A wiki, also known as collaborative software, allows various users to add, edit and delete content from a group website. Using a wiki offers many advantages such as:
• Wikis are edited in a web browser. It doesn’t matter is a user is using a PC or a MAC or if they have a certain type of software. As long as a user can access the web they can access the wiki.
• Being able to access the wiki anywhere you have a web connection is another advantage all on its own. If a user is traveling then they don’t need to worry about bringing any files with them. They can simply log onto the wiki and have all the information they need.
• Emailing a large document to several people can take time and some people may not receive it due to spam filters. By using a wiki one user can share his or her work with all of the users at one time.
• Another advantage to using a wiki is that all the drafts of a document are saved. If a team of people have altered a document several times and feel that using the original introduction would now work better than the revised version, they can easily go back and retrieve the original.
• A wiki can be protected with a password so you don’t have to worry about the public viewing it.
• A wiki also gives the advantage of being able to put many ideas together and then going back to edit them when necessary or when time allows.
For example, you could use a wiki to keep track of all your outsourcing. A user account can be set up for all virtual assistants, ghostwriters, graphic designers, etc and a page can be created for each project. Then team members can provide input on what has been done on behalf of the project and what they still need to do.
When communicating through a wiki there is no worry about emails getting lost or thrown away. All communications will be kept inside the wiki. Users can also upload files to the wiki, which is another great tool for collaboration. If a ghostwriter depends on a virtual assistant to assign article topics, they can simply upload them to the wiki. Everyone can access them at any time.
By implementing the use of wikis in your business you will be able to stay on top of projects and have a better sense of organization. You and your team will be able to visualize group goals and the actions that need to be completed in order to achieve those goals.
Welcome to Web Savvy WAHMS Free Internet Resource Center
Friday, November 16, 2007
What is a Wiki?
A wiki is a website where multiple users can add, remove,and edit content on each page by only using a web browser. This makes it extremely easy to collaborate with people, even in situations where they cannot meet face to face.
Since the only tools needed to use a wiki is an Internet connection and a web browser, there is no longer a worry if all the collaborators have the same type of software. Wiki will serve as a virtual, collaborative memory for all the users.
One of the best examples of a wiki is wikipedia.com, an open encyclopedia. It is one of the most widely used reference tools on the web and it has millions of collaborators. Anyone can add their own entries.
Not all wikis are wikipedias, however. Some wikis are for private use and are simply communication tools between family, friends and co-workers. For example, a family of five brothers and their wives may build a private wiki where each brother can have his own page and update the other brothers about family happenings or make plans for a family reunion.
On the other end of the spectrum, a major corporation may want to use a wiki to keep several employees updated on a project. The corporation may have offices in New York, London and China. By using a wiki employees in each of these offices can collaborate, add data, modify data that was added by another member and even upload photos and files.
There are many free wikis to choose from. Some of them have their own hosting and some would need to be installed on the server. In addition to the free versions, there are also paid ones. Compare the features of various wikis before you make up your mind on one.
Some wikis allow for a lot of formatting. In the beginning, you may want to stick to a basic wiki that serves as a way to communicate and collaborate with others. A wiki doesn't have to look super fancy. Once you get used to how a wiki operates then consider getting a fancier model with extra bells and whistles.
Using a wiki is supposed to make life easier, not more complicated. By keeping things simple and sticking to the basics, you will be able to use a wiki for many personal and professional uses.
For example, you may be able to use a wiki to help plan the bake sale you volunteered for, show your family the pictures from your last vacation, and work on a joint venture project with a partner that lives 3,000 miles away.
Wikis offer many benefits, they are easy to use and can certainly make life easier. Try experimenting with one and see how it can help you manage your business more effectively.
Since the only tools needed to use a wiki is an Internet connection and a web browser, there is no longer a worry if all the collaborators have the same type of software. Wiki will serve as a virtual, collaborative memory for all the users.
One of the best examples of a wiki is wikipedia.com, an open encyclopedia. It is one of the most widely used reference tools on the web and it has millions of collaborators. Anyone can add their own entries.
Not all wikis are wikipedias, however. Some wikis are for private use and are simply communication tools between family, friends and co-workers. For example, a family of five brothers and their wives may build a private wiki where each brother can have his own page and update the other brothers about family happenings or make plans for a family reunion.
