You Have to Spend Money to Earn Money.
By Byron Wong
It surprises me that many people fail to grasp this concept as they first set out to start their own businesses. Thanks to the power of the Internet, anyone who has a computer and an Internet connection can now START their own online businesses with little investment. However, generally speaking, it is a given that you have to invest money into your business to if you seriously want it to grow.
Affiliate marketing is a great way for ordinary people to start making money on the Internet. After finding an affiliate program that offers products you are interested in promoting, you can start an online business with just a website. So your total investment up to this point may simply be registering for a domain name and paying for a web hosting account.
But then what? You have to start marketing the products and getting people to your website! A lot of people are turned off when they discover that this is a demanding process that requires a substantial amount of hard work, time, AND money!
Let me give you a specific example. As all experienced Internet marketers know, "the money is in the list." Simply put, you want to build a mailing list of people who may be interested in what you have to offer.
One of the most effective ways to grow your mailing list is to use a pay-per-lead service where you PAY a company to bring targeted subscribers to you. The company will run an advertising campaign for you and deliver motivated, opt-in subscribers to your list. The cost can vary greatly depending on the information you require. The e-mail lead packages I have been using recently range from $.10 to $.35 per lead.
The best lead provider I have used is TrafficOasis. It provides targeted leads that are fresh, NON-SHARED, responsive, and affordable. If you who like to know more, check out its website: http://www.trafficoasis.com/index.php?118787
Other areas where you MAY want to invest money in include: logo design, web design, web promotion, and useful tools such as a graphics editor and a powerful autoresponder. However, there are plenty of free resources on the Internet and I encourage you to seek them out.
The saying, "You have to spend money to earn money," generally holds true for ANY business! An Internet-based business is no exception,whether your are promoting your own products or someone else's.
It is also important that you re-invest a portion of your profits into your business! That way, not only will your business continue to grow, but its GROWTH RATE will also increase! This in turn brings in MORE profits, which allows you to invest MORE into your business... Do you see a pattern!?
The key is to invest money into your business wisely while staying within your budget. If you believe in your business, you are bound to be successful!
To Your Success! Byron Wong
Visit http://www.internet-home-business.org for the BEST money-making opportunities and internet home business programs! Subscribe to our free newsletter NOW by sending an e-mail to ezine@internet-home-business.org and receive a free gift!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Byron_Wong
Friday, December 08, 2006
Writing for the Web
Writing for the Web.
By Jane McLain
Website content, ezines, articles, e-books - if you run an online business you'll probably do your fair share of writing. If you're not entirely confident about your writing abilities, don't worry. You can master writing for the Web and learn to turn out clean, clear, and convincing copy. You just need to understand the nature of the Web and always write with your reader in mind. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
Get organized. Create an outline of the entire site before you begin to help you stay organized as you write, and work from that outline to create each page. Start out with general information and progressively get more detailed and specific as you go on. Tackle your subject systematically and lead toward a logical conclusion.
Make it easy to read. Computer monitors are considerably more difficult to read from than the printed page. Don't overwhelm your readers with endless lines of text. Instead, break it up into logical sections and paragraphs. Formatting text in columns rather than lines as wide as the screen will make it easier to read. Use eye-catching headings to emphasize important points and key concepts.
Get to the point. Go straight to the point in your opening paragraph - tell the reader what you're writing about and how they will benefit from reading it. Grab your readers' attention and motivate them to read on. People are busy and there's plenty of competition for their time and attention, so let them know what's in it for them and why they should stick around to read on.
Write for your readers. The right perspective is the reader's perspective. People visit a website because they want information and want it fast, so give them what they came for. Instead of focusing on what you want to tell them, tell them what they want to know. Ask yourself what kind of person is likely to be reading what you write, and tailor your writing to that group. Don't use any technical terms your audience might not be familiar with. You want to come across as knowledgable without talking down to your readers.
Keep it short. When it comes to writing for the Web, less is more. Reading from a computer monitor is relatively taxing on the eyes, so be concise. Make sure you've covered your subject thoroughly but concisely. Paragraphs should be relatively short (generally, three to five sentences). If your subject can't be covered thoroughly enough in a short article or on a Web page, split it up into two articles or Web pages.
Stay focused. Stay focused on the main idea you want to express in each paragraph or section. After you've finished, reread what you've written to make sure you haven't strayed from your topic. If you find you've digressed or gone off on a tangent, cut the extra material for use in another article. Your content should closely match your title or heading and introduction (in other words, make sure you've given the reader what you promised.
Be yourself. Be conversational but professional. Formality and "corporate speak" seem out of place on the Web, unless you happen to be marketing exclusively to executive types. Otherwise it's fine to speak in the first person and share your own viewpoints. Letting your own personality shine through and sharing your own experiences is a great way to build a relationship with your readers.
Don't come on too strong. We've all seen those websites that are trying too hard. Hyped up sales copy, excessive exclamation points, and text in too many different sizes and fonts are more likely to motivate the reader to leave immediately than to buy the product. Accentuate the positive, but don't exaggerate or make exorbitant claims or promises you can't keep. Instead of going for the hard sell, let your products speak for themselves. Stick to features, benefits, and objective comparisons with your competitors' products.
Think globally. Remember, it is called the World Wide Web, after all, and your site could be viewed by visitors who have many different native languages, cultures, religions, and values. For that reason write for a broad audience. Photographs and language that are acceptable in the United States might be offensive to citizens of more traditional or conservative countries. Humor can liven up your site, but make sure the jokes are in good taste and won't be construed as sexist, racist, or derogatory toward any group.
Check your work. Little mistakes have a way of standing out, and even one glaring mistake can undermine your professional image. Proofread your copy very carefully, more than once, and ideally have someone else proofread it as well. In particular, watch out for spelling and grammatical errors, missing punctuation, omitted or duplicated words, and poorly constructed sentences. Using your spell checker will help, but it's no substitute for careful reading by a human. You might find it's easier to spot errors in your text if you print it out and read it.
Get another opinion. Recruit a few friends or colleagues who aren't overly familiar with your products and company to give you their opionions on what you've written. Could they understand your description of your product(s)? Was your explanation of the benefits and selling points convincing? Were they left with any unanswered questions? Be open to their criticisms and questions and use their feedback to fine tune your copy.
Consult a pro. You might have something worthwhile to say but that doesn't mean you necessarily have a talent for writing compelling copy. If writing just isn't your strong suit, don't hesitate to enlist the help of a professional to help you get your thoughts down on paper. Depending on your own abilities, you might call in a proofreader, editor or even a "ghost writer" to help you convert your ideas into professional-looking copy.
Jane McLain is a Web developer and SEO specialist and the webmaster of EClaunchsite.com, an online resource center for netrepreneurs with tools and information to help you plan, build, launch and grow your e-business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_McLain
By Jane McLain
Website content, ezines, articles, e-books - if you run an online business you'll probably do your fair share of writing. If you're not entirely confident about your writing abilities, don't worry. You can master writing for the Web and learn to turn out clean, clear, and convincing copy. You just need to understand the nature of the Web and always write with your reader in mind. Here are some guidelines to get you started:
Get organized. Create an outline of the entire site before you begin to help you stay organized as you write, and work from that outline to create each page. Start out with general information and progressively get more detailed and specific as you go on. Tackle your subject systematically and lead toward a logical conclusion.
Make it easy to read. Computer monitors are considerably more difficult to read from than the printed page. Don't overwhelm your readers with endless lines of text. Instead, break it up into logical sections and paragraphs. Formatting text in columns rather than lines as wide as the screen will make it easier to read. Use eye-catching headings to emphasize important points and key concepts.
Get to the point. Go straight to the point in your opening paragraph - tell the reader what you're writing about and how they will benefit from reading it. Grab your readers' attention and motivate them to read on. People are busy and there's plenty of competition for their time and attention, so let them know what's in it for them and why they should stick around to read on.
Write for your readers. The right perspective is the reader's perspective. People visit a website because they want information and want it fast, so give them what they came for. Instead of focusing on what you want to tell them, tell them what they want to know. Ask yourself what kind of person is likely to be reading what you write, and tailor your writing to that group. Don't use any technical terms your audience might not be familiar with. You want to come across as knowledgable without talking down to your readers.
Keep it short. When it comes to writing for the Web, less is more. Reading from a computer monitor is relatively taxing on the eyes, so be concise. Make sure you've covered your subject thoroughly but concisely. Paragraphs should be relatively short (generally, three to five sentences). If your subject can't be covered thoroughly enough in a short article or on a Web page, split it up into two articles or Web pages.
Stay focused. Stay focused on the main idea you want to express in each paragraph or section. After you've finished, reread what you've written to make sure you haven't strayed from your topic. If you find you've digressed or gone off on a tangent, cut the extra material for use in another article. Your content should closely match your title or heading and introduction (in other words, make sure you've given the reader what you promised.
Be yourself. Be conversational but professional. Formality and "corporate speak" seem out of place on the Web, unless you happen to be marketing exclusively to executive types. Otherwise it's fine to speak in the first person and share your own viewpoints. Letting your own personality shine through and sharing your own experiences is a great way to build a relationship with your readers.
Don't come on too strong. We've all seen those websites that are trying too hard. Hyped up sales copy, excessive exclamation points, and text in too many different sizes and fonts are more likely to motivate the reader to leave immediately than to buy the product. Accentuate the positive, but don't exaggerate or make exorbitant claims or promises you can't keep. Instead of going for the hard sell, let your products speak for themselves. Stick to features, benefits, and objective comparisons with your competitors' products.
Think globally. Remember, it is called the World Wide Web, after all, and your site could be viewed by visitors who have many different native languages, cultures, religions, and values. For that reason write for a broad audience. Photographs and language that are acceptable in the United States might be offensive to citizens of more traditional or conservative countries. Humor can liven up your site, but make sure the jokes are in good taste and won't be construed as sexist, racist, or derogatory toward any group.
Check your work. Little mistakes have a way of standing out, and even one glaring mistake can undermine your professional image. Proofread your copy very carefully, more than once, and ideally have someone else proofread it as well. In particular, watch out for spelling and grammatical errors, missing punctuation, omitted or duplicated words, and poorly constructed sentences. Using your spell checker will help, but it's no substitute for careful reading by a human. You might find it's easier to spot errors in your text if you print it out and read it.
Get another opinion. Recruit a few friends or colleagues who aren't overly familiar with your products and company to give you their opionions on what you've written. Could they understand your description of your product(s)? Was your explanation of the benefits and selling points convincing? Were they left with any unanswered questions? Be open to their criticisms and questions and use their feedback to fine tune your copy.
Consult a pro. You might have something worthwhile to say but that doesn't mean you necessarily have a talent for writing compelling copy. If writing just isn't your strong suit, don't hesitate to enlist the help of a professional to help you get your thoughts down on paper. Depending on your own abilities, you might call in a proofreader, editor or even a "ghost writer" to help you convert your ideas into professional-looking copy.
Jane McLain is a Web developer and SEO specialist and the webmaster of EClaunchsite.com, an online resource center for netrepreneurs with tools and information to help you plan, build, launch and grow your e-business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_McLain
Why Have a Website ?
Why Have a Website ?
By Keith Thirgood
Money. For any business, the ultimate goal for having a website is to make money. Your site is not a status symbol, it's a tool, designed to make more money for your business.
However, money's not enough. Ask yourself: Beyond the ultimate goal of earning more money, is your website designed to gather leads, service customers, enhance your image, produce direct sales, or something else? It's important to choose. Because, without a primary objective, you have no way of deciding what should go in your website or how it should be structured, let alone evaluate whether it's working or not.
The next big question is: Do I have the time and the inclination to design and manage the website myself? If yes, there are plenty of inexpensive, user-friendly web creation software packages available, for all platforms. You might also consider having it professionally designed, but managing it yourself.
If you are going to get professional help, take the time to clearly understand what you want a website developer to deliver, and what you must provide for a successful site. Approach designers with your goals and objectives, and a budget in hand. Don't' expect, or allow, a designer to tell you what to spend. It's not their money, and not their future. It's yours, take command.
Evaluate these professionals on how clearly they can respond to your budget and goals. Can they explain why you should have the basic elements they're suggesting? Can they clarify why they do not have certain things in their proposal that others might have included? If all they say is "For $xxxxx you get 14 pages," look further. These people are providing a cookie cutter approach to web design.
Additionally, don't be mislead by a flashy portfolio of sites they've designed. Try to analyse any sites they show you from the eye of the company that needed the site. Ask them what the goal of each site was, and try to determine if the site delivers on the goal.
With your objective in mind (and possibly a professional at your side), it's now time to develop the tactics you'll use to succeed. I assume you are developing a website for marketing and selling purposes, not just image.
Keeping your focus on the objective of your website, put your primary emphasis in developing content and the necessary tools to communicate with prospects. Attractive graphics and design are vital to success, but forget the animations, the streaming video and all the other bells and whistles. (Unless, of course, these bells and whistles are what you're selling.).
Bells and whistles tend to slow sites down, some are annoying and some (Java, audio, video, etc.) are not supported by all browsers. (Some designers/programmers will tell you that 80% of the browsers support X, Y or Z special effect. In theory, yes. However, I've found that most regular surfers don't have their browsers configured properly to take advantage of all the features it's capable of using.) Remember, it's about communications.
One of the best tactics of generating prospect communication is by gaining your visitor's e-mail address. It's just like getting a prospect's address and phone number. With these, you can begin a dialogue. What people are now calling "Permission Marketing".
I've found that at most websites, capturing prospect contact information isn't a very high priority. Usually, the concentration is on products and services. Keep in mind, research has shown most people don't buy the very first time they hear about, or see, a product or service. The rule of thumb in advertising is, a prospect needs seven exposures before they will take any kind of action. This holds true for the Internet. If prospects visit your website, have look, leave and never come back; you've failed. Either your site must be so compelling, that they keep coming back. Or you need to gather their contact info, so that you can continue to bring your marketing message to them again and again.
Gathering E-Mail Addresses
What might induce a visitor to give you their e-mail address? How about a free subscription to your electronic newsletter? Or a free report on a subject of interest to them? (Related to your field, of course.) Or, announcements on special offers in the area of their interest? Show them the benefits and many of them will sign on!
Don't simply ask prospects for their contact information. People are very wary of handing out personal information. They want to know what's in it for them, before they'll give you such valuable information.
Once you have their e-mail address, immediately contact the prospect. This can be done by sending each contact a personal e-mail, or by using a listserver/ autoresponder. Immediately send your prospect information about the benefits of doing business with you. (How hard or soft an approach you take is up to you and your style. And to some extent, the style of your industry.)
A listserver is software which stores e-mail addresses, and can automatically e-mail information to your entire prospect list. This allows you to send special announcements, tips, industry information, etc. to your prospects on a regular basis, at next to no cost. You can even set the listserver to send a final batch of information if a prospect asks to be unsubscribed from your list. It's one last chance to impress them with the value of your product/service.
Keith Thirgood, Creative Director
Capstone Communications Group
Helping businesses get more business through innovative marketing
http://www.capstonecomm.com/
Markham, Ontario, Canada 905-472-2330
Subscribe to Thrive-on-line http://list.capstonecomm.com/mail.cgi?f=list&l=thrive_on_line
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Thirgood
By Keith Thirgood
Money. For any business, the ultimate goal for having a website is to make money. Your site is not a status symbol, it's a tool, designed to make more money for your business.
However, money's not enough. Ask yourself: Beyond the ultimate goal of earning more money, is your website designed to gather leads, service customers, enhance your image, produce direct sales, or something else? It's important to choose. Because, without a primary objective, you have no way of deciding what should go in your website or how it should be structured, let alone evaluate whether it's working or not.
The next big question is: Do I have the time and the inclination to design and manage the website myself? If yes, there are plenty of inexpensive, user-friendly web creation software packages available, for all platforms. You might also consider having it professionally designed, but managing it yourself.
If you are going to get professional help, take the time to clearly understand what you want a website developer to deliver, and what you must provide for a successful site. Approach designers with your goals and objectives, and a budget in hand. Don't' expect, or allow, a designer to tell you what to spend. It's not their money, and not their future. It's yours, take command.
Evaluate these professionals on how clearly they can respond to your budget and goals. Can they explain why you should have the basic elements they're suggesting? Can they clarify why they do not have certain things in their proposal that others might have included? If all they say is "For $xxxxx you get 14 pages," look further. These people are providing a cookie cutter approach to web design.
Additionally, don't be mislead by a flashy portfolio of sites they've designed. Try to analyse any sites they show you from the eye of the company that needed the site. Ask them what the goal of each site was, and try to determine if the site delivers on the goal.
