Tips for SME Website Content

1. Pick one idea for an article and stick to it. Don’t meander onto other topics, save that content for additional articles.

2. Simplify as much as possible. Try to boil down content into its most simple form.

3. Avoid using jargon or theoretical terms. Remember that if people are bored then they will stop reading.

4. Provide ways for the reader to interact, either by replying directly or contributing to a public discussion.

5. Set a timetable for providing content and stick to it. Visitors to your website will then know what to expect from you.

Content from: The small Business Blog, Stefan Töpfer
www.sme-blog.com

Other tips for writing website content...
Use...

Shorter sentences, words and paragraphs

One idea per paragraph

Concise text - half the word count (or less) than writing for print
the inverted pyramid style, putting the most important point or the conclusion first

Simple words

Objective language to build credibility, rather than exaggerated claims or overly promotional words like "great", "tremendous" etc.

Bulleted lists

Highlighted text (bold or color, also hyperlinked text) for scannability

Meaningful headlines and subheads, avoiding cute or clever lines

To find out more visit:
http://www.entheosweb.com/content_writing/tips.asp

Digital Marketing isn’t just for the Big Players

Digital marketing offers huge potential for SMEs looking to increase their range and communicate with the audience who matters most to them. With the consumers now beginning to look beyond the recession, it is an ideal time for SME business owner to consider the options available to them.

There is such a great variety of online tools available that SMEs can choose the one suited to their needs to increase their impact on and within their chosen market.

It doesn’t have to be costly, which is a common misconception, but more about selecting the right campaign and tool, identifying clear objectives and deciphering how you can measure and acquire a true ROI.

Digital marketing is more accountable and measurable than its traditional counterpart and as a result, the return is more easily recognised. It is ideally used to complement existing marketing activities, supporting the strength of campaigns and fortifying a stance, position or message.

The key is to ensure that all activity is tailored to the company’s exact requirements: whether it’s a campaign based around key search terms on Google, an affiliate campaign promoting the business on relevant websites, or a campaign around a social network like Facebook.

Audiences can be more readily targeted with the use of digital marketing which is ideal for SMEs. They can reach out directly to interested consumers, in the long term reducing cost and improving efficiency of their marketing activities.

Digital marketing is also an ideal way for SMEs to create two way communications and interactions with their target market and existing customers. The humanisation of businesses has never been easier or of borne as much significance to the sales cycle and CRM.

The challenge for most SMEs looking to enter the world of digital marketing and utilise the available tools is where to start.

I would suggest with your website and from there it is up to the individual.
Google Adwords could be explored in order drive the optimum amount of traffic to your website.
The world of Social Media is continuously growing and SMEs would be hasty not to at least explore the many well established sites that now exist.

Digital media is rapidly becoming a vital element of the marketing communications mix.

With so much advice and support available SMEs should take advantage of what has been tried and tested by the bigger players in the market, delve into, test and find their place within the digital marketing revolution.

Marketing shouldn't be a Luxury; it's not just about New Sales

A topic very true to my own heart having recently acquired the post as Marketing Coordinator for IIS and with a well established fascination and interest in all things marketing, I truly appreciate and advocate SMEs investing in marketing continuously and recognise it as a way they can turn the downturn into new business opportunities.

Bill Gates famously said that, if he was down to his last dollar, he would spend it on marketing. But, with the UK still stuck in a deep economic crisis, many companies are setting aside strategies for growth altogether and are intent solely on survival.

Global consultancy McKinsey & Co found companies that remained or emerged in the top quartile of their sample overspent their less successful peers by almost 10 per cent during recessions, while other studies have found that companies that increase their marketing spend in a recession recover three times faster when economic conditions normalise.

Marketing is not solely concerned with supporting sales objectives, it's about building and maintaining relationships and ensuring that your company and brand message remains consistent.

According to CIM there are six key reasons why committing to a marketing plan pays off in a downturn.
1.The alternative of heavy discounting could damage your company or brand reputation

2.Customers don’t stop buying, they just contemplate their purchases more than they might have and just need a little extra reassurance

3.Communication is vital, “out of sight” is potentially “out of mind”

4.Innovation is key; in order to survive shifting circumstances businesses need to adapt

5.Empathy is valued; incentivise and create loyalty schemes that demonstrate your understanding or your customers positions

6.Why not utilise the internet and the many free services and social networking platforms that are continually seeing rapid growth in their membership; gain insight, interact and promote your business on a large scale

Though it is claimed we are coming out of the recession, this advice stands whatever the weather. For the time being make the most of the quietness, retain your position and potentially gain competitive advantage!