Archive for December, 2009

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New Online Training Portal

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
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NEW: We are excited to announce that we have launched our online Do-It-Yourself Video Training Platform for all Compliments Clients.  This training center includes video tutorials on how to do anything and everything with your website, blog and marketing system.  Enjoy!!!

Log into your Private Workstation to access the training center:

CLICK HERE

Once you get logged in, then you can access the new training portal!

CLICK HERE

consultingtraining

Compliments International utilizes about the most powerful content management system in the world, which sits on the backbone of one of the largest open sources database management systems, MySQL.   Compliments team represents very skilled engineers and coders, verses many other web design firms that have designers (photoshop, css, and html experts).  This provides our clients with a much more scalable web platform, advanced coding experts and the ability to have your website grow with your business, NOT be limited to an out of the box solution or template.

Your have an entire web system, not just a website.  Over time, with the 3 different training platforms Compliments provides (live webinars, classroom style training and this new online do-it-yourself training program), you will learn just how powerful your web system is for marketing, communication and for operations and logistics supporting your business, organization or personal site.  It is broken into 8 layers:

1. The Database: MySQL

2. Business Logic: PHP, Java Script, XHTML, AJax

3. Content Management System: Word Press – Used for easy content management by the client

4. Additional Business Logic: JQuery, Java, HTML, etc.

5. Widgets: Written by Compliments or third party developers

6. Presentation Layer: CSS (Cascading Style Sheets – or – global style sheets) – This is the front end design

7. Graphics: Images designed by a graphics designer

8. Content: Provided by the client

The entire structure of our websites, provides:

  • Flexability
  • Scalability
  • Integration
  • Optimization

The Tutorials below are prepared to provide you with an easy to understand library of online training tools specifically covering how to utilize your content management system, supporting your website and blog.  This is a convenient way for you to learn independently.  We do however recommend that you attend our monthly online webinar trainings and our weekly classroom style workshops for strategy, marketing, seo and additional tips and tricks for building your business utilizing your new website, blog and marketing system.

Register for Training (#5 of your 10 step process)

Location of In Person / Classroom Style Workshops:  Http://www.meetup.com/businessblitz

Location of Web Conferencing Trainings:  Http://www.meetup.com/businessdevelopment

We hope that you take time to review the video tutorials below so you can start utilizing your website right away!!!

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Posted in Featured, News, Tools | 1 Comment »

New Website Launch: www.TXInsurancePro.com

Thursday, December 31st, 2009
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We are excited to launch a new website for David Berry’s insurance agency! www.TxInsurancePro.com.  After 1 week on the internet, his new site grades 80/100 with more work to do… This is a 60 + point jump.

txinsurancepro-logo

TX Insurance Pro

Call Us in Dallas, Texas, at (214) 717-4326 for Affordable Auto Insurance That Keeps More Money in Your Pocket!

Free Auto and HomeOwners Insurance Quotes Online!

A Word from Our Owner…

I started out in the insurance industry working for the major carriers. I found that no one company can offer affordable insurance to everyone. This troubled me. So I decided to start my own insurance agency to provide affordable auto insurance and other policies that customers truly need at the rates they really want. We’ve taken our experience and built a team of agents that will give you superior service and very reasonable rates on any of our available policies.

Tx Insurance Pro Free QuoteDo you know how you would pay for a major auto accident, damage to your home from a natural disaster, or a civil action against your company? Safeguard your home, vehicle, and business with affordable commercial, auto, and homeowners’ insurance policies from our independent agency in Dallas, Texas. TX Insurance Pro’s selection of personal and commercial insurance policies are all affordably priced to meet your particular budget. That means you don’t have to search different agencies looking for different policies that suit your needs; we have everything you need here! Contact us today at (214) 717-4326 for affordable auto insurance and other policies that won’t leave your wallet high and dry.

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Posted in Web Launches | 3 Comments »

Monday, December 28th, 2009
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Posted in Featured | No Comments »

Select the right Keywords or Keyword Phrases

Sunday, December 27th, 2009
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“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to understand the other person’s point of view and see things from their angle.”

