Janice Hurlburt, Author at Managing Your Online Visibility with Care in Palm Desert, CA.

About Janice Hurlburt

I help coaches and entrepreneurs shine their expertise online, by making the process of building their online presence fun, simple, and ready-for-success.

My digital agency will take care of the technology for you, help you shine like a star and get your expertise and efforts noticed. When you make me your partner in online management, I become the navigator of your journey, helping you map your success, attract the right clients, grow online and make more money.

What’s the Toss-Up Between Newsletters & Email Marketing?

January 18, 2025 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I focus on newsletters, email marketing, or both?” — you’re not alone.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose one or the other. Today’s email marketing and newsletters are about working together to engage your audience and support your business goals.

Here’s what both email marketing and newsletters can do for your business:

Build relationships: Share updates, tips, or stories your audience will enjoy to stay connected.
Keep people engaged: Provide valuable content that keeps your business top-of-mind.
Guide action: Include opportunities for readers to book appointments or explore your services.
Stay cost-effective: Email marketing is one of the most affordable ways to market your business.
Track results: Use analytics to see what’s working and improve your strategy.

The Evolution of Email Marketing

In the past, we were told to keep promotional and content emails separate. Now, it’s less about separation and more about balance. By being thoughtful about integrating promotions into your content, you can keep your audience engaged without overwhelming them.

What’s the Difference Between Newsletters and Email Marketing?
While both are types of email communication, they have different purposes

Email Marketing:
• Goal: Drive sales, leads, or specific actions (e.g., signups).
• Tone: Transactional and goal-oriented.
• Includes: Clear calls-to-action (CTAs) to encourage immediate action.

Newsletters:
• Goal: Build relationships and provide value over time.
• Tone: Informational and nurturing.
• Includes: Content like updates, stories, or tips, often without a direct sales pitch.

How to Balance Newsletters and Promotions

Here are three ways to blend newsletters and promotional emails effectively:

Deliver Value First: Newsletters should focus on educating, informing, or entertaining your audience. Building trust is the priority.
Integrate Soft CTAs: Add calls-to-action that align with your content. For example, if you’re sharing a story about personal growth, include a link to a related course, blog, or service.
Separate Big Promotions: Save significant announcements, like product launches or sales, for dedicated promotional emails. This way, your audience knows what to expect.

Examples of Soft CTAs

Soft CTAs are a great way to encourage readers to take action without being too pushy. Here are some examples:

Explore how this service could benefit you. (Links to a service page or blog post.)
Check out our latest tips for [related topic]. (Directs readers to helpful content.)
Interested in learning more? Let’s chat! (Links to a booking page for a consultation.)
Ready to treat yourself? Book your session today or explore our products. (Emphasizes self-care and value.)
Join the conversation with us on [social media platform]. (Encourages engagement on social media.)

Why Email Marketing Matters

Email marketing isn’t just about sending messages; it’s about creating meaningful connections. Studies show that email marketing has one of the highest returns on investment (ROI) compared to other forms of digital marketing.

Industries like health and wellness, professional services, and retail benefit significantly because email allows for personalized, human-to-human interactions.

Is Your Email Strategy on Target?

Ask yourself:
• Are your emails balanced, or do they feel too salesy?
• Do your newsletters offer value while guiding readers toward the next step?
• Are your CTAs clear and inviting?

If you’re unsure, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a balanced email marketing strategy for 2025 that keeps your audience engaged and drives results.

Let’s chat about your email strategy! Schedule a Call

What Should Your Word Count Be For Your Blogs and Newsletters in 2025?

October 27, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Mastering Word Count with your Blogs and Newsletters

We’ve all been there—sitting down to write a blog or a newsletter and wondering, How long is too long? Is there an ideal word count that’s just right? These questions are common for content creators, especially when balancing impactful messaging with readers’ ever-shortening attention spans.

There’s a phrase you may have heard before: “A good speech (or writing) should be like a miniskirt—long enough to cover the subject but short enough to keep it interesting.”

It’s a fun reminder that when it comes to writing, whether it’s a blog or a newsletter, balance is key.

How do you find that sweet spot in 2025?

The Sweet Spot Craft content not only captures your audience’s attention but keeps them coming back for more in your blog and newsletters.

The Race for Attention Spans

In today’s fast-paced digital world, we’re dealing with shorter attention spans than ever before. According to a study by Microsoft, the average human attention span has dropped to about 8 seconds—less than that of a goldfish!

You have just a few moments to grab your reader’s attention, which is why the structure and length of your content are critical.

If your content is too short, it may not provide enough value. If it’s too long, you risk losing your audience before they even get to the good stuff. So, what’s the ideal length? It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve.

Blog Word Count Trends in 2025

1) Short-form blogs (300-600 words):

Given that readers often skim content, shorter blogs can be easily digested.

These are perfect for:

• Quick updates
• List
• News-style posts
• A simple, actionable tip
• A brief insight.

However, if you’re tackling a more complex subject, you may find that a short-form blog doesn’t provide enough depth.

2) Medium-length blogs (1,000-1,500 words):

This is the sweet spot for most blogs today. A medium-length blog allows you to provide more value and explain your ideas without overwhelming your readers.
It’s also ideal for SEO—search engines like Google tend to favor this length because it allows for natural keyword integration. For most topics, this range is perfect for educating, engaging, and providing enough detail to position yourself as an expert.

3) Long-form blogs (2,000-3,000+ words):

If you want to dive deep into a subject and create an authoritative resource, long-form content is the way to go.
Comprehensive guides, tutorials, and in-depth articles not only establish your expertise but are also favored by search engines. In 2024, long-form content is on the rise, but remember to keep it engaging by using headings, bullet points, and visuals to break up the text.

Newsletter Word Count Trends in 2024

Just like with blogs, there’s a balance to strike when writing newsletters. Readers often view emails on the go, so keeping your newsletters concise and engaging is crucial.

