Do I need to secure my website?</h1> <article> <h1>Do I need to secure my website?</h1> <p>Julia Dalton — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:39:41 GMT</p> <p>In today's online world, Web site security is one of the most overlooked elements of having an online presence. Most people spend a great deal of time working to develop the design of their site and its presentation to their users. Good websites take into consideration the experience of the user and try to optimize their content and look and feel to provide the best experience possible. This is true for ecommerce sites, blogs, and informational websites. In all cases, you should understand your site visitors and tailor your content and design towards what they need to get the most out of your Web site.<br /><br />So where does site security factor into web development? Security will help protect your most valuable asset, information. Whether it is customer information, login credentials, order information, or even control of the website itself, all of these things can be compromised if proper measures to secure your site are not taken. Threats of hackers and potential spammers exploiting any of the security holes on your site could spell disaster for your business and your clients. Not all breaches are necessarily malicious in nature, but any hack or breach could not only hurt your credibility, but it could keep potential prospects and clients away from using your services.<br /><br />There are some simple things that you can do to help protect your information and credibility. If you run an ecommerce website or any site with a section that requires customers to log in, <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/SSL-certificates/index.jsp" target="_blank">SSL certificates</a> are an inexpensive but reliable way to ensure that your web site has top of the line security. Additionally, if you have a webmaster or developer have them research and implement more secure ways to code; this includes thinking twice about using free scripts found on the internet. In the case where you are running your website using a third party software, look into what kind of security measures they offer as part of their built in package. Often a lot of popular web hosting and software companies offer built in or add on security products.<br /><br />As a small business, your credibility and reputation are critical components in your ability to succeed. Take the necessary steps to protect it and evaluate what steps your business should take to prevent compromising your online assets.</p> </article> <article> <h1>How Do I Choose a Web Designer?</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:08:37 GMT</p> <p> For your Web site to be effective, it has to send a professional, clean, well-organized, responsive, lively, and up-to-date image. But choosing the right<b> </b>professional designer is the key to your site's ultimate success. The following are the most important considerations when choosing your Web designer:<br /><br />1) Web Design Experience<br /><br /> As you begin your search for a Web site designer, start with their reputation. Take a look at some of the websites they have designed and follow up with references. Look for a well-established firm that has a proven track record for professionalism both in their designs and their business practices. A professional Web design firm will be able to provide multiple examples of great Web site designs and references of happy and ongoing client relationships.<br /><br />2) Technical Skills<br /><br /> When you hire a professional designer, you are paying for effective design along with technical expertise. Keeping abreast of the latest Internet tools and trends is key in designing a Web site that stands out from the crowd. A professional designer will inform you of new Web tools that are most applicable to your business. These can include blogging, video and audio and animation, community-building, targeted advertising and marketing, buzz or viral marketing (internet commentary and feedback) and brighter colors, richer designs, bolder use of text, and illustration elements. Most Web designers will also be able to implement various research tools that analyze your Web site's performance. For example, analyzing the performance of each Web site page so you can see how many people are visiting your site, how long they are spending on each page, and how long it takes for the pages to upload.<br /><br />3) Web Site Security<br /><br /> Strong attention needs to be given to protecting the data on your Web site from online threats and making sure your site maintains visibility 24 hours a day without interruption. From protecting your email to securing your server and any transactions on your Web site, your designer should provide advice on protecting the exchange of data that is paramount to your site's integrity. For example, a well-designed Web site will install and prominently display any SSL Certificates or Site Assure Seals on critical pages throughout the site where customers may be hesitant to submit personal information or financial data. Securing your Web site is vital to gain customer trust.<br /><br />4) Photography, Graphics and Logo Design<br /><br /> Images, graphics, photography and a custom logo will help to reinforce your brand identity online.<br /><br /> Design should be crisp and clean making sure every page is easy to read and follows a logical reading path for both the human eye and the search engine spider. Professional designs should provide the ideal balance of proven effective design layout combined with customized image features. The images used on your website should always reflect your brand identity.<br /><br />5) Writing Skills<br /><br /> Professional copywriters will showcase your business in clear and memorable language, with an emphasis on accuracy and marketing. The first page of your Web site should quickly and easily define the purpose of your business and make it easy for people to find out exactly what you do. Your customers will quickly tire of a Web site that may look good but contains no meaningful content. Text should be easy for your customers to read, but must also contain keywords for your business that will make the text more easily read by a search engine, whose job it is to find and rank your Web site.<br /><br />6) E-Commerce<br /><br /> If your goal is to sell your products or services online, make sure you pick a designer that can demonstrate successful e-commerce Web design and can provide the specific features that you need for your business, such as; integration with accounting software, ability to offer discounts and special promotions, product quantity limitations that match your inventory, technical support and security compliance.<br /><br />7) Online Marketing<br /><br /> Additional expertise of a professional designer includes online marketing that will generate more visitors to your Web site and make sure potential customers know your site exists and can easily find it. Some of the tools that your designer should be able to demonstrate include; search engine marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), online advertising, press release optimization, e-mail marketing, link exchange, and more. Many online marketing tools should be discussed when your Web site is in the early design stages as they need to be incorporated into the coding of your Web site. A professional designer appreciates the need to have marketing functions built-in to the Web site design.<br /><br />8) Ongoing Support and Maintenance<br /><br /> Knowing exactly what you need from a Web site isn't always clear until your Web site goes live and you can see how your customers are using it. So it can be helpful to find a professional designer that is able to provide you with a Web site designed to enable growth. Most designers can support ongoing maintenance packages that will enable you to modify or add to your Web site easily and as your needs change.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Free Website Builder & Marketing Tool: Create & Promote a Website in 4 Quick Steps</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:17:09 GMT</p> <p>Ready to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/create-a-website/index.jsp">create a website</a>? Whether you’re taking your business online for the first time or simply want to improve your existing website, Network Solutions® has a new tool that can help you build a website that impresses visitors and search engines alike.</p> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/create-a-website/website-builder-features.jsp">Website Builder & Marketing Tool</a> turns the all too often stressful experience of creating a website – and promoting it – into a simple step-by-step process that anyone can handle, regardless of their level of technical skill:</p> <p>#1. Choose a design template<br /> With 100 professionally designed templates to choose from, you’re sure to find one that reflects the personality of your business. When you’re ready to add content, simple “drag and drop” functionality allows you to do it in a snap.</p> <p>#2. Customize your design<br /> Here’s your chance to get creative. By adjusting common design elements like layout, color scheme and images, you can truly customize your website to fit your unique online vision.</p> <p>#3. Add pages.<br /> You’re likely already familiar with the most common website pages – Home, About Us, Product, etc. After you’ve decided which pages will work best for your website, the Website Builder & Marketing Tool provides suggested copy that you can tweak to make your own when you’re ready to add content.</p> <p>#4. Promote your website.<br /> When customers search for products and services online, make sure your business description displayed in search engines is concise and grabs their attention. The Website Builder & Marketing tool will guide you through the process of creating a company description that will appear on the major search engines like Google® and Yahoo!®. All you have to do is provide your business location and description along with keywords that describe your products or services.</p> <p>Once you’ve customized your site with your own copy, use the Optimize tab to assess the content on your pages. This will ensure that your copy is rich with the adequate keywords and phrases about your business, a critical step to your overall search engine optimization strategy to help you get found online.</p> <p>When you create a website, you have a powerful tool for building business in unprecedented ways. With the new Website Builder & Marketing tool, you can feel confident knowing that you’re receiving expert guidance every step of the way.<br /> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>What is Web Presence and How Do I Get Started?</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:14:56 GMT</p> <p><b><i>What is Web Presence?</i></b><br /><br /> Web Presence is a place for your business on the Web. Whether you use that place to share information on your business or choose to sell online, a Web presence is a key asset for many businesses.<br /><br />Getting your business online is about reaching out to and connecting with millions of potential customers, buyers and partners. Simply put, a Web presence expands your market significantly and instantaneously. Increasing numbers of consumers are using the Web to find everything. It is their first step to locating a business around the corner as well as around the globe. <br /><br /><b><i>How Do I Get Started?</i></b><br /><br /> Establishing a Web presence can be broken down into three simple steps:<br /><br /><i>1) </i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Find a domain name: </span>The first thing you will need to do is to choose and register a Web site name (commonly known as a domain name or URL). The Web site domain name is the address of your business Web page. For example, the domain name or Web address for Network Solutions® is networksolutions.com. A <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/getting-started-online/master-your-domain-name-that-is-1149/">domain name</a> is how people find your site online and is one of the most valuable aspects of your business's online presence. In short, your business domain name is an important key to your business's online identity.<br /><br /><i>2) </i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Design and build a Web site:</span><i> </i>Once you've committed to creating an online presence for your business - a Web site - and registered your business's domain name, the time has come to design and build the site itself. As with so many aspects of the Web, site design and construction offers many options. You can choose to design the site yourself. Web site creation software makes building a Web site for your business almost as easy as creating and sending an e-mail. Using professional design templates, Web site software lets you accomplish building a Web site quickly, efficiently, and for a very small price. <br /><br />Another option is to hire someone to design a site for you. You can hire the services of a professional Web site designer. By checking references and examining samples of their work, you can be assured that your designer is competent, efficient, and provides work in a timely and professional manner. Above all, you should be assured that the design service you select possess the proven technical expertise to create a Web site that reflects well on your business, delivers your message effectively, and takes advantage of the Web's special ability to market your products or services. <br /><br />If your goal is to sell your products or services online, make sure you pick a designer that can demonstrate successful e-commerce Web design and can provide the specific features that you need for your business, such as; integration with accounting software, ability to offer discounts and special promotions, product quantity limitations that match your inventory, technical support and security compliance.