Contact: Jiezl Cruz
Email: hootntag@gmail.com 
Phone: 2404317711
Website URL: https://wrapmeyumi.myitworks.com/Home

My name is Jiezl Cruz and I am an It Works! Independent Distributor. I started my business with them over the other competitors not just because of their name, but because it truly does work. Their products are amazing and it is very important to love the products you sell. =) That is how I got started.

What is your business name: Wrap Me Yumi with Jiezl Cruz
It Works! Independent Distributor

How long have you been in business? Since January 2012.

How did you initially fund your startup for the business? I asked family to invest in me.

What is the biggest hurdle that you still struggle with in owning your own business?  Getting turned down. You will always have someone who turns you down or says negative comments about your business.

Is your business paying the bills or is this just a hobby?  Paying my bills.

Please tell us how much you profit in your business on a monthly basis. Under $1000 right now since I am new.

What is the inspiration that keeps you going everyday in your business? My kids are my inspiration. I have to provide for my kids. I do it for their future.

Where do you see your business in 5 years? A successful WAHM that is financial stable.

Do you have any advice for moms who already have their own business? Do it because you know you want to do it for the right reasons and because you have the will and heart to do it. Do not let anyone bring you down.

Do you have any advice for moms who are just starting out? Do not get ahead of yourself. Be prepared.

How many hours do you work your business per week? 40 hours a week.

How do you find balance between your family and your business? I make sure I have my working hours understood not just by my clients but by myself. You need to know your limit.

Visit our Top WAHM of the Week!

1. Create flyers and post them to bulletin boards at stores, churches, daycare’s, laundry mats, etc. Remember to always get permission from a manager first if you are supposed to.

2. Have t-shirts, hats, tote bags or buttons made and then WEAR them! While you’re out running errands, people will undoubtedly notice and ask you about your product or service.

3. USE your product! If you sell makeup, use it. If you sell candles, burn them. If you sell clothes, wear them. If you sell homewares, decorate your house with them. Believe in your product and others will too!

4. Pass out business cards everywhere you go! Leave 2 or 3 cards with people so they can give them to friends, put them in your bills, leave on the table with a tip, hand one to the cashier at the store, drop them into lunchtime drawing jars. You can get them free, just pay shipping and handling from Vista Print so there is no reason to not have them.

5. Talk to people everywhere you go! Strike up a conversation, ask them what they do and if they like it. Don’t pre-judge – you never know who may be interested in what you’re offering or in starting their own home business. Be interested in what they say to you, get a feeling for what their needs are and then offer your solution whether it be your product, service or opportunity.

6. Use your car to advertise with hanging signs in the window, magnetic car signs or I.D. It Plates and Drive traffic to your site. In an average day, several hundred people will see your car and remember your sign later on. Check with your tax laws as I’ve heard in some states this will classify your vehicle as “commercial” so keep that in mind.

7. Give a “Club Card” that can be punched (or crossed off) with each purchase. EX: One punch for every $10 (numbered 1 – 10 across the bottom of the card) and get a free item. One punch for every purchase, get the 11th order at 20% off. These guarantees repeat customers, as they will buy to get the free item or discount. The amount spent and freebie or discount can be any you choose.

8. Advertise in your local newspapers. ‘Bargain hunter’ and ‘Penny-pinching’ ads work well to get started with, as they are low cost, go out to your entire local area and are read (believe it or not) by most people. You can also place ads on your local TV stations and radio stations.

9. Swap advertising flyers, biz cards and “perks” with other businesses. This can be done either online with other home businesses or with small businesses locally. Go to several businesses and offer to pass out their promotional material if they agree to do the same for you.

10. Begin a Newsletter and mail it to your customers monthly or bi-monthly. Keep them updated on your new products, sales and specials, upcoming events or anything else relevant to your business. Other information can include decorating tips, recipes, safety issues, home and family fun, anything at all that you think your customer would be interested in!