1) Short newsletters (50-200 words):

Short newsletters are perfect for quick updates or announcements, such as sharing a new blog post, promoting an event, or giving your audience a quick tip. These bite-sized messages keep things simple. The goal is to get the point across quickly, with a clear call to action that drives readers to take the next step.

2) Medium newsletters (200-500 words):

This is the ideal range for most newsletters. It allows you to provide value in the form of insights, summaries, or personal stories while keeping things short enough to maintain your reader’s attention. This length is great for sharing news, offering tips, or even introducing a new service.

3) Long newsletters (500-1,000+ words):

Long-form newsletters are less common but can be effective for more detailed content, like curated lists or personal essays. Platforms like Substack are known for longer emails (called posts that are emailed to your subscribers) where readers expect more in-depth discussions.

However, if you’re going with a long newsletter, make sure it to use the tips below to keep readers engaged.

Structuring Your Content

Capture your reader’s attention by breaking up text with subheadings, bullet points, and images. Your audience feels will tune out when overwhelmed by large chunks of text. Keep your paragraphs short and to the point, and make sure each section, separated by a subheading, provides value.

Remember: Quality over quantity. It’s better to write a well-crafted 800-word blog than a 2,000-word post that’s filled with fluff.

Conclusion: Finding the Balance

Whether you’re writing a blog or a newsletter, finding the right balance in word count is your key to success.

For blogs, a medium-length post between 1,000 and 1,500 words often strikes the perfect balance between depth and readability.

For newsletters, keeping things under 500 words helps you stay concise while still delivering value.

At the end of the day, what matters most is that your content is engaging, easy to read, and provides real value to your audience.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different content lengths to see where you receive the most engagement with your readers.

Need Help? If you’re unsure how to balance your content or need guidance on structuring your blog and newsletter, I’m here to help.

When you sign up for my Marketing Accelerator Program, we can review your content and explore how to use tools to organize your thoughts and streamline your writing process. Let’s take your content strategy to the next level!

Increase Social Media Views by 500%!

October 21, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

If you want to grow on social in 2025, one of the most important things to understand is how to beat the algorithm. The platforms have changed, and so have the rules.

The good news? The algorithm can work in your favor, but you need to know what it’s looking for.

We know our posts are shown to a small fraction of our followers and even fewer non-followers.

🔑 Here’s the key:

To gain new followers, you need to reach new people. If you’re not consistently reaching beyond your current audience, growth will be slow. So how can you reach non-followers? This is where NAPs (Niche Adjacent Posts) come into play. And I don’t mean an afternoon siesta!!

What Are NAPs?

These posts dip into adjacent niches, allowing you to expand your reach while staying relevant to your core audience.
For example, if you’re a wedding planner, most of your content will focus on weddings and planning the big day.

Consider sharing stories, reels and posting ideas from the list below on topics such as

Honeymoon Planning Tips
Home Decor for Newlyweds
Self care during wedding preparation
Vendor Spotlights

These topics are adjacent to your niche but open the door to a wider audience—brides, bridesmaids, and even grooms—all of whom could benefit from your services.
These ideas can apply to any service business.
For coaches and consultants, you know your niche and you can consider NAP topics like these:

Side hustle ideas
Remote work best practices
Desk Ergonomics
Self-Care for Solo-Entrepreneurs
Networking Leadership

For your specific niche, use chaptGPT. Try a prompt such as this:

“NAPs stand for Niche Adjacent Posts—content that is closely related to my niche of [enter your Niche], but not directly about my main offer or service.

What are 10 topics I could write about as NAP’s?”

How to Train the Algorithm

The algorithm plays a huge role in who sees your content, and it’s essential to “train” it to favor your posts. Consistency is key here. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Post About Your Niche: Make sure the majority of your posts relate to your niche. This consistency signals to the algorithm what your content is about and ensures your posts are categorized correctly.
Incorporate NAPs (Niche Adjacent Posts): These posts, such as the ideas I listed above, help you reach a broader but still relevant audience.
Beat the Algorithm by Encouraging Shares: The more your content is shared, the more likely it is to reach non-followers. Shares signal to the algorithm that your content is valuable, which boosts its visibility.

Why Shares Matter the Most

The #1 thing the algorithm is looking for in 2025 is shares. Yes, likes and comments are great, but shares take your content further than anything else.

Here’s why: (and here’s where you can increase your views by 500%!)

A like gets your post an average of 15 views.
A comment will boost your post to 45 views.
A Share – That’s about 75 views.
(Resource: https://instaclubhub.com/)

When your post gets shared, the magic happens. On average, a share gets your content in front of 150 people.

That’s 150 new eyes on your brand, which is why creating share-worthy content is so important.

What Makes Content Share-Worthy?

So, how do you create content that people want to share? Here are some ideas that work well:

Inspirational and Motivational Posts:
- People love to share posts that make them feel good or remind them that they can achieve their goals.
- Memes and Quotes are always a favorite. (short and simple)
Trending Reels with a Twist:
- If there’s a trend going around, hop on it. But don’t copy—make it your own.
We’re In This Together Posts:
- These posts encourage community and support.
- They remind people that supporting each other on social media is free, easy, and powerful.
Relatable and Emotional Content:
- Relatable content resonates on a personal level. It makes someone think, “I’ve been there” or “I know exactly what that feels like.”
- Relatable stories are some of the most shared content on social media.
Controversial or Conversation-Starter Content: While this can be risky, it gets people talking. If you create content that sparks discussion, you’ll see more comments and shares as people engage with the topic.
Timely Content: Posting about something happening at the moment is a great way to engage people. This doesn’t always have to be breaking news—it could be as simple as sharing seasonal tips or reacting to something trending in pop culture.

Creating Consistency

The algorithm loves consistency.

When you post regularly about your niche and throw in those NAPs (Niche Adjacent Posts), you’re training the algorithm to understand your content.

Over time, your consistency helps the platform know exactly who to show your posts to.

