Good news! I’ll be speaking at the National Women in Business Expo this Sunday, March 29 in Calgary. I’ll be discussing why having a website isn’t enough and how Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Search Engine Marketing (SEM) can help make or break your online presence.
Depending on the skill level of the audience, I may even spill a juicy link building secret or two. If you happen to be in Calgary next weekend, I hope you’ll drop by and say hello 
In the meantime, I’m interested in hearing what YOU think women in business should be aware of when it comes to marketing themselves and their businesses online. Are there any special sites geared towards women and their businesses? What are some of the challenges they face? Are there any different marketing tactics they can use? What has or hasn’t worked for you?
When it comes to women in business, there are some absolutely stellar role models out there (yes, you!) and we could all certainly benefit from sharing our experiences. If you’ve got a comment, anecdote or even a compelling story, I hope you’ll post it here so that others can learn from it.
Thanks!
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If I may toot my own horn a bit, perhaps The Art of Self-Branding might be of help to anyone starting the discovery process of their personal brand, which is definitely integral these days in business. Women should market themselves freely and openly.
In Edmonton and Calgary, there’s an association called Alberta Women’s Entrepreneurs which helps provide business information, sessions, luncheons, conferences and loans targeted to women in business. I’ll be attending their Innovative Approaches to Success conference in April.
As a woman with an online business, I think my #1 tip is to not be afraid of really putting yourself out there – interacting on blogs, emailing people with questions, asking for help if you need it, building relationships.
Sometimes it’s a little scary, but what you get in return is more than worth the risk.
One of the best things to do is join a group like Collective-E or Ladies Who Launch; since women tend to “share” there are lots of tips and tricks you can pick up from fellow entrepreneurs.
I think it’s also important to stress that SEO is never “done” and you can’t cross it off your to-do list. You are always refining and learning and adjusting.
If the audience is beginners, headline writing, writing for keyword density while still speaking English, and alt tags are great things to understand. These can be implemented easily and you can see results, encouraging learning more about SEO. And maybe hiring an expert for the advanced stuff.
Wish I were going to be in Calgary to say hello – have a great Expo!
My tip for women: SEO is like dating, quality over quantity should be the golden rule.
Personally, I’m struggling with finding a good family/work balance. With operating my own biz, my work day doesn’t ever seem to end… there’s always *something* to do. In turn, I feel guilty for not being more plugged into my kids and husband. I wonder if successful business *men* feel this way? Huh.
I’m still plugging away though, enjoying the journey as much as I can but with my eye always on the goal
Thanks for the feedback ladies.