Get your Website on the First Page of Google with Written Content

Get your Website on the First Page of Google with Written Content

There are so many ‘moving parts’ when it comes to getting your website on the first page of Google, and the rules change all of the time… However, any effort you put into driving traffic to your website will pay off.

Let’s start with the importance of written content.

Google likes to index fresh, quality content on a regular basis. Currently most of you have what is known as a ‘brochure’ website – for example: About, Services, Meet the Team, FAQ, Contact.

Beyond the 5-page brochure – it is important to add relevant, keyword rich and well written content at least once a month, once a week is better, and 5 times a week is even better.

Your website has been set up using the WordPress platform, with a simple blog format for adding all of this fresh content.

Personally, my goal is to add one piece of fresh, original content a week, and 3-4 more relevant ‘curated’ articles through-out the rest of the week (more about curated content later).

Google likes to lots see of written content. This content should be:

  • Focused on one or two keywords
  • At least 60% of it should be fresh, original content
  • Correctly spelled with faultless grammer
  • Simple to read with lots of open white space, headers, and bullet points
  • Attractive, with relevant images that capture your visitors attention and boost the message of your content, imploring visitors to read on
  • Exactly what people are looking for when they find you site while using the search engines
  • Search Engine Optimized (SEO), so that the content will be indexed to attract visitors to your website
    Writing SEO Content
  • Every article you write should include the site concept (or main category) keywords at least 2 times per 100 words.
  • When getting ready to write articles, pick out the keywords with the best potential to write about first.
  • When writing content, use your chosen keywords 3-4 x’s per 100 words; in the title, in the meta description (200 characters max which should also be your first sentence and behind every picture.
  • Be careful not to use any word more than 6 times per 100 words
  • Every time you use a keyword in the content – convert it to italics, or bold it. Be sure to use Headings 1, 2, & 3.
  • KISS – Keep it [the content] Simple Stupid. Simple and plain, almost outline form with bold lettering, heading fonts and bullet points.
  • Write short punchy sentences, 8-10 words.
  • Keep the paragraphs short, no more than 4 lines. You want to see lots of white space.
  • Double space after each paragraph.
  • Always install at least one picture, something that tells the reader at a glance what the article is about.
  • Write a keyword description in the Alt Tag, and Image description.

Social Media Marketing Tips

Social Media Marketing Tips

Social Media Marketing success can sometimes feel like such a complex process.  However, I’ve found that breaking the complex down to some basics can really help.  Here’s 10 Social Media Marketing Success for Business Tips that are simple, straightforward, and can help you get results quickly.

1. Write at least 1 blog per week. Pick a day and time.  Be consistent.  Yes, your blog is part of your social media strategy!

2. Create a scheduling calendar for all your profiles. This will make posting much easier.

3. Write a matching and dynamite bio or about section on all your social profiles.

4. Be consistent across all social channels. Your fans are not going to engage with you if you are inconsistent with posting content and engaging.

5. Build partnerships with other like minded and complementary businesses.

6. Share content from other complimentary businesses and build business relationships. If you give you will also receive.

7. Create marketing campaigns once a month or once a quarter around a special event, course, webinar, new product etc.

8. Treat each social network different. So, don’t schedule a post and then send it to all your networks.  Craft each post uniquely

9. Send an email periodically and invite all your clients and/or potential clients to follow you on one social network at a time and offer an incentive or gift for doing so.

10. Advertise your social media profiles offline on business cards, brochures, signs, events and more.

There you have it! Doing these simple things can be great steps that can have a big impact on your marketing!

Internet Marketing Tip; Write an EBook with Viral Potential

Internet Marketing Tip; Write an EBook with Viral Potential

Writing an e-book is a great way to establish your expertise, and, it is also a powerful real estate marketing idea. If you are thinking of investing your time in this type of activity, it is important to plan for success. And, if success triggers a viral response – tons of traffic will arrive at your website.

So how do you plan for success (and a viral result) when writing an e-book?

Tailor the Content

First you need to walk in your prospects shoes and determine what problems they are having. Write your e-book focused on solving these problems, and, if you want it to go viral – don’t write about your products and services.