Know what your market wants and then give it to them it’s a lot easier than trying to convince them to buy something you want to sell.

So where do we start in selecting keywords and keyword phrases?

Step 1 – Clearly and succinctly define what the product or service you provide is. It is absolutely critical that you can, in 1 or 2 sentences, tell someone exactly what you do or provide and how you can solve a problem or need they have.

Step 2 – Start to put together a list of what you think are the keywords and keyword phrases that describe your product or service. At this point we are looking for a long list of words or phrases you think apply. We will narrow the list of keywords and keyword phrases down later.

Step 3 – Next we are going to try to figure out what the other person thinks and what keywords they use. Google has a great free tool to help. Go to Google Adwords. If you prefer some other keyword and keyword phrase tools you can check out SEOCentro’s keyword tool or Keyword Trackers tool . For Google you will have two options, you can put in your list of words or you can select an existing website and have Google tell you what it thinks the keywords are. In both cases you will get a whole list of other suggestions.

This is only a starting point. You want to sort the list by volume (this is Google’s volume which currently represents 66% of all searches) and start to look at the Advertiser Competition. Although it is not an exact science, the Advertiser Competition (which is how much people are paying Google to be on the front page of searches for a particular keyword or keyword phrase) is a good indication of how much competition there is going to be for a particular keyword or keyword phrase.

Also note that some of the words you thought were important may not be or ones you thought were unimportant are actually search more than expected. If you are optimizing for a word nobody is searching for you are wasting your time!!!

Step 4 – Start to narrow down your list. Ultimately you want to narrow down to 1 or 2 primary keywords or keyword phrases that are part of a list of 10 keywords or keyword phrases. In addition you want to create your secondary list of 10 to 20 keywords or keyword phrases that are relevant and you will use periodically.

Ultimately you are going to have to figure out if a particular keyword or keyword phrase is attainable with your budget and is relevant. If you don’t have the budget of a Wells Fargo or Lending Tree you are probably not going to get on the front page for the keyword “Mortgage”, but you might be able to get on the front page for “Mortgage Dallas” or “Dallas Mortgages”.

People have a tendency to get excited about the fact that the keyword “Mortgage” has 101,000,000 searches a month. But most people do not consider relevance which is going to lead to better conversion rates. How many of the people searching the keyword “Mortgage” actually live in the state you are located. If you have an E-commerce site and can ship anywhere, location may not matter, but it’s something to consider.

You are looking for the best combination of these 5 factors:

  • Traffic Volume
  • Relevancy
  • Search Trends
  • Business Value
  • Competition

Step 5 – Do a Google search for each of the keywords you have selected and see who comes up. If you want to see who the top 40 are for Google, Bing and Yahoo for a keyword or keyword phrase a great site is SEOCentro’s Rank Checker.

Take a couple of the web addresses that show up in the search and put them into Website Grader. You are looking at a number of factors. Age of the website, how well was it built, in bound links, indexed pages, page rank, etc. to determine if the first page of this particular keyword is one that is attainable. If not, look for another keyword.

If you are interested in a more comprehensive analysis of competition for keywords Objectware Inc. has a great article.

Step 6 – Go back to step 4 and revise your list. Once you have a solid list of keywords or keyword phrases other people are looking for, are relevant and attainable you are ready to move to the next step, writing your page content and/or writing your blogs and posts.

NOTE: Our previous article on how to write a post can be used and applied to static pages as well.

  • Limit keyword or keyword phrase to 1 or 2 per page or blog/post
  • Remember front pages tend to get the most attention, use your most important keyword or keyword phrase.
  • Use keyword or keyword phrases appropriately, content should read well and should be used the appropriate amount.
  • Use Geo Modifiers when appropriate to get relevant traffic to your site and target keyword phrases that are attainable.
Next we are going to try to figure out what the other person thinks and what keywords they use. Google has a great free tool to help. Go to

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Posted in Tips | No Comments »

Just launched a new Tony Jeary website, www.purposefilledpresentation.com

Saturday, December 26th, 2009
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Compliments International is thankful to be the exclusive Social Media Marketing partner of Tony Jeary and company.  Most recently we finished redesigning and launching his new website www.purposefilledpresentations.com. He received a website grade of 92/100 for www.purposefilledpresentations.com – 42 points higher than his original site.

