Wedding Marketing Websites with extreme SEO search marketing resultz, Resultz Digital!

Best Bridal Show or business lead follow-up cover letter ever?

February 17, 2011 by Fuller Marc Leave a Comment

One of the most difficult things about following up on leads and contacts is being comfortable with your cover letter. It is the first impression and many marketing professionals believe that the cover letter makes the sale. The pressure to make it the best possible can feel intense .

So I started looking for cover letters, all types of cover letters. The best models and advice I found was related to cover letters for resumes. Which makes sense for small business too. After all when a small business responds with a letter and other collateral to someone who is asking for more info about services or products isn’t that analogous to seeking a job?

Here is the “The Best Cover Letter I Ever Received” according to Harvard Business Review (HBR).

Dear Xxxxxx:

I am writing in response to the opening for xxxx, which I believe may report to you.

I can offer you seven years of experience managing communications for top-tier xxxx firms, excellent project-management skills, and a great eye for detail, all of which should make me an ideal candidate for this opening.

I have attached my résumé for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime.

Best regards,

Xxxx Xxxx

Why is that cover letter so good? Here is what David Silverman the author of the HBR article has to say, “Here’s what I like about this cover letter. It’s short. It sums up the résumé as it relates to the job. It asks for the job.” Read more from David Silverman about this cover letter and other readers’ comments.

And look how easily, quickly it can adapt to a powerful cover letter to a bridal lead.

Dear Xxxxxx:

It was a pleasure to meet you at the Xxxxxx bridal fair. I am writing in response to photographing your upcoming wedding and reception at .

I offer you seven years of experience photographing weddings and receptions in Xxxxx (your market area) and more than a few at Xxxxx (chosen venue). My work is well reviewed and I have received awards for my artistic skills coupled with a great eye for detail and commitment to excellent client satisfaction and value. All of which make me an ideal choice for photographing your wedding for a lifetime of great memories

I have attached my brochure including samples of my work, client reviews and rates for your review and would welcome the chance to speak with you sometime soon.

Best regards,

Xxxx Xxxx

As you create your letter focus on the benefits you have to offer the reader. What is in it for her? That is what she cares about.

Finally, no matter how good your communication is … remember it also needs to be timely. Get your letter and email lead responses sent out within 5 days.

Hope it helps. Send me an email or leave a comment if you have questions.

Filed Under: Advertising, Leads, Sales, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: bridal show, cover letters, lead follow-up, marketing, Wedding Marketing

New census info on the number of US weddings

February 4, 2011 by Marc Leave a Comment

Some data points and facts on changes in the numbers of weddings (marriages) from the latest census. While weddings have declined to the lowest point since 1970 in the US, it is not all bad for wedding professionals, some states have had significant increases. You need to click on the links to get the data points. From the New York Times an interesting graphic of some factoids. And from the US Census, here is a simple state by state, table of the trends.

Filed Under: Business Planning, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: marketing, Wedding Marketing

Three Websites Walk into a Bar… to meet a prospective client

December 27, 2009 by Marc Leave a Comment

The bar must have WiFi. Now stop me if you have heard this one before … but three websites each from different photographers (or any service or product that the prospect was searching for) meet a prospective client. Each may present only one page to try and make a sale.

One website shows the prospective client a photo and plays a song.

Another website shares with the prospective client her five most recent blog posts, all on different varied topics.

The last website presents the prospective client a targeted page explaining what they have to offer the prospective client, showing their work and why the prospect would be making a good decision to chose them.

Which website do you think made the sale? My vote also goes to the last one, the one presenting what they do and why they should be chosen. All in a comprehensive approach using text, graphics and media in an up to date, regularly updated and subscribable mode.

Because of the popularity of Flash based websites, a surprisingly high percentage of the competition takes the first approach. Out of frustration with Flash websites or poorly designed static websites many people are trying the second, making their blog the landing page. Experiencing more “meetings”, but not as many leads as they hoped.