With your objective in mind (and possibly a professional at your side), it's now time to develop the tactics you'll use to succeed. I assume you are developing a website for marketing and selling purposes, not just image.
Keeping your focus on the objective of your website, put your primary emphasis in developing content and the necessary tools to communicate with prospects. Attractive graphics and design are vital to success, but forget the animations, the streaming video and all the other bells and whistles. (Unless, of course, these bells and whistles are what you're selling.).
Bells and whistles tend to slow sites down, some are annoying and some (Java, audio, video, etc.) are not supported by all browsers. (Some designers/programmers will tell you that 80% of the browsers support X, Y or Z special effect. In theory, yes. However, I've found that most regular surfers don't have their browsers configured properly to take advantage of all the features it's capable of using.) Remember, it's about communications.
One of the best tactics of generating prospect communication is by gaining your visitor's e-mail address. It's just like getting a prospect's address and phone number. With these, you can begin a dialogue. What people are now calling "Permission Marketing".
I've found that at most websites, capturing prospect contact information isn't a very high priority. Usually, the concentration is on products and services. Keep in mind, research has shown most people don't buy the very first time they hear about, or see, a product or service. The rule of thumb in advertising is, a prospect needs seven exposures before they will take any kind of action. This holds true for the Internet. If prospects visit your website, have look, leave and never come back; you've failed. Either your site must be so compelling, that they keep coming back. Or you need to gather their contact info, so that you can continue to bring your marketing message to them again and again.
Gathering E-Mail Addresses
What might induce a visitor to give you their e-mail address? How about a free subscription to your electronic newsletter? Or a free report on a subject of interest to them? (Related to your field, of course.) Or, announcements on special offers in the area of their interest? Show them the benefits and many of them will sign on!
Don't simply ask prospects for their contact information. People are very wary of handing out personal information. They want to know what's in it for them, before they'll give you such valuable information.
Once you have their e-mail address, immediately contact the prospect. This can be done by sending each contact a personal e-mail, or by using a listserver/ autoresponder. Immediately send your prospect information about the benefits of doing business with you. (How hard or soft an approach you take is up to you and your style. And to some extent, the style of your industry.)
A listserver is software which stores e-mail addresses, and can automatically e-mail information to your entire prospect list. This allows you to send special announcements, tips, industry information, etc. to your prospects on a regular basis, at next to no cost. You can even set the listserver to send a final batch of information if a prospect asks to be unsubscribed from your list. It's one last chance to impress them with the value of your product/service.
Keith Thirgood, Creative Director
Capstone Communications Group
Helping businesses get more business through innovative marketing
http://www.capstonecomm.com/
Markham, Ontario, Canada 905-472-2330
Subscribe to Thrive-on-line http://list.capstonecomm.com/mail.cgi?f=list&l=thrive_on_line
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Thirgood
Where is "King Content ?"
Where is "King Content ?"
By Keith Thirgood
One bit of advice you'll read over and over about business websites is that "content is king". Whether this is true or not is debatable, but most marketing and web advisors agree that content is very important. Great! But how do you get this fabulous, important content that surfers are looking for?
Most businesses assume that they can create it in-house. Not a bad idea. After all, they would be writing about their own subject. That shouldn't be so hard. Should it? Well, very few of us are natural writers; able to turn any subject into scintillating prose that our public will eat up. Even for those who are able to do this, do they-- do you--have the time? And what's your time worth?
Quality content is expensive to create. For your website to be a useful marketing or sales tool, the cost of delivering clients must be low enough to make it profitable. A difficult balancing act.
There are a variety of ways you can "develop" content for your website, which don't include huge expenditures of time or cash, including the following:
COMPILE and CONDENSE In general, people prefer to read short, sharp copy on the web. (Articles like this one are one of the exceptions. :-) ) If you have content in other formats, summarise it. It's far cheaper than creating content from scratch.
Also, you can summarise content from other web sites or print media. It's true. Under copyright law, you CAN use other people's material, using the principle of "fair use". To see how to do this, read the newspaper and trade magazines. They often are 'reporting' on someone else's information. You take some of the material you want to use directly as quotes, and write your own commentary around it.
CASE STUDIES For a company whose business is problem solving, case studies can provide tonnes of interesting content. Writing up a case study is quite simple. Do it in three parts. 1. The situation the client faced. 2. The solution you proposed and implemented. 3. The results your client received from your solution. There's no need for fancy prose. Just the facts ma'am.
LINKING There is no less expensive content than a link. Some websites gain all of their popularity through their links. In fact, that's all search engines and directories are, just huge collections of links.
You can build a large collection of hard-to-find, specialised links, exclusive to your industry. This will make you a resource for those looking for the websites you link to.
The downside is if someone is coming to your site to search for a particular website, they will soon be leaving your site to visit the link. You need to make the rest of your site intriguing enough to keep these searchers with you.
The best kind are reciprocal links, where you trade links with other websites who attract the same sort of traffic as you are looking for. Think of it as a form of barter. Some advisors tell you not to link to your competitors. I disagree. Your competitors' websites are the ideal places to exchange links with. (If they have the nerve to.)
To see more about how to find reciprocal links, read my article called a "Quick Guide to Finding Reciprocal Links" at http://www.capstonecomm.com/articleindex.html
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE Does your site need a substantial amount of new content on a regular basis? Content that you don't already create. If so, the ideal solution may be to form an alliance with someone who does produce the right sort of content. (Here, you likely don't want to ally yourself with a competitor.)
A writer might want more exposure on the web, so will allow you to run his articles in exchange for links back to his own website or e-mail. These links would appear in the full bio, which is published along with every article he gives you. Other content producers might need something you produce on a regular basis. That need might be the basis to build the alliance from.
BUY IT! There are many authors on the web selling general content, and willing and able to develop custom content for you. There are also organisations devoted to developing and selling content. These include news feeds, many of which may be appropriate to your needs.
GET YOUR VISITORS TO CREATE IT This can be best of all. There are a number of tools to enable your visitors to generate content: mailing lists, discussion lists, chat rooms, client reviews, etc. (For example, Amazon gets its customers to write online reviews of books they have purchased.)
These tools can be set up to run automatically, but there is a danger to the 'hands off' approach. Spammers can pollute your discussion list with their advertising. Chat rooms can degenerate into rude and lewd war zones. Mailing lists can be abused in the same fashion. For these tools to work in your favour, they must be watched on a daily (or even tighter) basis.
There you have it. Six different approaches to creating "King Content". Do you have any other ways of generating content I haven't mentioned? I'd like to hear from you if you do.
Keith Thirgood, Creative Director, Editor Thrive-on-Line http://www.capstonecomm.com Capstone Communications Group Helping businesses get more business through innovative marketing Markham, Ontario, Canada 905-472-2330 Subscribe to Thrive-on-line http://list.capstonecomm.com/mail.cgi?f=list&l=thrive_on_line
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Thirgood
By Keith Thirgood
One bit of advice you'll read over and over about business websites is that "content is king". Whether this is true or not is debatable, but most marketing and web advisors agree that content is very important. Great! But how do you get this fabulous, important content that surfers are looking for?
Most businesses assume that they can create it in-house. Not a bad idea. After all, they would be writing about their own subject. That shouldn't be so hard. Should it? Well, very few of us are natural writers; able to turn any subject into scintillating prose that our public will eat up. Even for those who are able to do this, do they-- do you--have the time? And what's your time worth?
Quality content is expensive to create. For your website to be a useful marketing or sales tool, the cost of delivering clients must be low enough to make it profitable. A difficult balancing act.
There are a variety of ways you can "develop" content for your website, which don't include huge expenditures of time or cash, including the following:
COMPILE and CONDENSE In general, people prefer to read short, sharp copy on the web. (Articles like this one are one of the exceptions. :-) ) If you have content in other formats, summarise it. It's far cheaper than creating content from scratch.
Also, you can summarise content from other web sites or print media. It's true. Under copyright law, you CAN use other people's material, using the principle of "fair use". To see how to do this, read the newspaper and trade magazines. They often are 'reporting' on someone else's information. You take some of the material you want to use directly as quotes, and write your own commentary around it.
CASE STUDIES For a company whose business is problem solving, case studies can provide tonnes of interesting content. Writing up a case study is quite simple. Do it in three parts. 1. The situation the client faced. 2. The solution you proposed and implemented. 3. The results your client received from your solution. There's no need for fancy prose. Just the facts ma'am.
LINKING There is no less expensive content than a link. Some websites gain all of their popularity through their links. In fact, that's all search engines and directories are, just huge collections of links.
You can build a large collection of hard-to-find, specialised links, exclusive to your industry. This will make you a resource for those looking for the websites you link to.
The downside is if someone is coming to your site to search for a particular website, they will soon be leaving your site to visit the link. You need to make the rest of your site intriguing enough to keep these searchers with you.
The best kind are reciprocal links, where you trade links with other websites who attract the same sort of traffic as you are looking for. Think of it as a form of barter. Some advisors tell you not to link to your competitors. I disagree. Your competitors' websites are the ideal places to exchange links with. (If they have the nerve to.)
To see more about how to find reciprocal links, read my article called a "Quick Guide to Finding Reciprocal Links" at http://www.capstonecomm.com/articleindex.html
STRATEGIC ALLIANCE Does your site need a substantial amount of new content on a regular basis? Content that you don't already create. If so, the ideal solution may be to form an alliance with someone who does produce the right sort of content. (Here, you likely don't want to ally yourself with a competitor.)
A writer might want more exposure on the web, so will allow you to run his articles in exchange for links back to his own website or e-mail. These links would appear in the full bio, which is published along with every article he gives you. Other content producers might need something you produce on a regular basis. That need might be the basis to build the alliance from.
BUY IT! There are many authors on the web selling general content, and willing and able to develop custom content for you. There are also organisations devoted to developing and selling content. These include news feeds, many of which may be appropriate to your needs.
GET YOUR VISITORS TO CREATE IT This can be best of all. There are a number of tools to enable your visitors to generate content: mailing lists, discussion lists, chat rooms, client reviews, etc. (For example, Amazon gets its customers to write online reviews of books they have purchased.)
These tools can be set up to run automatically, but there is a danger to the 'hands off' approach. Spammers can pollute your discussion list with their advertising. Chat rooms can degenerate into rude and lewd war zones. Mailing lists can be abused in the same fashion. For these tools to work in your favour, they must be watched on a daily (or even tighter) basis.
There you have it. Six different approaches to creating "King Content". Do you have any other ways of generating content I haven't mentioned? I'd like to hear from you if you do.
Keith Thirgood, Creative Director, Editor Thrive-on-Line http://www.capstonecomm.com Capstone Communications Group Helping businesses get more business through innovative marketing Markham, Ontario, Canada 905-472-2330 Subscribe to Thrive-on-line http://list.capstonecomm.com/mail.cgi?f=list&l=thrive_on_line
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Thirgood
Using Repackaging to 'Go Big' with your Online Biz
Using Repackaging to 'Go Big' with your Online Biz.
By Andrea J. Lee
It's actually quite common for online business owners to find themselves stuck. So let's start with a bang and talk about one of the best ways I know to give your online business a real-world boost.
Come to understand the concept of 'Repackaging' or 'Repurposing'
When I go to the grocery store in the month of November, I always shake my head in admiration. The reason is it's pretty obvious what the Big Chocolate companies have done, isn't it? They've taken the same chocolate product and changed the packaging (switched the giant plastic bags for high-end boxes.) It doesn't matter if it's Cadbury, Hershey or Lindt...you're looking at the very same chocolate only put to a new purpose...helping us celebrate Christmas instead of Halloween. Brilliant. And a critically important lesson for online biz owners.
So here's the question to ask yourself:
"What intellectual property do I have that I can (quickly and with relatively little effort) repackage and sell to a new set of customers?"
Answer:
Step 1: Start by listing your current inventory of intellectual property.
Dig deep and don't overlook the obvious. If you've created a one-page website, terrific, put it on your list. Other things to list include lesson plans, graphical banners, audio clips, TeleClass titles you've led, even the list of ideas in your notebook is part of your IP inventory...you don't have to have a website. Other more traditional items are CD sets, workbooks, assessments, your ezine, eBooks, etc.
Step 2: Now brainstorm how to make your material new again.
Make a list of how your current inventory can be repurposed. Can your eZine issues be compiled into an eBooklet? Maybe your eBook can be chunked into 52 issues of a weekly tip eZine...perfect to attract visitors to your website. Do this for as many items in your inventory as you can, and by all means list as many new purposes for each that occur to you. Filled in, this worksheet will become your list of "gold nugget" projects, to return to when time or budget permit.
Step 3: Choose one item and act.
I get asked every day "why do some eBusinesses succeed where others never get off the ground?" The answer is they take full advantage of the leverage they can get out of their intellectual property. By choosing one item on your list to repurpose, and following through on it, you don't just create new products for your online shelves (a great thing in and of itself.) Simply by applying the concept of repurposing, you increase the value of the time you spent creating your original offering.
Your time and energy are now "worth" more than before you read this lesson.
Fabulous, isn't it?
For all those who are dabbling in the online world, but want to go big...good for you for starting a few things. You're right on track! Now your job is to repackage what you've got and serve your customers in as many ways as possible. Not everyone who goes out for breakfast wants their eggs scrambled. As an online business owner, your customers are waiting for you to offer them the choice that suits them best, all the way from sunny side up to eggs benedict and back again.
Repackaging existing intellectual property for long term online success has such a strong track record, I'm hard pressed to think of a truly successful online business that doesn't do it. So once you get the hang of it, try going one step further and make sure new projects are developed with a good "repackageability quotient" from the start. Every new product you create can and should have three or more uses. When that starts happening naturally, you'll know you've fully integrated this strategy into your online biz.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
By Andrea J. Lee
It's actually quite common for online business owners to find themselves stuck. So let's start with a bang and talk about one of the best ways I know to give your online business a real-world boost.
Come to understand the concept of 'Repackaging' or 'Repurposing'
When I go to the grocery store in the month of November, I always shake my head in admiration. The reason is it's pretty obvious what the Big Chocolate companies have done, isn't it? They've taken the same chocolate product and changed the packaging (switched the giant plastic bags for high-end boxes.) It doesn't matter if it's Cadbury, Hershey or Lindt...you're looking at the very same chocolate only put to a new purpose...helping us celebrate Christmas instead of Halloween. Brilliant. And a critically important lesson for online biz owners.
So here's the question to ask yourself:
"What intellectual property do I have that I can (quickly and with relatively little effort) repackage and sell to a new set of customers?"
Answer:
Step 1: Start by listing your current inventory of intellectual property.
Dig deep and don't overlook the obvious. If you've created a one-page website, terrific, put it on your list. Other things to list include lesson plans, graphical banners, audio clips, TeleClass titles you've led, even the list of ideas in your notebook is part of your IP inventory...you don't have to have a website. Other more traditional items are CD sets, workbooks, assessments, your ezine, eBooks, etc.
Step 2: Now brainstorm how to make your material new again.
Make a list of how your current inventory can be repurposed. Can your eZine issues be compiled into an eBooklet? Maybe your eBook can be chunked into 52 issues of a weekly tip eZine...perfect to attract visitors to your website. Do this for as many items in your inventory as you can, and by all means list as many new purposes for each that occur to you. Filled in, this worksheet will become your list of "gold nugget" projects, to return to when time or budget permit.
Step 3: Choose one item and act.
I get asked every day "why do some eBusinesses succeed where others never get off the ground?" The answer is they take full advantage of the leverage they can get out of their intellectual property. By choosing one item on your list to repurpose, and following through on it, you don't just create new products for your online shelves (a great thing in and of itself.) Simply by applying the concept of repurposing, you increase the value of the time you spent creating your original offering.
Your time and energy are now "worth" more than before you read this lesson.
Fabulous, isn't it?
For all those who are dabbling in the online world, but want to go big...good for you for starting a few things. You're right on track! Now your job is to repackage what you've got and serve your customers in as many ways as possible. Not everyone who goes out for breakfast wants their eggs scrambled. As an online business owner, your customers are waiting for you to offer them the choice that suits them best, all the way from sunny side up to eggs benedict and back again.
Repackaging existing intellectual property for long term online success has such a strong track record, I'm hard pressed to think of a truly successful online business that doesn't do it. So once you get the hang of it, try going one step further and make sure new projects are developed with a good "repackageability quotient" from the start. Every new product you create can and should have three or more uses. When that starts happening naturally, you'll know you've fully integrated this strategy into your online biz.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
Using a Free "Loss Leader" with Lists - Viral List Builders, Opt-In Lists
Using a Free "Loss Leader" with Lists - Viral List Builders, Opt-In Lists.