Tony Jeary (known as Mr. Presentation™) is recognized as the leading authority on both strategy and presentation effectiveness. He has published 38 books, of which 15 are on the subject of presentations that support his methodology, “Presentation Mastery™”. Tony impacts organizations from all over the globe via his private Strategic Acceleration Studio. He is the personal coach of many top CEOs from companies including Wal-Mart, Ford, Shell, Sam’s Club and other Fortune 500 companies. He is a devoted husband and the father of two daughters.

Tony is available to speak to your group

For availability and fees, call 1-877-2INSPIRE or email info@tonyjeary.com.

More About Tony


When many of the world’s top achievers seek a strategic expert to help them accelerate their results, they are eventually drawn to Tony Jeary. Tony Jeary is the authority on Results and has committed his career to studying and helping others achieve more. If you want to better your life, your career and your results, you need to know Tony.

Tony was raised by entrepreneurial parents who thrived on identifying and pursuing new opportunities to serve others. Tony’s father taught him the powerful principle that has driven Tony’ professional and personal life: “Always give more than expected.” Exceeding expectations is the common thread that every Tony Jeary client experiences first-hand.

Tony has traveled and advised people around the world (some 40 countries) for over 25 years. He has published 38 books, now in over a dozen languages.

Top achievers, CEOs from the Fortune 500, and entrepreneurs from the Forbes Richest 400 travel to Dallas to spend time with Tony in his unique, one-of-a-kind, Strategic Acceleration Studio. Even the U.S. Senate has commissioned Tony to bring his methodology to Washington.

Tony has been described as a ‘gifted encourager’ who facilitates positive outcomes for others. His list of personal and professional relationships approaches 20,000 people whom he connects with and nourishes out of his sincere interest and desire for their success. Tony’s clients include individuals and organizations who are involved globally. Tony personally coaches the presidents of organizations like Ford, Wal-Mart, Samsung, EDS, ASTD, New York Life, Firestone and Sam’s Club, to name a few.

Tony Jeary has personal experience with both success and failure. Tony made and lost millions before he was 30. Today he walks the talk and practices the distinctions that characterize Success, both personally and professionally. He is blessed with a terrific marriage of 20 years and two great daughters with whom he has co-authored. He lives and works from his estate (including his Strategic Acceleration Studio) in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area.

Posted in Web Launches | 4 Comments »

Just launched a new Sweet Art Bakery website www.sweetartbakery.com

Saturday, December 26th, 2009
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Just launched a new Sweet Art Bakery website www.sweetartbakery.com!!!  Her old website graded 14/100 New website grades 84/100 in first 24 hours!  Great Job!

Sweet Art Bakery is based in McKinney, Texas. We are a custom cake shop that specializes in delicious cakes and cookies for all occasions!

Sweet Art Bakery believes in using the very best ingredients to get the very best results in taste and appearance. If you haven’t tried a treat from our kitchen, you should- and let your sweet tooth be the judge…you are sure to be impressed!

469-877-4239
sarah@sweetartbakery.com
Please contact us to discuss your ideas.

Posted in Web Launches | 5 Comments »

Just launched the Memory Makers new website www.photommp.com

Saturday, December 26th, 2009
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We are excited to launch a new website for Memory Makers Photography.  Stop by and visit her new website www.photommp.com!!!  Grade after 24 hours online is 91/100!!!  Great job team!

Custom Invitations

Let memory makers take your favorite photos and customize invidations for all occasions. Wedding invitations, save the date, birthday parties, graduation, christmas cards, and birth announcements.

Studio Sessions

Sessions are by appointment only. We do not own a studio, but do have acecss if needed. We love the outdoors and natural light, but there are times when a studio is needed.

Clothing

It’s important to consider what look you are wanting in a portrait. Avoid clothing with logos, busy writing, or distracting characters.