🔑 Key Takeaways for 2025 Instagram Growth

Focus on share-worthy content—shares matter more than likes or comments.
Use a variety of content formats, from inspirational posts to timely, conversation-starting pieces.
Post consistently, and remember to include niche-adjacent posts to broaden your reach.

By making these small adjustments to your content strategy, you can stay ahead of the Instagram algorithm in 2025 and continue growing your following.

Why This Matters

The goal is simple: Attract new viewers and turn them into followers and, ultimately to clients by offering content that is both valuable and relevant to them.

Experimenting with New Content Formats to Boost Your Engagement

October 10, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Boost Engagement with New Content Formats

“Same old, same old.” Am I dating myself with that expression?
Sticking to the same types of content, over and over,might limit your reach.

Audiences engage with more content formats than ever, and experimenting with new media types can reinvigorate your marketing efforts.
Experimenting with videos, infographics, quizzes, and other formats will capture attention and engage different segments of your audience.

Leverage these new use of content formats to spark interest

Videos: Short-Form and Storytelling

Video content, especially short-form video, continues to dominate platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. These platforms thrive on bite-sized, easily digestible content that grabs attention within seconds.

Short-form video: Keep videos under 60 seconds to align with the fast-paced nature of social media consumption.
Storytelling in video: Even in short videos, storytelling techniques that include characters, conflict, and resolution can make content more engaging.
Optimize for platforms: Different social media platforms have different video requirements. Optimize your videos for each platform by considering aspect ratio,
Keep it short and concise: Attention spans are getting shorter, so keeping your videos short and to the point is important. Long-form videos are anything over 3 minutes.

Interactive Content: Polls, Quizzes, and Augmented Reality (AR)

Interactive content has evolved beyond simple polls and quizzes. Today’s audiences seek immersive experiences that they can actively participate in.

Polls and quizzes: These formats allow your audience to feel involved, providing valuable insights into their preferences and opinions.
Augmented reality (AR): Platforms like Snapchat and Instagram have integrated AR filters and experiences that allow users to engage with branded content in new ways. AR offers a highly engaging, personalized experience that can drive brand loyalty. A simple example of using AR is on Facebook, when you make a photo 3D.

Tips for creating interactive content:

Make it relevant: Ensure your interactive content is relevant to your audience and aligns with their interests and needs. This will encourage them to engage and share the content with others.
Provide value: Interactive content should provide value to your audience by providing insights, recommendations, or entertainment. Make sure your interactive content is informative, well-designed, and user-friendly.
Promote and share: Encourage your audience to share your interactive content by making it easy to share on social media platforms. This will help increase its visibility and drive more traffic to your website.

Infographics: Data Visualization Made Engaging

Infographics are still a powerful tool, but they’ve become more sophisticated. Dynamic infographics or interactive data visualizations make complex information more digestible while keeping users engaged.

Infographics: Infographics are visually appealing and easy-to-digest pieces of content that present complex information in a visually appealing format.
Interactive infographics: Add clickable elements, hover effects, or animations that guide viewers through the content.
Data storytelling: Present data as a narrative, walking users through key insights step-by-step with easy-to-understand visuals.

User-Generated Content: Authenticity Rules

Consumers trust other consumers. User-generated content (UGC) is created by actual product users instead of marketing professionals and leverages real customer experiences, building credibility and engagement.

UGC on social media: Encourage followers to create a post with your product or service. This will increase engagement from their comments, rather than you always pushing the conversation..
Reviews and testimonials: These also play a critical role, especially when combined with video or photo content that highlights customer’s personal experiences.

Best Practices for Creating Engaging Content

1. Effective Storytelling Techniques

Storytelling is a powerful tool that helps you connect with your audience emotionally.
By incorporating storytelling techniques into your content, you can make it more relatable, memorable, and engaging. Here are some storytelling techniques to consider:

Start with a hook: Start with a compelling hook to capture your audience’s attention from the very beginning. This hook could be a surprising statistic, an intriguing question, or a relatable anecdote.
Create a narrative arc: Structure your content like a story, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Introduce a conflict or problem, build tension, and provide a resolution or solution.
Use vivid language: Paint a picture with your words by using descriptive and vivid language. This will help your audience visualize the story and make it more engaging.

2. Importance of Visual Content

Visual content plays a crucial role in engaging your audience and making your content more shareable. Here are some tips for incorporating visual content into your content marketing strategy:

Use high-quality images: Include relevant and high-quality images that support your content. Avoid using generic stock photos and opt for unique images or graphics that will make your followers stop and look. .
Create infographics: Infographics are a great way to present complex information in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. Use infographics to summarize data, showcase statistics, or explain step-by-step processes.
Include videos and animations: As mentioned earlier, videos are highly engaging and have the potential to go viral. Incorporate videos and animations into your content to make it more dynamic and interactive.

3. Promoting Your Content Through Various Channels

Creating great content is only half the battle. To drive traffic and engagement, you need to promote your content effectively. Here are some strategies for promoting your content through various channels:

Social media marketing: Share your content on social media platforms where your target audience is most active. Use engaging captions, eye-catching visuals, and relevant hashtags to increase visibility and encourage sharing.
Email marketing: Build an email list and send regular newsletters to your subscribers. Include links to your latest content and encourage your subscribers to share it with their networks.
Guest blogging: Write guest blog posts for websites and publications that cater to your target audience. Include links back to your own content to drive traffic and increase brand visibility.
Collaborate with influencers: Identify and collaborate with influencers in your industry to promote your content. This can include sponsored content, guest appearances on their podcasts or YouTube channels, or joint webinars.

Embracing content marketing trends for long-term success

Creating content that drives traffic and engagement requires a combination of strategy, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience.

By staying up-to-date with the latest content marketing trends and following best practices, you can create compelling content that resonates with your audience and achieves your marketing goals.

