Regular Website http://BataraImmigrationLaw.com

Mobile website that is much easier to read with Click-to-call and vital information for those using their mobile phone. Mobile Website

People are brutally honest about what they hate and love.  And, yes, they are talking about YOUR BUSINESS and how bad your website may look in their mobile browser.

From a consumer standpoint, I myself, get frustrated trying to find information and I all I get on my mobile is an unfriendly standard website.  Boo-hiss!

Why, just the other day I searched “business coach” while waiting to pick up my daughter and found that EVERY WEBSITE on the FIRST PAGE of Google DID NOT have a mobile ready site.

Talk about leaving money on the table!

Did you know that websites with mobile access rank higher in mobile browsers?  Uh huh.  They sure do.

But lets just keep that between you and me, ok?

If you are a technophobe or a Luddite, relax! There are ways of going mobile that don’t involve becoming a rocket scientist.

The example above is Immigration Attorney Carlos Batara’s mobile website, and his standard website.  You can see how Carlos gives just the necessary information people need while they’re out and about.

• His Click-to-Call phone number
• Office locations & Google maps
• What services he offers
• Videos
• Make payments

So you’ve already done the hard work by creating your primary website… now all you need is to lighten the load and go mobile!  (And, if you don’t yet have a website – no sweat! This will be a lot less painful!)

If you have…

1. Scrolling, blinking text, butterflies and other animated images whirling around your homepage. Including falling snow, stars, puppies, or kittens…
2. An outdated copyright in the footer that says 2008 and you haven’t changed a single thing since…
3. Still have Flash on your website… or even worse, a Flash entry page…
4. Half a dozen different sizes and colors of text in the body of your website… and CLIPART!
5. MUSIC.  For the love of God – stop the highly annoying classical music that plays on your homepage. (Kill me now)
6. Outdated pics.  Your professional pics are >10 years old.
7. “FREE REPORT” – this term is so outdated and ignored by everyone.  Free report feels like useless information you got from someone else that you’re regurgitating and trying to dump on me.  No Thank you.
8. You don’t provide some of the services you have listed.  ”Sorry, I don’t do that anymore”
9. No interactivity or opportunity to engage. No blog, RSS feed, newsletter, social media.
10. You don’t even mention you HAVE a website because you’re too embarrassed for anyone to see it.
11. Bonus: Your site is all about you – WRONG.  ”I am looking for information, and I want it fast.  I do NOT care about you.  All I want to know is – What you can do for ME!”

If this is you, there is no need to be ashamed.  Put away your MembersOnly jacket, or for the ladies, your Reebok Pumps and Leg Warmers. I can get you updated very quietly and discreetly.  Click here to schedule an appointment.  No one will ever know!

Ever land on a web site and jump back because you were startled by sheer horror of what you were seeing?  I have. Here are 6 examples off the top of my head - continue with caution! :)

1. Flimsy, Limp Handshake - this person has no confidence. They are so worried about "what if" they miss opportunities.   #FAIL.
2. Obnoxious Salesman - Pop-ups, flashing text, lots of bold graphics. #FAIL
3. The Programmer/Techno Snob - usually has mystery meat navigation, information is hard to find and scarce. #FAIL
4. Ultra ADHD - Too many choices, and so much junk that you get a headache trying to find what you want. #FAIL
5. Simple and Shy - extremely plain.  No call to action, or visually appealing anything to get you revved up about what they have to offer. #FAIL
6. The Wannabe - copies what other marketers are doing without understanding WHY they do it. They just want to make a fast buck.  #FAIL

Anyone can create a blog/website.  Over 20k are created every day.  Doesn't mean they should though.

Let me ask you... what are all 6 flawed marketers missing?

ENGAGING with their prospects.  Be where your customers are.

To be engaging means...

Always being LIKE-ABLE.
Do you know someone that everybody likes? Pleasant with an attractive personality. Is that person humble? A servant to others with a joyful attitude of giving?   Is this you?

Always be TRUSTWORTHY.
Do what you say you're going to do.  Be in integrity.  Think of businesses that are trustworthy... Amazon, Zappos, Apple.  Companies that have the distinct reputation for extraordinary customer service and satisfaction.  Have you done what you say you're going to do?

