Marketing including Social Networking as a very large in person networking event, because it is all about building those relationships and being of service to people. Internet Marketing Strategies can feel a little overwhelming when you dip your hand in because there are so many different ways to do Internet Marketing like advertising, writing articles, Social networking, webinars, newsletters, email marketing, Websites and blogs, videos, and many more. I think the part that people tend to forget is finding the ones that work for you! Just because one person made a huge success from one thing does not mean it will work for you. You need to explore your options and see if advertising online works best or maybe just Social Networking or maybe even writing articles. Internet Marketing Strategies take some time to figure out, I also recommend you find someone who is an “expert” with internet marketing strategies, social networking and blog sites to get their opinion on these and see what input they can give you. From my experience Social Networking and blog sites with videos capability have shown the most return. You do have to be careful when it comes to Internet Marketing because there are a lot of online SCAMS that people can fall for. Here are a few tips to remember when tapping into the Internet Marketing world; first, do not pay over $500 for a website, when it comes to a website ask about SEO, SEM, Videos and blogging content. Second, be careful of the scams online that say” I grew my down line over 3000 people in 2 weeks and for $$$$ I can show you” those are just very wrong to me. Third, do your research! Research the people you are going to work with, the products you want to use, protect yourself. Fourth, remember anything that goes up online can come down and we cannot live in fear of the internet world. Internet Marketing is a large variety of tools that can help you grow your data base and customer base; I challenge you to learn more

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Which way is the RIGHT way for Internet Marketing?

There are many different ways for Internet Marketing Strategies, including Social Networking. Everyone has a different way of teaching and explaining it, the one thing you need to know as a small business is finding a way that works for YOU. In the Social networking world there are many different tools you can use, for example www.hootsuite.com, www.socialoomph.com, www.tweetadder.com, www.tweetdeck.com, and many more. It is important that you take some time a read over each one and see if it is a good fit for you and your business. Social networking and internet marketing take time to build, it does not happen overnight; you must be patient, which I know can be difficult. I know for me it is difficult to be patient and wait to see the results. The one thing I have found to LOVE about Social Networking and Internet Marketing Strategies is you can really target who you want, on Facebook they are great about suggesting people that you may know or are in your area, Twitter you can search by profession, geographical area, and other keywords, LinkedIn, you can really get in touch with corporation and professional business people. These are all great ways to stay connected and meet more people that you would by paying for ads or yellow pages in my opinion. The key to Internet marketing and social networking is being of service to others! If you are on there just to Sell, Sell, Sell, then you may want to re-think the social networking world. You need to educate people on who you are and what you do. From my experience coming from person to person networking the #1 rule was: “People do business with people they know, like, and trust.” You have to have that same mindset when you are doing Social Networking online. It may seem hard to find that balance of selling and educating, but it really is easy! You need to tell people about yourself, who you are and what you are passionate about, why are you in the business you’re in? Internet Marketing Strategies can be very beneficial to the growth of your business if done right.

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Secrets to YouTube

1)    Make your videos viral

2)    Use other social media outlets to post your videos like Twitter, Digg, Facebook, ETC

3)    Have a plan or theme for your videos

4)    Make sure the sound is clear so people can hear you clearly

5)    Keep your content engaging to your audience, make it funny and informative

6)    Keep your videos clean without too much conversation

7)    Have your logo and information (Video bumper) on each video

8)    Write down your goals for YouTube, what do you want to give and receive from it

9)    Use a good camera and editing tool. ( Windows movie maker, Camtasia are good editing tools, cameras any cannon or Kodak are great)

10) Make sure you are recording with an HD camera and publishing in HD so it is very clear for your viewers

11) Have a color scheme to your videos and stay congruent

12) MOST IMPORTANT BE YOURSELF, show your authenticity

13) Remember nothing is perfect online, it is better to get videos up rather than trying to look like Oprah, as small business owners we do not have a backroom stage crew

14) Practice before doing your video that you will post out into the Internet world

15) Think of doing an ongoing series of videos then think of making a product of those videos

16) Do more than just talk if you are doing a video longer than 3 minutes, be interactive and have handouts and pictures

17) Work hard on getting you videos between 2-5 minutes, after that it is hard for people to stay engaged. If you are creating a product or training that is different

18) Make a schedule for your videos, once people start to like you and follow you they will be used to a schedule, this also keeps you on track.

