Whether planning a new web site or making enhancements to an existing one, the following list of marketing principals will help you build your expert status online. These proven direct marketing concepts form a comprehensive checklist that you can use to get more attention from the media online.

PUT YOUR FACTS UP FRONT
Add your branded catch praise to your home page and share your uniqueness upfront. Present a brief overview of your business from your home page featuring your expertise. Write in a friendly, welcoming and benefit oriented tone the media can relate to. Show your expertise in your bio, mission, philosophy, goals and/or market position. Develop credibility while building desire to contact you as the expert of choice

LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES EVERYWHERE
Note that most of the media prefer to be contacted via email these days. Share your articles with other experts who can promote you on their websites.
Forward your articles to online newsletters and media for free at www.web-source.net.
Get tons of media leads for expert articles for under $500 per year at www.prleads.com.

CREATE AN ONLINE PRESS ROOM
List all media appearances and major publications who have featured you_. List topics of interest that you are an expert on. Add idea and topic summaries for future media interviews and/or featured articles. Ask for a free copy of the taped show from radio and TV appearances. Add every good article you have written - if you have not written any - START NOW!. Add copies of feature stores about you, your expertise and your business. Ask media spokespeople for testimonials and post them on your website. Add streaming audio and/or stream video of your appearances. Ask for referrals to other media spokespeople.

WINNING MEDIA TIPS
Speak directly to their audience and avoid "sales speak". Develop an information-rich site that details your service and expertise advantages. Anticipate audience & media questions and add an 'Ask The Expert' section to your site.
Use quality and professional photos and graphics - your expert status image is at stake. Make your copy media benefit oriented. Offer tons of value-added content that can be easily downloaded or printed for free. Add an online newsletter to stay in contact and inform the media on a regular basis. Offer contests and host charity events to attract the media's attention. Feature keywords on your press room title bar that attract the media to your expertise.

KEEP YOUR SITE UPDATED CONTINUOUSLY
Prepare to refresh pages your online pressroom every six months. Add more information and keep improving your site. Add helpful links that relate to your business and your expertise.

By Debbie Allen, All Rights Reserved

Bio: Debbie Allen is one of the world's leading authorities on sales and marketing. She is the author of five books including Confessions of Shameless Self Promoters and Skyrocketing Sales. Debbie has helped thousands of people around the world attract customers like crazy with her innovative, no-cost marketing strategies and secrets to sales success. Her expertise has been featured in Entrepreneur, Selling Power and Sales & Marketing Excellence. Sign up for her FREE 6-week e-Course Business Success Secrets Revealed ($97 value) and take the online business card quiz to rate you marketing online now at www.DebbieAllen.com.


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