This is such a fascinating question. There are so many good quotes. My favorite quote this year has been “It’s All Good!”

Now that doesn’t mean that nothing adverse has happened. We’ve certainly had a most unsettling year that has caused concern in all parts of the world. What the quote means to me is that I’ll make the best of what happens. I’ll learn from mistakes and get through the hard times. I also like the phrase, “Learn and Move On”. Having a positive attitude and outlook on life is the way I choose to live. It sure beats getting caught up in negativity, drama and worry.

You can make things happen! If you believe and focus all your intentions on what you want to happen – it will happen. It may not be in the timeframe YOU want (like right now!) but it will happen. Whatever your thoughts and dreams and goals are – continue to believe. Doubtful thoughts and negativity will delay the process.

At the end of each year, I write down the lessons I’ve learned. This helps me remember what has happened and prepare for the year ahead. I like to do this rather than making New Year’s resolutions.  I also review my Life List (things I want to do sometime in my life). It feels good to reflect, review and look forward to exciting things in the year ahead. “It’s All Good!”

With this I close and wish you ALL GOOD THINGS in the coming year.

Have you noticed all the makeover shows lately? Total home and room makeovers, body makeovers from losing weight to plastic surgery, wardrobe makeovers, cosmetic makeovers from new hair to new teeth. We seem to be fascinated with improvements and making things better. Below are top five questions to ask yourself and you’ll know for certain when your website needs a makeover.

1. If it was designed more than 3 years ago, it most likely needs a new look. Technology has changed with programs, coding and search engines. Also, people want instant gratification so text-heavy, slow-loading sites are a thing of the past.
2. If you had a friend or relative design your site. There is much more to designing an effective website than creating a Word document or Illustrator drawing. Friends or relatives most likely will not have extensive knowledge and experience with html coding, search engines and usability. Also, they may not have the time to devote and your website becomes a low priority.
3. Has your business changed and your website doesn’t reflect the new image, products or services? Take a look at your site about every 3 months and see what needs to be updated or added to keep up with your business focus.
4. Did you create your website from a printed brochure? A brochure is something that people can hold in their hands and read. A website is a visual image and you’ve got about 6 seconds to capture a potential client. People scan rather than read online. If you’ve literally “copied” your brochure to make a website, it may be a good idea to streamline the text.
5. Does your website really reflect the image you want to portray to your target audience? If you are trying to appeal to a high-end clientele then your website should reflect a high-end image. I am not saying spend considerable dollars on a web redesign. It’s almost better to have no website than a poorly designed site that will leave the wrong impression.

With over a trillion websites – you really want yours to stand out from the competition. For optimum results, make your site visually appealing, functional and easy to navigate.

Pretend you are opening a store in a busy shopping mall. As a savvy business owner you will budget for the monthly rent, utilities, security, signage, advertising, marketing, fixtures and inventory. Will you expect to begin making money the minute your doors are open for business?

As a website owner, let’s use the retail store analogy – you invest money in the building of the website or the retail storefront. Next, you open your doors for business or your website goes “live”. The thinking is that once the website is built, the search engines should find you immediately and the cash register will start ringing. Is this realistic? Why are online expectations so drastically unrealistic from offline expectations?

Many website owners have budgeted no time or money for online advertising or marketing yet expect dollars to come flooding in. I get dozens of emails every day with desperate pleas like, “Can you fix my website?” “What’s wrong with my website?” Or my personal favorite, “I can’t spend any more money on my website.”

If you want excellent results from your website then it’s a smart idea to invest some time and money into the marketing of the site. Here are three budgets and scenarios to consider.

Piggybank of Money – You have more time than money and can afford to wait for results. Focus on your website usability and how to attract your ideal clients. Research keyword phrases, start reciprocal linking ,cross-marketing efforts and actively engage in social media. Educate yourself by taking some seminars or teleclasses. Take immediate action on what you learn.

Stash of Money – You want immediate results and have a pretty good budget. Optimize your site to the max so the search engines and your target audience will find you. Consider a pay-per-click campaign. Invest in Google Ad Words. Enhance your offline marketing strategies to compliment your online strategies.

Buckets of Money – You want maximum results and have no budget limitations. You know what conversion rates are worth and will strategically test and measure results. Implement everything outlined in the previous two budgets plus Google Sponsor Spots. Invest in more than one pay-per-click program. Pay for listings in relevant industry, geographic and target market specific directories. Hire a Public Relations and SEO firm that will maximize your on and offline efforts.

