The company i work for has spent $0 in advertising over the last 2 decades but that doesn't make us the rule. It's the exception. For new companies or less connected companies you have to start somewhere and having someone like Paul implement some basic SEO to your site is a whole lot easier than it was to be in business those first 10 years while we were building contacts and learning lessons.

And for those of you who own businesses like the one i work for...how do you know that you haven't or wont miss out on a handful of 7 figure projects over the next 5-10 years just because someone else in your area ranked better at google?

Bottom line is that if you are going to spend any money this year on marketing the first two things you should do is...

1.Put up a website.
2.Optimize your website for search engines.

I have done dozens of websites for people in our industry and almost every single one of them comes back telling me how the new website is generating great leads....especially those who had the site optimized.

Here's your Weekly Web Tip. (Images)

Hopefully this will give you guys some useful information for your own sites if you're dealing with portfolios and other images.   Treat them with care.   If you'd like some help, reach out to me through PM or fill out the contact form on my site, I have a special area for CI's.   Hope it can help you out. 

[Link: axentweb.com]

We seem to always hear people complaining about customers looking up product on line and checking pricing (if you give line item lists in your proposals).

I would think that might be your first clue on just how important the web is and can be to your business.

Years ago print and radio were the only way to reach your potential audience. And it was a waste of time and money doing one off adverts. You had to be consistent, spending a lot of money keeping your name in front of readers or listeners.

Now everyone uses the web. But just putting a web site up isn't enough if you want to ensure you are reaching your target clients.

Sure many of us (and it should be most of us) rely on word of mouth. Doing a good job for one client should get you their friends.
But, how many jobs and new clients does it take to pay for proper SEO. Probably just 1 small project will more than pay the expense.
Seems like a pretty simple business decision.

Anyone that is overlooking their own website and SEO is a fool.

Period.

Remember the next generation of wealth uses the web too. If you got here without it cool but it is about who has next.

I got next.

The same goes for social networking.  You need to connect with your audience of the future.  The 20 year old going to medical school is going to have money one day.

The 3 fastest growing Social Networks?
1. Pinterest
2. Instagram
3. Tumblr


Notice I didn't say Facebook and Twitter.   These 3 networks had 94-97% growth this year.  Facebook? 23%  That doesn't mean it's not important, because it's still the 600lb Gorilla.  The young market, who may not need your services now, but will in 5 years, it's a perfect opportunity to get a foot hold on those platforms now.

For guys who may be retired in 5-10 years, maybe not.  If you're 25-35 years old, don't let the boat leave without you.

Agreed. Man someone should hire you for this stuff.......lol.


Seriously anyone with a lack of work right now could fix that almost instantly with a great site and a plan.

New article for you guys to read.  I'll also have a new one in a couple of days about "How to AMP your site"


Self Promotion Isn't Important

If you guys haven't heard of Google AMP (Accelerated Mobile Pages) yet, it's time to get acquainted.

Google AMP Article