If you do not have a YouTube account, then first, I need to urge you to get on this wagon by setting up an account and taking the video plunge today.

If you do have a YouTube account, you must, must get it branded, otherwise you are literally wasting the opportunity. Every single time someone views your video, they should be staring at your website URL, photo, logo, tagline – or testimonials, a service list – anything that will drive people back to your website to learn more about what your message is.

See below for my YouTube background and examples of a recent YouTube channel backgrounds we designed: (click to zoom)

What does the new Timeline look like?

What is the greatest addition for Facebook pages?
The Facebook Cover is by far the greatest because we now have an 815px X 310px header that sits at the top of our page which we can use to further our brand messaging!

Get Your Facebook Page Timeline Cover Header Designed »

Important! There are some critical points of information to note about the Timeline for Pages. Some include:

• Facebook no longer allows you to set a default landing tab for your business page.
• Your Facebook Cover can not be a space to promote any call to action (including your URL or free product offer – don’t worry, our covers will still promote you and your brand in a very effective way).
• Between milestone images, your apps bar and offer ads, businesses will have much more freedom to effectively promote their products and services (yay!). See the resources links below to read up on these additions.

I encourage you to take a half hour and fully read up on the do’s and dont’s for this exciting new change. If you’d like to get a head start and get my help in setting up your new Facebook Timeline for your company page you can view our social branding packages or contact me for support.

Resources to Read:

• The Complete Guide to Setting Up the New Facebook Page Design
• Interactive Course on Facebook Timleline for Pages
• Facebook Timeline Complete Guide

• Do you feel clueless about social media? Questions come up such as, “What do I say on Facebook?”, “Is this really as important as people say?”, “Which social networks are the best to be on and why?”
• Are you curious how to maximize social media interaction on your website so more web visitors share and like your content?
• Have you considered the powers of branding your social networks to drive all that traffic back to your website?

Don’t worry, most online business owners share this frustration and confusion. Today my goal is to help you build a sturdy bridge so a steady stream of people flows between your website and social media touch-points. The goal is to maximize ease for people to join your social networks from your website AND to find your website while visiting your social networks.

HOT OFF THE PRESS, I’d like to invite you to download my new eBook, “Share My Message! 7 Key Steps to Social Media Integration”
FOR FREE!

This 23-page eBook has two parts. The first talks all about what you need to do on your website to get more likes and shares for your content. Learn the resources and tools I use in my business! Also how to gain a much bigger following on your social networks – all without visitors leaving your website.

The second part of “Share My Message!” is all about social media branding. Learn how to brand your Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts so you drive ALL that social networking traffic back to your website (where you can next get them to opt-in to your mailing list and buy products or services from you).

What People Are Saying:

Thank you SO MUCH for all your AMAZING, HELPFUL INFORMATION! I am a new website owner and I am LOST when it comes to the social media angle–even with a personal coach. There is such a MASSIVE amount of information, decisions to make, TIME involved–at least 300 hours so far for me!  I will DEFINITELY be checking with you for more ideas on how you may be able to assist me! Thank you, again, for all the free information you have already provided to me!
Lisa

Amber– I had a chance to read your ebook. It’s fabulous…really. I read it from my perspective which is someone who really wants to learn the best ways to maximize my online presence using my website and other social media tools. This book is chock full of juicy nuggets that are immediately useable for integrating social media, and you explain it so well (a talent for this topic). Really liked the look and feel of the book…worked really well with the subject matter.
Great job for someone who continues to be blazing along and making a difference for people.
Take care,
Terry

Register in the right sidebar!

To download your copy today,please fill out the short form in the right sidebar, blue box. This registration will also allow you to join my emailing list – but don’t worry, you can unsubscribe at any time.

After registering, you will immediately get an email with a link to download “Share My Message!”

You’ll want to take action now so you don’t feel continue to feel behind. It’s time to take action in your business and make success happen.

This isn’t one of those resources that you should read when you get around to it. A lot of very valuable information has been shared and it is truly my pleasure.

I would love to hear your feedback on this eGuide by filling out the Facebook comment box below. Also, please feel open to share this guide with anyone whom you think can benefit.

Thank you for your support and interest!

