We recently had the pleasure of upgrading Living 4 More’s website from a static HTML, to a dynamic WordPress powered website.

Keeping the original design (with a few new features), we have used custom WordPress template development to deliver a website that is up to scratch with today’s web standards.

All the content is now completely manageable by Pauline which in the long term will save her time and money. The greatest asset to having a CMS powered website is that the client has full control over the website’s content.

There is no backwards and forwards communicating what changes will have to be done, instead the client can login, make the changes and update in real time.

If you are interested in upgrading your website, contact us today and we will be glad to help you out.

Call us on 1300 477 121 or send us an enquiry by using the form on the right.

Melbourne Google Engage June 2013. Left to Right. David Booth, Mark Thomas (me), Lara Mattatia and Mike Rhodes

Google Engage is a program for online agencies that offers the chance to learn the best implementation and methods directly from Google. These events  are invaluable and all zen¹⁰ team members attend.

Each event covers topics from a first hand view at Google as well as insights and best practices from leading international agencies.

At last month’s Google Engage event it was my privilege to be a guest speaker on an industry panel to discuss the tools and strategies we use to market our own agency.

These are the same methods we use to help our customers grow profitable businesses.

The fact is that if you are any good at what you do you are already busy…..but you know you need systems that introduce, nurture and close business from new customers to grow. Especially in tough times.

Here are the zen¹⁰ basics we use for our own online marketing

– design a great website that converts

– do great work and blog about ……..often !

– optimise for a few important keywords

– use AdWords to target high value clients and ruthlessly measure cost per acquisition

– remarket to those who visit your website but don’t connect the first time (hint – those ads that follow you around the internet no matter where you go)

– use an internal sales system to help your sales team be productive, follow up and close business…….especially if you are the sales team ! (I personally use OnePageCRM with immediate results to the bottom line)

With a few simple (not simplistic) steps you can develop a system that becomes the foundation not just for next weeks sales, but next month, next quarter and next year.

Thanks to the Google Engage team and my fellow panel members for a great day and if you are interested in how you can improve your online marketing, feel free to contact me for a personal chat.

Mark Thomas
Director zen¹⁰

Here are 6 simple, inexpensive Online Marketing moves that cost well under $1,000.

Act on one or more now and squeeze extra sales results into the final months in 2012.

#1 – Test a Google AdWords Search Campaign

♦ Allocate a budget and test a short sharp AdWords campaign  
♦ If you get results quickly ramp up to a full scale campaign

#2 – Search Engine Optimisation – Do You Feel Lucky?

Are you ranking on the first page of Google for any of you keywords? What can you do to make that final push to a top three position?

♦ Get some links from other websites
♦ Add fresh content
♦ Tweak you page titles
♦ Get mentioned on social networks

#3 – Simple Changes That Will Improve Website Conversions

♦ Make sure your phone number is clearly visible on every page, is text not graphics and can be clicked to call from within a mobile phone browser
♦ Is it clear where you are located and the area you service from a quick scan of your home page
♦ Add a quick enquiry form to every page
♦ Add a video, slide show or product gallery

#4 – Send Out An Email Newsletter

♦ Segment your customers and send them a special offer
♦ Get that list of leads you have built through out the year and re-energise
♦ Sign up to Campaign Monitor, it’s simple and cheap and gives comprehensive statistics

#5 – Stand Out To The Locals

#6 – Measure Everything With Google Analytics

If you haven’t set up Google Analytics on your website do it now

♦ Go beyond visits and page views, measure goals and conversions
♦ Tag all your marketing activities and find out what is working

Don’t be paralysed by lack of knowledge, money, motivation or time.  These are simple, quick, inexpensive and low risk.  Pick one or more and execute in September. Chances are your competitors probably wont.