Aweber is Great for Local Business Owners

There are so many to choose from, how do you decide? We use MailChimp AND Aweber (for different reasons), so today we’ll start with our personal experience using Aweber.

While many companies offer similar services, there are key reasons what makes Aweber stand out. We’ve been using Aweber on some of our affiliate brand sites for email marketing since way back to 2006 and here’s our personal experience.

Here are our Top 6 Reasons Why:

• 1. Reliability: Aweber’s delivery rate is superior. They have established relationships with many major internet service providers to ensure your messages get delivered. They have developed an email delivery monitor so that you can track messages and delivery performance.
• 2. Free Unlimited Customer Support: Whenever you need them, they are there to help, whether it be by email, text chat or phone. I have personally had two occasions to call Aweber directly and both times was greeting promptly and helped quickly.
• 3. Free Training Videos, Guides and Teleseminars: It’s one thing to have an autoresponder that sends out messages, it’s another thing to use a system in a way that develops long-term relationships and trust. The free Aweber training videos show you how to make the use of the advanced features of Aweber to get the most out of your subscription.
• 4. Spam Protection: Nobody likes spam in their email and in today’s busy world, people sometimes forget they sign up for a newsletter. As a reputable business owner, being accused of spam can hurt your business. Aweber knows this and has built-in features that ensure your subscribers confirm their request to receive information from you. This protects your subscriber, protects you and protects Aweber from spam complaints.
• 5. 30-Day Risk Free Guarantee: Try Aweber for a full 30 days. If you’re unhappy for any reason, no problem. You’ll receive a full refund with no questions asked.
• 6. Affordability: As a business owner, you know it’s important to get the most value for your money. When you use Aweber for your newsletter and autoresponder needs, you get unlimited follow-up messages, complete tracking features and much more.

See for yourself, then take Aweber for a test-drive for a mere $1.00

Stay Inspired!

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Is Faith and Business Taboo?

And! We’re always supposed to be upbeat and positive (yes, I heard this on a call recently).

What’s the Big Secret?

Well, here’s my take on it. If the internet today, social media, removing six degrees of separation, etc. is supposed to be about transparency and allowing others to see us for who we really are, then aren’t we supposed to be real and true to who we are?

Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a big difference between expressing your faith (very cool) and publicly bashing somebody else’s beliefs (not cool at all).

And I am all about surrounding myself with positive people. Seriously, who wants to be around negativity all the time? Not me! But, sometimes negative ‘stuff’ happens and you know what? It’s perfectly o.k. to talk about it, deal with it, and move on.

Seriously, what are we trying to hide behind?

OK, Here it Comes

Personally? I would not be doing what I am today if it were not because of my faith and putting all my trust in my Lord and Savior.

It’s because of my faith that I didn’t give up on this Internet gig a long time ago.

It’s because of my faith that I stayed somewhat sane when both of my sons were deployed to the Middle East in 2009 (at the same time!)

It’s because of my faith that I am FINALLY listening to God and following what He wants to do with my life and my business.

Yes, I’ve been fighting it for nearly 4 years, so it’s about time I paid attention.

Yes, I am a follower of Christ (whew! there I said it!). No, I don’t stand on the street corner waving my Bible and I won’t be posting scripture on blog comments.

However, my faith is the foundation of my story. Today’s Internet is about telling stories, so I believe I have an obligation to tell the whole story, not just part of it because ‘we’re not supposed to talk about it’ as business people. Maybe this resonates with you, too?

So, What Happens Next?

Nothing. I’m still the same person I was before. You just now know something about me that perhaps you didn’t before and hopefully, it’s inspired you, too, to be true to yourself, whatever that may be!

If I lose a few subscribers, Twitter followers for Facebook connections because I may talk about my faith, I can’t help that. I won’t pretend to hide behind or be something that I’m not. I am not here to please the world. That isn’t my job.

I AM here, however, to make a difference, to serve my clients and team members regardless of what they believe (or don’t believe) as long as it glorifies His purpose for my life.

How About You?

If anything, I hope this post got you thinking about the stories you want, and perhaps need, to tell. This is why people do business with you, because of your stories, not because of some grand illusion that claims to be in the name of ‘professionalism’.

It’s cool to tell the whole story, whatever that may be, so I encourage you to start telling yours. You will be amazed at what happens next.

I hope you have an amazing day!

Stay Inspired!

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I absolutely love that she wasn’t afraid of pursuing her passion to allow her full creativity to shine through.

Here’s Tiffany’s story:

What Type of Business is it and Why did You Start this Company?