By Silke Stahl
What is the best way to lead when using Viral List Builders and SafeLists? After all, you are not marketing to fresh leads – your demographic has already joined an affiliate program and has joined the list program to market it. You need and angle, and offering a freebie could well be the best way….
The main point I would want to get across is that we lead with the free SIM - Secrets of Internet Millionaires - pack, which backends the SFI free trial. It then makes it very easy to do the followups and encourage the customer to give the business a proper try, because the initial contact and first followup has been made and trust established.
We have found this works best for VLB and SL users because all they have to do is give away copied of SIM through the Lists. Whatever they are offering through the mailshot itself, there is nothing to lose by offering the SIM at the end of the message. Often readers with no interest in the main offer will sign up for the SIM.
Even if SFI is only a second business to them, they end up building strong downlines in it. The common thread in my marketing group is that they all promote SFI - and the SIM offer is the way they do it through lists. Many people have done what I and my frontline did and switched to SFI as their primary opportunity as they have bigger downlines and more money coming in for less work.
Before this sounds like it is turning into an ad for SFI, that is not my intention. What I am doing is giving a clear definate example of this strategy in action - no theories, no guessing - pure facts based on continued results.
The theory now is that this should work for ANY business - if they lead by giving away a freebie - whether it be a pack, ebook, or course - and then a free trial for a business - no obligation to upgrade.
In SFI, members are encouraged to upgrade to MIQ, and offered benefits, but it is never an obligation, and it can be done by sales rather than HAVING to make a personal purchase. Similarly although it is technically possible to buy PTL status - Powerline Team Leader - no-one does, they do it by sales or signing up members who MIQ.
Because I ran Network Marketing offline for years and had a successful business, when coming online I wanted to make the process as close as possible, rather than these new wild Internet Marketing schemes.
VLBs and SLs work great using the "freebie" lead method such as SIM and are unique to IM, better and cheaper than the old "mailshot" methods used offline.
As long as it's used properly.
So my strategy now is to promote just SFI from my homepage:
first offer the SFI opp direct;
second offer SIM - those who are happy with their current opp and don't want anything else often sign up for the free SIM pack and many go on to try SFI as a second income stream as it builds downlines so well and is free to run - who wants to throw away free commissions?
third offer IAHBE memberships - those who really don't want another bus opp and are focused often sign up for IAHBE to help them with what they already do.
Other pages contain the marketing tools, information pages, and even a bookstore, and PTR programs for those wanting some extra cash.
The strategy here is to make the biz opp - in this case SFI - "Rome" and all roads lead there.
To quote a line from The Matrix:
"all I offer is the truth nothing more"
What you do with it is up to you.
Silke Stahl is an International Internet Marketer and Home Business Entrepreneur.
Visit her website at: http://www.SilkeStahl.com
and her forum at: http://thestork.proboards20.com
Her own Safelist can be found here: http://www.safelistbuilder.com/StorkList
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Silke_Stahl
By Silke Stahl
What is the best way to lead when using Viral List Builders and SafeLists? After all, you are not marketing to fresh leads – your demographic has already joined an affiliate program and has joined the list program to market it. You need and angle, and offering a freebie could well be the best way….
The main point I would want to get across is that we lead with the free SIM - Secrets of Internet Millionaires - pack, which backends the SFI free trial. It then makes it very easy to do the followups and encourage the customer to give the business a proper try, because the initial contact and first followup has been made and trust established.
We have found this works best for VLB and SL users because all they have to do is give away copied of SIM through the Lists. Whatever they are offering through the mailshot itself, there is nothing to lose by offering the SIM at the end of the message. Often readers with no interest in the main offer will sign up for the SIM.
Even if SFI is only a second business to them, they end up building strong downlines in it. The common thread in my marketing group is that they all promote SFI - and the SIM offer is the way they do it through lists. Many people have done what I and my frontline did and switched to SFI as their primary opportunity as they have bigger downlines and more money coming in for less work.
Before this sounds like it is turning into an ad for SFI, that is not my intention. What I am doing is giving a clear definate example of this strategy in action - no theories, no guessing - pure facts based on continued results.
The theory now is that this should work for ANY business - if they lead by giving away a freebie - whether it be a pack, ebook, or course - and then a free trial for a business - no obligation to upgrade.
In SFI, members are encouraged to upgrade to MIQ, and offered benefits, but it is never an obligation, and it can be done by sales rather than HAVING to make a personal purchase. Similarly although it is technically possible to buy PTL status - Powerline Team Leader - no-one does, they do it by sales or signing up members who MIQ.
Because I ran Network Marketing offline for years and had a successful business, when coming online I wanted to make the process as close as possible, rather than these new wild Internet Marketing schemes.
VLBs and SLs work great using the "freebie" lead method such as SIM and are unique to IM, better and cheaper than the old "mailshot" methods used offline.
As long as it's used properly.
So my strategy now is to promote just SFI from my homepage:
first offer the SFI opp direct;
second offer SIM - those who are happy with their current opp and don't want anything else often sign up for the free SIM pack and many go on to try SFI as a second income stream as it builds downlines so well and is free to run - who wants to throw away free commissions?
third offer IAHBE memberships - those who really don't want another bus opp and are focused often sign up for IAHBE to help them with what they already do.
Other pages contain the marketing tools, information pages, and even a bookstore, and PTR programs for those wanting some extra cash.
The strategy here is to make the biz opp - in this case SFI - "Rome" and all roads lead there.
To quote a line from The Matrix:
"all I offer is the truth nothing more"
What you do with it is up to you.
Silke Stahl is an International Internet Marketer and Home Business Entrepreneur.
Visit her website at: http://www.SilkeStahl.com
and her forum at: http://thestork.proboards20.com
Her own Safelist can be found here: http://www.safelistbuilder.com/StorkList
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Silke_Stahl
Understanding Google AdWords
Understanding Google AdWords.
By S. Housley
Google AdWords
Unlike many search engines Google, to its credit, clearly denotes search listings that are paid placement. In fact, Google AdWords appear in a separate section down the left side of the screen.
Google AdWords provide an inexpensive advertising venue for businesses to advertise products or services to a targeted audience. Advertisers have the ability to control their budget, target their advertising based on keywords. Advertisers are also free to determine the ad contents.
Google AdWords allow for nearly instant traffic, which can be turned on and off. Traffic results can be measured, providing information on what is successful, what isn't and what needs to be changed. AdWords can be found that work by running a test campaign.
Benefits to AdWords
Advertisers bid on keywords, the more an advertiser is willing to pay the higher the likelihood the ad will appear higher in position in the list of ads served. Google, invariably wanting to make the most from advertisers, determines placement based on a combination of click through rate, bid amount and budget. Of course, in order to maximize revenue and please searchers Google does have guidelines for ads served and all ads must receive a minimum percentage click through or they are removed.
AdWord Guidelines
Clearly and accurately describe the website, this is to the advertiser and searchers benefit. Ultimately, the more qualified the visitor who clicks the ad, the higher the likelihood the clicker will convert into a sale. By providing clear and accurate information, searchers who click the ad are qualified leads, which tend to convert more consistently than unqualified leads. The most effective advertising communicates a clear message to a targeted audience.
Avoid excessive capitalization, superlatives and lavish exclamation marks in the ad. By doing this you are not only serving the visitor you are filtering unwanted clicks from non-buyers. Due to space limitations your ad message will need to be concise. Select keywords that are relevant to your product, service or content. Call to action phrases are not allowed (i.e. you cannot use phrases like "click here" in your ad copy.) There are also no pop-ups.
Steps for AdWord Campaign
1.) Open an account
2.) Target language and country - This is very important because if your product or service can not be exported you do not want to pay to advertise in those countries for which your product or service can not be sold.
3.) Create Ad Group - design an ad, select keywords, determine maximum cost per click that you are willing to spend and define bid amounts.
Title
The title tag is generally the most important part of the ad be sure to use a short phrase that gets the attention of your target audience. An underutilized feature at Google allows you to put a question mark in the title, the term searched on automatically replaces the question mark in the title of your ad.
Define max click - Google will suggest a cost per click, but the recommendation does not need to be adhered to. Arguments have been heard that #1 position does not always mean increased sales; sometimes a second position will filter useless clicks and provide targeted traffic with a higher conversion ration. The rule of thumb is positions 1-3 garner the most traffic and best results. Increasing either your maximum cost-per-click or the ads click through rate will generally improve the ad's position.
Use keyword variations to reach more prospects. A variety or spellings and derivatives of keywords will increase the chances of your ads being served. Be sure to use common misspellings and plurals in your keyword list.
Broad match - is targeting keywords in a loosely defined manner. Ads appear based on keywords that have been queried by search users. For instance, if the keywords you are planning on broad matching are "mountain bikes" and users search for the terms "bikes that can climb a mountain", your ad will appear; as opposed to exact match, which requires that the keywords selections must exactly match the query.
Phrase match - is indicated when quotations are used in the phrase. A keyword phrase set to phrase match will only appear when the exact phrase is searched on. For example "mountain bikes" will appear when searchers search for "brand name mountain bikes".
Exact match - is when the keyword or phrase is entered with brackets. The phrase will only serve ads when the entered search phrase is identical to the keyword phrase. "Mountain bikes" will only appear when searchers search for "mountain bikes"
Negative keyword - is helpful in filtering unrelated phrases. A dash is entered before the filtering phrase. "Mountain bike -races will not appear if mountain bike races are searched on.
Landing Page - is important because this not only helps with tracking, but also provides a focused and specific landing page for searchers. Information can be related to the actual search, while also increasing the conversion ratios for sales. A focused landing page with content related and using the same terminology as the actual search, will show the searcher that your solution is relevant to their needs.
3.) Define budget - in order to maximize exposure Google recommends a daily budget for each campaign.
Google's suggested budget is helpful in receiving consistent traffic throughout the advertising campaign. Keep in mind this is only Google's recommendation; ultimately it is up to you to determine a budget that is affordable and suitable.
Google supplies tracking tools that assist webmasters in determining their return on investment based on keyword searches and phrases. While the technology is not perfect and cannot track phone and purchase orders, it should give advertisers a sense of what phrases and keywords are converting well in their advertising campaign.
While Google AdWords should not be your only advertising campaign, but should be a significant part of your campaign. Google AdWords can certainly help send those important targeted searchers to your website. Get started with Google AdWords at http://www.google.com/ads/
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Housley
By S. Housley
Google AdWords
Unlike many search engines Google, to its credit, clearly denotes search listings that are paid placement. In fact, Google AdWords appear in a separate section down the left side of the screen.
Google AdWords provide an inexpensive advertising venue for businesses to advertise products or services to a targeted audience. Advertisers have the ability to control their budget, target their advertising based on keywords. Advertisers are also free to determine the ad contents.
Google AdWords allow for nearly instant traffic, which can be turned on and off. Traffic results can be measured, providing information on what is successful, what isn't and what needs to be changed. AdWords can be found that work by running a test campaign.
Benefits to AdWords
Advertisers bid on keywords, the more an advertiser is willing to pay the higher the likelihood the ad will appear higher in position in the list of ads served. Google, invariably wanting to make the most from advertisers, determines placement based on a combination of click through rate, bid amount and budget. Of course, in order to maximize revenue and please searchers Google does have guidelines for ads served and all ads must receive a minimum percentage click through or they are removed.
AdWord Guidelines
Clearly and accurately describe the website, this is to the advertiser and searchers benefit. Ultimately, the more qualified the visitor who clicks the ad, the higher the likelihood the clicker will convert into a sale. By providing clear and accurate information, searchers who click the ad are qualified leads, which tend to convert more consistently than unqualified leads. The most effective advertising communicates a clear message to a targeted audience.
Avoid excessive capitalization, superlatives and lavish exclamation marks in the ad. By doing this you are not only serving the visitor you are filtering unwanted clicks from non-buyers. Due to space limitations your ad message will need to be concise. Select keywords that are relevant to your product, service or content. Call to action phrases are not allowed (i.e. you cannot use phrases like "click here" in your ad copy.) There are also no pop-ups.
Steps for AdWord Campaign
1.) Open an account
2.) Target language and country - This is very important because if your product or service can not be exported you do not want to pay to advertise in those countries for which your product or service can not be sold.
3.) Create Ad Group - design an ad, select keywords, determine maximum cost per click that you are willing to spend and define bid amounts.
Title
The title tag is generally the most important part of the ad be sure to use a short phrase that gets the attention of your target audience. An underutilized feature at Google allows you to put a question mark in the title, the term searched on automatically replaces the question mark in the title of your ad.
Define max click - Google will suggest a cost per click, but the recommendation does not need to be adhered to. Arguments have been heard that #1 position does not always mean increased sales; sometimes a second position will filter useless clicks and provide targeted traffic with a higher conversion ration. The rule of thumb is positions 1-3 garner the most traffic and best results. Increasing either your maximum cost-per-click or the ads click through rate will generally improve the ad's position.
Use keyword variations to reach more prospects. A variety or spellings and derivatives of keywords will increase the chances of your ads being served. Be sure to use common misspellings and plurals in your keyword list.
Broad match - is targeting keywords in a loosely defined manner. Ads appear based on keywords that have been queried by search users. For instance, if the keywords you are planning on broad matching are "mountain bikes" and users search for the terms "bikes that can climb a mountain", your ad will appear; as opposed to exact match, which requires that the keywords selections must exactly match the query.
Phrase match - is indicated when quotations are used in the phrase. A keyword phrase set to phrase match will only appear when the exact phrase is searched on. For example "mountain bikes" will appear when searchers search for "brand name mountain bikes".
Exact match - is when the keyword or phrase is entered with brackets. The phrase will only serve ads when the entered search phrase is identical to the keyword phrase. "Mountain bikes" will only appear when searchers search for "mountain bikes"
Negative keyword - is helpful in filtering unrelated phrases. A dash is entered before the filtering phrase. "Mountain bike -races will not appear if mountain bike races are searched on.
Landing Page - is important because this not only helps with tracking, but also provides a focused and specific landing page for searchers. Information can be related to the actual search, while also increasing the conversion ratios for sales. A focused landing page with content related and using the same terminology as the actual search, will show the searcher that your solution is relevant to their needs.
3.) Define budget - in order to maximize exposure Google recommends a daily budget for each campaign.
Google's suggested budget is helpful in receiving consistent traffic throughout the advertising campaign. Keep in mind this is only Google's recommendation; ultimately it is up to you to determine a budget that is affordable and suitable.
Google supplies tracking tools that assist webmasters in determining their return on investment based on keyword searches and phrases. While the technology is not perfect and cannot track phone and purchase orders, it should give advertisers a sense of what phrases and keywords are converting well in their advertising campaign.
While Google AdWords should not be your only advertising campaign, but should be a significant part of your campaign. Google AdWords can certainly help send those important targeted searchers to your website. Get started with Google AdWords at http://www.google.com/ads/
About the Author:
Sharon Housley manages marketing for NotePage, Inc. http://www.notepage.net a company specializing in alphanumeric paging, SMS and wireless messaging software solutions. Other sites by Sharon can be found at http://www.softwaremarketingresource.com , and http://www.small-business-software.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Housley
Top Seven Ways to Tune up your Website
Top Seven Ways to Tune up your Website.
By Philippa Gamse
We're in a recession, and perhaps your business is slightly slower than usual. But it's always a good time to take stock of what's working for you, and what needs some attention - including your Web site!
Here are my suggestions for a great tune-up audit - take a fresh look at your site and your promotional strategy with these pointers:
1. Is your site appealing to all your markets?
Do you have different potential buyers for different aspects of your products and services? Is there content on your site that's designed for each of these? Have you considered whether your Web audience might be different from your traditional markets, and if so, whether you can exploit that?
2. Does your content engage your visitors?
Your site should be written from your visitors' point of view, not yours. Does your home page clearly recognize why the reader might be there - what's in it for them, and why they should care? What are the problems or issues that they might have, and how will you solve them?
3. Can you make your case?
If you claim that your products or services achieve results, do you have clear content on your site that substantiates this? Do you have case studies, sample client lists, and testimonials from happy customers? Third party endorsements are worth far more than your own promotional text, and they should be spread throughout your site, not relegated to a separate page that few visitors will go to.