On the other end of the spectrum, a major corporation may want to use a wiki to keep several employees updated on a project. The corporation may have offices in New York, London and China. By using a wiki employees in each of these offices can collaborate, add data, modify data that was added by another member and even upload photos and files.
There are many free wikis to choose from. Some of them have their own hosting and some would need to be installed on the server. In addition to the free versions, there are also paid ones. Compare the features of various wikis before you make up your mind on one.
Some wikis allow for a lot of formatting. In the beginning, you may want to stick to a basic wiki that serves as a way to communicate and collaborate with others. A wiki doesn't have to look super fancy. Once you get used to how a wiki operates then consider getting a fancier model with extra bells and whistles.
Using a wiki is supposed to make life easier, not more complicated. By keeping things simple and sticking to the basics, you will be able to use a wiki for many personal and professional uses.
For example, you may be able to use a wiki to help plan the bake sale you volunteered for, show your family the pictures from your last vacation, and work on a joint venture project with a partner that lives 3,000 miles away.
Wikis offer many benefits, they are easy to use and can certainly make life easier. Try experimenting with one and see how it can help you manage your business more effectively.
What Are White Papers and Does Your Business Need Them?
Government white papers have been around for decades. These documents are issued by the government to outline a new or impending change in policy. You might be thinking, "That's great, but what does this have to do with Internet marketing?
The term "white paper" has been adopted for use in commercial purposes. A commercial white paper argues a point relevant to a technology or product. The purpose of these papers is to show decision makers that the product meets their needs.
Instead of focusing solely on the intricate technical aspects of the product or technology most white papers concentrate on the needs and interests of their readers. This approach has been proven to be more effective and less boring than bland technical details. It also provides the opportunity to appeal to the reader's emotions which are a key factor in decision-making.
In What Circumstance Would I Need a White Paper?
White papers are not for every business. Businesses that sell products that are not technical or solve problems that need little or no explanation often have little use for white papers. Products that have been on the market long enough for people to be familiar with them benefit very little from white papers as well.
Businesses that have new product offerings, particularly those in the technology field, can benefit greatly from white papers. New technologies are of great interest to many but there is little opportunity to research them due to their newness. Writing a solid white paper on your new technological breakthrough can establish you as an expert in your field and introduce your product to those eager to get their hands on the next big thing.
Complex products are also well served by white papers. If consumers do not understand something but think it could benefit them they will research it. By writing a white paper about it you can be the one who helps them understand it. By helping them understand it you increase your likelihood of being the one they come to when they are ready to purchase.
Products that are expensive require a lot of thought from the consumer before making a decision on purchasing them. In the business-to-business market a purchasing decision often involves numerous people and possibly even committees. Writing a white paper pertaining to these products can be of great benefit to potential buyers. By providing them with helpful information you may be the one they come to once the decision is made.
White papers are helpful tools to those who are faced with tough buying decisions. By writing them you put yourself in a position to reap the rewards of being the one who took the time to explain the product's benefits in a way that appeals to the reader. Those rewards can come in the form of sales and referrals.
The term "white paper" has been adopted for use in commercial purposes. A commercial white paper argues a point relevant to a technology or product. The purpose of these papers is to show decision makers that the product meets their needs.
Instead of focusing solely on the intricate technical aspects of the product or technology most white papers concentrate on the needs and interests of their readers. This approach has been proven to be more effective and less boring than bland technical details. It also provides the opportunity to appeal to the reader's emotions which are a key factor in decision-making.
In What Circumstance Would I Need a White Paper?
White papers are not for every business. Businesses that sell products that are not technical or solve problems that need little or no explanation often have little use for white papers. Products that have been on the market long enough for people to be familiar with them benefit very little from white papers as well.
Businesses that have new product offerings, particularly those in the technology field, can benefit greatly from white papers. New technologies are of great interest to many but there is little opportunity to research them due to their newness. Writing a solid white paper on your new technological breakthrough can establish you as an expert in your field and introduce your product to those eager to get their hands on the next big thing.
