Small Business Tip – Online Fax Services are Great

Now I know I usually talk about internet marketing and that’s even the name of the blog but I’ve felt like I need to add a small business tips section to this blog because of the little things that I know and little details I wish I’d known about when I first started with business.

 Online fax services are AWESOME.  I don’t have a fax machine and never want a fax machine.  Gone are the days of needing one and they are usually so bulky it doesn’t make sense anyway.  Now comes online fax services.  I personally use Packetel’s $3.95/mo. unlimited incoming faxes service (Packetel Review).  Every business needs a fax number because we all run into the lame “please fax me” transactions.  I’ve loved every minute of getting pdf emails instead of a fax machine and my first small business tip is to use an online fax service.  (Google search: “online fax service” and you should find a few choices). 

I promise I’ll be back to local internet marketing by my next post:)

Search Engine Optimization and Creativity means Results

It’s no secret that links are important.  The big topics of conversation are buying links, natural links, relevant links, reciprocal links and just plain links.  The reason search engine optimizationers (I like adding “ers”) can be so valuable to a small business is the magic behind link building.  I’d like to take this opportunity to say “be creative and you’ll get links”.

 I’m reminded of a great session at WebmasterWorld’s Pubcon when a San Diego Chiropractor talked about what he had done over the last year to get his website to the top for the his keywords.  David Klein shared some great strategies about getting links and the overwhelming message was to go have fun, be creative and of course people will link to your site.

 When the California fires hit in late 2007 he took his team out to help the tired firefighters with alignments.  Of course that generated buzz but he also took pictures of it and added them to the website.  He didn’t do service because he’d get publicity but he also didn’t miss the opportunity to get links (by posting pictures of his company helping with the fires).  He also took pictures of individuals at a Chiropractor summit and of course people will link to their own pictures on his site.  All in all it was great and honest insight on the effectiveness of remembering the human side of seo and using creativity to drive traffic and get the all important SEO Link.

Sometimes the internet marketing community is so focused on beating the system that they forget that people are the ones who add real value to a site and business.  The point here is to get creative in what you like to do and remember the SEO Link opportunities.  Step outside the box and experience the rankings of someone with friends!