3 replies to this topic

[Michael Turco]

A designer I'm not, and that's why I'm really happy with MD. I really like the "out of the box" design, but, I'd like to make my website look a little more "pro", and I'm not good at that kind of thing.

My time is a little limited, and I thought I'd ask for suggestions on how to make one particular page look better, rather than the whole site. I'd like to start with that page (in its entirity) and get that fixed up. Then carry those improvements through the site, and then maybe come back for more suggestions.

If you have any suggestions for me, at any level, I'd appreciate it!

www.miketurco.com/email-workflow/

Thanks!

Mike

[jablythe]

Hey Michael!

While I haven't had a chance to go through and make a list of suggestions just quite yet, I did want to mention something to you that I noticed immediately.. ..Opt-in forms? ..Where are they bud?

Here's where I would include them:
- Home page / static page of your site. Either inside of your feature box (you currently don't have it enabled yet), and/or on the right side widget, in the first spot.
- About page -- This is a GREAT place to capture your audience's name and e-mail. After all, they are on your about page because they are interested in what you do/offer/provide, and I'm sure they would love the opportunity to signup for your newsletter so they can easily stay aware of any updates you release.
- Footer -- This isn't really a must, but if you're looking to "spruce up" your footer, adding a simple opt-in form in the footer wouldn't hurt.
- End of Blog Post -- This is another GREAT place to capture your audience's name and e-mail. Clearly, they are reading your content.. So why not offer them the opportunity to sign up and get notified of future blog posts? ..You could add a opt-in box at the end of each post with a lead in of; "Did you like what you read? You'll love what else we have in store" <sign up> -- something to that degree.

Anyhow, as I mentioned above, I didn't have a chance to really make a list of helpful tips in terms of "design" to "spruce things up," but I did want to mention the lack of opt-in opportunities because I feel like a) you're missing out, and it will inadvertently make your site more appealing to the eye with them there (I think at least).

In closing, I hope my suggestion can be of some help to you.. Overall, your site looks great! Very clean, neat, simple, and the colors are nice!

All the best,
-Alex

[Michael Turco]

Hey Alex,

I've never had a successful newsletter. A big part of that has been me. I've put in opt-in forms, built up decent mailing lists, but never really gotten the newsletter up, out and rolling. So I've been thinking through the way I do that and wondering whether there is another way to go.

One thing I've been thinking about is a "not a newsletter, newsletter". Just striking up conversations with people, that kind of thing.

Reading your email, though, makes me want to have a stronger call to action. (And also about giving a newsletter another shot.)

Thanks,

Mike

[John Robert]

Newsletters are a lot of work if you don't have a clear vision and funnel.
You don't need a newsletter to build a list, but a list you should build!

Create an optin bribe (something that promises to solve a fear frustration need or desire) with your target market and use it to build your list. Have 3 follow up sequences to carry the engagement forward and then you have set the scene for the conversations you mention. You can then offer 15 minute free calls to understand the language your target market use and more about their problems.
I would speak to 200 (yes 200) before embarking upon any solutions or offers to your prospects - as you need this to REALLY understand what people will pay for. Perhaps its a product perhaps its group coaching. The later is easy if you know your shit. Some models work very well and can be very lucrative quickly.
Commit to one post a fortnight. I see you latest (only) one was recently - GREAT!
If you're struggling for content ideas, make a list of YOUR favourite 25 sites pertinent to your market and scrape and reposition some of the info from them as a topic. My rule in the beginning is replicate dont innovate - you can do that when you have authority built and a following.
Does any of this help?
Good luck,
Jay.