The biggest obstacle for many in marketing online is just knowing what to say. Here’s an old trick that I use all the time that makes the process immensely easier. I learned it in my publishing days from a successful author! Are you ready?

 

JUST SAY SOMETHING. It’s that easy! Sit down and pull out a piece of paper or better yet type it out on the computer, what ever is most comfortable for you. Ask yourself the questions below and just talk the answers out writing everything that comes out of your mouth and mind. Write it all down. AFTER you’ve written down everything you can think of to answer these questions, then you can easily go back through it all and edit the material.

 

Remember, you are most likely your worst critic. And when you hear any little bit of constructive criticism from others, you may even get more critical of what you wrote. Don’t worry about that. Be happy to get input. The bottom line after it’s all said and done (and WRITTEN out) is that you want the words to be exactly what you would say to someone you didn’t know if you were to describe who you are to them.

 

Start by assembling the following information. You can decide what content to actually include in your site later.

• Name your primary products and services:
  
• Who do your products and services serve?
  
• How many years have you been in business?
  
• Accept credit cards? How do visitors buy?
  
• What are prospective buyers in your business looking for?
  
• What makes you the best at what you do? What are your specialties?
  
• What credentials do you have that prove you are the expert?
• awards
• industry experience
• certifications
• education
• organizations/committees you belong to
• What’s different about the actual products/services you provide (literally, be descriptive)?
  
• Why are you unique?
  
• What is your mission or goal in providing quality services?
  
• Do you have any limits? What don’t you do?
  
• If you could explain something most people don’t understand about your industry or services, what would that be?
  
• Do you sell to:
• Businesses -
• Consumers –
  
• Have any coupons or specials to provide?
  
• Make a list of 18-25 words/phrases your customers would use if they were to search for you/your services in the phone book, on the web or asking their friends?

 

And don’t forget to include the following:

• All contact info
• Business hours
• Return/exchange/service policy
• Links to other content of interest online
• Sites you like whether industry related or not
• What you consider exceptional service
• Staff members, titles and responsibilities
• Product/services list
• Corporate branding and Company image (logos, catch phrases, images)