How the internet and marketing go hand-in-hand

It's hard to think of a better combination than the Internet and marketing. Where else can you reach the hundreds, thousands, or even millions who make up your target market. Whether you are a small, local business, or a large corporation, internet marketing is indispensable. It's been proven that most folks don't even glance at a yellow pages book anymore to find a local business. Nor do they go on the online yellow pages. Now, the average consumer just types their need into their search engine, whether it be Google, Yahoo, Bing, or any of the other hundreds out there. If you want to come up in their searches, you need to learn how to take advantage of the Internet and marketing, or hire someone to do it for you.

If you're a local business, you don't even need a website to come up in Google, Yahoo, or Bing searches. All you need to do is fill in your information on their Local Business pages. You can include your company name, contact details, directions, photos, and a website if you have one. You can also choose to offer coupons for your customers, which brings you up in popularity and rankings. These pages also offer users the chance to review what it is that you offer. Ask your happy customers to review you, and you are also boosted in ranking. And the best part of all? This listing is completely free! Think of how much you save on yellow pages or newspaper ads that are no longer even getting results. If you run a local business, take the few minutes it will take you to get listed on the search engine local results and you can start seeing traffic immediately. Other free options include setting up accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, or any of the other social media sites. Blogging is another way to create interest and establish credibility in your field.

If you haven't yet merged the Internet and marketing for your larger company or corporation, luckily you can get in on the game very quickly whether you hire staff to handle this for you or you outsource the job to someone else. One of the major sources of income for larger companies who take advantage of internet marketing is pay-per-click (PPC) advertising. While this type of advertising is not free, you only pay when someone actually clicks on your ad. This is one of the huge advantages of pay-per-click versus offline advertising. You only pay when you get results. Large companies are also taking advantage of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and blogging. If they are using these free methods even though they have millions of dollars to spend on marketing, you better believe that this is working for them.

The Internet and marketing really are two extremely compatible terms--make sure that you are teaming them up in your business.

By: Anthony Harris
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/online_business/article_8495.shtml

Remodeling your home? Start from the outside in.

The kitchen and bathroom are at the top of most home remodeling project lists. But homeowners intent on remodeling should also consider investing in the exterior of their homes - maybe even start there.

That's the advice of Sarah Susanka, one of the nation's leading voices for redefining the home, and author of the Not So Big House series, a collection of nine books focusing on home design, architecture and remodeling.

The reason for investing in the exterior is simple. The exterior should set the tone for your home's interior look and feel. Also, first impressions really do count to the long-term value of a house, especially when it comes time to sell it.

"I firmly believe that the experience we have in living in our homes can have a profound impact on the way we look at life," Susanka says. "That experience begins the moment we walk, bike or drive up to it, and extends through the transitions we make as we move between the landscape, the exterior and the interior of the home."

The feeling of satisfaction that comes from making your house look good on the outside is experienced at many levels - from the colors and textures of your home to the quality of the materials used to build or remodel it, to the benefits of those materials in the long term, such as the character they lend, or the ease of maintenance they offer. The good news is that if you haven't remodeled your house in a long time, there are a number of new, sustainable products that are helping homeowners create exteriors that are both beautiful and green, such as APEX siding and Integrity windows, both made with pultruded fiberglass, a tough, low-maintenance, sustainable material offering a rich selection of colors.

"A Not So Big House is not only built better rather than bigger," adds Susanka. "It is also designed to be a good custodian of the planet's resources. It's built to last. Finding green products that also make it easy for homeowners to maintain the home is a big step toward true sustainability. If a house isn't both beautiful and practical, no matter how green the materials used, it won't live up to its sustainability goals. People only look after what they love, and beauty is a big part of that picture."

If you're thinking about remodeling in the near future, here are several more ideas to make the most of your remodeling budget:

Create a master plan. Many homeowners cannot afford to do a complete remodeling. Most do it in chunks. Before you lift a hammer, hire an architect to create a master plan for your home, which will guide your remodeling efforts for years to come.

Connecting inside with outside. The interior and exterior of your home need to work together. They need to be integrated and harmonize with one another as you move from the surrounding landscape to the interior, or as you look out from inside your home to the garden beyond. To enhance this connection, think about the first impression you want to give a visitor. Do you want it to communicate comfort? Connectedness to the outdoors? Creativity? Or tradition? All these can be accomplished with thoughtful detailing of the home's exterior, as well as landscaping.

Small changes; huge impact. Small changes to the exterior, such as adding another color to the exterior palette, adding texture such as stone, brick or lap siding, or framing the windows with wider trim boards, can have a huge impact on the look of your home, and make it feel both more expressive and more inviting.

