That’s right! You heard me…

Ya got a hot date for tonight. Good for you! What’s the last thing you do before you walk out the door? No, not that-you check yourself out in the mirror. Why? Do your socks match? Are you buttoned or zipped up? Is there any foreign substance on your cheek or chin? What about in your nose? All these tasks are done for one reason-Because (say it with me) -You only get one chance to make a first impression.

It’s the same with your online presence. So go ahead-google yourself-Yes, right now…I won’t peek…I promise…I’ll be here when you get back…Well, how was it? What did you think? Was it everything that you’d thought it would be?

Everyone needs to do a google search on themselves -First your name. Where does it come up on Google? Why does someone else with the same name come out on top of you? Answer: Content. Next google your blog or website (remember-google it, not enter the URL). This is the important part-Not only does your name come up, but whatever text comes after your name or blog name comes next. GET IT? This is prime real estate baby. You only get about three seconds for someone to decide if they want to click on your site or move on. You gotta “make the sale” right then and there. Make sure that your blog name is relevant to your site. And just as important-the text that follows-your “tagline”- hammers home the point. Use keywords in the tagline.

I learned very quickly that I had a useless tagline. What I thought was a cool arty little number (although it is cool and I like it) was really a better fit as the heading on the “About Me” Page where it belongs and not in the most important of spaces. After the blog name-it said nothing. It gave no indication what someone could expect. It gave no sense of urgency, or even a reason why someone would want to click. Use the opportunity you are given to make a difference. “To click or not to click. That will be the question”.

Look at yourself with a most critical eye. See what others are doing. What do you like about their sites. What are they doing right? What are they doing wrong? Then go back to your site, with a better appreciation and a fresh critical look. Is your site boring? Is the content drab? Is it schizophrenic? Is it just a page of ads and flashing banners? If your site doesn’t stand up to your new higher expectations-Then change it. You’ve just raised the bar on yourself and it will make a better experience for all.

You may only get one chance…They may never return…

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