4. Do you position yourself as an expert?
One of the most effective ways to get exposure is to publish articles, and white papers around your area of expertise. Even if you sell widgets, you can help people get the most out of using them! Articles on your site will be picked up by the search engines, and you can also offer them to publications that your target markets read - always with a link back, or reference to your site, of course.
5. Do you ask for the business?
Whatever the outcomes that you want from your site, you need to ask for it. Too many Web pages end weakly, with no clear calls to action. Don't make your visitors have to work to decide what to do next - they won't! Every page on your site should have a strategy - invite the visitor to interact with you, or go to the next page, but make it easy and obvious.
6. Do you have a diversified promotional strategy?
Don't depend on free search engines to get you traffic. Are you exploring other ways of promoting your site - such as using your content and articles, advertising in e-zines, appending a signature file to your e-mail, regularly sending updates to your database, and ensuring that your traditional marketing is integrated with your online activities?
7. Are you reviewing your traffic analysis?
Last, but really key - your Website traffic reports will tell you what's working and what isn't. Without this information, you're really shooting in the dark - what if you were to find that the majority of your hard-earned visitors never go beyond your home page?
This isn't an exhaustive list, but it's a good start. I hope that your Web site passes the test!
(c) Philippa Gamse, 2001. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
By Philippa Gamse
We're in a recession, and perhaps your business is slightly slower than usual. But it's always a good time to take stock of what's working for you, and what needs some attention - including your Web site!
Here are my suggestions for a great tune-up audit - take a fresh look at your site and your promotional strategy with these pointers:
1. Is your site appealing to all your markets?
Do you have different potential buyers for different aspects of your products and services? Is there content on your site that's designed for each of these? Have you considered whether your Web audience might be different from your traditional markets, and if so, whether you can exploit that?
2. Does your content engage your visitors?
Your site should be written from your visitors' point of view, not yours. Does your home page clearly recognize why the reader might be there - what's in it for them, and why they should care? What are the problems or issues that they might have, and how will you solve them?
3. Can you make your case?
If you claim that your products or services achieve results, do you have clear content on your site that substantiates this? Do you have case studies, sample client lists, and testimonials from happy customers? Third party endorsements are worth far more than your own promotional text, and they should be spread throughout your site, not relegated to a separate page that few visitors will go to.
4. Do you position yourself as an expert?
One of the most effective ways to get exposure is to publish articles, and white papers around your area of expertise. Even if you sell widgets, you can help people get the most out of using them! Articles on your site will be picked up by the search engines, and you can also offer them to publications that your target markets read - always with a link back, or reference to your site, of course.
5. Do you ask for the business?
Whatever the outcomes that you want from your site, you need to ask for it. Too many Web pages end weakly, with no clear calls to action. Don't make your visitors have to work to decide what to do next - they won't! Every page on your site should have a strategy - invite the visitor to interact with you, or go to the next page, but make it easy and obvious.
6. Do you have a diversified promotional strategy?
Don't depend on free search engines to get you traffic. Are you exploring other ways of promoting your site - such as using your content and articles, advertising in e-zines, appending a signature file to your e-mail, regularly sending updates to your database, and ensuring that your traditional marketing is integrated with your online activities?
7. Are you reviewing your traffic analysis?
Last, but really key - your Website traffic reports will tell you what's working and what isn't. Without this information, you're really shooting in the dark - what if you were to find that the majority of your hard-earned visitors never go beyond your home page?
This isn't an exhaustive list, but it's a good start. I hope that your Web site passes the test!
(c) Philippa Gamse, 2001. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
The Top Seven Strategies for Website Success
The Top Seven Strategies for Website Success.
By Philippa Gamse
Whether you’re concerned with business-to-business, or business to consumer, whether your organization is large or small, commercial or nonprofit, these are some fundamental questions around your Website and technology strategy that should be addressed.
Otherwise, you risk missing opportunities, and not maximizing the return on your investment in your online presence.
If you haven’t visited your own Website for a while, look at it again in light of these questions:
1. Does your Website present an appropriate image of your company?
Marketers talk a lot about branding, and consistency of message. Does your company site reflect how you’d like your customers to feel about your business? Is it sophisticated, and professional looking? Does it speak directly to visitors in language that they’ll understand, and in ways that relate to their issues and needs?
Image is also about public relations. Publicity is a powerful marketing tool, and reporters are increasingly looking for stories and information online. Does your Website offer a media center? Does it offer comment on current events in your industry? Do you face up to the bad news, and spin it to your advantage? Whatever you may think of Microsoft, check out their extensive Press Pass area at:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/default.asp
2. Does your Website suggest potential for new or currently untapped markets?
In almost all the sites that I’ve consulted for, we’ve identified markets or audiences beyond the “real-world” customer base of the business.
This may be because the site extends the geographic reach of your marketing. If you have good content on your site, it may also be because visitors looking for your subject area find you in search engines, and come to read your articles and white papers.
Either way, if you find many “non-traditional” visitors to your site, you should assess whether they constitute a possible new market area for your business.
3. Does your Website suggest potential for new products or services?
A clear understanding of your visitor needs may also encourage you to consider new products or services. On the Web, bundling expertise into downloadable, for-sale content provides valuable new revenue streams for many businesses and non-profits.
You can find great clues for development ideas by tracking the keywords entered into your own site search engine. These show what visitors expect to find on your site – and therefore what they expect your company to offer.
4. Does your Website provide continuing added value for existing customers?
Most site owners focus on acquiring new customers, and fail to maximize the opportunities to support and service existing ones.
These include password-protected areas where your clients can follow the progress of their projects, share documents with you, etc. Personalization and pre-populated forms (i.e. which are automatically filled in with the customer’s details) help to create a feeling of value, and save time for your visitors.
Check the average response time for a contact from your Website. One of the top complaints about major company sites is that e-mails are not answered in a timely (hopefully 24 hours or less) manner.
5. Does your Website support your internal operations and employee needs?
This question relates to whether you’re making the best use of all available technologies, and integrating them with your online operations.
Example applications to consider include:
* Instant messaging, fast becoming a serious business tool
* Knowledge bases – continually updated databases that can provide automated customer support on a 24/7 basis
* Streaming media, perhaps for just-in-time training or on-the-spot manuals for your operatives
* Intranets and extranets, which are really just fancy names for password-protected employee and client areas
6. Does your Website integrate fully with your “real-world” activities and processes?
One of the most frustrating visitor experiences is to complete a form, an application, or to submit a search on your Website, only to receive an error message.
Customers want the security of an e-mailed purchase confirmation. They want to know that they’ll be taken off your mailing list quickly and without the need for multiple requests.
With the complexity of technology and programs today, sometimes a change to a seemingly unrelated system can wreak havoc. Do you regularly check all the input forms and processes on your site to ensure that no unexpected gremlins have crept in?
7. Does your Website provide you with a justifiable return on investment?
This is probably the most important question of the seven, and possibly also the most difficult.
That’s because the answer depends on a clear understanding of the goals of your site, both in direct financial terms, and in other less tangible benefits, such as name recognition.
The keys to evaluating ROI, to improving your site, and often to further business development ideas can be found in your traffic reports. These show what visitors are looking for, how long they spend on the site, where they go, where they leave, and what rate of response you get to the various calls to action.
These reports can be daunting – a mass of figures, graphs and URL’s. But I’d strongly suggest that someone in your organization should understand them. Otherwise, you’re shooting in the dark with your Web investment.
© Philippa Gamse, 2003. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
By Philippa Gamse
Whether you’re concerned with business-to-business, or business to consumer, whether your organization is large or small, commercial or nonprofit, these are some fundamental questions around your Website and technology strategy that should be addressed.
Otherwise, you risk missing opportunities, and not maximizing the return on your investment in your online presence.
If you haven’t visited your own Website for a while, look at it again in light of these questions:
1. Does your Website present an appropriate image of your company?
Marketers talk a lot about branding, and consistency of message. Does your company site reflect how you’d like your customers to feel about your business? Is it sophisticated, and professional looking? Does it speak directly to visitors in language that they’ll understand, and in ways that relate to their issues and needs?
Image is also about public relations. Publicity is a powerful marketing tool, and reporters are increasingly looking for stories and information online. Does your Website offer a media center? Does it offer comment on current events in your industry? Do you face up to the bad news, and spin it to your advantage? Whatever you may think of Microsoft, check out their extensive Press Pass area at:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/default.asp
2. Does your Website suggest potential for new or currently untapped markets?
In almost all the sites that I’ve consulted for, we’ve identified markets or audiences beyond the “real-world” customer base of the business.
This may be because the site extends the geographic reach of your marketing. If you have good content on your site, it may also be because visitors looking for your subject area find you in search engines, and come to read your articles and white papers.
Either way, if you find many “non-traditional” visitors to your site, you should assess whether they constitute a possible new market area for your business.
3. Does your Website suggest potential for new products or services?
A clear understanding of your visitor needs may also encourage you to consider new products or services. On the Web, bundling expertise into downloadable, for-sale content provides valuable new revenue streams for many businesses and non-profits.
You can find great clues for development ideas by tracking the keywords entered into your own site search engine. These show what visitors expect to find on your site – and therefore what they expect your company to offer.
4. Does your Website provide continuing added value for existing customers?
Most site owners focus on acquiring new customers, and fail to maximize the opportunities to support and service existing ones.
These include password-protected areas where your clients can follow the progress of their projects, share documents with you, etc. Personalization and pre-populated forms (i.e. which are automatically filled in with the customer’s details) help to create a feeling of value, and save time for your visitors.
Check the average response time for a contact from your Website. One of the top complaints about major company sites is that e-mails are not answered in a timely (hopefully 24 hours or less) manner.
5. Does your Website support your internal operations and employee needs?
This question relates to whether you’re making the best use of all available technologies, and integrating them with your online operations.
Example applications to consider include:
* Instant messaging, fast becoming a serious business tool
* Knowledge bases – continually updated databases that can provide automated customer support on a 24/7 basis
* Streaming media, perhaps for just-in-time training or on-the-spot manuals for your operatives
* Intranets and extranets, which are really just fancy names for password-protected employee and client areas
6. Does your Website integrate fully with your “real-world” activities and processes?
One of the most frustrating visitor experiences is to complete a form, an application, or to submit a search on your Website, only to receive an error message.
Customers want the security of an e-mailed purchase confirmation. They want to know that they’ll be taken off your mailing list quickly and without the need for multiple requests.
With the complexity of technology and programs today, sometimes a change to a seemingly unrelated system can wreak havoc. Do you regularly check all the input forms and processes on your site to ensure that no unexpected gremlins have crept in?
7. Does your Website provide you with a justifiable return on investment?
This is probably the most important question of the seven, and possibly also the most difficult.
That’s because the answer depends on a clear understanding of the goals of your site, both in direct financial terms, and in other less tangible benefits, such as name recognition.
The keys to evaluating ROI, to improving your site, and often to further business development ideas can be found in your traffic reports. These show what visitors are looking for, how long they spend on the site, where they go, where they leave, and what rate of response you get to the various calls to action.
These reports can be daunting – a mass of figures, graphs and URL’s. But I’d strongly suggest that someone in your organization should understand them. Otherwise, you’re shooting in the dark with your Web investment.
© Philippa Gamse, 2003. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
Site Design...Site Disaster...What Do Your Visitors See ?
Site Design...Site Disaster...What Do Your Visitors See ?
By Debbie Reyes
Site Design...Or Site Disaster...What Do Your Visitors See????
So you got your own website now. Exciting isn’t it? You're ready to start putting your website to work for you. What will you do first? So many ideas going through your head...you want to make it the best website on the internet. You want to make it unique and different from anyone else's.
So many ideas popping in and out of your head you want to do so much. After all besides things in our home, when do we really get to design anything? Before we know it we have added a little of this and a little of that and maybe some more of this. It's almost like waving a magic wand over everything giving it color and making it pretty. To us, our web site looks great we have color and we have animated graphics we also have a lot of content, after all that is what gets website recognition, isn‘t it?
But wait, take a closer look, is all that content really necessary? We know google likes content but maybe some of us are confused as to which kind of content google is looking for. I admit, I once thought content is content. But I was very wrong, not all content is created equal. If your website is a business related site then your content should be business related as well. Your content should be interesting and helpful. Something you know your visitors would enjoy. Color and graphics is not useful content.
Many websites have articles on their site. This is probably one of the best contents to have on your site. Most articles are interesting and provide useful information. What makes articles on your site even better? If they are your articles. Articles are not hard to write just pick a subject you are familiar with and write an article about it. Just remember to keep your article topics related to the type of site you have.
Let's talk color, is all that bright color really what our visitors want to see? Some colors are way too bright and can be sensitive to peoples' eyes. If you need to have color make them more down to earth colors not something that is going to make your visitors want to run from your site. Not having any color is also good . Color is optional, just choose it wisely.
Animated graphics, who is guilty of those? I know I am, and it's understandable as they are cute and neat to look at. Or are they? Too many things flashing on your site is not appealing. Also, too many graphics will draw the attention away from what is really important - and that is your text. Your text is your message to your visitors. If you insist on having them on your site then I suggest just having maybe one. Make sure your visitor focuses more on your text, not the graphics.
Another point to keep in mind is “keyword rich text”. You want to mention your keywords throughout your website. Every chance you get mention your keywords. Work them into your sentences. When writing articles make sure you add some of your keywords to your article title. This also helps your website get noticed by the SE (search engines).
I write this article because I want everyone to learn from my mistakes. I am guilty of all of the above. It took a new computer to realize how loud my color was (old computer color looked dull) . After realizing how bright it was I panicked. It was like a slap in the face because I thought what an awful color and if I thought that of my own site what were my visitors thinking? I asked the advice of a good friend and thank god this friend is open and honest in her opinions. She helped me to take a step back and really look at my site. My only thoughts were, “What have I been thinking?”
I don’t even remember when or how my site got the point it did. I felt like I had this whole other life I knew nothing about and that person was taking over the designing of my site. But thanks to the new computer and my good friend, I have taken the control back of my site and since I have done so the visitors to my site have actually doubled and the length of the visit has also increased. I am back on the road to success.
This article was written by Debbie Reyes webmaster of http://www.extra-income-work-at-home-mom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Reyes
By Debbie Reyes
Site Design...Or Site Disaster...What Do Your Visitors See????
So you got your own website now. Exciting isn’t it? You're ready to start putting your website to work for you. What will you do first? So many ideas going through your head...you want to make it the best website on the internet. You want to make it unique and different from anyone else's.
So many ideas popping in and out of your head you want to do so much. After all besides things in our home, when do we really get to design anything? Before we know it we have added a little of this and a little of that and maybe some more of this. It's almost like waving a magic wand over everything giving it color and making it pretty. To us, our web site looks great we have color and we have animated graphics we also have a lot of content, after all that is what gets website recognition, isn‘t it?
But wait, take a closer look, is all that content really necessary? We know google likes content but maybe some of us are confused as to which kind of content google is looking for. I admit, I once thought content is content. But I was very wrong, not all content is created equal. If your website is a business related site then your content should be business related as well. Your content should be interesting and helpful. Something you know your visitors would enjoy. Color and graphics is not useful content.
Many websites have articles on their site. This is probably one of the best contents to have on your site. Most articles are interesting and provide useful information. What makes articles on your site even better? If they are your articles. Articles are not hard to write just pick a subject you are familiar with and write an article about it. Just remember to keep your article topics related to the type of site you have.
Let's talk color, is all that bright color really what our visitors want to see? Some colors are way too bright and can be sensitive to peoples' eyes. If you need to have color make them more down to earth colors not something that is going to make your visitors want to run from your site. Not having any color is also good . Color is optional, just choose it wisely.
Animated graphics, who is guilty of those? I know I am, and it's understandable as they are cute and neat to look at. Or are they? Too many things flashing on your site is not appealing. Also, too many graphics will draw the attention away from what is really important - and that is your text. Your text is your message to your visitors. If you insist on having them on your site then I suggest just having maybe one. Make sure your visitor focuses more on your text, not the graphics.
Another point to keep in mind is “keyword rich text”. You want to mention your keywords throughout your website. Every chance you get mention your keywords. Work them into your sentences. When writing articles make sure you add some of your keywords to your article title. This also helps your website get noticed by the SE (search engines).
I write this article because I want everyone to learn from my mistakes. I am guilty of all of the above. It took a new computer to realize how loud my color was (old computer color looked dull) . After realizing how bright it was I panicked. It was like a slap in the face because I thought what an awful color and if I thought that of my own site what were my visitors thinking? I asked the advice of a good friend and thank god this friend is open and honest in her opinions. She helped me to take a step back and really look at my site. My only thoughts were, “What have I been thinking?”
