Notes on Updating

Dear Information Marketers,

Hope you all had a good weekend. Up here in Canada, we just had a holiday Monday - Family Day - and I spent all day yesterday eating good food my mom and her family cooked for me. Needless to say I made the most of that holiday, but you will forgive me the late update for Confessions of an Info Marketer.

Now that we're back in the swing of things, I thought I should provide this update with some info on, well, updating. A lot of IMI members have been asking for some advice on updating their website and how to make the most of their website.

Here are some things I do:

a. Always keep a "What's New" page - Keeping your clients informed on new developments to your business is crucial. Always provide new information to your website, no matter how big or small. You may have to struggle at times to provide new info during times of low activity, but provide your clients with some new development in your business or area of knowledge.

*Do not look at this as stressful activity - it can be a great way to come up with new creative ideas and forcing you to stay on top of your business in your clients' best interest.

b. Keep an archive - even after posting new messages, do not get rid of old material. Like a library for your business, it can be valuable to new clients who need help and advice.

c. Update on a regular schedule - I actually drew out a table for my schedule of updating this blog, the IMI website, and my online article submissions. I stick to it exclusively.

Do the same, especially with your What's New. Customers appreciate that kind of prompt service and it help make your business that much more reputable.

d. Add a new design - Rightly or wrongly, fashion and trends change. It's just how it goes. Like your home decor, sometimes your website is going to need a new look. Keep abreast of new online trends and if you feel that your website is starting to look old, update it with a more contemporary look. If you get stuck with this, look up a graphic designer or other

e. Change a new feature or icon - One of my favourite bands never wanted to put music samples online. Until recently. Now you can log onto their website and get snippets of new recordings before they are commercial available. Fans like me have already posted comments and created a new buzz for the band's new disc release. If you have a video of a seminar you held or a new splash graphic for a particular product, put it up. A new, more modern update can make your website look that much more appealing to both new and existing clients. You can create your own buzz.

Updating your website is truly one of the best things of being an information marketer. You can utilize your creative juices to come up with something really appealing for your clients and, in the end, generate even more sales. It's a great vehicle for success.

More to come. All the best for the week,

James B.


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