Carefully craft a title that grabs the reader’s attention, then, add a subtitle that describes what the content will deliver.

Grab your reader’s attention by opening with a story. Add more stories and examples throughout and include elements of struggle, argument, conflict and problem solving.  Make it snappy to keep the readers interest.

It’s a good marketing idea to write in a conversational style, with short paragraphs and lots of white space. Make it easy to read, fun and entertaining.

Personalize the Look and Feel

Present your e-book in portrait. There are a couple of reasons for this – first of all, almost all of your content should show up on the screen without the reader having to scroll down. And, it signals the reader that something different is being presented.

Include graphics and images in the text and change the color of the background (to a light gray or cream color). Graphics and images send a message to the reader about the content, and the colored background indicates that the content is not boring (as in white pages).

E-books can be as short as 10 – 12 pages, or as long as 50 – 60 pages (if it is well organized and easy to navigate). However, if your e-book is on the long side, it’s a good marketing idea to present your information in a couple of e-books, maybe even a series of e-books.

Pay attention to the details

If you want this e-book to go viral, offer it for FREE, no list building or lead capture systems here. It should be easy to access and easy to share.

Consider hiring the services of a professional editor to help you through the process. And, have the e-book cover professionally designed.

Create a landing page so that people can download your E-Book, and add a Creative Commons license on the content so that people know they can freely share your copyrighted material.

Promote like Crazy

Finally, promote the e-book like crazy. Make it available at all of your social networking sites, a widget on your blog, link to it on your email signature, alert fellow bloggers, add it to e-book directories, create a short video and blast the video out to all of the video directories.

Design Elements of a Website

Design Elements of a Website

Design elements of a website are the visual and interactive aspects that shape its look and feel, usability, and overall user experience. They go beyond just aesthetics and play a crucial role in branding, communication, and achieving website goals. Here’s a breakdown of key design elements:

I. Visual Design Elements:

These elements directly impact how users perceive the website visually.

  • Layout: The arrangement and structure of content on the page. This includes the use of grids, white space, and the positioning of elements like text, images, and navigation. A well-planned layout ensures readability and guides the user’s eye.
  • Color Palette: The selection of colors used throughout the website. Colors evoke emotions and associations, and a consistent color palette reinforces branding and creates visual harmony. Considerations include primary, secondary, and accent colors.
  • Typography: The choice and styling of fonts used for text. Typography impacts readability, legibility, and the overall tone and personality of the website. Factors include font families, sizes, line height, and text alignment.
  • Imagery & Graphics: The use of photographs, illustrations, icons, and other visual elements. High-quality and relevant imagery can enhance content, convey messages, and create emotional connections with users.
  • White Space (Negative Space): The empty areas around and between design elements. White space is crucial for readability, visual breathing room, and highlighting key content. It prevents the website from feeling cluttered.
  • Visual Hierarchy: The arrangement of elements to indicate their importance. This is achieved through variations in size, color, contrast, and placement, guiding the user’s attention to key information and calls to action.
  • Branding: Incorporating brand elements such as logos, brand colors, and brand voice consistently throughout the website to build recognition and trust.
  • Shape & Form: The use of geometric or organic shapes and the overall form of elements can contribute to the website’s aesthetic and create visual interest.
  • Texture: Although primarily visual on screen, the suggestion of texture through patterns or subtle visual cues can add depth and richness to the design.
  • Animation & Motion Graphics: Subtle animations and motion can enhance user engagement, provide feedback, and guide navigation. However, they should be used thoughtfully and not be distracting.

II. Interactive Design Elements:

These elements allow users to engage with the website and perform actions.

  • Navigation: Clear and intuitive menus, links, and search functionality that allow users to easily find the information they need.
  • Buttons & Calls to Action (CTAs): Prominent and clearly labeled buttons that encourage specific actions, such as “Learn More,” “Buy Now,” or “Contact Us.”
  • Forms: Interactive elements that allow users to input information, such as contact forms, registration forms, and checkout processes.
  • User Interface (UI) Controls: Elements like sliders, dropdown menus, checkboxes, and radio buttons that enable user input and interaction.
  • Microinteractions: Small animations and feedback that occur when users interact with specific elements, such as button hovers or form validation. These enhance the user experience by providing subtle cues and making the interface feel more responsive.
  • Responsiveness: Ensuring the website adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes and devices (desktops, tablets, and mobile phones) to provide an optimal viewing and interaction experience.
  • Accessibility: Designing the website to be usable by people with disabilities, including providing alternative text for images, proper color contrast, and keyboard navigation.

