So you have a website and would like to design a banner to advertise your product or service.  Great! Below are some banner design tips on creating an effective banner that targets your audience, grabs visitor attention, and successfully converts them into taking the requested action.

Ad Design Tips: When designing a banner, there are a few questions to keep in mind.

1) What is the goal you want the banner to accomplish?
- increase sales
- increase subscribers
- increase traffic

2) Who is the targeted audience for the ad?
- moms
- business owners
- people with a certain problem that needs solved

Banner Design Tips: Here are the key elements to make a banner effective

COPY – Keep the wording short and to the point.  Less is more.  The copy should be informative (What is is?), make them feel something (excited, happy, laugh), and make them do something (click!).

RELEVANCY – Make the message angle be centered around something of genuine interest to the reader.  Make the message relevant to them.

SIZES – Ideal banner file size is 10 kb or less.  You want the banner to be able to load quickly for the viewer.  By compressing the graphics, they will load more quickly.

ANIMATION – Typically animated banners generate a higher response than static ones do.  By using flash or an animated gif you can increase your conversion rate.

WEBSITE – Since banners are for online use, it’s important to include your website address on the banner.

TIMELESS MESSAGE – Try to eliminate phrases that would quickly outdate the banner like “new and improved”.

CALL TO ACTION – ask the viewer to call, click here, visit the website.  Just make sure that they are requested to take the next step.  Additionally blue underlined text like “click here” can grab the attention of the viewer and get them to take action.

SENSE OF URGENCY – Something like a time limited offer, coupon, limited quantity available, or a free giveaway can entice visitors to click now, rather than delay till later and then forget.

Standard Button and Banner Sizes – Below are some of the standard banner sizes used on web pages.

Banner Ads
Horizontal Banner 468 x 60
Vertical Banner 120 x 240
Vertical Tower 160 x 600
Half Horizontal Banner 234 x 60

Button Ads
Button 1 120 x 90
Button 2 120 x 60
Square Button 125 x 125
Micro button 88 x 31

Banner Design Software

There’s a great banner design software that is free called Gimp.  You can download Gimp Free: http://www.gimp.org/downloads/  You can use Gimp to create just about any kind of web graphics you need from buttons, banners, website headers, ecovers, image edits and more.

Hope that helps you design some eye-catching banners to promote your product, service, or opportunity online.  Advertising is a great way to get the word out.  Having an effective button or banner graphic is an important tool in your marketing toolkit.

Article by: Kristie Rimmele, the President of Webmomz.com, a work at home community.  Home business owners can learn to make buttons and banners easier with Gimp with this Gimp Video Tutorial course called Gimp Mojo at http://www.webmomz.com/gimp.htm.

I have a new toy that I am pretty darn excited about…
It’s such an easy, cool graphics program that is SO easy to use!

Do you struggle to make website graphics that look professional on a budget? Or maybe you just are all thumbs when it comes to making graphics.

It’s hard to find good graphic designers who are creative, respond to your needs and get graphics done quickly. I know personally that one of my problems with getting great graphics is finding someone to make the changes I need, fast. When you are busy, you don’t want to wait a week to get a simple graphics change complete.

And that really sucks.  When your graphics are done, it sets back your whole business.  Having the right graphics (like cool buttons, arrows, product images) helps you make sales and build your business in so many ways.

I mean think about how it helps you….

• Build your email list (by drawing attention to your opt-in form).
• Make more sales by advertising with buttons, banners and more.
• Get more traffic and readers by adding interest to your content.
• Get more clients and offer more services to the clients you have.
• Etc, etc…

The trouble is it’s too hard, too expensive and too time consuming…. That is until you know about this cool
resource I’m about to share with you!

It’s called Gimp. It’s totally free and you can download Gimp Free here:
http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

You can use Gimp to create just about any kind of graphics and images your business needs. We’re talking buttons, banners, website headers, ecovers, image edits and more.

I realize you might be having the problems I described above. You might be in desperate need of some great graphics but don’t have the time or money to pay for a ‘professional’ tool like Photoshop (which, costs about $600, by the way).

I’ve got another resources that’s going to make it super-easy for you to learn Gimp quickly to create the same professional look you’d get from Photoshop without the waiting, paying every time you need something, or even paying for something you HATE.

It’s a great Gimp video tutorial course by my friend Angela Wills, called Gimp Graphics Mojo:
http://www.webmomz.com/gimp.htm
coupon code: gimp

The course is $47 but Angela has generously offered the coupon code above for you to save $20.

Just think about it. You’ll get everything you need to create profitable graphics indefinitely for LESS than what you’d pay a graphics designer for ONE graphic. I’m sure you can see how this course can quickly pay for itself many times over.

