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	<title>Social Blog Writers, Blog Content, Making Money With A WordPress Blog, Training For Creating An Online Business</title>
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		<title>Why Creating Blog Content Is So Difficult</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-creating-blog-content-is-so-difficult/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-creating-blog-content-is-so-difficult/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 01 May 2012 20:55:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Content Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[content writer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ghost blogging]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1088</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Have a blog? Then you probably understand how difficult it can be coming up with new things to write about again and again. And again. You probably started out with good intentions. You wrote faithfully day after day, week after week. Until life got in the way. And then things changed. A client had an [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/content-writer/' rel='bookmark' title='Being a Content Writer Means Writing For Your Visitors'>Being a Content Writer Means Writing For Your Visitors</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-5-stages-of-writing-the-perfect-blog-post/' rel='bookmark' title='The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post'>The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/content-writing/' rel='bookmark' title='Content Writing For Top Performance'>Content Writing For Top Performance</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have a blog? Then you probably understand how difficult it can be coming up with new things to write about again and again. And again.</p>
<p>You probably started out with good intentions. You wrote faithfully day after day, week after week. Until life got in the way.</p>
<p>And then things changed.</p>
<p>A client had an “emergency”, which means everything else was put on hold while you put that fire out.</p>
<p>Or you took a long weekend with four days off. And of course that meant playing catch up for the next week – and the blogging was put on hold.</p>
<p>Or maybe you had every intention of writing. You were even poised at the computer, hands above the keyboard ready to type. What do you type about? After surfing aimlessly for 30 minutes with no concrete idea in mind, you eventually shut everything down.</p>
<p>Yep, writing can be difficult. Especially if writing isn’t your favorite thing to do. In fact, people usually come up with three reasons why blogging is hard for them:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Thinking of things to write about is difficult</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. Finding the time to blog is difficult</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. Writing in a responsive manner is difficult</p>
<p>You probably see yourself in one of those three statements. All can be legitimate reasons for holding you back, and not accomplishing what you set out to do.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1090" style="border: 0pt none;" title="Why Creating Blog Content Is So Difficult" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/iStock_000012191040XSmall.jpg" alt="" width="464" height="259" /></p>
<p>Yet all can have solutions as well if you put your mind to it.</p>
<h3>Thinking of Ideas</h3>
<p>Lets start with a few tools to come up with things to write about.</p>
<p><strong>What do your clients think?</strong><br />
Clients are always filled with ideas and can help you come up with dozens of new topic ideas. As you are meeting them, whether its for the first time in a pre-sales consultation, a client meeting, or a follow up conversation, have a pen and paper handy and write down their questions and comments.</p>
<p>If you see questions popping up again and again, this is a sure indication of a place your clientele needs more education. And a perfect place to start writing and creating blog content.</p>
<p><strong>30 days</strong><br />
There is something about brainstorming that works well, no matter what you are trying to accomplish. If I asked you to come up with one thing you want to do around your home this weekend, you would probably stop to think about it. But if I asked you to give me 30 things you want to do around your home this summer, I’m sure the list would quickly form itself.</p>
<p>One thing is concrete. You must settle on the one thing you wish to do, which puts importance and relevance on that one project. So you stop to think about it to determine if that is the best thing you could do with your time.</p>
<p>Yet by coming up with a list of 30 items, there is no measurement in place. It’s a “wish list”, even if you have every intention of completing all tasks. 30 times also allows you to put things together and build off of a previous idea. Things naturally go together and feed one item into the next when you are giving it your full attention.</p>
<p>Give it a try. You’ll see how easy the ideas pop into place.</p>
<h3>Finding the time</h3>
<p>Once you have ideas in mind, the next part is scheduling the time to actually create your blog content.</p>
<p>If you have a client meeting, you put it on the schedule and are in place waiting for when they arrive. If you have a doctor’s appointment, you leave your home or office in time to drive over and check in on time – all thanks to putting a note on your calendar.</p>
<p>Why don’t you schedule the time you need to write as well?</p>
<p>If you make writing a priority – and it should be; it is a marketing tool – then you’ll create the time to do it.</p>
<h3>Creating responsive content</h3>
<p>And finally it may come down to the thought of having to create blog content that is motivational, attracts visitors that want to read what you wrote, and motivates them to take action.</p>
<p>You never liked English class in school, and it takes you hours to write a simple letter. Do you really want to try and create fresh content on a regular basis?</p>
<p>In today’s world, its not a necessity to do it all by yourself. In fact there is an easy way to have great content on a timely basis – you get the credit and do little of the work.</p>
<p>Its called ghost blogging. A writing expert creates content targeted towards your niche and market, and you get all the credit.</p>
<p>If you can’t write, hate writing, or simply don’t have the time, what could be better?</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/content-writer/' rel='bookmark' title='Being a Content Writer Means Writing For Your Visitors'>Being a Content Writer Means Writing For Your Visitors</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-5-stages-of-writing-the-perfect-blog-post/' rel='bookmark' title='The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post'>The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/content-writing/' rel='bookmark' title='Content Writing For Top Performance'>Content Writing For Top Performance</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Why You Should Be Using Pinterest For Your Creative Business</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-you-should-be-using-pinterest-for-your-creative-business/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-you-should-be-using-pinterest-for-your-creative-business/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:16:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pinterest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media sites]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traffic]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1060</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just when you think you have Facebook and Twitter figured out, along comes another site you simply can’t ignore. Pinterest has been a major player in the marketplace for the past few months, and with good reason. Pinterest is a social site that calls themselves a virtual pinboard. It allows you to organize and share [...]