III. Usability & User Experience (UX) Considerations:

While not strictly visual elements, these principles heavily influence design choices:

  • Intuitive Navigation: Making it easy for users to understand how to move through the website.
  • Clear Information Architecture: Organizing content logically and consistently.
  • Fast Loading Times: Optimizing images and code to ensure quick page loads, as slow websites can frustrate users.
  • Mobile-First Design: Designing primarily for mobile devices and then scaling up to larger screens, reflecting the dominance of mobile browsing.
  • Consistency: Maintaining a consistent design language throughout the website to avoid confusing users.
  • Feedback: Providing clear visual or interactive feedback to users after they perform an action.
  • Error Prevention & Handling: Designing forms and interactions to minimize errors and providing helpful messages when errors occur.

Effective website design involves a thoughtful combination of these elements, working together to create a visually appealing, user-friendly, and goal-oriented online presence. The specific design choices will depend on the website’s purpose, target audience, and brand identity.

The Flexibility of WordPress Themes

The Flexibility of WordPress Themes

The inherent flexibility of many WordPress themes stands as a significant advantage for website owners, offering a level of control and adaptability that traditional, more rigid website platforms often lack. This adaptability translates into numerous benefits, empowering users to create and evolve their online presence with greater ease and efficiency.

Customization: One of the primary advantages of a flexible WordPress theme lies in its customization capabilitiesThese themes often come equipped with a wide array of built-in options accessible through the WordPress Customizer or dedicated theme settings panels. This user-friendly interface allows individuals, even those without coding knowledge, to modify the visual aspects of their website. From adjusting color schemes and typography to altering layouts and header/footer styles, the level of control is substantial. This empowers users to align their website’s aesthetics precisely with their brand identity, creating a cohesive and professional visual experience for their audience.

Versatility: Furthermore, this adaptability fosters versatility across different website typesA well-designed flexible theme isn’t typically confined to a single niche or purpose. Its foundational structure and feature set are often broad enough to accommodate a diverse range of online presences, including blogs, business websites, portfolios, and even e-commerce platforms (often through seamless integration with plugins like WooCommerce). This adaptability means that as your website’s purpose evolves, you may not need to undertake the often complex and time-consuming task of switching to an entirely new theme.

Scalability: As your website grows in complexity and content, the scalability offered by a flexible theme becomes increasingly valuable. These themes are generally designed with a modular approach, allowing you to add new sections, features, and functionalities without the underlying structure becoming cumbersome or requiring significant code modifications. This future-proofs your website to a degree, making it easier to adapt to expanding needs and reducing the likelihood of a major overhaul as your online presence matures.

Responsiveness: In today’s digital landscape, responsiveness is a critical factor for user experience and search engine optimization. The vast majority of modern flexible WordPress themes are built with responsive design principles. This ensures that your website will adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices, providing an optimal viewing experience whether a visitor is using a desktop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. This not only enhances user satisfaction but also contributes to better search engine rankings, as search engines like Google favor mobile-friendly websites.

Extensibility: The extensibility of flexible themes through their robust compatibility with WordPress plugins is another key benefit. The WordPress plugin ecosystem is vast, offering solutions for virtually any functionality you might need, from contact forms and SEO tools to advanced e-commerce features and membership management systems. Flexible themes are generally designed to integrate smoothly with these plugins, ensuring that added functionalities operate correctly and maintain a consistent visual style with the overall theme design.

Unique Online Presence: Finally, while you might begin with a pre-designed flexible theme, the degree of customization available allows for the creation of a unique online presence. By leveraging the theme’s options and potentially incorporating your own branding elements, you can move beyond a generic look and feel. This ability to personalize your website helps you stand out from competitors and create a more memorable and engaging experience for your visitors.

