We are beta testing a new website and need people to check out the site, sign up, and let us know if they experience any problems.  The website is called Autoluxpuzzles.com, and on there you can do simple jigsaw puzzles for free – or compete and try to win money.

What we need is this:

• Sign up on Autolux
• Practice a puzzle or two (they are fun so this is the best part!)
• Fill out the survey

The next three people who fill out the survey will win $25, $20, and $15 respectively.  These need to be REAL responses, try writing in the text areas if you notice problems, or why something is hard to understand, etc…  You will only win if you provide complete and truthful answers.

Total time investment should be 10-15 minutes MAX.  You will absolutely not be charged for anything, and all information will be secure and never sold for any reason.

Open these both at the same time:

WEBSITE LINK

SURVEY LINK

Many new businesses make the fatal mistake of marketing to meet one sole goal: build revenue. Doing this is fatal from the start. Consumers are smart; they know what a business is after, but with the right marketing strategy, they can still enjoy the process of being talked into spending their money on your business.

Marketing is a tricky thing. While YOU want money, the consumer wants to see their money being invested wisely. So make your own investment a wise one. There are many ways to build revenue. And there are even more ways to market that. With the growing convenience of online shopping, it is becoming much more competitive for businesses to survive. While online businesses are extremely successful, they have to be so consistently because more and more competitors are making their way online.

With the customer in mind, you have to think about your business in terms of their shopping experience in addition to their online experience. In a nutshell, you want to be simple, easy to use, and though you could potentially be thousands of miles away, you want them to feel that you are right there to help. With a good experience, you gain a loyal customer.

THAT is where your business goal succeeds. (So make sure your marketing succeeds.)

We were all watching the Super Bowl, and if we weren’t we definitely heard about it on Facebook or Twitter. It’s a basic fact of 2010; we can’t escape social media. But is it such a bad thing?

Branding, Branding, Branding. How people remember your business is a result of how you brand your business. Typically when we think of a Brand, we think expensive, we think big, but we also think reliable. With the right strategy (as it pertains to your business goals) your business can create a brand as big as you want. The sky is the limit. But when creating a brand, you should keep these in mind:

The consumer- ultimately, any business has to face the consumer. If you want to gain customers, reach out to your market. Be unique and be relevant to your market. If you brand it right, they will come.

Your Image- how you are perceived will vastly affect your brand. If you are looking for fun, be fun. If you are marketing to a boring market; well, don’t be boring, but be aware of what image you reflect on that market.

Be approachable- whatever your brand, make sure you can connect in some way with consumers. Your initial connection will draw them in. Your continual communication will keep them around. This will build a loyal brand image.

Keep your own goals in mind- as much as you want to build a customer base, remember what your business goals are. If you are not seeing the results you want; check your branding strategy again. *Warning: Do NOT drop your branding strategy cold turkey! Your brand will forever be tarnished. Consult a professional before any new branding endeavor.

Congratulations!  Redemption code is #6785A.  You must wait until Sunday to post the code, along with “I’m a winner!” on the Smashwebs, Inc Fan Site in order to seal your prize.  If you do not make that post before Wednesday, January 20th we will have to select somebody else!  We will be in contact with you to get a mailing address, or you may contact us directly at winners@smashwebs.com