<br /><br /><i>3) </i><span style="text-decoration:underline;">Get Found Online:</span> You've worked hard to create a fully functioning, professional Web site, the challenge now is how to get consumers to find <i>your </i>site. Through a combination of online marketing techniques, you can increase Web site traffic to your site. <br /><br />By deciding that getting online is right for your business and following the simple steps above, you will learn what so many businesses today know-that a Web presence can be an asset to any business.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Fresh Content in Now for More Holiday Shoppers Later</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 20:07:12 GMT</p> <p><strong>Fresh Content in Now for More Holiday Shoppers Later</strong><br /> <em>Now is the time to add fresh content to your eCommerce site. Long before holiday shoppers flood the Web in search for “the right gift,” you can take measures and improve the chance that they’ll find your online shop. </em><br /> <br /> <strong>Search Engines, Fresh Content</strong><br /> It’s a fact: fresh content on your website can boost the frequency of search engine visits. If you’re already taking steps to build your Web presence, (paid online marketing services or social media marketing efforts) you can support these initiatives by adding new, unique, valuable content directly to your site well before the holiday rush. Note: Once you’ve added fresh content to your site, you can easily resubmit your website URL to the top three search engines. <br /> <br /> Additional, unique content makes your site more attractive to search engines and helps your standing as a more valued resource in your industry. But what kind of content should you include?<br /> <br /> An obvious place to start is with product descriptions. If your online store doesn’t already answer every possible question a customer might have about your products, now is the time to fix that. You don’t have to be “salesy” about it and wax on about how your tomato chopper is the “best ever.” Just provide information. People like to know exactly what they’re paying for. <br /> <br /> <strong>Original Product Descriptions</strong><br /> <br /> And while you’re at it, keep in mind the following two guidelines so your product descriptions can engage customers and count as SEO friendly fresh content:</p> <ul> <li>When your product description is identical to the description on ten other sites, customers will wonder why they should shop with you and not someone else. So don’t use copy from product manufacturers. Your original product descriptions, even if they’re not super slick marketing copy, are better.</li> <li>When you have similar products, do more than just change a word or two in your product descriptions. So if you sell blue shoes and red shoes that are otherwise the same shoe, write a unique description for each. This combats SEO filtering and helps your customers.</li> </ul> <p><strong><br /> Product Guides </strong><br /> Another approach related to product descriptions is how-to guides. You can create a “Guides” page, or you can create a separate page for each guide (better). These sub-pages can be linked to Resources, FAQs, Contact and/or Products pages. Each page should have its own heading, such as, What to Look for in a Replacement Window.<br /> <br /> <strong>Good Pages</strong><br /> Beyond products, you can focus on other essential areas of the buyer experience. If, for example, you don’t yet have some of the following pages, now is a good time to add them:</p> <ul> <li>About Us – Introduce yourself to your customers. If you have this page, make sure the information is up to date.</li> <li>Contact Us – A separate contact page lets you add unique content and lets your customers know exactly where and how they can find you. If you already have a contact page, look it over for errors or outdated information. Write a few call-to-action statements that invite site visitors to feel free to use the use the contact information you provide.</li> <li>Why Buy from Us – Many eCommerce Websites don’t have a page that addresses this question, but it can be a great way to both add new content and tell your customers precisely why you are the best resource for whatever it is you sell.</li> <li>Guarantees – Alleviate any concerns your customers could possibly have about purchasing items from your e-store. Make your customers more comfortable about buying from you by letting them know that it’s a risk-free proposition. Be specific (free returns, no questions asked, etc).</li> <li>FAQs – “Frequently Asked Questions” pages are common. If you have one, take a look at it and give it a tune-up if needed. If there is no FAQs page on your site, take this opportunity to do something that will save time on customer service calls and add new content. Like the Guarantees page, FAQs pages can alleviate fears that might keep your visitors from becoming buyers.</li> <li>Customer Testimonials – Reassuring and a source your customers are more apt to trust, testimonials present your trustworthiness and value from a third-party perspective. The best testimonials are real ones, of course, and include a first and last name, preferably city and state too. If you have a drawer or computer file folder full of rave reviews, now is the time to post them!</li> <li>Resources/Links – Let your customers know you are there for them. You can provide expert advice, industry-related information, links to pages about safety or consumer tips, etc.</li> </ul> <p><br /> <strong>Themes, Pages, Keywords</strong><br /> Any unique, original content that adds value to your eCommerce site is a good thing, so make the most of it. Keep the following in mind as you enrich your site with your particular brand of marketing genius:</p> <ul> <li>Each page should adhere to a strictly focused theme. This is important because search engines like themes; they’ll be quicker to dismiss a rambling page with lots of different types of information all mashed together.</li> <li>If you have a lot to say on a topic, break it up into sub-themes and have a separate page for each sub-theme. Make sure you include links from one page to the next so it’s easy for interested consumers to keep reading.</li> <li>Make sure visitors can find your new pages. Provide links from your Home page (typically the “hub” of a Website) to important product pages, resources/links, FAQs, or other areas of your Website. You can do this with “calls to action.” (e.g., “Read our articles on what to look for in quality fishing gear, or just contact us for help selecting the right equipment.”)</li> <li>Incorporate top-performing keywords that relate to your products, but don’t overdo it. Whatever content you add should read naturally and primarily be written to serve your readers, not the search engines.</li> <li>Place a targeted keyword in the title and near the beginning of the first block of text. You can also use synonyms of your keywords. This is good for SEO and for keeping your visitors interested.</li> </ul> <p><br /> Goethe said it best: “Whatever you do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius and power and magic in it.” So, be bold! Act now to add quality content to your Website. Do what you can to boost your search engine rankings and build customer confidence long before the first signs of the holidays appear, and you’ll be ready to cash in on seasonal consumer spending.<br /> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Interview: Jerry Gonto, Founder of MartiniArt.com</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:52:00 GMT</p> <p>Jerry Gonto, founder of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.martiniart.com">MartiniArt.com</a>, talks about how he made his business dream a reality, where he's focusing his efforts and why he's seen such success. His story showcases an opportunity he identified to diversify his business offerings and substantially increase his revenue, all while staying true to his core business goals.<br /><b></b></p> <p><b>What is MartiniArt.com? </b><br />Martiniart.com is an online retailer focused on bringing the absolute best and most unique martini glasses, cocktail shakers, barware, recipes and martini related art and gifts to the world.</p> <p>We've grown MartiniArt.com into the largest, most visited online resource for everything martini related by pursuing a consistent vision - a vision with a fun, creative goal.<b></b></p> <p><b>What made you decide to bring your dream into a reality? </b><br />After years of owning and operating a brick and mortar retail store in Illinois - and many years of retail experience, we added a few martini related items that really gained attention and took off in driving sales. We launched a website devoted specifically to the martini related items that we carried at the time.<br /><br />As things changed and evolved, we decided that we would retain our martini related ecommerce site and close the brick and mortar business. We envisioned more growth and selling opportunity online - coupled with the ability to more quickly respond and react to the changing needs of catering to our customers than we could in a more traditional retailing environment. <br /><br /><b>Why did you decide to continue to stay in a niche and not expand your products on MartiniArt.com?</b><br />During challenging times, retailers and other businesses might feel compelled and pressured to veer from their core…essentially, what they know best. Believe me, we were tempted to add diversity and dilute our business concept, but decided to stay the course and do what we do best!</p> <p>Nobody does martini related products like we do, and we came to the realization that if we were going to weather this economy, we'd do it by being the best at what we are best at! That decision has paid off.<br /><br /><b>What new businesses have you created as a result of running MartiniArt.com?</b><br />MartiniArt.com was built from the ground up, by us, with few resources. We learned as we went. The most critical piece was simply - how the heck to build a website, and how to get it "online." I embraced the challenge, and bit off only as much as I could handle to start.<br /><br />What started with a piece of inexpensive software, lots of reading and many mistakes has grown into another dimension of our business. A dimension based upon our years of ecommerce retail experience and success in search engine optimization.</p> <p>Aside from MartiniArt.com we operate a web development studio (ThinqDesign.com) that caters to clients both big and small. Our experience and success in ecommerce has proven invaluable in gaining clients that understand we have a proven record of success and a hands-on approach to retailing on the web. We offer web design, business consulting and a full spectrum of services related to doing business on the internet.<br /><br /><b>What did it take to get these new businesses started? </b><br />MartiniArt.com started with an inexpensive piece of software, tons of drive and a burning desire to create something fun and unique.<br /><br />What it took to add a new dimension to our business by offering web development, design and ecommerce consultation was some creative posturing to build on what we do best - and a willingness to help others achieve the same success. We were also very specific about not diminishing the resources and focus on MartiniArt.com <br /><br />More specifically, after years of ecommerce experience, I returned to school - earning a degree in web development. <br />Years of ecommerce experience, coupled with education and tons of real world retail experience made for a smooth path to adding this extension to our business. <br /><br />We have always believed that working hard and staying focused on our core business principles would see us through, and they have…whether at ThinqDesign or MartiniArt.com <br /><br /><b>What percent of your revenue can you attribute to these new businesses? </b><br />Adding web design/development services & ecommerce consulting to our core business at MartiniArt.com has added additional 40% revenue to the bottom line. Consulting with others who desire to build web based businesses allows us to network and teach others - but it also allows us to learn and evolve. <br /><br /><b>What advice do you have for other small businesses during a recession? </b><br />That is a big question to respond to! Here is our list of bits of advice for any small business during these troubled economic times:</p> <ul> <li>Don't expect miracles. Launching an online business does not mean that the world will come knocking on your door. If you stick to the focus of your business, work like mad and take advantage of every opportunity to refine and grow the concept - you will likely see a business bloom.</li> <li>Look before you leap! Think long and hard before venturing down a road you are unfamiliar with. Spend time researching before following a new path.</li> <li>Don't be afraid to examine new areas and opportunities. Do your due diligence before committing, but examine new business opportunities.</li> <li>Expand and get creative with what you know. Find ways to freshen up and expand on what you have already mastered.</li> <li>Realize that there are good times ahead. Keep in mind that tough times don't last - but business that are clearly focused, frugal and innovative do…and prosper!