Websites: Make Money Authentically

And, you know, I don't blame them for being wary! Today, you see get rich quick schemes, SPAM, and click and go sites that aren't even related to the passionate work and message these women are looking to promote. How is a Smart Woman supposed to live their joy and focus on what they care about most?

Here are some basics, along with actions to get you started:

1. Start with the client in mind FIRST.

Be respectful, helpful, and service oriented. It's a mindset, not a "gimme" approach. Even though the internet might feel impersonal, it is completely not. You are reaching out to people, so pretend they are face to face with you. Give them a welcome gift to encourage the relationship. Please and thank you never go out of style.

ACTION:

Offer a valuable give-away in return for your visitors "opting in" (giving you their name and email so you can contact them again) to your website. Make it something you would like to have and always place it high on the page ("above the fold") and have it be prominently visible. Demonstate that you are willing to give something in return for the opportunity to earn their trust.

2. Show your personality and your uniqueness.

Too often people forget that websites are a tool of communication. Don't be afraid to let your point of view show through. You want your website to be a conversation, not an academic term paper. Leave the thee and thou formality to someone else.

ACTION:

Invite several people, from varying backgrounds, to read your website wording. Ask them what it means and how it makes them feel. Did they get it the way you intended? If not, EDIT! Change is good so use it to your advantage. Nothing ever needs to be written in stone.

3. Stay in touch.

Too often people are worried about "bothering" their email list. Don't be! They signed up willingly because they were interested in what you have to offer. You have a duty to lend your expertise to their situation. You owe it to them to help. They will let you know if you are emailing too much. The secret is to drop the pitch and add value. When you do that, your email will be one of the first they open.

ACTION:

Create an email mini-series that provides information that your clients would find helpful. After they have signed up for your Step #1 Gift, begin sending them this mini-series once per week for the next three weeks. On week 4, offer them something to purchase. By mixing giving with asking for a sale, you will build trust, create a strong reputation as a caring service minded business owner, and you will get sales. You don't have to be pushy, but rather a solution provider. The world wants and needs what you are passionate about giving. So, give it now and often.