Free Website Content
2007 New Years Resolutions
Webmaster and Small Business Resolutions
for 2007
New Years Resolutions
Each and every year people around the world mark the
first day of the New Year with resolutions. They resolve
to do a wide variety of things, and while few resolutions
are actually kept, the tradition is a hallmark of the
holiday each year.
Experts suggest that people should make
lifestyle changes rather than resolutions. I am a bit
more pragmatic. Tackle a task you know that you can
succeed at. Do not bite off more than you can chew,
and you will be one of the few who manages to keep their
resolutions. Here are a few suggested resolutions for
webmasters and small business owners:
Webmasters Resolutions:
1. Prune Those RSS Feeds
Large feeds are slow to load, its time to prune those
RSS feeds and remove the old contents. Dated feed items
can be archived as an HTML web page, but should be removed
from the actual feed, to ensure that it loads quickly.
2. Update Copyright Notices
Make an effort to update the copyright notice on your
website. A current date will reassure customers that
your online storefront is active.
3. Update Meta Tags
Each and every web page on a website should contain
a unique title and description. Update and optimize
meta tags to avoid excessive use of keywords. Meta tags
should be accurate and concise without redundancy and
recurring words.
4. House Cleaning
Update old links and remove any links that are no longer
valid. HTML is a markup language and without constant
maintenance it is easy to have a page with an unclosed
tag. While some web browsers make allowances for poorly
formed HTML, it is important to realize that not all
do. Therefore, it is crucial that you take a look at
the HTML behind the web page and make sure that it is
properly formed.
5. Try Something New
Pick a technology, be it podcasting, RSS, or
social bookmarking. Resolve to try or resolve to learn
something new. Businesses stagnate without innovation.
Be creative and willing to experiment a little.
Small Business Resolutions:
1. Have a Plan
Small businesses often rely on just a handful
of individuals and few small businesses have contingency
plans if key individuals are unavailable for any length
of time. Cross train employees and document procedures
so that your business will survive regardless of the
circumstances.
2. Prepare a Budget for 2007 and
Stick to It.
Determine where and how you intend to spend your business'
hard earned cash in the coming year. Too many small
businesses fail to follow a business plan. Build a budget
and stick to it.
3. Define Yourself
As a small business it is important to know
your strengths and weaknesses. Identify your strengths
and reinforce those strengths in your communication
with your customers or potential customers. Be aware
of any weaknesses or deficiencies in your small business,
and do not over commit. Use this knowledge to stay competitive
with other businesses.
4. Use Metrics
It is difficult to know what works and what
does not if you are not tracking metrics. Measure the
results of advertising campaigns, track website visitors
and use metrics to determine what works for your business.
5. Communicate
Communicate with your customers more. Few small
businesses understand the value of communication, or
realize what they can learn from past, current and potential
customers. Communicate and you might learn important
information about your business. The unique perspective
an outsider can provide about how they are using or
product, or what interested them about your business
is invaluable.
Resolutions are easier made than kept.
In 2007, consider paring down your list and focusing
on resolutions that are attainable and will help your
bottom line.
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for FeedForAll http://www.feedforall.com
software for creating, editing, publishing RSS feeds
and podcasts. In addition Sharon manages marketing for
NotePage http://www.notepage.net
a wireless text messaging software company.
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be greatly appreciated send an email to sharon@notepage.net
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