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<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/yelp-small-business-marketing/' rel='bookmark' title='Yelp: A Small Business Friend Or Enemy?'>Yelp: A Small Business Friend Or Enemy?</a></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just when you think you have Facebook and Twitter figured out, along comes another site you simply can’t ignore.</p>
<p><a href="http://pinterest.com/visionofsuccess/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> has been a major player in the marketplace for the past few months, and with good reason. Pinterest is a social site that calls themselves a virtual pinboard. It allows you to organize and share all of the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, organize their wardrobe/closet, and find favorite recipes. They use it to find interesting ideas and to share different things they love, for both home and office use.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/visionofsuccess/" target="_blank"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-1062" title="Why You Should Be Using Pinterest For Your Creative Business" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Why-You-Should-Be-Using-Pinterest-For-Your-Creative-Business.png" alt="" width="595" height="431" /></a></p>
<p>Yet Pinterest is more than sharing information – its about sharing things in a visual way. The image attracts attention and makes people want to share. The more they share, the more exposure you will receive.</p>
<p>If you haven’t had a chance to check out Pinterest yet, now is the time. Use these ideas to set up and draw attention to your business.</p>
<h3>Dedicate time</h3>
<p>One of the key ways to make Pinterest work for you is to dedicate the time to make it work. If you’re active, others will notice and share what you pin. Its not like Facebook where newsfeeds can quickly get overwhelmed. You can dedicate even just a day or two with a few minutes each and quickly find a following. Start by following a few movers and shakers to see what they do. Then build contact and let the fun begin.</p>
<h3>Keep it simple</h3>
<p>Pinterest is attracting a heavy female audience. Its easy to use and because its visual in nature, you can quickly scan things and find something to share. Every board is set up in the same way, giving it a clean, uncluttered look. And every pinned photo includes a link back to your site, which can help boost the page views and attract attention to any specific post or content you desire.</p>
<h3>Share the love</h3>
<p>People have preferences for where they spend their time. If they love Facebook, they probably won’t dedicate a lot of time to your Twitter feed. Yet when they recognize a site and learn you have an account as well, they will quickly look you up and follow. Create Pinterest logo links from your blog and let people know where you are active.</p>
<h3>Understand your demographics</h3>
<p>Is Pinterest a place for you to attract potential business? Do a little research before you begin spending time developing your pin boards. Pinterest is very visual and highly concentrated in the female marketplace. If you have things to share visually – photography, art, weddings, fashion, decorating, crafts and more – it may be a place to explore. Make sure you understand what you will be promoting and what your overall goals and plans are for developing boards.</p>
<h3>Its not about you</h3>
<p>I’ve been to great profiles that have amazing boards. Most are themed in precise ways so people understand immediately what they will be looking at. Some things are about their businesses, yet most things are linked all over the web. What makes them great is they realize people want tips, resources and ideas related to your concept, yet don’t want to be overwhelmed with a sales pitch, no matter how subtle it is. If you have great advice, they will be back again and again.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/its-the-easiest-most-profitable-way-to-talk-about-your-small-business-so-why-arent-you-doing-it/' rel='bookmark' title='It’s the Easiest, Most Profitable Way To Talk About Your Small Business … So Why Aren’t You Doing It?'>It’s the Easiest, Most Profitable Way To Talk About Your Small Business … So Why Aren’t You Doing It?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/yelp-small-business-marketing/' rel='bookmark' title='Yelp: A Small Business Friend Or Enemy?'>Yelp: A Small Business Friend Or Enemy?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/creating-a-social-strategy-within-your-business-plan/' rel='bookmark' title='Creating A Social Strategy Within Your Business Plan'>Creating A Social Strategy Within Your Business Plan</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>It’s the Easiest, Most Profitable Way To Talk About Your Small Business … So Why Aren’t You Doing It?</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/its-the-easiest-most-profitable-way-to-talk-about-your-small-business-so-why-arent-you-doing-it/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/its-the-easiest-most-profitable-way-to-talk-about-your-small-business-so-why-arent-you-doing-it/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 23:06:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creating blog content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[titles]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1053</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You’re standing in the checkout line, with several people in front of you. You glance over and start reading the titles of the magazines in front of you. And for some reason they just pull you in. Do you really care who had an alien baby, or how you can create 365 looks that will [...]