And some are gaining a competitive advantage by utilizing the third website’s approach. A website based in WordPress, with a well crafted dynamic landing page designed to make an effective 30 second sales presentation to site visitors and search engine. While the rest of the site includes a traditional blog and attractive galleries together with all the rest that today’s website needs.

Now think about your website, which approach does yours take? Does your website give you the competitive advantage when it “meets” a prospect on line? And does it easily gain high search engine results at low cost?

There are many problem websites out there. Here is a website which just reviews and critiques websites with different problems, problemwebsites.com. Unfortunately some of these problem websites are fairly recent and look to have been expensive. Sadly, it is not uncommon. Some of the most popular photographers’ website templates from companies such as Bludomain, Photobiz, Showit Sites and others share the initial presentation limitations and search marketing problems of Flash.

But, that does allow wise marketers an opportunity to gain a significant competitive advantage. If you would like more information, have a question or would like to know how I might make over your website to gain a real marketing advantage just send me an email with the form on the right.

Filed Under: BluDomain, Internet Marketing, Sales, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: blogsite, blogsites, BluDomain, search engine optimization, search marketing, search optimization, SEM, SEO, social media, Social Networks, twitter, web/blogsites, website marketing, Websites, Wedding Marketing, WordPress

Another Bludomain Website SEO Upgrade Success

September 13, 2009 by Marc Leave a Comment

It is pretty well established that a Bludomain website alone will never get good search results and resulting website traffic. Having experienced many months of poor search placement and website traffic, and then trying to SEO his Bludomain site to no avail Jim Bendewald of James Studio Photography in Madison WI emailed for help.

I installed Kertesz2 on the same hosting account with his existing Bludomain site. This would allow for a better search engine friendly platform including management of an improved landing page, fully integrated Blog and better indexed About, Contact, Testimonials and Investment type page content. All on the same domain and integrated with his existing Bludomain site.

When he was ready after adding content and styling to his Kertesz2 template, I revisited his site, “wrapped” the existing Bludomain site with Kertesz2 and replaced the original splash page with the site’s new landing page and did some final SEO adjustments.

SEO Makeover Results

There is still a lot of content to add and details but almost instantly the site’s SEO score from websitegrader.com went from a low 29 all the way up to 67 in the same day (click the links to read the reports). Plus the site now sends automatic message updates notifying search engines like Google, Bing and Technorati almost every time content is added to the site.

Plus main page of the site has gone from a low engagement black to a more engaging and dynamic layout. Here is the new look -

If you want to reduce your website advertising cost and yet get more traffic to your Bludomain website send me an email. Be ready for the upcoming booking season. I can help you do it yourself or do a complete fully styled layout and site design/build to your design ideas and preference for you, depending upon your budget.

Filed Under: BluDomain, Internet Marketing, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: Blogs, BluDomain, Internet Marketing, marketing, search engine optimization, search marketing, SEO, web/blogsites, Websites, WordPress

A Client Shares – How Our WordPress Based Websites Actually Increased His Business

July 27, 2009 by Marc Leave a Comment

Don Samples of Midnight Magic Videography in Knoxville TN just sent me a note recounting his satisfaction and success from using our website. I really like that we were able to help his success, but before I share his experience I need to tell you a little about how we began.

About five months ago Don had us replace his old style HTML based website with our new Kertesz WordPress based basic website. Don’s primary goals in doing this were to increase his business by improving his internet presence and marketing and believed that our site could do that for him. He saw that our sites offer proven marketing potential and at the same time are easier to manage, look good and he can easily modify and add content as wanted. His total cost was less than $300.

I hope after reading Don’s letter below you will consider letting me help you.

Now here are Don’s own words about using our website for the last few months -

Hey Marc,
I have been meaning to send this to you for a while now, but I have just been so busy. The web site you helped me with is working so wonderfully. I am getting about 10 to 15 hits a day on average. I am getting calls left and right for bookings. Two of my competitors have even told me that my site rocks. But the best complement I got was about a week ago when I bride said she read my web site and asked if I could shoot her wedding. I was booked for the day she wanted and she told me that she felt that with the information I provided her on the web site she could find someone she would feel good about.