Choose sustainable products. It's important not only to the environment, but to the overall maintenance and longevity of your home. Consider remodeling your house with some of the new, high quality sustainable products that are entering the remodeling marketplace, such as APEX Siding, Susanka's current favorite find, which is made from pultruded fiberglass, derived from sand.

Reduce maintenance and future repairs. Another key to remodeling is to use materials and building methods that are resistant to wear, tear and the elements (rain, sunlight), which reduce the likelihood of needing to make expensive repairs in the future, as well as reducing the amount of time spent on maintenance. Knowing that your home is well protected from the elements is an important part of the overall satisfaction with your home.

Mix it up. Many people are afraid to use more than one color on the exterior of their home. That's why so many houses appear dull and lifeless. Consider using two colors of siding and a third color for your trim boards to add personality and vitality to the exterior. Products like Apex fiberglass siding and trim, and Integrity windows, for example, are available in a palette of rich and attractive colors. Also, consider adding a trim band, or belt line, below main level windows of your home, and using a contrasting color of siding below that band to help ground the house and connect it in with the surrounding landscape.

Invest in quality over quantity. Even with a limited budget, try to invest in high-quality products that will look good for the long haul, and will stand the tests of time, rather than buying lower-quality products that may offer the short term benefit of getting a greater share of your remodeling projects done, but which end up looking dilapidated and unattractive in short order. You'll feel better about the integrity of your home by focusing a significant part of your budget on the bones and outer clothing of your home - the roof, siding, windows, electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems.

Courtesy of BPT

Boost your home's curb appeal for a quicker sale

Selling a home requires a bit of marketing, some sweat and elbow grease, and a touch of luck. But even in a competitive selling market, it is possible to turn the sign in your front yard from For Sale to Sold so you can move on to your next residence.

First, look at your home as if you were a potential buyer. Drive up to the driveway or the front curb and park, carefully looking at the home as if for the first time. Make note of the beautiful aspects of your home, and also areas that could deter potential buyers. The outside of your home is the first image they will see, both in person, and while pre-shopping online.

One maintenance project to tackle that will really spruce up the exterior of your home is refurbishing the outside woodwork that has been weathered by the sun, rain and snow. If you have a front porch, wooden window edgings or even a back deck, chances are these areas could benefit from new stain for a refreshed and clean look.

Home decks return about 70 percent of their original cost back to homeowners when a house is sold, according to Remodeling Magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report, but that's only when the decks are kept in top shape. To remove moisture and sun damage and protect your exterior woodwork from further damage from moss, mold and rot, Flood wood care offers an entire wood care system from prepping materials such as deck cleaners to stain. Before prepping your deck, consider if you need Wood Finish Remover to remove latex, oil, semi-transparent and solid stains, or if your deck is unstained, you may need Wood Brightener/Cleaner to bring the old and faded gray coloring back to a fresh new wood appearance. Finally, apply a Flood wood stain to your deck and woodwork to give it a beautiful look that will have home buyers and your neighbors impressed.

In addition to your exterior woodwork, also take a look at your siding and gutters. Vinyl and aluminum sidings can collect dirt and look dingy after a season or two. Use a power washer on the siding and gutters to wash away the grime and spider webs and bring some vibrancy back to the outside of your home. Also consider adding season-appropriate flowers, plants or landscaping or replacing gutter downspouts with decorative chains to give your home an artistic look.

Finally, take a close look at your exterior lights. Glass-enclosed lights can become filthy from all the elements, so take a quick moment to wipe them clean with glass cleaner. If your light fixtures are tarnished, or looking run down, purchase a can of spray paint in any complimentary color to the exterior of your home and freshen them up. It will make your lights appear new in no time at all.

These quick-fix projects will boost the look of your home both for prospective buyers arriving at your front door, and also in the photographs visible online. With this better exterior appearance, chances are you'll be able to sell your home much quicker.

Courtesy of BPT

Marketing on the internet – Sticking to the basics

When marketing on the internet you will likely be exposed to various promotional strategies or techniques that are more dazzling than they are effective. Now there is nothing wrong with trying new marketing tactics in an effort to build your business but never lose sight of the fundamentals. As tempting as it may be to rely upon a tool or technique that 'offers' more results for less effort, it is important to keep your eyes open to how effective they may really be.

Always be mindful of the fact that to build your business you will need a quality product, a solid reputation and the ability to connect with customers. Although gadgets and gimmicks may deliver on their promise of less work, they do not always deliver the results. It is up to you to determine if the time you invest is worth the return you are getting.

Here is a quick look at the fundamentals you need to focus on and the reason for the attraction to some of the newer marketing tactics we become exposed to.

