Taking A Stab At Second Life

Are you involved in Social Networking? There are lots of places, but Second Life is new to me.

I've been reading a great deal about Second Life so I decided to give it a try myself. It took me a fair amount of time to create my avatar to a point that I thought it might look a little like me. I then started walking around the virtual 3D world. You use the arrow keys to move, and as in real life you can walk off a cliff :)

Second Life gives you a chance to meet people, text chat (they say voice is coming). There are stores, beaches, golf courses, bars, ski areas, high-rise office buildings, etc., all created by users.

The talk is that Second Life could become a place to sell products, services, and conduct classes - a whole new and different social network.

One thing I can see growing in this community is advertising dollars. With a community of almost 3 million that equals a lot of people viewing your ad.

Read more here: http://snipurl.com/18jge

If you join drop me a note so we can connect.

Working Your Site Does Help!

As every business owner I spend more working my clients sites as other business owners do. The past few months I became very aware that not only did my website look stale, but I was not doing what I advise my clients to do (fresh content, update blogs, submit articles, etc.) So I decided to spend more time on my site.

I am thrilled to announce that JBCR Virtual Solutions now has a Page Rank of 6. Read more here about how to work your site for better ranking and more traffic:

http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

Your First Heading On A Web Page Is Critical!

Did you know that you have less than 30 seconds to grab your visitor’s attention? Ok, maybe less than 20. So you can imagine how important creating a headline that works is critical to the success of your page, and yes, your site.

Normally the first thing that someone sees on your website is the heading on your home page. This is prime real estate and should be used to the best of your ability. Your heading can draw people further down your page or right off the site. Let's look at an example.

Heading One: "You can make money if you follow these easy steps!"

This heading talks to the visitor who has entered your site and no doubt they also want to "make money" so they are very likely to look further to see what the "easy steps" are.

Always keep in mind that a headline that talks TO your visitor – and - creates a benefit to your visitor works!

Read more informational articles here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

A Security Warning

Wanted to pass on a notice I received through Symantec today.

It appears there is a new Trojan going through emails that is now a level 3 threat.

This appears to originate from Russia and is pushing stock, though there seems to be no content, only a subject line with attachments.

Read more here:
http://www.symantec.com/enterprise/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2007-011917-1403-99&tabid=1

To be safe, always remember NEVER OPEN an attachment that you are not expecting, even if the email is from someone you know. It may not be them sending it.

Be safe out there!

Jan

Are You Missing Out On Sales? Check Your Thank You Page!

Did you know that the "Thank You" page is one of the most responsive pages on your website?This page provides a prime opportunity for promoting some of your other products and/or services.

You can use this space to easily increase your online sales and/or build your list. For example, why not use the following message on your thank you page after someone has subscribed to your newsletter.

"Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter. Remember to check your inbox for your first issue.

In the meantime, I would like to introduce you to a product that I recently developed (or say that I highly recommend if it is an affiliate product)...."

This is an easy way to send traffic to your product and/or an affiliate link so you can earn some additional revenue from what is often unused space.

Read more of this article here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

Creating Visitor Trust - Make Your Web Site Work For You!

You can build a web site, insert compelling content, creative images, etc., but if your visitor does not trust you none of that matters. What can you do?

The first, and most important "trust factor", is a unique (not cookie cutter) professional looking web site design with easy navigation. Next is relevant content. You just need to keep in mind that as in your every day life, the first impression is the most important.

What can you do to create trust?

- Professional web site design
- Contact Information
- Biography (Contact Page)
- Privacy Policy
- Testimonials

Read more indepth details here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html#Trust

Jan

The Way You Write Content For Your Web Site Is Critical!

Writing compelling content to get the results you want from your visitors is your number one goal - right? Most people find it very difficult to write content for their web site. Some feel it's because writing is not their forte. Let me give you a few pointers.

Ask yourself some of these questions when you look at your content.

• Do you envision buying the products or using the services reading your words?
• Do you envision the product, or service, helping you?
• Do you feel trust?
• Does the content give you what you would have come to the web site for?

On any given page, especially the index page, you have about 10-30 seconds to tell the reader that they have arrived at the right web site, for the right reasons and you have the right answer.

Read more here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

Web Site View - Above The Fold

When you read the title you may think of folded piece of paper and in fact that is a good way to look at the phrase.

When someone comes into your website, what they can initially see is considered "Above the Fold". The content they see when they scroll down is considered "Below the Fold". "The Fold" will vary depending on screen resolution so do have a look at the most used, which are:
1. 1024 X 768 (over 50%)2. 800 X 600 (close to 20%)2. 1280 X 1024 (close to 15%)

The most important headings, content and links should always be above the fold.

Remember, you have about 10-30 seconds to grab your visitors attention. So keep in mind that the most valuable real estate you have on your web page is "Above the Fold". If you do this well, you will hold your visitors longer and they are more likely to look further down on your page and through your website.

I invite you to read more articles here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

Jan

Create A Strong Internet Presence - Part One

A strong internet presence is critical to your business. When you start thinking of building a web site the main goal should be at least two-fold:

1. The visual appearance is attractive, dynamic and compelling
2. The web site will bring in traffic, customers and clients

Almost everything you read on an internet presence uses the phrase "build it and they will come" because most think "building it" (the web site) is all you need to do. Nice thought, not reality.

You must:

1. Make your web site unique
2. Optimize your web site

Read more here: http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/tips-and-articles.html

New And Improved!

I am thrilled to invite you to the launch of my redesigned web site. Do drop by and leave your comments.

Warmly,

Jan

http://www.jbcr-virtualsolutions.com/

Google Base - What Is It?

I was doing some research the other night and found "Google Base" (Beta). Here is what they say:

"Google Base is a place to which you can easily submit all types of online and offline content, which we'll host and make searchable online."

I also found this:

This is a quote of what Danny Sullivan said back in November 2005

"Google Base is a way for Google to let anyone upload information to Google about anything. That's the master plan. Exactly how that master plan will unfold isn't clear. Maybe there won't be any particular date types that are uploaded. Maybe it really will turn into a great place for those with classified listings that will lead to a dedicated spin-off service. The overall goal seems to be put this tool out there and see what people make of it."

Intersting and very topical in my opinion. I went to Web Pro World to see what others thought or knew. Read more here:

http://www.webproworld.com/viewtopic.php?p=343679#343679

Welcome one and all to 2007!

So, now that I've dispensed with niceties, it's time to get back down to business and give you the harsh news about what you are going to need to do to survive "out here" in the near future.

You've likely heard the expression "Web 2", being used all over the place, and maybe searched and found several different definitions. I'll go over several and give you an overview of what they mean to you. This could vary slightly depending on what you do out there, a marketer selling products, a coach selling services, or an affiliate marketer selling other peoples products are some examples.

One thing you can be sure of is that you will have to get used to the idea that "web developers/web designers" are going to be on your payroll. The stringent standards needed to deliver rich media content and multi-platform delivery (I-Pod's, telephones) in addition to "good ole vanilla"* websites are going to leave the 'hands on' built by me type small operations in the dust... Hey that's good news for developers like me/us - but can we even keep up? Guess what we do in our spare time!

*Not sure what we mean by this? Stay tuned!

Jan