</li> </ul> <p>If you would like to contact Jerry Gonto or add him to your professional network, please go to: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/MartiniGuy/">http://www.mysolutionspot.com/MartiniGuy/</a></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Web Sites for Consultants: Three Key Benefits</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:13:01 GMT</p> <p> If you want to attract new clients, they need to know you exist. With a Web site, you can communicate your firm's identity and service offerings through multiple formats: compelling content, work samples, testimonials, case studies, and powerful images. That's difficult to do in a single brochure.<br /><br />But more than that, today clients are Web savvy. Whether you are an Information Technology expert, a Human Resources or Management consultant, or a PR firm, your clients expect you to have a Web site.<br /><br /><b>Benefit #1: A Web site helps you attract new clients</b><br />Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, a Web site is the fastest, most cost-effective way to attract new clients, automatically drawing in prospects and increasing your exposure in the market. No other marketing tool is as accessible and interactive -- enabling your clients to learn about you and your capabilities when it's convenient for them.<br /><br />A Web site gives you credibility, reinforcing your professional image, and quickly communicating important information to visitors.<br /><br /> <b>Benefit #2: A Web site enhances your marketing efforts</b><br />Your Web site is an essential tool for identifying your brand, enhancing your professional image and connecting with prospects. Use your site to stand out from your competitors, and tell prospects what's special about you, what you have to offer, and why they should choose your firm. You can display your work, provide case studies, highlight any awards you've received, include testimonials from previous clients, and provide contact information. <br /><br /> Many Web site templates also offer the ability to include blogs, podcasts and webinars on your site. You can use these tools as educational resources for your visitors-and enhance your visibility by reminding prospects of upcoming events. <br /><br /> But, an effective Web presence is much more than just a Web site - it's a critical component of your marketing strategy that includes driving highly targeted traffic to your Web site, all day every day. To optimize your search engine capabilities, make sure your content is compelling and addresses the searcher's needs. Be careful to incorporate your chosen key words and phrases into the copy on your main pages, and ensure that search engines recognize those key words.<br /><br /> <b>Benefit #3: A Web site promotes your firm</b><br />Many consultants are mult-taskers, marketing their services, managing the firm and doing the work themselves. A Web site can take over many of your marketing duties for you. Online forms, e-Referrals, and contact management tools reduce your workload and free you up to spend more time working on projects. <br /><br /> You can gather information from your Web sites with online contact management tools, then market to and communicate with your clients using the data that you have collected. A "Contact" page is vital for converting visitors into clients and does the work of collecting prospect information for you. Include a form for prospects to complete that includes their personal information. Always remember to include a map with directions to your business.<br /><br /> Contact management tools also enable you to set up mailing lists to keep your name in front of clients and prospects via e-mail or newsletter. When the next project comes up, they're more likely to remember your firm. You can also promote your firm with online business cards. These can often be used with online brochures, office announcements, or other promotional materials.<br /><br /> Since consultants rely heavily on their relationships with clients, these relationship management tools are essential to your success. Let your Web site do the work for you, while you watch your business grow.<br /><br />Once your site is up and running, you should begin to see the benefits almost immediately. To optimize your success, you will want to keep it up-to-date by adding fresh content, updating your featured listings, monitoring traffic, and analyzing the results on a regular basis.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Building a Web Presence – Why and How</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:17:18 GMT</p> <p>If you own a brick-and-mortar business and you don’t have a Web site, you’re missing out on a great opportunity. The Internet is an open marketplace, where all businesses – large and small – have equal ability to reach their target audience. By creating a Web presence, you are proactively making your business more accessible to your prime prospects. <br /><br />This video will further explain the ins and outs of developing a Web presence, covering everything from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/index.jsp">domain names</a> and hosting to business emails and SSL certificates.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.networksolutions.com/video/nsplayer320_webpresence.swf?video=http://www.networksolutions.com/video/webpresence.flv" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /> </object> </p> <p> </p> <p>Check out our other videos for more information on getting online.</p> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/getting-started-online/how-to-build-a-web-site-for-your-small-business-1913/">How to Build a Web Site for Your Small Business</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/optimizing-online-marketing-efforts/how-to-get-your-web-site-noticed-using-seo-1912/">How to Get Your Web Site Noticed Using SEO</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/optimizing-online-marketing-efforts/reach-a-larger-more-targeted-audience-with-search-engine-marketing-1911/">Reach a Larger, More Targeted Audience with Search Engine Marketing</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/ecommerce-101/the-benefits-of-owning-an-ecommerce-site-1910/">The Benefits of Owning an Ecommerce Site</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/maximizing-your-web-site-experience/protect-your-customers-with-ssl-certificates-1909/">Protect Your Customers with SSL Certificates</a></li> </ul> <p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>How to Build a Web Site for Your Small Business</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:14:33 GMT</p> <p>Building a Web site for your business is easier than you think, and the rewards are tenfold. You don’t have to take any Web design classes in order to create a site. Rather, you can purchase an easy-to-use <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/create-a-website/website-builder-features.jsp">Web Site Builder Tool</a>, which will enable you to construct a Web site using professionally designed templates. You may also choose a more hands-off approach by hiring a third-party Web design service. Some Web design services are quite affordable and offer additional benefits, such as a free domain name, email service, hosting and 24-hour customer support. In this video, you can further explore each option.</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /> <param name="movie" value="http://www.networksolutions.com/video/nsplayer320_buildingawebsite.swf?video=http://www.networksolutions.com/video/buildingawebsite.flv" /> <param name="quality" value="high" /> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /> </object> </p> <p> </p> <p>Check out our other videos for more information on getting online.</p> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/getting-started-online/building-a-web-presence-why-and-how-1914/">Building a Web Presence – Why and How</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/optimizing-online-marketing-efforts/how-to-get-your-web-site-noticed-using-seo-1912/">How to Get Your Web Site Noticed Using SEO</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/optimizing-online-marketing-efforts/reach-a-larger-more-targeted-audience-with-search-engine-marketing-1911/">Reach a Larger, More Targeted Audience with Search Engine Marketing</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/ecommerce-101/the-benefits-of-owning-an-ecommerce-site-1910/">The Benefits of Owning an Ecommerce Site</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/maximizing-your-web-site-experience/protect-your-customers-with-ssl-certificates-1909/">Protect Your Customers with SSL Certificates</a></li> </ul><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Great Opportunities Do Exist During an Economic Downturn</h1> <p>Nit Sujatanond — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:09:58 GMT</p> <p>The economy is struggling, and many businesses are downsizing. However, if you have a good business idea, this is probably the ideal time for you launch or expand your business. <br /><br />Many of the country's largest corporations, including Burger King Corp., Proctor& Gamble, IBM, General Electric and Microsoft Corp, got their start during an economic downturn. In fact, Burger King has once again recognized that opportunities can arise during a recession. Moreover, the fast food giant's new project, the Whopper Bar*, actually stems from the growing demand for more economical dining options - a result of the current recession. <br /><br />You don't need to have a powerful brand like Burger King to accept an opportunity when it presents itself, even during a recession. Remember, every large business starts small. Here are a few things all entrepreneurs should acknowledge. First, when the economy is bad, the competition for business loans is less intense. As a result, if your business plan is strong and your credit is good, you have a great chance of being granted a business loan. In fact, you may even be able to shop around for the best rates. After all, banks need to loan money in order to make money.<br /><br />In addition, more qualified job candidates are available and willing to meet your demands during an economic downturn. Also, the prices of real estate, office furniture, office supplies and even advertising are greatly discounted. Consequently, the costs of starting a business are reduced. <br /><br />An online business is a great option for new entrepreneurs. E-commerce requires minimal upfront capital and very little overhead. It is also manageable without a large staff and can rely on cost-efficient online marketing strategies like search engine optimization, link building, blogging and social networking.<br /><br />The current economic condition may be a threat to many existing businesses, but it is also an opportunity for new ones to emerge. If your goal is to own your own business or grow the one you already have, now is the time to take action. <br /><br />* Whopper Bars are small-scale, satellite versions of the original Burger King restaurants. They will begin to emerge in venues, such as airports, theme parks and casinos. They will serve an abbreviated menu, featuring variations of the chain's signature burger, as well as variations of the restaurants newest item, the Steakhouse Burger.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Web Sites for Healthcare Professionals: Three Key Benefits</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:20:55 GMT</p> <p> Many healthcare providers mistakenly believe that they don't need a Web site. Instead, they rely on medical directory sites, or sites that rank healthcare providers to mention them. However, this doesn't usually satisfy consumers for whom the Internet has become an integral part of their lives. More and more, patients expect healthcare providers to have a comprehensive Web site, and will likely look to your competitors if you don't have one.<br /><br /> Web sites benefit both patients and providers. The Web can be the most profitable marketing channel for healthcare firms today, helping doctors, dentists, and other providers dramatically increase their market exposure. <br /><br /> At the same time, Web sites simplify procedures for patients - enabling them to research your capabilities, make appointments, and complete forms online. The end result is more time that healthcare professionals can spend with their patients-enhancing communication and customer satisfaction. <br /><br /> Below are just a few of the benefits a Web site will afford.<br /><br /> <b>Benefit #1: A Web site helps attract new patients</b><br />An effective Web site will help you target new patients. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, your Web site is working even when you're not, drawing in patients and increasing your exposure in the market. <br /><br /> A Web site is essential for enhancing your marketing efforts. By automating many efforts, your Web site will free you up to spend more time with patients. Including an online resource for patients to use as a virtual library creates informed patients that result in more productive visits. This resource, along with patient newsletters, promotes loyalty, and keeps patients coming back. <br /><br /> Healthcare providers-doctors, dentists, dermatologists, and others can take advantage of certain tools included in Web site templates that enable you to create coupons to advertise specials or discounts and send them to patients.