Website & Optimizing Online Marketing?

[Jeff Foulds]

Input sought on creating a website and optimizing online marketing! I'm that newbie choosing between websites and liking what I see so far from Lead Propeller. I was initially looking at the free and premium websites I was offered through my association but noticed that the how-to video setting them up are from 2009 (might as well be last century in the website world) and generally they seem a bit lackluster and too cookie cutter. As a newbie, I'm obviously concerned with getting max bang for the buck and it seems I'm gleaning from discussions here on BP that maximizing foot traffic to the website in the short term & efficiently is done with:

A) Having professional website(s). Individual ones tailored to your target audience (motivated sellers, buyers, wholesalers) with:

-1) Testimonials (built over time since I'm a newbie)

-2) Blog posts

-3) Linked YouTube videos

-4) Simple info take-in form

B) Free Craigslist adds regularly-updated that direct to that professional website(s)

C) Paid-per-click advertising to get people in the door (Google/Facebook ads, etc.)

D) Combine w/ OFFLINE marketing strategies (i.e. signs, car magnets, mailers, radio spots) directing folks to your domain name that you made easy-to-remember

E) Best website would also have a cross-over to CRM with direct alerts (texts to my phone)

For long-term optimization of foot traffic and conversion:

A) Manage that SEO (continuously or pay for someone to do it)

Am I missing something?

Thank you for your time everyone!

[Danny Johnson]

Disclosure: Fun-Loving Founder of LeadPropeller

@Jeff Foulds,

Looks like you have the perfect plan for getting the most out of online presence.

You're absolutely correct that testimonials (especially video testimonials) go a long way in building trust.  This is hugely important for conversions.  You should also make sure to have an About Us or Our Company page that shows who you are as a person and a company.  Don't be afraid to talk about your interests and why you started the business.  

Do They Like and Trust You?

People want to do business with people they like and trust.  The trust part is boosted with testimonials and trust badges (like Better Business Bureau and Google Reviews 5-star rating badges etc.).  Your About Us page should help with the 'like' part of the equation.

Respond As Fast As Possible

Whichever website system you decide to go with, make sure it gives you the capability to get a text immediately when someone submits a form on your website.  The key with online (as with all other marketing as well) is to respond as fast as possible.  You want to start the conversation immediately as statistics has shown that the person that speaks to a customer (or in this case a motivated seller) first, has the advantage by a big margin.  

Don't Underestimate Content Marketing

Ranking organically at a high enough spot (typically first through third spots on first page of Google) to start generating leads and deals takes time.  In competitive markets you're looking at typically anywhere from 8 to 14 months or more of SEO work to get there. This is dependent on the keywords you trying to rank for.  You can target "long-tail" keywords with your blog posts as a part of your content marketing strategy.  These are relatively easier to rank for but do drive as much traffic individually.  As your blog grows you'll notice a compounding effect on keywords you're ranking for and the amount of traffic it's driving to your site.  

Use Services From People In The Business

I highly recommend using SEO, PPC and Facebook services from people in the business.  This due to the somewhat unique nature of our business. We don't typically get customers for life that buy from us over and over as most companies online do.  We are mostly a one-time service that has the potential to generate big profits from each transaction.  Using a service from a company run by people that have generated thousands of motivated sellers leads personally will allow you to benefit from their insights that other companies just don't have because they don't ever personally interact with the "customers" they are targeting with the marketing they are doing for you.

I'd Love to Help

You have done your research and it shows.  Feel free to message me! I'd love to talk strategy with you and show you how you can accomplish all of what you've outlined.  

Danny