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3 Reasons Your Domain Name Does not Matter as Much as You Think

domain name tips When the dotcom boom first started, well, booming in the late nineties and early two-thousands, businesses suddenly realized they needed to get online, and fast. There was a mad dash to buy as many relevant domain names as possible in a gold-rush-style form of cyber real estate development. Today, many of those domains have been turned into some of the most popular and influential websites in the world, while others were turned into obscure websites that have remained obscure or have slowly become error pages in a failed Google search link.

What many neglected to realize then was that a simple domain name can’t get you anywhere; you have to have something to back it up. And, to the lament of those early developers, with the advent of search and social media, domain names are now even less important. Don’t ever question the effectiveness of a simply, catchy domain name that perfectly matches the site it represents. That is the sort of domain everyone should be going after. But, what’s truly important these days is not the domain name, it’s what you do with it.

1. Google Finds Content, not Domains

In most instances today, if you’re business isn’t online, it doesn’t exist. The same could be said for low Google rankings. If your products don‘t pop up on the first few search pages, they may as well be non-existent in terms of Google search. In order to get users to see your business page, you have to optimize your pages so Google can detect the type of content that users will be wanting to find when they go to your site. You could have a domain name that is a perfect match for your business name, but if you don’t know how to market your products online, a fancy sounding name is about as far as your domain will get you.

2. Most Links are Hidden

Another way to get users to stumble upon your site is to promote it via social media and online articles, while providing links back to your own site. Usually links are either represented as HTML code hidden underneath representing word, or they are shortened to fit on applications like Twitter and Facebook. Your link will rarely be displayed as showing the entire domain name, no matter how great it is, or how relevant it is to your business. So don’t think that posting a link to your site will make users want to click on it because of the domain name, alone, if they can even see the domain name at all.

3. Social Media Stands on Your Business Name

Social media is the next frontier in internet marketing, as the latest Google Panda updates seem to indicate, it could to be heading toward becoming the next frontier in Google search ranking, as well. Your business (as represented by your website, Twitter account, Facebook page, etc.) is what users will be interacting with, commenting about, and trying to find online through social media. Your domain name needs to be simple and memorable, but the real footing your business needs to prosper online will be in its name and reputation. Make sure your business name is what you lead with, and what you stand on when it comes to social media. Users will be looking to interact with your business, not your domain.

About the Author: This is a guest post by Eliza Morgan who is a full time blogger. She specializes in writing about business credit cards. You can reach her at: elizamorgan856 at gmail dot com.

Why Businesses Should Use LinkedIn

Business owners may feel that LinkedIn is just another task that needs to be dealt with in an already busy day. However, there are some compelling reasons why businesses should use LinkedIn for attracting potential employees, brand building and networking.

Setting up groups

Businesses who are seeking applicants interested in their industry can set up a group on LinkedIn. Setting up a group is simple; groups can be created so that anyone can join or restricted to invitation or acceptance only. Simply select the level of control that your company is comfortable with.

Attracting talent and clients

While some businesses may use LinkedIn only for talent purposes, there are other effective uses. LinkedIn allows users to set up options for developing contacts, seeking new contracts and allowing interaction. This makes LinkedIn an ideal platform for searching for potential clients.

Testimonials do matter

LinkedIn allows businesses to request testimonials or references from current clients, employees and previous clients. This can be very helpful, especially for a business that is just getting started. Testimonials help a business develop a strong online reputation. Additionally, these testimonials are readily available to share with others whether they have a LinkedIn account or not.

Brand building

One of the best things about using LinkedIn is that you help build your brand. Because LinkedIn allows a business to set up individual profiles for the management team as well as a business page, building a business brand is easier than on other social networking sites. In addition, a presence on LinkedIn is often seen as more professional than having accounts on Twitter or Facebook.

Networking opportunities

Some businesses may see LinkedIn as simply another networking site or social media site that must be managed. With time at a premium, many do not feel that there is a great deal of value in any social media site. Businesses who feel that they must decide between sites should select LinkedIn because it is often seen as more valuable for business networking purposes.