Remember to continuously measure the success of your content marketing efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve your strategy. So, start exploring the trends, implementing the strategies, and watching your content drive traffic and engagement to new heights.

Sailing Through Challenges: A Tale of an Online Business Owner

October 7, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Navigating the Challenges of Running an Online Business

Running an online business can feel full of twists and turns—always changing and keeping us on our toes. Every click holds the promise of growth, and every post offers the chance to connect with new clients.

Yet, being an entrepreneur, a coach, or a service-based professional is a journey of resilience, where every challenge either knocks you down or you stand up to the opportunity to learn and grow.

The Reality of Facing Challenges in an Online Business

Sandy, an online coach for wellness professionals, found herself facing more than her fair share. She had passion and expertise, but a marketing campaign with only a few sign-ups made her doubt herself, and she began questioning everything!

Sandy was hitting a low, and her marketing campaign had not returned the results she had hoped to achieve.

Why Setbacks Are Part of the Online Business Journey

She began feeling a little anxious each morning when she opened her laptop to start her day. On one of these days, she remembered a meaningful conversation.

During this period, while living on a boat, Sandy submitted articles to various magazines to supplement her income. The daily routine, however, wasn’t as idyllic as one might imagine.

The challenges of boat life and living abroad—everything from the cramped quarters, constant maintenance, and missing her family—frustrated her, compounding her anxiety.

How a Shift in Your Perspective Can Change Your Outlook

One day, while venting to a sailor friend, he reminded her to think about her purpose.

You’re living in a setting most people only dream about. Each morning, you wake up to tropical birds singing and sunsets that inspire you to write.

“You’re not just writing—you’re living the story.”

That stuck with her.

Turning Obstacles into Opportunities for Growth

Inspired by this memory, Sandy understood that her struggles were not obstacles but opportunities. Each challenge was a chance to tell her story, showing her vulnerability and how she prevailed over time.

She took a step back and looked at what was happening. She asked herself some key questions:

• Why hadn’t her marketing campaign been as successful as she’d hoped?
• What could she have done differently?
• What more did she need to do to know her audience better?

One thing Sandy identified was that she hadn’t promoted her event far enough in advance. Next time, she planned to start promoting three weeks before the event, giving her audience plenty of time to engage. With that one change in her strategy, she enrolled her goal number.

Sandy’s story reminds me of my own experience living on a sailboat, balancing work with the constant challenges of boat life.

In fact, Sandy and I go way back to our sailing days—we’ve stayed in touch over the years, sharing our business and marketing strategies to support each other.

The Importance of Support Systems in Your Online Business

I like to emphasize that every hurdle you face in your online business—whether it’s a slow week, a campaign that doesn’t work out, or just feeling overwhelmed—is part of the entrepreneurial journey.

It’s essential to support each other, whether through meeting with colleagues, working with a business coach, or having a mentor, to stay focused on your purpose and goals.

In loving memory of Sandy, I wanted to share her incredible journey. She passed away a few years ago from cancer, but her dedication to working while cruising left a lasting impression on me. Even 25 years ago, she was working online.

Real-Life Stories of Strength and Resilience

One story that still amazes me is when Sandy and her husband first started their trip to Mexico after leaving San Diego. A few days into the voyage, Sandy was knocked unconscious by the main sail boom.

Her husband immediately performed CPR and called the Coast Guard. Thankfully, he was able to revive her, and she was airlifted to a hospital in San Diego.

Sandy’s near-death experience was terrifying, and if her husband hadn’t acted quickly, the outcome could have been devastating.

Her courage is remarkable—despite the traumatic event, Sandy and her husband set out again the following season. We reunited in the Sea of Cortez and sailed together to Mexico.

Why Character Building is Essential for Online Business Success

Sandy and I often talked about the struggles of running an online business and our old sailing days.

Her story is a testament to the resilience and strength that come from facing obstacles head-on and building character—something I fear is missing in today’s younger generation.

With phones and technology at their fingertips 24/7, many haven’t experienced the kind of character-building challenges that come from going outside their comfort zone, venturing into the unknown, navigating different cultures, or even getting lost in a jungle for a few hours.

True character is built through experiences, both good and bad, and the lessons we learn from them. Those are the kinds of experiences that shape us to be unbreakable.

Achieving Web Accessibility and ADA Compliance: Our Comprehensive Solution with AccessiBe

August 15, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Two years ago, I learned that websites must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Compliance is achieved by adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which ensure that websites are perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. WCAG 2.1 is critical in making the web more accessible to everyone, particularly individuals who rely on assistive technologies to navigate online content.

On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division (DOJ) issued a final rule revising Title II of the ADA. This rule mandates that state and local governments and any third-party services must make their websites and mobile applications accessible to people with disabilities.

By April 2026, WCAG 2.1 guidelines will become mandatory for all state and local government websites, as well as third-party services they use. While this mandate specifically targets government entities, it signals a broader trend that local businesses should not ignore.

What are Third-Party Services?

Third-party services refer to any services not directly operated by the government but are contracted or partnered with government entities to provide essential services or functions. This can include private companies, non-profits, or other entities that deliver services on behalf of the government

Implications for Local Businesses:

• Increased Scrutiny: As state and local governments enforce WCAG 2.1, there may be increased scrutiny on all businesses to comply, particularly those providing services to government entities.

• Legal Risks: Non-compliance could lead to lawsuits under the ADA, as seen in various cases where businesses were sued for not having accessible websites.

• Competitive Advantage: Compliance can provide a competitive advantage by making services more accessible to a broader audience, including people with disabilities.

Why Local Businesses Need to Comply:

Despite the upcoming 2026 deadline for government websites, local businesses are already facing lawsuits for failing to meet ADA requirements. This is because ADA Title III, which covers public accommodations, applies to all businesses that serve the public, regardless of size or sector.

Legal Precedents: Local businesses across various industries—including restaurants, dental offices, pest control services, financial-related services, carpet cleaners, construction industry companies, real estate offices, and retail shops—have been sued for not having accessible websites.