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<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/blog-title/' rel='bookmark' title='Blog Title – It’s More Than A Few Words'>Blog Title – It’s More Than A Few Words</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/seo-writer/' rel='bookmark' title='If I Write Blog Posts, Do I Need To Be A SEO Writer Too?'>If I Write Blog Posts, Do I Need To Be A SEO Writer Too?</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You’re standing in the checkout line, with several people in front of you. You glance over and start reading the titles of the magazines in front of you. And for some reason they just pull you in.</p>
<p>Do you really care who had an alien baby, or how you can create 365 looks that will make you look more sexy? Maybe … Maybe not.</p>
<p>Yet there is just something about those titles that make you want to pick up the magazine and start reading.</p>
<p>It isn’t a coincidence that the titles are that tantalizing. In fact I’m willing to bet more time is spent on creating those titles and cover layouts then they do writing the stories themselves.</p>
<p>What sells is the title – the sizzle – not the meat of the story. Yes, the story itself has to be good and give you exactly what the title promises. Yet the story satisfies your hunger for whatever information you were promised. You won’t move forward and take action once you’ve read the story.</p>
<p>Because editors know the only way they will stay in business is to get you to buy the magazine, they spend their time on what matters most. The titles.</p>
<p>Now lets convert that over into what you potentially do every week. If you blog, every week you sit down and come up with topics to write about. Yet how much time do you spend coming up with your titles? I know for a lot of you, the answer is “just a few seconds” – and that may even be pushing it.</p>
<p>I see post titles every day that are worded something like this:</p>
<ul>
<li>Testimonials</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>My Favorite Tips</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Case Study</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Its Friday</li>
</ul>
<p>Great titles, right? Yet I see the all the time. But what are they doing for your business? Are they truly motivating your prospects and clients?</p>
<p>When your clients come over and visit your blog, they are a captive audience. They are there for something specific. They are looking for advice, motivation or inspiration. They want to learn more about whatever business you are in.</p>
<p>But do any of the above titles do any of that?</p>
<p>If they are already clients and visit your blog, they may visit the case study post, especially if its about them. They may share the link with family and friends – again, especially if its about them. But what will happen outside of that?</p>
<p>If a prospect wanders into your site to look around and likes what they see, they may end up on your blog and read a testimonial or two. But outside of that, there really isn’t much more to read with titles like that. They’ll get what they need and leave.</p>
<p>And that’s the people that go directly to your site.</p>
<p>Yet there’s another way – a way in which I hope you are trying to create – to drive traffic to your site. And its all about search.</p>
<p>Yep, its Google. People head over there millions of times per day, typing in keywords and key phrases, hoping to come across great information. You can earn a ton of traffic coming through Google. But only if you are creating the right posts that will gain traction inside of Google.</p>
<p>Testimonials won’t do it. Have you ever gone into Google, looking for anything, and typed in the word “testimonials”? Probably not.</p>
<p>So why do you create a post titled Testimonials? It does little to attract attention from the people on your site; it does nothing to attract attention in Google.</p>
<p>Which means in order to gain traction, you have to change your titles. But what should you write? What are people looking for?</p>
<p>The easiest way to find out is to head over to Google and use their <a href="https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal" target="_blank">keyword tool</a> to do a little research.</p>
<p>Let’s use the word “garden” just to see what comes up.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-1055" title="Garden in Google search term" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Garden-in-Google-search-term.png" alt="" width="564" height="193" /></p>
<p>When you type in garden, you’ll get many different results. This will show you what people typed directly into Google last month using the keyword you’ve selected. It isn’t a comprehensive list, but should be a great starting point. It will show you search terms as well as worldwide and local results.</p>
<p>From there, you can further refine what keywords you wish to look at. For this example, lets choose the term “organic gardening”.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-1056" title="Organic Gardening as a keyword" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Organic-Gardening-as-a-keyword.png" alt="" width="566" height="57" /></p>
<p>After letting the results come up using this phrase, you can see a wide variety of options.</p>
<p>If you were starting up an organic gardening business, with just this one simple search you would gain a lot of information on what people are searching for within your industry. They want organic gardening tips, organic garden seeds, and would love to find it all in an organic gardening magazine.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="aligncenter  wp-image-1057" title="Organic Gardening search results" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Organic-Gardening-search-results.png" alt="" width="566" height="425" /></p>
<p>Testimonials as a blog title might bring in a handful of visitors to that post.</p>
<p>But if you created a blog post title “The Best Organic Garden Seeds For The Urban Gardener”, do you think you could attract more attention from a variety of sources … including Google?</p>
<p>If you spend a little time and find a way to make each post you create attractive to both Google and your readers, your posts could quickly help you build up the traffic to your site – and the profits to your business.</p>


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<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/blog-title/' rel='bookmark' title='Blog Title – It’s More Than A Few Words'>Blog Title – It’s More Than A Few Words</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/seo-writer/' rel='bookmark' title='If I Write Blog Posts, Do I Need To Be A SEO Writer Too?'>If I Write Blog Posts, Do I Need To Be A SEO Writer Too?</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Why Niching Is The Only Way To Make Money</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-niching-is-the-only-way-to-make-money/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/why-niching-is-the-only-way-to-make-money/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:28:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Online Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[choosing a target market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideal clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[niche]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[niching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perfect customers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1047</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Who is your ideal customer? This may seem like an easy question. Most people, without hesitation, would answer something like: “Females from 18 to 80.” “Families with kids.” “Anyone breathing.” Do you see yourself in those answers? Have you ever used something like that yourself? While in some ways it may be true, if that [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Who is your ideal customer?</p>