A little more about Angela Wills, in case you’re wondering: I started working with Angela many years ago now when she was a virtual assistant. Over the years she has turned herservice business into an information marketing business and earns a more ‘passive’ income. What’s unique about Angela’s business is that she’s seen inside of many of the top online marketer’s businesses and she brings that insider knowledge to all the products and programs she creates. That’s why I know you’ll love Gimp Graphics Mojo and Angela’s teachings.

Again, you can check out the course and save yourself 20 bucks here:
http://www.webmomz.com/gimp.htm
coupon code: gimp

All the best,
Kristie Rimmele

I wanted to introduce you to a friend/mentor of mine  – Jeff Mills.  As a Christian, I love that he followed God’s calling to help people work at home and be with their families. He has had incredible success online.  Wanted to introduce you to him.  He has an inspiring story and is someone you should know.

Jeff Mills is a former Youth Pastor of 9 years, who is now a full time Internet information entrepreneur, author, speaker, sales coach, and also an avid traveler. Jeff has built his 7-figure empire using microsourcing and is passionate about helping others make more with less effort through the power of outsourcing services. (watch this free video on outsourcing)

Jeff, what made you decide to start working from home?

I was a broke youth pastor $75,000 in debt, and needed to pay off a lot of bills

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I like helping others learn about marketing. There are so many good methods and ideas for traffic, sales, marketing, lead capture, and everyone is at a different place of knowledge. I seem to know a lot, so I want to give to others so they use what I know and profit like I am.

I know you are a Christian marketer, how do you bring your faith into what you do?

I believe we are all ministers. Only some get to be paid for being ministers. I am not preachy or judgmental.  I have my own vibe and I honestly keep it low key. I am very purposeful in trying to attract Christian to want to work with me, if they are looking for a Christian business coach. I have the plan of salvation on my blog at www.jeffmills.com for all to read if they want to know how to begin a relationship with Jesus.

What is the biggest thing you have learned over the years working for yourself?

I have to get it done. There is always something to do, and as much as I want to outsource it all, there is much I must do myself and master myself. I’ve been successful, because I focus on implementation quickly when I get ideas.

What are some of the areas you see entrepreneurs struggling with the most?

Lack of focus and lack of follow through. We all have 10 or more great ebooks, courses, video training guides sitting in our harddrives. And if we went through them, and used them, we’d all see better results. Instead, we keep buying stuff without using the older stuff that is just as good. People think they need the cutting edge newest stuff. The basics is all they need. Master the Basics and build off of them. Complete the tasks you started, don’t let yourself get distracted.

What else would you like to share with our readers?

Serious people who really want to work from home and make a passive, job replacing income need to find mentors who have already done it. I’ve been working by myself and for myself since 2003, after I got training from two very successful mentors. My life has never been the same, since I plunked down the fortune I paid to get mentored. Thousands of dollars in mentoring has turned into millions of dollars in revenue for me because I did that.

Thanks Jeff! You are an inspiration and I’m excited to introduce you to my moms online!

Kristie Rimmele

Are you an overworked work at home mom trying to do everything yourself? Then you’ll want to read this…

When many people think of starting their own business, they are doing so because they want to continue doing what they love and be paid for it. They are people who start their business, but when they start to become successful and they don’t have the systems in place, and things start to fall apart quickly. This is very common and we’ve all heard the stats that 90% of all small businesses fail to make any money and most fail within 8 to 18 months.

I recently had the very good fortune of getting to know Jeff Mills. I really dig him because he is a Christian and awesome mentor helping others to make money from home.  He teaches real stuff that works.

Jeff is a former Youth Minister turned Internet Marketing guru, and from what I’ve seen, has the best outsource resource that there is. He teaches entrepreneurs how to outsource in their business, so they can be working ON their business, not IN their business.

Listening to him, the light bulbs began to go off on top of my head and I was brought back the lessons that I had learned but put aside because I was too busy worrying about all the tasks I needed to do to run a business online successfully. For some reason, many entrepreneurs (myself included) believe that when they start their business, they have to learn everything there is to learn about running and marketing their business first.

From writing articles, doing Pay Per Click marketing, doing videos, setting up a wordpress blog, or forum marketing, we believe we have to know it all and do it all. According to Jeff, most marketers fail because their organizational chart is filled with nothing but ‘YOU’. While it’s possible for us to know everything, it’s also not very realistic if we want a life. Working from home or running an internet business was about creating more time freedom for ourselves, not less.

The solution that Jeff has for all this? Easy. Outsource your work to the skills, talents and special abilities others. Most are not even aware that there are websites that are devoted to people offering their services for hire at decent rates. Everything that you could possibly want done in your business, you can pay someone to do it for you at a price much lower than you think.

(Check out his free outsourcing video here)

Now, when I first heard about this, I thought, ‘hmmm…this has got to be very expensive…how can you trust people to do the work?’ Good question. These questions and secrets are answered by Jeff so freely with his free 7 day video course.

If you’re looking for quality people with a strong work ethic to do your jobs for a reasonable price, then go with people from the country that Jeff shares in his free outsourcing video training course.

