Coming up with blog topics, struggling through the actual content writing, posting your links to every social networking site, doing "SEO" and market research, studying and trying every marketing strategy you can find, etc - it's boring. It's stressful, frustrating, and makes you want to pull your hair out.

You just want to get more traffic and make more sales online, but it's hard work! Even if it IS working, you're probably investing entirely too much time, for too small a return. Would you agree?

This may sound outrageous, but - stop blogging. And for that matter, stop marketing too. Trust me on this. I'm about to share a secret that will make your online business FUN again...

See the photo above? That's me on the left, enjoying a slice of pizza in Atlanta with several people from my Private Brainstorming Group. I like to attend events and meetups around the world every chance I get, and meet people in person that I've gotten to know online through my work. It has really personalized my business!

And that leads me to this HOT tip that could make a BIG difference in yours...

Stop blogging, Stop Marketing, and Start Talking.

Blogging is not fun. It's work. But talking about a topic you're passionate about, now that's fun! And chances are, you're pretty good at talking about your business or the topic of your blog/site. If that isn't the case, you're in the wrong niche.

I find it easiest to talk about various topics in a more casual setting. Staring at a blank screen trying to write a blog post puts the pressure on. You're trying to get all the elements right, and you're focused on "writing a good blog post."

But if you're sitting around a table on a beautiful afternoon having pizza, you could talk for hours on end about your topic! I know I can...

The same goes for forums, discussion groups, etc. You probably share valuable advice and great tips when you're in "conversational mode" whether online or offline.

And it comes easy, right?

I use this to my advantage when it comes to creating content, and also when marketing my business online. The trick is to get in that conversational mode. Having met so many people offline and in real life, I find it easiest to imagine those scenarios when we're talking in person - with specific faces in mind.

Even if you don't get out to meetups and events, you likely interact with your target market on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, forums and other social sites around the web. You get to know people, you see their pictures and know what they look like, and you have a feel for who they are as individuals.

THAT is who you need to write TO.

Pick one person you have interacted with in your niche, and write specifically to them when you create blog posts and email your list. The same goes for your social media profiles too - start posting updates, sharing valuable tips, asking questions, and engaging your "followers" with real conversation!

If you stop trying to blog, and stop trying to promote your site, and just start talking... two things will happen. First, it will come much easier! Second, you'll see a much better response rate from your market.

Forget strategies and tricks and methods. Your online business should be built around you, and your business should thrive from serving your market.

Talk TO them, not AT them.

If you have a hard time writing a blog post, press release, article, guest post, email newsletter, etc - try this:

Imagine that someone has just emailed you a question. Or that they called you on the phone. Or that you are responding to a question in a niche forum.

Now... respond freely. Not only does it make the task of writing MUCH easier, your "response" will be a much better - and more appealing - piece of content than you could ever write out of thin air for a blank screen.

Just publishing content and posting it around the web is not going to make you stand out in your niche. You really need to go the extra mile and get actively engaged with your market.

Don't get caught up in the "tasks" such as blogging and posting. Get caught up in your market and what they're talking about. Your "market" is made up of REAL PEOPLE. Figure out what they need or want, and how you can best help them.

Stop "blogging" and start talking. That's the key!

Best,

p.s. If you DO struggle with writing or blogging, and we *all* do from time to time!, here are some great posts that will help you out when you're feeling stuck:

• Blogging about Breaking News, Buzz and Current Trends
• 5 Easy Topic Ideas For Your Next Blog Post
• Easy Article Writing and Blog Content
• The Chain of Content Creation – Live Example
• 5 Types of Web Content That Readers Love
• Fast Content Ideas for Easy Writing

Guest Post by Roey Pimentel

Good graphic design can automatically increase your profits. Bad graphic design can kill your conversions and profits.

As a qualified graphic designer, I can teach you exactly how to profit from good design and how to avoid losing sales due to bad design.

Whether you realize it or not, good graphic design is often the psychological trigger that causes your prospect's mind to embrace your offer, making your sales message as irresistible as can be.

It drives me crazy when I see friends try to run their business online with the wrong graphics; they are shooting themselves in the foot. Their products and services are good, but their message doesn't get through to the potential customer.

When I ask them why their page design looks random or haphazard, the response I hear over and over is that they can't afford to hire a professional designer.

That's the frustration! It doesn't matter how good the product or service is, if the message doesn't make the potential buyer sit up and take notice, the conversion doesn't happen. I see this over and over.