In conclusion, the flexibility of a WordPress theme offers a powerful combination of control, adaptability, and extensibility. It empowers website owners to create visually appealing, functional, and scalable websites without necessarily requiring extensive coding knowledge, making it a compelling choice for a wide spectrum of users and website types.

Image: Canva Pro

When Vision collides with Reality

When Vision collides with Reality

Awhile back I began a year-long quest to answer the question: What kind of impact does a high ranking website have, alongside very focused Social Media Marketing campaign and an assortment of FREE Offers?

VISION:

I wanted to test a theory that providing valuable information at a website and sharing it with lots of fans on Social Media would exponentially pay off – the number of people in my sales funnel would not only double, and I would convert prospects into clients.

The end goal was to build an Internet Marketing business, where my clients would pay for me to market the businesses.

Actions taken to achieve VISION:

  1. Set up a website to host my Internet marketing Tips, post 7 new content seven times a week.

  2. Set up Social Media pages to promote the website and my business.

  3. Establish a marketing budget to get LIKES, followers and connections to social media sites.

  4. Schedule Posts at all of my social media sites once a day.

REALITY:

All of the above activities have so far paid off… to a degree.

  1. The website is up and getting about 20 – 50 visitors a day.

  2. I have a significant number of  subscribers to my newsletter.

  3. The prospects that I convert to clients have me set up their websites and social media, create content, and reach out to their target markets.

  4. I am building automated lead generation systems, advertising at Facebook and Google, and then incubate the leads with an automated email system.

So, here we are,  and it’s time to adjust my VISION:

  1. Instead of creating 7 new blogs a week, I will create at least four and sometimes five.

  2. I have set up a schedule to accomplish 1 post a day to all of my social networking sites. Instead of trying to do it all in one sitting, I spend about an hour a day, 5 days a week.

  3. And, since what my clients want is websites, social networking and custom content, those are the services I am providing.

  4. And, I have added something new to my social networking arsenal – Instagram marketing.

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow… For now, I am just adjusting to the needs of my clients, while at the same time focusing on the VISION… long-term.

Internet Marketing Ideas; Building a Brand; Steps 1, 2

Internet Marketing Ideas; Building a Brand; Steps 1, 2

Did you know that today’s average consumer faces a barrage of up to 3,000 advertising and promotional messages every single day? And, did you know that a brands is a  promise that you make to your clients?  The fact is, branding is the process of developing consumer beliefs and perceptions that are accurate and in align with what you want your brand to be.

Step 1 – Market Research

You have to figure out which people are most likely to want what you’re selling.

  • Who they are
  • Where they are
  • How they’re best reached by media
  • What kinds of messages or offers will motivate them to buy
  • What kind of buying experience will make them satisfied and loyal to your brand

NOTE: If this is a new product or service, describe the customer most apt to buy from you.

1. Ask yourself what your ideal customer looks and acts like

Mapping out geographics – Gather information off business cards, invoices, or your sales records.
Detailing demographics: gender, age, income, ethnic info (languages)
Behavioral patterns: outside interests and beliefs, where they are likely to congregate

2. What needs and desires are your customers trying to fill when they purchase your product or service

What motivates your customers purchase decisions; design, quality, prestige, luxury, easy fixes
How do customers approach your business; phone, mail, online, recommendation, referrals
How do customers purchase your products: impulse, careful consideration, cash payments

3. What sets ideal customer apart

Do your most ideal customers buy the same kinds of products with similar options
Do they buy because of the prestige or expertise associated with your product or service
What attributes of your product or service do you think your customers value most highly
How does your ideal customer buy; on impulse, in bulk, on sale, special offers

4. Focus on contact signals

Where are your inquiries coming from; emails, phone calls, social networking sites
Which of your marketing contacts work and which don’t; email, social networking, direct marketing
Follow up on inquiries and contacts and find out what and where they purchased

5. Why Customers Buy from You

What does your business do best
What do customers buy most from your business
What aspect of your business gets the most attention
What services do you offer or promise that your competitors don’t

6. Sell what people are buying

What web pages are they visiting
What marketing materials do they respond to
What products or services are selling consistently