I own a photography business in Northern Virginia. Specializing in weddings and portraiture. I graduated from the Paul Mitchell school in Jacksonville, FL in 2010. I love doing hair, but I was feeling restricted in my creativity. I wanted something more. I had always enjoyed doing photography, but I really had no clue about anything more advanced than a point and shoot.

After months and months of online reading, book studying and forum chatting, I finally got my first dSLR. After some portfolio building, I was ready to start the business and continue to grow and learn! This business is something that makes me so happy on so many different levels. I am so fortunate to be able to stay home with my son.

But I can also do something that I love and call it work. It all works out great. Spending time with my family, and balancing work in our down time!

What keeps you moving forward?

There are a few things that keep me moving. First, is my passion for photography! I love being able to freeze moments in people’s lives so they can remember them forever. In particular, weddings. No one will remember exactly how the food tasted, or what the decorations or wedding party looked like without photographs.

I let people remember their most amazing day forever.

Another thing that keeps me moving is the creativity that I can express! I love that it doesn’t matter what other people think, I am able choose to photograph the things that speak to me and show my style. And of course, my family keeps me moving! Like I said before, I am so blessed to be able to stay at home with my son, but I think every woman knows, that sometimes being a mom is not enough.

We need something for just us. I love that I can stay at home with him during the day, and then in the afternoon, go to a session and that makes me incredibly happy to have both.

What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?

First things, I would definitely recommend finding a business mentor or make sure you are very familiar with the business requirements for your area. I had an awesome business mentor and friend that helped me, and continues to if I have any questions! Once you are up and legal and getting things moving, my best advice would be to just keep moving.

There have been countless days where I feel like I can’t go on, but I started my business knowing there would be good days and bad. I don’t want to be a statistic, and prove that a lot of small businesses close within the first 5 years. I’m going to continue to do what I need to keep moving forward!

So definitely keep your confidence up, and for me that may mean to put together a styled shoot or even offer discounted sessions to let me feel fulfilled creatively. You’ve got what it takes to start and keep moving, even if you need to remind yourself of that along the way!

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Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Tiffany! We are so excited for you and look forward to reading more about your future success.

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Connect with Tiffany Maxfield Photography on:

Website: www.TiffanyMaxfieldPhotography.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/TiffanyMaxfieldPhotography
Twitter: Twitter.com/TiffanyMaxfield

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How Can You Use Affiliate Marketing in Your Business?

1. Cost-Efficient: Passive income is very cost-effective as there is no overhead. Since you are not producing, packaging or shipping your own tangible product, you do not need things like inventory, warehouse storage, shipping supplies, etc.

2. Portable: When you use the Internet have an integrated web-marketing strategy, you can literally have your website working for you 24/7 where ever your laptop is or any computer.

3. Global Exposure: You have access to people literally around the globe. With passive income, international customers can become your customers without the hassle of shipping.

4. Add to Your Financial Security: Many years ago, I said I would never work on commission because it wasn’t ‘secure’ enough for me. Today, I wouldn’t have it any other way because ‘safe is now what’s risky.’ When you add passive income to your business, you have additional revenue sources that can come in month after month. (That’s real security!)

5. Residual Income and Leverage: There are revenue sources in a passive income model that allow you to create residual income and leveraged income. Here’s what I mean: Think in terms of a book author who gets paid every time his/her book is sold. The book was written one time, yet makes an income each time there is a sale of that book.

6. Income from multiple sources: Affiliate marketing allows you to create revenue from multiple sources. For example, think in terms of an investment portfolio. A smart investor will not ‘bank’ all her money in just one stock. She will build an investment portfolio with multiple stocks in order to create balance. Passive income from multiple sources should be structured with the same methodology… various sources that complement your business.

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Jamie Frenn

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I was thrilled when Patty told me her featured businesses were photographers and if I would consider being one of her guest bloggers. My first response, in my usual fashion, was to say yes and than considered how am I going to do this!

Patty asked me to blog about one of the things I love talking about and that is my business – so this should be a piece of cake!

My husband started our business over 30 years ago, I’ve been in the studio for 20 years. I started with the admin things and soon realized I love working with our clients. I also do all the digital artwork end of the business which gives me the freedom to be creative another thing I love. Did I mention I love what I do?

We have many different segments to our business one of which is our children’s photography. Kids are a blast to photograph and this area of photography is very competitive. We looked at what we were offering and decided it was time for something different for our clients.

Another question that we asked ourselves is how can we get parents to bring in their children for more than just pictures at Christmas time or when they have a birthday.

We started off by developing a calendar; each month would have an image of their child but from the same session. Cute but not exactly what we were after. Looking at the calendar and all the holidays hallmark has us celebrating we thought what about an exclusive themed children’s session, one for each month.