I don’t even remember when or how my site got the point it did. I felt like I had this whole other life I knew nothing about and that person was taking over the designing of my site. But thanks to the new computer and my good friend, I have taken the control back of my site and since I have done so the visitors to my site have actually doubled and the length of the visit has also increased. I am back on the road to success.
This article was written by Debbie Reyes webmaster of http://www.extra-income-work-at-home-mom.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Debbie_Reyes
Reciprocal Link Scams
Reciprocal Link Scams.
By Kevin Kantola
Reciprocal link scams are on the rise. It is no secret that most search engines count the quantity and quality of incoming links to a website when deciding how to rank it. In fact some give weight to the ratio of incoming links versus outbound links. This has lead some webmasters to use some unscrupulous tactics in order to inflate their search engine rankings at the expense of their link partners.
FFA Links Pages
Free for all (FFA) links pages are worthless and potentially harmful for your incoming link to be on. If a potential partner has a page with no Page Rank and over 30 outbound links be careful about placing your link there. True FFA pages may have hundreds of outbound links on a page all going to a wide variety of irrelevant websites.
This will either be worthless in helping your website in the rankings race or it may harm your rankings as some search engines will penalize your website for having a link on an FFA page. If your link is on a partner site that has over 30 outbound links, this may not be a true FFA page, but most likely this page will be disregarded by the search engines. This will not be a good trade either. Your goal is to have quality links pointing to your website. Why give out a quality link from your website if you don't receive one in return.
Disconnected Links Pages
Disconnected links pages come in three types. The first type is a standalone page that does not link to any other page on the website. Sometimes a Webmaster will isolate the links page by not linking it to any page whatsoever. In the second type, the Webmaster can bury the page by linking it 4 or more levels down from the homepage (robots usually do not crawl this deep) and thus this link page will never be indexed and your link will not count as an inbound link.
The third type of disconnected page is a links page with a URL that is different from the domain name of the site you want to link to. This link page may be created by a service on the web or software, but if you link to a partner's URL with a particular domain name, make sure this same domain name is linking back to you. The Webmaster will use this tactic in order to receive lots of incoming links on his site and appear to the search engines not to have a bunch of outbound links from his site (your link is actually on another site, remember).
Dynamic Link Pages
While not necessarily a scam, this technique can leave you on the short end of the reciprocal linking stick. It is no secret that most search engine robots have difficulty in indexing dynamic pages (the ones with the "?" in the URL) and simply by-pass these pages. Some webmasters have taken to creating their reciprocal links pages dynamically instead of statically. The downside is that most of the time these links will never show up in the search engines. The webmasters get a reciprocal link from your website which most likely is static and has some Page Rank and in return, they put your link on their page which has no Page Rank and will never show up in the search engines. This doesn't sound like an even trade does it?
One way to check this out is while you are in the process of checking out some potential link partner sites (and if you have the Google toolbar) check out the Page Rank on your potential partners' link pages. If the page rank is zero this does not necessary mean they are dynamic but it warrants further investigation. If you go back and then forward in your browser you can usually see if the page is dynamic. Also, many times the page will have an .asp at the end or .php and probably a "?" in the URL as mentioned before.
If you like this potential link partner's website you can always ask to trade links on a static page and / or some page with a Page Rank of more than zero.
What can I do to insure a fair link trade?
You can insure a fair link trade by first checking out your potential partner's links page where your link will appear. Look to see that it is static and has some Page Rank. Verify that the URL of the links page comes from the same domain as the rest of the website. Also make sure there are not over 30 outbound links on this page. Also, start on the homepage and trace the route to the links page. If it is more than 2 levels down from the homepage, then don't trade (unless there is some Page Rank of course). Make sure you can trace the path to the links page to verify it is not a standalone page.
Copyright © 2004 SEO Resource
Professional SEO Solutions
Kevin Kantola is the CEO of SEO Resource, a California search engine optimization company, and has published many articles over the past 20 years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Kantola
By Kevin Kantola
Reciprocal link scams are on the rise. It is no secret that most search engines count the quantity and quality of incoming links to a website when deciding how to rank it. In fact some give weight to the ratio of incoming links versus outbound links. This has lead some webmasters to use some unscrupulous tactics in order to inflate their search engine rankings at the expense of their link partners.
FFA Links Pages
Free for all (FFA) links pages are worthless and potentially harmful for your incoming link to be on. If a potential partner has a page with no Page Rank and over 30 outbound links be careful about placing your link there. True FFA pages may have hundreds of outbound links on a page all going to a wide variety of irrelevant websites.
This will either be worthless in helping your website in the rankings race or it may harm your rankings as some search engines will penalize your website for having a link on an FFA page. If your link is on a partner site that has over 30 outbound links, this may not be a true FFA page, but most likely this page will be disregarded by the search engines. This will not be a good trade either. Your goal is to have quality links pointing to your website. Why give out a quality link from your website if you don't receive one in return.
Disconnected Links Pages
Disconnected links pages come in three types. The first type is a standalone page that does not link to any other page on the website. Sometimes a Webmaster will isolate the links page by not linking it to any page whatsoever. In the second type, the Webmaster can bury the page by linking it 4 or more levels down from the homepage (robots usually do not crawl this deep) and thus this link page will never be indexed and your link will not count as an inbound link.
The third type of disconnected page is a links page with a URL that is different from the domain name of the site you want to link to. This link page may be created by a service on the web or software, but if you link to a partner's URL with a particular domain name, make sure this same domain name is linking back to you. The Webmaster will use this tactic in order to receive lots of incoming links on his site and appear to the search engines not to have a bunch of outbound links from his site (your link is actually on another site, remember).
Dynamic Link Pages
While not necessarily a scam, this technique can leave you on the short end of the reciprocal linking stick. It is no secret that most search engine robots have difficulty in indexing dynamic pages (the ones with the "?" in the URL) and simply by-pass these pages. Some webmasters have taken to creating their reciprocal links pages dynamically instead of statically. The downside is that most of the time these links will never show up in the search engines. The webmasters get a reciprocal link from your website which most likely is static and has some Page Rank and in return, they put your link on their page which has no Page Rank and will never show up in the search engines. This doesn't sound like an even trade does it?
One way to check this out is while you are in the process of checking out some potential link partner sites (and if you have the Google toolbar) check out the Page Rank on your potential partners' link pages. If the page rank is zero this does not necessary mean they are dynamic but it warrants further investigation. If you go back and then forward in your browser you can usually see if the page is dynamic. Also, many times the page will have an .asp at the end or .php and probably a "?" in the URL as mentioned before.
If you like this potential link partner's website you can always ask to trade links on a static page and / or some page with a Page Rank of more than zero.
What can I do to insure a fair link trade?
You can insure a fair link trade by first checking out your potential partner's links page where your link will appear. Look to see that it is static and has some Page Rank. Verify that the URL of the links page comes from the same domain as the rest of the website. Also make sure there are not over 30 outbound links on this page. Also, start on the homepage and trace the route to the links page. If it is more than 2 levels down from the homepage, then don't trade (unless there is some Page Rank of course). Make sure you can trace the path to the links page to verify it is not a standalone page.
Copyright © 2004 SEO Resource
Professional SEO Solutions
Kevin Kantola is the CEO of SEO Resource, a California search engine optimization company, and has published many articles over the past 20 years.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Kantola
Prophesying Profit in CyberSpace
Prophesying Profit in CyberSpace.
By Philippa Gamse
Many business owners rushed into creating Web sites, perhaps because "my competition has one", or because "it's the hot thing right now".
Often, these sites are little more than online brochures - and maybe that's all you really need.
But have you really considered whether you're making the most of the online opportunities that exist? As with any aspect of your business, some preliminary thinking will help to maximize the return on your investment in this key part of your marketing mix.
Here are seven key issues to consider from the outset:
1. Are your markets online?
In February 2003, Jupiter Research reported that 61% of business decision makers use the Internet to look for information on products and services. Does that include your buyers? Try a customer survey if you don't know the answer to this.
Alternatively, there may be new markets that you would like to tap, who are already online.
An excellent Web site for researching Internet demographic information is at:
http://www.nua.ie/surveys/
2. Where is your geographic focus?
Is your operation confined to a local area, or can it have national or even international appeal?
It is not currently possible to restrict display of Web pages within geographic boundaries (e.g. "only Illinois"). So if your business is only local, or you only serve the U.S., you should state that clearly on the site, otherwise you might
receive leads and orders that you can't fulfil.
On the other hand, perhaps there are ways that you can modify your "real world" offerings to reach online buyers everywhere - perhaps by packaging your knowledge into e-books or downloadable white papers.
3. What are the specific goals of your site?
What outcomes do you want from the visitors to your site? Will you be selling product online, or are you generating leads for a product or service? Do you want visitors to leave their contact details? If so, how will you encourage them to do
this? Do you have a newsletter that they can subscribe to, or a competition, or a free offer of some kind?
And don't forget your existing customers. Will your site also be providing ongoing support and education for these clients?
4. How will you engage your visitors?
Remember that your Web site may be the first contact that a prospect has with your business, and if they don't relate to your site, it may well be the last! Make their experience as close as possible to actually speaking with you, and engage them in all the ways that you might do offline.
Incorporate answers to the questions that are most frequently asked during the buying and support process. If you don't know these, have your staff keep a log of customer interactions for a few days - you'll soon see a pattern.
And, if you usually help the customer through product selection, ask them to make their choices in an online survey that can be e-mailed to you as a lead.
5. Do you want "hits", or qualified leads?
It's important to know whether you want as much traffic and as many responses as possible from your site, or whether you would prefer only to hear from serious buyers. A nonprofit organization might want as many people as possible to see its
message, but most businesses have a specific focus.
If you decide to qualify the responses that you get from the site, what criteria will you use to do this?
6. Do you have a promotion plan and budget?
Even the best-designed Web sites require effective online marketing and publicity to generate traffic. You'll need a strategy to position your site as well as possible in the Internet search engines and directories.
There are also many ways to promote your site "Beyond the Search Engines" - check out my free tipsheet with twenty-three proven ideas for doing this . . .
Remember that marketing your Web site is an ongoing activity, and allocate time and resources to this.
7. How will you measure your success?
If you've made decisions on all these issues, you'll need a way to evaluate the results of your site and your promotional efforts against the goals and outcomes that you set. Your Website traffic reports can provide really valuable information about your visitors - in fact, I'd suggest that without this data, you're shooting in the dark with your online investment.
The reports will tell you how many users come to your site, which search engines and keywords they're using to find you, which pages of your site are the most popular, and which are rarely accessed. You can use this information to tweak your site, and to make strategic development decisions which can often impact not just your Internet marketing, but your entire business.
So, think before you leap, and may your business prosper in Cyberspace!
(c) Copyright Philippa Gamse, 2003. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
By Philippa Gamse
Many business owners rushed into creating Web sites, perhaps because "my competition has one", or because "it's the hot thing right now".
Often, these sites are little more than online brochures - and maybe that's all you really need.
But have you really considered whether you're making the most of the online opportunities that exist? As with any aspect of your business, some preliminary thinking will help to maximize the return on your investment in this key part of your marketing mix.
Here are seven key issues to consider from the outset:
1. Are your markets online?
In February 2003, Jupiter Research reported that 61% of business decision makers use the Internet to look for information on products and services. Does that include your buyers? Try a customer survey if you don't know the answer to this.
Alternatively, there may be new markets that you would like to tap, who are already online.
An excellent Web site for researching Internet demographic information is at:
http://www.nua.ie/surveys/
2. Where is your geographic focus?
Is your operation confined to a local area, or can it have national or even international appeal?
It is not currently possible to restrict display of Web pages within geographic boundaries (e.g. "only Illinois"). So if your business is only local, or you only serve the U.S., you should state that clearly on the site, otherwise you might
receive leads and orders that you can't fulfil.
On the other hand, perhaps there are ways that you can modify your "real world" offerings to reach online buyers everywhere - perhaps by packaging your knowledge into e-books or downloadable white papers.
3. What are the specific goals of your site?
What outcomes do you want from the visitors to your site? Will you be selling product online, or are you generating leads for a product or service? Do you want visitors to leave their contact details? If so, how will you encourage them to do
this? Do you have a newsletter that they can subscribe to, or a competition, or a free offer of some kind?
And don't forget your existing customers. Will your site also be providing ongoing support and education for these clients?
4. How will you engage your visitors?
Remember that your Web site may be the first contact that a prospect has with your business, and if they don't relate to your site, it may well be the last! Make their experience as close as possible to actually speaking with you, and engage them in all the ways that you might do offline.
Incorporate answers to the questions that are most frequently asked during the buying and support process. If you don't know these, have your staff keep a log of customer interactions for a few days - you'll soon see a pattern.
And, if you usually help the customer through product selection, ask them to make their choices in an online survey that can be e-mailed to you as a lead.
5. Do you want "hits", or qualified leads?
It's important to know whether you want as much traffic and as many responses as possible from your site, or whether you would prefer only to hear from serious buyers. A nonprofit organization might want as many people as possible to see its
message, but most businesses have a specific focus.
If you decide to qualify the responses that you get from the site, what criteria will you use to do this?
6. Do you have a promotion plan and budget?
Even the best-designed Web sites require effective online marketing and publicity to generate traffic. You'll need a strategy to position your site as well as possible in the Internet search engines and directories.
There are also many ways to promote your site "Beyond the Search Engines" - check out my free tipsheet with twenty-three proven ideas for doing this . . .
Remember that marketing your Web site is an ongoing activity, and allocate time and resources to this.
7. How will you measure your success?
If you've made decisions on all these issues, you'll need a way to evaluate the results of your site and your promotional efforts against the goals and outcomes that you set. Your Website traffic reports can provide really valuable information about your visitors - in fact, I'd suggest that without this data, you're shooting in the dark with your online investment.
The reports will tell you how many users come to your site, which search engines and keywords they're using to find you, which pages of your site are the most popular, and which are rarely accessed. You can use this information to tweak your site, and to make strategic development decisions which can often impact not just your Internet marketing, but your entire business.
So, think before you leap, and may your business prosper in Cyberspace!
(c) Copyright Philippa Gamse, 2003. All rights reserved.
Philippa Gamse, CyberSpeaker, is a Web strategy consultant and professional speaker. Check out her free tipsheet for 23 ideas to promote your Website: http://www.CyberSpeaker.com/tipsheet.html Philippa can be reached at (831) 465-0317.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Philippa_Gamse
Ideas to Create Own Work At Home Online Business Product
Ideas to Create Own Work At Home Online Business Product.
By Arthur
The voice you heard by the majority of people in the Net is true, the real true money generating machine is to offer your own product or service where you can keep 100% of the profits.
Before you even start creating or introduce your own product or service, you should do some research to check the target market size, competitors and the available pricing methods available for the type of product or service that you intend to offer.
The most common product that people develop are ebook or what is commonly known as info product. It is based on the experience that you have accumulated over the years either through your jobs or hobbies and convert them into writings.
Everyone of us have a special skills and things that we do better than the rest. You can further expand your knowledge database via further education or self-education in order to create the business.
Many new business are created not by developing new products or services but by improving something that already exists. The initial innovators of products might received lots of recognition for their innovation might not know how to make the product appeal to the mass consumers and sell like hot cakes. Subsequent bright businessmen or women succeeded in relaunching the same product after some improvement as they are able to saw the mistakes that have been made and was able to capitalized on it.
The movies industry is the best example, many movies are just about repackaging to appeal to the movies consumers. Why develop new super heroes when you can make good money from old familiar heroes like Spiderman. Many movies goers grows up watching Spiderman cartoon and although they maybe adults now, they still enjoy it like when they was young. It is so familiar with them.
Therefore, time spend trying to find brand new idea should instead be spend on improving existing idea. The most important criteria is to try and find a NEED which you can filled.
For improving your business success rate, try not to go into a hot industries that are already overcrowded with suppliers unless you can offer something cheaper and better than them and still make a profit. Finding a niche market is a better strategy as an unique product or service will increase your chances of success.
Starting a Work At Home Online Business means that you should look for product or service that can be sold online and delivered to people living around the world. It should be cheaper or more convenience to order online rather than offline.
The most famous successful niche finder is Amazon.com. The books they sold already exist offline and by bringing it online and pricing its books competitively, they slowly build up their niche market and have now become the world largest online books sellers.
Therefore, open your eyes wide and start looking at things around you and think of ways to improve them.
