When launched my first business website, DW Office Solutions, I struggled with the decision of whether to put ads on it or not.  On one hand, Adsense and other advertising programs can mean a few extra cents while you’re waiting for your online business to take off.  However, I often wonder how putting ads on your business’ website might effect your business’ image and eventual success.

I have read many opinions supporting both sides of this issue.  I think it really has to be a decision based on your personal views and, at times, gut feeling.

I’ve always taken an approach of looking at my site the same way I look at other sites as a viewer and potential customer.  I’m not saying that I will never buy something from a site with Adsense, and I have no problem whatsoever with ads on content sites.  But in my mind, it does take away a bit of the professional image of a service company to see those little Google boxes plastered about.  Obviously, there are ways to include the ads without being blatantly displayed, but my gut feeling always leads me to question business’ who prominently display such ads on the same pages where they’re describing why I should buy from them or why I should hire them.

These are solely my opinions, based only on my “gut feelings” and not research but I can’t help wondering how successful a company is at their specialty if they feel the need to post ads?

Again, I think it’s really something that each business and designer need to discuss and decide for themselves!

Do you use Adsense or it’s alternatives on your business site?

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“I typed the word Google into Google. Guess what came up? Everything.”

-George Carlin

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Ha! Even as a newcomer to the land of blogging, I’m easily drawn to new ideas for blog posts.

If you are in the same boat, you must check out John Scott’s Seven Hot Blog Topics, a brilliant tongue in cheek review of the sketchy tactics (I’ve gone above and beyond and used a modge podge of 4 in the title of this post in case you were wondering :)) people resort to in order to increase their blog traffic and links.

I must say I truly believe that his conclusion OR #7 on the list:

Or, just be legitimately userful and post well thought out posts that help others, make them think, and are truly insightful.

is the way to go. I’m guessing you’ll agree if you actually responded to the title of this post and are now sadly disappointed as to the content! As much as we all wish shortcuts and tricks could swoop down and instantly solve all of our online SEO, traffic, etc. problems, in my opinion, NOTHING will ever replace the value and credibility of direct, informative, intelligent content!

What do you think? Is it ever appropriate to post solely to create your own blogroversy in business blogs? Have you ever used any of these techniques? I’m curious as to how that really works out for online biz folks.

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In case you haven’t heard, the internet reached the 100 million mark last month according to the Netcraft Web Server Survey.  According to the report, over 3.5 million sites were added in October 2006 alone.  The report also notes that this www boom is in large part due to Small Businesses and blogs.

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There is an interesting video clip now showing on CNN.com. The clip is from Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Conference and features Ariana Huffington and Marissa Mayer of Google discussing an intriguing business practive of the king of all search engines.

The big G’s policy is to always build in a failure rate of 60-70% for all new product launches. Mayer explains that in a fluid business like the internet game, historically at least 2 of every 5 new ventures fail. She says that by incorporating a high failure rate into the planning of each new offering, Google is better able to move quickly in the event of either the success or failure.

Many business experts and coaches often preach the value of positive thinking or believing your way to success.

Do you think planning ahead for failure is a key to overall success or a surefire path to doom?

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As a newly launched web design company, we know that the most powerful advertising for us is and will be sites that we’ve designed. We have several examples thus far but know the importance of building our portfolio.

With that in mind, we are running a limited time special offer. For complete details, check out our web design special offers page.

Basically, we are offering discounts of up to 60% off our complete web packages. With this deal, you can get a complete, professional website package including hosting and domain registration for one year for less than $300!

Please contact us with any questions or for more details!!

Alright, that’s the end of the flagrant self-promotion for now

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I think it’s important for all small business websites to have blogs for a multitude of reasons.  I’m sure I’ll get into those later on this very blog!  But mainly, I feel that when you are working in a virtual industry, it’s helpful to give your customers as many opportunities to get to know you and your style as possible…whether they ever choose to read them or not!
Anyway, I am excited to announce the launch of  DW Web Solutions and the DW Web Solutions Blog.

I’m Dana Wallert.  I run DW Web Solutions, DW Office Solutions and DW Articles.  Yes, I am totally trying to start an empire!  That or I just really like my initials…probably a bit of both.

Well, as I said, I have been quite anxious to get my new website design, hosting and management for small business site up and running.  If you have a minute, feel free to explore the site.  We offer several web design solutions packages and also custom solutions.

So anywho, enough flagrant self promotion for now.  I will be updating this blog as often as possible and want to include information on all aspects of website design, promotion, marketing, SEO, etc.

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