Jeff Mills has the best outsource resource if you want more information on how to work less and make more money. I’ve already started to put the systems in place to grow my business the way I want, and I can’t wait to see the results. Go to Jeff’s website now and watch him reveal the outsourcing secrets to you on video and then take action on what he teaches you.

Watch this free outsourcing video now!

Lynn Terry has long been a source of learning and inspiration for me.  She is authentic, down to earth, and very generous with sharing her affiliate marketing strategies online.  We got the chance to talk with her in this Webmomz Exclusive Interview. 

What are some tips for choosing products that your audience will love and buy?

As an affiliate I prefer to work with niches & products that I personally enjoy, have hands-on experience with, or want to learn more about myself (for example, if I decide to take up cross-stitching).

Keyword Research is where I always start, because I want to get a feel for what people are searching for – and how. This helps me understand the market and what their needs are specifically. From there I can choose products and choose the best delivery method for my content.

I spend a lot of time researching product options, too. Which merchants offer it, who offers the best shipping rate and/or the easiest ordering process, which sites might appeal to the market most, etc. I also look for alternate products that I may want to recommend, or use in comparative reviews.

Knowing your market and your products is your job as an affiliate. You want to help them make a buying decision, and the *right* buying decision of course. They’ll appreciate you for it!

Does your list need to be a certain size or do you need a base amount of traffic to start promoting affiliate products?

Everyone has to start somewhere, and that somewhere is usually Square One. I started there myself. While you are building your traffic and your list, there are many other ways to reach your market and start making sales.

Social Media and Guest Blogging are my two favorite ways to kick-start traffic and sales in the beginning. While you are waiting for your pages or blog posts to get indexed in the major search engines and rank well, you can use these strategies to start actively engaging with your market.

What are the top ways that affiliates should promote products to their list? (teleseminars, product reviews, ebooks, articles, newsletters???)

If you already have a mailing list, live events like teleseminars or webinars are great for promoting products. As an affiliate, if you can get the product creator or company on for a live Q&A, that really tends to convert well.

Product reviews, comparisons, news on product changes or new products – those all convert nicely as well. But the absolute best conversions will come from a detailed case study.

My favorite way to promote products as an affiliate is via SEO, or Search Engine Optimization. I like to be where people are looking, so I want to be ranking well when people search for specific products or topics.

What kind of ongoing strategy should moms use to introduce and promote new products on a continual basis to their list.

It really depends on the market, or the niche you chose. If you work with a market that makes repeat purchases then you can easily appeal to them with new coupon codes, holiday offers, and other things that merchants come out with throughout the year.

If you work with a market that doesn’t generally make repeat purchases, or not often – like patio furniture, for example – then you want to follow up with related products. With the patio furniture example, you might offer coupon codes or news on other outdoor products.

The best thing you can do is get in the shoes (and mind) of your ideal visitor. Who are they, what are they looking for… and what else do they need? Ask yourself how you can help them most, and then create your marketing strategy based on those details.

Any other tips you’d like to share?

My number one tip would be: Never do anything *just* to make money. Treat every visitor, every email, every conversation… like they are your mother or your sister. I have chosen many times not to promote something that I knew would be a good money-maker, simply because I wasn’t familiar enough with the product – or couldn’t get behind it without conviction.

When you focus on serving your market, and helping them get what they want… your business will grow like crazy!

Thanks for your time and expertise Lynn! I really appreciate how generous you are with your time and knowledge in helping people make money from home. You are the real deal!

Thank you Kristie, and thank you for this fun interview! I have been working from home for over 14 years now, which has given me the opportunity to pursue a great career – while also raising my two children as a single mother.

From legit online jobs to starting an online business, I’m on a mission to help others achieve the same lifestyle. It’s been incredible!

THANKS LYNN!

My daughter has been looking for a job for the summer with ZERO luck. And it dawned upon me who easy and awesome it would be for me to train her on local search marketing and SEO. She is a super smart 16 year old kid. She has a computer. So I decided to train her on everything I know so that she could earn an income from home too! She is saving for a car.

So I thought it would be the perfect reason to invite some of you along to learn WITH her! My friend Glennette Goodbread and I are teaming together to create a 6 week coaching program starting in June.

If you are interested in joining this group sign up here. We’d love to teach you what we know.

Local Profits Now is perfect for anyone one who:

- is a local business owner who does their own marketing and is looking to get new customers online
- a small business owner looking to ramp up marketing this summer so you are at top of Google come Christmas season
- web developers looking to build a new side income offering local search marketing services to customers
- teens/moms/anyone looking to work from home instead of slaving away at a job

If you would be interested in possibly joining this group, sign up here and we’ll keep you posted!

Sign up here to stay posted and get free local search placement tips:

http://www.webmomz.com/local-profits-now.htm

It should be fun!

Kristie Rimmele
www.Webmomz.com