You can steal my chili recipe....

I was recently giving a seminar at a conference. I like to greet people as they enter my seminars to help ensure that I deliver them helpful information. So as usual, I was doing so. As I gazed outside the door to the seminar I noticed one of my competitors waiting in the hallway (obviously waiting to come in).

So, as with all of the participants I greeted and welcomed her. During the seminar I noticed she was feverishly taking notes. Part of me was amused and the other part felt like she was stealing proprietary information. Then I reflected back to a quote from a friend of mine, Vic, from Texas.

"You can steal my chili recipe....but you still can't make my chili."

Ultimately, it is not technology, trade secrets, patents, or contracts that determine your success....it is you and your people.

All the best,

Dave

BTW-If the picture above got your mouth watering, email us and we will send you our favorite chili recipe. - inquiry@salessherpas.com

Search Engine Optimization Strategies

SEO(Search Engine) optimization is now a key tool in creating an effective online presence. A few clients have recently asked me "how much would it cost to optimize my site?" Typically the client is seeking a one time investment and only considering on-page optimization.

First of all, we need to discuss on-page versus off-page optimization.

On-Page Optimization focuses on elements ON your website:
1) Meta tags
2) Keywords
3) Title tags
4) Other elements behind the code

These on-page optimization components help drive page rankings on search but they do not represent the entire SEO picture. Most firms stop with on-page optimization.

Off-page optimization refers to links that connect to your website. This is sometimes also called "link popularity." This also drives page ranking. Before you run off and add as many links as possible to your website....stop. You want to ensure you have relevant links. Developing links from irrelevant sites is simply a waste of your time and frankly of the visitors time. Spend some time thinking about where visitor's would go to get complementary information.

Example: If you are a carpet retailer perhaps you want to develop links from remodeling contractors.

The SEO Process is not a one-time event where you spend a few thousand dollars and magically "your website is optimized." Keep in mind many firms, including perhaps your competition, are also optimizing their site therefore your ranking could be consistently declining.

Develop on-page and off-page SEO strategies and tactics. Then create a monthly or quarterly budget to drive those strategies and tactics. If you have the internal knowledge and people to develop these strategies and tactics commit those resources accordingly.

If you need assistance with your SEO strategy and tactics to help drive your online presence please contact us at 800.287.7198 or at inquiry@salessherpas.com

Thanks,

Dave

www.salessherpas.com

10 Secrets to Achieving Marketing ROI

Dave Gee, our CEO, recently completed a seminar on "10 Secrets to Achieving Marketing ROI." It provides critical tools for marketers during tough economic times and those with shrinking marketing budgets.

Some of the secrets include:
1) Incorporating key marketing measurements
* Which measurements are the most important

2) Importance of testing
* Key components to test

3) Utilization of Pay-Per-Click campaigns
* How your competition is diverting searches to your website

If you would like a free copy of the seminar PowerPoint slides please email: inquiry@salessherpas.com.

Please Include:
1) Your first and last name
2) Company name
3) Email address where you would like the presentation sent
4) Reference seminar "10 Secrets to Achieving Marketing ROI"

You can contact Dave Gee directly at 262.949.4969 if you have any specific questions or requests for seminar engagements.

www.salessherpas.com

WSTA Speaking Engagement

David Gee, Sales Sherpas CEO and University of Wisconsin - Madison Marketing instructor, has been invited as a guest speaker to the Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association Fall Conference - October 13th-15th in Stevens Point, WI.

The topic will be "10 Secrets to Achieving Marketing ROI." Attendees will gain insights on how to measure their marketing, implementation of marketing tests, web-based tools that deliver strong ROI and more.

The presentation will be held Tuesday October 14th from 2:00pm-2:50pm in the Stonefield room(Meeting Room 3). Space will be limited to this event so WSTA members should arrive early.

PowerPoint slides of the presentation will be available by request after the conference at: inquiry@salessherpas.com or 800.287.7198.

Website Costs

During initial discovery meetings many of our clients frequently rush to the question of "how much do you charge for a website?" Clients that have never built a website before or have a first- generation website tend to shop on price. They tend seek out their brother-in-law who is a sociology major "but does websites on the side." Then they will brag about how they spent $1,000.00 on their new website.

These low budget websites frequently:

1) Are never designed to achieve a specific goal or action

2) Lack the visual appeal necessary to engage the audience

3) Do not contain the necessary information desired by the target audience

4) Have no support from the original web designer

5) Possess outdated information

6) Have not been optimized

7) Contain programming errors, dead links and more

8) Most importantly do not drive sales

After a few months or sometimes years the client realizes that their current website is actually damaging their image. They start reviewing their competitors websites and realize that their prospective customers are going through the same process. This is when companies start seeking professional website designers to develop their new web presence.

Let me cut to the chase.....There is no average website cost. Just like every client, every website is different.

Some of the questions that need to be asked - that will determine your cost:

1) What are the goals of the website? (e.g. inquiries, sales)

2) Do you need to incorporate animation or video?

3) What graphical images will need to be created?

4) Will the website require database capabilities?

5) How many rounds of edits will be included? (you WILL underestimate this)?

6) Who will maintain/update the website?

7) Do you need the website to be optimized? (It should be)

8) What will be the final number of pages? (you WILL underestimate this too)

9) Will you provide all of the copy or will you need a copywriter?

10) Is the website being built from scratch or are there components that can be reused?

Lastly, ask yourself this question..."How many sales will it take to break-even on this website?" This will help you determine whether the proposed website is a good investment or not.

If you have questions about this blog or questions about Sales Sherpas website services you may reach us at 800.287.7198 or visit us at www.salessherpas.com.