Complex products are also well served by white papers. If consumers do not understand something but think it could benefit them they will research it. By writing a white paper about it you can be the one who helps them understand it. By helping them understand it you increase your likelihood of being the one they come to when they are ready to purchase.
Products that are expensive require a lot of thought from the consumer before making a decision on purchasing them. In the business-to-business market a purchasing decision often involves numerous people and possibly even committees. Writing a white paper pertaining to these products can be of great benefit to potential buyers. By providing them with helpful information you may be the one they come to once the decision is made.
White papers are helpful tools to those who are faced with tough buying decisions. By writing them you put yourself in a position to reap the rewards of being the one who took the time to explain the product's benefits in a way that appeals to the reader. Those rewards can come in the form of sales and referrals.
What is YouTube?
YouTube is a website that allows people to share video clips. These videos range from homemade photo montages to dance recitals to actual music videos and snippets of television shows and movies.
YouTube, which was started by three former PayPal employees, made it’s official debut in August of 2005 and grew so fast that in October of 2006 Google bought the site for 1.65 billion dollars.
The site allows unregistered users to watch most of the videos on the site. Registered users are allowed to view all of the videos on the site as well as upload an unlimited number of videos. The site offers a search function which makes locating certain types of videos easy. It also recommends videos based on the video you are currently watching.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the site, as some television production companies feel that this infringes on piracy and copyright laws. In essence, these companies feel that they are losing money – why would anyone want to watch a whole show when they can get the best clips for free on You Tube. For example, if you missed the feud on the television show The View that led to Rosie O’Donnell’s early departure, you can view it on YouTube.
The site is so popular that many people are already referring to the American 2008 Presidential election as the “YouTube Election”. Candidates are uploading their own videos that explain their stance on issues. The population at large is able to upload videos containing their own views of these candidates.
Deciding how to create a funny video that somehow ties in with your product or service can be tricky. A seamstress, for instance, could create a video where people found their seams opening in embarrassing instances and at the end include a still image of text that read “If this happens to you, visit mysite.com”.
Viewers of the video could easily get a kick out of seeing a groom split his pants while dancing at his own wedding reception and pass it around to all their friends, who in turn pass it to their friends. Some of the people who view it may need alterations made to their own clothes and could end up doing business with the seamstress who created the video.
YouTube has created a new way for the population to connect and share media. Whether you try using it as a marketing tool or simply for entertainment purposes, this is a site that will continue to grow daily.
YouTube, which was started by three former PayPal employees, made it’s official debut in August of 2005 and grew so fast that in October of 2006 Google bought the site for 1.65 billion dollars.
The site allows unregistered users to watch most of the videos on the site. Registered users are allowed to view all of the videos on the site as well as upload an unlimited number of videos. The site offers a search function which makes locating certain types of videos easy. It also recommends videos based on the video you are currently watching.
There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the site, as some television production companies feel that this infringes on piracy and copyright laws. In essence, these companies feel that they are losing money – why would anyone want to watch a whole show when they can get the best clips for free on You Tube. For example, if you missed the feud on the television show The View that led to Rosie O’Donnell’s early departure, you can view it on YouTube.
The site is so popular that many people are already referring to the American 2008 Presidential election as the “YouTube Election”. Candidates are uploading their own videos that explain their stance on issues. The population at large is able to upload videos containing their own views of these candidates.
Deciding how to create a funny video that somehow ties in with your product or service can be tricky. A seamstress, for instance, could create a video where people found their seams opening in embarrassing instances and at the end include a still image of text that read “If this happens to you, visit mysite.com”.
Viewers of the video could easily get a kick out of seeing a groom split his pants while dancing at his own wedding reception and pass it around to all their friends, who in turn pass it to their friends. Some of the people who view it may need alterations made to their own clothes and could end up doing business with the seamstress who created the video.
YouTube has created a new way for the population to connect and share media. Whether you try using it as a marketing tool or simply for entertainment purposes, this is a site that will continue to grow daily.
Will Web 2.0 Replace Online Copy?
We've all heard the hype about Web 2.0. The term refers to the rise of new and more social technologies on the Internet. Blogs, video sharing and forums are some examples of Web 2.0 applications.