11. If you can afford to, have some sales aids made up. These can be calendars, pens, pencils, refrigerator magnets, snack bag clips, memo pads, post-it notes, monitor cleaners, novelty games, stress balls, etc. You can even get your ad on a MousePad! Get these printed up with your business information on them. Everyone loves a great freebie, especially if it’s useful! Or you can get started with simpler items from The Oriental Trading Co. They offer tons of theme items at low, low prices!

12. Put your URL on your checks. You aren’t even aware of everyone who sees your checks and any one of these people could become a customer, hostess or your next recruit! If possible get your email address printed on them also. Do the same with your pre-printed return address labels too!

13. Have a self-inking or rubber stamp made up with your business URL and contact information on it. Then start stamping every piece of paper, brochure and catalog before it goes out because it only takes a minute to do it!

14. Host an Open House. This is an EXCELLENT way to get your name out there if you are just starting out and to show customer appreciation if you’re already in the full swing of things! Invite family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Have a display of your products, some awesome finger food and a few door prizes. Offer a free gift or a discount if they order today, then give them a couple business cards, coupon and catalog to take with them for their NEXT order! For those of you that accept payments online with PayPal, PayCodes is an awesome coupon system and the only one online that works in conjunction with PayPal. I’ve used it successfully and my customers love the savings!

15. Last but not least, dont be afraid to ask!! Ask for the sale, ask for a booking and ask if they would like information about the opportunity. The only thing they can say is “No” and that’s not so bad. Chances are, they’ll remember you in the future when they need what you are offering.

Well, that’s it for now. I hope you can find something useful here to help you advertise off the Internet or at least get your creative juices to come up with a few “out of the box” methods yourself.

About the Author

Vickie Carlson is a full-time work at home mom, owner of Candle-Hounds.com and editor at WAHM-Zine.com, an online ezine and discussion forum. Each issue is packed with articles, tips and resources to help you run a profitable business from home. © 2004, Vickie Carlson.

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

Here are just a few very simple design tips to keep in mind!

Sites Color Pattern
When you are deciding on a color or a few colors, try to stick with 2 or 3 colors that accent your logo or website header. If you are unsure of what colors to choose, check out some other websites, and pick out w few you like. Just remember, to pick something that is appealing to the eye, and colors that appeal to everyone. Also, keep all website pages the same in color, instead of changing each page to different colors.

Offer Easy Site Navigation
This is a very important issue to consider when designing a website. You should make sure that your visitors can find what they are looking for without searching for links or buttons. It is very common for a site to display their navigation menu on the left side of the website or at the top. This way every visitor can see the options without trying to look around.

Special Effects
Special effects such as mouse image trails, blinking text, spinning graphics, or even flash can be neat to look at, but can also become very annoying! An animated flash is very pretty and nice to see, however flash animation takes a bit of time to load on computer with dial up speed. The mouse trail graphics are cute to see for about 5 minutes, and then become annoying. Visitors come to a website to find, information or products, not cute little graphics floating all over! Even blinking text gets old, it looks very neat at first but then, becomes an eye sore and a headache! These effects are ok to add at a minimum, but you do not want them to take away from your websites content! When you add all of these special effects, remember that your website visitor may just leave the website before they are even done loading! What ever you do, don’t get to special effect happy!

Creating External Links
When you add links on your website that lead to another, always have them open a new window! This way your visitor can return to your website, they may not even realized they left!

About the Author

Tara Grant, owner of http://www.awomansresource.com and http://www.designbytara.com. Tara is a warm-hearted entrepreneur, mother of 2 small children and an avid networker in the wahm and parenting communities!

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

Most of the time any expenses that are related to your business can be added as a deduction on your taxes. If you do not pay taxes through out the year, deductions can help you from paying a large amount of taxes each year and can also adjust earned income. Try to avoid paying large amounts of taxes or owning any money by keeping track of simple things!

Each business is a bit different so be sure to mention these ideas to your tax advisor or accountant to see if your business can qualify for these deductions.