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a social network that allows you to “pin” cool images to a virtual corkboard-type setup on your wall. The home page acts as a giant feed of images that are being posted on Pinterest to show you the latest activity. They have developed a browser add-on button that allows you to be on any website (except Facebook, I’ve discovered so far) and be able to click the “pin it” button to add images to your Pinterest profile page without having to be on that site.

My opinion?

At first I thought, oh man, another social network. But as a focused online business owner, I wanted to give it a chance and dive right in. Hey, if it can help me spread my message to the world faster, why not? So I registered for an account (caution: they’re on a bit of a wait list but get on it anyway). I am only getting started but I *already* see the potential for business owners.

I have created a few “boards” already: Pure Inspiration, Bucket List, How To Help for Online Biz Owners, Books Worth Reading, Products I Love. I only have a few images as you’ll see but I have many more I need to pin up.

I think this social network is going to be addicting, powerful in terms of expanding your reach and influence online, and has the potential to do wonders for online entrepreneurs.

The strategy?

First of all, I can already see the online world turning MUCH more “visual”. All over Facebook I’m seeing graphics with quotes, text, etc. and they are getting the most Likes and Shares. So Pinterest IS a network to get on.

I plan to start designing a series of images and posting them on my site and for blog posts. You want to create images that are cool so people want to pin them to their boards. The more images you create that get pinned, the more exposure you will get and that web traffic will come back to your site. Then it’s up to you to have a great website that will capture leads and make sales.

When you pin your own web pages to your Pinterest account, here’s what I suggest: Add a cool image to the pages you want to expose on your Pinterest account (that is how you pin the page to your account – through the image). It needs to be a cool image to generate interest and get people to then pin it on their account or comment on your image.

As you “pin” the image to your board you are allowed to add a description AND links. Check out this example to see one Facebook Profile Banner Image I added. Check out the description and see how I added a link at the bottom of the post to drive that traffic back to my site on a particular page.

The KEY is to add as many neat and interesting images as you can find. I want someone clicking around on my Pinterest boards as long as possible. I want them to follow me, share my images and come back for more.

So yes, I’m at the beginning stages but this is a great site with loads of potential. It’s time to get busy!

What Cool Images Am I Planning to Add?

Pin It

Pin It

Pin It

Pin It

Pin It

Pin It

Shoot me a comment below and let me know your Pinterest profile URL so we can connect! Also, if you thought this blog post was helpful, please help me share it on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. Thank you in advance!

Facebook is giving us an 850px X 315px Timeline Cover (or header) that sits at the top of our Facebook pages! The new Facebook cover is a HUGE amount of space to promote you, your business and your services – don’t miss the opportunity to brand your Facebook Timeline Cover.

This is an example of what the Facebook timeline looks like:

This is an incredible space to use for showcasing your products and services. It CAN and should carry over the look and feel of your website to continue your brand messaging and convert more leads to customers.

What can we add to your cover image?

• Your headshot and/or logo
• Tagline
• Bulleted list of services
• Product images
• Social media icons
• Testimonials
• Achievements or titles
• Book covers and more!

What will Facebook NOT allow us to add?

• No listing your website URL or any contact information (we CAN direct people to your “about” section where this information is listed)
• No “calls to action” such as “download this free report here” or “visit us today” or “on sale now” etc.
• No big arrows or obvious visual signs pointing toward a point of focus (like how we used point the red arrow toward our Like button. We also can’t ask people for likes or shares.)
• No promises that can’t be kept (such as “we can make you a millionaire over night!”)

Here are examples of recent Facebook Timeline Cover Designs I have developed for clients: (Click to zoom)

“I just started reading your ebook – Online Evolutions – and I wanted to let you know that it is truly inspirational! You talk about many of the same principles that I applied to my sales regime and daily routine early in my career. I must say that I needed a “refresher course”. Keep writing and offering up principles to live by!”  — Joyce K

“Thanks Amber! I got the hard copy of the (Online Evolutions) book in the mail yesterday. Thanks for your note. You are so great! I am excited! Thanks again! You rock!!!! “  — Sarah

I’ve been asked throughout this year, “When’s the next volume coming??” Thank you all for your patience as I could get this formatted and prepped for you. Today I can announce, “IT’S HERE!”