</p> <p>One of the most important online success factors is whether or not you are drawing visitors to your Web site. Make sure you are listed in all major search engines. You can increase your online Web site visibility, and traffic to your site through Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM). This works by creating the right keywords to describe what you offer, and by organizing your site to capture search engine attention. <br /><br /> Another option for increasing traffic to your site is Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising. Through PPC, advertisers only pay when a user actually clicks on an ad to visit the advertiser's Web site. To optimize your search engine capabilities, make sure your content is compelling and addresses the searcher's needs. Be careful to incorporate your chosen key words and phrases into the copy on your main pages, and ensure that search engines recognize those key words. <br /><br /> Remember to keep your Web site up-to-date by adding fresh content, monitoring traffic, and analyzing the results on a regular basis. <br /><br /> <b>Benefit #2: A Web site will enhance your efficiency<br /> </b>Many Web site templates include tools designed to automate and streamline your practice, including form generation and completion, and contact management. Rather than tying up the phone lines, you can collect data needed to respond to requests for appointments, referrals, or promotional information right through your Web site. A "Contact" page is vital for converting visitors into patients and does the work of collecting information for you. <br /><br /> Downloadable forms make it faster for patients to be seen in your office, enabling you to see more patients every day. You save time and money, and watch customer satisfaction go up, since patients will be spending less time waiting on the phone or in the office, and more time with the doctor.<br /><br />With online contact management tools, you can gather contact information from your Web site, then market to and communicate with your patients using the data that you have collected. Contact management tools, often included in a Web site template for healthcare firms, allow you to set up mailing lists as a way to keep in touch with patients via e-mail or newsletter. Putting these tools to work will provide measureable results for your healthcare practice.<br /><br /> <b>Benefit #3: A Web site helps you build credibility</b><br />Your Web site is often the first view a patient will get of your practice. A well-designed Web site will help your practice stand out, distinguishing you from your competitors, and enhancing your credibility. Your site provides a vehicle for you to let visitors know what makes you special, and why they should put their trust in you.<br /><br /> Your Web site is a valuable tool for identifying and highlighting your expertise and qualifications. By including highly focused information on your site, you can quickly communicate important information to visitors including services offered, profiles and credentials of your medical professionals, testimonials, FAQs, educational articles, and, if appropriate, a photo gallery and/or videos. <br /><br /> Patients benefit from this comprehensive repository containing targeted information on their topic of interest-saving time and effort. At the same time, it helps them form a favorable opinion of your practice and enhances customer satisfaction. By increasing your visibility with potential patients, healthcare professionals, and organizations an effective Web site also works to increase valuable referrals.<br /><br /> Remember, it's important to make your Web presence the cornerstone of your marketing efforts. Today, a Web site is not an option, it's a necessity.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Web Sites for CPAs and Financial Planners: Three Key Benefits</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:37:43 GMT</p> <p> In these uncertain times, people are looking for answers to their financial questions. Whether you specialize in financial planning, wealth management, tax preparation, or forensic accounting, a well designed Web site, coupled with an online marketing strategy, will help you attract clients.</p> <p>A Web site serves as a central repository to highlight your practice areas, share your success stories, and provide online resources that both help your clients and improve your efficiency. In addition, a Web site provides a vehicle for valuable referrals.<br /><br /> Consider these benefits of a Web presence.<br /><br /><b>Benefit #1: A Web site helps you attract new clients</b><br /><br /> If you want to attract new clients, they need to know you exist. Effective use of a Web site dramatically reduces the time and effort required to generate new leads. Rather than traditional marketing efforts that are often time consuming and expensive, the Web provides an unlimited market for your services. While your Web site is up and running all day every day, search engines are driving highly-qualified leads to your site automatically, letting you focus on running your business.<br /><br /> But a Web site is not just for attracting clients, it's also for keeping existing clients. Every financial planning firm requires a Web site - whether you feel you have enough clients or not. Today, clients are increasingly Web-savvy and are demanding that resources be online, instantly at their fingertips.<br /><br /><b>Benefit #2: A Web site lets you highlight practice areas and share success stories</b><br /><br /> A Web site reinforces your professional image, and quickly communicates important information to visitors, including:</p> <ul> <li>Your services</li> <li>Profiles of your employees</li> <li>Customer case studies and testimonials</li> <li>Interactive financial tools</li> <li>Directions</li> <li>Contact information</li> </ul> <p> The image you convey is important to potential clients. Make sure your Web site reflects your firm's personality and work style. Your Web site content should focus on how you can solve-and have solved-clients' problems. <br /><br /> One of the most important Internet success factors is whether or not you are drawing visitors to your Web site. Search engine optimization is often a determining success factor. To optimize your search engine capabilities, make sure your content is compelling and addresses the searcher's needs. Be careful to incorporate your chosen key words and phrases into the copy on your main pages, and ensure that search engines recognize those key words.<br /><br /> <b>Benefit #3: A Web site provides valuable resources to clients and enhances your efficiency</b><br /><br /> Your time is best spent working on billable projects rather than administrative tasks. Many Web site templates include a number of tools designed to automate and streamline your practice. A Web site simplifies file sharing of bulky bookkeeping files, enables you to offer professional e-mail addresses, and provides valuable resources, tools, and links to clients and prospects. <br /><br /> These online resources reduce the time you spend answering redundant questions, or responding to requests for copies of tax returns or forms that interrupt your concentration and productivity. They also make it easier for clients to get what they need, when they need it. The end result is higher customer satisfaction and retention.</p> <p>Through online templates, you can also take advantage of<b> </b>advanced website promotion techniques, such as customized tax newsletters, IRS guides, and financial calculators. Additional time-saving online features include contact management, form generation and completion, and the ability to create and send coupons and business cards online. <br /><br />With online contact management tools, you can gather contact information from your Web site, then market to and communicate with your clients using the data you have collected. Rather than tying up the phone lines, you can collect data needed to respond to requests for appointments, referrals or promotional information right through your Web site. Contact management tools also allow you to set up mailing lists to keep in touch with clients and prospects via e-mail or newsletter.<br /><br />A "Contact" page is vital for converting visitors into clients and does the work of collecting prospect information for you. You can include a form for prospects to complete that includes their personal information. Always remember to include a map with directions to your business.<b></b><br /><br />A Web site can help you promote your practice by having an online business card available to be e-mailed. This feature can often be used with online brochures, office announcements, or other promotional materials. In addition, Web site templates provide the ability to offer new client discounts, or highlight a specific service with a customized coupon. It's a quick, cost effective way to promote your practice, get an edge on the competition, or introduce a new specialty.<b></b></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Three Steps to a Secure Web Site</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:48:47 GMT</p> <p> If you have a small business that sells products or services online or if you collect confidential information from customers, members, or prospects, then you need to be sure your site is secure. In fact, it is your responsibility to ensure customer data is protected from theft, fraud, hackers, and other threats. Shoppers and site visitors-as well as the government want to know you are doing what you need to do to keep your Web site safe. <br /><br /> Depending upon your type of business, there can be strict regulations regarding the protection of personal information, with stiff penalties for non-compliance. For example, there are regulations surrounding the care of unique personal information, such as social security numbers. There are also laws that apply to specific industries, like healthcare and finance. In addition, the <a href="http://www.coppa.org/">Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA</a>) legislates what you can or cannot ask children. You must know which Acts apply to your business and your site, so that you can keep records and transmit data in a way that enables you to be compliant. <br /><br /> Regardless of what type of business you are in and what regulations apply, you should always strive to ensure your site is secure and safe. Here are three steps you should take to secure your Web site:</p> <p><b>1) Purchase and Install a Dedicated SSL Certificate</b> - <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/learning-center/digital-certificates.jsp">SSL Certificates</a> allow visitors to your Web site to submit information or conduct transactions securely because all data sent between the visitor's Web browser and your Web site will be encrypted to prevent snooping. While some hosting or ecommerce service providers will include a "shared SSL Certificate" with their platforms, you should seriously consider purchasing a "dedicated SSL Certificate" because only dedicated certificates will provide site authentication features that will assure your customers that your site is legitimate. There are several types of SSL Certificates to choose from (domain validated, organizationally validated, and extended validation) but all will provide the same levels of encryption. The differences between the different types of SSL Certificates are found in the amount of authentication information they provide to your site's visitors. <br /><b></b></p> <p><b>2) </b><b>Invest in Vulnerability and Performance Monitoring</b> - As a small business owner you should use vulnerability and performance monitoring services to ensure your Web site is secure and available 24x7 to visitors. Vulnerability monitoring services will scan your Web site to identify and alert you to any holes or weaknesses in your Web site's code that could be exploited by hackers or identity thieves in order to gain access to sensitive data or to deploy malicious software. Performance monitoring services download your site's pages from numerous locations around the world and will alert Web site owners when their site is down or performing poorly. <br /><b></b></p> <p><b>3) </b><b>Backup Your Data</b> - As a small businesses, your third step should be to subscribe to an online backup service that will automatically archive your business information, customer data, and Web site content at a secure, remote location. This will ensure that you are able to fully recover your business data in the event that your site or system is compromised or fails.</p> <ol start="1"> </ol> <p> It is not only important for you to implement these security measures but also to communicate to your visitors that your Web site is secure by displaying the site seals that typically come with SSL and monitoring services. This will allow customers to feel as confident in doing business with you as they do when they deal with larger, more established businesses. In short, developing trust, conveying legitimacy, and complying with key regulations are all critical elements to successfully doing business on the Web.</p> <p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Create a Website - What You Need to Get Online</h1> <p>Julia Dalton — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:33:53 GMT</p> <p> Consumers are online every day, searching for businesses that can provide them with the products and services they need. If you own a business and do not have a business Web site that you aggressively promote, then you are missing out on a great opportunity. <br /><br /> The video below was created by <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/">Network Solutions</a> to provide businesses with the information they need to create a Web site and develop a strong Web presence.