As an Iowa business owner, how can I help my web site reach more people?

The goals of your web site can only be met by reaching out to as many potential customers as possible. In order to reach the largest possible audience, you must make your web site easy to find. Because the Internet is so vast, we recommend that you place links to your web site and information about your business in as many locations on the Internet as possible. In other words, one web site is not be enough to gain you the exposure you need to increase your sales and customers. With nearly 10 years of Internet marketing experience, we make the following recommendations for gaining Internet exposure for your web site:

• Trade links with as many reputable businesses as you can.


• Blog (write about) your web site and your business on other people's web sites, especially web sites dedicated to your area of expertise or geographically close to your business location.


• Advertise your web site locally. For example, always include your web site address in all print and radio spots you run.

Place your web site address on all your office stationary, business cards, mailers, etc.

• Update your web site as often as possible.


• Be certain you have the proper HTML meta tags, site description and HTML code on your web site.


• List your web site with local and national search directories. I recommend at least one listing with each type of directory. An example of a local Iowa business directory would be www.iowayellowpages.net

What is a blog? How can I use a blog?

A blog is:
A blog is basically a journal that is available on the web. The activity of updating a blog is "blogging" and someone who keeps a blog is a "blogger." Blogs are typically updated daily using software that allows people with little or no technical background to update and maintain the blog.
(Definition from www.conceptwebsites.com/SEO/common-terms.htm)

A blog is a great tool you can use to introduce yourself or your business to potential customers. A blog is what you might call a 'networking tool' that is available 24 hours a day and usually costs nothing but time. You can create a blog and write about yourself, your business, world events, just about anything you want. You can use a blog to demonstration your expertise in your field. For example, a lawyer can 'blog' about legal topics and seek feedback from readers. Once readers are comfortable with your blog, they may seek to contact you via phone or email and become actual customers. If you have any questions about creating a blog or how to use a blog, feel free to post your questions right here.

Promote and Market Your Business on the Internet

Once you have a web site designed to achieve specific goals for your business, you must market and promote your site so that it can be be found. A great web site with no promotion is like an unlisted phone number: No one will find it!
The goals of your web site can only be met by reaching out to as many potential customers as possible. In order to reach the largest possible audience, you must make your web site easy to find. Because the Internet is so vast, we recommend that you place links to your web site and information about your business in as many locations on the Internet as possible. In other words, one web site is not be enough to gain you the exposure you need to increase your sales and customers. With nearly 10 years of Internet marketing experience, we make the following recommendations for gaining Internet exposure for your web site:

• Trade links with as many reputable businesses as you can


• Blog (write about) your web site and your business on other people's web sites, especially web sites dedicated to your area of expertise or geographically close to your business location.


• Advertise your web site locally. For example, always include your web site address in all print and radio spots you run.


• Place your web site address on all your office stationary, business cards, mailers, etc.


• Update your web site as often as possible.


• Be certain you have the proper HTML meta tags, site description and HTML code on your web site.


• List your web site with local and national search directories. We recommend at least one listing with each type of directory. A great example of a local business directory is the Iowa Business Listings located at www.iowabusinesslistings.com.

Visit www.breakthroughwebdesign.com to have a great web site designed for your business and to receive a free consultation on promoting your business on the Internet.

Bankruptcy Laws Have Changed

From Mark Walk and Aaron Murphy, Attorneys at Law:
In December of 2005, major revisions to the national bankruptcy laws took place. Specifically, in recent years, most banruptcy filers sought and received Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Specifically, in recent years, most bankruptcy filers sought and received Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection, which meant that through the bankruptcy trustee's gathering of assets and paying creditors to the extent possible, bankruptcy filers' debts were discharged so that the bankruptcy filer was no longer obligated on them. Under the new federal law some people may find it harder to qualify for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection and may be forced into Chapter 13 bankruptcy, instead. In general, a Chapter 13 bankruptcy does not discharge debts; rather, it reorganizes debts so that bankruptcy filers pay their debts, but in a more manageable manner. Chapter 7 protection has not been eliminated; the conditions for qualifying for Chapter 7 have, however, changed.

In addition, Congress made other changes to the national bankruptcy laws such as mandatory credit counseling. In short, bankruptcy has changed. Many of the old practices and concepts no longer apply. If you have questions about the new bankruptcy laws and how they apply to you, please contact our firm for help by calling: 641-732-3796. You may also visit our web site at www.iowalawpractice.com.