Of course thinking of what theme to have for what month was a challenge with the exception of the obvious; February we have “The Kissing Booth”, December we have “Cookies for St. Nick”. But this is where this campaign has become fun – we do have the flexibility to change things up.

One of my favorites is in the month of March we have “Gone Fishin” we build an elaborate background with a pond/water/live fish/ and fishing poles. The boys really love this, getting wet and catching fish – what’s not to love?

When we photograph children we not just looking at the lighting, composition, exposure….. but also that our little subjects are having a good time. We want this to be a fun thing – and getting those perfect expressions just comes naturally.

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Thanks so much for your insight, Jamie!

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Trash to Treasures

This is such a fantastic idea and especially for those who are waging a war on debt.

Here’s Anita’s story:

What Type of Business is it?

From Trash to Treasures offers recycled home and garden decor, crochet gifts and more. We are dedicated in building greener communities, saving local landfills and helping those in need.

When and Why Did You Open for Business?

We started our business after a trip to our local landfill. We were shock to see what people were throwing out, Furniture that could be fixed or repainted. clothing that could be sold or given to those in need. There was so much that we were in shock over what we have seen. That we decided to do something about it. And From trash to Treasures was born.

We create toy boxes, flower boxes, wishing wells etc out of used pallets, and used wood. We recycle paint, varnishes, wood of all kinds,. We even recycle wool and yarn from old sweaters, afghans, pillows and more. All geared towards making a difference not only in our lives but those around us.

What keeps you moving forward?

What keeps me moving forward is my family and for the love of my business. I feel what we are doing is making a difference. By building greener communities we are helping people recycle their used items instead of throwing them into the trash.

We are saving local landfills from being over flowed by recycling the items that go into the trash. And top of it all we are helping those in need. I know our business can’t change this world alone but we are doing our part to make it a better place. So please recycle today and help us make a difference.

What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?

My advice to them is when starting a new business, build your business on your passion as many businesses fail because entrepreneurs get bored with their chosen businesses.

A business that is built on passion and your creativity will be more successful than one that isn’t.

I know my business is successful because I love what I do.

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Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Anita. We are so excited for you and look forward to reading more about your future success.

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Connect with From Trash to Treasures on:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/fromtrashtotreasures
Twitter: Twitter.com/#!/trashantreasure

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Do you use an alarm clock?

Well, I actually still wake up to an alarm clock.  During the school year, it’s a necessity as I have an 11 yr. old to get ready for school.  In the summer, I still do and here’s why.

I’m Really Not Crazy

I like to get up early, around 5:30 a.m. or slightly earlier and go for a run during the school year and even earlier in the summer.  Believe me, I am not one of those happy, smiley people who wake up completely rested that you see in commercials.  Hearing the buzz of the alarm clock is not one of my favorite sounds.

It’s actually quite annoying.  However, once I’m actually getting OUT of bed, then it’s not so bad.

I go for a run in the early morning because the air is cooler and after about the first mile, I’m awake and sort of energized and it’s good exercise.

That’s still not the main reason why I get up that early to go run, though.

I start the day by feeding my mind with insight and training from my business coach, Dani Johnson. Each day, I begin with about an hour of listening to one of the CD’s from either “Unlimited Success” or “6 Figures in 6 Months.”

Starting the day with the right, positive messages sets the tone for the entire day.

I also get up that early to go run because at that time of day, some my neighbors are leaving for work.  I watch them leave their driveways anywhere between 6:15 and 7:00 a.m. to go to whatever job it is that they may have.

I am sure some of them like what they do, I am certain there are probably some that do not.  I am sure there are probably some that say they like their job, but really don’t, and some who probably have no choice.

That is their choice and yes, I am a firm believer that families have to make the best choice for them.  I made mine 11 years ago.

Here’s why I get up that early when I don’t have to.

A Constant Reminder

I get up that early to go run as a reminder to watch my neighbors as they leave.. to remember that I used to do that very same thing, leave my house to go to a job that I couldn’t stand…and not get home until 6 p.m. every night.

I get up that early and watch as they leave their kids in the care of nannies or daycare.

It’s a way to keep myself moving forward so that I never allow myself to get complacent in the goals for my business.. so that I never have to back to a daily commute and to be thankful for all the struggles and journey from those early days to where we are now and where we are going.

What keeps you going? I’d love to hear your thoughts,

Stay Inspired!

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Find the Right Balance Between Selling & Connecting

Ladies, we are great at making connections with our readers. Developing deep, strong relationships is just how we’re wired.

Email marketing is often a delicate balance between selling and connecting, though. If you sell too much, you’ll turn your customers off and burn out your list.

