Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hello,

My business is helping people create effective company websites that attract visitors and make sales.  Hence the name of my company, Effective Websites.

I have an idea to write an e-book called "Websites: A Manual for the Basically Clueless."  The purpose of this book would be to help business owners or other people who are in charge of marketing decisions to be able to make informed decisions about what their company website should look like and include, and who to hire to work on the website.  It is not a "do it yourself" book, but a "make informed decisions" book. 

Topics included in the book would be:

--Choosing a domain name and hosting company

--Making a website easy to use, pleasant to look at, and useful to visitors

--Marketing online--things to do and things to avoid

--Things you can use a website for other than an online brochure

I would make this as comprehensive as possible, and write it so that people with little to no understanding of the Internet could feel comfortable with the information presented.  I would sell this e-book through my website for about $17.50.

So, I would like to ask you all, does this sound like a product that you or someone you know would find valuable?  What other topics would you like to see included in this book?  Does the price of $17.50 seem too low or too high?

I appreciate all feedback.

 

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EFFECTIVE WEBSITES
when results matter

www.effective-websites.com

I would avoid using such a negative title. No one wants to admit that she/he is "clueless" enough to buy this book.

I would also consider redoing your own website first. I think people might consider the context of your site when deciding on the value of your book and whether or not they should purchase it.


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That PHP Girl
Small Business Essentials
Latest Post on SUN: New Facebook Pages - First Impressions

I have to agree with the last post. Your website just isn`t, well, effective. It`s a template, and a poor one at that. Do not teach what you do not do yourself.

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Jeff A. Gregory President, Chief Brand Strategist Brand Counsel, LLC     Branding Brilliance    www.brandcounselllc.com

I wouldn`t be too quick to think that. Millions of people have admitted to
being "dummies" and "idiots". I actually think it`s a catchy title.

That being said, I question the relevance of such a book. This is the kind
of information that is already all over the web. Thousands of web
development companies are pushing their own opinions on web design
and marketing. Blogs, web magazines and communities like SuN here
already have information like this for free. And you tell me, what other e-
books out there already cover the same topics? Not to mention the many
tangible, paper-paged books on the subject.

And I would agree with others that your site leaves little to be desired if it
is an example of your knowledge. Maybe it isn`t and you can offer a lot
more. If so, then flaunt it!

I`m not saying selling an e-book about website basics is a bad idea
altogether. But is it a profitable idea? In my opinion, no.

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Home Sweetest Home - Poster-Style Home Portraits
Zingerding - the Internet`s Funny Pages (coming soon!)

Steve Lowtwa

Hey I can use a few pointers, check out my website and tell me what you think,
electorials.com

Thanks,
Greg

Greg: Start your own thread if you want advice and opinions.

Anyone else: Let`s stick with Danae`s idea here. Thanks!

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Home Sweetest Home - Poster-Style Home Portraits
Zingerding - the Internet`s Funny Pages (coming soon!)

Steve Lowtwa

nothing wrong with the title, I mean look at all those ____ for dummies books 

Great idea, pretty good copywriting, pretty good execution. You could improve the design a bit and perhaps execute better, but nothing wrong overall. I see nothing wrong with using a template. In fact, using a template is the only real solution for a beginner. That`s a great way to learn in fact. The real test is how many books you sell, right? If you sell a lot of books, wonderful. If not, you might need to refactor a bit.

Here`s a post I wrote on copywriting. [If you`re interested.]

Jeff, once again a nasty, unhelpful comment. Keep it up and you`re going to show everybody exactly how you like to be "constructive". Have you ever considered that future clients might Google you and find your posts? Is this good brand strategy?

Do you intend to register the book with the Copyright office?

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James Lindon, Ph.D. Patent Attorney
Lindon & Lindon, LLC
Cleveland, Ohio
Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Pharmacy Law, Litigation
[this is not legal advice - provided for discussion only]
Intellectual Property for the Individual and Small Business: Identify, Protect, Enforce, Defend.
"Fools rush in where angels fear to tread."
http://www.LindonLaw.com