My previous site got very little results. Most times I would get a phone call from a prospective bride they would always ask for a demo video, what do I offer, and on and on. Basically, when brides called they asked the questions the site didn’t answer, which was everything. Now, when I get calls, it is to ask if I am available for a date. The calls are good quality leads. The site has given my business an air of professionalism. I put trailers on my site after almost every wedding. The brides love this as they can see some of their video right away. My old site didn’t have the ability to post video. As a video business, it is so important that brides can see what I do.

The week the site went live, I noticed the change in calls and contacts. My competitors in the area all called me and commented on the site. But the best part of it was the fact that they all changed their sites to look like what I have put up.

I have gotten calls and emails from brides who have told me that the information I have put on my site have helped them change their mind about choosing a videographer for their wedding. It also helped them ask the right questions of the videographer they have chosen.

But, most of all I have seen an increase in my business this year. Last year was a good year, but since the site is up and going, the late summer and fall are almost completely booked.

This site has changed my business from a struggling attempt at videography, to a respected, talked about, leading business in the East Tennessee area. Thanks so much for your help, my site is now what I have wanted it to be from the beginning. And, yes I have even updated my web site from my iPhone at a Starbucks.

Thanks so much.
Don

Send me an email (use the form on the right), let me do the same for your business.

Filed Under: Advertising, Client Websites, Featured, Internet Marketing, SEO, Testimonials, Websites, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: blogsites, BluDomain, Internet Marketing, marketing, search engine optimization, search marketing, search optimization, SEM, SEO, Social Networks, video, web/blogsites, website marketing, Websites, Wedding Marketing, WordPress

The Marketing Power of Beauty and Soul

July 17, 2009 by Marc 1 Comment

You need more than just a business identity, you need to share your business soul. For a small business to quickly power up to a successful internet marketing presence they must be able to present both beauty and soul. It needs to be more than just a pretty picture. It needs to be sharing a “conversation” with its website visitors and prospective customers from the first impression. No matter how good the “optics” of your site are you, your site and presence must have a conversation to reveal your soul. Balance.

Andy Ebon has an interesting blog post relating to a specific internet marketer and how they share their soul using their website (which is based in WordPress) together with Twitter. Andy uses Cupcake Rehab as a best practice example of going past beauty and identity into sharing a businesses’ soul. (Surprisingly though, Cupcake Rehab does not display their recent Tweets on their website. A recommended element, particularly with Google’s initiative to begin indexing Tweets.)

Ebon also makes a useful recommendation about website landing pages by making an interesting comment about Bludomain’s splash page format.

“I make an effort to look at every single profile and company website, when someone chooses to follow me. That is where business identities either jump out at you, or don’t.

Are people and companies interesting/rare? Or do they just have a Bludomain website with a two or three big squares on the home page (Nice sites, but they are starting to look generic). Perhaps calling something nice is the ‘kiss of death.’”(emphasis added)

And as I have pointed out, it is also that the Bludomain splash page standard format that “kills” the potential search results showing for a business.

One of the great features about using a WordPress landing page like provided in Kertesz2 is that you can share more of your focus and soul and even close the loop by displaying your recent Tweets, blog posts and Facebook links together right on your Bludomain site’s landing page replacement. With drag and drop ease.th

Filed Under: BluDomain, Internet Marketing, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: BluDomain, indentity, Internet Marketing, landing page, marketing, search marketing, SEO, Social Networks, soul, splash page, twitter, web/blogsites, WordPress

Bludomain websites offer the best opportunity for SEO improvement

July 12, 2009 by Marc 5 Comments

If you own a Bludomain Flash website and want to increase your search engine referal traffic, congratulations it is possible to make your website the fastest gazelle* in the herd.