1- If you join any business or purchase into any franchise, the expenses such as kits, or franchise fees may be claimed as a deductions.

2- Business Supplies. Be sure to save all receipts for any supplies you purchase for your business use. Computer paper, business cards, pens, catalogs, or any items you purchase and use for your business.

3- Advertising- Most advertising can be claimed on your taxes. Keep all receipts for any newspaper ad’s you may run, or any advertising you do online. Advertising is a business expense and in most cases can be written off.

4- Items Given Away- Keep a list of any items you may give away, and the costs of these items. Most freebies may also be written off.

5- Phone bills and internet access- If you have a phone line for business use or have the internet in your home or office for business use, save all receipts for each bill paid. These items are business expenses and may also be written off.

6- An in home office- If you have an office in your home, make sure to let your tax advisor know. Using a room in your home as an office can also be added on taxes.

7- Long distance calls- If you make any long distance calls that are related to your business, make sure you keep all phone bills showing the calls and the amounts charged. If these calls are related to your work, the cost of the calls may also be written off in most cases.

8- Returned Checks and Bank Fees. If you incur and bounced checks from customers and can not collect on them, those amounts may be deducted, along with any fees you were charged from your bank. Be sure to keep the returned check, the letter from your bank and your bank statement to show the fee you were charged.

9- Postage- All postage costs paid by you or shipping fees may be claimed. Keep receipts for all shipping supplies, and postage.

10- Computers- If you purchase a new computer for business use, the cost of the computer may be claimed. You may also claim depreciation for 3 years after the computer was purchased.

About the Author

Tara Grant, owner of http://www.awomansresource.com and http://www.designbytara.com. Tara is a warm-hearted entrepreneur, mother of 2 small children and an avid networker in the wahm and parenting communities!

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

How do you balance working and family life? Do you drop a conference call because your three year-old is climbing the kitchen counters? Do you postpone fulfilling orders because your ten year-old has the flu? The flexibility of this working model is one of the best benefits. I love working from home because I get paid while wearing my deerskin slippers. What better job could you have?

Some tenable solutions to the challenges of working from home are offered here:

Select simple tasks that your child can help fulfill. I am a teacher and writer. My four-year-old loves helping me prepare for my students’ craft projects. It is fun to test them out on her and to have her make a sample to show my students.

Make a work schedule and stick to it. If you spend all your time in front of your computer, you defeat the purpose of staying home with your kids. One WAHM that I know has an autoreply on her email. Everytime I send her an email, I receive a response thanking me for my message and listing her work hours to reflect her commitment to her work mission AND family. Impressive!

Set your boundaries. If you stick to your schedule, your children will adjust more easily to it, too. Let your family know when your working hours are. Close your office door or draw the curtain to your work area. If you have an open area with lots of foot traffic, consider moving your work station to a quieter area. If you have no other space, work during your children’s nap or quiet time.

Inevitably, there will be times when your child will want to be in your office when you are working. During times where you can afford a little distraction, place extraneous office supplies in a drawer or small desk where the children can play while you work. You may not be able to seal a million dollar sale during those times, but you may be able to squeeze in checking your emails or completing routine tasks.

Get outside at least once a day. You have cut out your daily commute, but with it you also have less opportunity to leave the house. Make a point to catch some fresh air at least once a day. I reluctantly leave my slippers behind for a ten minute walk with my kids. By the time I get back, I feel refreshed and full of new ideas!

Make a point to connect with non-work related friends. Getting outside your own head and home can make a world of difference. I recently visited friends whom I hadn’t seen in over six months. It was such a refresher to leave the house and commune with like-minded spirits in a different environment.

Take care of yourself. Taking a 15-minute bubble bath at the end of a long day can help you relax and gain perspective. Whatever avenue you choose, remember that your needs have to be fulfilled, too. There is only so long that you can run on empty before you need to take moment to recharge as well!