Copyright © Arthur "Opportunity are often shy, you just have to keep looking for them." Learning and putting what you learn into Action is the key to success in operating a successful Work At Home Online Business. Visit: http://www.sap-basis-abap.com/homebusiness/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur
By Arthur
The voice you heard by the majority of people in the Net is true, the real true money generating machine is to offer your own product or service where you can keep 100% of the profits.
Before you even start creating or introduce your own product or service, you should do some research to check the target market size, competitors and the available pricing methods available for the type of product or service that you intend to offer.
The most common product that people develop are ebook or what is commonly known as info product. It is based on the experience that you have accumulated over the years either through your jobs or hobbies and convert them into writings.
Everyone of us have a special skills and things that we do better than the rest. You can further expand your knowledge database via further education or self-education in order to create the business.
Many new business are created not by developing new products or services but by improving something that already exists. The initial innovators of products might received lots of recognition for their innovation might not know how to make the product appeal to the mass consumers and sell like hot cakes. Subsequent bright businessmen or women succeeded in relaunching the same product after some improvement as they are able to saw the mistakes that have been made and was able to capitalized on it.
The movies industry is the best example, many movies are just about repackaging to appeal to the movies consumers. Why develop new super heroes when you can make good money from old familiar heroes like Spiderman. Many movies goers grows up watching Spiderman cartoon and although they maybe adults now, they still enjoy it like when they was young. It is so familiar with them.
Therefore, time spend trying to find brand new idea should instead be spend on improving existing idea. The most important criteria is to try and find a NEED which you can filled.
For improving your business success rate, try not to go into a hot industries that are already overcrowded with suppliers unless you can offer something cheaper and better than them and still make a profit. Finding a niche market is a better strategy as an unique product or service will increase your chances of success.
Starting a Work At Home Online Business means that you should look for product or service that can be sold online and delivered to people living around the world. It should be cheaper or more convenience to order online rather than offline.
The most famous successful niche finder is Amazon.com. The books they sold already exist offline and by bringing it online and pricing its books competitively, they slowly build up their niche market and have now become the world largest online books sellers.
Therefore, open your eyes wide and start looking at things around you and think of ways to improve them.
Copyright © Arthur "Opportunity are often shy, you just have to keep looking for them." Learning and putting what you learn into Action is the key to success in operating a successful Work At Home Online Business. Visit: http://www.sap-basis-abap.com/homebusiness/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Arthur
How to Write a Great Article
How to Write a Great Article.
By Jane McLain
Writing your own articles is a great way to generate targeted content, build your professional reputation, and create original content for your website that will attract new visitors. Best of all, it will cost you nothing but your time. If you'd like to write your own articles but don't know how to get started, don't worry. Even if you've never written an article before, you can learn to write great articles if you take it one step at a time, prepare in advance, and stay focused on your readers.
Pick a topic. The first step (and sometimes the hardest) is to select a topic for your article. Consider the wants and needs of your target audience. Inspiration for an article could come from just about anywhere - ezines, conversations with your colleagues, online forums and discussion lists, chat rooms and bulletin boards, emails from customers, newscasts, and last, but not least, your own experiences. If you choose a topic that's popular with other authors, don't write more on the subject unless you can go into more depth, take a fresh approach, or hold a different viewpoint.
Plan before you write. Facing a blank page can be pretty intimidating, but starting with an outline will help. Put down the general idea(s) you wish to get across and list specific points you want to make. Put them in a logical order; go from the general to the specific. Don't try to make too many points in one article. It's better to cover one topic thoroughly and convincingly than to jump around and fail to make your point at all.
Start writing. Once you've got the right idea and organized your notes, it's time to start writing. Don't worry too much about precise wording when you write your first draft; just get your thoughts down and make your point. Then develop your ideas in a convincing way that makes sense to your readers, flows well, and holds their interest. Tackle one main idea per paragraph. Begin your article with a strong "lead in" - a sentence or two that tells readers what your article is about and how they will benefit from reading.
Always write for your readers. Make sure you're sharing useful information with your readers. What are they worried about? What challenges do they face? What decisions do they need help with? What they like to know how to do, or how to do better? Adding real value for your readers is the key to writing the kind of article that people will want to read and webmasters will want to pass on to their readers. Always write from your readers' perspective.
Be yourself. It can take awhile to find your own personal writing style, but it's important to be yourself. In general, writing for the Internet allows you to be more conversational and less formal than you would be when writing for other media. Express yourself in your own words and let your personality shine through. Sharing your own experiences and anecdotes from your own life is a great way to "connect" with your reader and add a personal touch.
Be brief. The attention span of Web surfers is notoriously short, so be as brief as you can be and still get your meaning across. Write as much as you need to in order to develop your ideas fully and get your point across, but no more. If the article still ends up being too long, either publish it in installments (Part 1, Part 2, etc.) or split it into two or more separate articles. When you edit for the sake of brevity, hold onto the extra material - you may be able to use it for another article in the future.
Stay Focused. As always, writing for the Web requires that you stay focused on your topic. Refer to your outline for the major points you want to make. Write enough to develop your ideas, but no more. Don't say the same thing twice. Lead logically to your conclusion. Lose the "filler". If you find you can't cover the topic in enough depth given the size limits for your article, narrow your topic or write two separate articles rather than one.
Be specific. Too many Web and ezine articles speak in vague generalities. If you want your article to be truly helpful, be specific. Provide information, suggestions, and tips that readers can translate into action. Offer links to helpful resources. Recommend tools and techniques that have worked for you. The more specific you are, the more useful your article will be.
Make it shine. When your first draft is done, put it aside for a few days and then read it again. Is it convincing and concise? Is it easy to read and understand? Does it flow well? Proofread carefully - double check your spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. Check for run-on or incomplete sentences. If possible, show it to several friends, colleagues or family members and ask for their feedback. Many times another set of eyes will be able to spot mistakes you missed.
Wrap it up. Don't forget the finishing touches. Give your article a descriptive and catchy title. Add your resource box at the bottom of your article. At a minimum you should include your name, your website's URL, and a brief description of your business. If you want other webmasters to pick up your article for publication, offer reprint permission and state any conditions (a link back to your site, notification when the article is published, etc.).
Jane McLain is a Web developer and SEO specialist and the webmaster of EClaunchsite.com, an online resource center for netrepreneurs with tools and information to help you plan, build, launch and grow your e-business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_McLain
By Jane McLain
Writing your own articles is a great way to generate targeted content, build your professional reputation, and create original content for your website that will attract new visitors. Best of all, it will cost you nothing but your time. If you'd like to write your own articles but don't know how to get started, don't worry. Even if you've never written an article before, you can learn to write great articles if you take it one step at a time, prepare in advance, and stay focused on your readers.
Pick a topic. The first step (and sometimes the hardest) is to select a topic for your article. Consider the wants and needs of your target audience. Inspiration for an article could come from just about anywhere - ezines, conversations with your colleagues, online forums and discussion lists, chat rooms and bulletin boards, emails from customers, newscasts, and last, but not least, your own experiences. If you choose a topic that's popular with other authors, don't write more on the subject unless you can go into more depth, take a fresh approach, or hold a different viewpoint.
Plan before you write. Facing a blank page can be pretty intimidating, but starting with an outline will help. Put down the general idea(s) you wish to get across and list specific points you want to make. Put them in a logical order; go from the general to the specific. Don't try to make too many points in one article. It's better to cover one topic thoroughly and convincingly than to jump around and fail to make your point at all.
Start writing. Once you've got the right idea and organized your notes, it's time to start writing. Don't worry too much about precise wording when you write your first draft; just get your thoughts down and make your point. Then develop your ideas in a convincing way that makes sense to your readers, flows well, and holds their interest. Tackle one main idea per paragraph. Begin your article with a strong "lead in" - a sentence or two that tells readers what your article is about and how they will benefit from reading.
Always write for your readers. Make sure you're sharing useful information with your readers. What are they worried about? What challenges do they face? What decisions do they need help with? What they like to know how to do, or how to do better? Adding real value for your readers is the key to writing the kind of article that people will want to read and webmasters will want to pass on to their readers. Always write from your readers' perspective.
Be yourself. It can take awhile to find your own personal writing style, but it's important to be yourself. In general, writing for the Internet allows you to be more conversational and less formal than you would be when writing for other media. Express yourself in your own words and let your personality shine through. Sharing your own experiences and anecdotes from your own life is a great way to "connect" with your reader and add a personal touch.
Be brief. The attention span of Web surfers is notoriously short, so be as brief as you can be and still get your meaning across. Write as much as you need to in order to develop your ideas fully and get your point across, but no more. If the article still ends up being too long, either publish it in installments (Part 1, Part 2, etc.) or split it into two or more separate articles. When you edit for the sake of brevity, hold onto the extra material - you may be able to use it for another article in the future.
Stay Focused. As always, writing for the Web requires that you stay focused on your topic. Refer to your outline for the major points you want to make. Write enough to develop your ideas, but no more. Don't say the same thing twice. Lead logically to your conclusion. Lose the "filler". If you find you can't cover the topic in enough depth given the size limits for your article, narrow your topic or write two separate articles rather than one.
Be specific. Too many Web and ezine articles speak in vague generalities. If you want your article to be truly helpful, be specific. Provide information, suggestions, and tips that readers can translate into action. Offer links to helpful resources. Recommend tools and techniques that have worked for you. The more specific you are, the more useful your article will be.
Make it shine. When your first draft is done, put it aside for a few days and then read it again. Is it convincing and concise? Is it easy to read and understand? Does it flow well? Proofread carefully - double check your spelling, grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation. Check for run-on or incomplete sentences. If possible, show it to several friends, colleagues or family members and ask for their feedback. Many times another set of eyes will be able to spot mistakes you missed.
Wrap it up. Don't forget the finishing touches. Give your article a descriptive and catchy title. Add your resource box at the bottom of your article. At a minimum you should include your name, your website's URL, and a brief description of your business. If you want other webmasters to pick up your article for publication, offer reprint permission and state any conditions (a link back to your site, notification when the article is published, etc.).
Jane McLain is a Web developer and SEO specialist and the webmaster of EClaunchsite.com, an online resource center for netrepreneurs with tools and information to help you plan, build, launch and grow your e-business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_McLain
How To Fail... Faster Then a Speeding Bullet !
How To Fail... Faster Then a Speeding Bullet !
By Troy Pentico
Hello, I am getting married. Want to pay me $798 dollars to
come? Yes, this is the theme in the latest marketing campaign
from the infamous Corey Rudl. Now before I give you the wrong
idea here it really doesn't cost $798 dollars to attend. In
reality it will cost you only $97 dollars and Corey has
promised to give everyone that attends a $97 dollar credit
towards any of his products. So really Corey is only going to
make $97 dollars per person that attends his wedding. Pretty
Good Deal, huh?
The $798 dollars is for the one day finally. What someone
could actually learn in a seminar environment in one day that
is worth $798 dollars is beyond me. But, I am sure even some
of you have bought into it. If you are thinking about it but,
have not committed to it, I would consider spending the money
on some one-on-one time with a consultant if you feel you must
pay someone to learn about your business.
This really is not what this article is about though. It
surely made me think about writing this but, would make for a
pretty bland article unless I was promoting Corey's Wedding
wouldn't it? No, you see Corey is in the Internet Marketing
Information business which in my opinion is getting way out of
hand lately. And that is the basis of this article.
So I give you "How To Fail... Faster Then a Speeding Bullet!"
As all of you know one of my favorite past times and really the
whole "Niche" of my online business is testing new marketing
tools, and resources and then sharing those reviews with my
subscribers and customers.
Through all of the years of doing this I have gained some
serious in site on what makes the online entrepreneur tick.
Most of the "initial successes" these marketer have, as well
as most of the failures are attributed to many different
things.
This list of reasons people fail is enormous but here are the
five most common and how to avoid them:
#5 Bad Guidance
Through out life people are used to being taught how to do
things. Their parents teach them how to tie their shoes, and
talk. In school they learn how to read, write, and perform
arithmetic. In college or trade school they learn how to
perform the tasks they are going to use at their job for the
rest of their lives.
Then one day they decide to start a business on the Internet.
Most of the time that is exactly what happens. They decide to
start "A BUSINESS". Not just any business mind you. But,
"A BUSINESS". These would be entrepreneurs want to make money
that all the SPAM mail promises can be had on the Internet.
But, there are now a few road blocks. They don't have a
product sell. They don't have a web site to promote.
They don't have any friends that are successful making money
on the Internet to help them. So in pure haste they go to the
nearest search engine and type in "How to Make Money" or
something a long them lines.
A lot of them won't be to picky when it comes to choosing.
They jump onboard every free to join program out there. Some
are "smarter". They know that if every body is selling this
or that product it must be the one people want and therefore
they need to sell it to. Luckily for them they will inevitably
end up on the mailing list of a very successful online marketer
who will provide them with all the guidance they need.
Generally this will consist of them telling their prospect that
to succeed they need to buy and follow the strategies in a
particular book they wrote. Once they spend their money and
read the hype in the book they find out to make money with these
strategies they will need to utilize a particular software
program, or service that luckily for them is provided by the
same person that sold them the book! And then thankfully that
same marketer is throwing a seminar that you can pay an arm and
a leg to attend so that you can actually figure out these
strategies that so far you haven't had any luck with. All the
while nobody is working on your business because you are to
busy reading, learning new software programs, and attending
seminars to build your own business.
Avoidance Strategy:
When looking for guidance find a professional with a telephone
that they answer when you call. If at all possible find
someone near your location that you can work with face to
face. Demand a free consultation to see if this person truly
knows what they are talking about. Demand a money back
guarantee. If this Guru is flashing sales copy that you can
make Millions selling this or that surely they can guarantee
that you will be profitable with your business following their
strategies in X amount of time.
Do not buy any products at all dealing with Internet Marketing
until you know what your business is going to be. Don't spend
hundreds of dollars trying to figure this out. You will find
your own Niche without the help of a $137 dollar digital book.
#4 Playing the FREE Game
Why should I pay to advertise on Google when I can join that
FREE Safelist and mail my ads to millions? Why should I for
advertising on ClickBank when I can join CBClicks for FREE?
Why should I pay for ads on Google when I can use this free
click exchange program to generate traffic?
There are an endless amount of free programs on the Internet
that promise to make you successful. This game started years
ago with a service called a Free For All Links Page. Here is
how they all work and why you can get them for FREE. When you
signup for a FREE service you will need to provide some
information to the provider. This can range from just your
Name and Email to a more extensive survey that includes
questions about your monthly income level, your physical
mailing address, your phone number, etc. A small price to pay
for using these services for FREE right?
WRONG!
If you didn't catch on yet these services can guarantee you
what ever they want. But, the truth is they rarely work
because they were not designed to! These services are for the
provider to obtain your contact information and your
permission to contact you with advertising anytime they want.
Many times your contact information is sold via a leads service.
In the end you find out that you wasted your time joining the
program and all you gained out of the FREE deal was in inbox
full of junk!
Avoidance Strategy:
Do not utilize FREE Traffic or Lead Generation Strategies with
very few exceptions (like submitting your URL to Google for
FREE for example). Find a service that is pay to play by a
known provider of successful strategies. Like Google Adwords
for example. Use the service that you can afford to and when
you can afford to utilize another move into it. Don't make
any exceptions to this no matter what anybody tells you!
#3 No Focus
This one is closely related to all of the other causes for
failure. The normal scenario goes something like this. You
are selling a book you wrote about cross stitching. You have
made a few sales and things are going nicely for you as your
business is starting to grow. Someone that you respect sends
you an email. It says, "Hey my Google PR just shot through
the roof because I am using X product". You quickly move
into action and purchase the product. You follow the
directions and spend hours, sometimes days applying the
strategy.
When you are finished you decide to stop by one of your
favorite marketing forums and find everyone talking about this
out standing new book by X marketer where he reveals all his
top secret marketing strategies. You move into action and
purchase the book. You spend days reading it and then weeks
applying the strategies.
This is a never ending chain for some people. They never spend
one day completely devoted to working on their business
because, they are to busy being distracted by the next big
thing.
Well I got news for your folks. There is always going to be a
next big thing. Some things do not change and will provide you
with much more success.
Avoidance Strategy:
FOCUS your time on YOUR Business. The Top of you To-do list
should always be Provide Outstanding Customer Service, Market
Your Product Continuously, Build Strong Relationships with your
customers, Improve the Content of Your Web site, etc.
Don't start another business if the current one is not
successful! Why put yourself through the mental challenges of
failing at two businesses? When you have made one business
successful you will have the know how and the resources to
successfully expand it to include another.