<p>This may seem like an easy question. Most people, without hesitation, would answer something like:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>“Females from 18 to 80.”</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>“Families with kids.”</em></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>“Anyone breathing.”</em></p>
<p>Do you see yourself in those answers? Have you ever used something like that yourself?</p>
<p>While in some ways it may be true, if that is what you are focusing on, you’ll have a much harder time building your business.</p>
<p>Niching is about getting specific. Very specific. To the point you can describe someone in detail, and go on and on about whom they are.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;"><em>“My ideal customer is a female from 40 to 60. She has worked extensively in a variety of industries, but has now decided to go it alone and set up her own company. She is building a creative company as an artist and author, and loves her new business, yet has no idea where to start when it comes to marketing. She has a website, but it isn’t giving her traction. She reads several business magazines, attends two conventions a year, and reads various online publications for support and advice. She’s never had a business coach, yet now realizes she needs help if she’s going to take her business to the next level. She doesn’t want a hand-holder coach; instead she’s looking for someone to build a plan and help her put it together over time.”</em></p>
<p>See the difference between a description like this over some of the others mentioned above?</p>
<p>And because I now can “see” my ideal client, and can market to her even more succinctly, I have a much greater chance of finding more just like her. Where there is one, there are many, both in your local community, and all over the world.</p>
<p>Have any doubts? Lets look at an example.</p>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1049" title="Why Niching Is The Only Way To Make Money" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Why-Niching-Is-The-Only-Way-To-Make-Money.jpg" alt="" width="405" height="296" /></p>
<p>Let’s say a dentist is targeting local families. “Any family within a 20 mile radius of my office.”</p>
<p>Sounds like a great start. But what separates you from all other dentists within that 20 mile radius? Why should I choose you over Dr Smith? Or Dr Jones?</p>
<p>Now lets say you focus in on single working moms. You know they are busy. You know they are trying to juggle everything, and always have way more on their to-do list than they have time in the day.</p>
<p>So you start marketing specifically to them. Open Wednesday mornings at 6 am to stop by before school and work. And you’re open on Thursday evenings until 9 to squeeze in appointments after a busy day. Your marketing can be very specific, and say things directly to a single working mom.</p>
<p>Think you would see a rise in your clients? You bet. And think they would refer you to their friends – even friends who are happily married, and maybe even a few stay at home moms too? Yep.</p>
<p>They key is you are very specific about who you are targeting, and it allows you to think clearer about how you will reach out to them.</p>
<p>This is an example of a local business, but it gets even easier if you have a business where your client can exist anywhere in the world.</p>
<p>The key is knowing exactly who they are. Rinse, and repeat.</p>


<p>Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/can-you-really-make-money-at-blogging-sotb-2009/' rel='bookmark' title='Can You Really Make Money At Blogging? SOTB 2009 Day 4'>Can You Really Make Money At Blogging? SOTB 2009 Day 4</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Is Traditional Marketing The Best Way?</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/is-traditional-marketing-the-best-way/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/is-traditional-marketing-the-best-way/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Aug 2011 19:24:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Small Biz Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[planning]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[systems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traditional marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1040</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[August is winding down, and my daughter is now officially back in her Junior year of high school. We’ve had a lot of long and interesting conversations over the summer as she begins to lay down the path for her future. On one hand I would love to have her do the traditional way – [...]


Related posts:<ol><li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/social-marketing-where-do-the-fundamentals-fit-in/' rel='bookmark' title='Social Marketing: Where Do The Fundamentals Fit In?'>Social Marketing: Where Do The Fundamentals Fit In?</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/think-businesses-are-marketing-in-traditional-ways-think-again/' rel='bookmark' title='Think Businesses Are Marketing In Traditional Ways? Think Again'>Think Businesses Are Marketing In Traditional Ways? Think Again</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-7-steps-i%e2%80%99ll-be-using-in-2010-for-my-social-marketing-strategy/' rel='bookmark' title='The 7 Steps I’ll Be Using In 2010 For My Social Marketing Strategy'>The 7 Steps I’ll Be Using In 2010 For My Social Marketing Strategy</a></li>
</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>August is winding down, and my daughter is now officially back in her Junior year of high school. We’ve had a lot of long and interesting conversations over the summer as she begins to lay down the path for her future.</p>
<p>On one hand I would love to have her do the traditional way – high school, great college for four years, and find a job. Yet in reality, I know most kids that opt for that lifestyle will find anything but success. It’s just not in the cards any more because we’ve changed as a society over the past decade.</p>
<p>And what is facing today’s high school and college students is also facing adults too.</p>
<p>If you plan on working at a company for years, doing one job until you retire, and then planning on a nice retirement for the rest of your life – well, you really are in for a surprise.</p>
<p>So like many people, you decide to start a side business, and hope it turns into something more. Something that will help you build a comfortable income now and well into the future.</p>
<p>Yet if you read anything on marketing, its very old school and very traditional. Five years ago, Facebook didn’t exist, and social media meant something entirely different than it does today.</p>
<p>If you receive an email, a postcard, or even a newspaper at home today, chances are you barely give it a second glance when it comes to finding people to do business with. Why rely on a business telling you how great they are, when you can find “friends” online that will gladly recommend someone they’ve had an excellent record with?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1043" title="Is Traditional Marketing The Best Way" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Is-Traditional-Marketing-The-Best-Way.jpg" alt="" width="451" height="266" /></p>