</p> <p>I think it's a great video that shows both the importance of being online as a business and the steps to getting online, in a fun and creative way. Check it out.</p> <p>(Please visit the site to view this media)</p> <p>Here is the direct link to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-msld_7j7T0">Create a Web site video</a>.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Meet Jay Byrne -- Achieving a Web Presence & Promoting Your Business Online</h1> <p>Nit Sujatanond — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:04:14 GMT</p> <p>Last week, I participated in an interesting Webinar, which featured speaker Jay Byrne, president of V-Fluence Interactive, Inc. During the webinar, he pointed out several ways small business owners can boost their brand visibility through search engine optimization and public relations. Based on his background and knowledge, I thought Jay would be a great person to interview and introduce to all of you. <br /><br />You can view my interview with Jay Byrne below:</p> <p><i>1) You've published several articles on the use of interactive media and online communications. How were you introduced to online public relations and marketing? </i><br /><br />I got my start in PR some 25 years ago working in politics. Campaign work is research-intensive, which required being an early adopter to technology and access to online databases (before there was a World Wide Web, a few of us were online connecting to gather and share data). In the early 1990's working in the Clinton Administration and later with Monsanto Corporation, as the online revolution began to take shape, it became clear that the Internet was going to redefine communications. In those jobs I inherited "the Web" as part of my broader media relations and corporate communications responsibilities and in both cases the Internet was a point of significant pain and consternation and there were few people, let alone agencies, which really provided comprehensive strategic advice (lots of tactic salesmen) and measurable execution support. As such, I had to find ways to understand the how's and why's the way the Web worked on my own and saw firsthand how the Web was really forcing a merger of the public relations and marketing disciplines. I read what I could, attended conferences, sought out experts; however and most importantly, I jumped in and participated directly myself. <br /><br /><i>2) Do you think in today's tech-savvy world, a small business in the U.S. can experience long-term success without having a website? </i><br /><br />Today Joe's Hot Dog stand may not need a Web site, but it still needs a Web presence so people can find it and/or evaluate whether or not they want to eat there. As we move more and more into Web 2.0 (and 3.0) world where information flows with minimal barriers at all points of purchase/decision making I'd be hard pressed to think of any business that will succeed absent a Web presence. What that Web presence looks like may or may not include a Web site or a blog or a social network profile… Today it is so easy and inexpensive to create a simple Web site that has your name, address and any basic information your customers may need to make a decision about purchasing your products or services online that small businesses would be very short sighted to not take that minimal step. <br /><br /><i>3) Do you think all small business owners can benefit from online public relations and marketing? If so, why?</i><br /><br />The Web is a great equalizer for small businesses. In fact, many small businesses are better able than their larger competitors to take advantage of the fast moving opportunities presented by the Web. Opportunities such as a heightened search interest in your product area due to a news story or blog buzz for which smaller more agile organizations can make decisions and get quick approvals for timely, low cost pay-per-click ads or micro-targeting content on your Web sites for low search volume, but high relevance sales opportunities. The Web presents many opportunities for small businesses such as enabling the replacement of high-cost brick-and-mortar storefronts and significantly expanded potential customer access. Numerous books have been written on these business benefits and opportunities - I personally like Bill Gates "The Road Ahead" and "Business @ the Speed of Thought" for the big picture overview of these small business opportunities and benefits. <br /><br /><i>4) How have you used online public relations and marketing strategies to build your business/brand?</i><br /><br />We started v-Fluence as a virtual company. We used the Web to both enable our staff located across the country to work together, but to also define ourselves for potential customers. We are a word of mouth (mouse) company which gets clients largely from demonstrating our expertise online and from existing customers sharing their experiences. We share are knowledge and amplify our customers' praise through our Web site, our company blog, social networking profiles and multi-media channels. We further syndicate content with regular low-cost Web wire releases and RSS feeds to other online opinion leaders' Web destinations. <br /><br /><i>5) What are some free or inexpensive SEO and PR tactics that you'd recommend?</i><br /><br />Search starts with language - your customers, not yours - so start there. Use (free) Google Adwords or (very low cost) Microsoft Ad Center tools to identify the terms people use to come to your product areas online. Don't just pick terms with the highest volume; focus on highly specific search term combinations for which there is less completion (these tool will let you know advertising competition, which will be a good indicator for how aggressively people are positioning organic/earned content placement as well). Include this language in your online promotional materials and Web pages and optimize your content to be found in top results those searches. If your Web pages are found in the first page of results and effectively address these search interests you will have a higher likelihood of attracting and converting those visitors into customers.<br /><br />Us low-costing (like PR Web) or free (like PRLeap.com) with relevant keywords embedded with hyperlinks back to your Web site to increase your links (thus search optimization rankings) and to place content in highly valuable news portals. Take advantage of high interest due to news stories or events which will likely increase target audience interest in news that you can position your information against.<br /><br />Create social network profiles in spaces like LinkedIn, MySpace and Face Book for your company. If you're able, enhance this presence using RSS feeds from your news room to automatically syndicate your updated content (such as press releases, product updates, etc…) to these destinations. Again, it will increase your links and extend your content reach into spaces where potential customers are interacting.<br /><br />Multi-media consumption is one of the fastest growing areas of the Web. For free you can create a YouTube Channel with your company or product-type name. Using an inexpensive (less than $150) Flip Video camera you can record short video clips about your products or services and post them to this channel with links back to your Web site. There are 11.5 billion videos views on YouTube each month - no reason that some of them cannot be yours. <br /><br /><i>6) What marketing advice would you give to a small business owner who has had little or no experience marketing online?</i><br /><br />First, keep it simple. Start with the basics and do them well, versus waiting until you can have all the bells and whistles. An easy to follow, clean and simple Web presences is better than none at all. Second, use the Web as a networking resource via easy-to-use social networking platforms like LinkedIn.com. Finally, think about where your customers will go to make decisions about your types of products and spend time there yourself - it will present opportunities for earned outreach or low cost advertising with high potential returns. <br /><br /><i>7) What are some of the latest online public relations and marketing trends? </i><br /><br />Online video channel creation by companies and the mass syndication of multi-media content via YouTube and the various other online video sharing sites.<br /><br />Social networking profiles with opportunities directly connecting companies with potential customers and other influentials.<br /><br />Mobile content creation like WAP sites (Web sites designed for use on wireless devices like mobile phones) and mobile content distribution via services like Twitter. <br /><br />If you would like to find out how to contact Jay or read his professional bio, please go to: <b><a href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/JayByrne">http://www.mysolutionspot.com/JayByrne/</a></b>.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Optimize Your Marketing Budget with Pay Per Click Advertising</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:44:50 GMT</p> <p>Now that you've got a Web site, how will people find it? After all, in February 2007, a Netcraft Web Server Survey found over 100 million distinct Web sites existed. If, for instance, you are a realtor, it’s important to note that there are over 1.2 million registered members of the National Association of Realtors alone, many of whom have gone online in order to drum up more business. (It’s almost a necessity these days, for agents.) Of course, these statistics fluctuate by the minute, but the enormity of how difficult it is to cut through all the clutter on the Internet seems clear.<br /><br />Regardless of whether the goal of your Web site is to share information, reach potential buyers, or to sell more homes, you need to find a way to get the right type of traffic to your site. One effective way to do that is through Pay Per Click (PPC) advertising.<br /><br />Initially, when Pay Per Click was developed, it was intended as a marketing tactic designed to drive traffic to a Web site. Over time, people realized that traffic alone was not a measure of success. Today, Pay Per Click has been refined to not just drive traffic, but to send highly targeted traffic to your site to convert into customers. Pay Per Click leads are potentially easier to “convert,” meaning the customer will want to take action once at a site. Conversion may mean that a visitor makes a purchase, or completes an online form, or places a call, or makes an appointment. <br /><br />The term “optimizing,” in the Pay Per Click world, means increasing the chances for conversion. To maximize your PPC campaigns, you must distribute your budget to a set of keywords that convert best and get customers to take action on your site. Ultimately, you are optimizing for a return on your investment.<br /><br />The optimization process can be somewhat complex and time-intensive. It may make sense to turn to an independent vendor to manage your PPC campaigns. A <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/pay-per-click/index.jsp">Pay Per Click provider</a> can help you tackle some of the following tasks:</p> <ul> <li><b>Analyze your keywords and monitor site activity.</b> One of the main components of a Pay Per Click campaign is creating a list of potential <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/online-marketing-basics/what-are-keywords-1042/1108">keywords</a>. In order to do that, you first have to conduct research that involves analyzing traffic patterns within an industry and a locale, as well as identifying which keywords are being searched and prompting “click-throughs.” It is also important to see what the competition is up to. An independent provider will understand how data translates into trends. And they will be able to leverage that information into an action plan for your Pay Per Click efforts.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Outline your initial goals</b>. Once you have some insight into site activity, you will want to sketch out your Pay Per Click campaign objectives. Perhaps there is a specific area on your site that you want people to visit, a high ticket item you’d like to promote, or a specific action you want people to take. Knowing your goals will be critical to your ability to build a strategic plan. So, for example, as a Real Estate agent, you may want to convert 2% of your visitors that visit your Web site contact you to set up an appointment for a home sales price analysis. A Pay Per Click provider can guide you in structuring concrete, measurable, attainable goals.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><b>Develop a campaign budget.</b> Your Pay Per Click budget will largely be dictated by your industry or vertical market, as well as by whether your site is designed to support a local or national business. For a Real Estate agent, for example, keywords will be very competitive (your “cost per click” will be higher, because so many competitors are trying to use the same words). Let’s say you know from your sales history that selling single family homes is more profitable than selling condos or townhouses. You also know that sales are better than rentals. In developing your budget, you will want to spend more dollars on keywords related to the sales of homes, rather than on condos, duplexes, townhouses, or rentals. Having a trusted advisor can help you decide how to spend your budget. At first, your initial efforts may involve some best guess estimates. Then over time, you will be able to analyze keyword results and revise or refine your budget allocations accordingly.