Typically, lawsuits are filed by individuals with disabilities who argue they cannot access the services or information provided on the business’s website, thereby violating the ADA.

What can businesses do to avoid being sued?

1. ADA Title III: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III requires businesses considered “public accommodations” to provide equal access to their services, including their websites.

This applies to businesses regardless of whether the specific WCAG 2.1 guidelines are explicitly mandatory by law. Plaintiffs and advocacy groups argue that inaccessible websites violate the ADA because they effectively deny access to services and information for people with disabilities.

2. Court Interpretations: Courts in several jurisdictions have interpreted the ADA to apply to websites, even in the absence of specific regulations mandating compliance with WCAG.

This interpretation has been the basis for many lawsuits against local businesses, where plaintiffs claim that an inaccessible website violates their rights under the ADA.

3. Proactive Legal Action: Plaintiffs, often represented by disability rights advocates or legal firms specializing in ADA compliance, have proactively filed lawsuits against businesses with inaccessible websites.

While these actions are often based on the argument that the ADA already requires accessibility, regardless of whether specific technical standards like WCAG 2.1 are mandated.

Lawsuits against private businesses:

Lawsuits were typically filed by individuals with disabilities or advocacy groups who argued that the businesses’ websites were not accessible, thereby violating the ADA. The types of businesses involved range widely, indicating that any business providing services to the public is at risk if their website is not compliant with accessibility standards.

The amount of cases highlight the importance of compliance with the ADA and WCAG guidelines to avoid legal action and ensure all customers can access online services and information.

Our Commitment to Accessibility:

To help our clients navigate these challenges, we’ve partnered with AccessiBe, a leading provider of web accessibility solutions. Through this partnership, we offer an efficient, affordable solution to ensure your website meets WCAG & ADA compliance standards.

How It Works: The AccessiBe tool is implemented via an annual license and a WordPress Plugin or coding on your site.

Once activated, it places a widget on all pages of your website, allowing users to customize their browsing experience according to their needs—whether adjusting font sizes, changing color contrasts, or enabling screen readers. This tool is already used on over 247,000 websites, so you’ve likely encountered it before.

Benefits of ADA Compliance:

Tax Credits: The U.S. government offers incentives for businesses that make their websites accessible. Qualifying businesses can receive a tax credit of up to $5,000, covering 50% of the costs associated with ADA compliance.

SEO Improvements: Accessible websites not only serve all users better but also tend to rank higher on search engines. Improved accessibility can lead to increased traffic, reduced bounce rates, and better conversion rates.

Enhanced Brand Reputation: An ADA-compliant website shows your commitment to inclusivity, enhancing your brand’s reputation. Consumers today value brands that are socially responsible and inclusive, which can lead to increased customer loyalty.

Why Choose AccessiBe:

Commitment to inclusivity and legal assurance!
AccessiBe is more than just a tool; it’s a commitment to inclusivity. The company works closely with the disability community to ensure that its solutions meet the real needs of users with disabilities.

Moreover, AccessiBe stands by its product by offering a litigation support package. In the rare event that your website faces a legal challenge after implementing their solution, AccessiBe provides the necessary support to help you navigate the situation.

The added layer of protection ensures that you can focus on your business while knowing that your website is compliant and legally safeguarded.

Ready to Make Your Website Accessible?

We invite you to experience the AccessiBe tool on our website at Janicehurlburt.com. If you’re interested in bringing this powerful accessibility solution to your own website, contact us today. With our help, your website can be fully ADA-compliant as soon as tomorrow, providing an inclusive experience for all users and safeguarding your business against potential legal risks.

Transform Your Landing Page: Top-Design Trends

August 6, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

In this blog, I’ll share some of the latest top-design trends for landing pages, but one thing to note and keep in mind is that good copywriting is the secret to creating a high-converting landing page. Design and layout are second in importance. Then you’ll want to look at the strategic use of every available space.

Generative AI Explained

Technology has taken a huge leap forward with the help of advanced AI tools. One such tool is Generative AI, which can create content, designs, and even entire landing pages automatically.

Generative AI works by understanding patterns and data, and then generating text, images, or designs based on that information. For example, it can write the text for a landing page or create a layout that suits your target audience.

The Importance of Human Touch

However, while AI can be incredibly helpful, it’s still important to make the content truly engaging and unique. As we look at the current trends, it’s clear that AI is playing a bigger role in design and content creation.

Again, remember that the human element is irreplaceable when making your landing pages connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Overcrowding the landing page with text confuses users, who eventually click away. With attention spans as short as 15 seconds, you need to grab their interest right away.

New Trends in Top-Design Landing Pages

The new trend is having a single-page website that can serve as a landing page. Going back to the definition of a Landing Page, it is designed with a specific goal in mind and includes a clear CTA. It provides all necessary information in one place, guiding visitors to take a specific action.

So, let’s dive in and explore 15 design trend concepts.

1. Dark Mode for Landing Pages

Dark mode features a dark background color or image, which is easier on the eyes and makes content easier to read. This trend is becoming more popular than traditional white backgrounds with black text. Heavy contrast with a solid-colored background or a gradient color with white text is fun and eye-catching, as Cash-App and Amy Porterfield did here.

Landing page design f rom Cash Apps using solid colors and illustrations

If this means redesigning your website for the dark background mode, you can easily incorporate web accessibility features like AccessiBE, which allows users to switch to dark mode easily on their devices. This app can be pricey for the license, but I can help you utilize its features for a lesser cost if you’re interested. (AccessiBE is an affiliate link)

We do need to be cautious with darker colors as they can sometimes evoke negative feelings associated with sadness and grief. You need to be true to your brand. If this is the case for you, consider incorporating gradient colors and more solid backgrounds in some sections of your website, even if they are not black.