I had a ton of fun putting together Online Evolutions, Volume 2. I got so inspired I even started Volume 3 already!

So What is Online Evolutions 2 Anyway?

If You – Or Someone You Know – Wants to…

• How to create an eBook or product that sells or can go viral
• 21 tips to improve online efforts for better results
• Learn about eCommerce and selling products online, effectively
• Get over anxiety of not knowing what to do next or how to do it
• Learn key design and social media strategies every website owner should know

…Then Online Evolutions 2 has become one of the most important purchases you can make today.

Online Evolutions 2 is a 67-page collection of my top training articles and includes an impressive lineup of do-it-myself strategies that can give you the progress you’re wanting to boost your online status!

What if I need more convincing?

Online Evolutions, Volume 2 is really only for those of you who already know my work, the value I provide and don’t need convincing. However, you can download Online Evolutions 1 for FREE in the right sidebar to get a taste of the value. Then I am confident you will come back to look at Volume 2 as it holds 67 PAGES of more, more, more value.

Oh ya, almost forgot, I have a SPECIAL surprise for you…

I don’t know what got into me as I was finalizing this eBook, haha, but I got a wild itch to throw in a special surprise to those of you who have purchased the downloadable eBook OR the hard copy version. The catch is, you have to READ the book in order to get the surprise! Somewhere in one of the 67 pages I have a section blocked off a small section that has a link. This link will lead you to a special surprise that will absolutely make an impact on the way you look at your website and the way it performs for you. That’s all I can say!

So, what are the options to get  your hands on Online Evolutions 2?

Option 1.  You can get the Instant-Download eBook version for only $29.97

Option 2. You can get a printed, signed, hard copy version for $39.97 and get the eBook free while you wait a couple days for me to ship the book to you.

Once you get your copy, please let me know your thoughts. All I want to do is provide value to you and make your life easier. I know we are in an Information Age where you are bombarded with hundreds of “To-dos” and “Must-dos”. My goal is to tell you what is actually important and how to execute easily and without spending gobs of money. We must all pool together and help support each other toward success. From me to you – enjoy what I have prepared for you! 

Simon Leung had used the little image boxes at the top of his Facebook Profile Page to spell out the URL to his website, added branding, and now has a big “Facebook Marketing Banner” that shows a constant call to action! Bravo.

Then today, I saw another one:

Ah ha… I started to catch on. Maybe this isn’t brand spankin’ new, but it’s new enough that I’m just now catching on and I try to always stay current.

With a quick Google Search I see there are lots of free Banner-Builder sites out there you can use to achieve this Facebook Marketing Banner idea. It’s great! Most though have pre-made banners with a catchy (or not) phrase or template design. boo.

So where to go for a custom-designed Facebook Banner (like Simon’s)?

With a little direction on design, I can create the marketing banner for you that will be an extension of your brand, have a solid call to action, and compliment your Custom-Designed Facebook Profile Image to the left. The small design fee is only $40 and we can have the images ready for you within 1-2 business days. To get started, click the button below:

When you get the idea to write one of these short books (usually 6-12 pages in length), puuullllease consider all that “stuff” beyond writing the words. In my opinion, to write a solid eBook you’ll want to:

1. Create an outline so you stay on topic. Think of it like a mini-book. There should be a beginning (intro), middle (meat of your content), and end (closing with call to action).
2. Edit your eBook. You want to comb through your pages a few times to make sure you don’t have typos. Remember this is a *reflection* of how you want to come across to these readers as a first impression.
3. Format your eBook. Create headings and subheadings, add images, create good spacing between lines and paragraphs, indent your content. This is all the initial foundation of designing your eBook.
4. Design your eBook, or get it designed by a professional. It is important to add life to your eBook. If your eBook goes viral, think of all that exposure you can get – it’s better than a billboard! But it’s amazing how many people just type words on a Word doc and say “it’s ready, come buy it or signup for it!” It is worth the time and resources to invest in a beautiful eBook that shows your dedication and quality of work.

There are many “types” of designs for eBooks. You have a standard design like you see to the right. This is common and effective.