Proofing, Ordering, & Payments

Most sessions come with a CD of negatives with a printing release. We recommend that you order larger prints through us to ensure excellent quality. Online proofing is an option for an additional $20, for a 4 week posting period. On wedding images, we will select a group and post them online for 4 weeks for friends and family to view. Orders can be placed online by anyone. Our galleries are password protected. We ONLY accept cash or checks at this time. No order will be placed until payment is received.

Referrals

We love and appreciate referrals! To show our appreciation we will give you a $15 print credit for a session when your name is mentioned by a new client.

Please note that your images will remain on file for re-orders for a year.
All images are property of MMP and may be used for all advertising purposes.

Posted in Web Launches | 3 Comments »

20 Goals for Business Social Media Use

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
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Here are some sample goals a business owner or manager might set for social media use. Once the goal is considered, then you can look at the tools that are out there and evaluate which ones will give you the best shot of achieving those goals.

20 Possible Goals

1. I’m a content provider, and I want to expand my reach.20 Goals for Business Social Media Use

2. I want my customers to be able to stay updated with news about my company.

3. I want to get to know my customers.

4. I want to promote my product.

5. I want to stay abreast of current news and trends.

6. I want to share my ideas with likeminded individuals.

7. I want to increase brand awareness.

8. I want to provide customer service and support easily.

9. I want to find a job.

10. I want to recruit.

11. I want people to like my brand.

12. I want to collaborate on business projects.

13. I want to directly sell a product.

14. I want to earn respect within my industry.

15. I am getting information overload, and I want to get organized.

16. I want to drive traffic to my site.

17. I want to attract advertisers and make money.

18. I want to get more involved with local prospects.

19. I want to get more involved with people on an international and global level.

20. I want to keep up with my competitors.

There are certainly more possible goals for business social media use out there. I’ve not even scratched the surface. What goals do you set for your social media efforts?

Let’s take a look at some of the goals you can strive towards:

Increased Brand Awareness. Content can be created and spread through social media to improve public perception of your brand by evoking specific qualities which make it distinct from others. For new websites or businesses, this pervasive visibility generates brand familiarity. Social media channels can rapidly generate word of mouth and buzz for most brands.
Reputation Management. The goal here is to positively influence the way a potential and existing customer/audience perceives your brand. Work of this nature is less push-orientated and may involve the creation of social media profiles and wikis that rank well on search engines for your brand name.
This also includes monitoring public forums and feedback channels to track and address what is said about your site. Some view this as social media optimization, although I would classify it as pull-marketing.

Improved Search Engine Rankings. When considered within a larger SEO and link building framework, content can be creatively developed and promoted for the purpose of obtaining links from the members of the social news websites.
This means you should primarily target social sites with the highest potential to give you links, instead of smaller-sized communities which only offer interested traffic. While important, your site’s profile need not be entirely relevant to the social media website in question; content can be created specifically to appeal to different audiences.

Increased Relevant Visitor Traffic. If you are only interested in getting interested visitors or users for your website, you should invest more time on social communities which have a high topical relevance.
The social site’s topical focus should be inline with what your site covers/offers. For example, instead of promoting your internet marketing articles through wide platform like Digg, try pushing it on more appropriate communities like Sphinn, because it will get you people who are more likely to follow your site.

Improve Sales for a Product or Service. To effectively increase your product sales, you should release your offer through an influencer who is respected in the community or work through a sponsorship model (contests etc.). Hard selling a social media audience through an overtly commercial profile is not advisable because it will come across as marketing spam.
One solution is to segment the market and focus on being the number one solution for specific user problems. Naturally, you should mostly target communities which are highly relevant to your niche focus because this increases the likelihood for traffic to convert.

Having distinctive goals allows you to embark on mini-campaigns which target specific communities to fulfill individual goals. For instance, you can run a link building campaign through Digg while simultaneously building brand awareness by leveraging social video communities like Youtube or Daily Motion.