Always be ANSWERING.
Answering questions, responding to inquiries, offering solutions.  Be fast and frequent.  Typically 24 hours is a respectable turn around time.  How can you set up a system to always be prompt?

Always be THANKING...
...people for their RT's (re-tweets), comments, or sharing your material.  Stay in a state of Gratitude.

Always be LINKING.
Linking your content to your social media accounts, like twitter.  Twitter makes it easy for your peeps to RT or re-tweet your link to expand your reach.  And, think of others! When they RT, their @twitterhandle is tweeted too, so don't use all 140 characters.  Save at least 20 characters for the re-tweeter's handle to show up on your tweet too.

Always take PHOTOGRAPHS.
Facebook is the worlds largest website and what do most people spend time doing? Looking at pictures! So always take photos of events and opportunities - a cell phone camera is fine.

This is totally up to you! You can engage your prospects, build relationships and create evangelists for your business or not.  Or, you can continue to do the 6 Flaws and "interruption marketing" to piss your prospect off.  Whatever you do, just make sure you're in alignment with your visitors GOALS.  Help them solve their problem quickly and painlessly as possible. Your website isn't about you, it's about THEM

Now It's YOUR Turn! What are your thoughts? Post below, I'd love to know what you think!

• cformsII – go to deliciousdays.com to download zip file to your computer, then upload into plugins via upload link. (see “install plugins” pic –>)  cformsII can be intimidating at first, but it’s all very logical if you think your steps through.  Some clients use this for their “Coaching Request” questionnaire, others for their client “Work Out Log.”
• WP Greet Box – I like this because it gives a greeting to the visitor, and reminds them to subscribe to my RSS feed.
• Do Follow - The plugin lets you remove the evil no-follow attribute from your comments.  And we like to share the love, so… do follow!
• Disqus Comment System http://disqus.com/ – Way cool commenting, and importing of mentions of your post from other sites, ie. Twitter, Facebook, etc.  You’ll need to set up an account at Disqus first – then check your settings in WordPress.
• Google XML Sitemaps – Because Google likes sites/blogs that are neat and pretty with sitemaps.  Don’t be caught without one.
• Raw HTML capability – sometimes you need to put code in a post and wordpress tries to strip your code – highly annoying – with this plugin, you just tick the box and wordpress will leave it alone.
• ShareThis http://sharethis.com/ – neat and tidy way of sharing your content with the world.  I like ShareThis because of it’s uncluttered look.
• Similar Posts – will add 3, 5, or however many similar posts with the same tags to the bottom of your post.
• TweetMeme – this is that cute little “retweet” box by your posts that enables the reader to only click once to retweet.
• WordPress.com Stats – You will become addicted to this feature! Stats gives you real-time data regarding your site/blog… how many visitors, where they came from, what search terms they used to find you…etc.
• Yoast Breadcrumbs - if your site is “deep”, meaning you have multiple levels of navigation, you’ll definitely want breadcrumbs to show your readers where they are.

1. Don’t waste your web site’s real estate with a lot of high-tech clutter. With social media today that can happen easily – add a widget here, another widget there… pretty soon, it’s cluttered like the television show “Hoarders”. Your visitors will miss your whole sales message and bail.

2. Don’t forget to demonstrate Social Proof. This means testimonials.  Be careful though – new FTC guidelines require you to secure the permission from the individual to use their testimonial in your copy.  I always do AND, put the full name, and website url of the person giving the testimonial.

3. Don’t use run-on sentences. Sentences should be no longer than 10 words. You only have so much time to get your visitor’s attention and interest; make every word count.

4. Don’t assume that everyone will automatically understand what you have to offer. BE OBVIOUS! Use powerful words and examples to get your point across.

5. Don’t write your strongest point or benefit only once. You should repeat it at least 3 times because some people don’t get it right away. (how many times do you have to tell your kids to clean their room…5-6-7 times?)

6. White space is good! Don’t push all your words together on your web site. People like to skim; use plenty of headings and sub headings. Bold key phrases to make your copy “scan-able.”

