Was I nervous?

You bet I was.

I didn't hesitate when I was asked to speak at the first Chamber University workshop, hosted last Thursday by the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce. Of course I would do it.

That's when the self-doubt started.

I mean, I know the topic – Search Engine Optimization – inside and out thanks to my work at VNet Consulting. We specialize in SEO, Keyword Analysis, Article Marketing andother types of Internet Marketing. No, the topic wasn't the problem.

I wondered if I could get my message across? Would the 30 or so businesspeople in the room learn something from me?

Early indications are that they did. (Whew!)

Most people took notes; many asked questions. They seemed to learn the importance of Internet Marketing – and how much work it involves.

Which is great.

The bonus for me is that I was forced to organize my thoughts and techniques, which will help me improve search rankings for my clients' websites.

And next time I'm asked to speak in public, I won't be nervous at all.

Here's more proof that all those hours you spend on Facebook and Twitter are not frivolous.

You were working the whole time!

A recent survey out of the States suggests that small business owners see word-of-mouth as the No. 1 way to gain new customers.

That certainly holds true here in Vernon, where networking plays a crucial role in the success of local companies. Business owners need to get out and build relationships with the people they want to do business with.

To make the most of the word-of-mouth trend, business owners are leaning heavily on social media – making it their No. 2 online marketing priority after their website. Part of the appeal no doubt is the cost – Facebook and Twitter are free.

So don't be shy!

Grab a cup of coffee – or a glass of wine – log into Facebook or Twitter and get to work!

Take a closer look at your website and see how it measures up in these 3 areas. If it falls short, give VNet a call (250-309-8418) and let us show you how to get more from your site.

1. Who is your website for?

It's not supposed to be for you; it's for your clients - and prospective clients. When your homepage loads, they don't want to read about your great products and skills. People want to know what your great products and skills can do for them.

2. Is it entertaining?

Raise your hand if you want to read a text book. No matter what you're selling, find a way to add fun, unique and entertaining items to your website that will keep people coming back - and telling their friends to take a look.

3. Are you talking to them or with them?

Contact information must be easy to find so visitors can let you know what they think as soon as they think it. Convenient links to email, Twitter and Facebook let them share information from your site with their friends.

Spring always brings a busy new beginning.

At VNet Consulting, we recently signed a few new clients for websites (thanks!) and are fielding requests every day from website owners who “want some of that SEO stuff.” More and more people are realizing the power of our Search Engine Optimization and Link Building programs.

Even more than that, business owners are realizing that just having an online bookmark with their company’s name on it isn’t good enough anymore.

Think of a website as a Marketing Weapon.

A professionally developed and properly targeted website will help convert leads and make more money for you than it costs. A non-optimized site occasionally takes down a target, but it misses more than it hits.

If your website isn’t ranking high on Google, Yahoo and Bing searches, potential clients aren’t finding your products and services. It’s that simple.

Here are some numbers:

• It’s estimated that the No. 1 item for a given keyword on Google gets 40% of the traffic (we don’t talk about “hits” anymore – that term is as current as cassette tapes). The percentage quickly drops from there.

• It’s also estimated that 80% of people regularly research products online before they buy. (These are real stats – honest!)

Anyways, that’s why the blog’s been quiet here at VNet. We haven’t been hibernating; we haven’t been skiing. We’ve been expanding, restructuring and training all while spreading the word about Search Engine Optimization and our innovative DTC Funnel. Plus we got some AWESOME new vehicle decals!

So keep reading, Vernon. We're just getting started. Again.