If you do this you will laugh as you watch your competitors
chase their Internet Marketing Dreams in Circles.
#2 No Creativity
You decide for your business that you are going to market X
product as part of their affiliate program. This one has to be
the easiest business to start in the world! They provide a web
site template, pre-written ads, banners, articles, and graphics!
All I have to do is use these items and I will make Millions!
WRONG!
Having no creativity is a killer. Especially, in the affiliate
sales world. Think about it if everyone of the affiliates in X
program are using the exact same sales materials for every aspect
of their marketing program who do you think a prospect is going
to buy from?
If you answered "I have no idea", you are correct. And a lot of
the times the prospective customer has no idea either. If you
don't successfully close the deal on the first visit from this
customer you are probably not going to. Your prospect wakes up
the next morning and decides to buy the product. They forgot to
book mark your site so they type the name of the product into a
search engine and come to a page that looks exactly like yours
and they buy.
The scenarios for not having creativity are endless. They go
from something simple like using canned sales materials from an
affiliate program to creating a software product that is exactly
the same as 12 others on the market.
If you do not put some creativity into your business. You will
fail.
Avoidance Strategy:
Only join and market an affiliate program if you have purchased
the product and used it yourself? Why? Because, if you don't
you will have no choice but, to used the canned sales materials.
You cannot extend any creativity into it and write your own sales
copy, give a testimonial to your prospects or anything of that
sort because, you will have no idea on what you are talking about.
Always, write your own sales copy, advertisements, web pages, etc.
Even if you only change a few graphics, and include a few of your
own paragraphs into a canned version you are way above the heap.
When modifying web pages include testimonials (if you don't have
any when you sell some ask the customer for one). Always include
your contact information including a phone number that you answer.
Always change the headline. If the headline is just to good to
change then change the sub headline. Do what ever you can to make
your sales materials unique.
When creating your own product research the hell out of it. Don't
create something that can be had elsewhere. And definitely don't
create something that people can pick up at the local Wal-Mart.
If you can't come up with your won idea hold a survey with your
ezine or mailing list subscribers asking them what they wish they
had to improve any aspect of their life or business.
Apply creativity throughout your business from product creation,
to sales, to good customer service at all time.
#1 No Determination
What am I doing wrong? I have created a unique product. I have
an awesome sales page. I am getting tons of hits from my Overture
PPC Campaign. But, nobody is buying! The heck with this.
I have a ton of ads inserted for my Google Campaign but nobody is
clicking on them. The heck with this.
I just can't get people to buy my product. I guess I will just
give it away.
I see this all of the time. People try everything that they
can to make their business work but, nothing seems too. They
give up and never really tried. Folks, the Internet is not a get
rich quick environment no matter what you may think. Yes, it is
easier to target your customer base and actually make contact
with them. But, it is no different then selling off line. If
you don't provide a compelling reason to buy then no one will.
And just because you think it is compelling and all your
marketing friends said the same thing does not mean it is going
to work.
The failure rate of online business due to No Determination is
astronomical. People actually believe that whatever they do is
going to work and when it doesn't they give up without a fight.
Avoidance Strategy:
Expect failure and LEARN from it. Write the underlying cause
for each failure down and refer to it when ever you can so you
don't make the same mistake twice. Research and analyze your
marketing methods. Write at least two versions of a sales page
for a particular product and run a split-test on it. Always ask
your current customers why they bought a particular product.
Make them be specific. Apply copy cat strategies with your
products. If it worked once it might work again. Just don't
go word for word. Ask for help from an Internet Marketer that
you respect by offering them a cut on sales. If you can't make
it sell maybe they can provide you with a way it can. Above
all DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE UP, and DON'T GIVE UP.
If you are the average everyday Internet Marketer you probably
found at least one failure strategy that you are following right
now. This does not mean your business will fail. If just means
you got a head start in start in that direction.
Keep in mind that I could not possibly list all the scenarios,
or avoidance strategies for each of these as it would have
created a volume of information and this article is already
long as it is.
You must learn to identify failure strategies and cut them off
before they have an adverse effect on your business. I have
provided you with a good start it is up to you from here on out.
So I challenge you from here on out to remain determined, be
creative, stay focused, avoid free things with big promises,
and seek out and find good guidance if you need it.
Copyright © 2004, Troy Pentico
Troy Pentico is the Editor of the FFAMall Gazette e-Zine and has
been a successful Internet Marketer since late 1997. Are you
tired of reading Internet Marketing Tips e-Zines packed with
advertising and marketing fluff? Subscribe Today and learn the
Truth! http://gazette.ffamall.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_Pentico
By Troy Pentico
Hello, I am getting married. Want to pay me $798 dollars to
come? Yes, this is the theme in the latest marketing campaign
from the infamous Corey Rudl. Now before I give you the wrong
idea here it really doesn't cost $798 dollars to attend. In
reality it will cost you only $97 dollars and Corey has
promised to give everyone that attends a $97 dollar credit
towards any of his products. So really Corey is only going to
make $97 dollars per person that attends his wedding. Pretty
Good Deal, huh?
The $798 dollars is for the one day finally. What someone
could actually learn in a seminar environment in one day that
is worth $798 dollars is beyond me. But, I am sure even some
of you have bought into it. If you are thinking about it but,
have not committed to it, I would consider spending the money
on some one-on-one time with a consultant if you feel you must
pay someone to learn about your business.
This really is not what this article is about though. It
surely made me think about writing this but, would make for a
pretty bland article unless I was promoting Corey's Wedding
wouldn't it? No, you see Corey is in the Internet Marketing
Information business which in my opinion is getting way out of
hand lately. And that is the basis of this article.
So I give you "How To Fail... Faster Then a Speeding Bullet!"
As all of you know one of my favorite past times and really the
whole "Niche" of my online business is testing new marketing
tools, and resources and then sharing those reviews with my
subscribers and customers.
Through all of the years of doing this I have gained some
serious in site on what makes the online entrepreneur tick.
Most of the "initial successes" these marketer have, as well
as most of the failures are attributed to many different
things.
This list of reasons people fail is enormous but here are the
five most common and how to avoid them:
#5 Bad Guidance
Through out life people are used to being taught how to do
things. Their parents teach them how to tie their shoes, and
talk. In school they learn how to read, write, and perform
arithmetic. In college or trade school they learn how to
perform the tasks they are going to use at their job for the
rest of their lives.
Then one day they decide to start a business on the Internet.
Most of the time that is exactly what happens. They decide to
start "A BUSINESS". Not just any business mind you. But,
"A BUSINESS". These would be entrepreneurs want to make money
that all the SPAM mail promises can be had on the Internet.
But, there are now a few road blocks. They don't have a
product sell. They don't have a web site to promote.
They don't have any friends that are successful making money
on the Internet to help them. So in pure haste they go to the
nearest search engine and type in "How to Make Money" or
something a long them lines.
A lot of them won't be to picky when it comes to choosing.
They jump onboard every free to join program out there. Some
are "smarter". They know that if every body is selling this
or that product it must be the one people want and therefore
they need to sell it to. Luckily for them they will inevitably
end up on the mailing list of a very successful online marketer
who will provide them with all the guidance they need.
Generally this will consist of them telling their prospect that
to succeed they need to buy and follow the strategies in a
particular book they wrote. Once they spend their money and
read the hype in the book they find out to make money with these
strategies they will need to utilize a particular software
program, or service that luckily for them is provided by the
same person that sold them the book! And then thankfully that
same marketer is throwing a seminar that you can pay an arm and
a leg to attend so that you can actually figure out these
strategies that so far you haven't had any luck with. All the
while nobody is working on your business because you are to
busy reading, learning new software programs, and attending
seminars to build your own business.
Avoidance Strategy:
When looking for guidance find a professional with a telephone
that they answer when you call. If at all possible find
someone near your location that you can work with face to
face. Demand a free consultation to see if this person truly
knows what they are talking about. Demand a money back
guarantee. If this Guru is flashing sales copy that you can
make Millions selling this or that surely they can guarantee
that you will be profitable with your business following their
strategies in X amount of time.
Do not buy any products at all dealing with Internet Marketing
until you know what your business is going to be. Don't spend
hundreds of dollars trying to figure this out. You will find
your own Niche without the help of a $137 dollar digital book.
#4 Playing the FREE Game
Why should I pay to advertise on Google when I can join that
FREE Safelist and mail my ads to millions? Why should I for
advertising on ClickBank when I can join CBClicks for FREE?
Why should I pay for ads on Google when I can use this free
click exchange program to generate traffic?
There are an endless amount of free programs on the Internet
that promise to make you successful. This game started years
ago with a service called a Free For All Links Page. Here is
how they all work and why you can get them for FREE. When you
signup for a FREE service you will need to provide some
information to the provider. This can range from just your
Name and Email to a more extensive survey that includes
questions about your monthly income level, your physical
mailing address, your phone number, etc. A small price to pay
for using these services for FREE right?
WRONG!
If you didn't catch on yet these services can guarantee you
what ever they want. But, the truth is they rarely work
because they were not designed to! These services are for the
provider to obtain your contact information and your
permission to contact you with advertising anytime they want.
Many times your contact information is sold via a leads service.
In the end you find out that you wasted your time joining the
program and all you gained out of the FREE deal was in inbox
full of junk!
Avoidance Strategy:
Do not utilize FREE Traffic or Lead Generation Strategies with
very few exceptions (like submitting your URL to Google for
FREE for example). Find a service that is pay to play by a
known provider of successful strategies. Like Google Adwords
for example. Use the service that you can afford to and when
you can afford to utilize another move into it. Don't make
any exceptions to this no matter what anybody tells you!
#3 No Focus
This one is closely related to all of the other causes for
failure. The normal scenario goes something like this. You
are selling a book you wrote about cross stitching. You have
made a few sales and things are going nicely for you as your
business is starting to grow. Someone that you respect sends
you an email. It says, "Hey my Google PR just shot through
the roof because I am using X product". You quickly move
into action and purchase the product. You follow the
directions and spend hours, sometimes days applying the
strategy.
When you are finished you decide to stop by one of your
favorite marketing forums and find everyone talking about this
out standing new book by X marketer where he reveals all his
top secret marketing strategies. You move into action and
purchase the book. You spend days reading it and then weeks
applying the strategies.
This is a never ending chain for some people. They never spend
one day completely devoted to working on their business
because, they are to busy being distracted by the next big
thing.
Well I got news for your folks. There is always going to be a
next big thing. Some things do not change and will provide you
with much more success.
Avoidance Strategy:
FOCUS your time on YOUR Business. The Top of you To-do list
should always be Provide Outstanding Customer Service, Market
Your Product Continuously, Build Strong Relationships with your
customers, Improve the Content of Your Web site, etc.
Don't start another business if the current one is not
successful! Why put yourself through the mental challenges of
failing at two businesses? When you have made one business
successful you will have the know how and the resources to
successfully expand it to include another.
If you do this you will laugh as you watch your competitors
chase their Internet Marketing Dreams in Circles.
#2 No Creativity
You decide for your business that you are going to market X
product as part of their affiliate program. This one has to be
the easiest business to start in the world! They provide a web
site template, pre-written ads, banners, articles, and graphics!
All I have to do is use these items and I will make Millions!
WRONG!
Having no creativity is a killer. Especially, in the affiliate
sales world. Think about it if everyone of the affiliates in X
program are using the exact same sales materials for every aspect
of their marketing program who do you think a prospect is going
to buy from?
If you answered "I have no idea", you are correct. And a lot of
the times the prospective customer has no idea either. If you
don't successfully close the deal on the first visit from this
customer you are probably not going to. Your prospect wakes up
the next morning and decides to buy the product. They forgot to
book mark your site so they type the name of the product into a
search engine and come to a page that looks exactly like yours
and they buy.
The scenarios for not having creativity are endless. They go
from something simple like using canned sales materials from an
affiliate program to creating a software product that is exactly
the same as 12 others on the market.
If you do not put some creativity into your business. You will
fail.
Avoidance Strategy:
Only join and market an affiliate program if you have purchased
the product and used it yourself? Why? Because, if you don't
you will have no choice but, to used the canned sales materials.
You cannot extend any creativity into it and write your own sales
copy, give a testimonial to your prospects or anything of that
sort because, you will have no idea on what you are talking about.
Always, write your own sales copy, advertisements, web pages, etc.
Even if you only change a few graphics, and include a few of your
own paragraphs into a canned version you are way above the heap.
When modifying web pages include testimonials (if you don't have
any when you sell some ask the customer for one). Always include
your contact information including a phone number that you answer.
Always change the headline. If the headline is just to good to
change then change the sub headline. Do what ever you can to make
your sales materials unique.
When creating your own product research the hell out of it. Don't
create something that can be had elsewhere. And definitely don't
create something that people can pick up at the local Wal-Mart.
If you can't come up with your won idea hold a survey with your
ezine or mailing list subscribers asking them what they wish they
had to improve any aspect of their life or business.
Apply creativity throughout your business from product creation,
to sales, to good customer service at all time.
#1 No Determination
What am I doing wrong? I have created a unique product. I have
an awesome sales page. I am getting tons of hits from my Overture
PPC Campaign. But, nobody is buying! The heck with this.
I have a ton of ads inserted for my Google Campaign but nobody is
clicking on them. The heck with this.
I just can't get people to buy my product. I guess I will just
give it away.
I see this all of the time. People try everything that they
can to make their business work but, nothing seems too. They
give up and never really tried. Folks, the Internet is not a get
rich quick environment no matter what you may think. Yes, it is
easier to target your customer base and actually make contact
with them. But, it is no different then selling off line. If
you don't provide a compelling reason to buy then no one will.
And just because you think it is compelling and all your
marketing friends said the same thing does not mean it is going
to work.
The failure rate of online business due to No Determination is
astronomical. People actually believe that whatever they do is
going to work and when it doesn't they give up without a fight.
Avoidance Strategy:
Expect failure and LEARN from it. Write the underlying cause
for each failure down and refer to it when ever you can so you
don't make the same mistake twice. Research and analyze your
marketing methods. Write at least two versions of a sales page
for a particular product and run a split-test on it. Always ask
your current customers why they bought a particular product.
Make them be specific. Apply copy cat strategies with your
products. If it worked once it might work again. Just don't
go word for word. Ask for help from an Internet Marketer that
you respect by offering them a cut on sales. If you can't make
it sell maybe they can provide you with a way it can. Above
all DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T GIVE UP, and DON'T GIVE UP.
If you are the average everyday Internet Marketer you probably
found at least one failure strategy that you are following right
now. This does not mean your business will fail. If just means
you got a head start in start in that direction.
Keep in mind that I could not possibly list all the scenarios,
or avoidance strategies for each of these as it would have
created a volume of information and this article is already
long as it is.
You must learn to identify failure strategies and cut them off
before they have an adverse effect on your business. I have
provided you with a good start it is up to you from here on out.
So I challenge you from here on out to remain determined, be
creative, stay focused, avoid free things with big promises,
and seek out and find good guidance if you need it.
Copyright © 2004, Troy Pentico
Troy Pentico is the Editor of the FFAMall Gazette e-Zine and has
been a successful Internet Marketer since late 1997. Are you
tired of reading Internet Marketing Tips e-Zines packed with
advertising and marketing fluff? Subscribe Today and learn the
Truth! http://gazette.ffamall.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_Pentico
How to Communicate Most Effectively Via E-mail
How to Communicate Most Effectively Via E-mail.
By Andrea J. Lee
When you observe a veteran craftsperson, what you see is beauty. Whether they are a glass blower, a chef, or a gymnast, there is an economy of movement, a rhythm, and a flair to their actions that signals to you this person has done what they're doing many times before. Because of that, they've discovered what I call the musicality in their actions.
It might seem pretentious to apply this analogy to online business owners and their email, but drawing the comparison does make a point. There is an art to email that goes beyond bits and bytes that I am very fond of. As an online business owner I consider email my instrument, and I've discovered a few tips and shifts about how to use it that can help you become more effective. Here are a few tips.
1. If you're having trouble getting someone to respond to your email, piggyback your question onto something they wrote.
This works especially well if it's someone with a high-profile.
Have you ever tried emailing someone new with a question, and not heard back? I suggest you try again, but write your email as a reply to something they wrote. It's human nature for people to look at a reply to something they emailed out before they reply to an email that looks like it's asking for something out of the blue.
Doing this is equivalent to joining a conversation that's already in progress, as opposed to starting a brand new one.
How do you reply to something a person wrote? Subscribe to their ezine.