The traditional online sales letter goes back to the early days of the Internet. Back then most browsers were text-based therefore most web content was text-only. Eventually images and graphics were supported and websites quickly began reflecting that. Not much else changed. The slow Internet connections that were commonplace up until just a few years ago prohibited quick viewing of anything beyond that, so most sites stuck to text and small pictures.
Once the Internet became commonplace in homes, things began to change. Broadband connections became less expensive and more people got connected at higher speeds. This brought forth the incentive to explore audio, video and advanced social applications. Web 2.0 was born.
Salesletters still had not changed much at this point. For the most part, they were still comprised of long, scrolling copy broken up with the occasional picture or graphic. Even then, it still worked, but as Web 2.0 became more prevalent people began to want more. Not more text but more interactivity.
Is There Still a Place for Online Copy?
Online copy is still an important part of the Internet experience. It informs the consumer, appeals to his emotions and tells him how to go about purchasing the product. It can and should live in harmony with Web 2.0.
A change is occurring, however, in how much copy is acceptable. The long-winded salesletter that worked a year or two ago is becoming increasingly ineffective. That doesn't mean that people don't want or need as much information, it just means that it is becoming better accepted a variety of forms.
Copy is still absolutely essential to sales. The written word can stir emotions in a way that audio and video cannot. Text is also more easily searchable than those mediums, making it the best choice for explaining product benefits and pricing. Mixing it up with videos of the product in action and audio of customer of testimonials, for instance, better utilizes the current capabilities of the Internet and better engages the consumer's senses.
More Benefits of Web 2.0
Blogs are a part of Web 2.0 that can be of great benefit to your business. Blogging about subjects relevant to the products and services you sell is a great way to keep in touch with current customers. Your blog entries can also serve to inform Internet users in general and eventually turn them into customers.
Podcasting is another Web 2.0 activity that is good for business. Making short audio or video clips on subjects related to your expertise is becoming a popular way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. Being seen as an expert can lead to more sales.
Web 2.0 is here to stay, but so is online copy. Internet users appreciate the familiarity of the traditional sales letter but also crave the interactivity of audio, video and community features. These things can compliment one another to take your online sales presentation to a new level.
The traditional online sales letter goes back to the early days of the Internet. Back then most browsers were text-based therefore most web content was text-only. Eventually images and graphics were supported and websites quickly began reflecting that. Not much else changed. The slow Internet connections that were commonplace up until just a few years ago prohibited quick viewing of anything beyond that, so most sites stuck to text and small pictures.
Once the Internet became commonplace in homes, things began to change. Broadband connections became less expensive and more people got connected at higher speeds. This brought forth the incentive to explore audio, video and advanced social applications. Web 2.0 was born.
Salesletters still had not changed much at this point. For the most part, they were still comprised of long, scrolling copy broken up with the occasional picture or graphic. Even then, it still worked, but as Web 2.0 became more prevalent people began to want more. Not more text but more interactivity.
Is There Still a Place for Online Copy?
Online copy is still an important part of the Internet experience. It informs the consumer, appeals to his emotions and tells him how to go about purchasing the product. It can and should live in harmony with Web 2.0.
A change is occurring, however, in how much copy is acceptable. The long-winded salesletter that worked a year or two ago is becoming increasingly ineffective. That doesn't mean that people don't want or need as much information, it just means that it is becoming better accepted a variety of forms.
Copy is still absolutely essential to sales. The written word can stir emotions in a way that audio and video cannot. Text is also more easily searchable than those mediums, making it the best choice for explaining product benefits and pricing. Mixing it up with videos of the product in action and audio of customer of testimonials, for instance, better utilizes the current capabilities of the Internet and better engages the consumer's senses.
More Benefits of Web 2.0
Blogs are a part of Web 2.0 that can be of great benefit to your business. Blogging about subjects relevant to the products and services you sell is a great way to keep in touch with current customers. Your blog entries can also serve to inform Internet users in general and eventually turn them into customers.
Podcasting is another Web 2.0 activity that is good for business. Making short audio or video clips on subjects related to your expertise is becoming a popular way to establish yourself as an expert in your field. Being seen as an expert can lead to more sales.
