Guest Blog: How I’d improve my business if I had the time

The wonderful wordsmith Kate Toon has put down her Creme Eggs and Hula Hoops and popped by with some advice.

Take it away Kate!

Have you heard the expression ‘The cobbler’s children go barefoot’?

Or how about ‘The chef’s children eat pot noodles for dinner’?

Well, basically they mean that often, you get so busy doing your professional thang that you forget to use your fine professional skills for your own benefit. Take, for example, the builder with a half-built house, the plumber with leaky pipes − or the SEO copywriter with a slightly rubbish website (Please note: I’m referring to my site, not yours Bek!)

Of late I’ve been super busy doing client work and as result my website and self-marketing have suffered.
‘If only I had more time,’ I whinge, ‘the brilliant, traffic boosting projects I would do!’

But I don’t, so I don’t.
And I know LOTs of you are guilty of the same thing.

Your website is woeful, and there are so many more marketing and social media bits and bobs you could be doing. But you’re just too busy right?  I hear you, but just in case, here’s my list of ‘stuff you really should do’ if ever you have the time or the inclination:

1. Redesign your website

Every couple of years you need to give your website a spruce up. This might not mean starting from scratch, but it does require you to look at your site objectively and ask yourself: Is it still working for your business? Has it become messy and inconsistent? Have you shoved in the latest social media icon in a random spot? Has your business moved on but your copy is still stuck in the past?

2. Make a video

YouTube is the second biggest search engine in the webisphere. So having some of your own video content on your site is a great idea to boost traffic and engage with your customers. In this lonely online world, people want to make a connection with you not just your brand. So embedding a video into your site is a pretty awesome idea. Don’t worry if you don’t know what to say; a friendly copywriter will be happy to help you create a tailored script. If you’re a bit shy, how about just your voice saying clever things with some sexy graphics?

3. Write an ebook

A downloadable ebook adds a little ‘je ne sais quoi’ to your website. It’s a nice value add for your company and presents you as an expert in your field. So for example a photographer could create a simple ebook telling users their top tips for taking the perfect family photo. Again, don’t feel you have to write it all yourself; ask a professional to help with the copy and the design. It’s less expensive than you think. Ideally have it as a free download, unless it’s totally awesome then you can charge a buck or two.

4. Speak up

You’d love people to comment on your blogs and Facebook page, you’re delighted when someone retweets your tweet, but how much time do YOU spend interacting with others on social media? With social media it really is a case of ‘you get out what you put in’. So get stuck in and join the conversation. Just 20mins of social media love a day can make a difference.

5. Get guest blogging

Blogging on other websites has the obvious SEO benefit of back links heading to your site. But rather than take the cynical approach of winning Google points, try to think of it as an opportunity to reach new audiences, engage with fresh minds and make connections in your industry. Which business sites do you regularly visit and use? Contact them and see if they’d be up for a blog swap. What’s the worst that can happen? Look I’m here on Bek’s blog and I’m loving it!
So there you go; five short, sharp and sweet web fiddles that could not only help market your business but also reinvigorate your enthusiasm for building an audience.
Now you tell me? What’s the one webby thing you really wish you had time to do?

Kate is award-winning SEO and advertising copywriter with over 18 years’ experience. She’s also a well-respected SEO consultant, information architect, strategist, hula hooper and CremeEgg-lover based in Sydney, Australia.