Landing Page from Amy Porterfield new design includes pastel muted colors and Gradient background

2. Animated Typography: Bringing Text to Life

Using Animated typography features text that comes alive with movement, where words or sections slide across the screen. This design trend uses motion, timing, and visual components to deliver information in a captivating and dynamic way. Instead of remaining static, kinetic typography turns text into a compelling visual experience.
You can see a feather dropping in two places. Or this one with the 4 cards popping up on the screen.

3. Storytelling with Illustrations

Storytelling and narrative design elements catch a lot of attention, and illustrations are used to draw users to your landing page, engage them, and persuade them to take action. This design is going to be a more expensive undertaking, but it is cool!

I have dropped a few of the fun ones to explore.

https://www.meplace.co/
https://teatrlalka.pl/en
https://useless.london/
https://www.alto.com/

4. Bold and Bright CTAs

While it’s essential for your CTA buttons to stand out, they don’t always have to match your website’s primary color. Bold, contrasting colors are being used to draw attention and encourage clicks.

5. Minimalist Design

Less is more. A minimalist design with plenty of white space helps focus the visitor’s attention on the essential elements, such as the headline, key benefits, and CTA.

6. Large, High-Quality Images

Use one large, high-quality image that aligns with your message. Background images or hero images are effective in creating an emotional connection and setting the tone for your page.

7. Video Backgrounds

Incorporating video backgrounds can add a dynamic element to your landing page. Short, looping videos can convey your message quickly and engage visitors effectively.

8. Custom Illustrations

Custom illustrations give companies a chance to express their unique personality and make their landing pages stand out. They provide context to your unique value proposition and make your landing page more engaging.

9. Custom Photography

Using custom photos of real customers and employees instead of stock photos can enhance the authenticity and relatability of your landing page. Custom photos give you 100% control over the look and feel of your brand.

10. Minimal Design

Minimalism keeps your landing pages clean and uncluttered. Simplicity and minimalism reduce cognitive load and help visitors focus on converting. Elements like white space, simple copy, direct headlines, and clear CTAs are key.

11. Drop Shadows

Drop shadows create contrast and separation between elements, adding depth and dimension to your landing page. They are making a comeback and can enhance the visual appeal of your page.

12. Social Proof

Include testimonials, user stats, client logos, star ratings, and industry awards to build trust and credibility.

Here are a few more design trends that are worth noting in case you would like to consider other changes for your website:

Doodles
Soothing colors
Big, Bold Text headlines
Fluid Shapes and Gradients
No navigation bars, replacing tabs with hamburger menu

Incorporating these latest trends into your landing pages allows you to create a modern, effective design that captures leads and drives conversions. Stay ahead of the curve and make your landing pages stand out! Here’s another Design trend landing page with vibrant colors from Buzzwrx.com

Landing page by Buzzwrx with with gradient colors

7 Simple Ways to Earn Your Subscribers’ Trust Quickly

July 7, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Getting your opt-in subscribers to trust you is crucial for your email marketing success. Subscribers who trust you are likelier to engage with your content and become loyal customers. Here are seven simple ways to earn that trust quickly.

1. Showcase Your Expertise

People trust those who know what they’re talking about. Demonstrate your knowledge by providing valuable insights, tips, and advice related to your business.

Health and Wellness Coaches: For example, you could share articles or videos on nutrition, fitness routines, and mental well-being. Offer practical advice and actionable tips to help your subscribers improve their health.

Life Coaches: Your approach is to explain your coaching process, share testimonials from your clients, and offer guidance on personal development, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles.

Mediums or Psychics: You can provide content that explains your process, shares testimonials, and offers guidance on connecting with loved ones or understanding spiritual messages. Additionally, share your experiences and stories, demonstrating your abilities and authenticity. By being open about your journey and positive impacts on others, you can build a deeper connection with your audience and earn their trust.

Business Coaches: A business coach can share strategies on business development, leadership skills, and productivity hacks. To illustrate the effectiveness of your methods, offer case studies or success stories from your clients. When subscribers see that you have valuable expertise, they’ll trust your recommendations and be more likely to engage with your content.

2. Be Honest and Transparent

Honesty goes a long way in building trust. If you’re promoting a product or service, be upfront about its benefits and limitations. Offer guarantees to back up your claims. Satisfied customers are more likely to recommend you to others, and word-of-mouth referrals can significantly boost your credibility. Ensure that your communications are consistent and reliable so subscribers know they can count on you.

3. Provide an Easy Opt-Out Option

Make it easy for subscribers to unsubscribe if they no longer wish to receive your emails. Clearly explain how they can opt-out on your web form and in every email you send. This shows that you respect their preferences and privacy. Subscribers will feel more comfortable signing up if they know they can easily opt-out at any time, reducing the fear of being trapped by unwanted emails.

4. Respect Their Privacy

Treat your subscribers’ email addresses with the utmost care. Never sell or share their information without their consent. Assure them that their data is safe with you. This level of respect and privacy protection is crucial for maintaining trust. If subscribers feel secure, they’re more likely to stay engaged with your content and continue to trust your brand.

Always respect your followers’ privacy on social media. Don’t share or tag them in posts without asking first. Avoid using personal details in public comments or messages. Keep direct messages (DMs) private—never share a private conversation without permission. Make sure any personal info shared in DMs is kept safe and confidential.

5. Earn Your Followers’ Trust

Building trust with your followers is just as important as with your email subscribers.

Share consistent, high-quality content that provides value.
Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages.
Show authenticity and transparency in your posts, and be clear about your intentions and the benefits they will receive from your content.
Followers who see you as genuine and reliable will likely become true fans and loyal supporters.

6. Build Trust with Valuable Offers

When followers feel connected to you and recognize that you offer something they want or need, they will be more likely to opt in quickly. Offer something valuable in return to capture their email address, such as a free guide, exclusive tips, or access to special content. By providing real value from the start, you can earn the trust of your subscribers and establish a strong foundation for ongoing engagement.

