Sweetie Saturday Winners: You Guys Rock!

I am really amazed by all the detailed answers provided for this week's Sweetie Saturday Giveaway. Everyone put so much thought into it...it was tough to decide on a winner.

First, I have a few comments & helpful (hopeful words) for the entrants and then I'll announce the winners:

Robert Ragan: First of all, nice to see you again. I think it's been a while! You definitely have a very useful website on genealogy and what a cool subject. Do you have a mailing list somewhere? I didn't see one and I'd really recommend (as I'm sure you know!) that you have a way to keep in touch with your visitors long after they're gone.

Also, at the end of each article, you seem to link to more resources on your site - which is great - but are there some relevant products you can also include there that carry an affiliate commission? Your articles are really detailed and very helpful...but if you can just leave out a little bit out and direct them to a product where they can get more complete information or tools to meet their objective, I bet you'll see some more income coming in.

Erin: I absolutely agree with you on today's consumer society...it makes it really tough to stay organized. Your site Home Organize It is much-needed resource.

One thing to realize is that so many moms feel too busy to get organized. Of course, if you're organized - you take a lot of things off your plate, so taking the time to be organized is IMPORTANT - but many of us can't slow down to consider that. Just like when you actually did the organizing for people, you might want to try to think of away to bring in the "work is done for you" type of stuff online. No, you can't virtually reach through your visitor's computer screens and organize their homes. But think about it...which products could you create or promote as an affiliate that makes organizing a near no-brainer? Advice is good, but the tools to make it easy are even better...you can combine both into your business.

Emilie Nottle: You have some very nice designs and good for you on making good design affordable AND effective for your clients. I really appreciate that your company takes the time and effort to create a marketing-smart presence for your clients by working with copywriters, making an effort to make the websites sticky, etc. MOST designers don't do that and they charge more.

Your pricing is really reasonable, but not too dirt cheap. Of course, I don't know what your costs are, so make sure you're getting paid well for your time. It's nice to be helpful to those on a budget, but it needs to be worthwhile for you, right? :-)

Aurelia Williams: I am so proud of you and am amazed at the great strides you've been taking in your business. We've known each other for over 4 years now and it's great to see the growth in our businesses. I know that everything you do is to help - whether it's women, parents of teens or teens themselves - it is AWESOME! I also know that you have made changes from spending a lot of time helping people one-on-one to making your life a whole lot easier by working for the "greater good" and increasing your profits at the same time. Great job!

Denise Willms: Your building a business helping work at home moms get noticed. That's terrific. One thing that struck me is you said that you personally review and edit each article. Obviously, you should be going through content before publishing on your site (it reflects on you!), but be careful that you don't get bogged down in all the little details and get away from the bigger picture of gaining more exposure for the directory and turning more profit.

Tamo Willsat: What an interesting project. Who knew there was scientific evidence to back-up the Internet Marketing Sweetie concept? ;-) You mentioned the issue of raising funds and you'll definitely want to come up with a solid plan that shows how people will benefit from contributing. Sometimes the "being nice" thing is a tough sell, but when you show them how it benefits them, it can help.

Your site is very academic and I assume you are targeting an academic audience. But if you wanted to reach others with your message, you could certainly come up with new marketing plans to reflect the audience you're seeking. Best of luck to you!

stlva4u: Awesome! There is no competition - they're your potential partners. And good for you for keeping an eye out and protecting your community.

Charlotte: Your hydroponic gardening site is beautiful and so well organized. You've done a great job. The project at school sounds like fun and could definitely help bring exposure to hydroponics in your community. I notice that your "supplies", "grow systems", etc. links at the top go to helpful articles, but it might be an idea to really showcase the products that are being promoted in those articles. Include some pictures, descriptions, etc...sell those products!

So, Who Wins?

Well, everyone had great answers but I must make a decision. The winners are:

- Emilie Nottle: The web designer who is serious about her client's success.
- Charlotte: Who is spreading the word about eco-friendly horticulture.

Emilie and Charlotte, you can claim your prize by emailing news @ internetmarketingsweetie.com - Please include "Internet Marketing Sweetie Prize" in the subject line. Mel will take great care of you, but please remember that it's still the weekend and she'll get back to early in the week.

Congrats everyone on your Sweetie-friendly businesses!