LinkedIn provides an ideal platform for networking, with like-minded business owners. Online meet-ups are also possible if you set up and use a closed group appropriately. Sharing your business expertise allows you the opportunity to establish credibility as well, which is helpful in attracting better talent and additional customers.

About the services

Businesses should take the time to familiarize themselves with the platform that LinkedIn offers. In addition to networking, brand building and building credibility, there are numerous opportunities for advertising. Whether you elect to promote your business using many of the free opportunities or use the paid opportunities, LinkedIn provides the tools that most business owners need.

LinkedIn can be used as a contact management system, a screening system for new employees and a recruiting method for small and large business owners. Take the time to explore the features of LinkedIn and decide which package works best to meet your needs. There are countless ways to gain exposure for your business whether you are a Fortune-500 company or you are just getting started. LinkedIn is simple to use, is very flexible and offers a number of benefits for businesses. Consider adding LinkedIn to your companies marketing and hiring strategy; the benefits will far outweigh the time that you spend getting your account set up.

About the Author: Tim works with coxcabledeals.com for his “real” job. In the mean time he works on his own thing. Once this is closer to becoming a reality he will definitely be using the benefits of LinkedIn for networking and business development.

Image: nan palmero / Flickr

What to Consider Before Becoming a Freelancer

For the employee stuck in the 9-5 workday, the allure of working from home without the watchful eyes of a manager can be especially compelling. Many decide to follow the call and become a freelancer in order to become their own boss. However, not everyone can handle the freedom and responsibility that comes with the freelancing life. In order to determine whether becoming a freelancer is right for you, consider the following questions:

Can You Offer a Service?

Before rushing wildly into starting a business, you’ll need to undergo a level of planning and preparation. First, think exactly about the type of services you want to offer. Freelancing covers a wide spectrum of fields, including proofreading, writing, and graphic design. There are an endless number of services freelancers can offer, each with its own details concerning clients, job market, and business regulations. In addition, the prospective freelancer should carefully determine whether the

Do you have a Family Life?

Many freelancers run their business from the comfort of their own home. However, there are a number of distractions that may prevent the freelancer from fully concentrating on his or her work. Children, household chores, phone calls, family life – all these distractions can prevent freelancers from maintaining a strict schedule. Working at a coffee shop or a dedicated office is a viable option, but if you are determined to work from home, make sure that you can handle deadlines and workflow without distractions.

Do you have the Right Temperament?

As mentioned before, the freelancing life is not for everyone. Freelancing is not an easy means to quick cash – it requires dedication and independence that is uncharacteristic of a conventional job. Freelancers need to stay motivated and diligent, especially during the tough initial years, in order to see their business through. If you’re the type of person that requires structure, stability, and security, then you may want to stay away from freelancing.

Can you build a Network?

Oftentimes, many of the freelancer’s clients come from referrals or trusted colleagues who give their recommendations. In order to increase the likelihood of success, build a network of contacts and connections that can provide referrals for your service. However, the need for a network extends beyond customers and clients – others can help you with various aspects of your business, ranging from marketing, budgeting, or simple organization. By building a network, freelancers can extend their potential sources of resources, knowledge and information.

What about Finances?

Depending on the type of service, freelancers will need to possess financing and budget skills in order to achieve success. Some tips to remind freelancers include officially registering the business and making sure that the taxes are always up-to-date. In addition, creating a marketing or business plan can help freelancers determine exactly the type of budget and costs that will go into starting a business. Remember – a freelancing business is just like any other business, and needs to be taken seriously.

Starting a freelancing business is a daunting task, a decision that is not to be made lightly. However, it is a choice that can lead to potentially high rewards, satisfaction and self-employment. By considering the questions above, the prospective candidate can determine whether the life of a freelancer is right for them.

Rachel Hyun Kim is a writer for Resource Nation, an online resource that gives advice such as B2B lead generation for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Rachel has written on a variety of topics, ranging from credit card processing to medical billing software.

Have You Been Networking Face to Face Lately?

If the answer is no, it’s time to put on your best suit and attitude, and venture out to make some friends. You may be connecting with people through email or over phone, but it’s never the same thing as saying a ‘Hi’ with a great smile in person. Even today, in this time of digitally connected and savvy people, business owners are more comfortable engaging with their contacts in person than online. If you have been postponing offline networking for some time now, it’s time to get out and say a ‘Hello’! And the good news is, there are quite a few ways to do it…

face to face networking — Face to face networking in trade shows

What offline networking options do you have?