About the Author

Christine Louise Hohlbaum
christine@diaryofamother.com
Diary of a Mother
http://www.diaryofamother.com

This article provided by the Family Content Archives at: http://www.Family-Content.com

So with that first, fundamental, decision out of the way, it is now time to move on to the next stage–which is the essential foundation and framework for every online business. If you get this all-important step right, you will be well on your way to building that online success of your dreams.

Step 2: CREATE A WEBSITE

When it comes to running an online business, your website will be the first impression that potential customers have of your service or product. Building a website isn’t necessarily all that hard–as just about any high school student would tell you. However, building an excellent website, that has great consumer appeal, is another thing altogether. To do that requires more than a slap-dash, homemade, bargain-basement job.

With excellence as your goal, it is important that you make a decision right now to consider your business website as a valuable and vital investment in the ultimate success of your venture. It can be very tempting to try and save a few pennies here and there, particularly in these early stages, but it really is true that you get what you pay for. Saving a little bit of money on your website design now, could end up costing you a fortune in sales in the future.

So, with that decision made, let’s look at what you need to do in order to create your business website.

1. Register a Domain Name

If you were preparing to build a house, you wouldn’t go out and buy all the bricks, tiles, floor-coverings and furnishings if you didn’t already have a block of land to actually build your house on. The same is true when it comes to building your business website. Your online business “home” also needs an address. That’s why the very first thing to do when creating your website is to register a domain name.

Having a custom domain name will give your business a professional image, as well as making it easier for customers to remember your website address, or URL. When choosing your domain name, make sure that it isn’t too long or complex. Instead, aim for something that people will easily remember and quickly relate to your business, product or service.

Here are some examples of custom domain names:

You.com
YourName.com
BusinessName.com

There are many domain extensions to choose from, such as .com, .net, .org. The wide variety of extensions provides a number of alternatives should your first choice of domain not be available.

2. Designing Your Website.

Creating a website can seem like an overwhelming task to the web novice, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Thanks to technology, there are now options for everyone–those who want to do it themselves, those who need some help to do it themselves, and those who want someone else to do it for them. Here is a quick and easy guide to the options available:

A. Using HTML Editors:

If you already have an extensive knowledge of HTML and website coding, then the next thing you’ll need is a good HTML editing program to write your HTML code. I have always used First Page 2000, which is a full featured HTML editor. There is a free, slightly limited, version of their latest release, First Page 2006, which you can try by downloading the program here.

You can also use programs such as DreamWeaver, which is one of the best HTML editors available. You can learn more about DreamWeaver here.

All these programs are designed for the user who has a good knowledge of HTML. If you are scratching your head and wondering, “What’s HTML?” then this type of web design program is not recommended for creating your website. Although these HTML editors are excellent tools for those with HTML know-how, they do require a certain level of proficiency to achieve a professional result.

Always keep in mind that the look of your website is critical for your business success. It must appear professional–even if you are selling something as simple as homemade handcrafts. You will quite literally only have seconds to make a good first impression when a potential customer visits your website. If your site looks as though it has been thrown together by an unskilled web design wannabe, your online presence will suffer.

Although they may not actually put it into words, most visitors will subconsciously believe that any business that did not put any expertise, thought or professionalism into the creation of their site, will probably be just as lacking when it comes to the provision of their service. The immediate impression made is that the business is inferior and unreliable–and it is an impression that is made an instant before that potential customer clicks their mouse and is gone forever.

If you do have the skills and knowledge to be able to create your own website using an HTML editor or web design program, there are still two more things that you will need before your website can be revealed to the world.

The first is that you will need to arrange for website hosting. If we think back to the analogy of the website being the house and the domain name being the address, then the web host would be, more or less, the suburb. Quite simply, a web host provides you with the space to be able to upload your website so that others can view it.