<p>So how do you market a new business? How do you find relevant information that will help you build a business for the future?</p>
<p>It’s really not as hard as it sounds.<span id="more-1040"></span></p>
<p>Traditional marketing teaches you the fundamentals. The fundamentals will always be relevant – it’s just the tools that change. Here are 4 essential steps to put in place anytime you are building a new business.</p>
<h3>Create a great product or service</h3>
<p>The first step is the most obvious. Whatever product or service you have, find a way to make it the best possible for you and for your clients. Change it as you get feedback from your clientele. Add to it along the way. Refine it. And do it all over again with every product or service you create.</p>
<h3>Be comfortable with how to sell it</h3>
<p>Having a great product or service is mandatory. And believing in it and being able to sell it without selling it at all is essential. The more comfortable you are with your product or service, the more you will be able to talk about it, anticipate people’s needs before they ask, and showcase why they should choose you over your competition. But remember, it should never be about selling. Selling today means to build a relationship, tell stories, and showcase your product and services without having to become a “hard sell”.</p>
<h3>Build a system that connects with prospects and customers</h3>
<p>This is the most important step, and one that most people ignore, forget, or simply never put into place. There are many steps an average business takes to move someone from initial contact, to the sale, to follow through throughout the life of your relationship with a client. It involves many steps, and many tools. That is your system. That is what brings you success. And that is what separates a successful business from a fledging or failing one.</p>
<p>This is also where your tools will change. The plan never changes; only the tools change. Twenty years ago, you may have had five ways of bringing in clients through advertising, including a magazine ad, the yellow pages, and a newspaper. Today those tools may have changed to Facebook, Google and banner ads on a complimentary website. The plan is still the same. They system is still in place. Only the tools have changed.</p>
<h3>Work the system every day</h3>
<p>Marketing is a never-ending process. You have to work it today, tomorrow, next month, and next year. If your business is to stay in business, you have to work the system. That may mean putting a time on your calendar where you work on your system every day. Or it may mean hiring help – a virtual assistant, a marketing team, or an office manager – to do the work for you.</p>
<p>However you choose to do it, realize it has to be done. And then do it. You’ll be amazed at what you can achieve when you set your mind to it.</p>


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<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/think-businesses-are-marketing-in-traditional-ways-think-again/' rel='bookmark' title='Think Businesses Are Marketing In Traditional Ways? Think Again'>Think Businesses Are Marketing In Traditional Ways? Think Again</a></li>
<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-7-steps-i%e2%80%99ll-be-using-in-2010-for-my-social-marketing-strategy/' rel='bookmark' title='The 7 Steps I’ll Be Using In 2010 For My Social Marketing Strategy'>The 7 Steps I’ll Be Using In 2010 For My Social Marketing Strategy</a></li>
</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>5 Questions To Ask Before Creating An Autoresponder</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/5-questions-to-ask-before-creating-an-autoresponder/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/5-questions-to-ask-before-creating-an-autoresponder/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:19:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Online Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[autoresponders]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[connecting with readers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[email campaign]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[email marketing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1034</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Do you use autoresponders in your business? Autoresponders are the best method I know of to connect and communicate with your readers. It allows you to give instant feedback to people on any subject matter related to your business, and be able to do so 24/7/365. One of the most magical things that I love [...]


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<li><a href='http://thesocialghost.com/writer/are-you-asking-this-question-before-you-hit-publish-on-your-blog-post/' rel='bookmark' title='Are You Asking This Question Before You Hit Publish On Your Blog Post?'>Are You Asking This Question Before You Hit Publish On Your Blog Post?</a></li>
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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Do you use autoresponders in your business?</p>
<p>Autoresponders are the best method I know of to connect and communicate with your readers. It allows you to give instant feedback to people on any subject matter related to your business, and be able to do so 24/7/365.</p>
<p>One of the most magical things that I love is when I’m able to write such a personal autoresponder that the reader can’t tell it’s an autoresponder. Instead, they send me a personalized message back, answering my questions and giving me more information about them.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img class="size-full wp-image-1036" title="5 Questions To Ask Before Creating An Autoresponder" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/5-Questions-To-Ask-Before-Creating-An-Autoresponder.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="282" /></p>
<p>That doesn’t happen by accident. I don’t just throw together a message, or add so much content they get lost in the message. Instead of create a series of notes that make it exclusive for whoever is reading it.</p>
<p>For those of you new to the online world of marketing, an autoresponder is an email message that is sent out automatically by an email system depending on when a person signs up to receive your emails. You can send as few or as many messages as you desire, and set them up to be sent at a predetermined timeframe. These messages give you more credibility, and allow you to make that initial connection with someone new, helping them learn more about you through a variety of media sources.</p>
<p>Before you write your messages, grab some paper and spend some time analyzing these 5 questions.<span id="more-1034"></span></p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">1. Who will be reading my autoresponders?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">2. What do they know about me and my company?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">3. How are they connecting with me?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">4. How much interaction have we had up until this point, and through what resources?</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">5. What do I want them to do next?</p>
<p>When you start asking yourself these questions, you can quickly see a theme developing, and how you would communicate with this type of person. I always think about one person when I’m writing – it helps me talk to them directly, as opposed to coming up with ideas for a variety of situations.</p>