Don’t blame Bludomain or Flash for sub-par search engine results. That is the nature of Flash websites. They are what they are and current technology and technique means that to get better results for your Bludomain or Flash based website you need to do some work outside the Flash “box”. And, that is my specialty.

Fortunately if you are a Bludomain website owner, this is very possible. Compared to BigFolio, Show-It, PhotoPalette, ifp3, and most of the others … Bludomain is the best of the Flash based websites for getting to first page organic search engine ranking results. Let me explain and I think you will understand why Bludomain has comparatively such a strong potential SEO advantage for it’s users.

Bludomain websites are hosted in a conventional manner on a shared server with a complete owner accessible functional cpanel control panel. This is true for both sites that are hosted with Bludomain and Bludomain sites that you have hosted on non-Bludomain host servers. A Bludomain site is truly your site. Unfortunately FlashPalette, BigFolio, Show-It and others do not allow you to have much access to your hosting account.
Bludomain websites run on internet standard Linux/Apache (LAMP) servers. This host environment has the broadest options for additions (and for the lowest cost) that can assist your website and domain towards front page organic search engine results.
Because Bludomain allows you access to your host account regardless of where your site is hosted you can add other files and additional third-party applications like WordPress and even RedCart in the same hosting account.
Importantly Bludomain’s license and user agreement also allow you to make whatever changes to the splash page of your website you want. While you cannot make code changes with the body of website, the splash page is fully accessible and allowed.

These elements all combined mean you have many world class options to increase the Search Engine Optimaization of a Bludoman website that are not available to the users of most other popular Flash based solution for photographers’ websites.

This post got a little longer that I wanted, but I wanted to share some of why if you are committed to using a Flash website, Bludomain is a very good choice.

Now if you want to make sure that your Bludomain website succeeds in the SEO “race”, just use the form on the right to send me a quick email. My specialty is helping photographers get outside the Flash SEO “box” of their website by placing their intact Bludomain website within WordPress for a low cost and preserving their investment of time and money.

Don’t let your Bludomain website be the slowest gazelle. I can give it the SEO speed of a cheetah

*Each morning the gazelle wakes up knowing it must run even faster than the fastest cheetah to survive. Each morning the cheetah wakes up knowing it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. Regardless of whether you are a cheetah or a gazelle, when the sun comes up you better start running.

Filed Under: Internet Marketing, Search Engines, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: BluDomain, Flash, marketing, photographer's websites, search engine optimization, search marketing, search optimization, SEO, web/blogsites, Websites, WordPress

Ultimate Bludomain Flash website SEO enhancement. Proven 300% search marketing increase in just days.

June 21, 2009 by Marc 6 Comments

There is no doubt that Bludomain provides a beautiful platform for showcasing your photography on the web. Unfortunately they are not good websites for internet marketing. Bludomain describes their websites as “portfolio websites”. Heck, even Bludomain’s own website isn’t Flash. So they are great websites for portfolio galleries, but bad for internet marketing.

How to improve? The key is to keep the strength of your Bludomain portfolio website, and add to it making an even stronger site … replacing the Bludomain splash page with a custom landing page, new html based information pages for contact, about and rate info, together with an embedded WordPress blog. All in an easily managed configuration hosted on the same server with your Bludomain site, using the same domain name you have established and made recognized. And it is then, a very search engine friendly website.

Recently we did this for Ambiance Studios Photography in Wisconsin. They have had a Bludomain website that was all but ignored by search engines. Wisely, they wanted to keep the Flash site portfolio galleries, but recognized that they needed better search results ranking. To accomplish this we installed and customized our new Kertesz II WordPress based template using the existing Bludomain style backgrounds for continuity. We replaced the Bludomain splash page with our much improved landing page allowing better focus on their services, unlimited menu options, multiple dynamic links to recent blog posts, links to social media like Twitter and Facebook and even a large interactive Flash banner. Other additions included new; about, investment and contact pages as well as importing their Xanga blog into self hosted WordPress.

