This is the first posting of a new category called “Marketing Yourself.” While it’s specifically geared for writers by providing tips, tricks and best-of articles that I find on the Web, you can apply many of the principles for just about any business with an online presence.

If you haven’t heard of David Meerman Scott, visit his Web site, Web Ink Now. He’s got a plethora of information that focuses on communicating your message to others.

What I like about him is his no-nonsense, no-pretentious approach to Web marketing. When promoting yourself on the Web, say what you mean, he urges. Avoid corporate-speak (words like turnkey); say it simply (Why use the word “utilize” when the word “use” works just as well?) and be honest in your message.

And if you’re not marketing yourself? His material can provide some good lessons in word choice.

MakeMoney4URFamily.com! Money4U.com!

How many of you can spot a MLM Web site a mile away? Maybe you’ve advertisements for these home businesses a street corner or advertised on a Web site; maybe you’ve seen them in reputable home business magazines. When you log on to their Web site, there’s blinking text, many, many different fonts, hard to read text, and the list goes on. What thought goes through your head? They can’t be reputable, their product can’t be reputable.

Have you ever seen the movie Field of Dreams? Ray Kinsella builds a baseball field in the middle of a cornfield. Against all logic and sound advice, he expects miracles to happen.

Earn 1,000,000 a month! Hmmmm…sound familiar?

If you’re a small business owner, you need a serious Web presence. One that commands authority, respect. One that can not only stand up to the competition, it can surpass, outlast and conquer.

There are tens of millions of Web sites out there, and your challenge is formidable: Make your Web presence known to the world. What’s the first step? Unloading this “if you build it they will come” mentality.

I know, I know. You feel proud that you’ve got anything up at all. But just because you build a Web site doesn’t mean your customer base will flock to you. And if they do come? Your audience, those savvy Internet users, knows a lot; your customers–they’re smart folks.

Start taking yourself seriously online–pay attention to design, usability, Internet industry standards, understanding that not all Web browsers are created equally and understanding search engine marketing (SEO).

So that’s what this blog is about. To give home business owners free, down-to-earth, friendly advice about how they can build a better Web site.

Ready to go? Then let’s begin the journey together.