7. Other places to go for facts and information

Visit the web pages of your competitors, check out their demographics
Search organizations that serve your industry; statistics, geographics, demographics
Join industry networks, groups, forums

Start with passion and build from there. If your brand doesn’t have heart and soul in it, no amount of research will make it work. Sometimes you have to go with your gut;

Steve Jobs, vision to build personal computers
Walt Disney, started with cartoons, built recreation parks
Martha Stewart, started catering, national example of good taste & style

Step 2.- Positioning your Brand

Positioning is the process of finding an unfulfilled want or need in your customer’s mind and filling it with a distinctively different and ideally suited offering.

1. Finding a position of your own

Fulfill an unfilled need – find an itch and scratch it
Specialize to create a new market niche
Transform an established solution; computers to laptops, books to eReaders
Discovering an all-new solution; like an invention

2. Figuring out what you do better than anyone else

USP – Unique Selling Proposition, or Point of Difference
Deciding which customers you serve best
Avoid copying someone else, find your own position by filling an unfilled need.

3. Write a positioning statement describing your product or service, your market, and the point of difference that sets you apart from your competition.

Include the following;
1. Name of your company or product
2. Your business description
3. A summary of your point of difference
4. Your customer profile

EXAMPLE:
“Lynn Albro, Marketing Specialist, uses simple SEO and Social networking techniques to to assist small business owners with the goal of leveling the playing field by working smarter, not harder.”

Ask yourself these questions…
1. Is it believable
2. Is it consistent with what people believe to be true about you
3. Can you consistently deliver the distinct attributes stated
4. Can you package and deliver your point of difference consistently

Are you a doer, a watcher, or just clueless?

Are you a doer, a watcher, or just clueless?

“There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen [the doers], those who watch things happen [the watchers], and those who wonder what happened [the clueless].” ~ Mary Kay Ash

I like to think that I am in the doers category, and setting goals helps keep me ‘on-track’.

Recently, for whatever reason, life has stepped it up a notch… and, I’m struggling to keep up. I write to-do lists and work hard to get the work done, and I do get a lot of work done, however, it just doesn’t seem to be enough. This line of thought sent me back to my New Years Goals.

I set goals for myself in four facets of my life – Spiritual, Physical, Home, Business. And, just a few months later I am happy to report that I have made some progress – two steps forward and three steps backward. Actually of the four facets, I seem to be doing the best in business, and stagnant when it comes to the physical and home. I’m exercising but just not losing any weight, AND, I think I need to hire a housekeeper.

Every year during the month of December I try to imagine what my life is going to look like towards the end of the next year. Usually, I envision myself much farther down the road than what happens in reality, but I live with the knowledge that if you aren’t a doer, you are either a watcher or you]re clueless.

So, Now What?

Every year, sometime in the summer I start thinking about my New Years’ goals and step up efforts to accomplish these goals before the end of the year. This means that I need to:

  • Make lists of tasks to-do that will further facilitate the accomplishment of these goals
  • Develop personal habits that further my ability to meet these goals
  • Budget my time in order to move forward faster and more efficiently

Where do you see yourself? I would love to hear from you, please include with your thoughts and suggestions in the comments below. Or, feel free to email me at lynn.albro@gmail.com.

Establishing Your Business; Website and Workspace

Business; Website and Workspace

Whether you’re a solo consultant or a retail giant, a digital home and a physical base are the two non-negotiables that turn a “side hustle” into a legitimate entity.

Today, these aren’t just places where you work; they are the foundation of your brand authority. Here is the breakdown of why these two pillars are your first priority.

1. The Website: Your 24/7 Global Ambassador

Think of your website as your Master Salesman. It never sleeps, never takes a holiday, and is often the very first impression a customer has of you.

  • Proof of Legitimacy: In today’s market, if you don’t have a website, you don’t exist in the eyes of the consumer. A social media page is “rented land”; a website is land you own.

  • The Conversion Hub: This is where the magic happens—where a curious browser turns into a paying customer via a checkout page, a booking calendar, or a contact form.

  • Data Sovereignty: Your website allows you to track exactly how people find you, what they look at, and why they leave. You can’t get that level of granular data from a physical storefront alone.