</li> </ul> <ul> When considering your budget, it is important to understand how keyword pricing works. When you buy a keyword, you actually bid on it, establishing a maximum price you are willing to pay for that word. You are not paying for your ad to appear on the search results page, but rather you are paying each and any time someone clicks on your ad (hence the term, pay per click.) Many factors go into the pricing for a word. Your cost will depend on your ad’s position on a page; your site’s quality score (which is determined by search engines such as Google®, based on assessments such as the relationship of keywords to the content on your landing pages); the number of competitors bidding on that word; as well as on user preference and activity. Google will even look at the time of day you receive the most clicks, recalculate your costs, and determine the best time for your ad to appear. As you can see, numerous factors influence pricing, placement, and bidding. </ul> <ul> <li><b>Pick your keywords.</b> Keyword selection is an ongoing effort, not something that is done one time. That’s because users are constantly changing how they conduct searches and which terms they use. And competitors battling for terms also make keyword popularity rise and fall at any given time. It can seem overwhelming to analyze all of these factors, which again, is a good reason to turn to Pay Per Click experts for support. They can suggest the types of terms that will drive targeted traffic to your site, recommending effective two or three word phrases. For example, for a realtor, a sampling from a keywords list might include: “Virginia real estate, new homes in Virginia, new homes Virginia / DC, new homes in Virginia / DC.” A provider will also understand industry response averages and the competitive climate, all of which will work towards optimizing for a higher return.</li> </ul> <p>With your site assessment, competitive analysis, goals, budget, and keyword list in hand, you are ready to implement your Pay Per Click plan. Once you launch your campaign, be sure to give it enough time to work. Again, a solutions provider can help you assess your campaign’s effectiveness, analyzing traffic to your site; identifying which keywords are prompting visits; and which pages are being visited. As you do see results, you can then begin to refine your strategy so that it helps you not only to get noticed but also prompts visitors to take action–the true measure of success for any Pay Per Click campaign.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>What could a blog do for my business?</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:39:26 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">This question was recently asked by a member of the Network Solutions community. The answer is really “it depends”! </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">To begin with, what exactly is a blog? A blog is a special type of Web page made up of multiple journal entries listed in reverse chronological order that include a title, a date, and time stamp. Each blog entry also will have its own unique Web page address (known as a Permalink), and readers may be allowed to post comments. Because of the comments feature, blogs are much more interactive than a normal web page. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">There are several benefits to developing a business blog: </span></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Because of the comments feature, blogs can be an excellent way to ask for feedback from your customers and have a discussion with them. Maybe you are thinking about developing a new service – you can post a question on your blog, e-mail your customers with the link and ask them to provide input. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">A blog can help your site get more listings on search engines such as Google. You can notify the search engines when you post new articles using a process called “pinging”. As long as your content is fresh and original, the search engines will readily come and index your blog. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Some people think that a blog adds credibility to a web site – that it shows that the business owner is interested in listening to customers and up-to-date on new trends. </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">If your blog is interesting enough, other people may start linking to it, which can help send traffic to your site.</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;"></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">So those are the benefits – but what are the pitfalls? </span></p> <ul style="margin-top:0in;"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Setting up a blog is time consuming. Even if you have a <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/web-hosting/blogs.jsp" target="_blank">blog hosting company</a> </span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">, someone will need to spend time to keep the content fresh and relevant. This can be time consuming, but a blog is like any other part of your business – it needs care and feeding to be successful!</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">If you don’t feed your blog, it will have limited benefit in bringing new traffic to your web site. And there’s nothing worse than not responding to someone who leaves a comment – that looks like really poor service, and is for all the world to see!</span></li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Opening up a channel for communication provides the opportunity for people to say good things about your company, but it also provides the opportunity for them to criticize. You should be prepared for this, and to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly with your visitors. Unless a comment is clearly SPAM, do not be tempted to try to “moderate” or delete any comments on your blog.</span><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Before embarking on this opportunity, you should ask yourself the following questions:</span></li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Do we have the skills in house to set up and manage a blog or would you need to use an external web development company? </span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Setting up a blog internally may not be as complex as it sounds because there are several fairly simple blogging packages around. However researching the options and learning the software can take some time. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Should we host it on our own website, or set it up on a blogging site</span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">? </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">A number of sites let you set up a blog using their software. The main ones are blogger.com (owned by Google), typepad.com and wordpress.com. These sites have the advantage of being easy to use, but if you can host your blog on your own web site, it has several additional benefits. Firstly, if you host your blog offsite, visitors have to leave your web site to read it – and once they are gone, you will have to get them back. Secondly, offsite blogs will not help the search engine rankings of your main web site. Finally, if you ever want to move your blog in house, it can be difficult if not impossible to do so.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">On balance, I recommend setting up your blog on your own site. There are several free software packages that can be used, including WordPress®. If you host your domain with Network Solutions, we have a blog hosting service that makes it easy to add a blog to your Web site. We offer the industry-leader WordPress® program to help you create a blog with all the features and themes you need. A wizard within your hosting account manager will guide you step-by-step to set it up with minimum technical knowledge.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal;"><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">If we write it, will they come?</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">One final step – before investing time in your blog, take a moment to ask your customers if they would be interested in reading it, and establish if it really can generate new business for you. There are probably some types of businesses whose customers just aren’t interested in reading a blog. For example, I wouldn’t personally visit a blog set up by my local gas station, but I might visit one for a local restaurant. And I might visit a local restaurant because I read their blog – but I buy my gas based on where I am and the price at the pump. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">So, in summary, there can be a lot of benefits to starting a blog – but like everything in business, the benefits depend on your target audience, and your blog will only be successful if you put effort into it. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Arial;">Network Solutions makes it easy to add a <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/web-hosting/blogs.jsp" target="_blank">blog</a> to your Web site ! We offer industry-leader WordPress® to help you create a blog with all the features and themes you need. Our inbuilt Account Manager wizard guides you through the installation and set up process quickly and easily, and you can be up and running in no time! </span></p> </article> <article> <h1>Why Don’t All Small Businesses Have Web Sites?</h1> <p>Nit Sujatanond — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:37:47 GMT</p> <p>Hundreds of millions of Americans regularly use the Internet. A large percentage of this population uses the Internet to research businesses and perform transactions online. So why is it that less than half of small businesses have Web sites? <br /><br /> According to a Warrillow study cited in a recent <i><a href="http://genylabs.typepad.com/small_biz_labs/2008/09/less-than-half.html">Small Business Lab</a></i> posting, 59% of small businesses do not have business Web sites. Most likely, these small businesses will claim that their lack of money, time or knowledge hinders their ability to create a site for their business. What some small businesses have failed to recognize is that times have changed. Several specialty companies now offer affordable and speedy <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/custom-website-packages/index.jsp">Web design services</a>, as well as inexpensive or even complimentary site maintenance services. Simple-to-use Web design templates are also available for purchase. These do-it-yourself Web site packages require little or no Web design experience. <br /><br /> A business Web site is an incredible investment. It has the power to enhance a business's visibility, as well as its accessibility. It provides a vehicle through which a business can communicate with consumers - letting them know what services or products it sells, where its facility is located and what advantage it has over its competitors. <br /><br /> Small businesses need to acknowledge the ubiquity of the Internet and take action. Their future depends on it.</p> <p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>How To Find the Right Domain Name For Your Business</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:07:55 GMT</p> <p> <b>What Is a Domain Name?</b><br /><br /> The domain name is the address of your business Web page. For example, the domain name or Web address for Network Solutions® is NetworkSolutions.com.<br /><br />Ideally, the address of your Web site will match the name of your business. In reality, many addresses are already taken but there are ways to get the domain name you want or find a suitable Web address for your business.<br /><br /><b>Why Do You Need a Domain Name?</b><br /><br /> A domain name is how people find your site online and is one of the most valuable aspects of your business's online presence. In short, your business domain name is an important key to your business's online identity-especially if you intend to have a Web site and set up email for your business. .<br /><br />Your domain name is a unique identifier on the Internet. Domain names need to be registered with one of the few domain registrar companies who manage the addition of new names to the global list of unique names. Only one domain name can be registered with a particular domain name extension at the corresponding registry much like a phone number is unique for a mobile phone or land line. <br /><br />Domain names come in two parts: part 1 is the label and part two is the extension. The two parts are separated by the 'dot.' For example, in the domain name NetworkSolutions.com, 'Network Solutions' is the label and 'com' is the extension. Extensions can also be called the "top-level domain" or referred to by the acronym "TLDs." <br /><br /><b>Three Steps to Establish Your Domain Name</b><br /><br /> <i>1) Find the right name.</i> Your first task is to come up with a unique domain name that is memorable and easy to spell. It's a good idea to find a name that uses descriptive words that are meaningful to your customers and relate to the content of your Web site. <br /><br />Brainstorm for a Web site name using both the names of your business and the names you use to advertise your products. If you operate in a local business consider adding your city or state locality to your domain name. For example, if you have a bagel business, and want to register the word "bagels" with a .com extension it may be taken, but "Virginiabagels.com" or "DCbagels.com" may be available. Adding your locality to your domain name not only helps you get the name you want, but may also lead customers to your local business. <br /><br /><i>2) Choose the right extension.