In any of the above scenarios it’s a good idea to keep reinvesting some time and money into ongoing website efforts. When you find something that works, keep doing it and take it to the next level. For example, if you find that you’re getting lots of traffic from industry-specific directories, contact them and see how you can do more business with them. Maybe you got several clients from a website that you’re linked with. Contact that website owner and thank them, then suggest more ways you can promote each other’s business.  And finally, talk with your competitors. Are your online goals and expectations realistic? Ask your competitors how they are doing, what is working and what they’ve found to be their most effective online marketing strategy.

1. Easy – Let the visitor know it is easy to do business with you. Easy to order, easy to buy, easy to subscribe, easy to phone, easy, easy, easy. Don’t we all want everything to be easy? This is a buzzword for sure.

2. FREE – yes, put this word in big, bold capital letters at least once on your home page. Everyone can give something away for FREE. The Internet was built on the premise of FREE. What can you give away for FREE?

3. Today – Why delay? Order today! Now is good, today is better! This word invites the visitor to take action today. Tell them why today is better than tomorrow and that’s even better. Encourage them to buy from you today.

4. Buy – Yes, tell them to buy or take action. Use this word and make this prominent on your site. Order, Buy, Subscribe or Call. These are all action-oriented words that educate the visitor on where to click to “buy”.

5. Questions – Ask a question to get a response or interaction from a visitor. Use emotional words within the question to get a greater reaction. Which sounds better: “Make those hits multiply like rabbits.” or “Are your hits multiplying like rabbits?” See the difference?

6. Bullet Points – People tend to scan rather than read when they are online. Bullet points are good because they separate the text and are easy to scan quickly. Statistics show that odd numbered bullet points work best using 3-5 rather than 4-6.

7. Social Media Icons – Place these in the footer or sidebar of your site so they appear on every page. This encourages people to follow you on Twitter, friend you on FaceBook or connect with you on LinkedIn.

8. Benefits – Don’t tell me you’ve been in business for 25 years, tell me what that many years of experience is going to do for me. What makes you special? How will I feel when working with your company? What type of experience am I going to have that is different from your competitors?

9. Sign Up – OK, it’s two words, but they really work. Sign up for our free ezine; sign up for our secrets, tips or free sample. By having the visitor “sign up” you get their email address and maybe more if you have them fill out a short form. This gives you permission to market to them in the future. These are the people who are truly interested in what you have to offer.

10. Thanks – Yes, make sure to thank your online customer or potential customer for stopping by your site, placing the order or signing up. People thrive on appreciation. One company I deal with online, goes a step further and sends a handwritten thank you note every time I place an order.

10.5 Bonus – Include a special bonus for your visitors. This could be a bonus offer when you order two for one or a bonus report or a bonus coupon. Visitors love extras!

You’ve got to sell your site with WORDS because the visitor is sitting in front of a screen instead of meeting you face-to-face. The right amount of words and the way you say it is so important. Have fun playing with words on your web site and start seeing results today!

This is a wonderful time of year to express gratitude to your clients. Here are three quick ideas for giving thanks to your greatest source of referrals.

1. Place a special offer or bonus on your site for the month of November. Example: Sign up for our newsletter and receive a special report “How to Escape Family Drama During the Holidays”.
2. Plan a client appreciation celebration. Join forces with some other businesses for a joint appreciation party. Imagine the connections! Who better to sing your praises than your clients?
3. Stand out from the crowd by sending cards or gifts to your clients now instead of in December. Remember, your greatest source of referrals comes from existing clients so reward them!

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

How do you thank your clients and make them feel special? Leave your comments below and we’ll all benefit from your ideas.

What online newsletters aka ezines are worth reading? I like newsletters that provide valuable information, resources and do-it-now action tips. I unsubscribe quickly from newsletters that continually try to push their products or services on me. Since I spend a great deal of time online, I print the newsletters and read offline later. However, stats show that the majority of people DO read online. Here are the top five newsletters that I read faithfully. I will often share information and resources from them with our clients.

Barbara Winter’s Joyfully Jobless News
www.joyfullyjobless.com
Her ezines are written from a truly entrepreneurial heart. They are filled with resources and inspiration for anyone who has their own business or is aspiring to have one. She is a brilliant, fabulous writer. Barbara also publishes a printed newsletter that is just terrific at www.barbarawinter.com/winning-ways.html I have been a subscriber and solid fan for two decades.