Fundamentals

1) Exposure

No matter what you are promoting online in order to build your business you need to increase your exposure. get yourself out in front of people There are some nifty software products and marketing tactics that will help your cause but the image you project must be developed and maintained by you!

2) Connecting

In order to convert people into buyers you will need to develop a connection with them There is no substitution for human interaction and this is what it will take, in some manner, to connect with others. Gaining their interest or 'triggering' a desire can only be accomplished through some form of interaction. On the internet the written word is the primary channel of communication therefore developing good copy writing skills will be helpful!

3) Trust

Building trust is one of the most important things you can do when working online since it tends to boost the effectiveness of any of the promotional strategies you may use. Trust building is not something you can expect to accomplish with the help of automation or software but instead results from the way you interact with others. Displaying respect or a willingness to be of service to people are great ways to build both trust and solid reputation online.

Gimmickry

1) Fast

Our attraction to any new gadgets, tactics or gimmicks when working online stem from the natural desire to improve our performance and with less effort. One of the primary benefits usually touted when any new marketing tactics are presented is the speed and ease with which they work. Who would you not be attracted to that? But sadly, in many cases the product or technique demonstrates an inability to deliver on the promise.

2) Convenient

Another popular benefit used to promote the purchase and/or use of some tactics or gimmicks is their convenience and ease of use. Products or techniques like this normally serve to automate certain time consuming functions but here again, the job they do may not be as thorough as you would want. On the other hand the temptation to build your business on autopilot is hard to resist!

3) Empowering

Simply possessing any type of software or marketing tactics that can 'speed up' or 'automate' certain functions of your business is an empowering feeling. Of course that feeling does tend to fade as the realization that some of those 'tools' are ineffective begins to dawn on you. However, simply having the hope, even for a short period of time, that you can drastically improve your productivity is an uplifting feeling! As any internet marketer will tell you, hope is one the their biggest assets and if they did not have it, they probably would not be seeking success online!

Marketing on the internet offers the use of many gadgets and gimmicks that promise to decrease your efforts while increasing the results! Unfortunately some of these promotional strategies or gimmicks fall flat on their face when put to the test. The allure of many new marketing tactics is the automation and of course the convenience associated with it. It is important however to be mindful of the fundamentals that are required, as discussed above, in order to build your business successfully online. With that being said as you find yourself employing the use of any new gimmicks, gadget, tactics or techniques always monitor their use insofar as effectiveness and bottom line results. If you do not find an improvement in the performance and/or results of your business this is simply a tool you do not need!

By: TJ Philpott
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/online_business/article_8501.shtml

Themed bedroom ideas that can grow with your little girl

As a parent, how to decorate your child's room is one of the tough decisions you have to make. She might love Dora the Explorer today, but it's not likely that she'll want cartoons on her walls forever. You could end up spending a ton of money redecorating every year or two if you don't think ahead. Here are seven theme ideas for girls' rooms that can grow with her over the years, saving you money.

Princess

All little girls love to be princesses - and teens like to act like them too. Take a more mature approach to it from the start. Chose a subdued pink and pair it with browns to give the room a Victorian look.Canopy beds are regal, but they can be expensive. Instead, go for a smaller, removable net canopy, which attaches to the ceiling via a ring and only flows over the head of the bed. Use gold touches to finish the room with an elegant feel, and display princess toys that your child has until she outgrows them.

Garden

Instead of painting cartoon flowers and bumble bees all over the walls, which can be fun for a toddler but overwhelming for a teenager, try using real flowers (or silk flowers if you don't have a green thumb) on shelves that are out of reach of tiny hands. Use natural colors, like greens and browns, for painting and sheer curtains to let in as much light as possible. Keep the artwork on the walls whimsical enough for a children's room - like pictures of fairies or butterflies - yet sophisticated enough for teens; skip the cartoons and look for prints of paintings.

Retro

Creating a retro room for your daughter can be fun, but don't go too crazy with the flower power and smiley faces! Instead, stick to using colors that were popular in the 1960s and add fun touches like beaded curtains, printed rugs, and beanbag chairs. Use a lava lamp as a night light and stick to fabrics in funky prints, like paisley.

Paris

Pink French poodles and polka dots look cute in a little girls' room, and it is actually fairly easy to take that style idea and make it appropriate for any age group. Start with color - a Parisian themed room should have elements of black, pink, white, and tan. Stuffed poodles can easily be replaced on shelves with more sophisticated decor, such as an Eiffel Tower replica or French country prints. Add mirrors and sconces to the walls (out of reach of small children of course) and for the furniture, think wrought iron and wood painted white or cream and distressed.

Celestial

Girls can love sciences and technology as much as boys, so why not choose a celestial outer space theme for your child? Use navy-colored paint to give the illusion of a night sky and glow-in-the-dark stars that can be removed if she no longer likes them when she's older. To give the room a girl's touch, use celestial sun, moon, and star accent pieces and pretty cloud or sunset artwork.

