Internet Marketing 101

May 23rd, 2003

Hey y'all;

Well here in the USA we have a 3 day weekend since our observation of Memorial day is on this coming Monday (Today).

I held today's (Friday) issue until today (May 26th) in honor of those that protect our country and for those that died doing so.

They do so unselfishly knowing the risk of losing their life. Which our Memorial Day is just a that, a memorial to those that died serving our country.

They died for something they believed in and knew it was important.
These heroes died for a cause.

Do You Have A Cause?
You should.
Maybe you are asking "cause why?" Hey that's southern talk for "because why?".
:-)

Anyway because it gives you motivation, purpose and a reason to do certain things.

As we carry on our daily efforts in our business there should be a driving "cause" behind those efforts.

Do you do it for money?
Is it ultimately to work full-time for yourself?
Is your "cause" for your family and to have more time to spend with them?
For many people it could be for all of the above reasons.

Ok, the above are just a few examples. So now let's turn this around to a potential customer's point of view.

They visit your site, or read your mailings or newsletter because they also have a "cause". This cause is created by underlying needs or elements that needs to be fixed in their life.

These needs that need fixing ...grin.. pardon the pun:
Can be anything from wanting to increase their income, to such things as losing weight, finding companionship, or how to grow house plants.

Geeesh Gary, what kind of need is that? Growing house plants???

Hey don't ask me folks, ask the potential customer. After all, they are the ones searching in the search engines for this information.

They are the ones WILLING to plunk down their hard earned money for this information, provided of course you give them a good reason too.

They are the ones spending their time and efforts looking for this information.

Hmmm, sounds to me like a problem that needs a solution.

Ok, so maybe you have the solution.

So how do you present that solution?
Do you tell them how great your product is?
Do you tell them all the bells and whistles it has?

Do you tell them your:
"Super Fast Broom" will do 50 sweeps a minute.
It has the latest in a slim line soft handle.
It has the latest bristle technology.

WOW, 50 sweeps a minute, a slim line soft handle and great bristles!
Send me out twenty today.
NOT!
Please tell me what all that means to me?

How about if you change that to:

Super Fast Broom

1. Have more time for your family!
At 50 sweeps a minute you will finish THREE times as fast. Have more time for yourself and with your family.

2. No more hand cramps or blisters!
Our slim line soft handle fits your hands to eliminate those cramps and blisters.

3. This broom will last FIVE times as long - SAVE MONEY!
Our cutting edge bristle technology insures your broom will outlast any other broom by at least FIVE times in durability and lifespan.

Yeah I know, this is a somewhat silly example, but it should give you an idea of what I'm trying to stress here.

Stress the benefits not the features. Features and benefits are not the same thing, remember this and distinguish between the two.

It amazes me the many excellent sites out there that have good copy, good design and an excellent product. However they fail to tell the customer just why they should buy.

Relay to the person what they stand to gain from buying your product or service.

Ok, so let's move on to something else. I think you get the point..grin...



Identity Theft
I had someone email me this week about identity theft, wanting to know if I had any resources for it. First let me point out I'm not an attorney, CPA, or legal professional, so any information I list here is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as legal advice or consultation.

ALWAYS seek the advice of a professional when seeking legal or financial advice.


Here are a few tips I rounded up:

1. Keep your cards, PIN numbers, social security card and other important ID information in a safe place.

2. Don't give out personal information to anyone on the phone unless you ABSOLUTELY trust and know that person. Also be certain it is THAT person you are talking too!

3. When disposing of old credit cards, checks, receipts and other items that may contain personal information then SHRED the cards and documents. Don't leave anything to chance. You never know who may be going through your garbage.

I know this sounds silly folks, but thieves actually do this to find information.

4. Consider getting a credit report at least once a year to watch for any unusual activity about your credit. Many times it could be months before you are aware there is even a problem.

5. Be sure your computer is up to date with firewall software and anti-virus software. This is especially true if you keep sensitive data on your computer. Heck, you should do this period.

For more tips and info on identity theft check the site below:
http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

For more info on protecting your computer from hackers, viruses and spyware then check out my ebook.
http://www.hackers-ohmy.com


Send me your comments and/or marketing questions please:
comments@InternetMarketing-101.net



So that's all guys and gals, until this Friday.

I hope all of you had a very blessed and safe holiday weekend!

Thanks for joining me and my rambling!



PS: Send your comments and/or marketing questions to:
comments@InternetMarketing-101.net

Let me know if it's ok to use your comments or questions in my newsletter.

If you would like a copy in article form to run in your newsletter just let me know...grin...

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