2. The Location: Your Operational Engine

Whether it’s a spare bedroom or a downtown office, your physical location dictates your workflow and overhead.

Option A: Home-Based (The Lean Start)

  • Low Risk: You eliminate the #1 killer of small businesses: High Rent.

  • Tax Efficiency: You can often deduct a portion of your home expenses (utilities, internet, square footage) from your business taxes.

  • The Challenge: You must be disciplined about “Work-Life Separation.” If your desk is your kitchen table, your brain never truly leaves the office.

Option B: Commercial Location (The Growth Move)

  • Visibility: You get “passive marketing” just from people walking or driving by.

  • Professionalism: It’s easier to host high-level clients or manage a team in a dedicated professional environment.

  • The Challenge: High fixed costs. You need a validated customer base before signing a multi-year lease.

The “Launch” Checklist: Foundations First

Step Action Item Why it Matters
1. Domain Secure your .com or .ai name. This is your digital real estate.
2. Licensing Check local zoning for home/commercial use. Avoid “unexpected” fines from the city.
3. Infrastructure High-speed internet + Ergonomic setup. Your health and speed are your ROI.
4. Google Business Pin your location (even if home-based). This is how you show up on “Near Me” searches.

The Reality Check

You can have the best product in the world, but if your website is broken or your location is disorganized, you are essentially building a house on sand.

Expert Insight: Start with the minimum viable version of both. A clean, one-page website and an organized corner of your home are better than a fancy office and a complex site that you can’t afford to maintain.

Learn to Expect the Unexpected

Expect the Unexpected

That is the unofficial motto of every successful entrepreneur. In business, “the unexpected” isn’t a glitch in the system—it is the system.

Whether it’s a sudden shift in the economy, a competitor launching a surprise feature, or a global supply chain hiccup, your ability to pivot defines your longevity. Here is how to move from just “expecting” chaos to actually building a business that thrives on it.

1. Build “Anti-Fragile” Systems

Author Nassim Taleb coined the term Antifragile to describe things that don’t just withstand shocks, but actually get better because of them.

  • Diversify Revenue: Never rely on one “whale” client. If one customer makes up more than 20% of your revenue, you aren’t an owner; you’re an employee who can be fired at any moment.

  • Multi-Channel Presence: If your entire customer base is on Instagram and the algorithm changes tomorrow, your business “breaks.” Build an email list—it’s the only audience you truly own.

2. The “Pre-Mortem” Strategy

Instead of waiting for things to go wrong, conduct a Pre-Mortem.

  • The Exercise: Imagine it is one year from today and your business has completely failed.

  • The Question: “What happened?”

  • The Result: By visualizing the failure (tech crash, bad hire, legal issue), you can build safeguards now to prevent those specific “unexpected” events.

3. Financial Optionality (The “Peace of Mind” Fund)

Cash is the ultimate shock absorber. In 2026, the cost of borrowing can fluctuate wildly.

  • The 6-Month Rule: Aim for at least six months of operating expenses in highly liquid accounts.

  • The “Pivot Fund”: Keep a small percentage of profit set aside specifically for “unplanned opportunities”—like a competitor going out of business or a sudden new software that could double your efficiency.

4. Cultivate “Decision Velocity”

When the unexpected hits, the biggest killer isn’t the problem itself—it’s indecision.

  • Agile Culture: If you have a team, empower them to make small decisions without a board meeting.

  • The 70% Rule: If you have 70% of the information you need, make the call. Waiting for 100% certainty is just a fancy way of being too late.

Mindset Shift: The “OODA” Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act)

Developed by military strategist John Boyd, this is how you handle rapidly changing environments:

Step Action Business Application
Observe Gather raw data. “Sales dropped 15% this week.”
Orient Filter the data. “Is it the economy, or is our website broken?”
Decide Form a hypothesis. “It’s the checkout page; let’s fix the UI.”
Act Test the decision. “Patch the site and monitor for 24 hours.”

Reframing the Chaos: Every “unexpected” disaster is also an unexpected opportunity. When the market shakes, the businesses built on sand fall over, leaving more room for those built on rock.