We have finalized the  design for the new and improved Purlem set to launch Oct. 9th.  A improved user interface will allow for easier navigation between campaigns, contacts, and landing pages.  Feedback welcome!

I have been playing around with Twitter a little recently.  I’m trying to find good ways to use the medium to spread the word on purlem.  Thought a good place to start was to look at how other businesses are using it to advertise.  In my research I found some pretty creative pages I thought I would share… And finally the design that I settled on.

Nice bold image draws the eye nicely to his URL.

Creative.. and a little creepy…

Rod does not beat around the bush with his message!

Nice design and  has their URL strategically placed in the center of the page.

And saving the best for last   I thought I would take it one step further..  I put a tracking URL  directs to a landing page.  Lets see if I get any hits.

For years I have been a big fan of Michael Gerber’s E-Myth.  Basically the E-Myth  refers to the idea that most businesses fail because the founders are “technicians” that were inspired to start a business without knowledge of how successful businesses run. His  argues that every business, big or small, should operate as a franchise where there is a systematized, documented process for doing everything.  A start with the end in mind mentality.  Its a great book that I recommend to everybody that is looking to get into business for themselves.

But now contrast the E-mtyhs approach with 37signals.  37signals is a small web design gone software development company based out of Chicago.  Only 7 people strong, this company has development the immensely popular “Basecamp” project management software.  Jason Fried, co-founder of 37signals, says “If you believe 100% in some big upfront advance plan, you’re just lying to yourself.”  37signals created their empire simply by developing a great, simple, software that people can use.  The never spent any money on advertising when they launch the software.  The attribute their success to their blog following and the “trial” membership which allowed people to use the software for free with some limitations. No business development plan, no manuals, no mission statement. Just execution and a blog following.

So it has me thinking…  Can online companies in the web 2.0 age really thrive from an E-myth approach? Or is the more effective way to take an approach like 37signals? I’m starting to think that 37signals has the right idea…

I know I have discussed with some of you the possibility of  creating “campaigns in a box.”  Basically these would be pre-made campaigns that are tested and proven in the marketplace.  As Eric mentioned, this would “reduce the need to design [landing pages] offline and speed up deployment.”  Bill and I also brainstormed how this would offer specific industy groups a quick and effective way of launching complex marketing campaigns.

Taking this one step further, we could test each of these “campaigns in a box” and have average response rates associated with each one.  This will help give small business owners an idea of their ROI before they even invest.  We could even go as far as guaranteeing that they will receive a specific response rate… but maybe I’m getting a little carried away.

I would be interested to hear your other ideas on this concept.

I was thinking that we could follow a model similar to wordpress, where individuals can create “campaign templates” that integrate into Purlem. Below is a screen shot of how WordPress handles this.  By allowing individuals to add campaigns it would create a community of sorts. Doing this though there would have to be some sort of compensation for those creating the campaigns.   Maybe it would be better to keep campaign production in house.

Today we officially begin work on a new and improved Purlem with a projected launch date of Oct. 9th, 2009.  I would like to thank my loyal and dedicated clients who have been working with me on making Purlem what it is today.  I would not have been able to compelete what I did without you.

We will be completely rebuilding the entire Purlem system to be one streamlined, flawless system.   Along with a new look, Purlem will also feature the element of Time (Thanks Bill!).  This will allow us to send email to everybody in a specific campaign,  to individuals, or to landing page visitors at a specific time in the future, helping to automate the sales process.

Its tricky to keep Purlem simple while it continues to grow with more features and capabilities.  My goal for Purlem is to focus on its most basic feature of PURL marketing, and do it extremely well.  Keep It Simple Stupid!  I’ll be the first to admin- It’s hard not to get carried away with features and capabilities.

This date also marks the beginning of our marketing plan.  We will focus more on getting the word out there about Purlem through both paid and social marketing techniques. It’s an excititing time and I welcome an advice or suggestions any of you may have.  Cheers!