19) Have a creative sign off that people will remember and brands you

20) Ask for feedback from your viewers and have them leave comments

21) Work on bringing other people into your videos, clients, coworkers, friends, family so it is not always you

22) Do not use music unless you have permission

23) Remember the title of the video is just as important as the content

24) Use your keywords in your title and tagging in YouTube and other Internet outlets

25) Use tags in addition to the keywords, as this also get people attention

26) Do not stress over negative comments leave them, pay attention to them and see if it is something you need to change or someone just having a bad day

27) Use as many social networks as you can to get your videos out there, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Digg, Delicious, ETC

28) Let your customers and email list know when a new video went out and ask them to share it

29) Add your videos to various communities and subject areas of YouTube for more exposure

30) Remember to thank people who post positive comments and see if you can do the same for them

31) It is ok if all your videos are not all huge hits, be patient and practice

32) Have a script or bullet points you want to make in your video

33) Use analytics tools like YouTube insight to track your sources and hits

34) Use the word “video” in your title

35) DO NOT MAKE YOUR VIDEO A SALES AD

36) Choose your thumbnail picture wisely. YouTube actually allows you to choose your thumbnail picture

37) You can delete comments on YouTube, so do not hesitate to get rid of those negative or rude comments on your YouTube channel

38) You can put up more than one video at a time

39) Be real, don’t try and fake something you’re not

40) Have FUN and focus on fun, and then it will be fun for others

41) Aside from your logo and website include a phone number and email people can reach you at

42) Watch others in your industry and learn from them both good and bad

43) Stick with your target market. You want loyal viewers

44) Do videos in different locations, office, outside, client project ETC. If using a webcam please make sure when you publish it that your lips are sync with your words

45) Make a YouTube Channel profile, it gives your viewers a personal touch

46) Do NOT cuss or use inappropriate language. Stay away from religion and politics in videos

47) Use props, costumes, pictures and other “organic” items in your video.

48) Create a video bumper with your logo and theme music before you start

49) Utilize other videos sites to get your videos posted

50) Specify your channel type, and have a clear sense of what you are offering on the YouTube channel’s main page.

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Testimonials

Amber is a wizard with Social Media!  I was reluctant and slowly started building a facebook community over many months and now I actually enjoy it. The next step was creating strategies that supported my business–that was over my head. Amber turned my uneasiness into trust, safety and confidence.  She is knowledgeable, has great skill at putting me at ease when I feel overwhelmed, and she effectively implements my social media strategies that we developed.  She answers questions and offers great recommendations to further develop my business and helps me develop myself. I would never have believed I would have done a you tube video–much less two!  Wow, what growth, and a testament to Amber’s ability to create trust, ease and confidence with this fun and wacky world of Social Media! I would highly recommend Amber -Your Marketing Voice to anyone who is ready to take the plunge or expand your existing strategies.  With many thanks, Regina Sisco

“Since I have used Amber’s services to do my social media, the traffic to my website has increased by 30%
and is getting more attention than without her services! Thank you for helping me become more visible in the community online and offline. ”www.Places2Network.com

“As a small business owner, I know that it’s very important where to put your marketing dollars, and most importantly, who has your best interest and knows what they’re doing!  Amber with “Your Marketing Voice”, is well educated and passionate about social media, and she has brought a professionalism and an internet presence out there in cyberspace for me and has brought new customers to me with the Youtube videos, (which I highly recommend). In this new era, businesses need to stay consistent with the times, and your marketing voice can take you there!!!” Lisa Keyeswww.VisionsofNaturalHealth.com

“I started my own business knowing that social media was now a very important part of marketing my business, but did not have any idea where to start.  Amber has not only given me that starting point but all the points.  She is very passionate about social media and the businesses she serves.  I found her to be informative and conscientious.  She just has a flare for this business and brings that flare to your business.  Hire Amber and watch your business grow!” Ann Waller www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/awaller16

“I have had the opportunity to have Amber Montel teaching me  the process of internet social marketing.  She is teaching me how to navigate on all the network sites.  Before meeting  Amber I took a class from another person who I felt taught me nothing.  I was more lost after the class with that person and did nothing more with network media sites until now.    Amber is easy to work with and explain things more and she wants to make sure you understand how each site works to benefit your needs.  I have a long way to go, but I am feeling more confident now to proceed further.

If anyone is looking for a teacher in network marketing I strongly suggest calling Amber!” Betty Smith

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