If you focus too much on connecting and not selling, you won’t make any money. And I know you’re not in business to lose money.

So, What’s the Right Balance Between Selling and Connecting?

Generally speaking, the right amount is somewhere between 10% and 20% selling, with 80% to 90% of your content solving your customer’s problems and making a connection.

80% to 90% connecting is enough to get your customers in the habit of opening your emails. They’ll know that by and large, emails from you will be of a high quality.

Open rates for the Inspired WebWorks newsletter averages right about 30% – 40% vs. the industry average of 13%. Our click-through rate is nearly 10% versus the industry average of 2 1/2%. That’s a pretty significant difference (although of course, I’d like to see it even higher) – stats provided by MailChimp.

Why are our open and click rates this high and how can you improve your email marketing?

Our open rates are high because I believe in only providing quality content and value without the hype …period. We connect AND sell, but it doesn’t feel like selling.

Having 80%+ of your content be connection-based also does one other thing: it essentially gives you the right to sell to your readers.

Connecting and Value vs. Hype

When someone gets REAL value from the emails you’re sending, they won’t be turned off when they get a sales message. In fact, they’ll read your sales messages with an open mind, knowing there’s a good chance they might benefit from the product you’re offering.

How many lists have you unsubscribed from because all they do is sell to you?

If you oversell, people will resent being sold to, period. If you consistently provide high quality content, people will look forward to your next product and eagerly read your sales message.

How Do You Put it All Together?

There are two main ways you can split up your selling content and your connecting content.

Method #1

The first method is to send only emails that have connection and problem-solving content, then every once in a while send a 100% sales message. (for example, what you’re reading right now would be considered a connecting message.)

If you do this, though, make sure that your sales messages also provide value. Even if you regularly send out quality content, don’t send out a blatant ad. You still have to provide value.

As a general rule, you could send only one sales message every 5 to 8 emails, and then you’d be in line with the 10% to 20% rule.

Method #2

The other method is to sell regularly, by placing an ad and/or one or two promotional sentences at the bottom of every email.

This works pretty well because instead of trying to get a home run sale in one email, you’re getting a steady flow of sales with every email you send.

Try to tie in your sales message with the email itself. For example, if your email talked about the most common obstacles photographers run into when looking for clients, then pitch an easy way to find clients in your promotional sentence, even if your product covers a lot more than that.

Essentially, balancing between over and underselling in email marketing can be challenging. As a general rule of thumb, sell between 10% and 20% of the time to deepen your customer relationships while also making money.

Stay Inspired!

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5 Web Design Dont's

You website is where all your content should originate from and where all web traffic should be directed to. You have just a few seconds to keep your visitors attention, so it’s crucial that you help them easily find what they’re looking for.

So when it comes to your website, let’s talk about the very basics for now and the 5 mistakes most people make so you can avoid them, too.

1) Do Not Use Splash Pages

Splash pages are typically the first pages you see when you arrive at a website that usually has a beautiful image with words like “welcome” or “click here to enter” with no other content. They are also considered doorway pages.

They really don’t serve any purpose and provide no value, so do not give your visitors a reason to click on the “back” button! Give them the value of your site up front without the splash page.

2) Do Not Use Excessive Banner Ads

Today’s consumers have become immune to a lot of banner advertisements. You’ll be wasting valuable website real estate. Instead, provide more valueable content and weave relevant affiliate links into your content. The key is to let your visitors feel that they want to buy instead of being pushed to buy.

3) Avoid Complicated Navigation

As professional as many magazine-style websites are, most are confusing to browse through. Many have SO much content on the homepage that you don’t know what to read first.

You’ve heard the expression “Explain what you do so that an 8 yr. old can understand it”, right? Same thing with your website.

Create simple and straightforward navigation so that an eight-year old can figure out how to use it. Stay away from complicated flash menus (flash is not supported by Apple) or multi-tiered dropdown menus. If your visitors don’t know how to navigate, they will leave!

Don’t make people have to think.

4) Don’t Confuse Your Visitors With Too Many Options

Every single page of your website is a potential page where visitors can find you. It’s important they know exactly where they are on your website, such as your blog, a newsletter sign up page, etc. Keep your header, footer, colors, etc. consistent.

That way, they will be able to browse relevant information or navigate to any section of the site easily. Don’t confuse your visitors because confusion means they’ll leave.

and lastly….

5) Avoid Using Auto-Play Audio on Your Site

There is nothing more annoying than landing on a website and music or someone talking automatically starts playing with no way to turn it off.

If you want your visitor to stay a long time at your site, do not use auto-playing audio. If you absolutely insist on having audio, make sure visitors have some control over it — whether it be volume or muting controls.