I personally like to add more to it than that! See below for a few pages from an eBook I recently designed and formatted for a wonderful author named Angela Alexander. She has an AMAZING story and message to share with the world. Angela’s message is centered around how she turned her pain into power, and grief into peace after a horrific car accident that forever changed her family.

Many people have asked me, “Angela how were you able to turn your pain into power and grief into peace?” In my book, “Miracles Action” I go into great detail about my personal journey with a strong focus on how I got through to the other side.

For this powerful book I wanted to share five pivotal points in uncovering your peace, all based on my book. I also reveal my thought-provoking reflections, decisions and actions. My purpose and intentions are to help you also turn your pain into power and grief into peace.

  

  

 
I think if you spend the time and resources to build it the right way, they will come (yes, quoting Field of Dreams – LOVE that movie!!). After Angela was sent this eBook after formatting and design she said,

“AMBER! Tears are flowing! This is soooo beautiful. I just have to absorb it. Thank you so very much. I’m so proud to be associated with you and this project. You’re right this e-book is much bigger than FFYD and should be for sale. Love, Angela” – www.MiraclesInAction.com

Anytime you can evoke that reaction from a client, you know you’re on the right track and it feels soooo good. Angela is a true angel and someone you should look into.

This is what I mean about spending the extra time to do things the right way. When people see that design they will really FEEL her message. If you have a cheesy design (or no design at all) you won’t be transferring the message in a way that people will feel they want to share with others.

Today I encourage you to take a look at your marketing materials, website, eBooks, business cards even and ask yourself, “Is this the feeling I want to people to feel when they see ‘me’ for the first time?”

Facebook recently made a change to its business page layout and started to implement the new Timeline look. Instead of a new visitor landing on this “welcome page” first, thereby acting as a landing page (the way the page was setup pre-Timeline), NOW with the new Timeline a visitor will find this welcome page by clicking on a welcome tab such as this example shows:

Facebook is a great way to get free exposure and leads back to your website. Again, one great way to do that is with these Welcome Pages that are custom-designed to match the look and feel of your website or brand. See below for a couple of examples:

The photo you choose to represent you in your website design is so important. When a visitor comes to your website for the first time, you have all of 3-5 seconds to make a first impression. That impression will either result in them staying on your site to learn more about you, or they will hit the back button, thereby increasing your bounce rate.

So what does your headshot say about you? If your photo is outdated, please change it! I think it’s important to show a photo of you within the last 1-3 years, versus 5+ years ago. You can even go to Target if funds are tight – or most digital cameras are very high quality these days. Note too your website designer can tweak your photo to add a background or border or fade that can really make your photo pop.

I personally suggest you mark your calendars once every 3-6 months and spend an hour to seriously evaluate your website. What is outdated, what needs work, what’s missing? I’d also suggest you survey a dozen people and ask them “what turns you on or off about my website?”. A website is not something you spend $2000 on once and say “it’s good enough”. At least not if you want real results from it.

Below you will see some examples of custom-designed website headers and a quick explanation of what the website is for – then you can see why that photo was chosen for the header.

Note: Click on the header to see a larger version.

Hilde Vercaigne – An inspirational website/blog about how you can create the life you want even if you’re coming from a very difficult and dark past. She draws people in with her depth and people can identify with that lostness. Then she lifts them up in her writing – a powerful blend.

Stephen Hyde – A health care consultant who offers high-end consulting services. Very professional and modern. Crisp and trustworthy/inviting.

Debbi Donner – A professional and personal life coach who is also an author and speaker. Her photo is very classy, inviting, personable, trustworthy and she really exudes the life people want for her industry.

Paul Hendricks – A best-selling author and speaker with an edge that draws people straight to him. In Paul’s header he was able to show his confident, professional speaker side, but also shows off his edge and creativity.

Sandra Coulson – The grandmother of Orofacial Myology. Sandra is a very loving, intelligent, author/speaker and giver. She has worked with over 25,000 patients across the globe to diagnose and treat tongue and lip posturing.

These are just a few examples of headshot images that really support the website design. Adding an image to your header can really draw a visitor in, it can build trust and it can help sell your services (IF you have the right photo). If you need help with website design or would like a second opinion no evaluating your current website design, contact me and let’s discuss.