Spitting up your campaigns will allow you to more easily examine the general ROI (returns on investment) for each community. Plotting and analyzing your achievements over time will allow you understand which social media channel fulfills your goals the best. This allows you to plan for future marketing initiatives.

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Posted in Social Media | 3 Comments »

Make your website a watering hole.

Sunday, December 13th, 2009
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Inbound marketingWhen I talk with most marketers today about how they generate leads and fill the top of their sales funnel, most say trade shows, seminar series, email blasts to purchased lists, internal cold calling, outsourced telemarketing, and advertising.  I call these methods ”outbound marketing” where a marketer pushes his message out far and wide hoping that it resonates with that needle in the haystack.

I think outbound marketing techniques are getting less and less effective over time for two reasons.  First, your average human today is inundated with over 2000 outbound marketing interruptions per day and is figuring out more and more creative ways to block them out, including caller id, spam filtering, Tivo, and Sirius satellite radio.  Second, the cost of coordination around learning about something new or shopping for something new using the internet (search engines, blogs, and social media sites) is now much lower than going to a seminar at the Marriott or flying to a trade show in Las Vegas.

Rather than do outbound marketing to the masses of people who are trying to block you out, I advocate doing “inbound marketing” where you help yourself “get found” by people already learning about and shopping in your industry.  In order to do this, you need to set your website up like a “hub” for your industry that attracts visitors naturally through the search engines, through the blogosphere, and through the social media sites.  I believe most marketers today spend 90% of their efforts on outbound marketing and 10% on inbound marketing and I advocate that those ratios flip.

The best analogy I can come up with is that traditional marketers looking to garner interest from new potential customers are like lions hunting in the jungle for elephants.  The elephants used to be in the jungle in the ’80s and ’90s when they learned their trade, but they don’t seem to be there anymore.  They have all migrated to the watering holes on the savannah (the internet).  So, rather than continuing to hunt in the jungle, I recommend setting up shop at the watering hole or turning your website into its own watering hole.

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Posted in Tips | 1 Comment »

Just Launched www.outsourcemysocialmediamarketing.com

Saturday, December 12th, 2009
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web designWe are excited to launch a new website dedicated to Social Media Marketing!   http://www.outsourcemysocialmedia.com/ Stop By and check it out… leave a comment and we will give you a backlink.  Our team wanted a place they could share great articles, videos and information about the future of Social Media Marketing.  Great tips, tools and information prepared by the Compliments International team!

Outsourced Marketing


 Put the social media marketing experts of Compliments International on your team, not on your payroll. We can bring you the technology to automate it… the platform to disseminate it, the strategy to build it and the ROI to warrent it!

Have you ever considered outsourcing some, or even all, of your marketing? Outsource Marketing offers a marketing department if you don’t have one, more creative and strategic horsepower if you do. Here are some benefits to consider:

• Fill skill gaps. Since media is increasingly fragmented, communications programs are more complicated. You can’t be an expert in every medium and understand the needs of each of your target audiences if your products are sold across vertical industries or have key purchase influencers from several departments.

• Reduce overhead. You don’t need to hire an individual or team for a specific program.  That way you don’t bear the hidden costs of recruiting, training, furnishing an office, and employee salaries and benefits.

• Eliminate bias and leverage a broader, different perspective. Outsourcing eliminates the “We’ve always done it this way” mentality. You can access the strategic thinking and creative expertise of a marketing professional free of internal political baggage.

• Improve your focus. Improve your focus by putting your energy into your organization’s core competencies. Talk to your customers or your sales team. You can then provide strategic, insightful direction and play to your strength. You’ll help to reduce your risks and maximize the return on investment in your marketing programs with input from the front line.

• Jump-start your marketing instantly. Outsourcing to Compliments gives you access to marketing professionals who can quickly develop plans and campaigns. We’ll be your plug-and-play, pay-as-you-go marketing department so you can focus on all those other things your business needs to focus on.

Does this sound like something that might be a good fit for you and your company? Contact us at 877-839-1122 today and schedule an in-person consultation where we’ll review your goals, see what’s worked and what hasn’t. then determine the next steps.

Posted in Web Launches | 3 Comments »

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