Blogging, Writing

Tips to Kick-Start The Writing Habit

Writing for me, like most people is something that I’m good at, but not great at (yet anyway). I’ve always been more acclimated towards designing and programming instead of writing for my website. But now that I’m starting my own blog that leaves me in a strange dilemma, and that dilemma is running out of ideas and not knowing how to kick-start the process. When I run out of design inspiration I have a unique process that I’ve developed over the years to get myself out of the rut; but when it comes to writing that process isn’t yet clearly defined.

So for me when I run across a post that offers 7 Can’t-Miss Ways To Kick-Start The Writing Habit it immediately piques my interest because this is an area where I want to improve. While all the tips were good here are a few that really resonated with me and I could easily implement into my everyday routine.

1. Write nothing but headlines
2. Write ‘crap’ without feeling guilty
3. Schedule regular time and show up, even if you think you can’t write.
4. Write about how you solved a problem

What I Would Add

The one thing I would add to the list is to look for articles that others have written and use them as a starting point for your own articles. Now that’s not to say you should rewrite someone else’s article point for point, but to look at their article and try to add something meaningful to it. Whether that be your own perspective on the subject or just writing a post with new and/or updated information. This will help set you apart by creating a unique voice for your blog and delivering relevant information to your readers.

Marketing

Turn Your Website Visitors Into Leads

Does your website get a lot of traffic? Is that traffic converting into qualified leads? If not you may be overlooking something that a lot of website owners overlook, and that is only focusing your attention on developing as much traffic as you can. Now gaining a lot of traffic is a good thing for the success of any website; but if that traffic isn’t converting into qualified leads than it’s useless.

Here are six easy to implement ways to start converting your visitors into qualified leads and increasing your sales.

1. Professional Look
   A professional looking website is an absolute must if you want to convert your visitors into leads. Keep in mind you don’t have to spend thousands and thousands of dollars but you should spend the time to make sure your site is easy to navigate, your design is professional and your website is targeted to the audience you are trying to reach.
2. Easy to find contact information
   Making sure your contact information is easily available seems obvious but sometimes it gets lost in the shuffle of creating your website. Remember if you want your visitors to contact you you have to give them way by placing your email address, phone number, or a contact form prominently on your website.
3. Build an email list
   Not everyone that visits your website is going to be ready to buy right now. That’s where a good email list/newsletter can allow you to keep your company in your visitors minds and when they are ready to buy they’ll likely think of you.
4. Write engaging website copy
   Having engaging copy on your website that gets visitors to act can be the difference between no sales and record sales. If possible you should hire a professional copywriter that specializes in your industry and has gotten proven results in the past.
5. Call to action
   In order for people to act you have to give them something to act on. Put your call to action (packages, discounts) as high and prominent on the page as possible without being obtrusive.
6. Create free products
   If you’re focusing on a specific industry create an ebook, teleseminar, case study, etc. that solves a specific problem that your target audience has. In doing this make sure you require a registration or at least collect their basic information (name, email) and acceptance to receive marketing emails in the future before they download the materials.

These are just a few tips to get you started optimizing your website visitors so you can convert more of them into qualified leads.

Announcements, Company News

Introducing the 13 Ideas Weblog

Welcome to the brand new 13 Ideas Weblog. In the coming months we’ll be writing about number of topics . We invite you to join in the discussion and stay tuned for what we have coming down the pipelines in the future.

Topics to be covered in our blog:

• Blogging
• Entrepreneurship
• Marketing
• Networking
• Company News
• Client Projects