Jeffrey Gitomer’s Sales Caffeine
www.gitomer.com
If you’ve got a website, you are in sales. His no-nonsense, direct approach is worth reading every week.  He has a special link at the bottom for the Printable Version and I love this! If you ever get the chance to see him in person – GO! His presentations are entertaining and educational.

Jill Whalen’s High Rankings Advisor
www.highrankings.com
Common-sense logic for search engine strategies. Have a question? Search through the forums for answers to about everything you can think of regarding search engines. Her SEO philosophy is what we also believe in and recommend to our clients. She is a genius and really knows her stuff!

Joan Stewart’s The Publicity Hound
www.thepublicityhound.com
This ezine is packed with creative ideas and useful information. Her tips, tricks and tools for free publicity really work. I particularly enjoy reading the “Help this Hound” section where you can submit a query for other businesses to give you advice on how to promote your product or service. You’ll find a wealth of products at her website to help you with every area of publicity no matter what your industry. I am a rabid fan of the Publicity Hound!

John Kremer’s Book Marketing Tips
www.johnkremer.com
For all authors or those wannabe authors – this ezine has a plethora of information for you. He lists bookstores that want to know about your books and how to contact them. His marketing ideas are priceless!

And of course, I must mention that the Muse News – our own monthly ezine is filled with great resources, web marketing ideas and inspiration. We’re in our 11^th year of publishing this ezine. Peruse the archives and subscribe here: http://www.thewebmuse.com/muse-news.html

Happy Reading! Do you have a favorite ezine that I need to know about? List it below and I’ll check it out!

What are you most grateful for? Take a few minutes to create an alphabetical Gratitude Journal.  Here are just a few gems of gratitude that I jotted down.

Appreciation of art and artists.

Birds. I love to watch birds, especially finches. They are so bright and colorful.

Convertible Just getting in the car and putting the top down makes me smile.

Dogs. I love dogs. They love you unconditionally and are always happy to see you.

Enlightened. A wonderful way to be in the world – I am enlightened every day.

Flowers – Wild flowers in the mountains are spectacular! Fresh flowers in the home are so beautiful.

Grandma and Grandpa. Loved them so much and grateful for everything they taught me.

Home – It’s like a big hug, warm and welcoming.

Intuition – Listening to the inner voice.

Jenny – My fabulous friend and massage therapist. Aaaaah!

Knowledge – It’s good to know what I know and I’m always learning!

Larry – my handsome husband and best friend.

Motorcycle riding. Hoppin’ on the Harley and hittin’ the road clears my mind.

Nieces and nephews – all sixteen of them!

Office – Enjoy a beautiful home office with mountain views.

Positive attitude. If I were to pick just ONE attribute I am most grateful for – this would be it!

Quiet time – to just be – meditation and reflection.

Rocky Mountain National Park – especially when the elk are bugling in the fall.

Seasons – the changes in weather, clothing and seasonal foods.

Talent. Appreciating the talents of others and recognizing my own.

Unconditional love.

Visionary. Ability to see the big picture and not sweat the small stuff.

Websites. What a wealth of information can be found online.

Xanadu – heaven on earth.

Yesterday. Learn and move on.

Zen – meditation, beauty and simplicity.

Gratitude is the best attitude.  ~Author Unknown

According to recent web statistics there are one trillion websites. Keeping this number in mind, how will your website rise to the top and stand out among the masses? Why should or would your website appear on the first page of Google? In other words, what makes YOU special?

Two questions that are most important to your site visitors are:

1. 1.  Who is your target audience?
2. 2.  What makes you unique, different or special?

Certainly there are many factors in deciding what makes you special. Here are my top three questions to identify what makes you SPECIAL.

Take a look at your competition. How do you differ from them? Is there something you offer that your competition doesn’t?

1. What experiences and backgrounds do you and your employees bring forth?
2. 3. Listen to what your customers are saying. What words do they use to describe you and your company?

The answers to these questions will help you succeed both on and offline.  Write your answers in the Comments area and let us all know what makes you special!

Do you know how powerful the colors are on a website? Colors make a first impression and also evoke emotions. Sometimes a simple change of colors on a website can create a whole new look and feel while keeping the same basic design.