<p>Once you know who you’re writing to and why, it’s easy to start building an email series around it.</p>
<p>Welcome them to your blog/site and tell them what to expect.</p>
<p>Invite them to stay active with you. Do you blog regularly? How about sign up for your RSS feed. Do you communicate on Facebook every day? Why not join your page? The key is to start building the relationship from the beginning.</p>
<p>Choose one product/service, and spend your time talking more about it and giving tips to how it can benefit the reader. Don’t make it the entire focus; use it as a way to get to know you better. Remember, you are in this to build a lifelong relationship, not to sell to immediately.</p>
<p>Give resources, tips and tricks you know by being the expert. Start proving you know what you are talking about, and are willing to share your expertise with those around you.</p>
<p>Avoid thinking in sales terms. “Limited Offer” and “Don’t miss the sale” and “It’s the last time we’ll be doing this” all show your reader you are in it for the sale. In the online world, relationships are key. The happier you can make your customer upfront, the more likely you will be to keep them for life.</p>


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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>What Does The Most Important Page On Your Site Say About You?</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/what-does-the-most-important-page-on-your-site-say-about-you/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/what-does-the-most-important-page-on-your-site-say-about-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:07:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Online Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[about us page]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finding clients]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[motivating copy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[publicity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[toot your own horn]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[website content]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=1027</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What’s one of the most important pages on your website? Your home page? Your services section? While they are all important in creating your overall brand, there is one page that stands out above the rest, and has the most impact in converting a complete stranger into a potential prospect. Yet its also one of [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What’s one of the most important pages on your website?<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1030" style="margin: 5px; border: 0pt none;" title="What Does The Most Important Page On Your Site Say About You" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/What-Does-The-Most-Important-Page-On-Your-Site-Say-About-You.jpg" alt="" width="174" height="376" /></p>
<p>Your home page?</p>
<p>Your services section?</p>
<p>While they are all important in creating your overall brand, there is one page that stands out above the rest, and has the most impact in converting a complete stranger into a potential prospect. Yet its also one of the pages we think the least about, and throw up more as an afterthought.</p>
<p>It’s the About Us page.</p>
<p>Statistics continually show your About Us page is the second most trafficked page on your site. Yet if it’s just a few bullet points, a few sentences that give basic information about you, it’s also the number one page that is holding you back.</p>
<p>Your About Us page should be used to sell who you are and what you can do. And while that sounds easy in theory, statistics also show its one of the most difficult pages for people to write. There’s something about “tooting your own horn” that people simply find impossible. They consider it bragging. And therefore they write up a few sentences and leave it at that.</p>
<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Having trouble writing up your own About Us page?</strong><br />
Maybe its time to let someone else do it for you.<br />
With our newest service, we’ll do our research, ask the right questions, and put together a page that will help you reach out and connect with your prospects and customers.<br />
And through the month of July, <a href="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/services/about-us-page-content/">you can get it for 25% off</a>.</p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Adding The Pizzazz To Your About Us Page</h3>
<p><strong>1. Start with a story.</strong> Every business started with one late night idea that built up because of passion. Whether you worked for someone else and wanted to make a break, or had a hobby you loved and wanted to grow it into something more, that passion is what built the business. People love to hear that story. They love to know what was “the moment” for you, and what persuaded you to take action and create the business you are in today.<span id="more-1027"></span></p>
<p><strong>2. Who else loves you? </strong>Over the years, you’ve accumulated awards and accolades. Now is the time to share them with the world. Whether it’s a degree in your field, finishing a week long seminar and training session in Italy, or a 1st place award from the county fair, that’s you starting point. That’s why you are doing what you do today. And someone else has appreciated what you do as well.</p>
<p><strong>3. Say it with a photograph.</strong> I’m always amazed at the number of people who don’t have a photograph on their website. Why? Be creative with it. Showcase your personality. Don’t just use a bad photo a friend shot at your last party. Head to a professional for a business photograph. Tell them what you’ll be using it for, and ask for low resolution files to add throughout your site, blog and social platforms.</p>
<p><strong>4. Use different media tools.</strong> The great thing about the online world is you have a variety of tools available to you to enhance your look and feel. Use them all to <a href="http://virtualphotographystudio.com/photographyblog/about/" target="_blank">showcase what you do</a>. YouTube, SlideShare, Photoshop and others offer you amazing tools to create a variety of ways to showcase your talents. Don’t be afraid to use this new technology to make them say “wow”.</p>
<p><strong>5. Ask for comments</strong>. Instead of telling people about you, ask your current customers what they think. Then use those in your About Us page as well. Chances are they can say it better, and your prospects will completely relate to what they have to say about who you are and what you offer.</p>
<p>Bottom Line: Online or off, the ultimate job of self-promotion comes down to us, the business owner. If you can’t toot your own horn and make yourself stand out from the competition, it’s that much harder to convince people to use your products and services. It’s your time to shine. What’s holding you back?</p>
<p><a href="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/services/about-us-page-content/" target="_blank">Promote yourself with a new About Us page today &gt;&gt;</a></p>