7. Deliver Quality Content Consistently

Always deliver high-quality, valuable content that meets your subscribers’ needs. Consistency in delivering valuable information reinforces your reliability and expertise, further strengthening the trust subscribers have in you.

Best Takeaway for Building Trust With Subscribers and Followers

Establishing credibility with your opt-in subscribers is crucial to the success of your email marketing campaign. You can rapidly gain and keep their trust by demonstrating your knowledge, acting with integrity and transparency, offering a simple way for them to opt-out, and protecting their privacy.

Building trust with your followers is essential for a successful online presence. You can quickly earn and maintain their trust by showcasing your expertise, being honest and transparent, and respecting their privacy. Note: Loyal clients are likely to become true fans and trustworthy customers.

Share consistent, high-quality content that provides real value to your audience. Engage authentically with your followers by responding to comments and messages, and show transparency in your posts. When followers see your genuine commitment to providing value, they are likelier to trust you and stay engaged with your content.

So, start implementing these strategies today and watch your follower trust grow!

Effective Landing Page Design: Proven Techniques to Boost Conversions

June 18, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

Why You Need a Landing Page and How to Make It Great

Landing pages are important for helping you achieve a specific goal. This goal could be to capture leads, showcase your company in a special way, introduce your product or service, get visitors to click through to another page, or even get them to make a purchase. Given how important it is to meet these goals, optimizing your landing pages for usability and conversions is key.

Here are some key features, elements, and value-based items that make a great landing page that converts:

1. Clear Call To Action (CTA)

Your primary CTA should be prominent and placed above the fold. Use action-oriented and benefit-driven language to encourage users to take the desired action. Examples of effective CTAs include:

“Post Your Job”
“Get Started Now”
“Claim Your Free Guide”

When Dr. Darlene, the Country Cowgirl, decided she needed a podcast landing page to direct traffic to her podcast show “I’m Just a Country Song: Three Chords and Only My Truth,” she cleverly promoted her upcoming book with a 16-week podcast series. Each episode was a delightful blend of book snippets and songs performed by the talented Nashville recording artist Blu Waters.

The landing page featured clear Call-to-Action buttons with links to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube, making it a breeze for visitors to tune in and enjoy her unique storytelling. Listening to Dr. D. and Blu Waters each week was a treat and different from any other podcast I’ve followed. It will have you eagerly anticipating her choice of country song and the story behind the truth.

2. Benefit-Driven Headlines

Your headlines should clearly communicate the value of your offer and what visitors will gain. Instead of generic headlines like “Sign Up Here,” use specific and enticing language such as:

“Get More Done with Freelancers”
“Unlock Exclusive Tips!”
“Discover Proven Strategies to Grow Your Audience”

3. Simple Navigation

Keep navigation simple and straightforward. Limit your menu to no more than five navigation tabs. Too many choices can distract visitors from the main goal. Don’t use generic menu tabs such as products; instead, use the product’s name. Highlight the most important menu items and ensure they are easy to find.

Sam House, the mastermind behind Soulutions Leadership and a Master Certified Coach with 22 years of experience, wanted a simple yet impactful single-page website to showcase his expertise. We crafted his homepage with 13 thoughtfully designed sections but kept the navigation clean with just four menu tabs (My Work, My Approach, About Sam House, and Working with Sam). Each section included a “Chat with Sam” Call-to-Action button, ensuring visitors could easily connect with him for personalized coaching.

4. Social Proof

Including testimonials, media mentions, or case studies can build trust and credibility. Social proof reassures visitors that others have had positive experiences with your product or service. This can be as simple as the number of followers, books sold or as Josh Spector does in his “For the Interested” newsletter, “Join the 35,000 businesses who already learn from it.”

To optimize the impact, avoid having a single page devoted to testimonials. Instead, incorporate testimonials throughout every aspect of your website, such as your homepage and relevant landing pages, to consistently bolster credibility and trust.

5. Visual Appeal

High-quality images or videos can engage visitors and convey your message more effectively. Visual storytelling, such as a video clip showcasing a happy client celebrating an anniversary, can significantly boost conversion rates.

Avoid using generic stock images, as they can make your site look impersonal and unoriginal. Instead, opt for custom photography or real images of your clients, team, and products to create a more authentic and relatable experience for visitors.

Image the power of a good design Landing Page

6. Less is More

Minimize the number of form fields in your opt-in form. Ask for only essential information, like name and email. Fewer fields will lead to higher conversion rates.

7. Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

Clearly highlight what makes your offer special and why visitors should choose you. Your UVP should be prominently displayed and easily understood.

When Jen Hoeft shared her diverse talents with me, we faced the exciting challenge of showcasing her impressive certifications and degrees. We found a creative solution on her website, Human Design with Jen. See below the certifications section to see how we’ve highlighted Jen’s multitude of amazing expertise. It’s a comprehensive and visually engaging display of her extensive expertise.

8. Storytelling

Use storytelling to keep visitors interested and engaged. A compelling narrative can make your landing page more memorable and persuasive.

Storytelling isn’t just about any story; it’s about sharing something that could resonate with your audience and make your message memorable.

For an example of how personal stories can enhance engagement, check out my own experience with “Why I Use Nautical Terms On My Website” where I share how my love for sailing influences the language and style of my business communications. You can read more about it here: Why I Use Nautical Terms On My Website.