Side Note – Focus on Photographers

All of the above can apply to your photography business website as well with note.

Your industry is probably the only one where splash pages are o.k. IF you make sure you include basic navigation on your homepage to your blog and social media channels, too, not just a ‘click here’ to enter. People will leave if you don’t.

To read more on this topic, pick up a copy of “Don’t Make Me Think – A Common- Sense Approach to Web Usability” by Steve Krug.

I read it several years ago and it’s a permanent part of my library. Steve does a great job of taking what could be a complicated subject and explains it very simply.

Stay Inspired!

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Hug Your Customers

I know, you’re thinking.. “Do I really have to give my customers a hug?” The answer is Yes!, although not the kind of hugs you’re thinking about.

Here’s what I mean. I once contacted my insurance company to send me a change of beneficiary form.
Several weeks and phone calls later no one returned my call or sent me the form. I guess they didn’t need my business.

On the other hand, when we refinanced our house and moved our mortgage from one company to another, our consultant was amazing. Why? Because over the years, he took the time to get to know us, our needs and knew the answers to our questions before we even asked them.

It’s no secret that most “big business” has abandoned customer service, much less client appreciation.

It wasn’t always like this, though. In the early part of the last century, European immigrants were many of the early “mom & pop” businesses in this country.

Those were my grandparents days. In Brooklyn, NY, my grandmother didn’t drive because everything she needed was in walking distance. The butcher knew exactly what cut of meat she preferred, the day she did her shopping and reserved the best cuts “just for her.”

The grocer around the corner knew exactly when she’d be in for her fresh fruit.

Those people knew and understood how to take care of the people in their neighborhood. They embraced their customers, not just as a customer, but like family.

So, what happened? Why is it that we don’t do this today? People forgot how to care. Somewhere along the way, technology got in the way of appreciation.

With instant information, instant messaging and instant “everything”, we forgot that on the other side of the world wide web, there are real people. People, just like you and me. People who crave appreciation and want to be treated like more than just another web visitor and more than just a customer.

Your business may not have a big advertising budget, yet you have something even more powerful. You have YOU and ladies, let’s face it, we pretty much rock at creating solid relationships, so there is incredible opportunity for you to show your customers how much you appreciate them, especially in challenging economic times.

“But, I send them thank you notes and holiday cards,” you say. While that is important, it’s not enough. Did you know that the more time that goes by and your customers do not hear from you, they start to forget about you?

Each month that you do not communicate with your customers, you lose 10% of your influence with them. If 10 months go by, then you lose 100% of your influence and they’ll forget about you.

Years ago, those European immigrants didn’t have the Internet or advertising budgets and while you may not have a lot of money to spend on advertising, you don’t have to.

Today, you have the Internet, and you can literally reach the world, but you have to take it one step further. Do not underestimate the power of the web combined with the power of appreciation.

Ask yourself these 5 questions:

• What happens when someone walks into my store or lands on my website?
• What is their customer experience?
• Who is the first person they see?
• Will I welcome them like a good friend or will they be turned off by my indifference?
• How will I take care of them once they become my customer?
• Do I let them know that there is a real person behind the website or am I just another “www” to them?

These are all questions you need to address, because if you don’t, your competition will. Here are three simple things you can do right now.

• First, when someone lands on your website and subscribes to your newsletter, immediately send them a personal welcome email, not one from your autoresponder.
• Next, if you have their phone number, pick up the phone and introduce yourself. Remember, they stopped at your site, so all you’re doing is thanking them. You will be amazed at how receptive people are when you say who you are. If they’re not home, leave a message. People are busy and are bombarded with email. By tomorrow, they’ve most likely forgotten that they’ve stopped at your website.
• Third, while on the phone, ask for their mailing address and then send them a card. When you send real card in the mail, thank them for taking the time out of their busy day to stop by your site to subscribe to your newsletter. They will never expect to get something in the mail from a website, so when it arrives at their house, they will be totally surprised.

Here’s what I say, “Hi Jane, this is Patty Gale from Inspired WebWorks and I was calling to just introduce myself and to thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter. I wanted to make sure you received my free report and to let you know that if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.”

See how simple that is?

Doing just those two simple things right away will let your visitors know that you truly have their best interest at heart. They will now have your website, something in the mail and your voice.

That is the start of a beautiful relationship, simply by showing them that you care. Today, you may not be in a walking distance neighborhood, like my grandmother was, but that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace your customers in that same way. If you don’t, your competition will.

Stay Inspired!

P.S. If you go to Moo.com right now, for custom note cards, they’ll give you a 10% savings off your first order just because I sent you!

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