To be able to upload your website files to your choice of web host, you will need an FTP program. FTP is short for “file transfer protocol,” and is essentially a secure and simple way to transfer files from your computer to your web host’s server. If you do not already have an FTP program, it is quite easy to find and download one. Do a search on the web for “FTP program” and you will discover that there are many to choose from.

B. Use an Online Site Builder:

If you have been left with your head spinning after reading about HTML, editing programs, web hosts and FTP, then don’t despair. Thanks to some great, new, technology, there is a solution designed with you in mind.

Probably the easiest and most cost effective way to build a professional site is to use an online site builder. These online web design tools make it possible for anyone to create a site that can get results.

Website hosting is normally included as part of these services, and there shouldn’t be any need for the user to know anything about FTP. Instead of building your site using an editing program on your computer, you do it all online with an easy to use site builder. As you build your pages, your website is automatically updated from your site builder account. If you do need to upload any pictures or files, the file transfer is normally handled from your site builder account, rather than from your computer to your host.

Most online site builders incorporate technology that allows the user to create their web pages as simply as if they were typing in a word processor. However, not all online site builders are the same, and it is important to compare the relative benefits of each–but keep in mind that best value for money does not always mean the cheapest service available.

There are some very inexpensive online site building programs that do look quite good at first glance. However, these services often have many hidden costs, with the user being charged for extra features, such as additional pages, ecommerce, shopping carts, etc. So when comparing online site builders, take particular notice of what is, and isn’t, included in the initial cost. Once again, remember that it is very important not to pinch pennies at the expense of having a great website.

The best thing to do is to look for an online site builder that includes all the features in the initial cost, without the need to upgrade. One such service is the Quick Store Builder.

In my opinion, here are some of the best site builders on the web today:

http://www.quickstorebuilder.com/
http://www.highpowersites.com/

C. Hire a Web Designer:

If the thought of creating your own business website is giving you a headache, then it is probably time to call in the expertise of a web designer to do the job for you. However, be prepared that this is not an inexpensive option. Hiring the services of a good web designer can cost thousands of dollars. Even so, if you believe that this is the only option available to you, the end result should be worth the extra cost.

D. Free Services:

When considering how best to go about creating your business website, using a free service is NOT one of your options. In fact, I will go so far as to say that you should never use a FREE web hosting service or a FREE site building service, PERIOD!

Free web hosting services normally place ads on your website, which may be fine for personal use, but is far from desirable for a business website. Apart from the barrage of questionable advertisements, you will also not be able to use your own custom domain name, which is reason alone to avoid this type of service when showcasing your business to the world. A business that uses a free host and site builder is sending the wrong message to potential customers and should be avoided at all costs.

Every business website should aim for excellence, but an online business has to go even further.

Building an effective and professional online presence does require time, effort, and creative thought, however it is an investment that will go a long way toward reaping financial rewards for your online business. In fact, if done well, it will put you in “site” of excellence, and in touch with success.

About the Author

Pam Lindsay, has been a work at home mom for many years. Her website WahmZone.com has teamed up with HighPowerSites.com to bring work at home moms the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. No programming or design skill required. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder.

Each day, as you make your way to and from your workplace, amidst the fumes, frustration, and financial drain that is the lot of a commuter, do you ever dream of being able to step out of your bedroom and straight into your workplace?

If you’re a Star Trek fan, you may be thinking, “Yes! Beam me up Scottie”–but if that was your first thought, then I’m afraid you may have to wait a little while longer. Transporter technology hasn’t quite been perfected yet. However, in spite of that slight delay in scientific progress, there is still a way to have the commute-free lifestyle you’ve been longing for. In fact, there are many people who have already turned that dream into a reality by successfully building their own home-based online businesses.

For the online business owner, there are no traffic jams, no co-workers breathing down their neck, and best of all, no BOSS! What more could anyone ask?

It sounds wonderful, and it certainly can be. However, achieving the type of success that will free you from the 9 to 5 rat race, does not just happen by itself.

The unfortunate fact is that most people will never reach this level of business success–not because they don’t have what it takes, but rather because they aren’t willing, or prepared, to take the time and effort needed to establish a proper business structure.