This is an especially good practice if you are building joint ventures online. If you think you've discovered someone who you'd like to partner or collaborate with, it makes sense to look at their website. While there, subscribe to their ezine so you can get to know them better. And then when you have a note to drop them, do so in response to one of their issues.
2. Be courteous. Don't automatically use your "Urgent" flag to mark your emails.
Is your email really urgent? Really. If not, please don't succumb to the urge to mark it that way. People will notice if you abuse the privilege of asking for fast attention by misusing your "urgent" flag. Sad to say, I for one routinely ignore the "urgent" flag of a couple key people. I know they're marking themselves urgent because they think they're important, and that annoys me.
So don't let that be you. Instead, consider judiciously using your "not urgent" flag. That's the blue arrow that points downwards, if you're working in Microsoft Outlook. When I receive an email marked with a "not urgent" flag - now this is giving things away - I've become predisposed to be extra gracious towards the person because they've been considerate of my time, and let me know I needn't rush to read their email.
3. Put your best foot forward.
Do you have a good "friendly name" in place? If you don't know what this is, address an email to yourself and when it arrives, look to see what it says in the "from" column.
In Microsoft Outlook, click on "Tools" then select "Accounts" and click on the "Properties" button for an existing email address. You'll then see the spot where you can edit your current "friendly name."
It may well be the world's tiniest marketing space, but your friendly name is like your handshake. In the virtual world, it's the first thing that makes an impression on the reader and you know what they say about first impressions.
I've even seen some enterprising marketers use that space to advertise a new product, "One More Day to Save $50" or "I Must Be Crazy." This is fine, but feels a little junk mail-ey, so use caution. Then again, you can also say "Your Name | It's My Birthday!" and have some fun with it.
Once you start paying attention, you'll begin getting in the groove. That's what online business owners do when they start treating their email as though it was their musical instrument, not just a tool. That's because it is.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
By Andrea J. Lee
When you observe a veteran craftsperson, what you see is beauty. Whether they are a glass blower, a chef, or a gymnast, there is an economy of movement, a rhythm, and a flair to their actions that signals to you this person has done what they're doing many times before. Because of that, they've discovered what I call the musicality in their actions.
It might seem pretentious to apply this analogy to online business owners and their email, but drawing the comparison does make a point. There is an art to email that goes beyond bits and bytes that I am very fond of. As an online business owner I consider email my instrument, and I've discovered a few tips and shifts about how to use it that can help you become more effective. Here are a few tips.
1. If you're having trouble getting someone to respond to your email, piggyback your question onto something they wrote.
This works especially well if it's someone with a high-profile.
Have you ever tried emailing someone new with a question, and not heard back? I suggest you try again, but write your email as a reply to something they wrote. It's human nature for people to look at a reply to something they emailed out before they reply to an email that looks like it's asking for something out of the blue.
Doing this is equivalent to joining a conversation that's already in progress, as opposed to starting a brand new one.
How do you reply to something a person wrote? Subscribe to their ezine.
This is an especially good practice if you are building joint ventures online. If you think you've discovered someone who you'd like to partner or collaborate with, it makes sense to look at their website. While there, subscribe to their ezine so you can get to know them better. And then when you have a note to drop them, do so in response to one of their issues.
2. Be courteous. Don't automatically use your "Urgent" flag to mark your emails.
Is your email really urgent? Really. If not, please don't succumb to the urge to mark it that way. People will notice if you abuse the privilege of asking for fast attention by misusing your "urgent" flag. Sad to say, I for one routinely ignore the "urgent" flag of a couple key people. I know they're marking themselves urgent because they think they're important, and that annoys me.
So don't let that be you. Instead, consider judiciously using your "not urgent" flag. That's the blue arrow that points downwards, if you're working in Microsoft Outlook. When I receive an email marked with a "not urgent" flag - now this is giving things away - I've become predisposed to be extra gracious towards the person because they've been considerate of my time, and let me know I needn't rush to read their email.
3. Put your best foot forward.
Do you have a good "friendly name" in place? If you don't know what this is, address an email to yourself and when it arrives, look to see what it says in the "from" column.
In Microsoft Outlook, click on "Tools" then select "Accounts" and click on the "Properties" button for an existing email address. You'll then see the spot where you can edit your current "friendly name."
It may well be the world's tiniest marketing space, but your friendly name is like your handshake. In the virtual world, it's the first thing that makes an impression on the reader and you know what they say about first impressions.
I've even seen some enterprising marketers use that space to advertise a new product, "One More Day to Save $50" or "I Must Be Crazy." This is fine, but feels a little junk mail-ey, so use caution. Then again, you can also say "Your Name | It's My Birthday!" and have some fun with it.
Once you start paying attention, you'll begin getting in the groove. That's what online business owners do when they start treating their email as though it was their musical instrument, not just a tool. That's because it is.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
Hiring for Online Businesses
Hiring for Online Businesses.
By Andrea J. Lee
Hiring online brings with it some unique challenges, not least of which is the fact that you cannot see or even talk to some of your potential candidates... but the benefits of hiring online are so many, I'm usually hard pressed to think of a reason NOT to hire online (unless it's for a hairdresser or something!) So how can a body successfully hire online assistance, and do so quickly, covering your bases in just a couple hours? Start here.
It's Best to Look Online for Online help.
Since you're hiring an online contractor, it makes sense to search for them online, right? I mean, just as it makes little sense to look for a vegetarian cook at the butcher shop, or a penguin in the Sahara, there's little reason to look anywhere but online for your virtual team. That said, where online should you look? Read on...
Step 1: Start with a look at your very own inbox.
This is the single most effective way of finding the best help for small online business owners. And...it's very simple. Who is showing up in your inbox that has impressed you or given you a smile? Perhaps it's the way they write an email or a phrase they used that stuck out for some reason. It doesn't matter if they are a customer, in fact that could be a big plus. Got a little list of folks? Good.
Step 2: Now email them with your question.
Sample: "Hey Shellie, hope you're doing well! Just wanted to let you know I'm looking for some help for my online company. The person needs to have a computer at home, be familiar with email and be available 5-10 hours a week, doesn't matter what time of the day. Are you interested, or maybe you know someone who is? I'd want to start small but it could grow into something pretty cool as we go along. What do you think? Oh, and yes, start date is ASAP. Email me back if you're interested ok? Thanks!"
Step 3: Observe how they respond.
It's not who responds, so much as how those people respond, that counts most when hiring online. Because many of the traditional cues are absent in an online interaction (body language, voice tone, etc.) actions really do speak louder than words. I give the most 'points' to the person who responds quickest, who answers my questions without having to repeat myself and asks "when do I start?" with enthusiasm. As far as I'm concerned, this person embodies three of the critical characteristics of an online helper and I want them on my team:
1. They eliminate delay at every opportunity (fast response)
2. They over respond to the request (answers my questions)
3. They find the opportunity compelling (cannot wait to start)
In the online world, these three things are key to productivity. All the rest...can be taught, but not these. You've either got it, or you don't.
Note: In Human Resource terms, the above process is called pre-screening. The people you find to hire out of your very own inbox have been prescreened on a multitude of levels just by the fact that they are there in your inbox. And yes, it's even better if they happen to be a happy customer! Bringing a raving fan onto your team can give you unique insight into how your company can continue to pursue the leading edge.
Remember that because working online is still relatively new, often people don't know their own strengths. Part of your job as an online business owner is to observe what makes the person you've hired remarkable - starting with your screening process. Then put those strengths to work for your company.
Lastly, don't buy into the perception that hiring online is complex. It's absolutely not. It's refreshingly simple and fast. Put the above steps into action and don't spend more than 2 or 3 hours doing it. Set a start date with your chosen candidate and get back to business.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
By Andrea J. Lee
Hiring online brings with it some unique challenges, not least of which is the fact that you cannot see or even talk to some of your potential candidates... but the benefits of hiring online are so many, I'm usually hard pressed to think of a reason NOT to hire online (unless it's for a hairdresser or something!) So how can a body successfully hire online assistance, and do so quickly, covering your bases in just a couple hours? Start here.
It's Best to Look Online for Online help.
Since you're hiring an online contractor, it makes sense to search for them online, right? I mean, just as it makes little sense to look for a vegetarian cook at the butcher shop, or a penguin in the Sahara, there's little reason to look anywhere but online for your virtual team. That said, where online should you look? Read on...
Step 1: Start with a look at your very own inbox.
This is the single most effective way of finding the best help for small online business owners. And...it's very simple. Who is showing up in your inbox that has impressed you or given you a smile? Perhaps it's the way they write an email or a phrase they used that stuck out for some reason. It doesn't matter if they are a customer, in fact that could be a big plus. Got a little list of folks? Good.
Step 2: Now email them with your question.
Sample: "Hey Shellie, hope you're doing well! Just wanted to let you know I'm looking for some help for my online company. The person needs to have a computer at home, be familiar with email and be available 5-10 hours a week, doesn't matter what time of the day. Are you interested, or maybe you know someone who is? I'd want to start small but it could grow into something pretty cool as we go along. What do you think? Oh, and yes, start date is ASAP. Email me back if you're interested ok? Thanks!"
Step 3: Observe how they respond.
It's not who responds, so much as how those people respond, that counts most when hiring online. Because many of the traditional cues are absent in an online interaction (body language, voice tone, etc.) actions really do speak louder than words. I give the most 'points' to the person who responds quickest, who answers my questions without having to repeat myself and asks "when do I start?" with enthusiasm. As far as I'm concerned, this person embodies three of the critical characteristics of an online helper and I want them on my team:
1. They eliminate delay at every opportunity (fast response)
2. They over respond to the request (answers my questions)
3. They find the opportunity compelling (cannot wait to start)
In the online world, these three things are key to productivity. All the rest...can be taught, but not these. You've either got it, or you don't.
Note: In Human Resource terms, the above process is called pre-screening. The people you find to hire out of your very own inbox have been prescreened on a multitude of levels just by the fact that they are there in your inbox. And yes, it's even better if they happen to be a happy customer! Bringing a raving fan onto your team can give you unique insight into how your company can continue to pursue the leading edge.
Remember that because working online is still relatively new, often people don't know their own strengths. Part of your job as an online business owner is to observe what makes the person you've hired remarkable - starting with your screening process. Then put those strengths to work for your company.
Lastly, don't buy into the perception that hiring online is complex. It's absolutely not. It's refreshingly simple and fast. Put the above steps into action and don't spend more than 2 or 3 hours doing it. Set a start date with your chosen candidate and get back to business.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
Hiring for Online Businesses
Hiring for Online Businesses.
By Andrea J. Lee
Hiring online brings with it some unique challenges, not least of which is the fact that you cannot see or even talk to some of your potential candidates... but the benefits of hiring online are so many, I'm usually hard pressed to think of a reason NOT to hire online (unless it's for a hairdresser or something!) So how can a body successfully hire online assistance, and do so quickly, covering your bases in just a couple hours? Start here.
It's Best to Look Online for Online help.
Since you're hiring an online contractor, it makes sense to search for them online, right? I mean, just as it makes little sense to look for a vegetarian cook at the butcher shop, or a penguin in the Sahara, there's little reason to look anywhere but online for your virtual team. That said, where online should you look? Read on...
Step 1: Start with a look at your very own inbox.
This is the single most effective way of finding the best help for small online business owners. And...it's very simple. Who is showing up in your inbox that has impressed you or given you a smile? Perhaps it's the way they write an email or a phrase they used that stuck out for some reason. It doesn't matter if they are a customer, in fact that could be a big plus. Got a little list of folks? Good.
Step 2: Now email them with your question.
Sample: "Hey Shellie, hope you're doing well! Just wanted to let you know I'm looking for some help for my online company. The person needs to have a computer at home, be familiar with email and be available 5-10 hours a week, doesn't matter what time of the day. Are you interested, or maybe you know someone who is? I'd want to start small but it could grow into something pretty cool as we go along. What do you think? Oh, and yes, start date is ASAP. Email me back if you're interested ok? Thanks!"
Step 3: Observe how they respond.
It's not who responds, so much as how those people respond, that counts most when hiring online. Because many of the traditional cues are absent in an online interaction (body language, voice tone, etc.) actions really do speak louder than words. I give the most 'points' to the person who responds quickest, who answers my questions without having to repeat myself and asks "when do I start?" with enthusiasm. As far as I'm concerned, this person embodies three of the critical characteristics of an online helper and I want them on my team:
1. They eliminate delay at every opportunity (fast response)
2. They over respond to the request (answers my questions)
3. They find the opportunity compelling (cannot wait to start)
In the online world, these three things are key to productivity. All the rest...can be taught, but not these. You've either got it, or you don't.
Note: In Human Resource terms, the above process is called pre-screening. The people you find to hire out of your very own inbox have been prescreened on a multitude of levels just by the fact that they are there in your inbox. And yes, it's even better if they happen to be a happy customer! Bringing a raving fan onto your team can give you unique insight into how your company can continue to pursue the leading edge.
Remember that because working online is still relatively new, often people don't know their own strengths. Part of your job as an online business owner is to observe what makes the person you've hired remarkable - starting with your screening process. Then put those strengths to work for your company.
Lastly, don't buy into the perception that hiring online is complex. It's absolutely not. It's refreshingly simple and fast. Put the above steps into action and don't spend more than 2 or 3 hours doing it. Set a start date with your chosen candidate and get back to business.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
By Andrea J. Lee
Hiring online brings with it some unique challenges, not least of which is the fact that you cannot see or even talk to some of your potential candidates... but the benefits of hiring online are so many, I'm usually hard pressed to think of a reason NOT to hire online (unless it's for a hairdresser or something!) So how can a body successfully hire online assistance, and do so quickly, covering your bases in just a couple hours? Start here.
It's Best to Look Online for Online help.
Since you're hiring an online contractor, it makes sense to search for them online, right? I mean, just as it makes little sense to look for a vegetarian cook at the butcher shop, or a penguin in the Sahara, there's little reason to look anywhere but online for your virtual team. That said, where online should you look? Read on...
Step 1: Start with a look at your very own inbox.
This is the single most effective way of finding the best help for small online business owners. And...it's very simple. Who is showing up in your inbox that has impressed you or given you a smile? Perhaps it's the way they write an email or a phrase they used that stuck out for some reason. It doesn't matter if they are a customer, in fact that could be a big plus. Got a little list of folks? Good.
Step 2: Now email them with your question.
Sample: "Hey Shellie, hope you're doing well! Just wanted to let you know I'm looking for some help for my online company. The person needs to have a computer at home, be familiar with email and be available 5-10 hours a week, doesn't matter what time of the day. Are you interested, or maybe you know someone who is? I'd want to start small but it could grow into something pretty cool as we go along. What do you think? Oh, and yes, start date is ASAP. Email me back if you're interested ok? Thanks!"
Step 3: Observe how they respond.
It's not who responds, so much as how those people respond, that counts most when hiring online. Because many of the traditional cues are absent in an online interaction (body language, voice tone, etc.) actions really do speak louder than words. I give the most 'points' to the person who responds quickest, who answers my questions without having to repeat myself and asks "when do I start?" with enthusiasm. As far as I'm concerned, this person embodies three of the critical characteristics of an online helper and I want them on my team:
1. They eliminate delay at every opportunity (fast response)
2. They over respond to the request (answers my questions)
3. They find the opportunity compelling (cannot wait to start)
In the online world, these three things are key to productivity. All the rest...can be taught, but not these. You've either got it, or you don't.
Note: In Human Resource terms, the above process is called pre-screening. The people you find to hire out of your very own inbox have been prescreened on a multitude of levels just by the fact that they are there in your inbox. And yes, it's even better if they happen to be a happy customer! Bringing a raving fan onto your team can give you unique insight into how your company can continue to pursue the leading edge.
Remember that because working online is still relatively new, often people don't know their own strengths. Part of your job as an online business owner is to observe what makes the person you've hired remarkable - starting with your screening process. Then put those strengths to work for your company.
Lastly, don't buy into the perception that hiring online is complex. It's absolutely not. It's refreshingly simple and fast. Put the above steps into action and don't spend more than 2 or 3 hours doing it. Set a start date with your chosen candidate and get back to business.
Andrea J. Lee coaches entrepreneurs and online business owners. As Thomas J. Leonard's General Manager, she helped build and manage the largest network and trainer of personal and business coaches in the world. Now the CEO of Andrea J. Lee Group of Companies, she writes, speaks and consults on Marketing, Internet and Business systems. For more helpful tips, visit http://www.multiplestreamsofcoachingincome.com/join.html.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_J._Lee
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