Web 2.0 is here to stay, but so is online copy. Internet users appreciate the familiarity of the traditional sales letter but also crave the interactivity of audio, video and community features. These things can compliment one another to take your online sales presentation to a new level.
What is Web 2.0?
“Web 2.0,” is a phrase that describes the so-called second generation of the world wide web. It refers to the new model of social networking sites and the moves to make the web community based.
Instead of having a personal website, as people did in Web 1.0, people now have blogs. Instead of looking facts up in the online version of the encyclopedia, people now search through wikipedia, which is community-written. In the Web 2.0 atmosphere people no longer simply surf the web now they participate in it.
Another aspect of Web 2.0 is web-based software, such as Google’s Docs and Spreadsheets. By using software such as this, users are able to share and retrieve documents easily. Any of the users sharing the document can modify the text, without worrying if they have the same operating system as the other users. As long as they have an Internet connection they are able to access the information.
There is a lot of hype about this term right now and there are a lot of people who will try to make money by telling people what they need to have a Web 2.0 site. If you want to make your site more Web 2.0 friendly there are some easy solutions that are easy on the budget.
With the move to Web 2.0, there is a design aspect to make sites less “noisy” and more user-friendly. If it has been a while since the look of a website has been updated try adding something such as a gradient background to make it look more modern.
Since Web 2.0 is centered on the idea of a community, adding a forum to asite will give you an instant community boost. If your web host has fantastico, adding a forum at the push of a button is all that is necessary. If not, there are open source php message boards that can be installed on aserver. If you’re not a techie, you can hire someone to do that for you, or keep your forum remotely hosted and simply link to it from your site.
Blogging is another way to add a sense of community to a site. Don’t be afraid to be a bit controversial or ask for others’ opinions on posts. Web 2.0 is all about the interaction of multiple users.
Keep an eye on other sites and watch what they do to enhance their websites and move into this new generation. We are still in the beginning stages and we should be in for some exciting changes in the months and years to come.
Instead of having a personal website, as people did in Web 1.0, people now have blogs. Instead of looking facts up in the online version of the encyclopedia, people now search through wikipedia, which is community-written. In the Web 2.0 atmosphere people no longer simply surf the web now they participate in it.
Another aspect of Web 2.0 is web-based software, such as Google’s Docs and Spreadsheets. By using software such as this, users are able to share and retrieve documents easily. Any of the users sharing the document can modify the text, without worrying if they have the same operating system as the other users. As long as they have an Internet connection they are able to access the information.
There is a lot of hype about this term right now and there are a lot of people who will try to make money by telling people what they need to have a Web 2.0 site. If you want to make your site more Web 2.0 friendly there are some easy solutions that are easy on the budget.
With the move to Web 2.0, there is a design aspect to make sites less “noisy” and more user-friendly. If it has been a while since the look of a website has been updated try adding something such as a gradient background to make it look more modern.
Since Web 2.0 is centered on the idea of a community, adding a forum to asite will give you an instant community boost. If your web host has fantastico, adding a forum at the push of a button is all that is necessary. If not, there are open source php message boards that can be installed on aserver. If you’re not a techie, you can hire someone to do that for you, or keep your forum remotely hosted and simply link to it from your site.
Blogging is another way to add a sense of community to a site. Don’t be afraid to be a bit controversial or ask for others’ opinions on posts. Web 2.0 is all about the interaction of multiple users.
Keep an eye on other sites and watch what they do to enhance their websites and move into this new generation. We are still in the beginning stages and we should be in for some exciting changes in the months and years to come.
Using Keywords In Your Copy
Writing for the Internet is somewhat different from writing for other mediums. It requires the writer to engage readers quickly in order to avoid losing them to another website. But, the readers are only part of the equation. In order to make sure your website is seen in the first place you must also write for the search engines.
Search engines use complicated and frequently changing algorithms to determine how relevant a web page is to any given search term. They then rank the relevant sites from highest to lowest in search results. The popularity of search engines makes them one of the best ways to get traffic, but it is essential to be ranked highly for terms that relate to your site to receive the maximum benefit.
While the algorithms used to rank sites are a well-kept secret, there are ways to ensure that your site will be ranked highly for the search terms you choose. These terms, also called keywords, must be placed strategically within your copy so that the search engines will find your page relevant. While this should come naturally to a certain extent it is important to make sure that they are included in a way that optimizes your chances of being ranked highly.
