Element Chain Blog

Should you build your own website? Should your hire a professional?

nathan — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 05:42:21 +0000

Many entrepreneurs try to build their own websites. Most of these efforts end up looking unprofessional and haphazard. Read this article that compares the pros and cons of doing it yourself, to hiring a techie, to hiring a web marketing professional.

Why the web is important

nathan — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:34:04 +0000

Are you still unsure about using the web? Are you getting the results you want from your web investment? We help many companies figure out how to get higher results for their web investment with sound strategies and efficient execution. Read this article for more information.

Are you in control of your web profile?

nathan — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:06:50 +0000

Your web profile is what people find when they look for you. It is more than just a website. It involves your search engine results and any publicly available information that may turn up. Your customers are searching about you online. Read more about ways you can control your web profile in this article.

The keys to success in web project management

nathan — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 04:28:23 +0000

We offer insight in this article into managing a web project. There are many distinct aspects that need to be considered in web project management if you are to be successful. One of our core competencies is helping companies get value for every dollar invested in their web strategy. We have found that strong, efficient, and effective project management is critical to success.

Know the risks of web marketing

nathan — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:43:18 +0000

Here is an article on the risks of web marketing. Knowing the risks of any venture is critical to success.

We identify 10 risks from (1) Doing nothing, to (10) looking like a spammer. Read through these risks and educate yourself on the pitfalls of web marketing. We help companies every day navigate these risks and mitigate their danger.

How to succeed in online advertising

nathan — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 02:52:11 +0000

How can you succeed in online advertising? Should you rely on organic search, keywords, banner ads, affiliate links, email campaigns, newsletters, social networks, online video, or none at all? We help all types of companies figure out what they need to do to succeed online within their own budget.
Read more about how to succeed in online advertising here.

How to pick a marketing firm

nathan — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:09:31 +0000

With so many marketing firms, agencies, specialists, consultants, and others out there in the marketplace, how do you know when you have picked the right marketing firm for your business? Here are a few ideas.

1. Does this marketing agency understand business?

2. Do they understand your customers?

3. Can the marketing agency work with your budget?

4. Does the marketing agency have a long view?

5. Does the marketing agency understand the Web?

6. Does the marketing agency care too much about awards?

7. Will you be a small fish to them?

8. Does the marketing agency have access to the right mix of skills and knowledge?

10. Is the marketing agency baiting you?

11. Will the marketing agency listen to you? Do they want your input?

12. Will the marketing agency add any expertise or insight? Will you learn from them?

To learn more, Element Chain offers insight on how to pick the right marketing firm. Learn what to look for, what to ask, and what to think about. Having this knowledge will help you avoid wasting your money and your time.

Why is Element Chain Different?

nathan — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 05:11:06 +0000

Here is a new article on our new site about why we are different. To summarize we offer

Unique products and services
A product management approach
A commitment to accountability
The promise of integrity and professionalism
And flexibility for every budget

While each of these individually may not be distinct, together they create a compelling package that we believes distinguishes us in the marketplace. Contact us today to find out how we can help your organization.

Element Chain has a new company website

nathan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:47:28 +0000

Our company website at elementchain.com has a new look. We have been writing all kinds of articles and content for the site for several weeks now. But at last we are ready to show it off. Have a look and let us know what you think. We will be featuring articles and services from the site on this blog in the coming months.

Affiliate programs

nathan — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 01:27:40 +0000

Affiliate marketing can be an effective way to spread the news about your business. There are several companies that provide quality affiliate management tools such as Commission Junction. To set up an affiliate program, you need to figure out how much a new customer is worth to you, then figure out how much an average customer costs you (including profits) in order to break even. Find the difference between the revenues and costs per average customer, and generally that will be how much you want to offer for your affiliate deals. Of course, there are times when you may want to offer higher affiliate payments, for example when you are trying to build a new customer base and you expect those customers to recommend your services to others. In these cases, you can consider the affiliate payments an investment in the business.

Note: It is important to keep an eye out for fraud though. There is a lot of fraud in the affiliate business. So watch those conversion numbers. Hiring a trusted and knowledgeable marketing firm to manage your program can sometimes be a good way to get started so that you don’t make many of the mistakes that can cost you time and money.