7. Don’t write crap your target market isn’t interested in. If people are coming to your site to find info about knitting don’t include soccer content.  Not to be confused with “life-streaming.”  People who are following you on twitter, Facebook, etc. DO want to know what you’re doing.

8. Don’t give me a headache with your 20 different fonts and colors all over your web site. Use the same fonts, text sizes & colors, etc. If a site looks to “complicated” to read, your prospect is sure to bail and never return… worse yet, you could be “stumbled” on stumbleupon.com or submitted to websites that suck for having the worst site ever!

9. Cut out the jargon. Don’t use words your visitors might not understand. People are not going to stop and look in a dictionary, or Google the “word”, they will just go to another site. (If my 15 year old daughter can’t “get” the concept of my copy, I start over.)

10. Make your website POP! Don’t let selling words and phrases go unnoticed. Highlight important words and phrases with color, bolding, italics, underlining, etc.

11. Don’t omit your social media homes. aka. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Digg, Delicious, etc.  If you do people will think you’re behind the times.  Social media has been around long enough that most everyone online has adopted some form of social interaction.

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Coach of The Web Coach.net and is known as the gal to call when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the internet. To spend more time with Donna experiencing Web technology, Small Business Coaching and Marketing in the most SIMPLIFED way possible go to http://thewebcoach.net. Get the Business Breakthrough You Need by scheduling yourself for a free 30-minute Business Breakthru Coaching call.

Website needs change over the years.  In order to succeed and stay up-to-date with trends, you’ll want to read and implement these 7 powerful success tips for your website in 2010 .

1. Your copy is most important. I imagine this will never change – it’s definitely worth your time to learn how to write your own persuasive and powerful sales copy or hire a copywriter. Take a look at two greats like: Dan Kennedy and David Ogilvy. Both are accomplished authors – go buy their stuff and absorb it all.
2. Ease of use – for heavens sake, don’t make me think! I don’t want to guess or look very hard for information on your website. If you don’t understand what I mean, go read “Don’t Make Me Think” by Steve Krug. Take notes.
3. Your social media contact info – Yes, I’m going to stalk you. Of course your website positions you as an upstanding person, but I want to know the *REAL* you. How do you interact with friends and customers? What do people post on your Facebook wall?
4. Testimonials – candid, unrehearsed and off-the-cuff testimonials can only build your credibility. When you do good work – get a testy!
5. Single point-of-entry – make it easy to do business with you. One simple way to be introduced to your world of products and services is thru a single point-of-entry. Woo me, seduce me, and make me fall in love and spend my money!
6. Are you a Go-giver? Nothing is more attractive or sexy than a person who gives freely and unconditionally. Yeah, really. Have you read “The Go-Giver?” by Bob Burg and John David Mann?
7. BLOG – I want to know how you think. If you’re not blogging by now – get started. I want to do business with a person of character and integrity. Your blog can tell me exactly what kind of person you are.
   

What are Your thoughts?

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net; a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you are feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!
Follow me on Twitter @TheWebCoachand lets connect on Facebook!

Social Secret Squirrel Stuff!

I’m ALMOST DONE with the revised -and as always free- “QuickStart Web Workbook” version 9.0 Social Media edition. Come and sink your teeth into page 18, the section on “HOW to find the right people to friend and follow in social media.”

Download and take a bite here.

Creating a client attracting, professional website does not have to cost you thousands of dollars nor do you need to have a lot of technical expertise.

Matter of fact, if you know the right tools and are a bit savvy with your computer and internet, you can do it for LESS than a couple hundred bucks.

The minimum tools you’ll need to get started are:

• your domain and hosting with a MySQL database
• a theme (what you call a template in the WordPress world)
• free ftp software.  (Or Dreamweaver if you prefer)
• a little bit of time and patience

When you purchase your domain and hosting together, most of the time a MySQL database is included in the package.

Your site is being built on a WordPress platform, a free web-based blogging tool.

Why WordPress? Because:

1. It’s open source. Which means thousands of people are continuously updating and making it better for the greater good of mankind.
2. YOU will be able to update your site from anywhere.  It’s web-based, you only need an internet connection and a browser to access your site.
3. Creating new pages, uploading images, and video only takes a couple clicks and you’re done.
4. Writing and formatting your copy is just like editing a word document.  Easy peasy.
5. Plugins and Widgets!  These two nifty elements will add personality and function.