Now, right from the start, I’ll quite honestly say that this guide does not come with any absolute promises or guarantees. When it comes to business, there is no such thing as a “sure thing.” However, it does contain solid, time-tested procedures and advice that are essential for anyone who wants to succeed in any form of business. The new business owner ignores these things at their own risk–and, sadly, many do.

One of the main problems, when starting a business, is that many people begin with unrealistic expectations and the wrong information. If you do an internet search about starting a home-based business, you will be flooded with sites that promise to reveal the secrets of success that will help you to get rich quick. With titles such as, “How I Made $100,000 in 3 Days,” they tempt the budding entrepreneur with offers that seem too good to be true–and they usually are. Although it may be possible for someone to make a lot of money in a relatively short space of time, the reality is that for the vast majority, it is completely unlikely. Creating any form of successful business takes time, preparation, commitment and hard work.

Although many people want to start their own online businesses, very few actually know how to go about doing it … but that doesn’t stop them. Armed with little more than a desire to make money, they rush in and begin something that they are completely unprepared and unsuited for.

A quick search on any topic will provide a plethora of sites providing relevant products or services for sale. If you take the time to visit these websites, you’ll quickly notice that most are quite unprofessional in appearance, and have little, if any, chance of success. Why? Quite simply because the new business owner has started things off on the wrong foot.

There really aren’t any special secrets to starting an online business, but there are some basic steps that will help you build your way to an online success.

Step 1: DECIDE WHAT YOUR BUSINESS IS GOING TO BE

At first glance, this initial stage of starting a business appears incredibly simple, if not completely obvious. Yet you may be surprised to discover how many people are involved in a business for which they have no experience or training. In fact, many have not even taken the time to research the field at all.

It makes good sense to choose a line of business for which you have some affinity. For example, if you have experience in designing and creating handcrafted items, a potential business opportunity would be that of an online store devoted to selling your crafts, and those of other artisans. Because you have a background in this particular field, you would have an immediate rapport with your target audience, and be able to understand what is important to them regarding your type of product. You would also be able to provide accurate and interesting articles that are relevant to your field of expertise. As a marketing tool, many a business has been enhanced by the introduction of an informative newsletter.

So, experience in your chosen field is definitely a big advantage. But there is one other thing that is vital–and that’s passion. There is no question that a person who is passionate about their business will have a far greater chance of seeing it become a success, than would someone who is ambivalent about their product or service. Believe me, I speak from experience.

There is a lot of truth in the saying that “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” So before rushing headlong into the first business opportunity that comes your way, make sure that you take the time to really consider what is the right business for you, based on your interests, experience, talents and passions. If making money is the only positive factor, then think again. Taking the time to get this first step right, will ensure that you have a rock-solid foundation upon which to build the online success of your dreams.

About the Author

Pam Lindsay, has been a work at home mom for many years. Her website WahmZone.com has teamed up with HighPowerSites.com to bring work at home moms the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. No programming or design skill required. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder.

Building a website can be an exciting experience. However, when it comes to creating a business website, it is very important to look before you leap. Here are a few things to consider before launching your online presence:

1. COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY

When creating your business website, the most important thing to consider is exactly what it is you want your potential customers to know. Before the first page is prepared, you need to clearly outline the purpose of your business, then communicate that information via your website.

Over the years, I’ve visited countless websites that provide virtually no content at all. When it comes to a business website, lack of information is disastrous.

Imagine for a moment that you need a new pair of shoes. Checking the telephone directory, you find a listing for a shoe shop at the local mall. Eager to find the perfect stilettos, you hotfoot straight over.

Arriving at the store, you are surprised to find that there is no stock on display, no information about what is available, no sales assistant to answer queries, and nothing to indicate how much a pair of shoes is going to cost.

Without a backward glance, you turn on your heels and walk out the door, knowing all too well that there will always be another shoe shop just around the corner.