But what about the results? The day we replaced the Bludoman splash page with our new landing page the website’s search marketing score went from just 23 (typical for Bludomain sites even with a large number of link backs) on their basic Bludomain website to a score of 69 with our new Kertesz II template combined with the Bludomain website. A full 300% increase, almost instantly. And that’s a large enough increase to make a difference in just days! That is SYNERGY!

Kertesz II is based on WordPress so it allows the site owner to use the full featured WordPress administration interface to make all site changes and additions. Kertesz II is fully WordPress 2.8 compatible supporting threaded comments plus other great new features and is even SEO optimized.

And here is how their site it looks now -

new screencap1227689819 Ultimate Bludomain Flash website SEO enhancement. Proven 300% search marketing increase in just days.

Ambiance Studios with Kertesz II landing page

Before -

old screencap1227689819 240x300 Ultimate Bludomain Flash website SEO enhancement. Proven 300% search marketing increase in just days.

Old Bludomain splash page

You can add Kertesz II to your Bludomain website for as little as $347 installed on your hosting account and configured by me ready for you to customize and add content, or for just $997 we will fully customize the template images and content for you, matching your Bludomain site … also fully installed and configured. Just send me an email (or use the contact form to the right) to begin making the best internet marketing decision for your Bludomain Flash website and your business.

Filed Under: BluDomain, Internet Marketing, Search Engines, SEO, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: BluDomain, marketing, photography, search engine optimization, Search Engines, search marketing, search optimization, SEM, SEO, SMO, Social Networks, web/blogsites, website marketing, Wedding Marketing, WordPress

Brand New Tennessee Wedding and Events Specialists Association (TWESA) Website

June 11, 2009 by Marc 1 Comment

What could be better than putting all the content of a non-profit professional wedding association, resource directory, members’ information together with advice, tips and info for people planning a wedding or event altogether in a WordPress based web/blogsite? Well for the ease of site owner’s maintenance and future additions or the search engine marketing potential … not much. Now ready for the public, please visit and look around, Tennessee Wedding and Events Specialists Association

With much more content yet to come, this new site is already getting top search results in its market area. Plus by using our approach the new site is actively linked into participation in Facebook, Twitter, RSS/Feedburner, Technorati, Google and more social media to come.

Not to overlook … I think it looks better too.

before

now

Filed Under: Client Websites, Internet Marketing, News, Search Engines, Social Networks, Websites, Wedding Marketing Tagged With: blogsites, search engine optimization, search marketing, search optimization, SEO, Social Networks, web/blogsites, Wedding Marketing, wedding planning, WordPress

Don’t market your website, let your website market you

June 2, 2009 by Marc 1 Comment

So we get a new website and we want visitors and traffic. What do many of us end up doing … we market and promote our website! We often buy Adwords, send out direct email and even have price reduction specials. In other words, after we have spent money and time creating a new website, we often find ourselves indentured to spend more money and time marketing our website . When we could have just let our website (if it had the correct structure) and Google do all that work … for FREE

This is a direct email I got just yesterday -

” To promote our new website, _________ Photography is offering a NO SITTING FEE portrait session this summer. Take advantage of the nice weather and let us photograph your family, kids, babies, pet, or glamour portraits. “

So I go an visit their website. They do beautiful photography, but unfortunately it is a Flash website with a typical “splash” landing page with little info and linking to the Flash site and a Blogspot blog using search crippling action script. The website-grader search marketing potential tool gives it a score of just 12. So with its current structure it will be trapped in the cycle needing constant expense of time and money to do what an integrated hybrid WordPress web/blog site will automatically do just as a matter of the correct structure and your relevant content.

Google exists to present your website to potential clients. And at no cost! You only need to give Google a chance by making the right website choices. The path to marketing success (high returns, low cost) is much easier with the right choice … an SEO optimized WordPress based integrated web/blog site. Let Google and the other search engines help you.