9. Examples of Benefit-Driven Headlines

Here are 3 examples of benefit-driven headlines for different categories:

Service:
• Transform Your Business with Our Expert Consulting Services
• Get Personalized Coaching to Achieve Your Goals
• Enhance Your Online Presence with Our SEO Services

Product:
• Revolutionize Your Home with Our Innovative Smart Devices
• Achieve Radiant Skin with Our All-Natural Skincare Line
• Boost Your Productivity with Our Ergonomic Office Furniture

Course:
• Master Digital Marketing with Our Comprehensive Online Course
• Become a Coding Pro with Our Step-by-Step Programming Course
• Learn to Speak Fluent Spanish with Our Immersive Language Program

Book Launch:
• Discover Life-Changing Strategies in Our Latest Self-Help Book
• Dive into an Epic Adventure with Our New Fantasy Novel
• Explore Delicious Recipes in Our New Gourmet Cookbook

Why You Need a Landing Page

Build your email list: If you don’t have a landing page with an opt-in box to offer a freebie in exchange for their name and email address, you should start here—today!
Launching a Book: Capture interested readers by offering a sneak peek or bonus content in exchange for their email.
Group Coaching Programs: Use a landing page to explain the benefits and sign up participants easily.
Selling Products/Services: Showcase your offerings with compelling visuals and clear CTAs to drive sales.

When Life Gives You a Lemon

Creating a landing page can feel like setting up a lemonade stand in the digital world. You want to attract thirsty visitors, so make sure your stand (or page) is bright, inviting, and clearly offering the best lemonade (or service) around! Ask for their name and email address to let them know when you will be selling your lemonade next time and have baked goodies too!

Conclusion
Landing pages are powerful tools to help you achieve your business goals. By following these simple tips, you can create pages that not only look great but also convert visitors into leads and customers. Get started on your landing page today and watch your business grow!

Mastering Google’s AI Overview

June 12, 2024 By Janice Hurlburt Leave a Comment

8 SEO Strategies to Boost Your Visibility

Recently, Google’s latest update, “AI Overview,” has stirred quite a buzz in the SEO community. According to Neil Patel, this new feature will significantly impact how websites rank, especially informational content sites. Based on Neil Patel’s webinar, I’ve compiled my top picks of strategies to help you adapt to the AI wave and maintain your online visibility.

Understanding GEO Strategies

You’ve come to recognize that SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. perhaps a new term is GEO, which stands for Generative Engine Optimization. GEO strategies differ from traditional SEO practices as they focus on making content more relevant and appealing to the AI algorithms of advanced search engines.

Key Findings from Princeton University Researchers

Use Easy-to-Understand Content: Improves visibility by 15%-30%.
Avoid Excess Keywords: Adding more keywords reduced performance by 10% compared to the baseline.
Voice Tone: Using a persuasive and authoritative voice did not generally improve rankings in AI search results.

The Importance of SEO

SEO is far from dead. In fact, now is the time to double down on your SEO efforts. You might think that focusing on social media or just creating more website pages instead of blog posts is the way to go. I don’t believe there is just one path to take. You need a specific marketing plan for content in each media: your website, blog, and one or two social media platforms.

As I mentioned in a previous blog [title/link], I also mentioned newer publishing platforms such as Substack, Medium and Patreon, to name a few. Some marketers are using one of these as a replacement for their website.

However, I don’t recommend that. Your website is the one collateral you own, and it’s vital for your business. Keep in mind that a one-page website is enough.

As you consider these strategies below, apply them to appropriate places where you position your content.

8 Essential SEO Strategies from Neil Patel’s Webinar

Increase Mentions
• Boost your brand visibility to enhance brand authority.
• The more mentions you have, the more likely you are to appear in AI overviews.
Show E.E.A.T
• Emphasize your Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness in your content.
• This helps your blog and website content rank higher as well as social media posts.
Cover Topics Thoroughly
• Address all questions related to your topics.
• Write from the perspective of the end user and provide helpful content.
Avoid 100% AI-Generated Content
• Maintain high-quality content by not relying entirely on AI tools.
• Human touch is essential for meaningful and engaging content.
Be First to Answer New Questions
• Quickly address new topics in your industry.
• Updating your content with the latest information helps you rank higher in AI overviews.
Make Content Easy to Read
• Ensure your content is readable and skimmable.
• Use bullet points, logical headings, and concise answers.
Utilize Other Content Formats
• Make your content more engaging with videos, quizzes, infographics, and custom imagery.
Add Calls to Action
• Place CTAs in several places on your website and in social media comments.
• Use tools like Acuity Scheduling to let people book calls with you easily.

Enhance Your Content

To stay ahead in the SEO game with Google’s AI Overview, it’s crucial to make sure your content is well-structured and easy to read. Use proper header structures and clear, readable text. Clearly tell Google and your readers 😊 who you are, what you do, and why you’re an authority in your field. Google is smart, but it can’t understand your goals unless you explicitly communicate them.

By implementing these strategies, you will optimize your website for both AI algorithms and human users, ensuring your content stands out and reaches your target audience effectively.

What Websites Will Be Affected?

According to Neil Patel, Google’s new AI Overviews will likely affect informational websites more than transactional ones. Informational sites might appear lower in search results because AI-generated summaries give users quick answers. Transactional sites, which focus on user actions, are less likely to be affected.

Transactional Website vs. Informational Websites is Key

Transactional Website: Designed for users to complete actions like buying products or booking services. The main goal is to facilitate transactions between the business and the customer.
Informational Website: Provides information to visitors through articles, blogs, tutorials, news, and educational content. The main goal is to inform and educate the audience.
Improving Informational Websites
Optimize for Featured Snippets: Structure content to answer common questions clearly to increase chances of being featured in AI Overviews.
Use Schema Markup: Implement schema markup to help search engines understand and highlight your content.
Focus on Quality Content: Create comprehensive, high-quality content that directly addresses user queries.
Target Long-Tail Keywords: Use specific, longer search phrases to rank higher in less competitive searches.
Enhance User Experience: Make your website easy to navigate and ensure fast loading times.

By following these tips, you can improve your informational website’s visibility and reduce the impact of AI Overviews pushing your content down in search results.

Conclusion
Stay proactive and adapt to these changes to maintain your online visibility. Remember, it’s not about running from AI but understanding and utilizing it to your advantage. The only way you’ll understand AI is by experimenting and practicing. As one of my clients keeps reminding me, have fun with AI. You won’t break it!

Keep refining your SEO strategies and watch your online presence thrive.