How’s your back-end?

One of my favorite shows is – America’s Got Talent. I really enjoy watching raw talent come up from the ranks. There’s great talent and there’s… well, let’s just say, less than great. Week after week acts are eliminated until one stands victorious as the winner. The mere fact that a singer, dancer, magician, or any act makes it to the top ten is against the odds. Even if elimination happens along the way contestants build a fan base due to all the visibility. What I find most amazing is how often the opportunity to build an online fan base is missed due to a few missed steps. Oh no! She’s not prepared Tonight I saw a posting on Facebook from one of my favorites, Lys Agnès. The posting announced her new website. I anticipated a well developed site and was disappointed to find very little information with the final line of about six reading, “Stay tuned for updates to this site.” I was saddened to see this. After all, Lys had visibility in front of millions of people over the last few months. Too bad she had not been advised on the importance of having her “backend” in place and ready to receive visitors. Lys is not alone nor unique with this. Countless individuals miss incredible opportunities because they have not set up the right infrastructure for their marketing efforts. About a year ago a contestant on The Shark Tank had a really unique product she was seeking funding for. I was so intrigued by what she created I hopped over to her website and found very little information and almost every link was dead. Whoa!!!! Another poorly developed backend. Then you have someone like Jackie Evancho. Her website is definitely set up to optimize her fan base and online presence. jackieevancho.com The questions that beg to be answered are: How’s your back-end? Is your blog and website set up to receive visitors? Do you have a way for people to access something of extremely high value in trade for their name and email address? Do you have more than one way for them to do this? Do you have your product offerings visible? Do you have information that establishes your credibility and expert status? Do you have a plan for follow up with those who want you to hear from you? If you can’t answer a resounding YES! to each and every one of these questions, you have work to do. And fast! Anyone who knows me knows I am a stickler about consistent marketing to grow a business. However, before you begin extremely proactive marketing you absolutely must have your foundation in place. Don’t be counted among the casualties of those who had a great shot at building an online following but may have missed the mark. Stand among the winners! What’s your favorite way to prepare and optimize your back-end?