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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-5-stages-of-writing-the-perfect-blog-post/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/the-5-stages-of-writing-the-perfect-blog-post/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:43:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Blogging Tips]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blog posts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creating blog content]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ghost blogging]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[traits of a great blog title]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[writing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=989</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What does it take to write the perfect blog post? If you’re not a writer, chances are it can be the most difficult thing in the world. All kinds of questions run through your head: What do I write about? How do I find the perfect picture/graphic? What about keywords? How do people find my [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What does it take to write the perfect blog post?</p>
<p>If you’re not a writer, chances are it can be the most difficult thing in the world. All kinds of questions run through your head:<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-992" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 6px;" title="The 5 Stages Of Writing The Perfect Blog Post" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/The-5-Stages-Of-Writing-The-Perfect-Blog-Post.jpg" alt="" width="315" height="300" /></p>
<ul>
<li>What do I write about?</li>
<li>How do I find the perfect picture/graphic?</li>
<li>What about keywords?</li>
<li>How do people find my post online?</li>
</ul>
<p>And that’s just with the first post. A few months down the road, after you’ve written post after post, the questions become even more difficult.</p>
<ul>
<li>What do I write about now?</li>
<li>Are people really reading what I’m writing?</li>
<li>Does anybody care about my blog?</li>
</ul>
<p>That’s when the majority of bloggers give up. They let the questions win, and they move on to other endeavors. Yet that’s the time when you need to keep it up, because you’re finally starting to gain traction with your blog posts. Here are some ideas to keep you writing.</p>
<h3>Choose Your Topic</h3>
<p>With every post you write, you should have a topic or one main idea. Think of your products and or services. Think of your many clients, and how each of them came to you for a different reason. This is a great way to start coming up with topics.</p>
<h3>Write From Different Angles</h3>
<p>While its important to have your blog cover a topic thoroughly, don’t forget that every service or product you offer can be broken down in many ways. Don’t cover every piece of your business within one post; instead break it down into multiple pieces.</p>
<p>For instance, if you have a blog on dentistry, it’s easy to write to choose to write a post on a topic such as wisdom teeth. Yet even this one topic can be broken down many ways.</p>
<ul>
<li>What are wisdom teeth?</li>
<li>Can you live with wisdom teeth?</li>
<li>Why do you need to have wisdom teeth removed?</li>
<li>What does it mean when the dentist says your wisdom teeth are impacted?</li>
</ul>
<p>And so on. See how I started with one topic – wisdom teeth – and quickly found four different posts from four different angles?</p>
<h3>Include The Complete Thought</h3>
<p>Once you have your blog title and concept in place, write a complete thought from beginning to end. Just because you know you’ve written five other posts on this same topic doesn’t mean the reader will. They are entering this post for the first time, and need a complete message, from beginning to end.</p>
<h3>Target It Towards One Client</h3>
<p>Want an even easier way to write up a post? Think about one client you are currently working with. What do you talk with them about? How did you sell them on your services? Write a post directly to this one person, and chances are you’ll reach a dozen others with the same concerns, questions and thoughts.</p>
<p><strong>Dig Deeper</strong>: <a title="How to stay out of blogging overwhelm" href="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/how-to-stay-out-of-blogging-overwhelm/">How To Stay Out Of Blogging Overwhelm</a></p>
<h3>Refer To Other Sources</h3>
<p>Don’t make your blog posts a single read. Instead, use hyperlinks to bring them to other sources both on your own blog, and to other resources online. Not only does this provide them with even more content and details, it keeps them actively reading and clicking to more resources throughout your blog. The longer you can keep their attention, the greater chance you have of turning them into a client.</p>


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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>How Relevant Is The Information You View Online?</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/how-relevant-is-the-information-you-view-online/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/how-relevant-is-the-information-you-view-online/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 17:46:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Online Marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[eli pariser]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[facebook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[google]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How Relevant Is The Information You View Online]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ted.com]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[video]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Did you know the Internet is changing right now? I recently picked up a book “The Filter Bubble” by Eli Pariser. A few days later, someone forwarded me an interesting Ted video by Eli on the same subject. When you do a search online with Google, it doesn’t provide you with the same information as [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Did you know the Internet is changing right now?</p>
<p>I recently picked up a book “The Filter Bubble” by Eli Pariser. A few days later, someone forwarded me an interesting Ted video by Eli on the same subject.</p>
<p><object width="446" height="326"><param name="movie" value="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="bgColor" value="#ffffff" /><param name="flashvars" value="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2011/Blank/EliPariser_2011-320k.mp4&amp;su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/EliPariser-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&amp;vw=432&amp;vh=240&amp;ap=0&amp;ti=1091&amp;lang=eng&amp;introDuration=15330&amp;adDuration=4000&amp;postAdDuration=830&amp;adKeys=talk=eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;event=TED2011;tag=Culture;tag=Global+Issues;tag=Technology;tag=journalism;tag=politics;&amp;preAdTag=tconf.ted/embed;tile=1;sz=512x288;" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="446" height="326" src="http://video.ted.com/assets/player/swf/EmbedPlayer.swf" pluginspace="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" wmode="transparent" bgcolor="#ffffff" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="vu=http://video.ted.com/talk/stream/2011/Blank/EliPariser_2011-320k.mp4&amp;su=http://images.ted.com/images/ted/tedindex/embed-posters/EliPariser-2011.embed_thumbnail.jpg&amp;vw=432&amp;vh=240&amp;ap=0&amp;ti=1091&amp;lang=eng&amp;introDuration=15330&amp;adDuration=4000&amp;postAdDuration=830&amp;adKeys=talk=eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles;year=2011;theme=new_on_ted_com;theme=what_s_next_in_tech;theme=a_taste_of_ted2011;theme=bold_predictions_stern_warnings;event=TED2011;tag=Culture;tag=Global+Issues;tag=Technology;tag=journalism;tag=politics;"></embed></object></p>