Before you begin, find a notebook to keep track of your passwords.  In my online client area, I create a file called “Access – Passwords n’such”, that way we can both update and have access to passwords.  Examples of passwords we keep track of are email, shopping cart, hosting, ftp, database, WordPress, audio, Facebook, Twitter etc.

Assuming you have already purchased a domain and hosting, begin by accessing your hosting companies control panel (cpanel).  There will will see common areas like “Website, Email, Domain, E-Commerce, Scripting & add-ons, Marketing Services, and Account info.”  This info may be different, as all hosting companies cpanel’s are different.

You canl start with the database setup first:

1. click on “manage MySQL Database” or “Create MySQL Database”
2. Create a “Database Name”:
3. Create a Database Login
4. Create a Password:

All done.  And you wrote all of your database info down, right?  Of course you did!

Next, you’ll move to the “Scripting & Add-ons” or “Install Central” section.  There you’ll find WordPress and a bunch of other goodies.  We’re only concerned with WordPress right now.

Click on install WordPress and enter your database name, username and password when prompted.

As WordPress is installing, you’ll need to think of an administrative username, password and give an email address since you’ll be the admin of the site.  You’re almost done!

When WordPress is completely installed, you can access by typing in http://yourdomain.com/wp-admin.php and enter you’re admin username and password.

Wasn’t so bad now, was it?

Now it’s YOUR turn:

• Do you have your domain and hosting purchased?
• Have you looked at WordPress Themes yet?
• Have you blocked out time to achieve your goals?

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net; a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you are feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net. Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!
Follow me on Twitter @TheWebCoachand lets connect on
Facebook!

1. A SIMPLE domain name – I can’t tell you how many times people have spent weeks trying to determine just the right domain name, only to come up with something that has no keywords or is a tongue-twister.  Keep is simple folks.  If your brilliant domain name is taken, go back to the white board – add a simple word like “The” (thewebcoach) or “Your”, (yourwebcoach) “e” (ewebcoach)… get it?  Go through the alphabet if you have to.
2. Branding – today you can easily get a custom logo and/or brand identity with “contest” services like 99 Designs. Simply post what your desires are, and several graphic designers will post their concepts.  You give feedback, pick, choose and eliminate the unfavorable ones and are left with a design.  It’s very important to have a unified brand across all of your media outlets.
3. Copy – I can’t stress this enough.  Seriously, folks. 9 times out of 10 your website is to be written to woo your VISITOR to take action and contact you or purchase something.  If you can’t write compelling sales copy – you’d better hire someone.  This is money well spent.
4. Articles – the simplest way you demonstrate your expertise.  Articles are the introductory conversation you’ll have with your visitor at their convenience.  They will learn how you will solve their problem, get a feel for you, and determine if you’re likeable enough to do business with.
5. Social media – Welcome to the relationship marketing age!  At the very least, you MUST be on Facebook and Twitter.  A website simply isn’t enough anymore.  Personal connections are vital to survive in our economy, so get plugged in!
6. Follow up strategy – Autoresponders are the best for follow-up.  Autoresponders are an automated series of emails sent on your behalf to keep in touch with your prospects.
7. FREEBIE! or as I say “your single point of entry” into your business.  Everyone should give away a bit of valuable information to their prospect whether it’s from your website or brick n’mortar store.  This give-away does come at a price to the prospect, but it’s not money,  it’s their name and address (or email).  This is the holy grail of all marketing because once you have this information, you can continue to market to that prospect forever.

Now it’s YOUR turn:

• What steps do you need to take to implement the above strategies?
• What support will you need? Do it yourself? Hire an expert?
• When are you gonna do it? TODAY!

Donna Payne is the Chief Web Goddess of The Web Coach.net a web development, coaching and marketing firm, and is known as the gal to call when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Learn Money & Time Saving Techniques that everyone should know when working with a web designer or building a website yourself. Download your FREE “Quick-Start Web Workbook” and accompanying MP3 at http://thewebcoach.net “Know PAYNE – Know GAIN!”
Follow me on Twitter.com/TheWebCoach and lets connect on Facebook!