Beach

Tropical themed bedrooms are always a hit for kids, but creating an island paradise that will still be appropriate when your toddler is a teen can be challenging. Subtlety is key here. Use beach colors like aqua and blue for the walls or furniture and instead of carpeting, go for a wood floor that gives the room a more beach bungalow feel. For small children, use some tropical-inspired rugs to make the play surface safer, and use shells and hibiscus flowers to complement your design. You can also use bamboo and wicker for furniture and blinds in the room, and frame artwork featuring mermaids, dolphins, and sailboats for the walls.

Hollywood Glitz

Most young girls love to play dress up, and teens may also be very into fashion. A Hollywood glitz and glam room can be great for themed bedrooms. Instead of a traditional dresser, chose a vanity, which your daughter will appreciate when she's in high school, and instead of a wallpaper border, string white Christmas lights around the room that can be kept up all year. Use clear beads that give the illusion of diamonds in the window treatment and for a chandelier-like lighting fixture and add a few touches of animal prints in pillows, throw rugs, etc. for a little fun.

Remember, your toddler may not grow up to like the style you chose, so be prepared for your tomboy teen to hate her garden-inspired room or your cheerleader to have an issue with the beach theme you picked. The good news is that no matter what theme you use today, if you switch out the accessories, she'll love it tomorrow. Avoid huge decor choices that are hard to change, because you want her room to grow with her tastes.

by: Max Sheppard

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_5968.shtml

Money advice for expectant and new parents

Have you ever heard the saying that "babies don't come with owner's manuals"? It's true that no matter how many books you read, classes you take, or experienced parents you talk to, you can never be completely prepared for the challenges and joys of parenthood. You can, however, prepare yourself for the costs of a new baby by looking after your finances before your bundle arrives.

New parents don't always prepare for the expenses associated with having a baby. One survey by Redbook Magazine and VISA found that less than 50 percent of expectant parents create a new budget that includes baby expenses. And while 76 percent of parents-to-be felt financially prepared for a baby, after the tyke arrived, 41 percent of new parents said they weren't as prepared as they had thought.

Taking steps like clipping coupons and buying secondhand clothes can help new parents save cash, but other important financial considerations - such as protecting their credit scores - require advanced planning. Here are some tips to help expectant and new parents to look after their finances:

Before the baby arrives

* Review your health insurance and what it covers. The full costs of pre-natal care, maternal care and delivery are not always covered by all insurance plans. As soon as you know you are pregnant - or when you make the decision to conceive - contact your insurer and ask for a detailed explanation of benefits. The Redbook survey found that unexpected hospital costs - things that couples thought their insurance would cover - cost one in four new parents more than $2,000 from their own pockets. Knowing what's covered, and what's not, can help you determine how much cash to set aside for hospital expenses.

* Review your credit. One way or another, you will be spending money - a lot of it - when the new baby arrives. Whether you need to tap credit to buy nursery furniture or need a good credit score so you can get a better auto policy that costs less, it's important to understand this aspect of your financial well-being. Enrolling in a product such as freecreditscore.com can help you understand your credit score and status, which can help you make informed decisions about how you will use credit during this potentially financially challenging time.

* Create a spending plan. Your overall spending plan should not only include a budget for day-to-day costs like diapers, but a long-term plan for larger expenses such as nursery furniture, day care, and college savings. It's important to estimate not only how much you'll spend but when you'll spend it, too. For example, your short-term budget may include the cost of a crib - an item you will need immediately - but you may be able to postpone other furniture purchases like a dresser or changing table.

When you're new parents

* Buy wisely and frugally. From clipping coupons to buying off-brand names or purchasing from second-hand stores, it's possible to equip your baby with everything he or she needs at a fraction of the cost of buying brand new, brand-name retail products. It's normal to feel pressured to buy new, top-of-the-line luxury items for your baby, but used items and off-brand products can be just as good. Check out online ratings for a used item's durability before you buy it, and see what other consumers have to say about cheaper brands of diapers, baby wipes and clothing.

* Continue to keep an eye on your credit; it's a key element of your financial health. Good credit directly affects your ability to buy that bigger house you need as Junior starts to grow, get an auto loan for a minivan, or secure a new job in some cases. The Internet can help. For example, freecreditscore.com offers a Score Planner that lets members and nonmembers see for free how their financial behaviors can affect their credit scores.

While nothing can really prepare you for the agony of sleepless nights with a newborn or the joys of seeing your baby take his or her first steps, it is possible to prepare for the financial responsibilities associated with becoming a parent.

Courtesy of BPT