<p>When you do a search online with Google, it doesn’t provide you with the same information as your next door neighbor would see, your client would see, or a person half way around the world would see. Google now has algorithms in place that filter the relevant information based on your search, where you search from, and your geographical locations, among other things. They use that information to personally tailor your query results, and provide you with the content “they feel” is relevant to you.</p>
<p>While in some ways, that can be good, in many more ways that can hurt us all. Your search results may completely ignore current news, news in a different genre, or even news with a different political voice all based on the algorithms in place.</p>
<p>Google isn’t the only site doing this. Facebook is also jumping on the bandwagon, and changing your newsfeed based on which friends’ links you click on most. This allows your feed to begin to “ignore” friends in which you have little interaction. Which again means they are controlling what voice and what information you receive on a regular basis.</p>
<p>What does this mean to you?</p>
<p>First, keep in mind that what you see isn’t what everyone else sees. If you are striving to be number one under a keyword, you may achieve it, but your clients don’t see it because of their search patterns.</p>
<p>Next, think congruency. Don’t rely on one site to carry your message – build an online platform that crossed many sites and many interests. Make sure your message is the same from site to site. Stay active and you will be found.</p>
<p>Finally, stay informed. The Internet is still a new venue, and is changing from day to day. The more you learn today, the more you can apply in the future. The important key is to make sure you are reaching out to your customers in many ways, and understand how they like to find you.</p>


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</ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>5 Steps To Making LinkedIn Work For You</title>
		<link>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/5-steps-to-making-linkedin-work-for-you/</link>
		<comments>http://thesocialghost.com/writer/5-steps-to-making-linkedin-work-for-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 14:15:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Social Networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[linkedin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[small business marketing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social media]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://thesocialghost.com/writer/?p=927</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What’s the best social media platform for you? It depends on your business, and who you are trying to reach out to. If your client is corporate, it may involve LinkedIn. While LinkedIn hasn’t zoomed to the top like Facebook in recent months, its still a platform used my millions of business people all over [...]


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</ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>What’s the best social media platform for you? It depends on your business, and who you are trying to reach out to.</p>
<p>If your client is corporate, it may involve LinkedIn. While LinkedIn hasn’t zoomed to the top like Facebook in recent months, its still a platform used my millions of business people all over the world. Its set up exclusively to connect with other business owners, and provides you with everything you need to find connections, prospects and clients.</p>
<p>If you haven’t looked at LinkedIn in a while, head back over and give it a try using these five steps.</p>
<h3>Step One: Build A Dynamic Profile</h3>
<p>If you’ve ever created a resume, it’s easy to assume your LinkedIn profile should resemble your resume. Nothing could be further from the truth.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-929" style="margin: 5px;" title="linkedin" src="http://thesocialghost.com/writer/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/linkedin.jpg" alt="" width="127" height="44" /></p>
<p>Take a moment and think about how people would search for you. Would they search for President of ABC Company? Or would they search for your type of business or niche: product photographer or retail marketing expert for instance? Keywords are important in the online world because people search by keyword, not by business name. You can also be found in a variety of ways, including on LinkedIn and on sites like Google.</p>
<p>Make sure you fill out a complete profile, and make it as detailed as possible. Put in a professional portrait of yourself – not your business logo or a photo of your dog. People want to connect with you as a person, and build a relationship before they take the next step. A professional photo gives you more credibility, and helps people visualize doing business with you.<span id="more-927"></span></p>
<h3>Step Two: Add Contacts</h3>
<p>Start by searching the database for people you know. If you have more than one person in your company, start with your employees or teammates. Then branch out and look for people you work with in your community. Vendors, clients, networking connections, power partners, friends through work or school – anyone you’ve connected with in the past that may help you connect and grow in the future.</p>
<p>Remember, this isn’t like Facebook. You don’t have to have thousands of friends to build a successful strategy. Instead, focus on finding people that can help you grow along the way.</p>
<h3>Step Three: Add Recommendations</h3>
<p>Once you connect with people, pick out clients and vendors you’ve worked with in the past, and ask for recommendations. People will generally give you a testimonial on your profile if you ask. And if you know them well enough, ask them a couple times if they “forget”. Because we all get buried in email and “chores”, it’s easy to forget to carry through on an email request. If you don’t hear from someone in a couple of months, try it again. Try to get 5 to 10 to start, and keep it proportional to the amount of friends you have. 50 testimonials with 50 friends may seem a little too good to be true.</p>
<h3>Step Four: Join Groups</h3>
<p>The only way to make connections is to get active. LinkedIn has created a variety of groups and associations that you can join with a click of the mouse. Search for groups based around your line or work and your interests. Don’t forget to look for places your target market hangs out, and connect to people in a variety of ways. Then get involved in discussions.</p>
<p>Just like with any social media site, never jump on and promote. Social networking is not about promoting. Instead its about connecting and proving your expertise – the selling will come after you’ve built strong relationships.</p>
<h3>Step Five: Answer Questions</h3>
<p>The Answer section is my favorite area. Every day people head over and ask a variety of questions in a variety of areas. Search for areas where you can showcase your expertise, and start answering. Don’t give quick bullet points; instead give knowledge and answers like you are communicating with a prospect on the phone. Not only are you showcasing your knowledge for all to see, but you’re also connecting with potential customers. And if your answers are selected as the best, you’ll have added depth on your profile showcasing your knowledge. A win win for everyone.</p>


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