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

Fuller Marc — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:15:14 +0000

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.

New census info on the number of US weddings

Marc — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:32:05 +0000

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.

A Dream Wedding by Sharon Replaces Their Old Bludomain Flash Website with a New WordPress Site

Marc — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 22:06:30 +0000

Well known San Diego wedding planner Sharon Cole of A Dream Wedding by Sharon contacted me regarding improving her search engine marketing and internet presence. For a number of years she had been using a Bludomain website but recently found that with increasing competition, her website traffic and leads had become almost nil. This is in spite of her being an area ABC leader and the all the awards and news paper articles and links she had developed over the years in business in San Diego.

In looking into her site’s presence, we discovered that her website was virtually not present in Google’s index. Even Google searching with her business name and city the site was not found. The reason for this is because the inherently low “indexability” of a Bludomain site combined with no changes to the site in years. Effectively the search engine calculated that the site was just not relevant for what people may be searching. You see, most Bludomain websites really only have two actual pages, the splash page and the rest of the Flash website. The website itself is functionally just one page of Flash content with different actions. When we discussed all this the plan became multi-faceted and clear.

Sharon and Maria (her office manager) improved the legacy splash page text content and began using Google Webmaster Tools and Analytics to begin to “wake” up the site. I helped Maria install WordPress on the Bludomain hosting account and behind the scenes started to create an all new WordPress based website for A Dream Wedding by Sharon. A little progress, Sharon’s legacy site returned to Google’s index, though very far down in the listings.

But the Bludomain hosting account was very troublesome for WordPress. The blog was always a struggle with loading plugins and having errors. Bludomain’s hosting setup is often not a very friendly enviroment for WordPress, more so with WP 3.0. So the new WP based website would be based on a non-Bludomain server. (When the time came to choose whether the legacy Bludomain site would be kept, moved or dropped it was decided, after Bludomain quoted $80 to move it for what was effectively 2 indexed pages, that the site would be allowed to “fade away” and the savings used elsewhere.)

It’s done, and Sharon feels the new site is a great fresh look for her San Diego wedding planning business, and not like a typical blog site. And it succeeds in Google, search marketing and social media marketing. The new site already has well over 90 pages in Google index, is moving up in search placement and search traffic and best of all the site traffic has increased almost 10 fold. Plus it is easy to add new information, pages and posts to it to tailor internet marketing to the interest of today’s bride to be. When Sharon adds new content to the site it automatically Tweets the news and posts content to Facebook. And, not to forget that the new site is also viewable in iPhones and other mobile devices where her Bludomain site was not.

Please visit and take a look at A Dream Wedding by Sharon’s new web/blogsite. If you have questions about Bludomain SEO, internet marketing or WordPress based web/blog sites please send me an email.

New website for Midnight Magic Studios a growing wedding videography business.

Marc — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:01:19 +0000

Don Samples of Midnight Magic Studios in Knoxville TN works hard and makes really great wedding videos. He has been a long time client and I adapted the first Kertesz release for use as his website starting in 2008 using WordPress 2.5.

So it seems very unfair that his site was severely hacked recently. I think Don would be the first to admit he should have kept WordPress system more up to date, but the automated site hijack hackers are just wrong.

New Midnight Magic Studios website

After not being able to cure the site infection himself, Don contacted me in late June to see what could be done. It was pretty bad, the database and PHP files were hosed, but WordPress was able to export a clean XML file we could use to rebuild the site pretty quickly. So there were two paths, 1) restore the site using my old backup of the current theme or 2) take the opportunity to upgrade the site to a newer more appealing theme layout offering all the new WordPress 3.0 features plus better SEO, improved security, easier one click total WP site system upgrades and social media integration with Twitter and Facebook. The second choice was only about two hours more time that the first even including some new site graphics. Don chose the second option!

We picked a layout that was almost brand new and adapted well to videography. Then over the next two days I customized the layout, graphics, imported the old site’s content and setup a bunch of new features for both site visitors and search marketing. Then like the Bionic Man, Don’s site was back even better, faster, stronger than before in just three days total. And for me the best of it all is Don likes it better, too. Not to mention the improved site traffic and inquiries. All for almost the same cost as just restoring the old site.

Please visit Don’s new site and see his work. And if you have any questions about the potential advantages of a new WordPress based website system for your business please send me an email.

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

Marc — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:51:34 +0000

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.

Black Studios Photography – Success Improving Bludomain Search Results and Site Traffic

Marc — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:53:47 +0000

Mike and ElizaBeth Black of Black Studios are always working to enhance their services and business. So recently Mike set out to further increase the search results rank and site traffic of his Bludomain website (which is also hosted by Bludomain). Mike had worked meticulously to improve the search results of his standard Bludomain site following all the advice he came across. Some it it worked, for a while, and he would see his search rank improve a little only to then begin slipping after a a few days/weeks.

Then he came across my blog posts on the “structural” way to greatly improve Bludomain by adding a WordPress based landing page to replace the standard Bludomain splash. And then adding new content using WordPress posts and pages for things like a better blog and price, contact and about pages. Taking advantage of his existing domain and Bludomain gallery site, but putting the rest of the content into a from which is much much better for search engines.

So we went to work. Mike had me add the Kertesz II for Photographers WordPress based site to his Bludomain hosting account. This allowed hem to work on adding content and moving logos and things to the WordPress based site while leaving the existing Bludomain site uninterrupted. The when he was ready, as part of the services I includ, I switched his new landing page to replace the old splash page, did some other adjustments, menu changes and tweeks including setting up the new contact form and voila the new Black Studios website.

The results -

Within days Mike’s search results rankings moved up 2-3 pages in Google, and continues to improve. Mike also reports his site traffic is up about 200 visitors a month. And this is the site’s new main page -

Send me an email and let me see if I might do the same for your Bludomain site.

New Client Website – The Something Blue Shoppe

Marc — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 23:12:49 +0000

We just completed another social media dialog website for The Something Blue Shoppe, a full service bridal and prom salon located in Hartselle Alabama.

The salon wanted all the advantages that goes along with our all WordPress based websites, including:

Easy do it yourself content additions, upgrades, and site maintenance.
Complete automatic interaction and cross posting with Facebook and Twitter
Integrated blog
Low cost hosting
And the truly best SEO that only WordPress based websites can deliver.

All of this combined in a freshend style format that uses much of the established branding that The Something Blue Shoppe is recognized for.

New Site

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

Marc — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:59:08 +0000

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.

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

Marc — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:36:27 +0000

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 -

Ambiance Studios with Kertesz II landing page

Before -

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.

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

Marc — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:41:24 +0000

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