A scene like this is too ridiculous to believe, right? Yet, it happens thousands of times every single day. Not at the mall, but in the ever growing cyber-marketplace.

If you have a product or service to sell online, then you need to present it in a way that is both informative and enticing. Your homepage, in particular, must communicate your message clearly and grab your visitor’s attention. If it doesn’t, they will click off the page faster than you can say, “Lost opportunity.”

If you lack the confidence to write your own customer-attracting text, it may be worth hiring a writer to prepare it for you. It could make all the difference.

2. POLISHED TO PERFECTION

We’ve all heard that “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” but the reality is that we all do-and the same is true for a business website.

When it comes to a personal website, almost anything goes. However, the same freedom does not apply when it comes to business, where the website should be a polished and professional representation of the business or service, while still reflecting the personality of the owner.

Many fail to grasp the importance of that first impression. As an online business owner, you will literally only have seconds to capture a potential customer’s interest.

If your site is sloppy, slow to load, and generally looks like it was built by your grade school child, it is a fairly safe assumption that you will never develop the successful online enterprise of your dreams.

Today, with the availability of online site builders, there is no reason for anyone to have a site that looks unprofessional. Even without any knowledge of programming or HTML, site builders make it easy to create an online business presence that is polished to perfection. It’s as simple as selecting a template and typing in your text. Before you know it, you’ll have a website that says to the world, “I’m ready and more than able to serve you.”

So put those days of psychedelic backgrounds, neon text and flashing logos, away forever by taking a 10-day free trial of one of the most powerful, yet cost effective, site builders on the internet:

WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder

3. THIS LITTLE BUSINESS WENT TO MARKET

It’s amazing how many people go blissfully into business with the notion that they only have to open the door, and the customers will come running. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is a common denominator found in the majority of unsuccessful online businesses, and that is a lack of marketing.

No matter how brilliant your website may be, or how clever your product or service, success will be very slow in coming if you don’t take steps to get the word out to the marketplace.

People often tell me that they are disappointed because their new website is not generating any sales. The first thing I ask them is whether they have done any marketing. More often than not, their response is that they haven’t really done anything at all.

Building a successful online business takes time and effort. It can take many months, if not years, for a business to develop a reputation for reliability and trustworthiness. However, once gained, that reputation is more precious than gold. Unfortunately, most business owners give up before they ever reach that point.

When promoting your business, the first step is to make sure that your website is optimized for search engines. To do this, ensure that your website meta-tags include the most important keywords pertaining to your business. Keywords should also be included in the title tag.

Once you’ve done this, and your website is completely ready to be seen by the public, submit your site to the search engines. To do this, you can use the FREE service provided at the following site:

http://www.submitexpress.com

Another excellent site is selfpromotion.com. Here you can gain valuable information on how to market your business. They will even submit your site to search engines if you make a donation to their service:

http://selfpromotion.com

Having your site listed with search engines is essential. However, to get traffic quickly you will need to use a Pay Per Click service, such as Google Adwords and Overture.com (Yahoo search marketing).

Decide on the keywords and phrases that most people would use if they were looking for your service. Then start bidding for those words, making sure that you ONLY nominate the lowest amount available. Google and Overture will suggest a figure, but DO NOT bid that amount. Start small and see how much traffic you can generate. Once you see results and your business begins to grow, gradually increase your bids, if necessary.

When preparing your website and promoting your business, it is very important to remember that every penny and second spent improving your online presence, is an investment in your future.

Ultimately, there are two types of online businesses-those that are website failures, and those that are website winners. Get things right at the start, and your dream business will never become a nightmare.

About the Author

Pam Lindsay, has been a work at home mom for many years. Her website WahmZone.com has teamed up with HighPowerSites.com to bring work at home moms the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder the easiest do-it-yourself website builder on the web. No programming or design skill required. Get your own website online in just 5 minutes with the WahmBuilder Easy Website Builder.