When I first entered the world of Internet Marketing years ago, one thing became brutally clear - good response-generating design was sorely lacking.

From blogs to sales pages, websites to ebooks, the content was good, but the design did more to push away potential buyers than to attract them and get them to reach for their credit card.

This breaks my heart because I KNOW there are many ways you can create more magnetic and professional looking webpages, websites, ebooks, etc. without having to pay hundreds of dollars outsourcing to a professional graphic designer.

Graphic Design For Internet Marketers

That's why I decided to write Graphic Design Impact - Design Secrets That Sell, an easy to understand book specifically written with the online entrepreneur in mind.

This book helps you make sense of the millions of design options out there. It is a heavily illustrated and breaks down the concepts into practical easy to understand bite size pieces.

It takes away the "intimidation factor" and replaces it with the "I can do it!" attitude.

Graphic Design Impact covers vital topics, like:

• Increase your sales and conversion rates
• Use these subtle psychological triggers to make your reader see exactly what you want them to see
• Impress your target market with your professionalism
• Make ALL your websites and advertising POP with appeal
• Save a TON of money on professional design by following my simple principles
• Take the results straight to the bank

Graphics Impact Your Bottom Line

Graphics impact your profits and conversions more than you may realize. That's a fact. Communication and getting your reader to take the action you desire, is the goal. If your message doesn't influence the potential customer, that's all they will be - potential. Remember the saying, "A confused mind doesn't buy."

You MUST take the confusion out of the equation. Good design choices help deliver your message in a clear and supportive manner. It's all about the customer. Connect with them and deliver your features and benefits in a way that makes them want to click the Buy button.

How Do You CAPTURE Your Prospect's Attention?

I realized many online entrepreneurs were missing the boat when it comes to capturing their prospect’s attention. There are many ways and techniques to help people want to buy. From color choice to psychological triggers, you can make your message as irresistible as it can be. However, just as the right choice can help you, doing it the wrong way can hurt you. The key to remember here is that your message is the same; it's the delivery that changes.

How Graphic Design Can Increase Your Sales

Once you have connected with your potential customer the next step is getting them to purchase. Good page design can go a long way towards subtly guiding your reader towards the call to action. Whether your call to action is an opt-in box, buy button, or whatever, purposeful design can guide their eye through the page towards your desired result.

What GOOD Graphic Design Impact Can Do For You

• Less is More – Place text on the page to make your visitors want to sit back, relax, and read on!
• Breaking the Frame – Use the visual frame (the computer screen) to your advantage, creating more interest and ultimately convert your copy into sales.
• Mind Control – Did you know you can actually control where your prospect looks on the screen? There are simple techniques you can use to guide your traffic to read what YOU want them to read first, and gently guide your reader towards the “Buy Now!” button.
• Logo Design – A correctly designed logo will convey a powerful message without words.
• Typography – Also known as fonts, fonts, fonts! It's important (and easy) to choose exactly the right fonts from the thousands and thousands of choices once you know my secrets.
• The Psychology of Color – Understanding how color choice influences your prospective buyer’s decision making process.
• Layout Design – Why are some pages more appealing than others? You've got to understand what makes the difference between good and bad page design. Good design helps you create a page that flows well, is easy on the eye, and ultimately directs your prospect towards the goal – making the purchase.

Best of all, good design is evergreen.

Your design efforts will not be affected by the latest Google Update or trend.

Isn't Graphic Design Expensive?

Believe me; I understand the "money's tight" factor. In fact, that was part of why I wrote this. I want you to succeed, and I understand not having the budget to hire a professional just yet. The thing I've learned in my graphic design career and education is that most graphic design concepts can be easily applied without having to hire a professional.

It's just a matter of learning the core concepts, and that is exactly the reason I published my book, Graphic Design Impact (which took me over two full years to create). I went to school for you and I'm handing you all the golden nuggets that will help you finally see the results you've been missing out on.

Another way you can benefit from Graphic Design Impact is to become an affiliate. Sign up today and recommend this guide to your friends and peers that are marketing online. They'll thank you for it!

About the Author

Roey Bannon Pimentel, M.A., is a graphic designer and photographer. Her focus is on advertising design. Roey has many awards to her credit and is an accomplished speaker and facilitator. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and publications. Roey is a natural born teacher with a passion to share her knowledge of design. Helping others succeed in business through better design is one of her goals. She is passionate about the importance of graphic design in business and in our daily lives.