So I said to just a few dozen friends and acquaintances, “I started a blog, would you take a look and comment please. I want to thank all of you that filled my e-mail box with supportive criticism, positive (and negative) comments, concerns, observations and suggestions.”

Ron Black’s reaction was, “as Mikey once said, “I yike it.” Then he called me on the phone and as a result you’ll find a Checklist on building a better blog in the Resources on my web site.

I have endeavored to put the brilliance you all shared into making Marketing Rain a better experience for all concerned. And with these changes I hope you will pass it along to any consultants, entrepreneurs or small business owners you believe would profit from this advice. Those of you that subscribed can see all the changes at blog.JerryFletcher.com

Doug Hanna, a creative director I worked with in Denver said, “Whoops! Can you add a meta description and keywords? I can’t find any. And it needs to explain who you are, your credentials and something about the information you provide.”

That bio information is why I added the “bio link” to the side bar. And why Lou Radja a speaker and fund raiser said, “I love the picture and bio but the caption ‘Bio Link” doesn’t match your magnanimity…”

Susan Rich, a writer and radio host made a similar comment. So did Todd Kimball of Mainstreamed Media as well as Ron Frey of Frey Resource Management . And my partner in a speaking venture, Shell Tain. So I changed it.

Susan Rich also pointed out, “Dates are highlighted on the calendar, but why?”

Good point. You’ll notice the calendar is gone.

Kevin Renner, a writer and consultant as well as Sherry Jordan, a business coach and several others noted the type size was too small. I’ve made it bigger.

With good reason per a link provided by Matt Eppelsheimer who said, “Your main body copy is 12px, which more than 50% of adults will have trouble reading due to its small size. More info/ food for thought here

 Mark Haas, a management consultant in DC provided a series of cautions but the most profound came out of his experience of doing a blog for six years. Mark said, “…at some point the enthusiasm for pushing out ideas daily can quietly slip into an obligation (before you have a burst of 10 new ideas).”

I’ve heeded Mark’s advice and plan for sending out these small scenes of professionals sharing their knowledge only two or three times a week as we go into 2013. That agrees with Rick Pay’s advice as well, “Try to write at least twice weekly.”

Larry McCarty said, “What I’m not seeing is how you get your (blog) client off the ‘free stuff’ and moving down the path which will allow you to close the deal.” Jerry Vieira mentioned that as well. And so did Malana McFarlen.

My purpose is to give solopreneurs and small business owners solid information they can use, now. These conversations will make them think about basics. It is one way I believe I can give back to the wider community. Marketing Without Money, the product I will introduce in 2013 will give them access to step-by-step information to build their business whether they are just starting out or want to “take it up a notch.”  

 You can learn more about about how I view marketing at www.JerryFletcher.com