It’s a good idea to have the colors of your logo be represented on the website. This creates a branding image in the mind of your customers. Whenever we see yellow & red & the golden arches we know what famous fast food chain that represents.

As with everything, there are positives and negatives to each color. Knowing your target audience will determine which colors you’ll choose to convey. When you’re appealing to a global audience, knowing the color meanings of different cultures will be beneficial. See a Cultural Color Chart.

Cash Colors – This 30-page ebook shows how to use color to create web pages that sell. For every color the author lists the feelings the visitor will experience. He also mentions industries that benefit by using certain colors and color combinations.

Meaning of colors according to the Small Business Association:

White – pure, clean, youthful, coolness, cleanliness, safety.

Black – power, elegant, secretive, classical, serious, stability.

Red – passion, excitement, danger, strength, bravery, energy.

Orange – vibrant, warm, healthy, exciting, fun.

Yellow – happiness, excitement, cheerful, alert, warm.

Green – natural, health, plentiful, wealth, freshness.

Purple – royalty, wise, celebration, romance, femininity.

Blue - intelligence, peaceful, trustworthy, authority, security.

A few websites to help you choose colors:

Degraeve Color Palette

Colour Lovers

Visibone Color Chart

I’ve seen speakers wear the colors of their logos and websites to leave a lasting impression on their audience. Are the colors on your website appealing to your target audience? Leave a comment and share some sites that have a good use of colors.

I read and process about 150 business emails on a daily basis and look at over 80 websites. Adding any social media activities to this already heavily multitasking type schedule is overwhelming. I feel first and foremost I need to be responding to clients and scheduling projects with our team. I tried delegating this social media aspect to my assistant and that just didn’t work. I think social media is something one personally needs to do. It’s kind of like sending my assistant to a networking meeting – it’s not the same as me being there in person.

I gotta tell ya, this twittering is like texting on steroids. I’m still weighing out the time vs. benefit. Stats show that 60% of people who start on Twitter become Twitter Quitters. The piece I find fascinating is that it can be educational and easy to find resources with Twitter search. The company is growing rapidly and new uses for it are developing all the time. So, we’ll see what transpires in the next few months.

The first thing I noticed on Twitter was how many people started following me that are supposedly Twitter experts. They asked me to sign up for their Ebooks, Ezines and Courses all about making money with Twitter. This just added to my state of being overwhelmed. Then I became afraid that I wasn’t doing it right.

I started to wonder why some strange people were “following” me. It’s weird to think that, I know! What’s the point of having thousands of followers? I don’t just automatically follow everyone who follows me. I’m only interested in following people who have something of interest to me. For example, if I look at their tweets and they mostly say “having a bagel for breakfast” or “looking for something to do” or repeated self-promotions – I do not follow them. I unfollow people who tweet every few minutes about nothing. The ones I like to follow have current marketing tips, web trends, good resources, links to articles or quotes.

I downloaded several tools and apps for Twitter like Tweetdeck and Tweetlater. Another learning curve here as there are a gazillion apps out there. Now I’m trying Twitterific. I also downloaded the Twitter widget for MAC and that’s pretty handy. When I post on Twitter it’s supposed to show up in Facebook but if I post on Facebook it will not show up in Twitter.

Below are just a few items I’ve “tweeted” about in the past in no particular order.

# Just finished reading The China Study – extensive research and startling truths about what we’re eating.8:23 AM Jun 2nd from web

# Client Relationships – funny and true! http://bit.ly/DCwfL2:39 PM Jun 1st from web

# Wine & theatre event Quilters musical in downtown Denver http://bit.ly/smGg312:04 PM May 29th from web

# New blog post: Five Web Faux Pas to Avoid http://bit.ly/MNFdH6:48 AM May 27th from Twitter Tools

# Savvy Web Marketing in 5 minutes http://thewebmuse.com/blog/12:03 PM May 22nd from web

# List of website tools and resources http://bit.ly/BF59s11:53 AM May 21st from web

# “Family isn’t only blood – it’s the friends you love, across the generations.” – Michael Caine11:45 AM May 20th from web

# Q&A Laptop Cafe in Denver today at 2:00 – always learn lots of useful info http://www.creativemarketin…11:48 AM May 19th from web

Leave a comment below about your likes, dislikes and experiences with Twitter. I’m always learning! You can follow me on twitter here: www.twitter.com/webmuse