</i> As mentioned above, your domain name is made up of two parts: your "uniquename" followed by a "dot extension" or TLD (top level domain). Adding different TLD extensions to your name makes it an entirely new domain name registered to a different Web address. For instance NetworkSolutions.com and NetworkSolutions.org are two different Web addresses.<br /><br />Most business owners will register their domain name with one or all three of the most popular extensions: .com, .net, and .org, but because these are the most commonly used extensions, they also have the most registrations - meaning it can be difficult to get the "uniquename" you want using just .com, .net, and .org.<br /><br />However, there are many other <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/additional-domain-extensions.jsp">domain name extensions</a> that could be appropriate to your Web site content including .info, .biz, .mobi, .tv, etc. There are also regional extensions, such as .us (USA), .ca (Canada), .co.uk (United Kingdom), .cn (China), etc., that may be appropriate for you depending on the location of your business.<br /><br />Additionally, the combined ".us.com" extension can be a great way to get the domain name you truly want that is no longer available as a ".com" extension. The .us.com extension also tells your customers that your business resides in, or is focused within, the United States.</p> <p><i>3) Make sure you check your spelling.</i> The characters that are available for use in your unique domain name are: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz-0123456789. Try to avoid confusion when choosing your domain name and resist the temptation for deliberate misspellings: '2' for 'to' and '4' for 'for', etc. You want your customers to easily remember and type in your name exactly as you've registered it.<br /><br />Hyphens can be helpful, but you cannot use one to begin or end your domain name. Be warned, although the use of hyphens can be tempting to get the name you want, it is very easy for people to forget to type the hyphens and thereby end up at an entirely different Web site.<br /><br /><b>How Do I Know I've Got the Right Name?</b><br /><br /> Once you have a short list of available name choices, test the response on your friends, relatives and clients. Can you easily pronounce the name over the phone? Can your "test group" say and spell the name correctly? Use the people you know to help you rule out names that are confusing or that get lost in translation.<br /><br />The next step is to search the Internet for Web sites with the same domain name you want to register, but with a different extension. For example, if you register a .net extension and the .com version of that name belongs to an embarrassing Web site or a competitor, you will want to look for a new domain name. <br /><br />Once you find the <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/index.jsp">domain name</a> you want, you are ready to register it. With almost 500,000 domain names registered daily, the name you find today may not be available tomorrow so do not delay. Even with the Internet business growing at such a rapid rate there is still plenty of competition left for the remaining great names. It's worth registering all your top choices immediately. Use registrar tools to search for the name and all available extensions. </p> <p>While registering your new domain name, consider all the various extensions and misspellings of that name and register those, too. For example, if you're registering janesbagels.com, you may want to protect your brand name by registering janesbagels.net, janesbagels.biz, etc. You'll also want to own the most likely misspellings of your name so that if a customer accidentally types the wrong name into their browser they will still find your Web site. <br /><br /> <b>Optional Add-Ons</b><br /><br /> Since you will want to register your domain with the main extensions and various misspellings, you don't need to host a Web site for each of the domains you register. Instead, you can set up <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/build-it/forwarding.jsp">Web forwarding</a> which will automatically re-route traffic from each of the additional domains you purchase to your one Web site. <br /><br /> Another useful option for your domain name is <a href="http://www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/private.jsp">private registration</a>. When you register a domain name, your contact information is added to the public WHOIS database. By adding private registration to your domain name(s) you can provide alternate contact information for the listing of your domain registration. This is useful because it keeps your personal information private, protects you from getting emails from spammers and calls from telemarketers who search the WHOIS database for names and businesses they can solicit.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Startups: Choosing the Right Advertising Mix</h1> <p>Nit Sujatanond — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:31:26 GMT</p> <p>Small startup businesses are sometimes at a disadvantage when it comes to choosing their advertising mix. They often lack the background knowledge that typically comes from experience and/or market research. Without access to such information, many of them mistakenly invest in costly advertising strategies that produce little or no benefit to their business.</p> <p>Luckily for these businesses, the advertising world is changing dramatically. Studies have indicated that proximity plays a large role in patronage. This means that a business’s prime prospects – those who are most likely to purchase their products or services – typically reside within a short drive of its facility. As a result, some businesses can reduce or resign their high-priced mass media campaigns and place more emphasis on less expensive advertising methods that target the smaller, more segmented local audience.</p> <p><b>Local Marketing Strategies<br /></b>Many businesses continue to rely on traditional marketing strategies to reach their local market. They distribute catalogs and purchase radio, newspaper and Yellow Page® advertisements. While traditional strategies are effective, they are more powerful when supported by newer strategies like pay-per-click advertising, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.thinklocal.com">local search</a> marketing and online classifieds. By employing online marketing strategies, businesses can enhance their visibility and deliver their messages directly to consumers who are searching for their products or services.</p> <p>There are numerous online business resources available that will help owners of small startup businesses decide whether they need to embrace or avoid costly mass media campaigns. These resources will also help them stay abreast of new online marketing strategies. With the information they acquire, startup owners will be able to create the appropriate advertising mix for their business.</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Dot Com, Dot Net, Dot Mobi – Which Dot Is for Me?</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:07:29 GMT</p> <p>Most businesses will want to register a dot com (.com) domain name as their first choice when setting up their Web site. This is because .com is the most widely used domain extension and is easily remembered by visitors. Many companies also use dot net (.net) in addition to or instead of .com either because they want to protect their domain names or because the .com version is not available. <br /><br />However, in addition to .com and .net, there is another domain extension you should consider for your business – dot mobi (.mobi). .mobi is an extension that signifies to users that the Web site has been designed so it can be easily viewed by users who access the Internet on their cellular phones or other mobile devices. As we become ever more mobile, it makes sense that in the coming years people will more and more depend on mobile devices. Consequently dot mobi domain name registration is growing.<br /><br />With four mobile phones purchased for every one personal computer around the world, there is a huge market from people whose main access point to the Internet is a mobile phone. These users will generally know that if a site ends in /mobi, it will be optimized for their equipment, and it’s layout will be suitable for browsing on a PDA screen rather than a computer screen. <br /><br />If you offer a service that mobile users might be interested in, such as a restaurant, you should definitely consider adding your <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/mobi-domains.jsp">Mobi domain name</a> to your portfolio.<br /><br />Because the intent of .mobi is to provide content specifically for mobile Internet users, there are some mandatory rules for developing a .mobi Web site. When registering a .mobi domain, you agree to follow the .mobi guidelines for Web site design and creation. The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/learning-center/mobi-guide.pdf">.mobi Web Developer Guide</a> was developed by mTLD, the .mobi registry, to assist .mobi registrants in creating mobile-friendly Web sites. This guide covers the mandatory rules and also some best practices to ensure that visitors to your site can easily view and interact with the content from their mobile devices. Non-compliance with the mandatory rules may result in your service being suspended. <br /><br />Some of the mandatory rules include:<br /></p> <ul> <li>No frames should be used in the design of the Web site.</li> <li>Visitors to a .mobi site must be able to view a page that is capable of being displayed in their browser. Web site owners must use a format that mobile devices support or use an XHTML-Mobile Profile 1.0 or higher.</li> <li>The .mobi site must work with or without the “www” in the domain name (e.g., www.your-website.mobi and your-website.mobi).</li> </ul> <p><br />There are a number of services online, such as <a target="_blank" href="http://www.buildmymobi.com/">Build My Mobi</a>, that can help you quickly and easily build your mobile Web site. This service also offers other useful features such as a tool that lets you get calls from visitors with a "click to call" link that automatically dials your phone number and a link to driving directions to your business location.<br /></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Tips for Choosing a Domain Name for Your Website</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:23:52 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">You're ready to establish a new Web presence and you know the first step is to find a domain name. You probably want more than just a domain name you can live with - you want a domain name that means something to your business and to your customers. You want a domain name that is distinct from your competitors, but easy to find!<br /><br />Although it may seem that all the good names are gone, you can still get a great name for your website by using a little creativity and by gaining a bit more knowledge. Here are some tips to help you find your way to a better - available - domain name for your Web site.<br /><br /><b>Make it Memorable</b><br />Your first task is to come up with a domain name that is memorable and easy to spell. Short and sweet is the key here. Consider domain names with descriptive words that are meaningful to your customers and include the names of your business and your products. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/articles/AddPost.aspx/http:/www.networksolutions.com/domain-name-registration/domain-name-creator.jsp">Brainstorming tools</a> are provided by domain name registrars (companies authorized by ICAAN to register domain names) to help you search for and find a memorable name. .<br /><br />If you operate in a local business consider adding your city or state locality to your domain name. For example, "Bagels.com" maybe taken, but "Virginiabagels.com" or "DCbagels.com" may be available. Adding your locality to your domain name not only helps you get the name you want, but may also lead customers to your local business.<br /><br /><b>Check Your Spelling</b><br />The characters that are available for use in your unique domain name are: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz-0123456789. Try to avoid confusion when choosing your domain name and resist the temptation for deliberate misspellings: '2' for 'to' and '4' for 'for', etc. You want your customers to easily remember and type in your name exactly as you've registered it.<br /><br />Hyphens can be helpful, but you cannot use one to begin or end your domain name. Be warned, although the use of hyphens can be tempting to get the name you want, it is very easy for people to forget to type the hyphens and thereby end up at an entirely different Web site.<br /><br /><b>Test Different Name Combinations</b><br />Once you have a shortlist of available name choices, test the response on your friends, relatives and clients. Can you easily pronounce the name over the phone? Can your test group say and spell the name correctly? Use the people you know to help you rule out names that are confusing or that get lost in translation.<br /><br />Domain names have two parts: your "unique name" followed by a "dot extension" (.com, .net, .org, etc.). Adding different extensions to your name makes it an entirely new domain name. Take a few minutes to search the Internet for sites with the same domain name you want to register, but with a different extension. For example, if you register a .net extension and the .com version of that name belongs to an embarrassing Web site or a competitor, how will you feel when your customers find the .com site by accident?