1. Let’s start with the traditional and ever-popular industry trade shows. They last a number of days, don’t cost much to participate in, and are filled with potential clients and business partners. However, in today’s times, when we are all short of time and want to make the most of it, here’s an important tip – attend only those trade show sessions that provide real value information and spend rest of the time networking with people from your industry.

2. Next, how about meeting up with local professionals from your industry over lunch or coffee? You don’t have to try too hard – you can visit sites like Meetup.com to connect with businesses, investors and business owners with common interests. You may just hit upon your next big business move or marketing plan over insightful conversations! And of course, as a bonus, you will be giving your business the visibility it so deserves.

3. You can even set the stage for networking right at your home. Chat up relatives and friends who can open up different opportunities. Once you have zeroed in on a few target contacts, ask your family/friend to introduce you to them and put in a good word for you.

4. Why limit networking to only business hours? Be social and nice all the time. Try talking to people waiting in line with you at the grocery checkout or bank – you may find a great friend or if you are lucky, even an important business contact. Start off with small talk first instead of swooping right into business chatter.

Note to self: Be pleasant company. You can make a first good impression on potential customers at a party, conference, meeting and indeed your local supermarket. Read on to find out how….

Dos and don’ts of offline networking

All of us, at one time or another, have met a rather annoying guest at a party who just wouldn’t stop talking about only his/her interests. Obviously, these are not the shoes you want to be in when you are trying to strike a good chord. Golden rule: don’t be a brand, be a person. There is no doubting the importance of brand recognition, but it’s not all what networking is about. It is more about connecting on a personal level and gradually building trust. When you strike a chord with people, they will definitely seek information about your business. So, remember to:

Talk about common interests
Share news of interest with the person
Be cheerful and straightforward

Besides one-on-one conversations, there are several other ways to be visible without trying too hard. For instance, you can make a point at a meeting or ask a question at a conference. Whatever you do and however you connect with people, always remember to recognize the other person and yes, have a little fun!

About the Author: Penny is a senior ebook writer and resume writer with content writing service firm Godot Media. She has interests ranging from social media, copywriting to following web technologies and trends.

Five Apps Every Small Business Owner Should Have

Gone are the days when you had to be at the office to do work. The advent of the home computer tore that whole notion to smithereens. While some would lament that they feel their office following them around wherever they bring their cell phone, many are singing the praises of mobile technology. If you’re a small business owner, you should take advantage or a few of the best apps out there. Next time you’re in line at the car wash, you can run your payroll or edit that business proposal or even check on an invoice.

GoogleDocs

The mobile version of Google’s awesome document editing application is pretty much just as cool as the original. Using the app you can view and edit documents and spreadsheets on the go and because GoogleDocs stores everything in the Cloud, you can easily share your revisions among multiple users and across multiple devices. The iOS version costs $4.99 while the Android version is free.

MiniBooks FreshBooks

MiniBooks puts all of your customer’s billing information in the palm of your hand. Need to check on an old invoice? Done. Need to pull up a client’s full contact info? Done. The app also lets you run timers for jobs that pay by the hour so you can keep an accurate count easily. Once you’ve created an estimate with the app, you can transform it into a printable invoice quickly and easily.

Evernote

Evernote is a great app for the forgetful among us. If you’ve ever needed to make a note on the fly, you can do it through Evernote and thanks to Cloud storage, that note or reminder will show up on all your devices. This is great for everything from shopping lists to keeping notes on meetings and conferences.

Square

Square is probably the best app for credit card holders. If you’re a small business owner who wants to begin accepting credit cards but you don’t want to go through the headache of setting up an account with the credit card company, you can simply sign up for a Square account. The company does not charge a flat rate for transactions (most companies charge $0.10-$0.15 across the board). They only take 2.75 percent of each transaction. Just plug the Square credit card scanner into your smartphone’s headphone jack and begin expanding your business today.

Carolyn is a guest blogger who writes about small businesses and small business solutions like BigCommerce to help optimize performance.