This isn't my strategy, it's Seth Godin's, and it's one of the smartest and simplest ideas I've seen to create a Web presence for a small business, especially if you don't know much about computers.

Memo to the Very Small

The beauty of this approach is that you can do it entirely yourself without help. For very little time and money, you can cross "create a Web presence for my business" off your list.

(By the way, Godin recommends setting up a blog with TypePad—be aware that you can also use WordPress, which is free but which frowns on aggressive commercial use of their blogs. Using this low-key strategy, you're not likely to have any problem, but if you want to move into a more marketing-intensive strategy later, TypePad might be the better choice.)

If you like, I can help you take it farther. I'll work with you to create content-rich Squidoo lenses, compelling articles to post to your blog, and authoritative reference articles for sites like ezinearticles. These simple tools work together to create a much more visible Web identity that drives traffic to your door.

The key is to uncover what's distinctly wonderful about what you have to offer, and to use that to create useful content your customers will look for. You can do as little or as much as you like. Even a few Squidoo lenses can create a significant improvement in your Google (SERP) ranking and online visibility.

You already have customers who've bought from you once and are looking for a relationship. They want someone to trust. They want a connection. You can provide them with that, but you have to work on the relationship by working on your communication.

A print or email newsletter can reach out to your customers and let them know what you're up to. You'll let them know when you've got something interesting they might want to know more about. You'll give them compelling information that they can use. You'll establish yourself as a friendly, trusted presence.

It only works when you have something relevant to communicate—something that benefits your customers. The good news is, there's so much irrelevant and selfish marketing communication out there, you'll quickly stand out by focusing on your customer's needs instead of your own. I'll show you how.

If you have a brochure, Web copy or even an important blog post that needs some additional polish, I provide copyediting and copy tweaking services.

Maybe you just want to be sure the grammar and spelling are perfect. Send it over—I can typically turn projects like this around very quickly.

Or you might want some help refining your underlying message and making it more powerful. That kind of work is more collaborative, as we work together to craft your message that uniquely communicates what you have to offer.

If you'd like more marketing and communication tips, please subscribe to my newsletter. It starts with a ten-part marketing tool kit to get you started right away with ideas, tips and techniques to improve your marketing.

I never sell or rent my list to anyone, and I won't clog up your mailbox with a lot of junk either.

Nonprofits are exciting for me to work with. I love the feeling I get helping a group making a difference.

Nonprofit organizations are often staffed by people who have very little business experience or training. The words "business" and "marketing" might even seem creepy, greedy, or selfish to you. But there are a lot of tactics that businesspeople have worked out that can help you to help more people.

I don't work pro bono, because I've found that when I do, it's hard to keep focus and easy to waste everyone's time. But I do have special rates for nonprofits. Click the Contact Me link above and we can discuss it.

Have a look at the Sommelier Society of America's Web site, which I designed and edited for them to bring their message to the world.

And here are a few blog posts that will give you a sense of my values and passions in the nonprofit world.

remarcom.com
Remarcom is short for remarkable communication. Click the link to check my current availability.

remarkable communication
My well-received personal blog with essays on all aspects of making stronger connection, both personal and professional.

Fast, cheap, and very much in control: 21st century techniques to grow your business
More on using the web, blogs, email newsletters, and other Internet tools to promote your small business.

How to create symbols on your blog, Web site, or Squidoo lens with HTML numeric codes
How to display the euro symbol, yen symbol or other unusual character on your Web site or lens.

Marketing dictionary
I'll update this with more entries from time to time.
Benefits, not features
Call to action
Split test