<br /><b><br />Register Your Domain Name ASAP</b><br />Once you find the domain name you want - register it now! With almost 500,000 domain names registered daily, the name you find today may not be available tomorrow. With the Internet business growing at such a rapid speed there is plenty of competition left for the remaining great names. It's worth registering all your top choices immediately.<br /><br /><b>Register Multiple Extensions and Variations </b><br />Most business owners will register their domain name with one or all three of the most popular extensions: .com, .net, and .org. For example, if you're registering janesbagels.com, you may want to protect your brand name by registering janesbagels.net, janesbagels.biz, etc.<br /><br />Additionally, the combined ".us.com" extension can be a great way to get the domain name you truly want that is no longer available as a ".com" extension. The .us.com extension also tells your customers that your business resides in, or is focused within the United States.<br /><br />While registering your new domain name, consider all the misspellings of that name and register those, too. This way, if a customer accidentally types the wrong name into their Web browser they will still find your website. You don't need to host a site for each of the domains you register; instead, you can set up Web forwarding which will automatically re-route traffic from each of the additional domains you registered to your one main website.<br /><b><br />Don't Give Up!</b><br />If all else fails and you absolutely must have a domain name that is taken, there are a number of services available to help you obtain it. For example, a domain registration company can help you place an offer to purchase the name from the current holder. Other options include placing a backorder to register the name if it expires, or using a keyword alert system that notifies you when domain names you want become available. For more information on the domain name aftermarket, read <a target="_self" href="http://www.mysolutionspot.com/improving-your-web-site/yikes-my-domain-name-is-taken-what-do-i-do-1386/">"Yikes! My Domain Name is Taken -What Do I Do?"</a></span></p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Should you test your Web site?</h1> <p>jen mercer — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 04:29:17 GMT</p> <p>QA Testing Can Increase Sales<br /><br />Did you create your Web site for your online business or did someone create it for you? Did you know with almost complete certainty that your site worked and did not have errors? Testing your e-commerce website is an important step in ensuring that your site will function properly to when customers are using it. Testing your site can be the difference in attracting customers or turning them off. Think of it this way, do you use a site that does not allow you to submit an order or the links to additional information are not working? Probably not and your customers probably won’t as well.<br /><br />Testing is an activity that most people do not enjoy doing. It is tedious and can create more work if errors are found. Do the buttons work? Do the drop-down lists contain correct information? Can I use the tab key to move from field to field? By finding these errors, you could avoid losing out on web site sales and creating frustrated customers. No one wants to use or return to a Web site that is not working.<br /><br />Don’t take for granted that if someone else created your website, that it was tested. Take testing into your own hands. You know what you wanted it to do so test it before it is published. Find and fix errors before customers find them for you.<br /><br />You can go crazy trying to test everything that may or may not occur. Bear in mind that all errors cannot be found during testing. That is nearly impossible to do and would take an enormous amount of time. No one can predict what a customer is going to attempt to do while on your website. At a minimum, make sure the fields and links work properly and they can submit an order if your Web site is for e-commerce.<br /><br />Now, your web site is created, you tested it to make sure it works and it is now available for the world to use. You’re done testing, right? Wrong. Testing does not stop when your site is up and running and customers are using it. It is also important to continue to test your site after it’s published. No one wants to find out from a disgruntled customer that they cannot submit an order to your company because the Submit button is not working. Set a schedule – once a week or once a month – and use your site as if you were a customer and ensure it is continuing to work properly. That way you have the opportunity to find and fix a problem before anyone else does.<br /><br />Should you test your Web site? Absolutely!</p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>How to Make Sure Your E-Mail Is Secure From Malware</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:58:01 GMT</p> <p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">E-mail is not only one of the most popular and effective online tools, it can also be one of the most dangerous.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Much of the malicious software found on computers is installed unintentionally by users when opening suspicious e-mail messages.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>This malicious software includes viruses, worms, and Trojans and is known as "malware".<span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Cybercriminals use e-mail to distribute malware to conduct some of the most common Internet scams and cons.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Fortunately, it's also relatively easy to protect yourself against most of these dangers, provided you put in place a consistent, constant e-mail security plan. The plan has two parts: e-mail security policy (that's you and your employees) and e-mail security software (featured in good anti-virus programs).</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">We'll look at each element and what it entails.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"><strong>E-Mail Security Policy</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Most e-mail security problems are the result of our own errors; viruses attached to e-mails, for example, usually don't take effect unless they are actively clicked on by a user. With that as our starting point, let's look at the basic elements of an e-mail security policy that should be followed by every employee using e-mail:</span></p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never read unsolicited e-mail or e-mail from an unknown sender: the act of opening (reading) such e-mail can expose your computer and network to outside threats.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never click on attachments from unknown senders: viruses and other malicious software lurk in attachments that often promise to be a picture or game.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never respond to financial or other offers, no matter how legitimate they appear to be: legitimate companies do not request confidential information such as credit card or Social Security numbers by e-mail; any sweepstakes or other offer that looks too good to be true should be ignored.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never share your e-mail account password: as with any password, this information must be kept absolutely confidential.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never forward an unsolicited e-mail: you shouldn't be reading it, much less forwarding it.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Never use business e-mail accounts for personal mail: by restricting business accounts to business use, you take a large step toward reducing the risk of e-mail security problems.</span></div> </li> </ul> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"><strong>E-Mail Security Software</strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Anti-virus software includes <a target="_self" href="http://www.networksolutions.com/email-account/email-security.jsp" class="null">e-mail scanning tools</a> that guard against the most common e-mail viruses, worms and Trojans. To be most effective, certain practices should be followed:</span></p> <ul> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Enable both incoming and outgoing e-mail virus scans: should a virus enter your system from another avenue - an employee using an infected disk, for example, the outgoing mail-scan insures that the virus isn't transmitted.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Update anti-virus software often: if the software isn't updated, your e-mail is vulnerable to the newest attacks; update weekly if not more often.</span></div> </li> <li> <div style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;">Make sure all anti-virus accounts and licenses are up-to-date and renewed: bear in mind that software license renewals are required for each employee computer or notebook.</span></div> </li> </ul> <p style="margin:0in 0in 0pt;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Arial;"><strong>The Bottom Line:</strong><span style="mso-spacerun:yes;"> </span>Make e-mail security policy a regularly reviewed element of your company's overall business practices. The only sure defense against e-mail threats is a consistent and constant defense.</span></p> <p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> <article> <h1>Safeguarding Your Domain Name Registration</h1> <p>MySolutionSpot Editor — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:05:43 GMT</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">If you're like the majority of Network Solutions customers, you have registered a domain name: your business name, your family name, or something equally important. Now that you've registered the name, the last thing you want is to lose the registration to someone else. You may be surprised to learn it happens virtually every day to individuals and businesses alike. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to help keep your registration up to date and under your control. But first, it's helpful to understand how a registrant can lose a domain name registration. There are two primary methods: domain registration hijacking and failure to renew a registration. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">We won't go into the specifics of how fraudsters hijack a domain name registration but they usually take advantage of out-of-date account information to transfer a registration to another registrar. So it's important to pay special attention to any e-mail from a domain name registrar, Internet service provider, or Web hosting provider notifying you of a change to your domain name registration account information. If you didn't request the change, contact your registrar immediately.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">While accidental rather than deliberate, a renewal failure is usually also a result of incorrect account data. For example, if the e-mail address listed on the registration is out of date, renewal notices will not reach the registrant, who may not realize the registration term is about to expire. To help protect your domain name registration, follow these simple guidelines:</span></p> <ul> <li><b>Lock It Up:</b> Most domain name registrars offer mechanisms for "locking" your domain name registration; such as Network Solutions' Domain Protect. When the lock is engaged, the registration can't be transferred to another registrar until the registrant-that's you-removes the lock.<span></span> <div></div> </li> <li><b>Keep It Current:</b> Make sure all of the contact information on your account is up-to-date, especially e-mail addresses, so renewal notices and other important messages will reach you.<span></span> <div></div> </li> <li><b>Keep It Private:</b> Did you know that the name and contact information for each domain name registrant is listed in a public database called WHOIS? Some registrars offer a service - Network Solutions' is called Private Registration - that protects your privacy by replacing your personal data with alternate information in WHOIS and forwards to you all non-spam correspondence received at the alternate address.<span></span> <div></div> </li> <li><b>Make It Automatic:</b> Sign up for automatic renewal of your registration, which triggers an extension of your registration before it expires. Network Solutions offers Auto-Renew free with every domain name registration and bills the renewal fee to the credit card listed in your Account Manager. To minimize renewals altogether, consider signing up for a multi-year registration, which Network Solutions offers at a discount. <span></span> <div></div> </li> </ul> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;">To check the status of your domain names registered with Network Solutions, including the Private Registration, Domain Protect, and Auto-Renew services, log in to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.networksolutions.com/manage-it/index.jsp" class="null">Account Manager</a>.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:small;"><b>The Bottom Line:</b> Make sure your domain name registration remains yours by taking advantage of domain-locking and -renewal services and keeping your contact and billing information up to date.</span></p> <p> </p><div style="clear:both;"></div> </article> </main></body></html>