Choosing the Best Keywords
The first thing you must consider when adding keywords to your copy is which keywords to use. Some people make the mistake of using keywords that are not commonly searched. There are keyword selector tools online that can assist you with this. You just enter the keyword you are considering and they will tell you how often it and other related keywords are searched for. Also keep in mind, just because a keyword or phrase is popular doesn't mean you will rank highly for it. Keep the competition in mind when considering your keywords as well. For instance, if your site is focused around Ford trucks, you probably will have a hard time ranking above Ford Motor company websites with the phrase "ford trucks."
It is also essential to consider the audience or target market you are looking to attract. Think about who your ideal visitor is then think about what terms that person would use when looking for your web page. These may be less technical or otherwise different from the ones you would use because your ideal visitor may not be as well versed in the subject at hand as you are.
Finally, you can use more than one keyword on a page. It's a good idea to stick with three or less though. Any more than that will probably look unnatural and make the writing flow poorly.
Incorporating the Keywords Into Your Writing
If you choose the correct keywords it shouldn't be very difficult to make them fit into your copy. The easiest way to do so is to write the copy as you normally would remembering to use the specific keyword you're targeting instead of any synonyms you might otherwise use. When you're done go through and see how many times you used the keywords. If they don't make up about 3-5% of the total number of words used go back and add them in a few more times where appropriate.
Try to use keywords in headings where appropriate. The search engines look favorably on keywords used in this manner and may consider the page more relevant when found there. Using them as linking text is also thought to earn brownie points with the search engines.
Using the right keywords is essential if you are looking for good placement in the search engines. Working these keywords into your copy is fairly easy. If you have chosen terms that fit with the subject at hand you will be able to incorporate them into your writing without much effort.
Search engines use complicated and frequently changing algorithms to determine how relevant a web page is to any given search term. They then rank the relevant sites from highest to lowest in search results. The popularity of search engines makes them one of the best ways to get traffic, but it is essential to be ranked highly for terms that relate to your site to receive the maximum benefit.
While the algorithms used to rank sites are a well-kept secret, there are ways to ensure that your site will be ranked highly for the search terms you choose. These terms, also called keywords, must be placed strategically within your copy so that the search engines will find your page relevant. While this should come naturally to a certain extent it is important to make sure that they are included in a way that optimizes your chances of being ranked highly.
Choosing the Best Keywords
The first thing you must consider when adding keywords to your copy is which keywords to use. Some people make the mistake of using keywords that are not commonly searched. There are keyword selector tools online that can assist you with this. You just enter the keyword you are considering and they will tell you how often it and other related keywords are searched for. Also keep in mind, just because a keyword or phrase is popular doesn't mean you will rank highly for it. Keep the competition in mind when considering your keywords as well. For instance, if your site is focused around Ford trucks, you probably will have a hard time ranking above Ford Motor company websites with the phrase "ford trucks."
It is also essential to consider the audience or target market you are looking to attract. Think about who your ideal visitor is then think about what terms that person would use when looking for your web page. These may be less technical or otherwise different from the ones you would use because your ideal visitor may not be as well versed in the subject at hand as you are.
Finally, you can use more than one keyword on a page. It's a good idea to stick with three or less though. Any more than that will probably look unnatural and make the writing flow poorly.
Incorporating the Keywords Into Your Writing
If you choose the correct keywords it shouldn't be very difficult to make them fit into your copy. The easiest way to do so is to write the copy as you normally would remembering to use the specific keyword you're targeting instead of any synonyms you might otherwise use. When you're done go through and see how many times you used the keywords. If they don't make up about 3-5% of the total number of words used go back and add them in a few more times where appropriate.
Try to use keywords in headings where appropriate. The search engines look favorably on keywords used in this manner and may consider the page more relevant when found there. Using them as linking text is also thought to earn brownie points with the search engines.
Using the right keywords is essential if you are looking for good placement in the search engines. Working these keywords into your copy is fairly easy. If you have chosen terms that fit with the subject at hand you will be able to incorporate them into your writing without much effort.
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